Hi,
My beloved Grado 80 headphones packed in last year and I have been moving from headphone to headphone to try and find the right pair for me that delivers better sound using my iPhone X. I listen to mostly metal and rock.
I first tried the Sennheiser Momentum 2.0 wireless at £189. The build quality and materials used were excellent but I found my ears would become sore and heated after only an hour of use. The sound was detailed but not very exciting.
I then tried the Grado GW100 at £179. The build quality and materials were definitely cheaper than the Momentums but I was sure all the money would have went into the sound and they felt lighter and more comfortable which was nice. Disappointingly the sound did not match my expectations. There was less detail and the separation wasn’t good. I found they were more aggressive in the mids which at first I thought was more fun but during longer listening sessions just became tiring. I did prefer the wider soundstage however. They are very forward using BT but a little smoother when using cable.
Next I tried the Philips Fidelio X2 for £140. I find them uncomfortable at first when I use them but after messing around with them I can get a comfortable fit. Materials and build are very good. Sound wise I like the soundstage, very solid and smooth base and decent detail. Maybe I need a headphone amp as I feel while they are good they are not excellent maybe they are being held back but they have been the best so far.
Next I went for Sennheiser 6XX (still waiting delivery) at £180 which I fear my iPhone X will struggle to run. I am waiting for my Cyrus 6VS to return from repair. Will that be good enough to run them? I was looking into a Cyrus Sound Key or should I go with a magni 3 or objective 2 amp?
Any recommendations regarding a headphone amp would be great. Do I definitely need one? Have I been unfair to any of the previous headphones?
If I get an amp I will re-test all the headphones before I start selling them off and keeping my favourite.
Thanks for any help.
My beloved Grado 80 headphones packed in last year and I have been moving from headphone to headphone to try and find the right pair for me that delivers better sound using my iPhone X. I listen to mostly metal and rock.
I first tried the Sennheiser Momentum 2.0 wireless at £189. The build quality and materials used were excellent but I found my ears would become sore and heated after only an hour of use. The sound was detailed but not very exciting.
I then tried the Grado GW100 at £179. The build quality and materials were definitely cheaper than the Momentums but I was sure all the money would have went into the sound and they felt lighter and more comfortable which was nice. Disappointingly the sound did not match my expectations. There was less detail and the separation wasn’t good. I found they were more aggressive in the mids which at first I thought was more fun but during longer listening sessions just became tiring. I did prefer the wider soundstage however. They are very forward using BT but a little smoother when using cable.
Next I tried the Philips Fidelio X2 for £140. I find them uncomfortable at first when I use them but after messing around with them I can get a comfortable fit. Materials and build are very good. Sound wise I like the soundstage, very solid and smooth base and decent detail. Maybe I need a headphone amp as I feel while they are good they are not excellent maybe they are being held back but they have been the best so far.
Next I went for Sennheiser 6XX (still waiting delivery) at £180 which I fear my iPhone X will struggle to run. I am waiting for my Cyrus 6VS to return from repair. Will that be good enough to run them? I was looking into a Cyrus Sound Key or should I go with a magni 3 or objective 2 amp?
Any recommendations regarding a headphone amp would be great. Do I definitely need one? Have I been unfair to any of the previous headphones?
If I get an amp I will re-test all the headphones before I start selling them off and keeping my favourite.
Thanks for any help.