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[Digital-Aftertaste]

I am in a bit of a proverbial conundrum here and I would like some ""expert"" help. I have recently gotten into reveling in high quality audio with my Sony WF-1000xm5 this was after I tried out EqualizerAPO and was actually able to widen the soundstage on my Barracuda X... sounded like trash but I could feel the potential of being able to do something like that in terms of audio quality.

Preface aside, this is the current issue:
I am going to bite the bullet and nab myself a Hiby R4 along with a decent pair of headphones... However, I am still at odds with which pair to get for my first dive with high end stuff. Either the Focal Bathys because of the added versatility of it not only being bluetooth but also sporting anc and an internal USB-DAC... Or the Sony MDR-Z7M2 which sports a 70mm driver compared to the 40mm on the Bathys but I would have to purchase yet another DAC if I want to use it on the PC

Bathys: more features, better connectivity, internal DAC 5hz-40khz
Z7M2: Massive driver, better frequency range, much better sound staging... assuming. 4hz-100khz

Edit: I can acquire them at around 500$ each

 

[TheUnicornGuy]

What will you be listening to source wise? Bluetooth 5 has a maximum bandwidth of 2Mbps, so if your source is high definition then you'll likely lose a bit of quality there.

The other thing is which are the most comfy? If you're using them for long periods then comfort will be important. I had a pair of cheapish grado headphones that sounded decent but I couldn't wear them for more than about 10 mins before my ears started to hurt.

 

[Maiden Voyage]

if high end is what you're after, these are your best bet:

HE 1 | Sennheiser United States

The first electrostatic headphones with integrated high-voltage amplifiers. Discover ultimate sound experience now!

www.sennheiser-hearing.com

 

[KaiserBecks]

I've listened to countless headphones by Denon, Sennheiser, Audeze etc. etc.
I keep coming back to the Beyerdynamic DT1990 PRO. Awesome headphones: wide soundstage, punchy and precise bass, great for both gaming and listening to music.

 

[p_xavier]

if high end is what you're after, these are your best bet:

HE 1 | Sennheiser United States

The first electrostatic headphones with integrated high-voltage amplifiers. Discover ultimate sound experience now!

www.sennheiser-hearing.com

And you met my expectations of a reply.

 

[dsp]

I've listened to countless headphones by Denon, Sennheiser, Audeze etc. etc.
I keep coming back to the Beyerdynamic DT1990 PRO. Awesome headphones: wide soundstage, punchy and precise bass, great for both gaming and listening to music.

I use these for making music a lot of the time. Can't recommend them enough. First time putting them on and hearing every little reverb tail and instrument separation was quite a treat compared to the Sennheiser ones I used to use.

 

[Digital-Aftertaste]

What will you be listening to source wise? Bluetooth 5 has a maximum bandwidth of 2Mbps, so if your source is high definition then you'll likely lose a bit of quality there.

The other thing is which are the most comfy? If you're using them for long periods then comfort will be important. I had a pair of cheapish grado headphones that sounded decent but I couldn't wear them for more than about 10 mins before my ears started to hurt.

So the source will be PC while also dedicating listening sessions on mobile, hence the R4. I am aware that bluetooth has its limitations but the nice part about the bathys is that it can be connected through usb-c and I can listen to lossless music like 192khz flac files without compromise. Basically it has an integrated USB-DAC... rip my QC 35.

I've listened to countless headphones by Denon, Sennheiser, Audeze etc. etc.
I keep coming back to the Beyerdynamic DT1990 PRO. Awesome headphones: wide soundstage, punchy and precise bass, great for both gaming and listening to music.

Honestly a very good contender that I was actually thinking about but the higher impedance rate concerned me a bit. Would have to keep it in mind for the second purchase if anything, would actually come in at around the same price range of 500$ if I also purchase a decent DAC/AMP for the desktop.

 

[navii]

If you know what's good for your wallet I would close this thread and never open it again and continue "reveling in high quality audio with my Sony WF-1000xm5".

 

[Digital-Aftertaste]

If you know what's good for your wallet I would close this thread and never open it again and continue "reveling in [edit:] ""high quality audio"" with my Sony WF-1000xm5".

... Ur not wrong, literally the most sane take... that being said, I am stupid and am not adverse to spending 2000$ on an unnecessary piece of tech that ends up not working for me.

 

[Chittagong]

I recommend the DCS Lina dac/clock/amp stack and a pair of Hifiman HE1000 SE

On a budget, start with a Schiit dac/amp stack. Great value.