Sennheiser HD58X

I really like and recommend the Sennheiser HD58x and 6xx although they can be a bit warm sounding. The 6xx is the flatter, more balanced version and the 58x is the punchier, more fun version. If those sound too dark or warm, the Beyer DT880 is an excellent alternative that’s brighter sounding.

Recently I had a Schiit Heresy and Modi 3 with Sennheiser HD58X. I liked that setup, but wanted to experience more stuff with better quality. Headphones:.

**Sennheiser HD58x -** These seem to be a good compromise between the Beyers and the HD6xx with a bit tighter bass. I don't personally like the few AKGs I've tried, they always sound bass starved. I've also read that a lot of the HIFIMANs on this range are really cheaply built and inconsistent in quality. Is there any others I should be considering at this price range for that intended use?.

* If the Sundara's prove too harsh for me, I'd likely give up on my soundstage dreams and pick up the 600's. * *Sennheiser HD58x:* Farther down the list, essentially here as options if the consensus is an easier-to-drive headphone with a more relaxed style. Again, no soundstage and seemingly worse imaging than the 600's.

For a "do it all" setup: Qudelix 5k again for portable and desktop use (since it can be a plugged in DAC/amp), and $400 on a good closed-back, which would probably be a Sony MDR-1AM2 or something along those lines. For a "bit of everything" setup: Apple USB-C dongle ($9), Sennheiser HD58X ($170), Beyerdynamic Custom One Pro ($200), and Moondrop Aria/Starfield ($80-120). That way you get a good open-back, closed-back, and IEM.

However, they are currently my favorite headphone I've owned out of: Alessandro MS1, Alessandro MS2, Grado Hemp, Sennheiser HD58X, Audio-Technica ATH-M50X, Fostex T50RP and a bunch of budget Koss stuff. They're closed backs but you can buy open grills for them quite cheap and then you have a headphone you can switch from open to closed, which I've found reasonably useful whenever I have people staying with me.

This is great because it wouldn't distort what I love about the 58x, as I don't plan on retiring them once I settle on something else. It being both an AMP and DAC is also a big plus, as is it's ability to switch from Headphones to Powered Speakers with one push (or hold I should say) of a button.

They're still not up to the quality of my Sennheiser HD58X open back cans, though. The Sennheisers are just $160 off Drop.com and they're really up there with many $500 cans for quality, one of the best deals in headphones imo. Price does not necessarily mean you get better cans.