People often ask me which headphones I use every day. To be frank, I'm typically in reviewer mode, so I use products that are either under review or being compared for a review. However, on the rare occasions when I'm not in reviewer mode, such as during vacations or personal time, which headphones do I select and why?
Let's start with trips or vacations that involve flying or long car rides where I'm not the driver. Honestly, I don't frequently use headphones in these situations.
I typically choose the Edifier Stax Spirit S5 when traveling. These headphones are compact, lightweight, comfortable, and deliver excellent sound quality. Although the S5 lacks noise-canceling features, it provides everything else necessary for a portable option, including Bluetooth and fast charging. The sound is as close to neutral as one could hope for in a portable headphone.
My second option for travel headphones is the HEAVYS H1H. They offer a bass-heavy, enjoyable sound experience. The HEAVYS come with noise-canceling technology and Bluetooth connectivity. However, they are quite heavy, though still comfortable. The H1H isn't as musical or neutral as the S5, but it's excellent for rocking out or watching action movies while on the go.
But what do I use when I am not traveling on an airplane or in a car? Do I take headphones to use in the hotel? What headphones do I use when not in reviewer mode at home?
In a hotel room, I typically opt for IEMs unless I'm using my Edifier Stax Spirit S5 headphones, or if I have a specific pair of headphones that I'm reviewing and am comfortable taking on a trip.
So let's talk about what I use at home when I am not in reviewer mode.
I always opt for the Audeze LCD-5. My preference for the LCD-5 is due to its comfort and sound quality. This lightweight planar over-ear headphone from Audeze practically vanishes on my head, allowing me to wear it for hours. The Audeze LCD-5 offers a neutral and natural sound, with precision in every detail. It is my reference headphone and also my favorite for personal use.
I often use the Austrian Audio HI-X60, which I find to have a neutral and natural sound. It fits comfortably and offers great noise isolation. The slightly forward midrange and more open sound for a closed-back headphone make the Austrian Audio HI-X60 my favorite for monitoring and a frequent choice for personal listening and gaming.
The Sennheiser HD660s2 is a headphone I frequently choose for both listening and reference. It fits me perfectly and is a versatile open-back choice, complementing most music genres. Its neutral, natural, cohesive, and balanced sound presentation consistently resonates with me.
The MrSpeakers Ether C is primarily used for reference purposes and sometimes for personal listening. While it doesn't match the comfort level of the LCD-5 or HI-X60, it provides excellent isolation. With its extended bass, neutral presentation of instruments and vocals, controlled treble, significant detail retrieval, and exceptional resolution, it delivers an analytical experience that carefully and respectfully analyzes each track it plays.
Another pair of headphones I frequently choose is the Audio-Technica R70x. Initially, adjusting to the lightweight, flexible wing headband and the large earcups requires some time. Nevertheless, the neutral, natural, and expansive sound quality is immediately appreciated. I rely on the R70x every day for both reference and personal listening.
Outside of reviewing duties, I frequently use many other headphones, but as you can see, I primarily stick to the same reference headphones for my personal listening.
Occasionally, I crave more bass or more mid centric or a more lively and expressive sound. However, I genuinely appreciate the neutral, natural presentation I use as a reference and rarely deviate from it outside of review periods.
I am Dave the Honest Audiophile. Thanks for reading, and I will catch you in the next one. Don't forget to enjoy the music and that honesty is the BEST policy!
I am not a professional sound engineer, producer, musician, or vocalist, etc. I have not done any scientific research, measurements, or in-depth testing of any kind; just my own listening, comparing and internet reading/research. I have limited, real-life experience with recording, mixing and mastering gear. I have been involved since my teenage years with various churches as an amateur sound booth technician.
Please take these thoughts, opinions and reasonings as just that, my honest audiophile thoughts, opinions and reasonings.
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The Honest Audiophile research/review process: https://youtu.be/UkSnoZZNyYc Tierlist:https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1nRHnsP_4vLg9DlD9kwJ6gQuEQFqhTR0lnrkxXo3AMG8/edit?usp=sharing
Audio Terms/Definitions: https://www.thehonestaudiophile.com/post/the-honest-audiophile-s-terms-and-definitions-guide
Test Tracks: https://www.thehonestaudiophile.com/post/does-your-music-preference-impact-your-sound-impressions
Amazon playlist: https://music.amazon.com/user-playlists/afb5506483ba4ae3be17c2184797ebb6sune?ref=dm_sh_ycUHvBw1lOkeqCrwPFcc45NAl
Tidal Playlists:Jazz: https://tidal.com/browse/playlist/ea7f58ba-f05d-466f-9714-936d0ab7fa0f
Recommended Gear:
Audeze LCD-5: https://www.audeze.com/products/lcd-5
Rosson Audio Design RAD-0: http://www.rossonaudiodesign.com/
Meze Empyrean: https://mezeaudio.com/products/meze-empyrean
Hifiman Ananda: https://hifiman.com/products/detail/290
Sennheiser HD660s2: https://www.sennheiser-hearing.com/en-US/p/hd-660s2/clcrij55r0b570bw9bubufphu/
Austrian Audio Hi-X60: https://austrian.audio/headphones/hi-x60/
Audeze LCD 2 Closed: LCD-2 Closed Back (audeze.com)
CTM Da Vinci X: https://cleartunemonitors.com/products/da-vinci-x-universal
Westone Mach 60: https://westoneaudio.com/product/mach-60/
Tin Hifi T2: https://www.linsoul.com/products/tinhifi-t2?_pos=1&_sid=7cddd72dc&_ss=r&variant=34447375302811
Sony NW-A105: https://electronics.sony.com/audio/walkman-digital-recorders/walkman-mp3-players/p/nwa105-b
Sony NW-WM-1a: https://electronics.sony.com/audio/walkman-digital-recorders/walkman-mp3-players/p/nwwm1a
Mytek Liberty DAC ii: https://mytek.audio/shop/lbrt-dac-ii-287#attr=Mytek Liberty THX HPA: https://mytek.audio/shop/liberty-thx-285#attr=
HeadAmp GSX-Mini: https://www.headamp.com/products/gs-x-mini
Tor Audio Roger: https://toraudio.com/main.html#
Schiit Audio BiFrost 2: https://schiit.com/products/bi-frost-1
Massdrop THX AAA 789:
Massdrop THX AAA One Linear: https://drop.com/buy/drop-thx-aaa-one-linear-amplifier?utm_source=linkshare&referer=FTSS2S
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