Great review Dave,I am loving my XDUOO X-O2 amp. These headphone sound like a good deal but I prefer a bit bassier style. I would put this in rotation though.
Hello sir. Very good reviews!! What do you think would be good iem options for "checking" bass and subbass when mixing and mastering?..in terms of tonality, detail, texture, timbre, depth and overall realism of bass and sub bass. Or maybe headphones too. if you can point out what models you think would be good options for this application? Something not too expensive. A cheap one and some mid priced one. And what do you think is better for this iem or headphones? What is more precise? Best regards
That is a good question about which is better, more precise. I personally lean toward using IEM when monitoring and headphones for mixing and mastering. My personal preferences are the Westone Mach 60 and Austrian Audio Hi-X60 and Audeze LCD-5. But you asked for more budget friendly. With headphones the cheapest I would go is the Austrian Audio Hi-X60 because they are a neutral and give an accurate presentation of bass even though they aren't the most impactful. As for IEM, the Westone Mach 60 aren't the most budget friendly so I would recommend the Tangzu Nezha and FatFreq Reference Pro. With IEM I don't really have a recommendation for lesser.
@@TheHonestAudiophile Thank you very much!!..yeah for precision i think the iem should be better because of smaller drivers..but i suppose you loose some depth...at least thats how it works with microphones in my experience..the good big ones are like magnifying glass and do better separation and inner sonic details and the small ones are faster and more precise but look at the sound from further away. Will look into models you suggested. Keep the good work!!..Thanks again
Thanks for the review, Dave. I have a question that's been driving me somewhat crazy and its response needs your discerning eras: Between Aune AR5000 and the 105 AER, which one has done a better job of mid-range presentation (natural timbre and voclas)? Simply, which one is a better replacement for the Senn HD600 for its mid-range presentation? BTW, I have to say that shirts suit you more than the t-shirts do. I think I'm getting old fashion-wise 'cause I prefer wearing shirts over t-shirts, too. Haha!
That is a good question, the AR5000 has a bit more sparkle and is a little more forward like the HD600 whereas the 105 AER is a touch laidback. Both are solid in tone and timbre but the edge I would say goes to the AR5000.
@TheHonestAudiophile Thanks for the helpful response, Dave. I think then I'd go for the AR5000 for my under $500, slightly warm & mid-forward, neutral/natural tonality option.
@@TheHonestAudiophile Dave, I have another question that requires your kind attention: For the sound signature I'm looking for (mentioned above), how do you compare the mid-range presentation (also considering the natural timbre and vocals) between the AR5000 and Fiio FT5? BTW, I don't know how relevant it is sonically, but I have the Aune S9C as my main dac/amp, too.
@MoonshineBeforeSunshine FT5 vs AR5000 completely different technology and presentation, the FT5 is thicker, fuller, little warmer but still has natural tone and timbre. Personally I didn't like the FT5 all that much with the S9C, it was a tad too dark for me.
Your description of the Meze here just gave me a feeling of, why do these headphones exist, just average nothing special. Add a price of $400 and I am saying to myself that the Meze are not worth the $400 price Maybe if they were price at $300 with a balance cable they might be competitive. Bottom line do I want to pay $400 for a average headphone?
There's a lot of competition and a lot of preferences from listeners. The 105 AER is a solid performer that a lot of people will enjoy but just like everything else not everyone will. I agree the balanced cable absence is a bummer but it isn't a dealbreaker in my opinion. Cables are easily obtained and the 105 AER has very common connections. Only you will now what you want to pay and what you value. Thanks for the comment.
I use these headphones with the Aune AR3 balanced cable made of OCC copper, and I’m shocked by the impact a cable can have on the sound. In my opinion, these are very nice headphones, perfect as a second pair to alternate with the Aune AR5000.
@@zajko3113 Objectively - AR500. Wider soundstage, better imaging. Subjectively, it depends on the day. Sometimes I prefer slightly warmer, "cozy" sound but still very detailed, so I go for the 105. When I want less bass quantity but higher quality and aim to hear the most natural source sound - Aune. But the truth is, whichever you choose as your only pair of headphones, you'll be satisfied. Just make sure to get the AR3 balanced cable as well, it's seriously worth it.
@arokis9185 thanks for the impressions. I agree, I think the AR5000 edges out the 105 AER in tone and timbre and technicalities whereas the 105 AER gets the edge with musicality and fun.
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Great review Dave,I am loving my XDUOO X-O2 amp. These headphone sound like a good deal but I prefer a bit bassier style. I would put this in rotation though.
xDuoo XA-02 is a fantastic dac/amp, glad you enjoy it.
@TheHonestAudiophile Thanks Dave,you sold me on it.
My pleasure, you're welcome. Glad you found the channel content helpful.
Do you prefer the HD660S2 to the 105? Great review btw!
Yes
Hello sir. Very good reviews!! What do you think would be good iem options for "checking" bass and subbass when mixing and mastering?..in terms of tonality, detail, texture, timbre, depth and overall realism of bass and sub bass. Or maybe headphones too. if you can point out what models you think would be good options for this application? Something not too expensive. A cheap one and some mid priced one. And what do you think is better for this iem or headphones? What is more precise? Best regards
That is a good question about which is better, more precise.
I personally lean toward using IEM when monitoring and headphones for mixing and mastering. My personal preferences are the Westone Mach 60 and Austrian Audio Hi-X60 and Audeze LCD-5. But you asked for more budget friendly.
With headphones the cheapest I would go is the Austrian Audio Hi-X60 because they are a neutral and give an accurate presentation of bass even though they aren't the most impactful.
As for IEM, the Westone Mach 60 aren't the most budget friendly so I would recommend the Tangzu Nezha and FatFreq Reference Pro. With IEM I don't really have a recommendation for lesser.
@@TheHonestAudiophile Thank you very much!!..yeah for precision i think the iem should be better because of smaller drivers..but i suppose you loose some depth...at least thats how it works with microphones in my experience..the good big ones are like magnifying glass and do better separation and inner sonic details and the small ones are faster and more precise but look at the sound from further away. Will look into models you suggested. Keep the good work!!..Thanks again
My pleasure, you're welcome.
hey can you review the HD 490 pro? I wanna know what's your honest take and also compare it to the 660S2.
Thanks for the suggestion
Thanks for the review, Dave.
I have a question that's been driving me somewhat crazy and its response needs your discerning eras:
Between Aune AR5000 and the 105 AER, which one has done a better job of mid-range presentation (natural timbre and voclas)?
Simply, which one is a better replacement for the Senn HD600 for its mid-range presentation?
BTW, I have to say that shirts suit you more than the t-shirts do. I think I'm getting old fashion-wise 'cause I prefer wearing shirts over t-shirts, too. Haha!
That is a good question, the AR5000 has a bit more sparkle and is a little more forward like the HD600 whereas the 105 AER is a touch laidback. Both are solid in tone and timbre but the edge I would say goes to the AR5000.
@TheHonestAudiophile Thanks for the helpful response, Dave.
I think then I'd go for the AR5000 for my under $500, slightly warm & mid-forward, neutral/natural tonality option.
@MoonshineBeforeSunshine my pleasure, you're welcome. Look forward to hearing your impressions.
@@TheHonestAudiophile
Dave, I have another question that requires your kind attention:
For the sound signature I'm looking for (mentioned above), how do you compare the mid-range presentation (also considering the natural timbre and vocals) between the AR5000 and Fiio FT5?
BTW, I don't know how relevant it is sonically, but I have the Aune S9C as my main dac/amp, too.
@MoonshineBeforeSunshine FT5 vs AR5000 completely different technology and presentation, the FT5 is thicker, fuller, little warmer but still has natural tone and timbre. Personally I didn't like the FT5 all that much with the S9C, it was a tad too dark for me.
Do you prefer Meze 105 or Aune Ar5000 in sound quality?
105 AER is for a musical, relaxing listen and the AR5000 is for a more nitpicking listen. Depends on the situation.
What's your 2025 reference gear?
Same as 2024:
Audeze LCD-5
Fiio K19
Mytek Liberty DAC ii
Mytek Liberty HPA
Westone Mach 60
There are others but that's my go to reference gear.
Your description of the Meze here just gave me a feeling of, why do these headphones exist, just average nothing special. Add a price of $400 and I am saying to myself that the Meze are not worth the $400 price Maybe if they were price at $300 with a balance cable they might be competitive.
Bottom line do I want to pay $400 for a average headphone?
There's a lot of competition and a lot of preferences from listeners. The 105 AER is a solid performer that a lot of people will enjoy but just like everything else not everyone will. I agree the balanced cable absence is a bummer but it isn't a dealbreaker in my opinion. Cables are easily obtained and the 105 AER has very common connections. Only you will now what you want to pay and what you value.
Thanks for the comment.
I use these headphones with the Aune AR3 balanced cable made of OCC copper, and I’m shocked by the impact a cable can have on the sound. In my opinion, these are very nice headphones, perfect as a second pair to alternate with the Aune AR5000.
Which of the two is better in your opinion? Meze 105 AER or Aune AR5000?
Thanks for the recommendation!
@@zajko3113 Objectively - AR500. Wider soundstage, better imaging. Subjectively, it depends on the day. Sometimes I prefer slightly warmer, "cozy" sound but still very detailed, so I go for the 105. When I want less bass quantity but higher quality and aim to hear the most natural source sound - Aune. But the truth is, whichever you choose as your only pair of headphones, you'll be satisfied. Just make sure to get the AR3 balanced cable as well, it's seriously worth it.
@arokis9185 thanks for the impressions. I agree, I think the AR5000 edges out the 105 AER in tone and timbre and technicalities whereas the 105 AER gets the edge with musicality and fun.