I usually really like your videos, but this one feels like a "what i had in the office, let's make a video out of it" instead of a synergistic grouping of products. the moondrop being used as a 200 dollar dac amp when you dont have balanced cables makes it a waste of half of its functionality. the iems are a great choice though. your review of the hifiman closed backs was so negative that it just *does not make sense* even if it sounds good with the tube amp because...so many other headphones sound good with tube amps. is the goal that you wanted a closed back option? You also kept saying Dark Voice is 189, but everywhere I see it new in stock is 260+. Honestly, this video was just a disappointment from a synergy standpoint, a "how to spend your money" standpoint. You wouldnt dare use the hifiman closed backs with the moondrop moonriver bc you hate it solid state, you can't used balanced with either headphone in your config (bc you arent suggesting custom cables) which cuts the power output potential of your solid state amp... I just think this was a miss. Luckily for me, I'm sure your next video will be better.
*and I want to note that I know you provide other options in your xxx dollar builds, but in the other builds, the choices seemed to be more well considered. this seemed slapped together.* I look forward to your releases so I don't want you to view this as just hate. You are an excellent creator and this does not change my opinion.
he knows nothing about audio just trying to make a quick buck shilling things with his affiliate links he doesnt disclose except at the bottom of the video discription no one is going to read the hifiman headphone is particularly bad choice and is discounted everywhere for a reason, clearance item
@@garfycat2227 it’s tough, because I don’t comment when he has a great video bc I just enjoy the comment so I hope he takes my feedback as constructive and as a guy who enjoys his stuff. This was just a miss editorially. He could have made this same video if he framed it as “mismatched synergy” or something and talked about how the combos are lesser than the individual parts bc lack of synergy and then given examples of what fits better with each part etc.
This was a strange video, since you outright state you dislike the headphone. Why not just pair the Sony Z7M2 (which is no. 3 on your closed-back list) or the Focal Elegia with a less expensive solid-state amplifier (many, many options in the $100-200 range) or a good DAP?
he knows nothing about audio just trying to make a quick buck shilling things with his affiliate links he doesnt disclose except at the bottom of the video discription no one is going to read the hifiman headphone is particularly bad choice and is discounted everywhere for a reason, clearance item
@@johnmcfads5304 well, that’s quite harsh. I think he means well but why not try to put together the best combination of components rather than a mismatched set?
@@GadZookz its mismatched because they're high margin profitable chifi (moondrop hifiman) instead of finding the best pairings at the price. For $900 you're much better off getting a focal clear, dont even need an amp. The headphone is much more important than the amp.
this is advice from someone whos setup is focal utopia and sony ier-m9, quality over quantity. also topping a90 is hardly the best amp its not even class A or linear transformer
These videos look SO clean!!! I am going to get the He-r9's at my next paycheck InshAllah! edit: I GOT THEM!!!! Josh spoke so well about them that I bought them on ebay for 109.00!!! They will be here in 4 days insha Allah, Ill update when I play some facesoul through them!!!
Josh you had me cracking up " If you're gonna be home alone with these headphones you shouldn't really care how it looks..." i thought,Yeah, you got that right." Thanks for the laugh and the video.
Usually I like your videos, but your take on RE9 is unfair, they are good in many regards and your comments unlike your other videos were really bias towards your taste rather than technical performance, and the design comes in inspiration from the legendary Sony MDR-R10. One of the best Headphones ever made.
For my first year in the game, I was using a few different dongles as my Dac for an MT602 tube, then I bought the Topping E50, and a linear brick, boyyyy I tell you hwhat! The quality is a hot step up comparatively. If you have the money to spend and you don’t take your system on the run much, get a standalone Dac, and if it’s a 5 volt like the e50, or the IFI can stuff, Jameco Reliapro DDU050100H4660
Hi Sir. Thanks for the great video and insights. Can I ask if using a very low budget system such as the IFI Gryphon as a headphone amp, would work in the same way? Would there be a significant sound diff between your suggestions and this setup? Thank you.
Great build video 👍 As for me ..from my IEM’s stable..yep, Crin’s Midnight and IFI Go Blue ( in balanced) is damn good ,even with the Bluetooth..which is my primary 😋
Any recommendation for an alternative to the Schiit Modi as a DAC as they are impossible to obtain in the UK. I already have a Magni 3+ running hifiman sundara.
Great recommendation for closed back planars. In my experience, they do not need an outrageous amount of power, either (a good DAP or a small amp like the Schiit Fulla are more than sufficient).
Worth checking out the JM Audio mod of the R9... elevates them to something far outside of their price range. Truly fantastic. Gets rid of all the sibilance in the highs without losing resolution, keeps all the soundstage and bass... Actually dials up the control on the bass a bit somehow. Levels out the mids. Pairs better with solid state (at least r2r... Sounds really good on ef400)
Hey Joshua! Your videos are just great! You inspired me so much of now getting new different type of headphones - away from this "gaming-scam". Now i have to decide but would like to hear your advice: - Beyerdynamic DT 990 Edition (600 Ohm) - Sennheiser HD560S - Hifiman HE400se - AKG 701/702 I want to run them with AMP --> Sound BlasterX G6 - what you think about that? Im from EUROPE so sadly the 6XX etc. is not available / no choice for me.... I want to use the setup on PC for gaming and listening to music. Highly enjoying crystal clear music but want some decent/nice bass. Which of those you would recommend for my use? Regards, Benny
It's like the Princess Leia bun headphone! Agreed about the looks...though admittingly even though I love the Arya, I think that too looks ridiculous. Great vid as always!
For me hd58x and hd660s, edition xs felt like crap with its build and feel and comfort, and I thought the sound was only ok (maybe I got a defective model)
I've got Ifi Zen Dac v2 recently and I enjoy it with my hd560s as well, with true bass particularly in some genres and movies. I like it also with moondrop aria and v-moda m-100 master but with those I keep the true bass mostly off, particularly for the latter :) I've been considering Sundara and XS for a while now but I'm very hesitant with what I read about the build/quality and unit varience... Well, also since I have 560s and open backs are the ones with most limited usage, maybe I can rather go for a new/better IEM which I can use pretty much in any circumstance. Let's see.
Hi Josh! Had to make a point about those Hifimans. You said, that it had some issues with high notes. I find that a bit funny, because I own a pair of those cans and that really ain´t the sensation that I get. And for the record, I too suffer for piercing highs, or too "light" sound signature, as I have learned that you suffer too. And as a greatest fan ( of course) I´ve been around long enough for having atleast a decent idea of your taste in headphones. And I share the same kind of taste. So, I was wondering, did you test those R9:s with different SS amp? I am driving them with SP200/M200 stack. And really (thank god) do not find any harsh or piercing highs. For reference, I have 1770 Pros and Moondrop Arias, as a starter point, so you get how I like my audio. I really would like to see a review from you about those R9:s. But I get that if you feel that you have nothing creative to say about those beautiful cans, then you must not do the review. Own the red sexys!!! Thank you for the great content!!
Thanks so much Joshua! If possible it would be great if you broke down what the purpose of each of these items are. I guess for Audiophiles it's self explanatory but for us newbies a simple line or two detailing the purpose of these items would be incredible helpful. Regardless thanks for this great vid!
I feel more flexible with hd560s and e1da powerdac for home/desk and tripowin Leá and Qudelix 5K in the move for less than 350usd, and rather save for monitors like kali lp-8 than tubes
Why were the closed backs that you disliked included in the build? Seems really backward to try to fix a headphone with an amp. Just get a new headphone with a decent amp. Sounds like trying to fix a badly cooked steak with a bunch of seasoning. Just get a new steak at that point.
I know you didn't like the Momentum 3, which I decided i won't buy because the sound quality had no imaging. The Momentum 4 are coming and Sennheiser says it has 42mm inspired audiophile transducer system for better clarity, musicality for exceptional high fidelty sound. I wonder those will sound better and beat the consumer competition.
The Hifiman R9 are exceptional at full price (especially for rhythm oriented music), and incredible for the $369 recent sale price. So glad I impulsively bought them
Really strange video. You're talking about spending nearly a grand which is a lot for most people, and you don't even like the headphones you're recommending. Huh? There are plenty of dynamics that pair well with a tube amp that aren't stupid looking and don't sound bad out of a SS amp. Obviously there's the 6-- series Sennys. For closed back options there's the Elegia which is available for around the same price as the R9.
bought the hifiman he-r9 for 200$ i was blown away decided to be cheap and buy a schiit vali 2 i was blown i might upgrade to a schiit lyr in the future.
It’s weird that Josh recommend the headphones he doesn’t like 😂. Having said that is the R9 good for $109? I don’t have a close back n bassy headphones. I have been thinking dt770 pro. What would you guys/gals pick? Thanks 😊
My audio setup is this. Audio Technica ATH-AD500X, Koss KPH40 as a second pair when I want to switch it up, Drop THX AAA linear single ended amp, and a Schitt Modi DAC as my desk setup. For mobile, I have the EarStudio ES100 and alternate between the Moondrop Chu’s and Quarks. Love it, probably spent $500 on everything.
solid state means semiconductor based like opamps, transistors while on the other hand yes it is tubes which existed before semiconductors were mainstreamed
I'm listening to my uncompressed music collection through UAPP music app on my S22 Ultra through the MoonRiver Moondrop 2's which i plug in my Sony IER-Z1R's and honestly I'm not sure what's the point of all the DAPs and other bulkier mobile solutions are for. The ease of use and the resulting SQ is making me question the amount and the price of gear "needed" for endgame before, honestly. I'm not sure I need more....Want is a whole different story.
Having just purchased a $4500 amplifier, they do get a bit better, but generally nowhere near worth the money. I'd tell a sane person to get a Hifiman EF400 amp/dac for $600, get a $100 Loxjie P20 for a bit of tube sound, maybe get a bottlehead crack if they need full tube, and it will sound about as good as things get.
@@jaykabel i absolutely agree that the bigger amps sound much better, but mostly for bigger power hungry cans, it's just a really high diminishing rate of return for the prices. For sensitive IEM's you can have incredible sound with a minimal set of up these days just using your phone as a transport for whatever music you like.
Random comment: Just listening to Aerosmith - Walkin' the dog on my Grado RS1e using tube amp, what a pleasure its oldschool sounding music with proper gear
@@nhczytek7668 They are both very similar. If they were both at their normal prices (XS for $500 and Ananda for $700), then I would go with the XS because of the value. If at the same price point, it comes down to what characteristics you want in your can. The XS provides a more “fun” V shape signature with a bit more sub bass and bass slam. The Ananda has slightly more detail but has a less dynamic slam and more balanced signature with a less pronounced sub bass. A lot of this has to do with what music you listen to as well. Can’t really go wrong with either, I personally just prefer the sound characteristics of the XS as it compliments my music taste.
Just seen this video, I have just purchase the Hifman HER-9 as they are going for the low low price of 100 pounds before tax they might look bad but they are hot with my iFi Zen but I tried it with my Little Bare tube amp and it was a great combo so I am now going to get xDuoo TA-265 my phone might have been listening to me and your video popped up on my feed, yes the headphones look stupid and for 500 quid I said no thanks but 100 I can take that hit lol,
For $350.00 though you have to search hard, the Focal Elegia. It is going to smoke that Hifiman and you won't look like a dork. I am running my open box pair in now. They sound great! Running on the Asgard 3 and the Topping A30Pro. Sounds amazing. These are discontinued cans so yeah you have to look hard for these. Worth the search folks.
Schiit Asgard doesn't seem to get the love it deserves. It's a fantastic amp if you're not interested in balanced. Coupled with an E30 or E50, or Modi 3E or Modius, And you're set for 90% of cans.
Had to return the R9. Just felt like fisher price quality and sound was ok. Hifiman has Planners down and love my Arya 2. I know you are super busy over there, but don't forget to dust off and clean the gear before recording as the video quality is clean, you can see that dust on the xduoo. That white USB C cable from your laptop to the Moonriver was a tad dirty as well. Your style is so clean and it distracted me haha. Any chance you'll do a ZMF review? Happy to loan
The Dark Voice blows the TA-26 out of the water on all my 250ohm or greater headphones. Anything over 250ohm they begin to distort at 50% volume. The little dot 2 is better than the TA-26 in my opinion. I really don’t understand all the hype for the TA-26.
I didn't care for the Hifiman HE-R9 either. For closed-back, they sure let in a lot of external noise. They were barely more isolating than open-backs. Also, they felt flimsy for the price and the bass seemed a bit bloated. Can't recommend them. Good closed-back headphones are so hard to find!
It’s weird, I’m a straight dude, but I find a Joshua really attractive, lol. The whole vibe is just the right mixture of chill, fit, handsome and intelligent.
First video of your’s that I have been dissatisfied with. This is a much searched for topic. As a viewer I now trust the given feedback from you. This seems lazy and contrary to other reviews you have put out. I thought you would go zen day v2 + Hifiman edition xs + maybe moon drop dongle + current fotm iem or maybe a true wireless item Sony wf1000xm4 / AirPods Pro etc.
I don't recommend using the 3.5 aux output convert to rca into the amplifier. You will be loosing crispness of imaging, center image of vocal, and dynamic range. For this setup I recommend a portable dac/amp which has line out or rca out for best music fidelity when use in combination with separate amp. I notice this by comparing the output of my fiio q5s between lineout and 3.5 output into topping L50.
Josh knows nothing about audio just trying to make a quick buck shilling things with his affiliate links he doesnt disclose except at the bottom of the video discription no one is going to read the hifiman headphone is particularly bad choice and is discounted everywhere for a reason, clearance item
There are dongles less expensive than that, performing same as that… but probably are not “sponsored” by shenzenaudio/linsoul/apos/whatever… this video is a giant adv for chi-fi…
I usually really like your videos, but this one feels like a "what i had in the office, let's make a video out of it" instead of a synergistic grouping of products. the moondrop being used as a 200 dollar dac amp when you dont have balanced cables makes it a waste of half of its functionality. the iems are a great choice though. your review of the hifiman closed backs was so negative that it just *does not make sense* even if it sounds good with the tube amp because...so many other headphones sound good with tube amps. is the goal that you wanted a closed back option? You also kept saying Dark Voice is 189, but everywhere I see it new in stock is 260+. Honestly, this video was just a disappointment from a synergy standpoint, a "how to spend your money" standpoint. You wouldnt dare use the hifiman closed backs with the moondrop moonriver bc you hate it solid state, you can't used balanced with either headphone in your config (bc you arent suggesting custom cables) which cuts the power output potential of your solid state amp... I just think this was a miss. Luckily for me, I'm sure your next video will be better.
*and I want to note that I know you provide other options in your xxx dollar builds, but in the other builds, the choices seemed to be more well considered. this seemed slapped together.* I look forward to your releases so I don't want you to view this as just hate. You are an excellent creator and this does not change my opinion.
he knows nothing about audio just trying to make a quick buck shilling things with his affiliate links he doesnt disclose except at the bottom of the video discription no one is going to read
the hifiman headphone is particularly bad choice and is discounted everywhere for a reason, clearance item
I’m partial to the build I put together. Schiit modi > Hersey > HD560s. Wooooo. Great work rig and I can hear people without taking my headphones off.
Thank you. I was struggling to put into words how I felt about the video and I think you nailed it.
@@garfycat2227 it’s tough, because I don’t comment when he has a great video bc I just enjoy the comment so I hope he takes my feedback as constructive and as a guy who enjoys his stuff. This was just a miss editorially. He could have made this same video if he framed it as “mismatched synergy” or something and talked about how the combos are lesser than the individual parts bc lack of synergy and then given examples of what fits better with each part etc.
"I dont think it's the most efficient way to spend $900"
What was the point of the video?
This was a strange video, since you outright state you dislike the headphone. Why not just pair the Sony Z7M2 (which is no. 3 on your closed-back list) or the Focal Elegia with a less expensive solid-state amplifier (many, many options in the $100-200 range) or a good DAP?
This video felt off. Give us a $900 build that’s actually worth it.
This video should be renamed to: "How to spend $900 and get a combo that is...meh".
Hifimans aside, these are decent components in their own right. Not sure trying to put them together is such a great idea though.
he knows nothing about audio just trying to make a quick buck shilling things with his affiliate links he doesnt disclose except at the bottom of the video discription no one is going to read
the hifiman headphone is particularly bad choice and is discounted everywhere for a reason, clearance item
@@johnmcfads5304 well, that’s quite harsh. I think he means well but why not try to put together the best combination of components rather than a mismatched set?
@@GadZookz its mismatched because they're high margin profitable chifi (moondrop hifiman) instead of finding the best pairings at the price. For $900 you're much better off getting a focal clear, dont even need an amp. The headphone is much more important than the amp.
this is advice from someone whos setup is focal utopia and sony ier-m9, quality over quantity. also topping a90 is hardly the best amp its not even class A or linear transformer
I use the ifi go blu when I’m out and about and really enjoy it with IEM’s.
These videos look SO clean!!! I am going to get the He-r9's at my next paycheck InshAllah!
edit: I GOT THEM!!!! Josh spoke so well about them that I bought them on ebay for 109.00!!!
They will be here in 4 days insha Allah, Ill update when I play some facesoul through them!!!
Josh you had me cracking up " If you're gonna be home alone with these headphones you shouldn't really care how it looks..." i thought,Yeah, you got that right." Thanks for the laugh and the video.
Usually I like your videos, but your take on RE9 is unfair, they are good in many regards and your comments unlike your other videos were really bias towards your taste rather than technical performance, and the design comes in inspiration from the legendary Sony MDR-R10. One of the best Headphones ever made.
For my first year in the game, I was using a few different dongles as my Dac for an MT602 tube, then I bought the Topping E50, and a linear brick, boyyyy I tell you hwhat! The quality is a hot step up comparatively. If you have the money to spend and you don’t take your system on the run much, get a standalone Dac, and if it’s a 5 volt like the e50, or the IFI can stuff, Jameco Reliapro DDU050100H4660
Edition XS: 500
Kato: 200
iFi Zen DAC V2: 190
Apple Lighting/USB-C to 3.5 for mobile DAC/AMP: 10
WAAAAAAAAAAAAAY better.
the new dx3pro + is a better since it has a lot more power at a similar price
I just bought the Hifi Edition XS Headphones with the Topping Mx5 Amp/Dac and love it!
Fav series is back
Hi Sir. Thanks for the great video and insights. Can I ask if using a very low budget system such as the IFI Gryphon as a headphone amp, would work in the same way? Would there be a significant sound diff between your suggestions and this setup? Thank you.
Interesting to see an overall system combo and comments rather than separate items in isolation.
why are you deleting comments????? I can see them disappearing ??? what is going on.....
He should delete the whole video it was crap...
Great build video 👍
As for me ..from my IEM’s stable..yep, Crin’s Midnight and IFI Go Blue ( in balanced) is damn good ,even with the Bluetooth..which is my primary 😋
Any recommendation for an alternative to the Schiit Modi as a DAC as they are impossible to obtain in the UK. I already have a Magni 3+ running hifiman sundara.
The DROP + DAN CLARK AUDIO AEON CLOSED X HEADPHONES are excellent closed backs and are only $400 right now.
Great recommendation for closed back planars. In my experience, they do not need an outrageous amount of power, either (a good DAP or a small amp like the Schiit Fulla are more than sufficient).
Worth checking out the JM Audio mod of the R9... elevates them to something far outside of their price range. Truly fantastic. Gets rid of all the sibilance in the highs without losing resolution, keeps all the soundstage and bass... Actually dials up the control on the bass a bit somehow. Levels out the mids. Pairs better with solid state (at least r2r... Sounds really good on ef400)
Hey Joshua!
Your videos are just great! You inspired me so much of now getting new different type of headphones - away from this "gaming-scam".
Now i have to decide but would like to hear your advice:
- Beyerdynamic DT 990 Edition (600 Ohm)
- Sennheiser HD560S
- Hifiman HE400se
- AKG 701/702
I want to run them with AMP --> Sound BlasterX G6 - what you think about that?
Im from EUROPE so sadly the 6XX etc. is not available / no choice for me....
I want to use the setup on PC for gaming and listening to music. Highly enjoying crystal clear music but want some decent/nice bass.
Which of those you would recommend for my use?
Regards,
Benny
It's like the Princess Leia bun headphone! Agreed about the looks...though admittingly even though I love the Arya, I think that too looks ridiculous. Great vid as always!
How often do you look at yourself while listing to massive cans?
Assuming the TA26 is OTL with a high output impedance (like the DV) isn't a 32 ohm headphone going a little against the grain somewhat?
I had senhisser hd206. Didn't like them. Now I looking for new headphones for practicing my piano.
Please suggest 🙏
HD58x or Edition XS + IFI ZEN DAC V2. Thats it you’re done with audio.
I gotta second this man, or if u wanna save a little go sundara.
Thankfully, no. It’d be an incredibly myopic hobby.
For me hd58x and hd660s, edition xs felt like crap with its build and feel and comfort, and I thought the sound was only ok (maybe I got a defective model)
I've got Ifi Zen Dac v2 recently and I enjoy it with my hd560s as well, with true bass particularly in some genres and movies. I like it also with moondrop aria and v-moda m-100 master but with those I keep the true bass mostly off, particularly for the latter :) I've been considering Sundara and XS for a while now but I'm very hesitant with what I read about the build/quality and unit varience... Well, also since I have 560s and open backs are the ones with most limited usage, maybe I can rather go for a new/better IEM which I can use pretty much in any circumstance. Let's see.
Apple dongle DAC usb c and hd58x. More than enough for 99% of us.
ALSO the Hifiman EF400 is by far the best value amp/DAC I've heard. Amazing performance for the price $600
Hi Josh!
Had to make a point about those Hifimans. You said, that it had some issues with high notes. I find that a bit funny, because I own a pair of those cans and that really ain´t the sensation that I get. And for the record, I too suffer for piercing highs, or too "light" sound signature, as I have learned that you suffer too. And as a greatest fan ( of course) I´ve been around long enough for having atleast a decent idea of your taste in headphones. And I share the same kind of taste. So, I was wondering, did you test those R9:s with different SS amp? I am driving them with SP200/M200 stack. And really (thank god) do not find any harsh or piercing highs.
For reference, I have 1770 Pros and Moondrop Arias, as a starter point, so you get how I like my audio. I really would like to see a review from you about those R9:s. But I get that if you feel that you have nothing creative to say about those beautiful cans, then you must not do the review.
Own the red sexys!!!
Thank you for the great content!!
Same. I LOVE the R9, and I am sensitive to shrillness. If anything I'd think some would complain about too much bass
nice review! I personally prefer IEMS, they are really convinient
Thanks so much Joshua! If possible it would be great if you broke down what the purpose of each of these items are.
I guess for Audiophiles it's self explanatory but for us newbies a simple line or two detailing the purpose of these items would be incredible helpful.
Regardless thanks for this great vid!
I personally would look at the timeless or shuoer s12
I bought the he r9 few weeks back. Enjoy them more than the hifiman XS
How is Isolation?
Is a $200 dac/amp really necessary for an I.E.M.? I thought they were usually super sensitive.
It's not. He's just trying to sell and make a quick buck. For 200$ you can get a Fiio BTR7 which has far more functionality and probably better sound.
No its not
Have you tried 7Hz Timeless?
Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra, USB audio app, Moonriver 2 and Hifiman XS. Sounds as good as I’ll ever need or want 👍
Song during the intro?
HD6XX + Bottlehead Crack + Schiit Modi would sound much better then this setup.
*HD600 instead
I feel more flexible with hd560s and e1da powerdac for home/desk and tripowin Leá and Qudelix 5K in the move for less than 350usd, and rather save for monitors like kali lp-8 than tubes
This is so lost. I feel bad for the newbies who listen to this advice.
I never got shrillness from the R9, and I'm VERY sensitive to that. I find most Focal too "shrill."
How is Isolation?
Why were the closed backs that you disliked included in the build? Seems really backward to try to fix a headphone with an amp. Just get a new headphone with a decent amp. Sounds like trying to fix a badly cooked steak with a bunch of seasoning. Just get a new steak at that point.
What was the music, female vocalist at the beginning of the video???
I know you didn't like the Momentum 3, which I decided i won't buy because the sound quality had no imaging. The Momentum 4 are coming and Sennheiser says it has 42mm inspired audiophile transducer system for better clarity, musicality for exceptional high fidelty sound. I wonder those will sound better and beat the consumer competition.
The Hifiman R9 are exceptional at full price (especially for rhythm oriented music), and incredible for the $369 recent sale price. So glad I impulsively bought them
I LOVE it on solid state, and like it less with tubes
Really strange video. You're talking about spending nearly a grand which is a lot for most people, and you don't even like the headphones you're recommending. Huh? There are plenty of dynamics that pair well with a tube amp that aren't stupid looking and don't sound bad out of a SS amp. Obviously there's the 6-- series Sennys. For closed back options there's the Elegia which is available for around the same price as the R9.
bought the hifiman he-r9 for 200$ i was blown away decided to be cheap and buy a schiit vali 2 i was blown i might upgrade to a schiit lyr in the future.
50bucks for whoever that can photoshop the R9 on Joshua's head
I did but someome keeps removing it. Perhaps the owner of this channel doesn't like my photoshopping :)
It’s weird that Josh recommend the headphones he doesn’t like 😂. Having said that is the R9 good for $109? I don’t have a close back n bassy headphones. I have been thinking dt770 pro. What would you guys/gals pick? Thanks 😊
what did you choose
My audio setup is this. Audio Technica ATH-AD500X, Koss KPH40 as a second pair when I want to switch it up, Drop THX AAA linear single ended amp, and a Schitt Modi DAC as my desk setup. For mobile, I have the EarStudio ES100 and alternate between the Moondrop Chu’s and Quarks. Love it, probably spent $500 on everything.
Hifiman Edition XS and a JDS Labs Atom stack.
That’s my setup I got recently. Incredible.
Is solid state just a non-tube amp?
solid state means semiconductor based like opamps, transistors while on the other hand yes it is tubes which existed before semiconductors were mainstreamed
I'm listening to my uncompressed music collection through UAPP music app on my S22 Ultra through the MoonRiver Moondrop 2's which i plug in my Sony IER-Z1R's and honestly I'm not sure what's the point of all the DAPs and other bulkier mobile solutions are for. The ease of use and the resulting SQ is making me question the amount and the price of gear "needed" for endgame before, honestly. I'm not sure I need more....Want is a whole different story.
Having just purchased a $4500 amplifier, they do get a bit better, but generally nowhere near worth the money.
I'd tell a sane person to get a Hifiman EF400 amp/dac for $600, get a $100 Loxjie P20 for a bit of tube sound, maybe get a bottlehead crack if they need full tube, and it will sound about as good as things get.
@@jaykabel i absolutely agree that the bigger amps sound much better, but mostly for bigger power hungry cans, it's just a really high diminishing rate of return for the prices. For sensitive IEM's you can have incredible sound with a minimal set of up these days just using your phone as a transport for whatever music you like.
Intro song is 'Real Life' by Mimmi Bangoura 👍
Random comment: Just listening to Aerosmith - Walkin' the dog on my Grado RS1e using tube amp, what a pleasure its oldschool sounding music with proper gear
this is a really oddly specific setup
Hifiman XS plus Jds labs stack. That’s the goldmine in this price range in my opinion
What do you think about Ananda vs edition xs found a deal where Ananda is just 30$ more expensive, but I can't decide between them.
@@nhczytek7668 They are both very similar. If they were both at their normal prices (XS for $500 and Ananda for $700), then I would go with the XS because of the value. If at the same price point, it comes down to what characteristics you want in your can. The XS provides a more “fun” V shape signature with a bit more sub bass and bass slam. The Ananda has slightly more detail but has a less dynamic slam and more balanced signature with a less pronounced sub bass. A lot of this has to do with what music you listen to as well. Can’t really go wrong with either, I personally just prefer the sound characteristics of the XS as it compliments my music taste.
Just seen this video, I have just purchase the Hifman HER-9 as they are going for the low low price of 100 pounds before tax they might look bad but they are hot with my iFi Zen but I tried it with my Little Bare tube amp and it was a great combo so I am now going to get xDuoo TA-265 my phone might have been listening to me and your video popped up on my feed, yes the headphones look stupid and for 500 quid I said no thanks but 100 I can take that hit lol,
what do you think? any good?
The - hifiman ANANDA-Stealth Magnets Version should be reviewed next
SMSL SU-8 $180, Drop 789 $200, Hifiman Sundara $300, Senn 6xx $200.... $880
Joshua Valour
For $350.00 though you have to search hard, the Focal Elegia. It is going to smoke that Hifiman and you won't look like a dork. I am running my open box pair in now. They sound great! Running on the Asgard 3 and the Topping A30Pro. Sounds amazing. These are discontinued cans so yeah you have to look hard for these. Worth the search folks.
Schiit Asgard doesn't seem to get the love it deserves. It's a fantastic amp if you're not interested in balanced. Coupled with an E30 or E50, or Modi 3E or Modius, And you're set for 90% of cans.
Had to return the R9. Just felt like fisher price quality and sound was ok. Hifiman has Planners down and love my Arya 2. I know you are super busy over there, but don't forget to dust off and clean the gear before recording as the video quality is clean, you can see that dust on the xduoo. That white USB C cable from your laptop to the Moonriver was a tad dirty as well. Your style is so clean and it distracted me haha. Any chance you'll do a ZMF review? Happy to loan
Would have been better to hear about your recommended $900 build, not one like this that you seem to be lukewarm about.
Not exactly sure what happened to this channel. It's like the more it grew in popularity the less content we received.
The owner died inside.
@@JoshuaValour hope you're okay man
The man just built himself a new studio from the ground up give him a break. See his other channel for that.
@@JoshuaValour RUclips is a tough game but you have a nice thing going. Hope you get another wind of energy soon!
@@JoshuaValour It's what's on the outside that counts.
Wow! this channnel really went down hill fast 👎 Why on earth would you recommend a headphone that you hate 😂
This will be a $1000 system in a few days lol
The Dark Voice blows the TA-26 out of the water on all my 250ohm or greater headphones. Anything over 250ohm they begin to distort at 50% volume. The little dot 2 is better than the TA-26 in my opinion. I really don’t understand all the hype for the TA-26.
how do you even get to that point on them. can't even get past 9:00 on the dv and ta without it being insanely loud.
Is this video sponsored by Nike? Classic Joshua.
Xduoo TA-26 vs dark voice?
Sorry but this was not your best work. Please show us the best we can get for the money
This channel is the epitome of style over substance
I didn't care for the Hifiman HE-R9 either. For closed-back, they sure let in a lot of external noise. They were barely more isolating than open-backs. Also, they felt flimsy for the price and the bass seemed a bit bloated. Can't recommend them.
Good closed-back headphones are so hard to find!
My build: Just buy a $900 headphone and connect it to the Macbook. Unless it is a very hard to drive planar pair, it's fine.
have mercy on your soul
I’d rather just buy those Superconductors for $1200. ;)
This video really begs for BEST SYNERGY BUILDS OF ALL TIME video, because this would be on the opposite emd of that spectrum
HD600 + DX3 Pro+ is best 500$ setup
Why not schiit stack
@@finn6326 cleaner but you do give up the power that the stack gives
hd 600 is like $400 tho
@@aidan8533-i1t its 300 here
@@toobskuiks116 in the US they're $399 on sennheiser's site. and like $350 sometimes on amazon
Every time I see protein leather on the headband and earpads on the headphones, I will shake my head and say pass.
What a ridiculous system!
But the red headphones match the red knob!
It’s weird, I’m a straight dude, but I find a Joshua really attractive, lol. The whole vibe is just the right mixture of chill, fit, handsome and intelligent.
If you find another dude attractive, then you are straight.
You're not straight, you have some sugar in your tank. Stop living a lie and come out the closet.
First video of your’s that I have been dissatisfied with. This is a much searched for topic. As a viewer I now trust the given feedback from you. This seems lazy and contrary to other reviews you have put out. I thought you would go zen day v2 + Hifiman edition xs + maybe moon drop dongle + current fotm iem or maybe a true wireless item Sony wf1000xm4 / AirPods Pro etc.
Why not dragonfly red for $200?
its shit
I listened to the HE-R9 for a couple of hours through D90 A90 combo. They absolutely sucked ass. Never heard worse headphones in my life. 🤢
Totally agree. I really like more Bass, but they are extremly bass bloated with really bad timbre.
@@pythagoras6938 totally agree
This video is bizarre...
I don't recommend using the 3.5 aux output convert to rca into the amplifier. You will be loosing crispness of imaging, center image of vocal, and dynamic range. For this setup I recommend a portable dac/amp which has line out or rca out for best music fidelity when use in combination with separate amp. I notice this by comparing the output of my fiio q5s between lineout and 3.5 output into topping L50.
Josh knows nothing about audio just trying to make a quick buck shilling things with his affiliate links he doesnt disclose except at the bottom of the video discription no one is going to read
the hifiman headphone is particularly bad choice and is discounted everywhere for a reason, clearance item
Please enlighten me on your knowledge in this field.
yes we know, only 10k headphones sound good for ya,....nothing new,
There are dongles less expensive than that, performing same as that… but probably are not “sponsored” by shenzenaudio/linsoul/apos/whatever… this video is a giant adv for chi-fi…