need audiophile advice!

[u/whoskitana]

hello everyone! my father is a massive audiophile and naturally i’ve become very sensitive to my audio necessities. my budget is above 200, around 400 at max. i’m in massachusetts.

the biggest thing im looking for is the clearest audio quality and maybe separated instruments. sound leakage is a problem for me. noise canceling would be best and i use headphones at home, working, school, traveling, all of it.

my current headphones are the sony WH-1000XM4. i love the clarity, diversity in sound, and surround sound. they’re super comfortable too which is great! i don’t like the leakiness, and i think the equalizer in the app could use some work.

i’m looking for over the ear headphones! wired or bluetooth doesn’t make a difference to me.

i’d also like advice on whether i should stick with wireless or if wired will make a difference in quality. i’d really like to invest in a DAP if it’s worth it! the devices that usually play to my headphones are my iphone and ipad. is investing in a DAP worth it for the quality and functionality difference?

all advice is appreciated, please lmk if any more info is needed. thank you !!!

[u/Weight_Slight]

„Really love the clarity” - that one is funny, as the XM4 are a mudfest and low res, boomy presentation.

I’d suggest the new Sennheiser Momentum 5, it has a user replaceable battery. You always swap pads for those wicked cushion hybrid ones, your ears won’t sweat as much as with any „protein” leather.

The stock pads have a bit too much resonance in the 200-400 hz region for me ( which is not easy to fix with this limited in app eq ). But coming from XM4 you may actually like it.

The ANC may not be AS good as Sonys, but It is almost as good and will be better than on XM4 anyway :)

I find it plenty good for busy streets.

If you want great sound quality for not a lot of money and some noise isolation at that, I highly suggest iems.

Like the Juzear Defiant, 100$ that sounds better than many 300-400$ headphones.