HEADPHONE TIER LIST

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3 жыл бұрын

The Headphone Tier List. See each tier down below.
S
- Abyss AB1266 Phi TC - amzn.to/3lo3evN
- Focal Clear - amzn.to/3lrL4co
- Sennheiser HE-1 - en-us.sennheiser.com/sennheis...
A
- Hifman HE1000SE - amzn.to/35pq8xn
- Hifiman Arya - amzn.to/3lpiKYm
- Sony ZR1 - amzn.to/3piTFR7
- Focal Elex - massdrop.7eer.net/aDBJb
- Abyss Diana Phi - amzn.to/35nsE7i
- Abyss Diana V2 - abyss-headphones.com/products...
- Audeze LCD-X - amzn.to/2IwuBp7
- Audeze LCD-4 - amzn.to/3podE0E
- Audeze LCD-2C - amzn.to/38As4Vy
- Hifiman Sundara - amzn.to/38DlNbI
B
- Sennheiser HD560s - en-us.sennheiser.com/hd-560-s...
- Sennheiser HD800S - amzn.to/3lt0dKE
- Sony Z7 M2 - amzn.to/3krauWi
- Drop PC38X - massdrop.7eer.net/nOJMR
- Modhouse Argon - www.modhouseaudio.com/argon-m...
- Focal Utopia - amzn.to/3pkqOfh
- Beyerdynamic DT1990 Pro - amzn.to/38yIhe3
- Hifiman HE400i (2020 version) - amzn.to/2UkyG28
- Audeze LCD-2C - amzn.to/38As4Vy
C
- Beyerdynamic T1 Gen 2 - amzn.to/2GWbpk0
- Beyerdynamic DT880 Pro - amzn.to/2Ity7AH
- Drop Panda - massdrop.7eer.net/qQmyn
- Philips X2HR - amzn.to/3eRZ7FL
- Philips SHP9600 - amzn.to/2JWHbhP
- Monoprice M1060 - amzn.to/3picN1E
D
- Drop HE5XX - massdrop.7eer.net/KVYJA
- Hifiman Deva - amzn.to/3picST0
- Emotiva GR1 - emotiva.com/collections/headp...
E
- Koss Porta Pro - amzn.to/3nlbtJH
- Monoprice M1060C - amzn.to/38AVfYw
F
- Sennheiser HD820 - amzn.to/3ePqyzY
- Fidelio X3 - amzn.to/2IrobHO
These are my genuine recommendations in various categories. They are affiliated links that help pay for this youtube channel at no additional cost to you.
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@WiIza_ 2 жыл бұрын

Timestamps: 1:05 - Philips SHP9600 1:25 - Philips Fidelio X3 1:47 - Philips Fidelio X2HR 2:02 - Sennheiser HD560s 2:49 - Focal Clear 3:59 - Sennheiser HD800S 4:20 - Sennheiser HD820 4:29 - Monoprice M1060 5:14 - Sony Z1R 5:32 - Drop THX Panda 6:04 - Audeze LCD-4 6:24 - Sendy Audio Aiva 6:43 - HiFiMAN Deva 6:43 - Drop HE5XX 7:26 - Koss Porta Pro 7:51 - Audeze LCD-X 8:39 - Abyss Diana Phi 8:58 - Emotiva Airmotiv GR1 9:33 - Sony MDR-Z7M2 9:58 - Modhouse Argon Mk3 10:34 - Sennheiser HE-1 10:47 - Abyss Diana V2 11:00 - Abyss AB-1266 Phi TC 11:40 - Beyerdynamic DT880 Pro 11:55 - Drop PC38X 12:30 - Focal Utopia 12:47 - Monoprice M1060C 13:10 - Beyerdynamic T1 Gen 2 13:44 - Beyerdynamic DT1990 Pro 14:01 - HiFiMAN Arya 14:35 - HiFiMAN HE1000SE 14:54 - HiFiMAN HE400i (2020 version) 15:12 - HiFiMAN Sundara 15:25 - Audeze LCD-2C

@olaotanopakunle334 2 жыл бұрын

Thank you! Really expected the uploader to add this himself.

@svilleda237 2 жыл бұрын

Hero!

@MrDvneil 2 жыл бұрын

3:07 focal elex

@CEE80 2 жыл бұрын

Thank you!

@MrBono303 2 жыл бұрын

THX Cap!!

@oxaile4021 3 жыл бұрын

Here's an idea: throw the prices and value for money out the window and do a list purely based on sound.

@johnmc3862 Жыл бұрын

Then you'd have unattainable headphones.

@yungmonk9489 10 ай бұрын

@@johnmc3862no, you’d have a solid product to save for.

@Barnsey87 9 ай бұрын

Why don't you do a review channel?

@modestaslauraitis8199 2 ай бұрын

True

@utredutredson1686 2 ай бұрын

@@Barnsey87 melt

3 жыл бұрын

I really like the lights, contrast and color on the whole scene in your video. It's like super neutral, fresh and faithful. It reflects the nature of what you want to portray as a reviewer. Keep it up!

@BladeSaliva 3 жыл бұрын

"price is no object" First headphone: shp 9600 Because it's good for its price

@swedgin7097 3 жыл бұрын

Yeah, exactly. And second one, Fidelio, was tier F because "it's not worth the money". Joshua could've been a little more clearer on how these headphones are actually ranked. Still an interesting video though. However I think price-performance ratio is such an subjective thing that it would be best to make tier list purely based on performance and then let each individual form their own opinion on what they consider good value. Also props for putting your list in description.

@carazy123_ 3 жыл бұрын

Well, he did say “not as the defining feature” and “open to any reason,” “if I like the price,” etc. So, he addressed that.

@leonardodolc666 3 жыл бұрын

i noticed that lol

@BladeSaliva 3 жыл бұрын

The reason why this is a big deal because I wanted to see how reviewers think of cheaper headphones and how the sound quality compares to the more expensive one without the price factor.

@carazy123_ 3 жыл бұрын

@@BladeSaliva well, overall, most things would remain the same. The only changes would be cheap items moving down a tier (like C/D to D/E) and maybe one or two of the pricey A-tiers moving to S.

@aemicek544 3 жыл бұрын

Love this style of video! I personally don’t think your setting needs much of a change, your clean channel aesthetic is a breath of fresh air tbh (I love seeing your bike in frame though, haha)

@michaelu8474 3 жыл бұрын

Hey Josh. I really appreciate you putting this list out as people are getting their wallets ready for the upcoming Black Friday sales. Thanks for making a list to help us to make better purchase decisions.

@MrBeastknows 3 жыл бұрын

I like the setup. The simplicity is definitely appealing, and the 2 sound panels up above would look great. And remember, you never have to commit. You can always change things whether by little or a lot, whenever you want to.

@camerongreen9328 3 жыл бұрын

Love the list!!! Would be cool if you did a closed, semi closed and open tier list!

@JBoulter11 3 жыл бұрын

I almost feel like you needed more tiers here. Something between A and S (or an S+ tier) to help give some more separation in the top side of the list. (like phi vs v2 vs 1266)

@sonydschx200 3 жыл бұрын

Thank you for putting the list in the description

@rayndooma5624 3 жыл бұрын

So grateful you put this tier list out! Great way to get condensed reviews about most of these amazing headphones, although I also enjoy watching every individual review of each one. I've been eyeing out the DT1990 Pro for a long time, and seeing you put it in B-tier has helped solidify my future 1st audiophile purchase. Now I just need to learn more about building a budget sound system to power it.

@Thee_Jadex 2 жыл бұрын

Oh how did they turn out for you? Was heavily considering getting one it really seems to fall really close to what i want out of a headphone while also being one of the more affordable ones on the list

@rayndooma5624 2 жыл бұрын

@@Thee_Jadex Hey man, I haven't been able to purchase the headphones, along with a whole sound system to go with it, due to covid and world issues making living expenses worse for me (and for everyone). Still want to get them one day tho. Hope you can get a pair for yourself.

@Thee_Jadex 2 жыл бұрын

@@rayndooma5624 Oh that sucks ): and ya i actually placed the order for the headphones a little bit ago, now im in the midst of trying to find a adquate ampifier for it :P

@rayndooma5624 2 жыл бұрын

@@Thee_Jadex Enjoy it my friend!

@fastshark-wq5cw 11 ай бұрын

@@rayndooma5624 Review time?

@kkoeff 3 жыл бұрын

Thanks for that honest review. I think both Meze's 99 classics and Empyrean are worth mentioning!

@filmjkk 3 жыл бұрын

I think lighting wise you made it super clean and minimal so having some textures on the wall would add a little bit of depth while still feeling minimalistic (especially if you stick to white/gray/black sound panels that could be 3D)

@lolgza 3 жыл бұрын

Nice list, although I think it would be cool if you split open back and closed back into different reviews and have tiers based on that category.

@apotheosis6614 3 жыл бұрын

gotta appreciate the work he puts into getting all the info you need in the description

@markrussellsmith 3 жыл бұрын

Thanks - another great video. From your earlier videos I thought you preferred the LCD-X over the Clear, so I was surprised to see them ranked the other way around.

@thegrumptastic 3 жыл бұрын

Thanks for this video, i appreciate your insight and rankings, as a newbie scrub with not a ton of money its really helpful to have links and comparisons

@bobertp2835 3 жыл бұрын

You've done an incredible job setting up your studio for your videos in the past, so however you choose to set it up is going to be perfect

@ANSWERTHECALLOFJESUSCHRIST 3 жыл бұрын

The thing about the Porta Pros is that they sound big for their driver size and low price, and most important, are FUN! Yeah, they're obviously not detail monsters and the bass, while decently tight, sounds kinda muddy with the lower mids and lacks in the lowest region, but everything sounds distinctive. The imaging is good, and overall, they just hit hard. Music sounds like a party through them. I gifted mine to my niece and have been wanting to buy them again even though I have A tier headphones. You can just put them on and not worry about audiophilia nervosa. The Koss marketing copy says, "Whether you’re listening at home or on the go, the Koss Porta Pro delivers all the excitement of a live performance." and that's precisely what I thought of them even before reading that.

@HD-su9sq 3 жыл бұрын

Good video, and I really appreciate your expertise. If you are going to do this again, I’d suggest the tiers being more strictly performance, and then separate each tier horizontally by the value assessment. Thanks.

@jaws_fm 3 жыл бұрын

I think your background looks good. I like the minimalism of it and it allows me to focus on you and what you have to say.

@houssamalucad753 3 жыл бұрын

I prefer when he had the bike back there, it added some color

@jaws_fm 3 жыл бұрын

@@houssamalucad753 true true he could color his treatment maybe

@azzaisme 3 жыл бұрын

Or does it Because you came down here to mention it /jks

@DBSTH0R 3 жыл бұрын

Agreed. Sound panels would be C/P what DMS uses, IMHO it is better to stand out and do something unique. However, I do recognize the need for a change over time... Improve on the simplicity I'd say. :)

@tomchristensen9588 3 жыл бұрын

I think it needs a pop of colour, could use LED light bars like Dave2D, would keep the image clean but add flexibility for lighting and would allow you to keep the set fresh.

@Krmpfpks 3 жыл бұрын

Thanks. Nice to see my personal favorite and daily driver in S tier (the focal clear). I like it so much more than the Arya - which I bought over the focal clear because of your reviews and returned.

@davidmason8212 3 жыл бұрын

What makes you prefer the clear ? Is the Seperation in the clear as good as the arya ?

@Krmpfpks 3 жыл бұрын

@@davidmason8212 the arya fakes its soundstage by huge dips and peaks in the highs and mid-highs. That makes it seem like it’s a detailed headphone, but everything just sounds unnatural. I was super disappointed at how bad the Arya is. Also the arya has way too little bass for me, but that can be fixed with an EQ. Generally I would call the Arya a scam. The focal clear has excellent detail and bass and separation. It even has soundstage for bass. Except for sometimes a little bleeding from bass to mids in bass heavy tracks at high volume it is near flawless in terms of sound. I don’t like the cable and for my big ears the pads could be a bit thicker, but I really like it. And it’s a beauty.

@Cesare.Maffioletti 3 жыл бұрын

So funny ahah! I’ve owned the Clear and i actually prefer the Arya so far, more soundstage, more trasparency... Personal preference! Overall however i don’t understand why Josh put the Arya in the A when he always claimed them “the best so far”. So confusing

@ShortHandedNow 3 жыл бұрын

This should definitely be an annual thing! Would love to see more Audio Technica products in future reviews as well seeing as the AD 700X, 900X, and 1000X are incredible gaming cans (Superb imaging and soundstage!)

@davidmason8212 3 жыл бұрын

And r70x

@kenblock00 3 жыл бұрын

great vid! just one question, why didnt u put any of the sennheiser 600 series on the list?

@abccbc11 3 жыл бұрын

An interesting approach that I like. Comparisons are the most valuable type of review. I personally liked the Raal SR1A better than any of the others on this list, with Focal and Audeze being disappointing for me personally. I actually prefer the HD800 to them. The HD800 was bright, but I enjoyed them more than the Focal and Audeze. A hole in my experience is that I need to own an Abyss and live with it, but have not yet done so. I returned my LCD4, which had audible dips in the treble response.

@mo_venegas 3 жыл бұрын

Woulda liked to see the DT770 pros on here, considering the price to performance on them, but overall great vid. As for the setup, I actually really like it, I just think it needs more color, which I do think you can fix with lighting. I think Alpha Gaming is a great reference since his setup greatly relies on color, so using some concepts from his setup such as flood lights or RGB strips would be very beneficial in just making the setup more appealing to the eye

@EacyyC 2 жыл бұрын

HD660s arent here either x(

@CellarDoorCS 2 жыл бұрын

Honestly - no point really. Abyss Diana V2 are in the "A" tier on this list - its a terrible set that I would not even put in a "C" tier. That is how weird they sound, there are other questionable placings on this list, which I have owned. So take this whole list with a grain of salt and then throw it away.

@beornthebear.8220 2 жыл бұрын

A while back, I was thinking of buying the DT770 Pros, but many of the opinions I read on line had complaints about the left side going out. I ended up getting the DT880 Pros, which sound quite good. The left ear went out once a while after using them, but I sent them to have them fixed, and they came back in less then a week with new pads and no charge. I haven't had an issue with them since, and they are a few years old.

@florianberlin6319 2 жыл бұрын

@@perma4671 semi-open back

@djcetra 2 жыл бұрын

lol imagine dt 1990's being in b tier

@Poached_Toast 3 жыл бұрын

Glad to see DMS has gotten to the point with his channel where he can now influence other youtubers to try new stuff, mad love for the both of you guys and I'm glad to see the channels grow.

@joelsantos662 3 жыл бұрын

Joshua has a really cool, casual and informative approach though, I've watched 2 of DMS videos and I've seen some of his comments and it just screams asshat to me. Can't take him seriously haha

@Richbroth Жыл бұрын

@@joelsantos662 agreed dms sucks.

@rdoogie71 3 жыл бұрын

This was a fun video to watch. Your quick and dirty stacking of these cans was well executed. Curious, why wasn't Meze stacked ranked? Also, regarding the background, it looks good. I like the clean look and believe it will look even better the acoustic panels on the wall. You can also play with lighting and add colors. I look forward to see how the set progresses. Cheers.

@carazy123_ 3 жыл бұрын

Came here looking for validation on my Sundara purchase a couple months back (and was not disappointed!). Really good and concise presentation for people trying to get an overview of where everything stands among the many headphones you’ve reviewed. Thanks!

@TheUltraRock 3 жыл бұрын

Joshua at the beginning of the video: ''I will not consider the price per performance''. Also Joshua at 1:32: ''Yea it's not good for the money''.

@JoshuaValour 3 жыл бұрын

Lol i said price not -necessarily- the defining feature.

@Tential1 3 жыл бұрын

@@JoshuaValour 0:45 Got you covered

@shridhan6688 3 жыл бұрын

Delete price from the video, then reupload

@davidl2662 3 жыл бұрын

@@JoshuaValour I believe most are rated poorly by you to be brutally honest . Totally unfair to the manufacturers, and potential buyers. No standardized testing. Utopia is B tier with the 560s... which the 560s are basically headphones that are designed for children and teens.

@BladeSaliva 3 жыл бұрын

@@JoshuaValour just delete the price is no object part because clearly price is an object here

@yirmeyahugutz6217 3 жыл бұрын

Great and insightful video. Any chance we can get a video of your top DAC + Amp picks to pair with each headphone in the S and A ranks?

@jumiduss 3 жыл бұрын

I'm happy you released this. The other headphone lists out there don't have enough hi fi phones or if they do there's not a lot of cans to compare. Great vids as always Josh

@ericwilestech 3 жыл бұрын

Man, you need to dig into the bag of discontinued headphones like the HD700 or the Focal Elegia. Old gems that still stack up aginst the new ones we have today.

@Tealc2323 3 жыл бұрын

Amazing content! How would you rate Audeze EL-8 Open? Have you tried the reveal+ EQ? Thanks

@pratamamp 3 жыл бұрын

The simplicity of the look of your videos is definitely one of the reason i like your content josh, soo I'm voting for simplicity!

@michaelgee568 3 жыл бұрын

The background is actually quite nice. I think what you could do is mount the panels as like a "base" setup, then add in stuff on videos you feel more passionately about (e.g. the massive amp on a speaker stand)

@aznablerey398 3 жыл бұрын

I literally JUST got the SHP9500, and have to say they sound rather natural. Soundstage is pretty good, too.

@andresgarciaperez3804 3 жыл бұрын

And hifiman ananda? Whats their category?

@kmwong1786 3 жыл бұрын

Making a tier list is a great way to see your preference and it becomes a quick list for people with same preference. It's your personal tier list so other one's list may be different.

@octagon_1211 3 жыл бұрын

Nice video! I think the panels in the back are great. For me it's not too boring, it's great. You could just put a small plant on the table if you think it is too boring, that would be nice tho

@gijoemolinaro 3 жыл бұрын

Great in depth review but when the brand isn't always mentioned and just model numbers it's of no use to people who are not as knowledgeable...just saying

@erikerikerikerikerik 3 жыл бұрын

check the description

@2slowpoke929 3 жыл бұрын

@@erikerikerikerikerik I still think he has a fair point. I'm not an audiophile like most but I would like to get a good pair of headies. Think the vid would have improved if he just went by brand if he wanted to save time not going "x headphone from Y brand belongs to this tier"

@erikerikerikerikerik 3 жыл бұрын

@@2slowpoke929 yeah totally the vid would be better if he said the brand, i’m just saying the info is still there

@borbetomagus 3 жыл бұрын

Could you do a tier list for DAC/Amp combos? Or recommend the best DAC/Amp combo between $100-$150? Thanks for listing all of the ranked headphones in your video notes -- with additional URLs. Very helpful.

@razetw 3 жыл бұрын

Too complex to make a simple list. Mqa vs non mqa 1 input, 2, 3? Non balanced ins outs? Balanced ins outs? Portable size vs desktop? Potentiometer build and feel ?? Click buttons vs screen and remote? Clear plexiglass vs plastic vs metal chassis? And that's just the tip. Zeos did a video and had 9 "stacks" and said they're All good just pick one and you'll be fine. Kinda agree unless you have A tier and S Tier money to spend. In which case your A tier and S tier money can buy you 9 stacks to try and keep the one you use the most.

@EmotionalSupportGobies 3 жыл бұрын

The clean aesthetic you typically have for your background and b-roll is part of your brand, at this point. So a minimal background with just some panels fits that.

@doomkid360 3 жыл бұрын

I think the simple look in the background is cool, but I feel like in other videos I really enjoyed seeing you around things, especially some of your older ones, it's like snatching a little bit of your personality with your backgrounds into your videos. Either way, the videos are still gonna be awesome and very clean aesthetic wise. :3c

@robm321 3 жыл бұрын

I prefer the minimalist background myself. Keep up the good work!

@teok8855 3 жыл бұрын

I've watched your videos and given your top recommendations in the description this tier list makes no sense at all. So you recommend people buy the DT 1990 Pro and yet you rank it lower than the Sundara and on the same rank with HD 560S? Were you taking into consideration the money after all? :/

@MrSnoops3d 3 жыл бұрын

love your videos man thanks! I picked up a sundara thanks to your recommendation pair with the ifi zen dac.. really enjoy them! I would say your current studio set up is tooo minimalist... it feels like your in an empty room... waiting for your furniture to arrive...

@DPD92 3 жыл бұрын

Love the space as is (maybe hang the panels as you said), love the clean look.

@vancybergoth 3 жыл бұрын

I hope there will be a deal for the LCD X or the Clear on Black Friday 😃 and yes i like a minimal studio set up.

@ollysombrero8427 3 жыл бұрын

I saw the thumbnail and thought you were Lew in his old studio set up.

@CC-dy2td 3 жыл бұрын

I think ima pick up a Sundara now lol, also I LOVE the super minimalist and clean background

@iainmartin9724 3 жыл бұрын

Just ordered my 2020 Sundara following a few of your reviews. Thanks for the great channel man!

@abhishekkeraliya8623 3 жыл бұрын

Any chance of reviewing Beyer dynamic T1 and T5 3rd gen ?

@mandipdas 3 жыл бұрын

I really wanted to see Sennheiser HD 660S, Beyerdynamic DT 770 Pro and Amiron Home in that list!

@phyternl 3 жыл бұрын

DT-1990s are on there. If you know where those stack up then you basically know where the DT-770s stack up.

@cottage_pie 3 жыл бұрын

my uncle beats me

@purpleey 3 жыл бұрын

@@phyternl where

@Tripokaridos22 3 жыл бұрын

660s amazing

@jomme918 3 жыл бұрын

@@cottage_pie it stops when you overgrow him, make him regreat

@natevirtual 3 жыл бұрын

Great video! Would you consider doing another one in the future, including perhaps twice as many headphones?

@FlorentDorinMusic 3 жыл бұрын

Hi! You guys might help me here. I bought the Sundarars and a Ifi Zen dac. I wanted to plug my headphones to the balanced output so I bought an extra 3.5mm female to 4.4mm male jack adaptater. The problem is that it got worse, so much worse... there was a buzz sound and the music got all messed up. Si I send back my adaptater thinking it had an issue... So my question is : is the Sundara stock cable balanced ? Do I just have to get a working 3.5mm to 4.4mm adaptater to use the Ifi zen dac balanced output? Thanks. Hope someone find this message

@bobymedia 3 жыл бұрын

I'd really like to hear your thoughts on HEDDphone

@ZwnUl 3 жыл бұрын

Thanks for this ranking. I really love the Audio-Technica ATH-ADX-5000, I would rate them between HE-1 and HD-800. It would be nice to see your opinion, if you find time you should test them.

@terryRBNF 3 жыл бұрын

the 5000 is amazing

@m.b.6129 3 жыл бұрын

Adx 5000 is so underrated. I own these cans too, total neutrality without harshness... Very good base response , airy, and a bigger driver than the hd800. 58 mm. But sadly no one talks about this masterpiece....

@terryRBNF 3 жыл бұрын

@@m.b.6129 I think it's because it's from Audio Technica which has strong consumer and prosumer roots but it's audiophile appeal is stronger in Japan. I'm honestly gobsmacked at their wood series offerings and of course the adx-5000 which easily equals the best headphones out there and I've heard the Abyss and Utopia.

@NeoKronos44 3 жыл бұрын

Simple frame and background are awesome. You and Dave 2D rock the look. Just have something that's very "Josh" in the corner like a stamp ;)

@kato2395 Жыл бұрын

Quite surprised after all these years you're still putting the MDR-Z1R at such high regard, I am really interested in the MDR-Z1R too

@eeeman 3 жыл бұрын

Hi Joshua, where would you put the Focal Stellias and the ZMF Verite closed?

@dan-qe1tb 3 жыл бұрын

He had missed the both of them. But had included boutique headphones that I've never heard of like Diana Phi and Sandy Aiva.

@kokocolllie Жыл бұрын

I'm so happy the Sundaras managed to hit A tier. Looking at the other headphones up there and their costs, it's really impressive what Hifiman manages to provide for like $350.

@mossie125 Жыл бұрын

What is a good AMP to pair with the Sundaras?

@BIGFLO972 3 жыл бұрын

Hi josh, great video as usual. I was wondering if you'd be interested in making a closed back headphone tier list. Cheers.

@WorldView22 3 жыл бұрын

Hi Joshua, great channel! Amazing presentation style and content! *Question* : Have you verified the performance of HD820 (closed ones) with Dekoni (or equiv.) pads in terms of low and mids? I'd expect that the closed ones would do better in these areas of freq resp compared to the open ones. Strangely, you've placed the 800s pretty high tier-wise and dropped the closed version to the botttom. Are the 800s so much better than the original 800? From memory, the original open ones (HD800) were plain poor in terms of mids... Thanks

@jackjack3874 3 жыл бұрын

Great video man.. For someone who thinks Tier lists are stupid, you did an excellent job. Maybe do a tier list for headphones under 300 dollars

@deluxesofa 3 жыл бұрын

You should have included Drop aeon x my man and if u did what tier would u put it in

@jakelarntz 3 жыл бұрын

Would love to see Budget Tier listing. Like Samson SR850, Status CB-1, even the SHP-9500.

@WildReefer 3 жыл бұрын

Nice video. I'd add the most common headphone that people are the most likely to be familiar with. I mean, you have a few there, but for many people the less familiar ones may be a bit alienating in the lower tiers. Basically I'd throw in a few common AKG and AudioTechnica models that people would be very likely to know pretty well, and then you will have a better established baseline. Including the PortaPro's for example was a good move. Who isn't familiar with those? They are common as dirt, and honestly I enjoy mine while walking the dog with my Fiio BTR3K DAC, being light and airy and open and detailed, but totally accept where they rank here relatively to the much higher end stuff. They make for a good baseline though. As for the set, I'd just have a light behind you pointing at the ceiling and wall behind you and be done with it.

@ChiLL_iLL 3 жыл бұрын

Hey Josh, great review. For the Focal Clears, do you use the unbalanced cables they came with and an adapter for balanced, or just the regular SE?

@randykirstuk8978 3 жыл бұрын

where would you place the Meze Classic 99's ?

@Nimargb 3 жыл бұрын

Setup looks good mate!

@30void33 3 жыл бұрын

Love the vid, very helpful, Great to see my sundaras at the top. I actually bought them based on your recommendation.

@DBSTH0R 3 жыл бұрын

This video just verified my purchse of the Clear over LCD-X or Arya. Thank you. :) IMHO sound panels are "overdone". I'd say keep the minimalism and continue improving on it.

@jacksonville4932 3 жыл бұрын

Do you regret it?

@DBSTH0R 3 жыл бұрын

@@jacksonville4932 No. Enjoying it, even dialed in ASR EQ which felt like putting a cherry on top. :)

@kelvinadimas8851 2 жыл бұрын

@@DBSTH0R so its the best audiophile in your opinion?

@DBSTH0R 2 жыл бұрын

@@kelvinadimas8851 At the time of my purchase, there wes no LCD-X or XC with revision of their FR. If I was buying today this is the one I'd get. As far as best goes... Haven't tried nearly as many headphones as Josh here. So can't answer that question. :)

@oscargiovannipatinohernand1221 3 жыл бұрын

DT1990 tier B!!! Happy with my purchase 1 year ago and my decision was made thanks to your review ;)

@tebo2770 3 жыл бұрын

I bought mine for the same reason.

@i1pro 3 жыл бұрын

I love mine too... In a tier list for closed headphones it would definitely be A or even S...

@gypsygib 3 жыл бұрын

Pad swap should put them at A Tier.

@levelcheap2435 3 жыл бұрын

@@i1pro but they're open, not closed?

@IcarusLIVE 3 жыл бұрын

Do an amp tier list next! Also to your question at the end, I really like the simplicity but I think having something thrown in to mix things up (like a light in the background for some bokeh effect) check out Optimum Tech's videos for how he introduces a bit of that into an otherwise very minimal space to make things just a bit more unique. I really love the channel too man, great info! I would say more info on how these headphones make you feel / your personal taste in music and approach would help make things more definitive to me personally when listening to your reviews though. (IE: "I like electronic music or R&B, these headphones are better for that R&B while these other headphones are better for electronic due to X" just a thought)

@jersonoficial305 3 жыл бұрын

Hello, your channel seems super good to me, I want to ask you what do you recommend to buy for mixing and music studio master? the t1 2 generation or the DT 1990 pro? which are better? thanks for your channel 👊🏼👊🏼🙏🏻🙏🏻🙌🏻🙌🏻🤟🏻

@Coonstev 3 жыл бұрын

How would you rank the Focal Elegia?

@cussyrichards6121 3 жыл бұрын

What tier is the 6XX? That's most people's reference, so would be useful to know where you rank it.

@JoshuaValour 3 жыл бұрын

B all day.

@Aaditya1ad 3 жыл бұрын

@@JoshuaValour why would you leave out one of the most popular and praised headphone? Just curious.

@gamingfish6773 3 жыл бұрын

@@JoshuaValour hd58x b aswell?

@jacksonpitts6198 3 жыл бұрын

@@gamingfish6773 probably A. Based off his video with dms he thinks the 58x is better value then the 6xx and you don’t gain a lot for the money with the 6xx. At least that is what he has said

@gamingfish6773 3 жыл бұрын

@@jacksonpitts6198 but this tierlist not about value, only performance

@franckthetanck9905 3 жыл бұрын

Using the PC38X, I find them a little bit bright for music listening,, but I love the clarity and sound stage for gaming. I am wondering if a dac/amp would help warm-up the sound. I am plugged directly in the mother board. But then, there are many choices for DAC/Amps, choosing one without trying it, is kind of an expensive hit or miss thing. Was looking at the Mayflower ARC2 and schiit Hel, but recently found the Motu M2 audio interface that looks pretty slick. It would be super nice to have dac/amp comparaison with the PC38X, finding the best one for gaming. MIC needs gain! directly in the mother board, it is weak, like really weak.

@wholetthedogsout3727 Жыл бұрын

I got myself a focal clear after watching your review. And you are so right about it! Thank you, thank you, thank you!

@Grekey. 3 жыл бұрын

Hehe ya had to do one all by yourself xD I'm actually glad you did, but Josh for once I'm so early on a vid, i would love to ask if you could always answer two small questions for each review... Can it game and can it locate the footsteps accuratly?

@OrdinaryJo3 3 жыл бұрын

I just got the Focal Clears and hooolllyyy crap! I’m hearing things in some of my favorite songs that I’ve never heard before! My wife said they are creepy hahaha.

@franciscowilhelm1083 3 жыл бұрын

first days with these headphones I almost constantly hummed along in joy. Truly great headphones

@jacksonville4932 3 жыл бұрын

How are they still? From both of you

@jacksonville4932 3 жыл бұрын

@@franciscowilhelm1083 .

@OrdinaryJo3 3 жыл бұрын

@@jacksonville4932 love em. I’m constantly blown away by these things!

@franciscowilhelm1083 3 жыл бұрын

@@jacksonville4932 Still greatly enjoy them, makes the music sound really alive! I had the chance to compare them recently to my friends Sennheiser HD 800s and I would not trade my Focals for them. Otherwise due to Covid I don't have any other headphone in the same league to compare it with. I think the Focal hits the sweet spot in terms of being not too analytical but still neutral sounding.

@jpr96 3 жыл бұрын

Great video Josh! Where do the 58x (stock) fit into this tier list?

@moiznahmad 2 ай бұрын

Have had my Sundaras for years and they're still some of my fav cans I own. Really excellent headphones and the build quality has held up amazingly well over countless hours of usage.

@TheChriscrowder 3 жыл бұрын

What do you think of the Ananda? My thoughts are A tier as well, but every HiFiman is there already.

@davidmason8212 3 жыл бұрын

He said once ananda is all grown up sundara. So yes A tier for sure

@Coda-Ch. 2 жыл бұрын

I prefer my X3s over the X2s. Yes, they aren't worth over the X2 if you're buying at MSRP, but at less than $200 they're a steal. I also think X3s benefit from an AMP. I guess those headphones (goes for both X2 and X3 tbh) are my quilty pleasure in a way that I prefer them over most headphones with price tags multiple times over. Philips did something really right for me and my ears.

@skyhero1888 Жыл бұрын

Same here x3 over x2 hr I love my x3 with hiby fc4 dac/amp

@swkz17 3 жыл бұрын

Thanks for the review Joshua, have you tried or what do you think about the Grado Labs SR324e? I don't see many people review their models (or this model in particular) and interested to know your thought.

@Anthony-wu3vc 3 жыл бұрын

What would you recommend as a good closed back 'clear & analytical' set for under $400? Thanks mate!

@enyx9638 3 жыл бұрын

Does the Focal Clear really belong in S tier? I seem to remember you preferred the Arya and LCDX over the Clear at the end of your review of the Clear? Correct me if I'm wrong.

@DrPmach 3 жыл бұрын

Yeah, it has a pretty crap soundstage lol. I've owned them.

@rafael6693 3 жыл бұрын

@@DrPmach i bought them two days ago. you are kind of right in the soundstage department it is like a wall of sound coming to you at the same time. however the cons stops right there and everything else is very good for what it does. also imo the clears are too warm for my liking. of course the details are all there and you can listen to anything and it will sound good. not going to lie i would also want to get the aryas to complement this ones

@DrPmach 3 жыл бұрын

@@rafael6693 totally! I then went to the Aryas and although they are great, they aren’t as fast as the clear. Ultimately, I’ve found my end game in the Sony MDR-Z1R. Nothing comes close for me in terms of music enjoyment. Crazy big soundstage as a closed headphone.

@rafael6693 3 жыл бұрын

@@DrPmach what do you think were the biggest differences you saw as soon as you bought the aryas from the clear?

@DrPmach 3 жыл бұрын

@@rafael6693 Arya has better instrument separation, much wider soundstage, and better bass and mid base. Clear is faster as it’s a dynamic. Overall, I enjoyed the Arya much more than the clear. That being said, they’re both really good.

@aceofspades6667 3 жыл бұрын

ooooh shizzle our boy valour is on the tier train! Just got the focal clears off headfi for $500 and in pretty decent shape. Buy of the year for me!

@davidmason8212 3 жыл бұрын

Luky you

@Firenmage433 3 жыл бұрын

Really want to try the clear vs my incoming auteur. The used prices are right for me

@razetw 3 жыл бұрын

Congratulations! Nice buy!

@Princeton_James 3 жыл бұрын

Excellent review. Have you done one of these tier reviews for gaming headphones. Would something like Razers even make it on this list?

@andrewgeorge2303 6 ай бұрын

curious too

@521tifosi 3 жыл бұрын

Super cool video. I’m surprised the 6xx didn’t make it on the list as the 560s seem to have bumped them off. I think a dash of color in the background would be more appealing.

@dr.angerous 2 жыл бұрын

It's cheap crap not worthy half of the value. Nothing interesting

@chrisodillman3355 3 жыл бұрын

I bought the lcd x after seeing a bunch of reviews, exactly all of them.. i listened to them for a few days and was convinced that they are good.. but then something interesting happened.. i really listened to them with my eyes closed.. that was the moment i realized how good they really are .. and that there is a difference between listening to music and really listening to music :-)

@braisedtoast9002 2 жыл бұрын

Fellow lcd-x owner here. Lovely headphones.

@hugevibez 3 жыл бұрын

Woah DMS, looks like the gym has been working out for you.

@DONNYLAI95 3 жыл бұрын

LMAO

@tosvus 3 жыл бұрын

Would love to know how you feel about the fostex and how the different ones would fit in this tiered list, but great video!

@Tential1 3 жыл бұрын

Also since this is a pandemic and a lot of the more affordable home theater systems are out of stock for probably a eternity. It would be interesting to hear your thoughts on watching a movie with the s through b class tier, and how you like headphones compared to speakers. The speakers I want probably won't be in stock until mid 2021

@kwicksandz 3 жыл бұрын

I would love to see a ranking like this strictly for gaming performance if your looking for video ideas 😂

@blessedred 3 жыл бұрын

I think his top pick would be HD 800s followed by DT1990. DT880 somewhere lower but that's about as far as I know.

@michaelreed649 3 жыл бұрын

I am surprised the HD58X or 6XX are not on the list. Since these are two mainstays in the community and would help define the baseline for Josh, having them on the list is important. Hey Josh, Remember your "know your reviewer" video? Having the most compared headphones on the list would have been helpful. Don't get me wrong, I am very happy the list was made. Thank you for doing the list

@ryanblack1251 3 жыл бұрын

Because they've been done recently in his tier list with DMS and also they've just been done to death. They used to be around ~A, A-. These days they're considered "B".

@Shayed07121997 3 жыл бұрын

@@ryanblack1251 these days? lol the tier list is a month old nothing has changed

@michaelreed649 3 жыл бұрын

@@ryanblack1251 I understand they have been "done to death." The reason to include them is for the establishment of a baseline. I suggest watching Joshua's "know your reviewer" video? That explains why he should have well-known headphones on the list. It helps establish his criteria and ranking.

@DrAg0n3250 3 жыл бұрын

@@Shayed07121997 The HD 600 series headphones, and a couple of the 500 series, are pretty much "Legendary" tier headphones. Even normal people on the street have probably know that they make headphones that are good. I've noticed that a lot of these videos are causing an almost artificial price inflation in the community imo. Some of my gear in the $250-300 range was $50-100 cheaper last year.

@pliedtka 3 жыл бұрын

Exactly, Josh what happened?

@giampaololena9014 3 жыл бұрын

Good morning Joshua, congratulations on your always numerous and interesting reviews. I am writing to you from Italy, I bought the philips SHP9600 headphones to connect them to the smartphone and listen to the dac with Tidal that I use when I go walking or running. I was a bit disappointed in the tone, personally I find the bass very good, the mids slightly backward, the highs I don't hear, they are far behind compared to the whole range. At home I have compared them with the HiFiman Jade 2 and its amplifier and with the sennheiser amperior which cost much less but I find them more balanced tonally. Best regards.