Buying Guide - Major HiFi

Level Up Your Sound: The Ultimate Guide to the Best Gaming IEMs of 2024

Alex Schiffer — Wed, 31 Jul 2024 15:02:19 +0000

Video games have tons of visual splendor but without good audio, they wouldn’t be half as immersive. That’s why having good headphones, speakers, or IEMs greatly enhances your gaming experience. So many different sound elements, like effects, dialogue, and music, help envelop you in the game world. If you tend to prefer IEMs for gaming or are looking to explore your options outside of traditional gaming headphones, this list will hopefully help make your buying decision easier.

Best Budget Gaming IEMs

Blon X Z Jojo

Some of the best budget IEMs can last you a long time, especially ones that are built like the Jojo. Not only does it get style points for its look, but the shell is made from a zinc alloy die casting, and a front plate made of real 18k gold. Even selections that are much more pricey don’t have this kind of design. It’s not all about the looks though, and thankfully the Jojo also brings everything you need for the price. The Jojo will do your gams justice with good imaging, width, and explosive bass.

Final Audio VR2000

Final Audio is no stranger to supplying quality budget IEMs, which makes the VR2000 a great choice. While the E series IEMs might also give your games what they need to sound authentic and immersive, the VR2000 is specifically made for gaming. If you find some gaming IEMs too weighty, then the VR2000 should be a great alternative. It’s light and easy to wear for many hours, matching up to your ear like a puzzle piece. In terms of sound, the VR2000 has a neutral timbre that will make dialogue very clear, but what gives it flavor is its highs that give height to many different gaming environments.

Moondrop Aira 2

The last time I made a list of top gaming IEMs, the first Aria was included. So, it only makes sense to include its latest version in this list. It makes some notable improvements to its build, including a great new stock cable. The sound should allow for balanced effects and music that feel separated and easy to point to sonically. Should also get some good detail in the midrange for the price, highlighting steps and other specific sounds well.

Shure Aonic 215

One of the best budget reference IEMs also makes for one of the best budget gaming IEMs too. They’re common in the music world and used for production and on-stage performance. This is suitable for a good gaming IEM as well, with its reliable accuracy and spatial positioning. The SE215 offers great width and depth for the price, with a full spectrum of frequency content that will add realism to your game audio.

Moondrop Kato

If you like Moondrop, and you have a bit more money to spend than what the Aria 2 goes for, the Kato is the next step up. Everything about the Kato is elevated compared to the Aria. The soundstage has a holographic appearance, which is very helpful for immersion, and its frequency response is rich and tight for textured instruments and effects. With the Kato, there’s almost no disadvantage, making it one of the best options for gaming for less than two hundred dollars.

Meze Alba

One of the most recently released IEMs makes a great budget gaming option. Meze is known for its high-end, audiophile items, and the Alba brings those sensibilities to a more affordable product. The Alba is uniquely elegant for the price, with its anodized aluminum shell and quality 2-pin stock cable. Its sound signature reflects the Alba’s outer design with exceptional spatial accuracy and detailed response across each range of frequency. Its crisp, precise details will help envelop you in your game with ease, and it also includes its own USB-C DAC dongle.

Sennheiser IE 200

Another reference monitor from a reliable name. The Sennheiser IE 200 makes for a perfect inexpensive game audio companion. Its design is smaller than most, so if you’re displeased with bigger IEM shells the IE 200 might be the best fit for you. Either way, you won’t be disappointed by the IE 200’s accurate, warm, and intimate sound. It’s like the SE215 but more lively and detailed.

Best Mid-Fi Gaming IEMs

TRN BAX

You might not have heard of the brand, but the TRN BAX should be on your radar. The BAX has a powerful sound that immediately jumps out at you. Its bass will be the first thing you take notice of, and it’s quite enticing, but it’s also very spacious and balanced. Each range of frequency has a special quirk that adds flavor to your game audio, resulting in a very colorful presentation. This is one of the best affordable mid-fi gaming IEMs you can get before getting into the five-hundred-dollar range.

Campfire Audio Cascara

Campfire Audio is synonymous with high-end IEMs, and the Cascara is one of their best mid-budget options. It serves as a great gaming IEM, with its broad stereo field and deep, rumbly bass response. The rest of the sound signature is very dynamic, with warm mids and sparkly highs that amplify theatrical sound effects and music very well.

Moondrop Variations

It’s no surprise to see Moondrop show up multiple times on this list. The Variations are one of Moondrop’s best IEMs, featuring an impactful bass and wide stage for you to enjoy. Your game audio should sound very clear, showcasing a large scope and theatrical tonality.

Sennheiser IE 600

One of the best IEMs for less than a thousand dollars is the Sennheiser IE 600. Every reason that the IE 200 is a good option goes for the IE 600 as well, but with even more fidelity and versatility. Everything has a distinct shape, which will help immensely with sweeping musical scores and soundscapes.

Best HiFi Gaming IEMs

Shure SE846

Another incredible stage monitor that doubles as a great IEM for gaming. The Shure SE846 is as much a dependable tool as it is a casual listening item. This makes it suitable for detecting precise sound elements in your games, and it perfectly replicates their scale with its soundstage and imaging.

64 Audio Duo

Everything about the 64 Audio Duo feels high-end, and its open-grille design helps achieve that through its impeccable sound signature. Its depth is unparalleled compared to a lot of other IEMs, with a deep bass and immersive soundstage that any gamer can get behind.

Beyerdynamic Xelento Remote

This is the second generation of this model, and it’s one of the best IEMs for gaming. The Xelento supplies swift technicalities to your sound, supported by an open headspace that makes soundscapes feel so engaging. There’s a musicality to its performance that not a ton of other IEMs have, so scores and dialogue should feel completely transparent.

Campfire Audio Supermoon

There’s so much rich texture to the Supermoon, and it makes it an ideal way to experience your game audio. It’s one of the few planar IEMs on this list, which tend to serve games more than traditional dynamic drivers. Everything that comes through it is incredibly smooth, and it quickly became one of my new favorites from the brand after the Andromeda.

Sennheiser IE 900

It’s no surprise to see the flagship IEM from Sennheiser take the final spot here. The Sennheiser IE 900 is one of the best IEMs you can get, supplying fantastic detail and coloration to your game audio. Its sleek balance should do a great job putting all of your game’s complicated sound elements in their place and making them easy to consume all at once. This is thanks to great channel balance, dimensional imaging, and a fully transparent frequency response.

The post Level Up Your Sound: The Ultimate Guide to the Best Gaming IEMs of 2024 appeared first on Major HiFi.

Unbeatable Sound on a Budget: Top 5 Cheapest IEMs Of 2024

Alex Schiffer — Fri, 26 Jul 2024 20:33:46 +0000

This can be quite an expensive hobby sometimes, but it doesn’t always have to be. With the popularity of wired IEMs rising, prices have become a lot more affordable. These aren’t just cheap earbuds though, the IEMs I’ve selected here still put sound quality above all. They can even rival IEMs, which you can find to be much pricier. The rise of ChiFi IEMs has helped a lot, but there are many out there, and it can be hard to figure out where to start.

Final Audio E500

Some of the most inexpensive IEMs can be found in Final Audio’s library. The E500 is one of the newest IEMs to be featured on this list, and it will only set you back $24.99. They’re a simple set of earbuds that demonstrate exceptional value. Its sound is surprisingly tactile for its price, with a clear midrange and high-end detail. The earphones are small and easy to wear, with a lightweight and comfortable design.

Strauss & Wagner EM205

Another simple set of wired earbuds is the Strauss and Wagner EM205. While they’re not the fanciest-looking set of IEMs, the EM205 supplies you with clear, energetic bass and a wide soundstage that is hard to pass up. For only $39.95, the EM205 is one of the best traditional earbuds you can find on the market.

Moondrop LAN

Moondrop has a great selection of IEMs. Their standard for quality across a big selection like theirs is impressive, especially with their budget IEMs. The LAN is one of their cheapest sitting at $33.99. This is also one of the most inexpensive options to feature a detachable cable, which allows for potential upgrades to improve sound quality. This is also one of the best designs you can get for the price, with a MIM stainless steel shell that you usually get from more expensive IEMs.

Blon x Z Jojo

The Jojo is certainly one of the flashiest IEMs you can get for the price. Its zinc alloy housing, gold plates, and purple finish certainly get a ton of style points. This is also true for the cable design as well, feeling like one of the best stock cables for an IEM in this price range. In terms of sound quality, its best properties are its soundstage and its bass. It’s a wonderfully wide sound that features more depth than you expect, with a thumpy bass that is very impactful.

Final Audio E3000

This list is fittingly bookended by Final Audio IEMs. The E3000 also has a stainless steel design, which is always great to see on a set of budget IEMs. What the E3000 excels most in though is rich, clean sound across the frequency spectrum. If you’re looking for something wide, dynamic, and elegantly performed instruments on the cheap, the E3000 might just be the whole package.

The post Unbeatable Sound on a Budget: Top 5 Cheapest IEMs Of 2024 appeared first on Major HiFi.

Top Travel Headphones of 2024: Comfort and Quality on the Go

Alex Schiffer — Thu, 25 Jul 2024 20:16:12 +0000

I love nothing more than listening to music, podcasts, or audiobooks on public transportation while staring blankly out of a window. Tuning out the world for a bit to be immersed in audio is a great pleasure, and having the best pair of cans to do that with is vital. Whether you’re looking for great noise-canceling, comfort, or pure audio quality, there are tons of options out there. We’re going to recommend the best of the best, from the top wireless headphones to the best-wired headphones for on-the-go listening.

Bluetooth Headphones

Sony WH-1000XM5

It’s the most obvious pick for a reason. Most of that has to do with its superb noise-canceling, which is likely what you’ll favor most if you’re buying headphones for travel. The XM5 might not have the best sound quality compared to the other selections on this list, but the comfort and isolation are unlike anything else you’ll find on the market. It’s not like the XM5 has bad sound quality though, as the bass is very energetic and you can personalize the sound through in-app EQ.

Sennheiser Momentum 4

While the noise-canceling isn’t as strong as the XM5, the Momentum 4 still offers great isolation with better sound quality. Everything from the bass to the highs has better resolution while still providing impact to the sound. You also get a better stereo soundstage that separates the instruments more favorably. It also features the best battery life on the market for ANC headphones, with a maximum of 60 hours of playtime off a complete charge.

Bowers & Wilkens PX7 S2e

The PX7 S2e is one of the best-looking wireless headphones on the market, but it’s not all about style. Thankfully, the PX7 S2e is more than just its looks; its sound and comfort are great, too. It has a compact design that makes them easy to carry around and rest on your shoulders when you’re not using them. You also get good separation and a fun sound signature that combines texture and detail. The noise-canceling also gets the job done, combined with natural isolation from the ear pads. These headphones also have the best color variations, from ocean blue to forest grey.

Focal Bathys

Now we are starting to get into the audiophile territory. Focal is known for its high-end headphones and speakers, and its Bluetooth option is one of the best. The Bathys is not only one of the best sounding wireless headphones, it’s just a great sounding headphone regardless of its Bluetooth capabilities. It also has a sleek design that is comfortable to wear for many hours. The cups are very breathable and have naturally isolated properties on top of good ANC. Sound quality is what you’re buying these headphones for through, and it is nothing short of amazing. This is the closest thing to having audiophile-grade headphones that are wireless.

DALI 10-12

If you’re really looking to go all out, I highly recommend the Dali IO-12. It’s one of the priciest selections on this list, but it offers you so much. The sound is nothing short of spectacular, containing little difference from some of the best closed-back wired headphones out there. They’re bigger than most headphones on this list too, but that’s mostly do to the large ear pads, which are super comfortable. It’s one of the few Bluetooth headphones out there that truly makes you feel like you’re listening to a luxury product.

Wired Headphones

Sivga SV021

If you’re looking for a closed-back headphone that is inexpensive, has good sound quality, and is comfortable, then the Sivga SV021 might be the whole package. For on-the-go listening, the SV021 offers these big ear pads that rest on your head comfortably while forming a tight seal on your ears. It also has a very clean sound that has a kick to its bass. The aesthetic of the SV021 is also on-point, especially te rosewood variation.

Audio-Technica ATH-M50x

You can never go wrong with a classic like the M50x. These headphones are bound to show up on many lists out there regarding headphones, so it’s safe to say that they make great travel companions as well. With the M50x, you’ll be able to enjoy studio-quality sound anywhere, with a classic build that always comes out with some assortment of color variations. Most of its parts are replaceable too, like the ear pads which tend to wear over time.

Beyerdynamic DT 770 Pro X

Another studio legend that I have no problem traveling with is the Beyerdynamic DT 770. I choose the recent edition of the 770 mainly because of the quality of life differences, like the replaceable cable and more comfortable ear pads for the easier-to-drive version. These headphones can withstand more than the M50x can, and although they are slightly bigger, the sound is exactly what you need.

Meze 99 Classics

Like the SV021, the 99 Classics is another simple plug-and-play headphone. It’s also another stylish wooden design with a compact look and comfortable ear pads. What elevates the 99 Classics is Meze’s sound signature, which enhanced vocals and instruments to great transparency. Upgrading the stock cable also makes the 99 Classics an even better investment.

The post Top Travel Headphones of 2024: Comfort and Quality on the Go appeared first on Major HiFi.

Audiophile Must Haves for Beginners and Veterans

Jordan Aaron — Tue, 23 Jul 2024 22:32:14 +0000

Exploring the world of audio equipment can be a thrilling yet overwhelming journey. To simplify your purchasing decisions, we’ve curated a comprehensive guide, breaking down essential audio devices by category and offering recommendations across various price ranges. Whether you’re a budding audiophile, a seasoned enthusiast, or someone looking to buy an audio gift, this guide is designed to help you make informed choices.

Headphones

Sennheiser HD600: Starting at $349.99, these headphones are renowned for their exceptional sound quality and comfort. The open-back design and high-quality drivers provide a natural, balanced sound with precise imaging and a wide soundstage. Ideal for critical listening and mastering, the HD600 offers a transparent audio experience that reveals every detail of your music. The lightweight construction and plush ear pads ensure long-term comfort.

Audio46 Amazon

Audeze LCD-X: At $1,199, the LCD-X headphones are celebrated for their planar magnetic drivers, delivering unparalleled clarity and detail. Designed for audiophiles and professionals, these headphones offer a rich listening experience with a wide soundstage and deep, accurate bass response. Premium materials, including leather ear pads and a carbon fiber headband, ensure durability and comfort.

Audio46 Amazon

In-Ear Monitors (IEMs)

Strauss & Wagner EM8C: Priced at $49.99, these IEMs are designed for clarity and balance, offering excellent isolation. The ergonomic design ensures a comfortable fit for long listening sessions and the high-quality drivers deliver precise sound across the frequency spectrum. These IEMs terminate directly into USB-C, making them compatible with most phones without an adapter.

Audio46 Amazon Strauss & Wagner

Sennheiser IE200: For $149, the IE200 IEMs deliver high-fidelity sound in a compact design. Featuring Sennheiser’s signature audio quality, these IEMs provide a balanced soundstage with rich bass, clear mids, and sparkling highs. The design ensures a comfortable fit and excellent noise isolation.

Audio46 Amazon

Campfire Moon Rover: At $1,199, the Moon Rover IEMs offer a celestial audio journey with meticulously tuned drivers and premium build quality. These IEMs deliver rich sound and exceptional comfort, making them ideal for both casual listeners and dedicated audiophiles.

Audio46 Amazon

Accessories

Final Audio Ear Tips: These ear tips are engineered for a snug fit, enhancing noise isolation and overall audio performance. Made from high-quality materials, they ensure long-lasting comfort and durability.

Audio46 Amazon

Dekoni Foam Ear Tips: Known for their premium foam material, Dekoni ear tips conform to your ear shape, offering superior comfort and isolation. They enhance the fit and sound quality of your IEMs.

Audio46 Amazon

Strauss & Wagner Cables: Designed for superior signal transmission and durability, these cables ensure a reliable and high-fidelity audio experience. The Sion MMCX cable is a notable option, but there are plenty of other models to explore.

Audio46 Strauss & Wagner

Effect Audio Cables: Renowned for tremendous craftsmanship, these cables offer flexibility, durability, and enhanced audio performance. The Maestro MMCX cable is a standout, but explore their other models to find the perfect upgrade.

Questyle M15i: This $249 dongle DAC/amp delivers impressive sound quality in a compact form, perfect for high performance on the go.

Audio46 Amazon

Chord Mojo 2: This portable DAC/amp offers outstanding sound quality with advanced digital processing technology. It provides a rich, detailed audio experience in a robust package.

Audio46 Amazon

Full-Sized Amps

iFi Zen CAN 3: At $229, this high-performance headphone amplifier delivers powerful and precise audio, with versatile connectivity options and robust build quality.

Audio46 Amazon

Fiio K19: Priced at $1,349.99, this versatile headphone amplifier offers excellent sound quality and power, making it a great addition to any audio setup.

Audio46 Amazon

Enleum HPA-23RM: At $2,999, this high end headphone amplifier combines cutting edge technology with modern design, offering exceptional sound quality and power.

Audio46

Final Thoughts

Each of these products has been selected for their unique qualities and performance, so that there is something for every audiophile. Start or continue your audio journey with confidence by choosing from our curated list of top audio equipment.

The post Audiophile Must Haves for Beginners and Veterans appeared first on Major HiFi.

Best High-End Audio Stores in NYC in 2024

Delaney — Wed, 17 Jul 2024 20:15:37 +0000

With the emerging popularity of increasing the quality of listening experiences, there are a million places you can get some high-end audio equipment. These stores are popping up all over the country, and a lot of them focus on online sales as well. Where can you get the best equipment in New York City? If you’re planning a trip to the Big Apple or an NYC native, we’ve got a comprehensive list for you to make your searching easier. There are a lot of other places in the city, but these are some of our top picks.

Audio46

Audio46 is a store we talk about a lot, as they provide a lot of great headphones and audio equipment for purchase and demo. Located in the heart of Midtown, Audio46 has a lot of great options, both affordable and high-end, for all types of listeners. Their website gives a lot of detail about the different products and sales they have going on.

Sales Policy

30-Day return policy
14-Day return policy on turntables and Astell & Kern items
All sales are final on:
- Special orders
- Eartips and earpads (even if unopened)
- Price matched purchases
- Custom in-ear
- Limited Edition or Special edition
- Items meant for underwater use

Restock Policy

First-time purchase products are not subject to a restock fee as long as they are returned in like-new condition with all accessories. The customer is responsible for the return label only. See their list with more specific cases.

Shipping Policy

Free shipping on all orders in the continental US. Other shipping rates may apply for outside territories.

Demo Policy

You can come in and demo any pair of open-box headphones, no appointment necessary. Bring whatever music and extra gear you need for your demo. You can try the products as long as you like (within reason), but all demos stop 45 minutes before closing each day.

Price Match Guarantee?

Yes, Audio46 matches price.

Rhapsody Audio

This company isn’t exactly based in Manhattan, but the short ride to Brooklyn is definitely worth it. Rhapsody Audio is a great company providing not only retail from their showroom, but also consultations, repairs, and installation services out of their 5 locations across the country. Their website doesn’t give a lot of information in terms of policies, but the reviews they’ve received speak volumes to their high-quality service.

Sales Policy

All sales are final, but exchanges and returns can be made on a case-by-case basis. They recommend calling to ask if your equipment qualifies for a trade-in.

Restock Policy

There is no information on their website about a restocking fee, but you can call to ask if your equipment qualifies for a trade-in. Fees may apply.

Shipping Policy

Since this business focuses on in-person sales, there is no information about shipping.

Demo Policy

You can go to any of their locations and demo the equipment in store.

Price Match Guarantee?

Not specified on the website.

Best Buy

Best Buy carries some of the top audio and visual gear around, on top of all their other electronic gear. They have a lot of well-known brands, both mainstream and for audiophiles alike. This is a great place to get some reliable equipment, and even better because there are many locations not just in the city.

Sales Policy

Items are marked as final sale vs. returnable items. Best Buy has different member programs, and the return/exchange policy varies between plans. Times can vary from 14 to 60 days, but check their website to see their detailed breakdown.

Restock Policy

Best Buy does not charge a restock fee if the product is returned unopened. A restock fee will be charged as follows:

$45 on activated devices (exception: prepaid phones)
15% on drones, digital cameras, camera lenses, camcorders (including action cameras), projectors, projector screens, and special-order products (This is a shortened list, see more on their website).

Price Match Guarantee?

You can submit a request for a price-match through their live chat service on the website.

The post Best High-End Audio Stores in NYC in 2024 appeared first on Major HiFi.

Your Ultimate Prime Day Headphone Handbook: Top Deals and Must-Have Picks!

Alex Schiffer — Tue, 16 Jul 2024 20:39:14 +0000

When it comes to Prime Day, Amazon isn’t the only website getting in on the action. Prime Day is also an opportunity for retailers everywhere to slash prices on all your favorite goods. Of course, we like to focus on all kinds of headphones, from popular wireless favorites to high-end audiophile luxuries. Here is a list of the best deals we found for over-ear headphones around the web.

Bluetooth Headphones

Strauss & Wagner ANCBT501 ~~$129.95~~ $84.47

There are a few affordable wireless noise-canceling headphones you can get for Prime Day, but the BT501 from Strauss & Wagner gets the spot here. Not only are they inexpensive, but its sound quality rivals many that cost even more. For less than a hundred bucks, the BT501 is the best option you’re gonna find with ANC this Prime Day.

Sennheiser Accentum Plus ~~$229.95~~ $199.95

While the lower-priced Accentum is also on sale for Prime Day, the Plus version is more worth it. The Plus is a more significant jump in quality, and with this discount, I can’t see a reason not to jump right on it. Everything about its sound is vastly improved over the Accentum, including its more envigorating bass and immersive soundstage. It also has much better ANC and more responsive controls.

Sennheiser Momentum 4 ~~$379.95~~ $249.95

Of course, If you want to make a price jump that will ensure better value, go with the Momentum 4. This is a great deal if you’re looking for one of the most satisfying Bluetooth headphones to listen to. The Momentum 4 brings the best wireless sounds you can get anywhere, with good comfort and noise-canceling as well. If you can afford to make the jump from the Plus, the Momentum 4 is a no-brainer.

Sony WH-1000XM5 ~~$398~~ $298

Almost every list about headphone deals is going to have the XM5 in some capacity. This is currently one of the best discounts I’ve seen the XM5 go for, and it is definitely worth it. You’ll get the best noise-canceling on the market, as well as access to great features like 360 Reality Audio. The XM5 leads the industry in many ways and now is the best opportunity to get one for yourself.

Bowers & Wilkins PX8 ~~$699~~ $559

There are a few higher-end Bluetooth headphones out there, but the PX8 is one of the few your can get dicounted right now. Everything about the PX8’s sound and build will be elevated compred to what you usually see from most consumer wireless headphones. With this discount, the PX8 is put at a simiar price to what the Apple Airpods Max goes for at full price. So if you’re looking to upgraded from them, the PX8 will outperfrom it at almost every level.

Wired Closed-Back Headphones

Meze 99 Neo ~~$199~~ $139

There are a few traditional wired headphones available on Prime Day, and one of the best ones you’ll find is the Meze 99 Neo. These are a simple pair of over-ear headphones made from one of the best audiophile brands out there. The sound of the 99 Neo will reflect that, with a detailed sound signtature and spaciouss soundstage.

Focal Celestee ~~$999~~ $699

If you’ve got money to spend, but are still looking for a good deal on closed-back headphones, the Celestee is the best option going right now for Prime Day. These headphones have the most exciting sound you’ll hear on a closed-back headphone for under a thousand dollars, with a rich bass and accurate soundstage.

Open-Back Headphones

Sennheiser HD 600 ~~$449~~ $284.95

One of the best pairs of open-back headphones on the market makes a big discount on Prime Day. The HD 600 makes for a great pair of headphones for the studio, but you can easily use them for casual music listening and gaming too. Getting them for less than three hundred dollars is quite the value.

Sennheiser HD 660S2 ~~$599.95~~ $379.95

Usually, the HD 660S2 is the top of the mid-fi HD series headphones from Sennheiser. Now, for Prime Day, the 660S2 is at its most inexpensive. Although you’ll need a good amp to drive it, the headphones on their own show a ton of value for even less than five hundred dollars. It has a detailed sound with a very immersive soundstage that will enwrap your headspace in sound.

Sennheiser HD 800S ~~$1,799~~ $1,279

The HD 800s is one of the best open-back headpones you will ever hear due to its expansive soundstage and percise detail retrival. On Prime Day, you can get them for the lowest price I’ve seen it at for a long time. Like the rest of the HD series open-back headphones, the HD 800s is power hungry, but with this new price, adding a good amp with it should be more reasonable.

Final Audio D7000 ~~$3,499~~ $2,999

One of the more premium audiophile headphones to be discounted for Prime Day is the Final Audio D7000. It has extremly pristine detail, with a holographic soundstage. It shares a lot of simialarities with the D8000, but with this discount, the D7000 might give you the better value.

The post Your Ultimate Prime Day Headphone Handbook: Top Deals and Must-Have Picks! appeared first on Major HiFi.

Level Up Your Gaming Experience with the Top Gaming Headsets of 2024

Alex Schiffer — Tue, 09 Jul 2024 20:45:57 +0000

Visuals are only part of the experience for games. Sound plays more of a part in your immersion than you might think, so having a good pair of gaming headphones will play more of a factor in your enjoyment. There are tons of options out there to choose from, even ones from known brands. However, that doesn’t always mean they offer the best sound quality. Here is a short list of what I would consider some of the best-sounding gaming headsets on the market right now.

Audeze Maxwell

Even though Audeze is now part of Sony Interactive, the Maxwell still has all the sonic characteristics that make their headphones so special. Their planar headphones have been a favorite amongst audiophiles, and they successfully translate that quality to a gaming headset. It’s one of the most expressively detailed gaming headsets around, balancing its powerful bass with crisp highs that reveal the layers of each sound effect and musical note so precisely.

You can also listen to the Maxwell in the spatial audio format of your choice, whether that be Dolby Atmos or Sony’s Tempest 3D audio. This makes the Maxwell sound like one of the most expansive headphones on the market, immersing you in your games like you never have before. There are different versions of the Maxwell depending on your preferred game console, but I highly recommend the Maxwell for the PC so you can download the Audeze HQ gaming app that gives you access to the EQ so you can personalize your experience even further.

Beyerdynamic MMX 300 Pro

The MMX 300 Pro is one of the most recent gaming headsets to launch, and it earns the “pro” in its name. Everything about the MMX 300 Pro’s sound reminds me of their rich and reliable studio headphones. It’s more of a natural sound compared to most other gaming headphones, especially next to the previously mentioned Maxwell. The MMX 300 Pro cares more for accuracy and natural details, acting like a robust studio headphone. You can still expect some compelling bass qualities though, with a tonal balance that never results in disorganization. With its clear, studio-like response, the MMX 300 Pro is able to take your game audio and place the dialogue, effects, and music on an equal playing field. On top of this is one of the best onboard mics on a gaming headset, giving your voice some of the best clarity.

Sony PlayStation Pulse Elite

This is the first Sony PlayStation over-ear gaming headphone to implement a planar driver, and the results are quite impressive. Paring it with the PS5 brings out its best qualities, such as 3D Audio. The imaging and soundstage are at their best here, successfully wrapping your head around the ambiance and music of the game world you’re in. There’s a lot more controlled bass here too compared to most other Sony headphones, maintaining stacks of frequencies that don’t bleed into each other. In terms of usability, the Pulse Elite also features multipoint Bluetooth and a lightweight design for one of the most surprisingly inexpensive picks on this list.

Audio-Technica ATH-M50xSTS

One of the most famous headphones regardless of application is the Audio-Technica ATH-M50x. Whether you’re a creator or a music lover the M50x is one of the best decisions you can make on an entry-level headphone. It doesn’t take much thought to see way a gaming version of this headphone would be so compelling. Like the MMX 300 Pro, the M50x is a simple wired headphone that relies on its studio-level sound to make your game audio feel like a complete experience. Making the M50x a gaming headset is as simple as attaching a microphone to it and terminating it to USB-A with a Type C adapter. It almost sells itself at this point.

Audio-Technica ATH-GL3

If you’re not as into the sound of the M50x, Audio-Technica has another headset that is more catered to gaming. The GL3 has a ton of character. It’s wide, dynamic, and detailed with its high and low frequencies. Your music and sound effects should sound very individualized and out of the background. Add onto that some dimensional imaging, a detachable mic, and an inexpensive price point giving you a solid choice for a gaming headphone.

The post Level Up Your Gaming Experience with the Top Gaming Headsets of 2024 appeared first on Major HiFi.

The Best Closed Back Headphones under $1,000 in 2024

Jordan Aaron — Tue, 09 Jul 2024 17:11:28 +0000

Making a decision on which closed-back headphone to get can be tricky. Whether it’s the materials used, driver sizes, or portability, there’s a lot to consider. In this article, we’re going to break down some of the best closed-back headphones you can get under $1,000. On the list are perennial classics as well as newer options. We’ll start at the entry-level point and work our way up to the top of the price range. One thing is for sure, this list shows the great value proposition these headphones are able to offer. So let’s jump in and see what we’ve got on our list of the best closed-back headphones under $1,000 to buy in 2024.

Audio-Technica ATH-M40x

Coming up first at just $99, we have the Audio-Technica ATH-M40x studio monitor headphones. This is a very versatile contender. Meant as a production headphone, the ATH-M40x, along with its older sibling, the M50x, Has become a staple in studios and production spaces due to its excellent sound quality, lightweight design, and solid durability. The M40x excels in sound separation, making it ideal for music creation and pinpointing flaws in mixes. While it doesn’t have the deep bass response of the M50x or M60x, it still performs well. The M40x offers a neutral, transparent high end and mid-range, optimal for music creation and casual listeners who prioritize detail retrieval in their headphones.

Sivga SV003

Also coming in at about $99, the Sivga SV003 offers some more audiophile features that contrast with the ATH-M40x. For starters, the SIVGA SV003 headphones feature a real wood housing, which helps with its sound characteristics as well as its looks. Powered by 50mm drivers, and offering unique, high-quality sound with crisp highs and rich lows, the closed-back design and high protein leather ear pads provide comfort and noise isolation for all-day use. Durable cords with gold-plated plugs and in-line volume control ensure connectivity with any 3.5mm jack device.The SV003 provides a warm and colorful sound. Each pair’s unique wood grain makes them one-of-a-kind, combining superior quality and striking aesthetics.

Meze 99 Neo

Coming up next, we’ve got the Meze 99 Neo, a budget entrant from the Romanian high-end manufacturer. The Meze Audio 99 Neo headphones feature a retro design with matte black and silver accents, a floating leather headband, and a vintage vibe. The 99 Neo bases its looks off of the higher-end 99 Pro, which is known for its wood ear cups. But for similar performance at reduced cost, the 99 Neo seems like a no-brainer. Packaged in a fabric-bound hard case with a detachable cable, they offer style and durability. The headphones provide a neutral sound signature with rich mids and highs and full bass, creating a pleasant listening experience. The 99 Neo’s comfort and close-to-music feel make them an excellent choice for audiophiles.

Beyerdynamic DT 700 PRO X

Jumping up the price bracket a little bit, Beyerdynamic’s DT 700 Pro X is a $269 closed-back studio headphone aimed at music creators and engineers. With plush velour ear pads and a sturdy build, they offer comfort and durability. The Stellar 45 sound transducer provides consistent performance across devices without needing an amp. Despite being closed-back, they have a wide, immersive soundstage. The DT 700 Pro X delivers strong, impactful lows, neutral mids, and bright highs, making them an excellent choice for studio use. And like the ATH-M40x, they’re great for audiophiles who want more detail in their sound reproduction.

Sennheiser HD 620S

Next up is the Sennheiser’s HD620S, a new closed-back headphone in the classic HD600 series. Featuring a sleek design with a plastic headband and metal reinforcements, it offers comfort with protein leather ear pads. The 150-ohm dynamic drivers provide balanced sound, with neutral bass, airy mids, and exciting treble. Its soundstage is wider than typical closed-back headphones in this price range. Priced at $349, the HD620S combines excellent build quality, isolation, and accessibility, making it a great choice for audiophiles.

Beyerdynamic DT 1770 Pro

Jumping up the ladder into true mid-fi territory at $529, we have another great set of headphones from Beyerdynamic. The DT1770 Pro features a robust build with a spring-steel headband, suede-like padding, and two sets of earpads. The build is definitely a step up from what you’ll find in the DT 700 Pro X. But you’ll also get a more refined sound with impressive bass and treble performance and a wide soundstage. Like most headphones from Beyerdynamic, they aim to please audio professionals. But any audiophile should be a fan of its engaging and detailed sound.

Audeze LCD-2 Classic

Jumping up again in price, the LCD-2 Closed Back offers an entry into Audeze’s higher end, planar-magnetic headphone offerings. Aiming to match the beloved sound of the original LCD-2 while enhancing accessibility, this closed-back design provides excellent noise isolation for distraction-free listening. Featuring innovative planar drivers, it delivers spacious, full, and powerful sound with impressive spatial imaging. The ventilated suspension headband and plush earpads ensure long-lasting comfort. With its taut, punchy bass and warm midrange, the LCD-2 Closed Back is a great choice for audiophiles looking to step up into the next bracket of higher end headphones.

Focal Celestee

Finally, we have another model from a high-end brand, the Focal Celestee. Priced at $999, the Celestee offers a luxurious design and impressive performance. It features a 40mm aluminum/magnesium driver, delivering dynamic and clear sound, maximizing dynamics and detail retrieval. The Celestee’s semi-aniline leather earpads and microfiber headband ensure comfort. Despite its linear soundstage, it excels in separation and depth. With a balanced midrange and a punchy low-end, the Celestee provides a refined, enjoyable listening experience, solidifying its place in the market.

Final Thoughts

This list is meant to be a starting point for audio enthusiasts looking for closed back headphones. Whether it’s your first pair, or a portable alternative to your main setup, these options should provide great performance for each of their respective price ranges.

All of the headphones mentioned in this article are available at Audio46.

The post The Best Closed Back Headphones under $1,000 in 2024 appeared first on Major HiFi.

Sound the Sparks of Savings: Your Ultimate July 4th Buying Guide for Audiophiles!

Alex Schiffer — Tue, 02 Jul 2024 20:47:53 +0000

Tune out the fireworks by getting yourself a serious set of cans. This July 4th you can get deals on tons of products, including high-end audiophile gear. A lot more premium audio products are on sale than usual, so here’s a guide to everything you can find from the best over-ear headphones to DACs and amplifiers.

Over-Ear Headphones

Final Audio D8000 Pro ~~$4,299.00~~ $3,495.00
Final Audio D7000 ~~$3,499~~ $2,999.00
Sennheiser HD 820 ~~$1,999.95~~ $1,799.95
Sennheiser HD 800s w/Free Headphone Stand ~~$1,799.99~~ $1,348
Sennheiser HD 660S2 ~~$599.95~~ $499.95
Sennheiser HD 650 ~~$499.95~~ $399.95
Sennheiser HD 600 ~~$449.95~~ $349.95
Sennheiser HD 560s ~~$229.95~~ $179.95

IEMs

64 Audio Fourté Blanc ~~$3,699~~ $3,144.15
LETSHUOER Cadenza 12 ~~$2,299~~ $2,099
Earsonics GRACE Platinum ~~$2,099~~ $1,784.15
BGVP ArtMagic ED12 ~~$1,500~~ $1,350
BGVP NE5 ~~$499~~ $449.10
Sennheiser IE 900 ~~$1,499.95~~ $1,199.95
Sennheiser IE 600 ~~$799.95~~ $599.95
LETSHUOER EJ09 $1,299 $899
Final Audio B1 ~~$699~~ $549
TinHiFi P2 ~~$369~~ $332.10

DACs & Amplifiers

Sennheiser HDV 820 ~~$2,499~~ $2,199.95
Fezz Audio Torus 5060 ~~$2,249~~ $1,899
Eversolo DAC-Z6 ~~$549~~ $499
iFi Hip-DAC 2 ~~$189~~ $129

Digital Audio Players

Astell & Kern KANN MAX ~~$1,299~~ $1,099

The post Sound the Sparks of Savings: Your Ultimate July 4th Buying Guide for Audiophiles! appeared first on Major HiFi.

Produce Futuristic Vocals With Baby Audio’s New Humanoid Plugin

Majorhifi Press — Wed, 26 Jun 2024 21:06:50 +0000

There are tons of audio plugins out there that let you manipulate vocals in interesting ways. With the right tools, you can even take a voice and completely change its character, resembling something synthetic. That’s what Baby Audio’s new Humanoid plugin looks to achieve, giving you the tools to make your vocals sound robotic. It’s an over-the-top pitch corrector that will radically shift the presentation of your vocals.

How It Works

Humanoid uses an FFT-based re-tuning engine that allows you to modify specific elements of the sound, like pitch, filtering, and synthesis. With Humanoid’s pitch controls, you can correct your audio in exciting ways, such as correcting individual notes with Scale mode. This is a good way to match your vocals to musical keys in real-time. The wavetable synth takes the set pitch and resynthesizes it with selectable waveshapes. Using filters allows you to shape the tone even further with high and low-pass filters.

There are tons of other features that Humanoid offers that will continue to shake up your vocals. Here are some of the additional key features you can expect.

Transform Knob: Morph between robotified hard-tuning and re-synthesized vocals to seamlessly blend between human and machine. Use the shape and stretch parameters to manipulate the wavetable and the note shift and octave parameters to fatten and shift the pitch.
Effects: Humanoid’s effects section gives you creative tools to warp your voice. Widen makes the voice wider, while Warble offers spectral vibrato. Freeze is a unique stutter effect that can be synced to the BPM or programmed freely.
Utility: The Utility section contains helpful tools for improving the results of the vocal processing. Limit the note range to improve pitch detection, add a de-esser to tame sibilance, and a gate to reduce bleed and background noise. The smoothing function reduces harsh harmonics for a more soft and relaxed re-tuning style.
Presets: Humanoid comes with 180 presets from top sound designers. From classic hard-tuning effects to transformative vocal manipulation, you’ll find expertly built patches that work across a variety of genres.
Sharpen: Enhance the vocal signal to achieve a clearer and sharper balance that will cut through the mix. Click the calibration icon to control the brightness.
Output: Set Humanoid’s global output. Click the calibration icon to set the input gain and global dry/wet mix. Click+drag the bottom right of the interface to re-size.
Settings: Enter the settings menu to show/hide tooltips, change the interface color, launch the quick-start guide, access resources and more.
Buffer: Humanoid works by analyzing incoming audio in the spectral domain. Select the Low buffer setting to analyze a smaller window of audio for low latency performance, or select Medium or High for better pitch tracking at the expense of higher latency.

System Requirements

Plugin formats: VST, VST3, AU, AAX (64-bit).
Mac OS 10.11 and up (including Native Apple Silicon M1/M2 Compatibility).
PC Windows 10 and newer.
DAWs supported: All major DAWs, including Ableton Live, Pro Tools, Logic Pro, FL Studio, Cubase, Studio One, Bitwig, Reaper, Reason, etc

Humanoid costs $79, and is available from Plugin Boutique.

The post Produce Futuristic Vocals With Baby Audio’s New Humanoid Plugin appeared first on Major HiFi.