After based on plenty of review, I also order replacement pads when I order M40X

You didn't mention the most important thing, what's sound signature preference?
If just for can hear sound while gaming and chatting and less on music, any earphones is good enough.

Then kz zs10 pro with it's V shaped signature will suit you.

I personally agree with the review, no need for the USB DAC if your motherboard can output sound without any distortion or you already have DAC. Windows itself already have Windows Sonic For Headphones function if you prefer a more virtual sound.

Actually quiet well known to western market
Their other model
https://www.head-fi.org/showcase/moondrop-s...d.24121/reviews
https://www.head-fi.org/showcase/moondrop-kxxs.23779/reviews

For guitar picking sound, example is Kent Nishimura version of Careless Whisper at Youtube, I prefer listening even with HE-4XX than the almighty HD 650. I like the fast attack and no decay sound from planar driver, it sound super clear. Actually if it's only instrumental music I will only use planar so as to get the clarity. Only when there's vocal that sound better with reverb/echoes, I will use HD 650.

I heard that HE400i sounds very similar to HE-4XX, if so then it will be very good in treble, might be too good as some also complain it's too piercing. I also used to feel the same with it, but now already used to it. Only complain with it is it's too strong on treble and weak on bass, if bass heavy music it's not so satisfying.

There's so many headphones out there. It's hard for anyone to say which is better as I doubt they have listen to all of it and can clearly remember each headphone sound signature. Some more everyone sound preference is different. I would suggest you to go to those shops that have the headphone to test that's in your list. Then you can compare which headphone sounds best for you. I been to Starpicker before and impressed with their choices of headphone to test. You can order drink and slowly listen to some headphone of your choice, I think they don't mind as that what I done last time.

On whether planar need amp, actually most planar are very power efficient. Even my phone can get the headphone to ear piercing loud. But I still like having NX4DSD to power my headphone when I'm not in front of my desktop, my heart feel more assure by using it.
You can get a portable DAC-AMP first so there's still use for it if you found out the sound is exactly same with UMC22

First floor is cafe. Second floor is auditioning place. You can order drinks and sit at second floor.

Won't sound like low budget speaker. Can say it's better at giving more details of the treble.

Whether need AMP also depends what the headphone's impedance and sensitivity is, just like other driver headphone. But generally planar is low impedance and high sensitivity.
I think they ok with you bringing your own equipment. Last time I just use my phone to listen to headphone and they also let me use their iFi Black DAC-AMP.

It's a good quality headphone. But if you no need sound isolation, can use open back headphone, Philips SHP9500 is a better choice. But if need mic then need to get mic mod.

If no need sound isolation then always go for open back as it give better sound

If you going to get wireless headphone, you don't need DAC as the headphone already built in DAC. Just get a bluetooth dongle if your mobo don't have it.
No idea for gaming headphone. If wireless audiophile headphone can check Audeze Mobius, Hifiman Deva, Bose QC 35 II or 700, Audio Techinca M50xBT, and of course Sony XM3 or XM4.

Headphone and it's sound signature is like food, everyone have their own preference. It's not the food not nice, it's just the individual feel the food not nice. You should demo it yourself to know whether you like the headphone sound signature. Those shops that have audiophile headphone for demo I think only in KL/Selangor have. Some more you going to spend a lot for the headphone so better to try it first to make sure you really like the sound. The second best option is to go with popular headphone that people always recommend. Thought it's hard to distinguish between actual good vs overhyped.

Most of the headphone also is open back, so that is a problem with your requirement for good sound isolation. Those good ANC is XM3 and QC 35 II, both you also tried before. XM4 supposed to have better ANC, though how much better or just hype.

With bluetooth expect lower sound quality than wired.

Open back is better for gaming as the sound is wider.
Cheap and cheerful open back for gaming, Philips SHP 9500

HE4XX also can use for gaming.

I got HE4XX and HD 650. 4XX better in treble and overall sharpness of sound, 650 better for vocal.

You want improve 4XX bass, change to perforated leather pads.

I never heard both of that headphones. Only 650.
Usually people will compare 600 vs 650. 650 have slightly more bass. Some will feel 600 is sterile while some will feel 650 too much bass.
If judging by their frequency graphs, 660s have same bass level with 600 but much lower treble than the other two.


660s have the lowest treble while 650 have the most bass. I won't consider any of them as have very high treble nor very bassy. But everyone have different preference so for more accurate answer it's best if you able to demo it. And I feel any of these 3 will excel for vocal.

Happy birthday to you!

This post has been edited by xxboxx: Dec 4 2020, 08:06 PM

What headphone you bought?

Is it together with the AMP too?

Cost so much? From what I remember I thought around 6k

Anyway, enjoy your headphone.

Next time when plan to buy another headphone I suggest try listening to planar driver. The sound characteristic will be very different than dynamic driver.

And also open back headphone.

This post has been edited by xxboxx: Dec 4 2020, 08:55 PM

Last time I demo is with TA-ZH1ES. Ya, audiophile headphone market is still very niche here.

MDR-Z1R is a legend itself so won't go wrong with it.

Best to appreciate the headphone sound is laid back into comfortable sofa/chair and listen without interruption for hours.

Ya, open back planar really different kind of poison. But I feel planar works better with instruments music. Vocal I still prefer 650.
Strings sound like guitar and violin planar the best, the precision..

K712 less bassy than sundara is that matters to you.
Since you like fast paced music, I feel sundara with planar driver will be more suitable for it.