WH1000XM3 got LDAC, the fidelity is way higher compare to SBC or APTX, It makes a lot of difference when listening to FLAC file. If mp3 only no difference.
M50xBT only have APTX.
If you using wired then LDAC/APTX all doesn't matter.
WH1000XM3 have Active Noise Cancelling, some claim it is the best.

Sound wise I feel it depends what frequencies you prefer, some like it to be more bassy while some more mid or high and some just flat.

WH1000XM3

The Sony WH-1000XM3 is a decent sounding pair of closed-back over-ear headphones. They have a consistent, deep, powerful, and punchy bass, an even and excellently-balanced mid-range, and an above-average treble. However, their bass is a little bit overpowering and on the heavy side, and their treble lacks a bit of detail and is on the warm side. Overall, the sound of these headphones is bass-heavy and veiled, which fans of heavy bass may like (it is one of the best headphones for bass that we've tested), but they may not be the ideal choice for those who prefer clear and present vocals and a neutral sound profile like that of the Bose QuietComfort 35 II or the AKG N700NC. Compared to the older MDR-1000X and WH-1000XM2 models, the XM3 have a similar sound signature, but with a little bit more bass.

M50xBT

The Audio-Technica M50xBT is a good sounding pair of closed-back over-ear headphones. They have a deep and punchy bass, a good and well-balanced mid-range and a great treble. This makes them suitable for a variety of music genres, especially bass-heavy ones. However, the bass is a bit overemphasized and might sound boomy, the mid-range is recessed, meaning vocals and leads will sound a bit thin, while the treble is rather uneven, and some S and T sounds are going to lack detail while some sound a bit sharp. Their bass delivery can also be inconsistent, especially for people wearing glasses that can break the air-tight seal around your ears.

Copy from rtings.com

Basically the frequency graph show how the headphones create the sounds over original flat sound. WH1000XM3 create louder low frequency than M50xBT. WH1000XM3 create very close to original sound of the mid while M50xBT create quieter low-mid and mid-mid sound.

Sound generally divided to 3 sections, low, mid and high. Low is for bass, those rumble or drum sounds. Mid on vocal and main instruments. High are those treble, the very sharp sound.
From these 3 sections, it depends what is your preference on sound. If you like it to be more bassy then WH1000XM3 will be better. M50xBT lack of low-mid and mid-mid so vocal will sound thin but overall good audio reproduction.

From what I read, equalizer is big NO NO if you plan to get the best sound quality on bluetooth by using FLAC file and LDAC. Once enabled equalizer it will revert to SBC algorithm (SBC is 320kbp, LDAC is 990kbps) and you won't get the extra clarity from FLAC file.


One thing to note, LDAC is the highest bandwidth over bluetooth, but it's still nowhere near to wired bandwidth. FLAC quality exceed even LDAC bandwidth. LDAC is only the best if you want wireless.

Ya, when using equalizer for Android is SBC while iPhone is AAC. Android technically can use AAC too but the performance is worse than SBC. Android's AAC is nothing like iPhone's AAC.


While we're at it, let me explain more on all the codecs available on Bluetooth. Thought mostly for Android. The difference is on bit-rate for data transfers.

SBC is 320kbps
AAC is 250kbps
APTX is 352kbps
APTX-HD is 576kbps

Although APTX and SBC bit rates almost similar, SBC sound quality is much more worse because of the compression technique it used. APTX uses ADPCM which have superior compression technique. APTX claims to have near CD quality audio.

LDAC is much more complicated.
LDAC is 990kbps, at it's best Priority mode. It is actually use of variable bit-rate for data transfers, so it also can change to 660kbps Normal mode and 330kbps basic Connection mode. The problem is many phones default connection to LDAC is at 330kbps or 660kbps. Both APTX and SBC outperform LDAC sound quality when it streams at 330kbps. In order to change this, you have to enter developer settings and force a higher bit-rate. Another thing is, even at 990kbps LDAC is a long way off matching the capabilities of 24-bit/96kHz wired equivalents.

Hi guys, I was thinking of getting a open back headphone to try on. So far have few cans but all is close back. My usage would be for music, more emphasis on vocal. Prefer to have near to flat frequency. Budget less than RM500

So far that I have research for is Philips SHP9500 and Superlux HD668B. Which one will be better or there's other recommendations?

HD58X look like very good but need to stretch a bit on the budget.

Is there any other recommendation?

Ya, I want to try for wider sound stage, never have ob headphone before.

But HD58X feel a bit high price, USD160 + don't know how much for shipping. Never buy anything from Drop before.

Oh ya can find used set too, thanks.

SHP9500 will be a step up from your current HD668B. Your requirement of "sound, hearing footstep and immersion" means you need to use open headphone to get soundstage.
M40X have slightly better high and low than SHP9500 but totally lose on the soundstage.
A lot recommendation also for HD58X Jubilee for open back though I personally haven't tried it.

I didn't listen to Metal so can't comment on it. If song like Bawitdaba can consider as Metal then 9500 have better mids and high but lose in bass to 668B especially in deep bass, 9500 sounds too bright for this song whereas 668B with it's deeper bass sounds just right. Meanwhile for All Summer Long song 668B sounds too much echo especially on the starting part, 9500 have more clarity in it's sound.

Between these two cans, 9500 is brighter while 668B is warmer. If you like to listen deep bass sound then 9500 is not suitable.

HD58X now dropped price to USD 135
If use newcomer discount $20, that's only $115 now.

Yes, that one. Unfortunately it doesn't deliver to Malaysia, you have to use forwarder for it. Someone mention forwarder Ezbuy is cheap but takes longer to deliver. Comgateway is fast but more expensive.

If HE-4XX can deliver to Malaysia. Cheaper by USD 5

58X and HE4XX no more discount, now both are priced at USD 160 each.

New account discount USD 20 also looks like no more.

ylyap You already ordered?

Edit: Wrongly see the EU stock. US stock is still USD 130

This post has been edited by xxboxx: Nov 8 2019, 08:28 PM

Monoprice having most of their headphones on sales.
M1060 only $200

Nice headphone
I'm curious why you choose this instead of any other model or brand?

Quietcomfort 35 II is one of the best for ANC

Recently got myself Tin T2. Never been interested in an IEM so this is a first for me. The sound details and clarity shockingly so good. It's neutrality is very good too. Didn't expect so much difference compare to all the earbuds that I got free last time that come together with new phone. Maybe because it's new and I'm still mesmerized by it but I'm reaching more for it than my headphones.

It's amazing such tiny thing able to create such good sound.

What are the model of that IEM?

The price almost 4 times more expensive than T2
Sadly I think the chi-fi brand seem to increase price very fast once they are well known.
After T2, all Tin model increase price a lot. T4 is also 4 times more expensive than T2

I know Blon B20, same price with Hifiman Sundara.

That is also one of the cheap IEM. So much different price compare to their headphones.

Depends you like boosted bass or treble or mids, or completely neutral frequency.

I know KZ have some cheap IEM, around RM50. There's one Sony earphone that's cheap, around RM40 IINM, and also cheap looking. But I forgot the model name. It's so famous until there's fake too.

Tin T2 I think is the cheapest for neutral. But I'm might be wrong since I don't know much on IEM