WH-1000XM3

Over the past few weeks I've been testing different wireless headphones with the idea of replacing my Sony WH1000XM3. I wouldn't call myself an audiophile, but I am fairly demanding when it comes to sound quality, and that has been my top priority. Comfort during long listening sessions came second, while other features (ANC, transparency mode, battery life) took a back seat. The models I purchased and tested at home were the Sennheiser HDB 630, Momentum 4, Sony XM6, and Bowers & Wilkins Px7 S3. I'll start with what I think matters most: the sound quality of the Sennheiser HDB 630 is amazing, and they are by far the best-sounding of the bunch. As the reviews say, the sound is completely neutral, clear, and crisp, delivering a level of definition, texture, and instrument separation that the other headphones simply cannot match in any way. On top of that, and quite surprisingly, I found the bass to be spectacular. It's true that it doesn't have the (apparent) punch of other headphones, but it's a deep, immersive bass with that sense of effortless control that characterizes high-end audio products. What surprises me is that the gap in sound quality between these and the rest is enormous. I say this because I've read many threads here on Reddit and even on specialized blogs suggesting that the quality difference compared to the PX7 S3 or the Sony isn't that significant. Don't listen to anyone who says that — I think those people must have been comparing them to different headphones, because I can't explain it otherwise: the sound quality is miles ahead of the competition. The PX7 S3 case was particularly striking to me — a headphone with very disappointing sound quality that, to my ears, actually sounds worse than my Sony XM3. Interestingly, the Momentum 4 came closest to the HDB 630 in terms of sound quality, though it still falls a couple of notches short, especially in midrange reproduction, which is where the HDB 630 puts on a stunning performance. Ranked by sound quality, from best to worst: 1. Sennheiser HDB 630 2. Sennheiser Momentum 4 3. Sony XM6 4. Bowers & Wilkins PX7 S3 I'm going to skip Bose — they're an overrated brand that has never lived up to my expectations, and based on the reviews, I'm fairly confident this time would be no different. I had considered trying the Bowers & Wilkins PX8 S2, but given how disappointing the PX7 S3 turned out to be, I'm not sure I'll bother. As for comfort, the Sony headphones were without a doubt the most comfortable, and the same can be said of their noise cancellation. The Sennheisers — both the HDB 630 and the Momentum — come next, and last is the B&W, whose headband clamps too tightly and becomes uncomfortable during long listening sessions. That said, in terms of materials and build quality, the B&W wins and feels the most premium — but that counts for little when everything else falls short. My conclusion: if you're looking for wireless headphones, budget isn't an issue, and sound quality is your priority — don't think twice, buy the HDB 630. https://preview.redd.it/8cf2ut2spdxg1.jpg?width=2048&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=5d7939954884b80717e09f8aacc9340346da0591

Hi! Thank you all for the help! I copied the template to best answer questions, but please let me know if anything is unclear or i forgot to answer something! ​ Budget/location: i prefer not to spend more than around $350 USD. I don't live in the USA (prefer not to give specifics), but I have relatives who will be traveling to visit from the US soon who can bring them to me. ​ Source/amp: I need them to be bluetooth capable - I don't plan on using cables, as I am a manual wheelchair user and cables generally get in the way. Plus I don't think my phone has a bluetooth jack. I have a PC I could theoretically use my headphones with, but primarily i use them with my phone. ​ How the gear will be used: I wear my headphones pretty much all day, six days a week. I have a very strong sensory sensitivity to noise due to disability, and need to be able to tune out everything around me whenever I'm getting overwhelmed in order to calm down, especially on crowded buses and other very noisy/busy environments. As such, i need very good ANC. I also need them to be comfortable when worn for extended periods, lightweight, and have a decent battery life (20+ hours preferably). I also need them to be reasonably sturdy - my disabilities make me fairly clumsy, so i do wind up dropping my headphones on occasion. ​ Preferred tonal balance: i think i prefer things pretty balanced overall. ​ Preferred music genres: my music taste is pretty eclectic. Right now I'm mostly just looping Ashnikko and BBNO$, but I also love Janelle Monae, Elliot Lee, girl in red, The Crane Wives, YUNGBLUD, Scene Queen, Eliza Rickman, SOPHIE....you get the picture. Everything from indie folk to hyperpop to metal. I also listen to a lot of audio drama podcasts, and to audiobooks. ​ What have you used in the past: the two pairs of headphones I've had that I sunk significant money into were the Sony WH-1000XM3 & 4. I felt like they were pretty comfortable, although the ear cups on the 4 leave something to be desired/i wish the cushions were deeper. I really liked the sound and felt the ANC was very good, if a little fiddly in the all. I liked that the ANC didn't have any buzzing/whining sounds when music isn't playing, and that they're very lightweight and pretty durable. Overall i didn't have much in the way of complaints. They were pretty reliable and met my needs pretty consistently. The audio and ANC were great, the mic was fine, they were comfortable. My M3s lasted several years, and my M4s have lasted another few. I would probably have just got the XM5 if I hadn't seen reviews saying the hinges on it were super fragile. ​ Anything else: i guess a cute color would be a bonus?

Hello! I'm not much of an audiophile, but this seems like the best place to get the advice I'm looking for. Location is USA, flexible budget, under $600 USD (but cheaper would of course be better). I'm very sensitive to noise, and my life was forever changed when I was gifted a pair of Sony WH-1000XM3s several years ago. I'm a PhD research scientist and wear noise cancelling headphones pretty much all day at my job, mostly listening to podcasts while doing experiments. At home, I also have them on constantly while working, doing chores, etc (pretty much any time I'm not with others). Half of the time, I'm not even listening to anything, I just really enjoy the quiet. Headphones I've owned: * Sony WH-1000XM3s: I loved everything about these, and used them daily for about 5 years before they just stopped working one day (sad). * Sony WH-1000XM5s: I got these to replace the XM3s, and in comparison, I have not been very happy with them. I didn't feel the noise cancelling was that improved, and I **hate** that they don't fold/collapse for transport. They fit my head worse than the XM3s, and I just noticed that they have a significant crack on the hinge, which I now know is a common problem. I don't know how much longer my XM5s have left, and they're such an important part of my daily work routine that, if they did break, I would be ordering a replacement immediately. With Black Friday coming up, I think it might be best to try to score a good deal on an upgrade even if they haven't kicked the bucket yet. Here are the criteria for what I'm looking for (or not looking for): * Wireless is mandatory, I can't deal with wires etc while juggling things at work * Must be over-the-ear design: I have a lot of ear piercings and can't wear "on-ear" headphones * Collapsable - they must fold down (like the XM3s) into a carrying case for travel, as I bring them to/from work daily (I commute via bike) * They will be used mostly for listening to podcasts or without any audio playing. I really only listen to music while exercising, which I wouldn't be wearing these for. * Longest battery life possible (and fast charging): They will be used daily for multiple hours each day. Both my XM3 & 5s have been good in this aspect. * Durability/ruggedness: I take good care of my belongings but any electronic device I'm wearing daily is subject to lots of use, so the more durable, the better. The XM5s have been a huge disappointment here. My experience with the XM5s has me thinking I should try a different brand or model (Bose is the first that comes to mind), especially since the XM6s look very similar to the XM5s. I don't know anything about the Airpods Max, but I do own all Apple devices (phone/laptop/ipad/watch). They don't look very durable/good for travel, however. Thanks in advance!

I am buying my first set of open backs. I don't have much experience with nicer headphones. My current daily driver is the Sony WH-1000XM3 that I use over bluetooth. I'm really drawn to the Hifiman Edition XV. I think I like that the treble is described as a little more laid back. I haven't had the opportunity to try out many headphones but here's what I have so far: Liked: Meze 109 Pro Neutral: HD600, Focal Clear MG, Meze 105 AER Disliked: every Grado I've tried, Focal Hadenys/Stellia (and most Focals I've tried), Meze 99 Classic Do you think I'll enjoy the Edition XV or should I try to save up for a set of Arya Stealth/Organic?

Hi everyone, I’m having a really annoying issue with my Sony WH-1000XM6. On high-pitched sounds, especially guitar solos, cymbals, live concert videos, and other sharp treble-heavy audio, I hear crackling/distortion. It seems to happen more at higher volumes, but that kind of defeats the purpose of using premium headphones. The weird part is that it feels like the issue is mostly on the **left side**. I even tried wearing the headphones reversed, and the problem still seemed to stay on the left side. Here’s what I noticed so far: * It is most obvious with treble-heavy content * It gets worse at higher volume * I noticed it with things like Santana, Slash, Ozzy Osbourne, and live recordings * My older WH-1000XM3 honestly sounds better in this regard * I’m trying to figure out whether this is a software/EQ/codec issue or a hardware defect Has anyone else had this issue on the XM6? Did you solve it with settings, firmware, or did it end up being a hardware problem / defective unit? I’d really appreciate any advice.