Recent comments in /f/headphones

Mayank_j t1_j80igga wrote

Reply to comment by HubbaMaBubba in finaly good audio on the go! utws5 and fh5s by csch1992

How old is your BTR3K btw and how's the battery holding up, have you tried to replace it by any chance? (The battery btw is the same used by tws tws cases, so replacement is really easy).

I wasn't looking for quality here, just wanted ease of being disconnected at the lowest possible latency for gaming needs.

For audio experience I still go wired on my phone (not an audiophile experience ik) but luckily Oppo (Reno 10x/my phone) is a music company so it still provides an inbuilt DAC (w/24 bit 192khz hi res certified)

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Mayank_j t1_j80fxax wrote

Reply to comment by TagalogON in finaly good audio on the go! utws5 and fh5s by csch1992

Is Aptx Adaptive as good as Aptx LL latency-wise?

I asked a lot of people, most didn't understand my question or didn't reply but I found this guy NL Tech on YouTube he did a review of the Aptx LL transmitter by a lot of companies, Gulitech, Ugreen etc; he has a playlist called Wireless Audio delay saga where he concluded that a adaptive is really noticeable.

Oh yes I should've mentioned this before that I live in India, most of the above aren't available, we just have three audio stores, Amazon sellers charge an arm n leg and lastly for imports we pay 40 to 70 % tax(approx) depending upon whatever brand the customs dudes are smokin. So LC3 stuff is out of reach for me. And that earphone might not be good enough for gaming when comp. to my Zero. Yepp I watch n recommend Kenneths vids a lot to people, he is the go to guy for tws. I am so surprised that most people don't think to review the mics on tws like he does. Kinda bizarre when u think about it.

And I'm poor so kinda price sensitive. For example, a combo of BTR5 + an AptxLL transmitter would be equal to a UTSW5 or the Qudelix 5k (although it's outta stock), which are both at best aptx adaptive.

Sry for this long n weird essay of my problems

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Lego_Hippo OP t1_j80ej0r wrote

Reply to Broken Hifiman’s was a great excuse to try something new by Lego_Hippo

I received my HE4XX as a gift a few years back and the ear cup broke a month ago. Going through similar posts, it seems like this is a design/QC problem with models built after 2018. They were my first pair of hi fi headphones (senn hd 202’s and mx30’s prior) and I really enjoyed them. Sound stage was great and indie/rock sounded great on them. I haven’t worn them recently but I remember bass is a lacking a bit but clarity was good, so it didn’t feel like I was missing anything. Friends who tried them as well agreed.

Hifiman wanted $75 for a new headband and knockoffs would take weeks from china, so I decided to just grab something new. My budget wasn’t a lot so I went to a local audio shop and bought whatever their cheapest open backs were. I landed on the Grado SR60X, and while trying them in the shop, I wasn’t blown away but thought they would suffice. I also tried the SR80X and noticed a slight difference but both worth the additional $30CAD. I don’t know if it was burn in, or if my brain was tuned to the headphones, but I absolutely love them now. I know people hate on them a lot and complain about a lack of bass but I love the way they sound, my go to with these headphones is r&b, hip hop, and anything ‘fun’ like edm and game sound tracks. My go to for the past few weeks has been Majid Jordan, Glitch Mob and Beastie Boys. I seriously can’t get over how much I enjoy them, and honestly what’s not to love about the product and brand. Yes, they feel cheap but they’re also great value for the price, and hand built in Booklyn by a family business. On the topic of ‘feel’, it definitely takes a while to adjust to them, the ear cups are rough and they sit tight but after playing around with the band and breaking in the cups, they feel very comfortable.

I had decided to stick with these but these bleed noise a lot, a considerable amount more than the HE4XX, and my wife just wasn’t having it (we live in a 1 bedroom place). I used this as an excuse to buy a used pair of DT 770 Pro 80 ohm’s that came up for a good price. I haven’t had a lot of time with these, only a few hours but these sound fantastic, definitely different to the SR60X, specifically in soundstage being closed back. I thought I would prefer open back a lot more but I think it’s very specific to the song, whereas the open back with some r&b felt like I was sitting in a recording room, with instruments and vocals playing all around me, the closed back with something like indie rock felt like I had the guitarist right next to me. Totally different sensation and imo preference came down to the song I was listening to. Indie rock and acoustic feel more intimate with the 770’s so I think I’ll be sticking with them for that genre and anything similar.

I don’t watch a ton of movies or shows on my computer so I can’t comment but gaming is great on both.

Overall, Im disappointed in hifimans QC and just lack of ownership to faulty products, but I’m glad I was able to try something new. The Grado’s hold a special place for me and really do feel like something special, with their sound signature and company backstory. I’ll probably pick up more as gifts. The 770’s, what can I say that already hasn’t been said? They sound great and have been comfortable for the past few hours I’ve been using them. Clarity and sound on them are probably the best I’ve heard so I get why they’re used as reference headphones for audio work. As for now, I’m happy with what I have. I may try to fix the HE4XX with some super glue, but I’m in no rush.

Edit: written on a phone so ignore any typos or bad grammar.

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TagalogON t1_j809n8i wrote

Reply to comment by Dust-by-Monday in finaly good audio on the go! utws5 and fh5s by csch1992

Make sure you get the MMCX version of the UTWS3/5, here's more info about why (it's mainly due to IEMs that have recessed 2-pin ports, like the popular Moondrop lineup, etc.): https://www.reddit.com/r/HeadphoneAdvice/comments/v3hs92/iems_help_need_a_new_pair/iaz200a/

Especially for Sennheiser IEMs, there's really only MMCX to Sennheiser IE 900/600/300/etc. MMCX adapters/converters. And they're sometimes still loose, lol, so ya, don't make sudden movements as they'll immediately fall off.

Smh for the Sennheiser/etc. ports/plugs with some IEMs, they really make MMCX/etc. too varied and unnecessary extra expense for cables or adapters/converters.

Here's a more direct link for the adapters/converters required for the different IEMs and headphones: https://www.reddit.com/r/HeadphoneAdvice/comments/t3v7wp/looking_to_make_my_arias_wireless/hyv14dn/

Here's more info on TWS adapters like the FiiO UTWS3/5, KZ AZ09 Pro, etc. alongside adapters/converters, AptX Adaptive dongles (KB9P, YET-T10P, etc.), and so on needed for them: https://www.reddit.com/r/headphones/comments/10yr7js/finaly_good_audio_on_the_go_utws5_and_fh5s/j805aru/ and https://www.reddit.com/r/headphones/comments/10yr7js/finaly_good_audio_on_the_go_utws5_and_fh5s/j8049bu/ and https://www.reddit.com/r/HeadphoneAdvice/comments/10hfuxn/wireless_earbuds_for_gaming_with_plugin_to/j58i33j/

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TagalogON t1_j80733f wrote

Reply to comment by Mayank_j in finaly good audio on the go! utws5 and fh5s by csch1992

No problem, ya for me the convenience of the no cables is too good with the UTWS5. I also got the AptX Adaptive for low latency or gaming too and so I know how you feel, lol. Try getting the KB9P dongle and then use the USB Assistant Tool for it to enable the low latency version of AptX Adaptive/etc.

You can find it on the thread, https://www.head-fi.org/threads/aptx-adaptive-aptx-lossless-usb-transmitters.961856/page-70, and a few versions should have English subs as some people translated it and posted it in that thread.

There's the Qudelix 5K for ultimate Bluetooth amp/DAC dongle device, it might be too expensive if you have to order it from Korea as it's like $110 plus say $30 or so. IMO that's still worth it but if it's out of the budget range then try saving up or wait for the sales on the FiiO BTR5/etc. Check Keepa, CamelCamelCamel, et cetera for price alerts on basically anything on Amazon/etc.

For the Qudelix 5K, with the v2.0 update, this is what Qudelix 5K had to say about latency:

> Optimized Bluetooth Audio Latency > > The new firmware offers considerably lower Bluetooth latency for all codecs than the previous firmware. Qudelix-5K doesn't support aptX-LL, but we're sure the 5K would deliver the industry's lowest audio latency over Bluetooth across all codecs.

More info on Qudelix 5K (Bluetooth amp/DAC dongle), latency, and Bluetooth stuff here: https://www.reddit.com/r/headphones/comments/10ky4ay/bluetooth_codecs/j5ttlgw/

Btw for reparability or battery life concerns, check the Qudelix Forums as they uploaded the schematics or steps on how to disassemble the Qudelix 5K safely if you need a new battery and so on.

But there's now new devices like the Soundcore VR P10 TWS earbuds for LC3 tech stuff, Kenneth Tanaka's (he focuses a lot on latency for TWS earbuds) video on them: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cfX40jgy3Bg

It's not a TWS adapter, but if wireless gaming with Bluetooth is it, then that should be good. Hopefully in the future more TWS earbuds will start releasing LC3/etc. and also with app support so that we can EQ on their own app. There's also EQ from other apps but they don't stay applied on the device, you usually have to have that specific app/etc. open.

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TagalogON t1_j805aru wrote

Reply to comment by Mayank_j in finaly good audio on the go! utws5 and fh5s by csch1992

Maybe go with the Qudelix 5K if you don't mind wires. Don't go for the FiiO BTR5 or other Bluetooth amp/DAC dongles as they have less features and are usually more expensive.

More info on Qudelix 5K (Bluetooth amp/DAC dongle), latency, and Bluetooth stuff here: https://www.reddit.com/r/headphones/comments/10ky4ay/bluetooth_codecs/j5ttlgw/

The Qudelix 5K is often out of stock these days and so you'll probably have to import it from Korea if it's not on Amazon USA.

Anyway, after the FiiO UTWS3/5 TWS adapter, I don't use cables anymore. So all my amps/DACs/dongles/etc. are just collecting dust unless I'm testing new IEMs/headphones.

You just have to mind the battery life and like if the IEMs or adapters/converters are too heavy then be careful with fast movements.

Here's more info on TWS adapters like the FiiO UTWS3/5, KZ AZ09 Pro, etc. alongside adapters/converters, AptX Adaptive dongles (KB9P, YET-T10P, etc.), and so on needed for them: https://www.reddit.com/r/HeadphoneAdvice/comments/10hfuxn/wireless_earbuds_for_gaming_with_plugin_to/j58i33j/

Make sure you get the MMCX version of the UTWS3/5, here's more info about why (it's mainly due to IEMs that have recessed 2-pin ports, like the popular Moondrop lineup, etc.): https://www.reddit.com/r/HeadphoneAdvice/comments/v3hs92/iems_help_need_a_new_pair/iaz200a/

Here's a more direct link for the adapters/converters required for the different IEMs and headphones: https://www.reddit.com/r/HeadphoneAdvice/comments/t3v7wp/looking_to_make_my_arias_wireless/hyv14dn/

Info about UTWS5 battery life (5-7 hours): https://www.reddit.com/r/headphones/comments/10yr7js/finaly_good_audio_on_the_go_utws5_and_fh5s/j803bbw/

Here's more (direct) updated info about the AptX Adaptive USB transmitter dongles (KB8P, KB9P, YET-T10P): https://www.reddit.com/r/headphones/comments/zr41fe/which_lossy_codec_to_use_compress_with_before/j12cdwt/

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TagalogON t1_j8049bu wrote

Reply to comment by HubbaMaBubba in finaly good audio on the go! utws5 and fh5s by csch1992

FiiO might add it, they're adding LDAC/etc. for the FW5 TWS earbuds, check the Head-Fi threads for the FW5 and UTWS5.

Right now the UTWS5 only has LHDC and AptX Adaptive.

For LHDC, those are only found on Xiaomi or certain Chinese phones, so it's not gonna be easily available.

For AptX Adaptive, look into the $15-20 AptX Adaptive USB transmitter dongles like KB9P.

Some of us are waiting for the Chinese dongle makers (from Taobao/AliExpress/etc.) to make LDAC/LHDC/AptX Lossless/LC3/etc. USB transmitter dongles. Check this Head-Fi thread for more info on those AptX Adaptive dongles and other Bluetooth stuff: https://www.head-fi.org/threads/aptx-adaptive-aptx-lossless-usb-transmitters.961856/page-70

Here's more info on TWS adapters like the FiiO UTWS3/5, KZ AZ09 Pro, etc. alongside adapters/converters, AptX Adaptive dongles (KB9P, YET-T10P, etc.), and so on needed for them: https://www.reddit.com/r/HeadphoneAdvice/comments/10hfuxn/wireless_earbuds_for_gaming_with_plugin_to/j58i33j/

Info about UTWS5 battery life (5-7 hours): https://www.reddit.com/r/headphones/comments/10yr7js/finaly_good_audio_on_the_go_utws5_and_fh5s/j803bbw/

Here's more (direct) updated info about the AptX Adaptive USB transmitter dongles (KB8P, KB9P, YET-T10P): https://www.reddit.com/r/headphones/comments/zr41fe/which_lossy_codec_to_use_compress_with_before/j12cdwt/

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TagalogON t1_j803bbw wrote

Reply to comment by conz0rz in finaly good audio on the go! utws5 and fh5s by csch1992

TL;DR: Expect 5-6 hours for regular use or maybe 7 hours if you listen at lowest volumes with the UTWS5.

Btw, a few days ago they added PEQ and multipoint with the UTWS5 now, see here for more info: https://www.reddit.com/r/headphones/comments/10x4o41/fiio_utws5_bluetooth_tws_adapter_for_iems_and/

There's also the UTWS15 (UTWS5 3rd version with ergonomics/etc. changes) or something like that, it may have better battery life, it's releasing probably this October 2023 or November 11.11 sale time.

I have multiple versions of the UTWS5 (and UTWS3) from the first batch (release in China/AliExpress/etc.), second batch, and so on.

Battery life is still somehow good. I basically use them every day, though that's not exactly true as I take breaks. Sometimes I go weeks/months without using the UTWS5 and just use my speakers/etc. instead.

Anyway, basically I use the UTWS3/5 for their full charge and rarely remove them from my ears or power them off. So for me it's continuous/nonstop usage, but other people will often put the TWS adapters or TWS earbuds back in the case when they're not using it.

In my case/testing/experience/et cetera at lowest volumes (2/32 or so volume on FiiO Control app) possible it goes like this:

UTWS5 + single dynamic driver/hybrids/tribrids/multidriver IEMs + regular AptX = 7 hours or so of battery life

UTWS5 + single dynamic driver and general hybrids/tribrids/multidriver IEMs + regular AptX Adaptive = maybe 6 hours and 30 minutes

UTWS5 + planar IEMs/some hybrid/multidriver/etc. IEMs + regular AptX (and AptX Adaptive) = variable, it's likely not gonna reach 7 hours for sure as you'll want more volume to hear approximately the same levels as a regular dynamic/etc. driver IEM. Personally clicking once or twice from 0 or lowest volume possible is enough to get the planar IEMs to be louder volume.

For context with my AptX Adaptive USB transmitter dongles like KB9P, I turn up the volume there first, like with planar IEMs it gets close to 100/100 dongle (Windows volume slider) volume, while still being at 2/32 volume on the FiiO Control app. That's mainly for everything at 100% or so with things like foobar2000, Winamp, MusicBee, VLC, et cetera. Or video games/etc. sound.

Then with some tracks or albums that are so low, I do have to press once or twice to get better volume and so on. Or if I'm listening to ASMR on Youtube, some videos are so low volume with planar IEMs that I have to click the physical buttons a few more times.

Here's some videos/channels for ASMR triggers: https://www.reddit.com/r/headphones/comments/xqq9kw/can_a_normal_person_hear_binaural_sound_when/iqcayk9/

ASMR Bakery's latest video, she usually doesn't do 1st person POVs (more just regular trigger assortment/variety/etc.), check her other videos: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3c4Zay0e1PU

Anyway, I listen at whatever volume is at that 2/32 volume on the FiiO Control app (it depends on the IEM), and it rarely changes unless I'm using a planar IEM or some IEM like the QKZ x HBB Khan which needs a bit more volume than other more regular IEMs too. Again, usually it's just 1 or 2 presses on the right side of the UTWS5 and it should be loud enough again.

I listen at that 2/32 volume as I legit never take the UTWS5 off unless I have to eat, use the toilet, et cetera. Sometimes I don't actually play sounds or ASMR and so it's just idle and that still drains the battery. But with Bluetooth devices the constant recharging is what kills the battery life, apparently, and so I just leave it on and so far it's working just fine. Other people report worse battery life now though.

Like others are saying they get the advertised 8 hours and that's not true, lol.

Most of these TWS adapters and TWS earbuds advertise that specific 8 hours of battery life but in practice it's more like 6-7 hours for people like me that listen at lower volumes.

You have to specifically look for TWS earbuds that have that long (8-10+) battery life, and for TWS adapters it doesn't really exist. There's those neckband adapters like FiiO LC-BT2 that have bigger batteries and should theoretically have better battery life, but again it depends on your usage (volume levels).

For people that listen at 50% or so volume and regular AptX, some of them get 5-6 hours with the TWS earbuds (and TWS adapters). It's a noticeable battery drain once you leave the lowest volumes possible. But barely any people will experience the change as it seems people only use these Bluetooth stuff for a few hours at a time (which is better for your hearing health, always take breaks and listen at lowest volumes possible).

This is just for additional context, but FiiO also has its new FW5 TWS earbuds, which is like the UTWS5 internals but with actual TWS earbuds stuff (no ANC though).

More info on the FW5 in relation to the UTWS5/future UTWS7/etc. and LC3, like Bluetooth latency stuff: https://www.reddit.com/r/HeadphoneAdvice/comments/z5pfj4/tws_iem_conversion_thingies/j2ps3qy/

Here's more info on TWS adapters like the FiiO UTWS3/5, KZ AZ09 Pro, etc. alongside adapters/converters, AptX Adaptive dongles (KB9P, YET-T10P, etc.), and so on needed for them: https://www.reddit.com/r/HeadphoneAdvice/comments/10hfuxn/wireless_earbuds_for_gaming_with_plugin_to/j58i33j/

Make sure you get the MMCX version of the UTWS3/5, here's more info about why (it's mainly due to IEMs that have recessed 2-pin ports, like the popular Moondrop lineup, etc.): https://www.reddit.com/r/HeadphoneAdvice/comments/v3hs92/iems_help_need_a_new_pair/iaz200a/

If you're using the UTWS3 outside with your phone, you should be good, otherwise for PC, there could be connection issues.

Here's a bit of context on Bluetooth pairing/connection/battery drain issues with the UTWS3/5: https://www.reddit.com/r/headphones/comments/vjwq2p/never_thought_my_endgame_would_be_wireless_glad_i/idn2t9u/

Here's more (direct) updated info about the AptX Adaptive USB transmitter dongles (KB8P, KB9P, YET-T10P): https://www.reddit.com/r/headphones/comments/zr41fe/which_lossy_codec_to_use_compress_with_before/j12cdwt/

For TWS earbuds, see here for more info: https://www.reddit.com/r/HeadphoneAdvice/comments/10hdr2p/are_there_any_wireless_earbuds_witouth/j58keli/ and https://www.reddit.com/r/headphones/comments/10kai7u/should_i_keep_ear_buds_out_of_the_case_after/j5so87z/

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