In a recent video I watched featuring DMS, he said (to simplify) that there are to types of experiences that people go after when choosing headphones. One of them being Maximum accuracy and the other a more lively and fun presentation. I don’t think that these are exact solar opposites.
But I do get what he’s trying to say, the problem I’m having is that a good big chunk of headphones tend to go the maximum accuracy route.
Am I wrong? For most headphones that I listened to my music (metal, hip hop, electronic) didn’t really stood out as much and sounds in a way lifeless. The only headphones that could actually bring some the excitement were the focal clear.
And for this reason I have kind of started to go towards speakers, but still speakers lack intimacy that headphones could bring. Is there a way to achieve an compromise here?
I had the exact same problem as you! Contemplated for ages because I was too afraid to spend money on a pair of headphones that would sound lifeless. Not dissing on those though, people prefer them for a reason and I do see the appeal for it.
I ended up going with the Meze 99 Neo, and man am I glad I did. I will say upfront though that I do see when people say that it’s a bit muddy and warm, but not to the extent that’s said in some reviews. I thought that being fun might drown out some of the details, but honestly I’m surprised and it was good enough for me. I really recommend you try out some closed backs for the “fun” experience and demo some stuff before you buy it. Got them 2 days ago and I haven’t taken them off for other than sleep.
****This is coming from someone who’s relatively new to the hobby so take what I’m saying with a grain of salt