There is a reason one uses this instead of that. I have a preference for an open, lush/smooth/warm sound with some definition, texture and soundstage — none to excess. I am not into an analytical or clinical sound. Keep this in mind when going through this list.
Headphone
· Grado Labs RS2e with G-cush
IEM
· Waiting to get Gaudio’s Clariden
DAC/Amp
· Dethonray Honey H1
·
Updated February 8th, 2021.
BEST HEADPHONES
· Grado Labs RS2e with G-cush**
· Meze Audio 99 Classics***
BEST IEMs
· Overall best: Gaudio Clariden
· BA/DD Hybrid: Campfire Audio Dorado 2020*
· BA only: Gaudio Clariden**
· DD only: DITA Audio Project 71**
Best DAP or DAC/Amp
· Overall best: Dethonray Honey H1 | DAC/Amp
· Best DAP: Astell & Kern A&norma SR25* | DAP which can stream
· Best DAC/Amp: Dethonray Honey H1** | DAC/Amp
· Ikko Zerda*** | DAC/Amp
* Money no object
** Right on the money
*** Best value for money
