Question about wireless or wired headphones

[josveland]

Hello everyone! I'm forced to replace my Beyerdynamic Lagoon ANC headphones because original replacement parts are no longer available in Europe (the non-original ones I can find are of poor quality), and the ear and headband cushions are worn out.

In any case, I've used the Lagoons 80% of the time at home, in situations where I didn't mind having a wired connection (in fact, I usually use a wired connection because the sound quality is significantly better than Bluetooth). I can disregard the remaining 20% because it's generally been in situations where I'd normally take my AirPods Pro 2, as they're more convenient to carry around (they fit in my pocket) than over-ear headphones.

With this introduction, I'm trying to make it clear that I really don't care whether my new headphones are wireless, portable, foldable, or have noise cancellation... because they're for home use. Although they should be closed-back, since I've never owned open-back headphones, if they let in too much sound, they're useless to me. Of course, being able to get up from the table or sofa without taking off my headphones, or not having to carry my phone around, are features I appreciate, but it depends on the price.

Based on these considerations, I can't find any articles comparing top-of-the-range wired and wireless headphones (within the same price range). For example, for wired use, what about Bowers & Wilkins PX8 S2 or Beyerdynamics T5? These two models sell for around €750 in Spain. What about the Sony WH-1000XM6 or Sennheiser HD 660S2? Around €480. What about Bowers & Wilkins PX7 S3 or Sennheiser HD 600? Around €380.

The question is, at the same price, will wired headphones sound significantly better, or will they sound similar?

Main uses: streaming movies, TV shows, and music (Apple Music or Spotify Lossless), gaming on Nintendo Switch 2 and PC. Sometimes I'll use them directly to the TV/PC/Switch 2/iPhone 11 Pro Max (with the Lightning-to-3.5mm jack adapter) and sometimes connected to a Denon AVR X3700H AV decoder (6.35mm jack input; in this case, Apple Music can only be output via AAC).

 

[Al ears]

There are plenty of wired portable headphones out there.
Every headphone I have is wired for a reason.
I don't need noise cancelling efforts and I cannot carry anything with an internal battery when at work.
Wireless headphones require a DAC of some sort in the loop as far as I am aware so, potentially, wired headphones should sound better but not all modern phones or devices can accept a wired connection.
I really liked my B&W headphones but apparently they are no longer making wired headphones so will have to look elsewhere for a suitable replacement.

 

[josveland]

EDITADO:
What I want to know is what price range for wired headphones would correspond to, for example, the Sony WH-1000XM6 headphones, speaking exclusively in terms of audio quality.

 

[Gray]

I'm trying to make it clear that I really don't care whether my new headphones are wireless, portable, foldable, or have noise cancellation... because they're for home use.

Then if I was you, it would have to be wired - more choice of makes and models - including the latest Beyer models (since that's the brand you're used to).

If sound quality is your number 1 priority, then comparing models yourself is essential.

The prospect of long, trailing cables across rooms put some people off of wired headphones.
But extension cables clipped neatly around skirting boards (if necessary in thin trunking) is so unobtrusive, you don't even know it's there.
Plug into fixed socket(s) behind listening chair(s) 👍

 

[Al ears]

Lo que quiero saber es a qué rango de precios de auriculares con cable correspondería, por ejemplo, a los auriculares Sony WH-1000XM6 hablando exclusivamente de calidad de audio.

and in English???

 

[Jasonovich]

There are plenty of wired portable headphones out there.
Every headphone I have is wired for a reason.
I don't need noise cancelling efforts and I cannot carry anything with an internal battery when at work.
Wireless headphones require a DAC of some sort in the loop as far as I am aware so, potentially, wired headphones should sound better but not all modern phones or devices can accept a wired connection.
I really liked my B&W headphones but apparently they are no longer making wired headphones so will have to look elsewhere for a suitable replacement.

Give planars a shot AI, you won't be disappointed ☺️

 

[Jasonovich]

Lo que quiero saber es a qué rango de precios de auriculares con cable correspondería, por ejemplo, a los auriculares Sony WH-1000XM6 hablando exclusivamente de calidad de audio.

Don't you love Google translate 😁

What I want to know is what price range of wired headphones would correspond to, for example, the Sony WH-1000XM6, speaking exclusively of audio quality".

 

[Al ears]

Give planars a shot AI, you won't be disappointed ☺️

I don't, at the moment, feel the need to replace my current headphones but planars may be on the cards in the future. For home use at least.

 

[josveland]

Then if I was you, it would have to be wired - more choice of makes and models - including the latest Beyer models (since that's the brand you're used to).

If sound quality is your number 1 priority, then comparing models yourself is essential.

The prospect of long, trailing cables across rooms put some people off of wired headphones.
But extension cables clipped neatly around skirting boards (if necessary in thin trunking) is so unobtrusive, you don't even know it's there.
Plug into fixed socket(s) behind listening chair(s) 👍

Thanks a lot, Gray, but I'd appreciate it if you could explain why you'd choose wired headphones.

Of course, I'll try several models before choosing. That's what I did before buying the Lagoon headphones (which, by the way, I still love and wouldn't trade if it weren't for those damn ear pads), and that's what I'm doing now. I've already tried the Momentum 4 (I liked the sound, but they were heavy and the headband wasn't comfortable), the Bose QC Ultra (incredibly comfortable and the sound was decent, but they didn't blow me away), and just yesterday I received the Sony WH-1000XM6 (a great deal at €281; I've only been able to try them for an hour, and at first glance I liked the sound and they felt comfortable, but I need to test them much more. The app seems a bit rubbish... not very intuitive, but that hardly matters to me).

In the end, I don't have any technical knowledge about audio, so I'm just learning what I need and finding a combination I like within a certain budget. Therefore, considering that I'm barely using one of the features of wireless headphones, I'd like to know if sticking to wired headphones represents a real leap in audio quality or if they're comparable within the same budget.

In other words, and of course speaking generally, are wireless headphones around €300 equivalent to wired headphones costing €100? €200? €250? I don't mind paying €50 for the extra Bluetooth connection, but if it's more than that, I'd prefer to take a step up in audio quality.

and in English???

Sorry, Chrome automatically translates the website and I spaced out.

Give planars a shot AI, you won't be disappointed ☺️

Thank you for the advice, but could you elaborate a bit?

 

[Jasonovich]

Thanks a lot, Gray, but I'd appreciate it if you could explain why you'd choose wired headphones.

Of course, I'll try several models before choosing. That's what I did before buying the Lagoon headphones (which, by the way, I still love and wouldn't trade if it weren't for those damn ear pads), and that's what I'm doing now. I've already tried the Momentum 4 (I liked the sound, but they were heavy and the headband wasn't comfortable), the Bose QC Ultra (incredibly comfortable and the sound was decent, but they didn't blow me away), and just yesterday I received the Sony WH-1000XM6 (a great deal at €281; I've only been able to try them for an hour, and at first glance I liked the sound and they felt comfortable, but I need to test them much more. The app seems a bit rubbish... not very intuitive, but that hardly matters to me).

In the end, I don't have any technical knowledge about audio, so I'm just learning what I need and finding a combination I like within a certain budget. Therefore, considering that I'm barely using one of the features of wireless headphones, I'd like to know if sticking to wired headphones represents a real leap in audio quality or if they're comparable within the same budget.

In other words, and of course speaking generally, are wireless headphones around €300 equivalent to wired headphones costing €100? €200? €250? I don't mind paying €50 for the extra Bluetooth connection, but if it's more than that, I'd prefer to take a step up in audio quality.


Sorry, Chrome automatically translates the website and I spaced out.


Thank you for the advice, but could you elaborate a bit?

Ah, I was addressing AI Ears@ ☺️ but yes, if you have an interest in Planar Magnet headphones, there are various brands to suit your budget, Audeze, Meze, FiiO, Hifiman etc.
Worth exploring I think. It's a question of do I prefer convenience or sound quality, if it's the latter, go for wired.
There's very little close back or wireless headphone options with planars.
The Audeze and Meze don't have a budget line but Hifiman and FiiO offer affordable planars.

 

[Gel Man]

Hello everyone! I'm forced to replace my Beyerdynamic Lagoon ANC headphones because original replacement parts are no longer available in Europe (the non-original ones I can find are of poor quality), and the ear and headband cushions are worn out.

In any case, I've used the Lagoons 80% of the time at home, in situations where I didn't mind having a wired connection (in fact, I usually use a wired connection because the sound quality is significantly better than Bluetooth). I can disregard the remaining 20% because it's generally been in situations where I'd normally take my AirPods Pro 2, as they're more convenient to carry around (they fit in my pocket) than over-ear headphones.

With this introduction, I'm trying to make it clear that I really don't care whether my new headphones are wireless, portable, foldable, or have noise cancellation... because they're for home use. Although they should be closed-back, since I've never owned open-back headphones, if they let in too much sound, they're useless to me. Of course, being able to get up from the table or sofa without taking off my headphones, or not having to carry my phone around, are features I appreciate, but it depends on the price.

Based on these considerations, I can't find any articles comparing top-of-the-range wired and wireless headphones (within the same price range). For example, for wired use, what about Bowers & Wilkins PX8 S2 or Beyerdynamics T5? These two models sell for around €750 in Spain. What about the Sony WH-1000XM6 or Sennheiser HD 660S2? Around €480. What about Bowers & Wilkins PX7 S3 or Sennheiser HD 600? Around €380.

The question is, at the same price, will wired headphones sound significantly better, or will they sound similar?

Main uses: streaming movies, TV shows, and music (Apple Music or Spotify Lossless), gaming on Nintendo Switch 2 and PC. Sometimes I'll use them directly to the TV/PC/Switch 2/iPhone 11 Pro Max (with the Lightning-to-3.5mm jack adapter) and sometimes connected to a Denon AVR X3700H AV decoder (6.35mm jack input; in this case, Apple Music can only be output via AAC).

Why don’t you pick up the B&W PX8 headphones wired or wireless from Amazon Germany for €333 euros:

https://www.amazon.de/-/en/Cancelling-Headphones-Bluetooth-Resolution-Microphone-black/dp/B0B33PXPJT/ref=sr_1_3?crid=2N7CSCLNZAU3C&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.8IAbePd47kCT8iHzo3A_MwKCIkQNGKXFmSq88smUJlS4XK-p2f9p2MOXAh7pXDpQFreKRE13pMxrlKuxiilnAPGG9kv8fKSf2T9XC7eIR36LHxXopSTyRCo8ruA74waFPF8kZctxmkj7fsiqu7iRXCtLyndZSYJ_JoqdppVujCa8uPSypPKO7fYDJAPpFaCCjEW20zVbPo16rcWq-BJi-8aYnAIiMrJgk1UBOEJSTkM.kLA2a4S_1csBlUNuaMgG1_Zz7nXxIXBIqR03-fpnrw8&dib_tag=se&keywords=b%26w%2Bpx8&qid=1761908338&sprefix=B%26W%2B%2Caps%2C87&sr=8-3&th=1

Just use your Amazon Spain account log in.

 

[Rodolfo]

I was a serious wired-only snob until a few years ago when a nephew asked me to try the LDAC-equipped headphones he used with his nice digital audio player. Well, today I find Bluetooth head and earphones very convenient and very satisfactory. I've used Sennheiser and Sony headphones for many years, and now use Anker Soundcore LDAC-equipped head and earphones as well. (I think Soundcore has the best app in the business, por cierto.) They have not replaced my wired sets, but I now like my wireless options as much because of how much they've expended my access to satisfying sound. For your central question, I find the differences real, but minor, considering the value of convenience. Moreover, as with so much of life, the differences within, can be as great as those between the categories. (This applies to price categories as well.) I travel only with my Soundcores now, whereas years ago I'd always take one Sennheiser set or another. Noise-reduction and good battery life is probably what I value the most, on the road, next to LDAC-filtered/improved sound quality. Enjoy your patient shopping and your eventual selection or selections.

They're separate subjects, but I've always paid most attention to the quality of recordings, and I'm fortunate to have access to a lot of hi-resolution music and sources that please my ears, both of which have most to do with how much I enjoy the sound of music regardless of how I transmit it.

 

[Gray]

Thanks a lot, Gray, but I'd appreciate it if you could explain why you'd choose wired headphones.

I can certainly explain why I have chosen wired headphones - but you may have different priorities (Although you made it clear you're not bothered whether you go wired or wireless).

I've got no need or desire for wireless headphones - which means that I've spent no money on electronics, noise cancelling, apps or any features that won't get used.
My wired headphones are always ready to go - with never any need for charging and no battery that will ever need to be replaced (especially handy if it's not designed to be replaceable).
For what its worth, I can use the 'balanced' output of my headphone amplifier.

All I ask is for a neutral sound, maximum comfort (light weight and low clamping force) and a single-sided, preferably detachable cable (less tangle - the reason why you'll only ever see single-sided cables on radio presenter headphones).

Also, for what it's worth, here's what one of the WHF staff said:

I've been listening to the best wired headphones around – now I don't want to return to wireless

Don't make me go back...

www.whathifi.com

 

[josveland]

I finally decided to buy a pair of DT 990 Pro X and a pair of DT 770 Pro X and experience the differences with wireless ANC for myself. To use them with my iPhone, I also bought an iFi Go Link (I was interested to see if I noticed any difference compared to Apple's Lightning-to-jack cable).

I chose the Beyerdynamics because Amazon delivered them the next day for €199 each. I don't care about the brand; the only thing I look for is that they sell replacement parts in case I need to change something (especially the ear pads).

After trying them, all I can say is WOW, what I've been missing out on! The leap compared to the Sony XM6 is truly enormous. I'm hearing so many details that I never heard with my previous Lagoon ANC or my AirPods Pro 2. I'm not exaggerating; the first thing I listened to was U2's "With or Without You" in lossless mode from Apple Music (it was by chance, it was the one I was playing) and I was blown away.

Between the two models, I prefer the 990s. The fact that they're open-back is a bit of a "problem" because when I'm using them with other people around, I'll have to be careful with the volume, but the soundstage they create is far superior to the 770s. Besides, even though the 770s are closed-back, they sound almost as loud as the 990s outside. A little quieter, yes, but not by much.

So, my next step is to try out some models around €400 to choose my new go-to headphones (and hopefully get them for a better price on Black Friday). All I need is to be able to use them with my phone via the iFi Go Link or Apple's 3.5mm Lightning-to-jack cable (or something similar) for when I'm listening to music while doing housework. Any recommendations?

Ah, I was addressing AI Ears@ ☺️ but yes, if you have an interest in Planar Magnet headphones, there are various brands to suit your budget, Audeze, Meze, FiiO, Hifiman etc.
Worth exploring I think. It's a question of do I prefer convenience or sound quality, if it's the latter, go for wired.
There's very little close back or wireless headphone options with planars.
The Audeze and Meze don't have a budget line but Hifiman and FiiO offer affordable planars.

I've been reading a bit about them and I'm not sure if I'll be able to use them with my iPhone. Even so, I'm trying to get some to test them out.

Why don’t you pick up the B&W PX8 headphones wired or wireless from Amazon Germany for €333 euros:

https://www.amazon.de/-/en/Cancelling-Headphones-Bluetooth-Resolution-Microphone-black/dp/B0B33PXPJT/ref=sr_1_3?crid=2N7CSCLNZAU3C&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.8IAbePd47kCT8iHzo3A_MwKCIkQNGKXFmSq88smUJlS4XK-p2f9p2MOXAh7pXDpQFreKRE13pMxrlKuxiilnAPGG9kv8fKSf2T9XC7eIR36LHxXopSTyRCo8ruA74waFPF8kZctxmkj7fsiqu7iRXCtLyndZSYJ_JoqdppVujCa8uPSypPKO7fYDJAPpFaCCjEW20zVbPo16rcWq-BJi-8aYnAIiMrJgk1UBOEJSTkM.kLA2a4S_1csBlUNuaMgG1_Zz7nXxIXBIqR03-fpnrw8&dib_tag=se&keywords=b%26w%2Bpx8&qid=1761908338&sprefix=B%26W%2B%2Caps%2C87&sr=8-3&th=1

Just use your Amazon Spain account log in.

That's a fantastic price, but I've decided to switch to wired models. Thanks anyway!

I was a serious wired-only snob until a few years ago when a nephew asked me to try the LDAC-equipped headphones he used with his nice digital audio player. Well, today I find Bluetooth head and earphones very convenient and very satisfactory. I've used Sennheiser and Sony headphones for many years, and now use Anker Soundcore LDAC-equipped head and earphones as well. (I think Soundcore has the best app in the business, por cierto.) They have not replaced my wired sets, but I now like my wireless options as much because of how much they've expended my access to satisfying sound. For your central question, I find the differences real, but minor, considering the value of convenience. Moreover, as with so much of life, the differences within, can be as great as those between the categories. (This applies to price categories as well.) I travel only with my Soundcores now, whereas years ago I'd always take one Sennheiser set or another. Noise-reduction and good battery life is probably what I value the most, on the road, next to LDAC-filtered/improved sound quality. Enjoy your patient shopping and your eventual selection or selections.

They're separate subjects, but I've always paid most attention to the quality of recordings, and I'm fortunate to have access to a lot of hi-resolution music and sources that please my ears, both of which have most to do with how much I enjoy the sound of music regardless of how I transmit it.

I'm certain that for when I'm out and about, I'll stick with my AirPods Pro 2 (or something similar). People can say what they want about them, but they do the job and are incredibly comfortable. But for home use, I've discovered a whole new world of wired connections that I'm eager to explore further xD.

By the way, I read the article you sent me and I couldn't agree more with the author.

 

[Jasonovich]

I finally decided to buy a pair of DT 990 Pro X and a pair of DT 770 Pro X and experience the differences with wireless ANC for myself. To use them with my iPhone, I also bought an iFi Go Link (I was interested to see if I noticed any difference compared to Apple's Lightning-to-jack cable).

I chose the Beyerdynamics because Amazon delivered them the next day for €199 each. I don't care about the brand; the only thing I look for is that they sell replacement parts in case I need to change something (especially the ear pads).

After trying them, all I can say is WOW, what I've been missing out on! The leap compared to the Sony XM6 is truly enormous. I'm hearing so many details that I never heard with my previous Lagoon ANC or my AirPods Pro 2. I'm not exaggerating; the first thing I listened to was U2's "With or Without You" in lossless mode from Apple Music (it was by chance, it was the one I was playing) and I was blown away.

Between the two models, I prefer the 990s. The fact that they're open-back is a bit of a "problem" because when I'm using them with other people around, I'll have to be careful with the volume, but the soundstage they create is far superior to the 770s. Besides, even though the 770s are closed-back, they sound almost as loud as the 990s outside. A little quieter, yes, but not by much.

So, my next step is to try out some models around €400 to choose my new go-to headphones (and hopefully get them for a better price on Black Friday). All I need is to be able to use them with my phone via the iFi Go Link or Apple's 3.5mm

The FiiO close back real wood, FT1 I use for commuting are real giant killers at a budget .
Won't cost you more than £150 and sounds many times better than the price suggests.
Or, if you want to spend up to your budget, the FiiO FT5 open back planars are reputed for their excellent sound quality.

 

[josveland]

The FiiO close back real wood, FT1 I use for commuting are real giant killers at a budget .
Won't cost you more than £150 and sounds many times better than the price suggests.
Or, if you want to spend up to your budget, the FiiO FT5 open back planars are reputed for their excellent sound quality.

Both models are sold out on Amazon Spain 🙁 I'll see if I can find somewhere to try them out.

 

[Jasonovich]

Both models are sold out on Amazon Spain 🙁 I'll see if I can find somewhere to try them out.

You can try eBay or AliExpress 😊

 

[Gel Man]

I finally decided to buy a pair of DT 990 Pro X and a pair of DT 770 Pro X and experience the differences with wireless ANC for myself. To use them with my iPhone, I also bought an iFi Go Link (I was interested to see if I noticed any difference compared to Apple's Lightning-to-jack cable).

I chose the Beyerdynamics because Amazon delivered them the next day for €199 each. I don't care about the brand; the only thing I look for is that they sell replacement parts in case I need to change something (especially the ear pads).

After trying them, all I can say is WOW, what I've been missing out on! The leap compared to the Sony XM6 is truly enormous. I'm hearing so many details that I never heard with my previous Lagoon ANC or my AirPods Pro 2. I'm not exaggerating; the first thing I listened to was U2's "With or Without You" in lossless mode from Apple Music (it was by chance, it was the one I was playing) and I was blown away.

Between the two models, I prefer the 990s. The fact that they're open-back is a bit of a "problem" because when I'm using them with other people around, I'll have to be careful with the volume, but the soundstage they create is far superior to the 770s. Besides, even though the 770s are closed-back, they sound almost as loud as the 990s outside. A little quieter, yes, but not by much.

So, my next step is to try out some models around €400 to choose my new go-to headphones (and hopefully get them for a better price on Black Friday). All I need is to be able to use them with my phone via the iFi Go Link or Apple's 3.5mm Lightning-to-jack cable (or something similar) for when I'm listening to music while doing housework. Any recommendations?


I've been reading a bit about them and I'm not sure if I'll be able to use them with my iPhone. Even so, I'm trying to get some to test them out.


That's a fantastic price, but I've decided to switch to wired models. Thanks anyway!

I'm certain that for when I'm out and about, I'll stick with my AirPods Pro 2 (or something similar). People can say what they want about them, but they do the job and are incredibly comfortable. But for home use, I've discovered a whole new world of wired connections that I'm eager to explore further xD.

By the way, I read the article you sent me and I couldn't agree more with the author.

You can still use the B&W PX8 with wired connection USB-C it’s fantastic!

 

[josveland]

You can try eBay or AliExpress 😊

I don't really trust the returns policy at those stores.

You can still use the B&W PX8 with wired connection USB-C it’s fantastic!

Well, maybe I can get some to try.

On the other hand, what do you think of the Meze 105 AER for €299?

 

[Jasonovich]

I don't really trust the returns policy at those stores.


Well, maybe I can get some to try.

On the other hand, what do you think of the Meze 105 AER for €299?

That's fair enough. I understand.

Below are reputed British Retailers, I believe they also supply to Europe.

https://www.av.com/Headphones/FiiO-FT1-32-Closed-Back-Headphones-Black/71O9?origin=product-ads&msclkid=7213f635602c1c02cad79f3dd6b41b9e&utm_source=bing&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=AV.com%20-%20Standard%20Shopping%20-%20Branded%20Products%20-%20All%20Categories%20-%20Group%20A,B,C&utm_term=4575892548800526&utm_content=Branded%20Low%20Margin

https://www.scan.co.uk/products/fiio-ft1-32-ohm-large-dynamic-driver-headphones-with-solid-wood-cups-includes-case-and-adapters?utm_source=Redbrain&utm_medium=awin&utm_campaign=Comparison+Shopping+Service+%28CSS%29&aw_affid=176013&awc=15473_1762178731_2814fd7f01e40db613f03fbddedf9fd7

FiiO FT1 32Ω Dynamic Headphones with Solid Wood Cups - Black

The FIIO FT1 cups are made from carefully selected FAS-grade American black walnut. The wood’s smooth grain unique to each piece and delicate texture truly showcase its natural beauty. This highly dense solid wood also helps to reduce cavity resonance effectively and minimizes standing waves.

petertyson.co.uk

 

[Gel Man]

I don't really trust the returns policy at those stores.


Well, maybe I can get some to try.

On the other hand, what do you think of the Meze 105 AER for €299?

I think it’s quite difficult to return to Amazon Germany you need to have the phone number of the Amazon Germany website in the UK for the post office, and I found that difficult to do so ended up keeping them - thanks god. I think it’s now January the 15th you have to return to them though with Xmas period on Amazon. I would look into returns first though with your post office. It also might cost quite a bit.

Yes, I think you have to pay customs to return. It was something like £50 from the UK back to Germany but the delivery price has no customs price, it’s included in the price.