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THREAD: Stuck at home and want to improve your music setup? You can do much better than AirPods, Echos, your phone's speaker, etc., and it doesn't have to cost a fortune.
Here's a quick set of recommendations.
Here's a quick set of recommendations.
Let's start with speakers. All-in-one systems geared to streaming have hit their stride lately. KEF's LS50 bookshelf speakers made waves, and for good reason: outsounding sound quality in a very small package. But they needed to be paired w/ great electronics.
So KEF followed up with the wireless all-in-one LS50w. Completely plug-and-play. Not cheap, at $2,500, but it costs a lot (!) more to cobble together anything near as good. https://www.crutchfield.com/S-FhHXJiK8OFY/p_991LS50GBB/KEF-LS50-Wireless-Gloss-Black-Blue.html
But KEF didn't stop there. The LSX is a smaller, stripped-down model that costs less than half as much (~$1100) and delivers the same you-are-there musicality. https://www.amazon.com/KEF-Wireless-Music-System-Black/dp/B07JFK339D
Want a smart speaker? Apple's HomePod is pretty great, and can be had for ~$200. Pair up two for a great system, with excellent bass response and good imaging, if slightly muddled mid-range. No, they won't outpace the KEFs, but quite respectable for $400.
(Not a fan of Sonos speakers for many reasons, not least the sound. If convenience is what you're after, just get Amazon Echos. If quality, go w/ KEF or HomePods.)
Let's move on to headphones. Too much noise and distraction at home? Consider Etymotic earphones, which are effectively earplugs. Yes, you have to sink them in deep, but the sound quality and silence are worth it.
Looking for a headset model? Try the HF-3, for $120. If you're just listening or can use a computer/phone mic, the ER3 costs the same and has cleaner sound. (N.b., both need a headphone jack.)
(Bluetooth 'phones? I haven't found a pair to recommend w/out reservations. Of the hifi offerings, Shure's SE series seems to be best. The SE535 ($350) sounds good, but it's hard to fit properly, has fiddly controls, and can lack power. The SE215 ($79) could be a good bet.)
How about over-the-ear cans? The Grado SR80e is a top value in hifi, at ~$100. The tuning is...unique, but they're so much fun. Also, no need for a separate amp, just a headphone jack.
More comfortable, and rather less unique, is the Sennheiser 599SE, at ~$120. No amp needed, but they'll benefit from one, for sure.
To reach greater heights, you're gonna need a headphone amp. @Schiit (snicker) has set the standard for value. For most, Schiit's Magni ($99) is end-game: you'll never have a reason to upgrade. Optionally, pair one w/ a Schiit Modi DAC ($99) for a complete system.
(A DAC, or digital-to-analog converter, is what converts digitized audio—streams, files, etc.—into analog sound. Your phone and computer have ones built in. They're middling; you can do better.)
Or, for something smaller, try an Audioquest Dragonfly Black combined amp/DAC, at $99. Not end-game, I'd say, but plenty good and portable (should we ever resume travel). Also, can be used w/ a phone w/ the appropriate adapter.
The HifiMan HE 400 (various models, incl. the 4xx) goes for ~$165-200, and it's a steal. They're well balanced, w/ robust bass, silky midrange, and detailed high-end. But you'll need an amp to enjoy them.
For perfect neutrality, try the classic reference: Sennheiser HD650. They go for ~$350 (much less than in years past), but you can get the same cans relabeled as the HD6xx for $195 here: https://drop.com/buy/massdrop-sennheiser-hd6xx .
Of course, you can spend a lot more, with varying results. But these picks will get you pretty far along the quality curve.
