If it sounds bad, Just get a cheap Amp/DAC. Something like this should be quite satisfactory. And if you don't want to dive into the rabbit hole of software paramnetric EQ, you have basic tone controls by physical knobs there.

Thanks for the link. I was hoping there was just some box I needed to check somewhere or something but I guess each output has its own characteristics? It's crazy how different it sounds.

The first thing you should try is checking whether any audio "enhancements" are turned on in your audio settings and turn them off if possible. Your monitor might have such settings included, Windows has a setting to turn its enhancements off, and your PC maker might have bundled enhancement software along with the audio drivers.

Apple's USB-C/3.5mm adapter is the cheapest way to diagnose whether the problem is coming from the headphone end or the DAC end. Make sure to buy from the Apple store to avoid counterfeits, get a USB-C/USB-A adapter if you need one, and make sure to configure it to 24-bit in OS settings. It might sound quiet if you buy an EU model due to regulations, but you should at least be able to tell whether it still sounds off.

If it's the headphone end, the most likely culprits for a headphone problem would be either 1) that your headphone sounds wrong naturally and the previous output was changing the sound in a way that made it sound better or 2) that the earpads went flat and you only just started noticing. If your problem is boomy bass, my guess would be that your outputs have really high output impedance, as flattening pads on closed-backs usually rolls off bass. Beyer treble tends to smooth out and sound less sharp as the pads flatten, though, so I can't make 100% guarantees; if Beyer included another pair of pads, I'd suggest swapping to verify.

For the first, try installing Equalizer APO + Peace GUI (assuming you're on Windows) and using one of Oratory1990's EQ presets. For the second, see which pads Beyer intended for use with the 177X and look for a new pair. Aftermarket pads will change the sound, for better or for worse, so it's best not to skimp. I'd only recommend the first solution in your current case, but the second might be advisable if you have other issues in the future.

Do you have a USB dongle you use with your phone to plug headphones in? You might test that one first. These headphones do not seem power-hungry, so a dongle might be enough. And surprisingly one of the most cost-effective options is the Apple dongle for 10 dollars. Generally tho, monitors are terrible sources to plug your headphones in. Most of the time, the output is more of a marketing gimmick, not a well-engineered device.

Monitor outputs are the worst

If you get the same sound out of your monitor and motherboard, maybe your headphones are boomy by design? Wouldn't be surprised if that's how you perceive DT177x.

Well, what happens is your monitor has DAC built in so it is it that handles the decoding and amplification and those are generally not so good. And those headphones could definitely use some quality amplification. DT 177x are not power hungry so something simple like ifi zen dac air will do. I'd take headphones and go to audio store first to listen to DAC-amp combos they have and decide if it is worthy investment.

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Solid advice. Thanks.

Thanks for taking the time to make those recommendations.

I’ll have to look to see if I have one of those dongles. I doubt it’s the headphones but it would good to rule them out as the culprit.

I think I might have lucked out with the DAC included in the LG monitor. It sounded perfect. Looking into cheap DACs now.

But they sounded perfect through the LG monitor. Do most people use DACs? Does anyone plug directly into the motherboard?

I have the 177x and they are a bit boomy on known-good DAC/Amps. Not terrible but definitely a bit bloated. It may be that the LG actually reduced the lower frequencies and you got used to that sound so by comparison they sound wrong.

If your phone has headphone output or if you have an old phone with 3.5mm then those should work too. The 177x are intended to be easy to power so anything should fine enough to test.

Ended up getting a cheap DAC and all my problems were solved.

Nice! Glad to hear it.

Yeah, I might have accidentally "corrected" the headphones by running them through the monitor. Ended up getting a cheap DAC and they sound great again.

Bought this exact DAC. It arrived today and everything sounds great again. Thanks for the recommendation. I used to assume DACs were completely unnecessary, now I'm wondering if the pricier DACs are worth it... another Reddit-induced wallet-abusing rabbit hole, here I come!