Damn I would of grabbed that in a heartbeat if I knew. If y’all wanna get into monolith and you’re trying to stay at/below $200, I’d try out the m1060c. It regularly goes on sale for $150, sometimes even half off costing only $100. Plus there’s the used market as another alternative. I’d say it’s roughly 90% of the m1570c based off of a few listening sessions I had from a buddy’s pair I’ve heard on.

Though if you’re concerned with comfort in the slightest, the m1060c headband isn’t the greatest.

If you’re going about your daily routine or you take the bus/live in the city, less is more. I find apple products have the most pleasing ANC to my ears. They don’t make my ears feel uncomfortable and I can still hear loud sounds around me. I’m terms of “most potent” ANC, I’d give it to Sony. If you’re not enjoying the galaxy buds, I’d highly suggest not going anything Sony related. I only use mine when I’m traveling by plane, nothing else. It honestly works too well lmao.

Well there’s 2 routes. You could purchase one headphone that does everything fairly well based on your preferences. If you were going this route, you might utilize EQ software or headphone mods which allows for more versatility. Or, route 2 would be to budget for two or three different sets of cans that cover all your bases. But, you’re trading off the possibility of having a slightly less premium product (not how I think of it).

Bottom line, if you live comfortably and you find this hobby enjoyable/meaningful, then go for it. Maybe nothing crazy at first (I’d start at $500-$800). In all honestly, how people think in terms of value vs. cost within the audiophile community varies drastically. Although, most likely this sub would be something like 80% leaning towards $1,000 not being worth it, and 20% saying spending more equates to a higher tier headphone. Ultimately you have to make that decision yourself my friend.

This.

Also, let’s not forget decent drivers for my usb boys out there. Software can make or break a system in my experience

Glad my sarcasm was received well. Was worried I’d be taken seriously haha

My preferred headphone regardless of the specific model is always gonna be open back large planars. And so the decision isn’t really a decisive one if you get what I’m saying. But I’d just follow your gut. You didn’t say if you used EQ though?

I was in the same situation as you back in the day. Still have no idea if I made the right decision tbh lol. If it was down to stock tuning…aryas. But things turn a complete 360 when the EQ is setup. LCD X still has more body, Aryas with their detail. It’s tough brother. I ended up selling the LCD X, and opted for an insane bass shelf to the Aryas. But I think now I’d do LCD X.

Reading back through this I’ve basically provided zero useful input. Sorry about that LOL. Let me know if you EQ, curious about that actually.

Glad to see you’ve only made minor decisions, such as the Empyrean of course. A healthy budget option for sure. +1 coming your way good sir

Always dig through the comment section on posts in this sub trying to find these type of responses. The exact information OP needs, concise and simple. Love to see it pineapple.

+1