After lurking on this sub and watching a bunch of reviews, I landed on Focal Bathys for travel and commute. I love the build quality of these headphones, the ability to connect USB-C to USB-C audio especially now with the iPhone 15 Pro Max has been clutch. The only thing I would say is the personalized audio update for the Focal app feels janky. I think I failed multiple times to discern those dang beeps.
I also got a Hifiman Arya Organic. I’ve never owned a open planar magnetic headphone in my life and man these sound so good. I’m not getting a bunch of soundstage that people tote these have, but I guess I don’t have that much experience listening to other headphones in this price range.
I mostly bought the Organic to listen to my vinyl collection more intimately, but soon wanted to be able to listen to more things on my PC so I went and got the XDuoo TA-22. I was curious about tube amps and this was a great one stop DAC Amp to suit my needs. Will try tube rolling but so far enjoying the sound already. Got it direct from ShenzenAudio and it only took a week to get here in Vancouver!
I think I’m set in my audio journey for awhile now, on to the music!