Yeah, I can't say I was very impressed with Atmos for headphones. I just don't think it works very well with source audio that isn't set up for it. The idea of just magically turning a 2.0 stereo system into Atmos is another thing but, I think it can sometimes sound pretty good if a game or something offers it natively like OW2.

Personally I find sound stage a little overrated for gaming. Having used the AKG K7XX for quite awhile I found using something with a wide sound stage to be too imprecise. I could tell general directions but, it seemed to make things like footsteps and gunshots sound farther away than they actually were. Imaging is probably more important for telling elevation and precise direction.

But, these days I use Sundaras for gaming because I just like them.

I'm failing to see the correlation between a shower and filters falling out. It's not like you wore them in the shower. I guess it's possible that moisture could damage something but, wearing them once 30 minutes after a shower should not even dissolve the shittiest of shit tier glue.

I realize these are an ultra budget option. But it's not like what separates the Chu from the Blessing is superior adhesives. Just seems more plausible that something else was wrong here.

In not sure that this one really makes sense. The headphones are analog devices. Someone could easily get by with a new in box original DT990 (or whatever) from decades ago. But, an original iPhone from 15 years ago may not even work completely on some networks with its 3G receiver. I think most are already shutdown and that's before you even consider any of the other upgrades. Comparing headphones to a hammer would probably make more sense.

Main headphones - Sundara

amp- Magni Heresy

DAC- Modi 3+

IEM - Moondrop Starfield

TWS- Sony WF-1000 XM4, Samsung Galaxy Buds Pro and Live

That's what I use most. My headphone setup is used mostly for gaming these days and I have absolutely zero complaints. Love the Sundaras and even though I have the Harmon EQ setup I never use them like that.

The reason I have so many TWS is because I use them everyday M-F while I'm at work. The Sony are probably my favorite but, just for superior ANC tech. At the moment I'm waiting for a new set from Sony as my left bud started rapidly discharging. As I understand it this is a fairly common issue and the revised /B version they're sending has newer firmware that fixes the issue. It also takes awhile for the tips to soften up which you'll hear about if you watch any review on these. The LDAC does sound better IMO on hifi recordings but it absolutely swills battery on the earbuds and phone while in use so it's not something I use.

I've been using Samsung buds since the Buds + and I've never had an issue with any of them. My Pros still sound great but, I've had them since they came out and they don't hold a charge like they did. Even the Buds Live that I just got to try while the XM4s were in RMA sound surprisingly good for something that isn't even in your ear canal but, the ANC is just a gimmick on them. Samsung buds are just comfortable and although they don't have a full EQ like the XM4 but the software is better in general. Especially when switching devices.

Now the Starfields. I only really use them if I'm hot and don't want to wear headphones. I grabbed them because at the time they were recommended everywhere and weren't too expensive. I can't say that I've ever been very impressed with these. The build is pretty cheap looking and feeling. The sound isn't bad and it isn't great. They're just OK IMO