In theory you can use those AptX Adaptive USB transmitter dongles to output AptX Adaptive with any device that has USB. So use USB-C or USB-A adapters/converters if needed. Or in your case probably a Lightning converter/adapter.

Btw, it seems you have to get the 16-bit version for compatibility with older devices like say TV, otherwise go for the 24-bit version as those are often newer and have bugfixes and so on. They're like the same price, so just get the 24-bit versions of the AptX Adaptive dongles.

There's a Lightning/Apple version for the AptX Adaptive dongle (KB8(P)), it might be on one of the AliExpress listings still, but it'll be on Taobao for sure.

So just to be clear, if you get the $15-20 KB8P or KB9P dongle for your iPhone (or really any device that can output sound with USB, in theory), then it should output AptX Adaptive. So your TWS earbuds, Qudelix 5K, et cetera should get AptX Adaptive too.

If you don't have that KB9P/etc. dongle then it'll likely just be AAC with the Qudelix 5K and your TWS earbuds. As yes unfortunately iPhones/Apple devices pretty much just have AAC (and SBC), and so you'll need those extra transmitters to get the other codecs like AptX Adaptive and LDAC.

With Apple TWS earbuds or Bluetooth devices, those have hardware/software/etc. onboard that make them sound good (through AAC) when paired with iPhones or other Apple devices that have a particular chip, like the new H2 chip or something like that.

But ya with Bluetooth amp/DAC dongles like the Qudelix 5k and basically other non-Apple TWS earbuds and so on, it'll just be AAC only.

The main selling point of the overpriced ($130) FiiO BTA30 Pro is probably the LDAC through USB. But it's not like a dongle, it's not really portable with the phone.

A bunch of us are actually in contact with the Taobao/Chinese sellers or manufacturers that are making these AptX Adaptive USB transmitter dongles. You can use the Taobao shipping agents like Superbuy/ParcelUp/CSSBuy/et cetera to navigate the Taobao site with English translation, and when you actually message them through Aliwangwang or the messaging system, they have decent English due to the autotranslate and so on system.

Anyway, maybe earlier this 2022 those Taobao sellers said that the new Bluetooth 5.3/etc. dongles with LDAC and so on are in development, but sadly ya they're still delayed. For reference, they released the new KB8P and KB9(P) around January to April 2022, I forgot now.

So for now no LDAC USB transmitter dongles, same with the AptX Lossless USB transmitter dongles, though it seems there's some other companies (like say Nura with their NuraTrue Pro TWS earbuds) that are trying to get those AptX Lossless USB transmitter dongles out soon too.

TL;DR: get KB9P dongle as it will give your iPhone AptX Adaptive and so on.

[deleted]

Ah man, I never heard of these when I was shopping a few months ago. I went by reviews from Josh Valour, DMS, Resolve, Crinacle and they all recommended HD800s for fps gaming.

How do these sound ?

That's good yo know, I only started to get into the headphone community recently and since I'm in a budget I justo ordered a bunch of Koss stuff lol, ksc75, porta pro and kph30i. Will definitely look into getting those pads thank you

Given their mediocre bass extension, I would have said the HD800S is a poor choice for EDM. I also don't get why people seem to think the widest possible soundstage is an advantage in competitive shooters, because it's not, its really not.

But to answer your question based solely on those two points, DT1990 pro.

HD600 + Topping DX3 Pro+ more than enough, very happy

[deleted]

It's fine

That subreddit and YouTube are the reasons why I’m questioning everything haha…

EQ

I think so depending on what you’re using it for. You take off the stock pads to let the highs come through a little more and that crispness with the air the pads give you makes a crazy detailed signal and helps with imaging imo. I have 3 pairs of these and this is the one I grab most for gaming. Plus a mic if you need it. It sounds 10 times better and is a fraction of the price of most “gaming” headsets.

Edited for spelling

Came here to s!@#post and wound up with depression.

Lmao those pads look hilarious! Are they worth the price?

I’ve been on a Koss binge since august (you could say I’ve been aKossted) and I’ve settled on KPH40 drivers on my 75’s clips. Incredible sound

So I recently received my first pair of proper headphones: the HD-6XX. Out of the box and running through my phone, I was immediately impressed and obsessed with them. Then I got the amp. WHOOOOOSSHH

If you are thinking about getting any midfi headphones or even IEMS, I highly recommend getting an amp. Since I got the KA3. I've noticed a few things

1. The lows go lower: the bass rolloff that Sennheiser's 600 series is known for is flattened out, particularly in the sub bass.

2: Soundstage go brrr: It's just wider sounding with slightly better imaging performance as well.

3: Mids abs Treble: The mids are placed further forward and both the mids and Treble ranges recieve more detail.

This just goes to show that most benefits can be achieved without getting a crazy amp/dac. This $80 fiio nuggy does an excellent job and shows how you don't need a $200 Schiit stack to power most midfi headphones sufficiently. Sure, the stack might be better, but if you're broke or cheap like me, you'll be perfectly happy and impressed with the Fiio amp.

Thanks for coming to my Ted talk.

Why use aptx over ldac?

😎

Frankly, my two cent is try and get variety rather than upgrades.

It can be open & closed, or on ear & over ear, Dynamic & Planar

tell him to return it and buy a high quality Sennheiser HD 800S + DAC/AMP

When I was a little snot my dad bought me sennheiser hd555 and an iriver ifp790. I didn’t appreciate those things at the time, only finding reasons to complain and wishing for more and better. It took me well over 2 decades to realize that man is responsible for my love for music and audio. Im not saying these cans have good audio, they probably don’t, but it’s the thought and care that really matters. That man cares enough to buy you a specific gift. Appreciate your old man.

[deleted]

I’d be interested in hearing Alabama Shakes in your set up. The lead singer’s voice is deep velvet

In general I don't think I'm going to do a better job coloring the sound of gear that was tuned by professional audio engineers, but YDY; HFPTS.

The thought that counts, as they say.

My dad's not the healthiest and getting on up there, and I worry about him a lot. We do wish lists in my fam for Christmas and bdays, so generally you receive something you asked for. I'm pretty specific lol Title, features, UPC, where to find it, and maybe even price.

Maybe they're as awful as they look lol, but some day, if not already, you'll be thinking about this headset going, My dad gave good gifts!