Q & A

Apogee

what are the best headphones you have heard with movies?

http://www.headfonia.com/ L.

I couldn’t say which one is the absolute best. Closed I use the COP or DT770 AE, open the T90. I used to choose the LCD-2 for movies but comfort wise that was not so good, and tbh, I enjoy the before mentioned headphones more with movies
John123John

Speakers. Just kidding

Honestly I find that I enjoy movies more with headphones due to the detail and isolation (?) you get. With speakers, its so easy to hear something other than the movie unless you’re alone but with headphones its like surround sound, even though its not and the sound it like catered to you. Im not sure if im making any sense.

It suppose it depends on the movie but I like Open headphones and with low end : HD 650. Not super clear though..

John123John

Hey Headfonia,
Since you guys seems to be doing some non-strictly reviews, I think a segment on how you review like your methods or maybe just how to review in general (look for treble, mids, transparency, prat) would be super beneficial to the community (Headfonians!)

There are bits and pieces of this within reviews but I think a full on (idk what are they called?) post would be nice for other to refer back to. I know there are people more or less qualified who have done such a thing but “we” want one from Headfonia ^^

Thanks

http://www.headfonia.com/ L.

John, I’m afraid we lack time to make a “manual”. Unless Mike finds some free time of course
- John123John
  
  I really need to take out the word manual .
  Im not asking that you guys should be transparent (which isnt necessarily a bad thing), just asking for some pointers in how to evaluate sound.
  
  sorry if im starting up controversy or something.
  - SAViii
    
    I think these links will benefit you.
    http://www.head-fi.org/a/describing-sound-a-glossary
    
    http://www.head-fi.org/a/glossary-of-terms
    - http://www.headfonia.com/ L.
      
      Thanks for sharing!
    - John123John
      
      meh. i have the sound glossary already.
      
      like how would you determine some component to be transparents because how would you ever know unless you were at the recording studio which for the sake of our sanity, would be “transparent”.
      
      For example: “Grainy – A slightly raw, exposed sound which lacks finesse. Not liquid or fluid.” I have no idea what this means and how to listen for it.
      
      sorry im being difficult.
      - dalethorn
        
        Like most everything in life that’s complex and sophisticated, you need lots of experience and patience. Think of a review site as an art class in oil painting – if people could join the class and do some of those paint-by-number paintings, and make them look like they were done by great artists, then highly skilled artists would no longer be in demand.
        
        John123John
        
        I definitely respect what Mike, L, Headfonia and other reviewers are doing. When reviewers can produce unbiased reviews that dont sound pretentious and be clear on what they hear, that is one I can follow.
        
        Been a follower of headfonia for about 2 years now. woot woot.
        
        http://www.headfonia.com Mike
        
        Thanks, John. Only by God’s grace.
      - http://www.headfonia.com/ L.
        
        If possible you should try to get a popular product and try to review it yourself. Then check existing reviews and then you’ll see what they mean with the things you heard and wrote down. I think that’s a good starting point to learn
        
        John123John
        
        Thanks L.
        Thats actually what I started doing, privately ^^. I note down things that I instantly notice: detail, soundstage, treble, bass impact usually. Then do ab comparisons for the rest.
        
        I need more capital to work with
        
        http://www.headfonia.com Mike
        
        That’s a good point
http://www.headfonia.com Mike

I see. So a manual on how to do a review? I think you are taking things a little too seriously. Besides I am not sure if I know what to write.
- John123John
  
  aww come on. You know what I mean. Not a manual but like… “When I listen for mids, I listen to Men’s vocals and note the real to lifeness” or “When I listen for Depth, I listen to see how many layers of sound there are”
  Totally made that up and no one should follow that.
  
  Because honestly, when I audition headphones I only really note bass level and its punch/tightness and whether or not the trebles are shrill or bearable. I dont really know how to listen for other characteristics of sound (and I would like to).
  What makes a headphone fast, what is grain and what does it sound like, PRAT?
  
  Sorry I guess im asking for something a little weird. Basically I am asking you to write what you think about when listening headphones for review.
  - dalethorn
    
    I think I understand exactly what you mean, but if you don’t have years of experience already and/or access to a hundred different headphones at least, you would be better off just comparing headphone ‘x’ to headphone ‘y’ to headphone ‘z’ and so on, saying which one does this or that better than the other. When you get *really* experienced, then you can say “Headphone ‘x’ sounds this way or that”, without the need for direct comparisons, because then you know from experience where the headphone ‘x’ sound fits in the range of sounds you know from lengthy experience.
    - John123John
      
      okay then. That is what I will do. To more meets then Just got done with T.H.E Show
      Got to demo the LCD-3, Hifiman HE-6, HD800 all on the ALO Studio Six and Liquid Gold.
      Ridiculous…
dalethorn

Someone asked a similar question on my youtube video for the ADL H118 headphone, so I wrote out a 6-piece example there. Just 2 things you’d want to know — I don’t always do all of those things, and not always in that order, and the second thing is, neither does anyone else probably. But maybe that can give you some ideas. I think headphones are easier to figure out than amps, for me at least, because they vary so widely in sound. But on the other hand, the way amps sound different is very different from headphones, so it’s like a whole different discipline reviewing amps, and whether you’re reviewing amps or headphones etc., it just takes a lot of time and practice. And don’t worry about getting good at it – technology is changing fast enough that there’s lots more challenges ahead.
- John123John
  
  link? if that is okay.
  
  I havent had as much experience with amps and almost none with dacs (not something I really care about at the moment, using ODAC) as with headphones.
  
  I just want to be able to somewhat thoroughly audition headphones based on basic criteria. I think this is extremely useful especially for meets when you are around so many different headphones and things start sounding the same and you have no idea whats going on. Also may be helping in converting nonbelievers or objectivist.
  
  Thanks Dale

Apogee

I just was that there are two new Burson Conductor SLs on the Burson website.

http://www.headfonia.com/ L.

Yes, Burson has a new model, Mike should know more

Siddharth Mitra

On comparing the DT 1350 and the Custom One Pro’s, which one would you go for?
Mainly for edm and trance, with the occasional pop and rock.

http://www.headfonia.com/ L.

COP for sure. Never got to like the DT1350. It was missing a lot of things.
- Siddharth Mitra
  
  its good for edm and trance, right? along with rock to a certain extent.
  feel free to suggest something else.
  - http://www.headfonia.com/ L.
    
    Maybe the DT770 but the COP will do bass better. I have a feeling you really want something different as the COP
    - Siddharth Mitra
      
      alright, thanks lieven. umm, just one final question, i have now narrowed it down to the COP and the DT 770 LE(which is still available on b&h). I will not be using an amplifier as of now. So, how critical is the usage of an amplifier for the dt 770 le (the combined review says its recommended). The only reason im considering the dt 770 le is because your ranking it above the COP as well, and you are a major fan of the COP.
      thanks.
      - http://www.headfonia.com/ L.
        
        It depends what you want. The COP, especially when you’re listening to music with good bass is a lot of fun but the AE is technically better. The LE (Or AE as we call it) requires an amp to sound best, the COP doesn’t need one as bad as the LE, it’s only 16ohm and is made for portability. “Audiophile” wise the AE is the better headphone, but that doesn’t mean everything
        
        Siddharth Mitra
        
        ahh, thoroughly confused. ill just go ahead with the COP then. around $70 cheaper as well. but then, i read the dt770 review again, and there is nothing but praises there as well. The issue is that i cant check them out personally. Just say which one Lieven, i trust you.
        
        http://www.headfonia.com/ L.
        
        Well do you want bass and fun or better technicalities? They both are good. If you want to use it on the go: COP. If you want the better audiophile headphone and can live with the lighter bass, go for the AE.
        
        Siddharth Mitra
        
        hmm, i would love both. but does the quality of the source play a role in deciding between these two, because my library is all bought off itunes. now if both play that quality of material equally well, then ill decide. however, if you can make out the ‘standard’ audio quality in any one of those two, then i wont go fo that one.
        
        http://www.headfonia.com/ L.
        
        The COP is the more forgiving one
        
        Siddharth Mitra
        
        thanks for your valuable inputs Lieven! im going ahead with the COP’s.
        
        http://www.headfonia.com/ L.
        
        You won’t be disappointed!

Andy

Have you guys heard the Tralucent 1plus2? If you have, what are you impressions and comparisons to other IEMs in that price tier such as the TG334s?

http://www.headfonia.com Mike

Yes I happen to have one for sale at the store. I don’t think it’s at the level of the Fitear. A bit overpriced imo

disqus_Yiog1GQstw

hi Dale! how are you?

I´m back again…and you know what? I still can´t make my mind…Remember I was very inclined to give to the Senn 598 a try? Well, after reading some reviews, I have realised that maybe it´s not the best cans for me…Why? bass issue…almost unanimous…lack of bass….bass could be heavier and punchier and so on…Besides, the more I read reviews of yours spreaded all over the net, the more confused I get…You have done so many accurate reviews about so many cans, as soundmagic hp100, philips fidelio etc…that it´s quite difficult not to be tempted to get all of this cans that you review…So, I decided to make the things easier, and instead asking you about the headphone X or Y, I will give you two keywords: “mids from Grado” and “bass from beyer dt770le”…please man, just give me 2 or 3 options under 220 bucks, because thIs “shot in the dark endless searching” is killing me…

dalethorn

Try the new Marshall Monitor. $200 USD, comfy, good isolation, very low leakage, awesome looks, very very portable, excellent sound, and when you wear it you will look cool because it doesn’t bulge out like a lot of headphones do. Edit: reviews are up.

Arya

Hi Mike,

Okay, I have a problem. About three months ago I bought DT880 Pro 600 Ohm with DACport. I feel it is not enough to me and i bought GS SOLO SRGII two months ago. But something is still bothering me. I feel my setup is not enough to make me enjoy the music because i feel DT880 is flat. I need bass. But the other side, i like the way DT880 produce the micro details. I like classical and mainstream songs so thats why, maybe one headphone is not enough for me.
Consider from my setup, which one is better for me? Buy HD650 or DT770? Or… Maybe I don’t need buy another headphone but amplifier? The budget < $600.

Thank you.

http://www.headfonia.com Mike

Arya,
HD650 and learn to hear the details that’s not necessarily in the treble. The HD650 is one of the most detailed headphones around.
- Arya
  
  Okay, i’ll buy the HD650 asap. And how about the amp for HD650? Is it okay if i paired it to GS SOLO or maybe i must change my setup to Bottlehead crack instead?
  
  And… what happen with DT880 if I buy HD650? I just keep it or sell it immadiately?
  - http://www.headfonia.com Mike
    
    Just go with the HD650 and see how it fits you. It may take some time to adjust to the senn after using the Beyer for so long
    
    The amp is fine. Of course I think the Crack is better but there is no rush.
    - Arya
      
      Okay. Thank you.

stupid11

Hi Headfonia. i am just wandering a good amp to pair with my humble Sennheiser HD600. i am currently thinking about Bottlehead crack, Beta22 or Hifiman EF5. i am currently using Lite Dac-60 as my source. I enjoy almost every music genre. how is these amp and do you have any other suggestion for the amp?

Dave Ulrich

As long as you are good with building it yourself, the Crack will give you amazing bang for your buck
http://www.headfonia.com Mike

What a nickname!

I definitely will go with the Crack
- stupid11
  
  would it be going to be too dark for a music like linkin park?
  - http://www.headfonia.com Mike
    
    I don’t think so. The tonal is dark but wonderfully clean and clear sounding. Speed and PRaT is also pretty good for a tube.
    On the topic of speed, the Speedball gives a tighter, punchier bass but less bass detail than stock. For LP, I would probably get the Speedball though if your budget is limited the stock config is pretty tight as well.
    - stupid11
      
      thx for the answer Mike. is it based on the assumption of stock bottlehead crack kit or with some modification on the parts? (i.e. capacitors, resistors, etc)
      - http://www.headfonia.com Mike
        
        Stock for stock.
        
        I’ve yet to hear a modded Crack that blew me away.
        
        stupid11
        
        thanks man
        
        http://www.headfonia.com Mike
        
        stupid11
        
        hi Mike, sorry i got more question to ask :p
        
        after doing some research i found darkvoice 336SE. have you heard this amp before? this amp looks quite promising.
        
        http://www.headfonia.com/ L.
        
        We’re working on a review of the new 336C I think.
        
        stupid11
        
        oh nice. i’ll wait for the impression on Lafigaro first then. i hope you guys can include HD600 as one of the headphone tested with the Lafigaro336C.
        cant wait
        
        http://www.headfonia.com/ L.
        
        I think it will be the HD650
        
        stupid11
        
        @dave: LOL i prefer not to as HD600 is my current favorite headphone :p. it’s okay, i wouldn’t think that there will be a very huge difference between HD650 and HD600. so i think HD650 is just good for the review .
        i hope the amp is good for vintage orthos as well.
        
        George Lai
        
        I resolved my HD600/650 conundrum by buying both.
        
        Dave Ulrich
        
        A very wise, and well thought out solution.
        
        stupid11
        
        too bad i dont have that much budget to resolved this problem. :p it is a matter of choice. I prefer a more neutral sounding like HD600 though.
        
        Dave Ulrich
        
        I only have the HD650. Unless, of course, you want to send your HD600 my way
        
        http://www.headfonia.com Mike
        
        Sorry I haven’t
        
        Dave Ulrich
        
        The Lafigaro 336c should be an upgraded version of the Darkvoice. It is darker and more laid back than the Crack. For LP, the Crack would be my choice.
      - http://www.headfonia.com Mike
        
        Stock for stock.
        
        I’ve yet to hear a modded Crack that blew me away. So I suggest spending more for a good DAC rather than part upgrades.

Tak-Joon

Hey Mike,

I’m currently looking for a desktop amplifier to pair with my Denon AH-D7000 and I’ve narrowed it down to the CEntrace DACmini CX (with 1 ohm mod) and the Woo Audio WA7. The reason I chose these two amps is because they both have built in DAC as I will be listening using my computer. The genres that I listen to are EDM, Rock, Pop and Jazz. In your opinion, which of these two amps will be more suitable for the genres of music that I listen to ? Or do you have any other recommendations ? Thanks in advance

http://www.headfonia.com Mike

EDM and Rock, I feel that the D7000 is too laid back and something like the JVC DX1000 or LCD-2 would be more suitable. If you still want to go with the D7000 I’ll try to boost the PRaT with a Burson amp. The CX and the WooAudio amps (I’ve yet to hear the WA7) would be good with Jazz though I’m leaning toward the Woo.
Right now the Vio V800 and V200 that I’m listening to is a great pairing that covers a lot of different genres, but it’s a little expensive.
Something else around your budget is the Asus Xonar Essence One. Warmer and a bigger sound than the Dacmini, and the opamp is rollable.
- Tak-Joon
  
  Thanks for the reply, Mike. I found another combo which is in my budget: Schiit Bifrost and Asgard. What’s your opinion on that pairing ? Thanks in advance.
  - http://www.headfonia.com Mike
    
    I haven’t heard the Bifrost and the last batch of Asgaard wasn’t so good.
    - Dave Ulrich
      
      And my upcoming review of the Asgard 2 is fairly middle of the road.
      - Tak-Joon
        
        Can’t wait for your review ! It might just help me to decide which amp to buy.
        
        Dave Ulrich
        
        Quick preview: you can do better than the Asgard 2. It does well with most things, but I haven’t found it to be exceptional at anything.
    - Tak-Joon
      
      Thanks for your response, Mike. I think I will continue doing some more research.

SAViii

Hey, Mike and Lieven.

Just came across the newest article about audio cables. Now i realize the comment section is closed. However, I would like to hear your opinion to the article posted on Innerfidelity about the headphone cable measurements. I am not looking to start up any heated discussions again, just would like hear your thoughts on it:)

http://www.innerfidelity.com/content/headphone-cable-measurements-part-one-page-2

dalethorn

I read it. One set of tests with one headphone. The end. Then some discussion, by the guys that post there all the time.
- John123John
  
  Note that he does say that his equipment is not designed to measure cable different, and that he does believe different cables do make audible changes, although subtle.
  Also does say part one so, not too unreasonable to expect a part two.
  - dalethorn
    
    That’s good to hear. Those guys will figure it out.
  - http://www.headfonia.com Mike
    
    Oh he did say that?
http://www.headfonia.com Mike

I didn’t know Tyll did an article on cables. I rarely read his site so…

ExpectationGap

Are you guys getting a WooAudio wa7 anytime soon for review? I’d like to build a small footprint desktop setup and am torn between it or the Pan Am w/passport. I’m looking to pair with lcd-2, use the alo/woo internal dac, and source from MacBook Pro & bitperfect via USB.

http://www.headfonia.com Mike

Sorry it’s very hard to find a woo here.
- ExpectationGap
  
  Bummer – but thanks for all the great reviews!
  - dalethorn
    
    That’s the ‘Fireflies’, yes? I really want one of those, and someday I’m going to get one.

John123John

Mike,

what is your opinion on vintage audio? (ie receivers or integrated amps from the 70s.) I basically just discovered it but im not really sure if you actually have any experience with stuff like that.

Thanks

dalethorn

I know some people in Singapore, and in the Phils, who swear by some of those vintage integrated amps. I see two forces at work – the extra power to drive difficult headphones from their headphone jacks, and the peculiar sounds that come with early solid state gear. Some of it may sound good with some headphones, but in most cases I think you’ll just be hearing the vintage crossover/notch distortion reproduced in ways that aren’t familiar to modern ears, with whatever those headphone jacks blend in to soften the sound. But anything goes in gear from way back then – I think Crown and SAE were some of the worst offenders, and while Macintosh then wasn’t highly regarded among audiophiles, I think they had a good way to smooth their sound to justify their premium price. If you check Stereophile magazine from long ago, they advise about those products, but the more widely-read rags like Audio, High Fidelity, and Stereo Review were careful not to offend their advertisers.
http://www.headfonia.com Mike

I’ve discovered some that sounds nice. Sansui, marantz, teac. Warm and full, but usually lacking extension top and bottom and also detail, transients, and soundstage. In another word, warm and musical but low on technicalities.

Guessous Mehdi Imed

Hello Mike, looking for your impression regarding srh940 vs hd800. Especially which headphone provide the best subjective experience of speed with fast paced music like psytrance , or metal ? (i.e any fast rhythm that could provide adrenaline rush ).
Does the source have a lot of impact in the perceived speed of hd800 ?
Is it normal that I find the hd800 slower than the srh940 ?

http://www.headfonia.com Mike

940 is definitely better for metal and yes the speed is faster too

NHong

Hi Mike,

Love your reviews. I just have a question about portable amps — I know that you did a 12 amp shootout, but that was quite some time ago. How relevant do you think these amps still are? Are they now outmatched? Would something like the JDS C5 be better than the TTVJ Slim, or are these old amps still very good and competitive with the newer ones? I know that the Pico Slim has been out for quite a while and seems to still be well regarded. For context, I’m looking for an amp to pair with some FitEar F111s (similar to the Etymotic ER4 if that helps) for around $300. Looking for mainly a slim amp such as the aforementioned TTVJ Slim/Pico Slim/others. Thanks!

http://www.headfonia.com Mike

In general I find the quality of the newer amps to be better.

You have amps like the Portaphile 627 that has both power and refinement. The ALO Continental V3 and the International both being very fine amps. The RSA Intruder being significantly better than the Protector and 71B. So yes, the landscape is very different now than when I did the comparison.

On the C5 and the TTVJ Slim, I think the TTVJ is still the superior amp.
For the FitEar111, I would go with a darker sounding amp than the Pico Slim (unless you want the midrange pushed out more, then go with the Pico Slim). The RSA Shadow is a good one. IF you don’t mind the bigger size the ALO International is extremely good.
- NHong
  
  I currently have an ALO Rx (MKI), but have a chance to acquire a TTVJ Slim, which supposedly is warmer and would be a better match for my IEMs. Would you say that any of these amps would have a significant improvement over these older options? I might also look towards the Slim for the form factor and that it is relatively neutral.
  - http://www.headfonia.com Mike
    
    It depends, some can be a big difference, some not so much. What IEM is this for? Id choose a darker amp for the 111
    - NHong
      
      Yeah, it’s for the 111s. I would like a darker amp too, but the International is a bit too big for me. The only two that seem to be decently small to carry around are the Shadow and the TTVJ Slim that I can think of. Any other options? If not, then I think I’ll try to go for one of those two.
      - http://www.headfonia.com Mike
        
        Id go for the Shadow. It makes for a good pairing with the ER4

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