Alpha Dog vs Modern Orthodynamics
Of course the Alpha Dog begs for a comparison with the modern orthodynamics. I’m thinking the LCD-2 and the HE-400 which are the Alpha’s closest priced competitors.
The good, I love the comfort of the Alpha Dogs pads far more than the stock LCD-2 or HE-400 pads. The fact that it’s closed back and yet without any noticeable closed reverb issues, again makes it the preferred choice for listening to music as it’s much easier to get a quiet undisturbed black background that helps a lot with soft passages. The space and the depth in the soundstage feels a lot more spacious than the LCD-2 as well as the HE-400. Add all of these to the $300 cheaper price tag to the LCD-2, and you’re getting some really good value here.
It’s not all win for the Alpha Dog, however, and here is where the LCD-2 wins. Even blacker background means that music gets presented with a lot lower noise floor which gives you that dead silent acoustic hall feel. Though being open back, you need to make sure that the room that you’re in is dead quiet otherwise it’s easier to feel the blackness of the closed-back Alpha. The Alpha Dog also has more trouble separating instruments and vocals on even moderately busy passages. Even on high quality acoustic recordings, the LCD-2’s superior instrument separation shines. The Alpha also has some problems with three dimensional positioning, where vocals and instruments can sound like they are on the same plane. On some recordings, for some weird reason, the soundstage image also gets fuzzy and confusing. Where upper mids and lower trebles can sound shouty and too forced on the Alphas, the LCD-2 always remains well composed and effortless. Clearly, the difference in driver technology is very evident here. The finishing blow comes in the bass performance. The LCD-2’s bass never disappoints. The Alpha Dog, though extends quite low, feels weak in impact and out of steam on the lower bass.
Compared to the Hifiman line up of orthodynamics, the Alpha Dog most closely resemble the HE-400 in tonal balance. Most closely, as in compared to the other Hifimans, but the Alpha Dog is not as dark nor as bassy as the HE-400. I find the Alpha Dog to have a more natural timbre and a better soundstage depth and image, where the HE-400 excels in a stronger bass punch. Technicalities, I would give the points to the Alpha Dog, as it stands more equal to the HE-500’s technicalities (Alpha Dog better depth, micro details, and blacker background, HE-500 cleaner transients, separation, and wider soundstage).
When it comes to comparing comfort factor, however, the Alpha Dog is better than either Audez’e or Hifimans. The pads are very comfortable, though not quite the quality of the Audez’e pads. The lighter weight of the headphones (mostly due to the smaller driver of the Alpha Dog) is a big comfort factor.
Lastly, amplification is a very simple deal with the Alpha. You’d still need to amp it, but relatively easy to find an amp, even a portable that can drive the Alpha with plenty of spare power. It’s transparent enough to respond to different amplifiers, and though I definitely prefer the Alpha with my typical dark and weighty sounding portable amps, the Alpha really shines when you pair it with tube based amps even hybrids: The ALO PanAm, Continental, or Fostex’s new HP-V1 tube portable amp. Of course, it’s brilliant with the ALO Studio Six.
The Enthusiast’s Cans
Looking from the perspective of a store owner, however, the first thing I say is that the Alpha is not a headphone for the masses and that I can easily pitch the Vmoda M100 against the Alpha Dog in front of a common Joe looking for a headphone, and the M100 would easily gets chosen. Two of the main deciding factors are a foldable design and a superior bass performance, both wins for the Vmoda.
Through the enthusiast’s point of view, the choice is clearly, should be, on the Alpha. The Mr. Speakers name. The 3D printed housing. The planar sound. The deep, spacious soundstage. The Fostex T50RP legacy. The overall design that screams Originality means that you’re not going to see another guy on the street wearing the same headphone. And even if you do, that’ll only mean you’ve just discovered another Head-Fier living in your town.
Different needs for different people. I can see the Alpha Dog covering a wide enough genre bandwith, far more than the average polarising reference-class headphones. But it’s still not enough to take on the Vmoda M100.
End Words
There is no denying that my review has largely ignored the fact that the Alpha Dog is the World’s First 3D Printed Headphone. I must confess however that the finish quality far exceeds what I expect for a 3D printed headphone. Dan puts too much time on the painting process and that’s one of the reason behind the very long backlog for the Alpha. Of course it came out to be one of the most beautiful headphones around, and not only relative to the other T50RP-mods, but compared to all the other headphones in the market. The choice of the red color is very beautiful and easily resembles the much more expensive Fostex TH900 headphone. I am hoping that Dan would offer a plain matte black version ala the TH600 purely for the reason of speeding up the production line of the Alpha Dog.
Sound wise, the Alpha Dog is one of the best headphone the Head-Fi world has seen today. This is easily among the best headphones you can get in the market today, regardless of class or price brackets. The closed-back design and comfortable fit are huge bonuses. It manages to better every other Fostex Mod I’ve heard and by a significant margin. Personally, I love the look of the Alpha. The combination of matte black with that gloss metallic wine red is a superb combination. Almost cooler than Fostex’s own flagship TH900 through my eyes.
During the Headphone Festival, I congratulated Dan many many times on the work he’s done with the Alpha Dog. If there is an Oscars for headphones, the Alpha would easily be nominated for: Best closed headphone. Best T50RP mod. Best headphone under $1K. Most creative use of technology for headphone manufacturing. Best enthusiast’s headphone. And on and on.
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George Lai
I love my Alpha Dogs too. Let’s see how the ZMF compares when you receive it, Mike. The ZMF has a serious price advantage though.
L.
I listened to the Alpha Dog on the Studio Six @Soundconsult.nl and I was blown away with the sound quality. I think the AD is the best closed headphone I have ever listened to (the new audeze hasn’t reached me yet)
Great headphone and if I would need a new closed one, I wouldn’t hesitate in ordering it.
Punit Shetty
“best closed headphone I have ever listened to” – It betters even the TH 900 ?
L.
Tough one. I listened to the AD on the great Studio Sic and the TH900 I only heard on the HP A8, so can’t really compare. Let me rephrase what I said;
The Alpha Dog and the TH900 are the best closed headphones I have listened to. But don’t forget the AD costs only a fraction of the Fostex. So price/quality wise the choice is easy
Punit Shetty
Heh..Heh…:-) you had me worried there. I can put off buying the AD’s for some time then. Let me be content with my beloved TH900 for the time being. 😉
L.
Oh yeah, you shouldn’t worry
ohm image
I wholeheartedly agree.
Anton
Alpha Dog Compare with Fidelio L2?
L.
Why compared an open dynamic driver to a closed modified Orthodynamic? that makes no sense as you won’t use them for the same things. Imho
Jose Gomez
what for would you use each one?
L.
First you should decide if you need a closed headphone or not. Once you’ve decided on that you need to decide on a dynamic/ortho. Then you can really start comparing headphones of the same type. Dynamic and orthodynamic headphones do not have the same sound. Read read read 😉
Jose Gomez
Is there a difference between a dealer and a distributor?
L.
A distributor delivers to dealers and doesn’t necessarily sell to end consumers
http://www.thefreedictionary.com/distributor
http://www.thefreedictionary.com/dealer
The www is magic 😉
Mike
Thanks L.
As a distributor, I sell Audez’e to other stores as well as to customers directly. As a dealer, I only sell to customers (I got the headphones from the distributor)
John123John
can you be both a distributor and a dealer? sorta like costco. wholesale~
Marc
For different companies? Yes. You could be a dealer for one and a distributor for another. Being a distributor entitles wholesale while being a dealer means individual products.
Ismael Betancourt
i just bought the Mad Dogs last week and now I am thinking of the Alpha Dogs, LOL. By the way I just auditioned the Beyerdynamic T1s and although they sounded awesome, the sound leakage was just too much. I definitely needed a good closed headphone and I believe for the price looks like I cant do better than the Alphas. thanks for the review
L.
Let us know how you like it
spidermeng
Have you try pair it with Alo Pan Am ?
How the performance ?
Tronco
Oh yes, I would also be interested how this pairing works.
ohm image
Plenty of power for these via the Pan Am. And voicing is a good match.
Mike
It’s very nice with the Pan Am
bmichels
Dear sir,
I have today a TH-900 that I really like, but I need to buy a “totally NON leaking” headphone to use at work and also… in the bed near my wife sleeping.- (and I don’t like IEMs)
But I don’t want to trade SQ and listening pleasure for this
so, could you tell me which of the 2 headphone, sigPRO or AD, leak the least, and which do you prefer in term of SQ and listening pleasure.
Also, does the AD need much more Amplifier power than the PRO ?
thanks in advance
bertrand
Mike
Hi Bertrand,
Ultrasone Signature Pro you mean? I didn’t really spend much time with it — didn’t like the sound but on my head it didn’t seal as well as the Alpha.
The Pro is probably easier to drive than the Alpha.
Ken Stuart
I’m guessing a car trunk (or the British say “boot”). 🙂
ohm image
Great review, and totally on the ball. These phones startled me more than any other closed-back headphones at the show. Light, comfy, and so well voiced. Love them.
L.
Thanks man!
RainHeaven
Wouldn’t using the bass port trade bass quality for quanity?
Mike
Yes. A little, if you want to maintain the cleanest bass then don’t use the port tuning. Me, I like a fuller bodied bass rather than an ultra detailed bass. Nice to be able to get them both though.
Ted Tillholm
Mike,
Do you have a source for the Canare recable you mention?
Thanks
Mike
Ted,
I buy them locally by the bulk. Professional studio supplier has tons of them.
StacyD
Its not the first 3d printed housing by a LONG stretch.
Some of us have made baffles and cups on our 3D printers as DIY headphone builders.
Its an invaluable tool as you can take that GCode to someone with a HASS mill and have them mill you perfect spec 3D aluminum or hardwood cups.
The resin printers are likely what he has here as you can print directly some acoustically dead material (of any amount of hardness you wan in the dual material ones). Laser sintering also an option.
I also made a post on my own blog about I so dynamic headphone in large cup, sealed enclosures which have been deadened. I have no doubt based off of my CD3k / T20v2 hybrid how good they can really be. (Its an astounding difference).
L.
First commercially sold 3D printed headphone then. Better? 😉
StacyD
Indeed.
3D printers are great and the new Carbon Fiber 3D printers will revolutionize this. Carbon fiber cups sound as good as wood and more durable.
BUTTTT… I don’t have $5k so ABS and PLA for me.
I would love for them to be willing to work on improvements and open source not the product, but the general shapes and dimensions of the Fostex T50.
They seem to love the feedback and innovation on top of their product and being the first headphone company to do some open source and collaborative hardware can only be good for them and the end user.
Mine are mostly mods on older T20v2’s and SFI drivers. I already have plans to post on my github once its decent and I can get some parts a bit better designed for durability (PLA in headband, ABS in cups and baffles, etc).
But another day perhaps, too much always on my plate to finish.
Dave Zee
Great review, Mike! Just ordered me a pair because of you. I have no idea how backed Dan is…I hope I get them within 4 weeks. BTW, my deckhanddavy channel is back! It’s under ‘new management’ now, ha! Name has been changed to Audio Unbox. Should be fun. Take care. -deckhanddavy
Dave Ulrich
I have a Mad Dog and I am on the upgrade list. I know they are fairly behind on the upgrades. My spot was suppose to open up in early January, and it hasn’t yet. If that is any indication, 4 weeks probably won’t happen. I know they say expect at least 6.
Gorboman
dang.. better than thunderpants is definitely worth an audition, mike.
L.
It really is worth it
Michael Ehlers
Hey Mike. Great review!!. I have ordered the Alpha Dog, can’t wait!! 🙂 -and wrote to Drew from moon audio about what kind of cable he would think could go with the A.D. He said the Silver Dragon V3. Now I wonder if that would make the headphone to bright!. What do you think?.
L.
Personally I wouldnt go for silver, go for a copper based one
Michael Ehlers
Thanks Mr. L.
I have actually thought about the Dragon V2 -the copper version as a bette choice..
Maybe I should stick to that! :-)..
Mike
I wouldn’t go for silver with these headphones. Too thin.
High quality copper would be best.
Michael Ehlers
Thank’s Mike!…Black Dragon V2 it is then! :-).
gyamashita
as you requested, a black matte version will be offered soon. personally, i find matte black too plain, especially for something this forward-thinking. first 3D-printed headphone? well, let’s give it some pizzazz…i voted for the british racing green (BRG), but alas, black it is.
on another note, i’ve been quite happy with them since receiving them this past week. i’m on the fence whether i’m going to keep them, though. i don’t find them more enjoyable to listen to than the denon D7000, though they do seal better and are more comfortable.
Ken Stuart
Some news From MrSpeakers (all the following is quoted from Dan Clark):
A little fine-tuning has been done on the Alphas.
A few owners found the treble to be a little peaky. While most owners and reviewers seemed very happy, I always listen to positive and negative feedback to try to do better. I started working on an ear-side adjustment to tame the treble, but I thought it might be both fun and productive to bring someone from the community to work on this as well.
With his deep roots in the T50 tuning, BlueMonkeyFlyer seemed a good fellow to contact, and he kindly agreed to take a look. Fortunately, he had done tests earlier on something directly related to our needs and had an insight to create a tuning square, which we’ll call the BMD (BlueMonkeyDot). The BMD started shipping on Alphas shipped starting Feb 10. A big thanks to BMF for his support on this!
Many people like their Alpha Dogs as is, so it’s important to remember that due to ear shape, hearing, music choice and equipment not everyone will feel the treble needs adjustment at all. But if you do own a set and want to smooth or step down the treble, we will have an “Alpha Dog Obedience Kit” up on our website for $14.99 plus shipping (this just covers our cost).
The kit will include 4 dots, allowing 1 or 2 to be applied to each side of the headphone. It will also include two felt tuning discs to insert under the Alpha Pads for those who prefer a slightly darker sound. The Obedience Kit will be available on our website at the end of next week. Sonically, you should expect:
1) Smoother treble
2) Somewhat larger soundstage
3) A bit more bass punch
4) Improved “black space”
It’s a no-tools, 3 minute upgrade, and it’s fully reversible if you don’t prefer the sound. We’ll post a YoutTube video to show how easy the tuning is early next week.
A big thanks to BMF!
There is a physics explanation I won’t go into but the short story is that Fostex’s materials have some variations that cause peakiness in treble output on some but not all phones, and it can vary by lot. The peaks are narrow, they are not on every headphone, they are within spec, and they are at a frequency that some people are sensitive to, and others are perhaps not.
But we’re OCD about continuous improvement and I know many of you share our passion for this, so we thought the best thing to do was just put it on the table in a way that is fun, reversible, and customizable.
The BMD reduces two specific peaks by 2-3 dB with only about a 0.5dB decrease in the overall treble. Unlike the BMD the felt discs act like a broad band filter, trimming about 1dB off the highs for each disc to create a darker sound, if that’s your preference. They work with or without a BMD installed.
Ears and taste differ widely, and in fact ear shape and geometry have an effect on whether you perceive a peak or not. If you are happy leave it alone!
L.
thank you for the post, Ken!
dalethorn
I was attracted to this of course, but hadn’t taken a third job to finance it yet. Then yesterday I heard a Mad Dog, and immediately ordered the Alpha Dog. Either of those headphones can sell themselves, once the headphone meets the ear.
Dave Ulrich
agreed. I have the Mad Dog and am waiting anxiously for my upgrade spot to open up.
L.
Both are great, I slightly prefer the alpha Dog
dalethorn
I was surprised. Usually that concept of ‘neutral’ sound worries people, me included. But the Mad Dog delivers it in a way that I don’t miss the extra warmth with the bass enhancements. It’s a different experience in sound from my other headphones.
Gabriel
How is this compared to aV-Moda M-100 and a Sens Momentum?
Thanks
dalethorn
@Gabriel: M100 very strong bass over flat mids and treble. Momentum warm/emphasized upper bass, less low bass, good mids, lively lower treble, weak upper treble. Alpha Dog nearly flat/neutral top to bottom. I’ve heard the Mad Dog, but my Alpha Dog hasn’t arrived yet so I’m interpolating from the Mad Dog and the comparisons in this review. But maybe more important than the signatures here is the quality of the sound – the planar diaphragm is driven from many points similar to electrostatics while the ordinary dynamics are driven from a central point – and I’m sure most people can hear the planar superiority as long as all other properties aren’t far apart. I sure heard it with the Mad Dog.
Fabio_Rocks
How does compare the ZMF with Alpha Dog? do you think they are in the same league?
L.
ZMF review soon!
Fabio_Rocks
24 days and no review! I just bought the ZMF, if I wait for your review maybe I get old 😛
dalethorn
I’m getting old waiting for my Alpha Dog – the site said 3 weeks and now it’s approaching 6 weeks. But these are worth the wait.
Dave Ulrich
Well, I was told I would get my email telling me to send my Mad Dogs in for an upgrade in early January. I still haven’t gotten it.
L.
Give them one more week, then start a riot 😉
Dave Ulrich
I was think rather to use this opportunity to do a review on the Mad Dog/Pro.. Then, I start a riot.
L.
Last I heard was 6 months… 😉
Dave Ulrich
I know Dan said they can’t make them fast enough. I could hear exasperation in his typing.
dalethorn
I will be happy to see my Alpha Dog with no evidence of cutting corners to increase production, however long it takes.
L.
There was an issue with our ZMF headphone and we’re waiting for it to be replaced…
Fabio_Rocks
Really? What issue?
L.
It didn’t work as it should and had really bad sound. mike is handling it but it looks like it might take a while before we get the review up
Fabio_Rocks
I think Mike will love the ZMF V2. The Bass on my set is HUGE 🙂
dalethorn
If the Alpha Dog I’m getting sounds like they say, then it’s less warm than the Mad Dog or ZMF. I sure hope the AD isn’t too un-warm, because the MD and ZMF are just right.
L.
It is just right!
Punit Shetty
I want to buy a closed can for listening to music when my wife is watching TV. Have two questions :
1) Do they isolate better than TH 900 ?
2) How is the bass & treble when compared to Beyer DT 770 32 ohm anniver ed & HE 500 ?
Thanks
L.
Isolation is the same. Bigger bass
Joshua Chew
I didn’t know that you had the HP-V1. Any chance of doing a review against the Continental V3?
L.
HP-V1 review tomorrow! Nathan is doing it but I don’t think he has the V3
Dave Ulrich
Which is fine, since neither does ALO.
dalethorn
I got mine. Now I understand better, that they didn’t merely reduce the brightness to a normal level because of complaints that it was too bright. They reduced it to a level where the mid treble is a few db below the minimum for full (but not edgy) details. That’s compared to any number of headphones. I think a better treble would be like the Mad Dog, which was nearly perfect to my ears. The bass would not satisfy users who find the Mad Dog just OK, but I can get along with it.
Gary Thompson
So you prefer the Mad Dog treble, and just get along with the bass? I’m anxious to hear more of your thoughts.
dalethorn
I can’t compare directly because I borrowed the Mad Dog for just one week (a glorious week) several weeks ago. But listening at length the Mad Dog impressed me as perfectly balanced, whereas the treble in this latest Alpha Dog is too soft. Not by a huge amount, maybe 3 db on average. Someone suggested removing “dots” over the driver, but I see (using a flashlight) a few rectangular “patches” or whatever underneath the cloth inside the earcups. Not sure if I can remove any of those, but if those are treble dampeners it might help. I guess I’d have to remove the earpads first.
Dave Ulrich
How is the impact?
dalethorn
The impact is light. There’s no other way to say it. The complete seal of the massive earpads assures the best bass, and I have no trouble with any headphone getting a good fit and seal. So for anyone looking for impact who has used a Senn Amperior, Philips L1, v-moda M100, DT770-32, Soundmagic HP100, and others I’ve also used, the AD bass weight will be light compared to those, but may be more satisfactory in some cases because of the control and clarity. It’s hard to explain, other than when a lot of bass notes play on the AD, they get your attention in ways that the other headphones don’t because of the resolution and seemingly total lack of muddiness or hangover.
jxhyde
What a great review
I am waiting for may AD and i have questions about the amp i can use with it.
I have read good things about the Schiit Asgard , the lake people G103 or 109.
Which one could be the better choice in this price if i prefer a warm sound ?
L.
Can’t go wrong with Violectric/Lake People. G109 review soon on headfonia!
Alex
I am also waiting on my ADs you think Vali and Modi will be fine powering it?
L.
I can’t comment on Schiit gear. I don’t like their sound
dalethorn
I got OK results with the tiny little Portaphile Micro. I haven’t even looked up the power rating, but I imagine at least half the amps reviewed on this site would drive the AD OK, as long as there’s enough power.
Eugen
I have a sneaking suspicion the NAD HP50 is what this headphone wants to be for half price. 🙂
dalethorn
My understanding of the HP50 is it has that “room feel” kind of warm bass, while the AD is very lean.
L.
I’ll have it on Thursday!
breizh
Hi Mike and all,
do you think it’s a real upgrade in comparison with the AKG K550 ?
could you tell me the biggest differences in sound ?
Thanks a lot
richard
dalethorn
The Alpha Dog is very neutral, and I’d even say quite lean in the bass compared to many popular headphones, but that depends on the bass port setting that you can also adjust. The biggest difference is hard to describe, but if you haven’t heard a planar headphone, be prepared for an immersive experience, where the quality and detail (especially in the bass) seem unlimited at times. Instead of just a piston driver (dynamic), you have a driver that delivers sound evenly across its whole surface. An analogy would be that the dynamic driver ‘speaks’ to you, but the planar driver really holds your attention. Pretty amazing.
L.
good one Dale!
breizh
Ok it’s clear, the planar technology is very appealing ! thanks a lot Dale !
Da_Shnutz
Hi all,
Am planning on getting a bottlehead Crack for my hd700 based on Headfonia’s recommendation. However, am planning on getting the Alpha Dog as my reference closed headphone.
Knowing that the HD700 and the Alphas are quite different, yet wanted to take your advice on whether the Bottlehead Crack would work for the alpha’s also, or would i opt for the more powerful bottle head Single Ended experimenter’s to run both … Or just go for a completely different amplification setup for the Alpha dogs. (getting into DIY amp, so any suggestions wold be great)
Thanks!… and as always Headfonia reviews, such a delight to read and reread..
Over n out
Da Shnutz.
L.
Thanks. I really recommend the Crack for the HD700 but I doubt it will be good for the AD. I’d suggest to go the ss DIY route
Da_Shnutz
Thanks L for the prompt response.. Will definitely look into ss DIY. !!
On another note, I’ve read on several dac/amp combos such as the fostex hpa8 as well as the asus… In your opinion are those units recommended for alpha dog?
If not, would appreciate just a suggestion on a really good dac and amp (not necessarily combo) for the alpha dog …
Many thanks !
L.
Burson, Violectric, maybe even the Lyr. just get it some power.
Damian Bonadonna
Hello,
I might have missed it but, what’s the difference with the Mad Dog Prime aside for almost double the price?
Also, will the Dragonfly v1.2 give a decent amplification? I guess that cellphone regular jack is out of the question.
Damián.
dalethorn
Assume you meant Alpha Dog Prime – it’s what I’d like to know too, since I sold off the Alpha Dog.
Damian Bonadonna
Yes, I was meaning the Alpha Dog… I’m just wondering, as I saw a promotion for free shipping now. The Alpha Dog is 600$ and the Prime is 1000$, that’s quite a difference. I know that audio is the law of diminishing returns… but is it 400$ better? I think 500/600 is the max I would invest and also I have a Dragonfly v1.2 which may or may not drive it properly. A better, dedicated amp is out of the question now… pretty happy with the Dragonfly.
Seems that everyone is praising the Prime… but.. 1000$ mmmm… I’m looking for a closed back outstanding headphone so open ones are not an option.
dalethorn
The Alpha Dog wasn’t a direct improvement over the Mad Dog – it was a completely different sound, so knowing more exactly the difference to the ADP would help. The AD mids were fine, but the bass was questionable unless you got the port tuned right. The highs were also shy above 9-10 khz, so knowing how the ADP improves that would help. You’ll get some sound out of the dragonfly, but not enough power to get the best from the AD or ADP.
Headfonia_L.
The prime again is a new headphone. From the 3 it has th best detail, clarity, dynamics and soundstage. It’s a reference sound.
Now I do was surprised when Dan told me it’s price (this was before it was available). I wouldn’t have figured it was going to cost $999. that being said it is a very good headphone that is of a higher level as the Alpha Dog.
It’s up to you to decide if the improvements are worth the price.
dalethorn
So what do you think about driving either one with a Dragonfly, or other miniature USB-powered DAC.
Headfonia_L.
I would strongly advise against it. I suggest a desktop amp or a powerful portable
Zoltan
Isn’t the Alpha Dog’s frequency response quite limited? I’m no expert, but 16Hz to 18KHz? For example the Beyerdynamic T1 is rated 5 – 50,000 Hz.
dalethorn
What’s the point of 18 khz when that frequency is recessed 20 db compared to 9 khz? Frequencies above 10-12 khz are “air” frequencies, i.e. harmonics only, and if those are very recessed, the sound deadens – for some people it’s very subtle and for others dramatic.
Zoltan
Thank you fo your answer. However, in light of this, I don’t understand what is the “use” of the much higher frequencies (50-60.000 Hz) that other headphones are capable of reproducing if even this 18khz limit is “pointless”?
dalethorn
Normally it’s expected that the higher number means that the upper “air” freq’s won’t be truncated, like happens with MP3 compression. But while headphones like the Senn HD800 or Stax SR009 really go high up, the Alpha Dog response is so weak at 10-15 khz that the higher numbers have no meaning.
Warren Nguyen
Which one should I pick?
Alpha Dog
New Alpha Prime
or TH900
I am stuck between these 3…
I am about to join Massdrop for TH900 at $1179 AUD.
*I have Fostex HPA8 and Woo Audio WA6 as my system.
HELP!!!
dalethorn
Clearly the TH900. The AD’s are just mods, and at $1000 for the Prime, their value is being stretched to the limit and beyond. OTOH, the 900 is not a mod, and the price is a tremendous bargain. I got some deals from Massdrop, and no regrets.
Worth Talley
Alpha prime review sometime soon?
Headfonia_L.
yes. soon? Not sure, depends on Dan
Tronco
I just got my hands on a slightly used Alpha Dog for a very good price. I wasn’t planning on buying another Headphone so soon since I just got a Beyer T70P but I am sooo happy I did. If you are looking for a closed back headphone for a fair price, don’t look any further. This is it.
Just, wow!