Headfonia Q & A
Feel free to post any questions you may have below at the comment section and I will try my best to answer them promptly. I try to answer all the questions, but I may miss one or two at times. Do repost your question if it’s left unanswered for a few days.
Please also go over the Buyer’s Guide articles before you post your questions, they may help to answer your questions.
- A Guide to Headphones
- Full Size Headphones Recommendations
- Portable Headphones Recommendations
- In Ears Headphones Recommendations
- Amplifier Recommendations
- Source Recommendations
- Frequently Asked Questions
Here is a link to the older Q & A pages:
- Q & A Archive #1 (Jun 1st 2011 to Nov 24th 2011)
- Q & A Archive #2 (Nov 24th 2011 to Feb 4th 2012)
David Ulrich
Mike, I am looking to build an economical (read: cheap) sound system for my computer. I am stuck between the HRT MS2 with a JDS Cmoy or a the Uber Muzik Tiny Tube DAC. I listen to all genres of music, but classical is my favorite. I am also no basshead. Any recommendations you have would be very awesome.
Mike
David,
The tiny tube was very nice, but it had more of a sweet midrange sound and the impact wasn’t strong enough for classical symphonies and such. Personally I would go with the HRT + Cmoy set up.
David Ulrich
Would the Yulong u100 be the better choice. The idea of having a simpe, one piece setup is nice. Although, with the HRT, I could save up and replace the Cmoy with something like the Asgard eventually, and then save up and get a better DAC after that. I hate choices. Thanks for your response.
David Ulrich
Although all I have is a lowly pair of HD518’s hooked up to a HM-101 right now. Maybe the Audinst MX1. would be the best place for me to start. I think I am having an online conversation with myself. I will keep answering my own questions. I think I am just rambling now.
Mike
Nah go with the HRT + Cmoy.
Anonymous
What headphone has the Sennheiser HD598’s signature soundstage and midrange, while having better bass and highs?
Mike
Nothing that I know of.. maybe the HD800 but the bass is still relatively weak and the mids and upper treble are slightly different than the HD598.
Try EQ-ing the HD598 to add some quantity on the bass and the highs.
Luke Garza
Sorry Mike i ment the clas i put solo thinking it made sense but i could see how its confusing. So what you think route i should go.
Mike
Thanks Luke.
Funny how I just mentioned about the CLAS right before I found your comment.
Here is your answer, Luke:
http://www.headfonia.com/a-guide-to-headphones/#comment-430557797
Don Vittorio Sierra
Hi Mike, Is the o2 really worlds better than the jdslabs cmoy in all aspects? I was curious because someone is selling me his cmoy for a good deal and he is including an extra battery and a charger with the package. I will be using it with my hd600 and sr225i in case that matters. If it is a no contest kind of thing, I will just pass on the deal on get an o2 instead.
Mike
Don,
The technicalities are clearly better on the O2, but when it comes to listening time, I still like the OPA2227 Cmoy better.
Anonymous
Mike, is dac on Fostex HP-A3 better than HRT Music Streamer II+ ?
Mike
The sound signature is a bit different. The Fostex is very clean sounding, smooth and grainless. The HRT Music Streamer line up is more analog, more enveloping soundstage, but also more grainy.
The Fostex HP-A3 is an excellent DAC I think. It’s just that the limited distribution channel makes it a little less popular than what I think it can be.
What set up are you thinking?
Anonymous
I just goy my HD650. I also have Alessandro MS-1 and Earsonics SM2. I’m thinking to buy amp as well. It might be Matrix M-Stage or another amp that has a similar price with Matrix. (can you recommend me an amp as well?)
I’m in Australia. I found one place that has Fostex and HRT. I tried Fostex with my Earsonics there but I couldn’t try HRT. Fostex had a clean sound and good soundstage but bass isn’t that good. Maybe an amp can fix it. There is just $50 differences between them and that $50 gives me an amp with Fostex (easy to carry on travels)
What do you think?
(PS: I like laid back sound)
Mike
Laid back sound, perhaps try the Schiit Asgard. It’s more refined than the M-Stage. As for the DAC, yes the Fostex is a bit weak on bass if you use the internal headphone amp. You should just go with the HRT, even the entry level MS2 would do.
m.rezadwiarianto
hi mike do you think objective2 is worth when pair with hd25?
thanksss
Mike
Yes. They make a good pairing.
Anonymous
Hey, have you considered reviewing the V-Moda M-80?
Anonymous
I second this. I auditioned the M80’s at Guitar Center after reading a flood of nearly unanimous positive reviews on head-fi. Despite the glowing reviews from a multitude of veteran head-fi’ers, I was skeptical before trying them out, if only because I found the Crossfade LP’s to be a muddy, dark mess. A beautiful, well built mess, but a mess nonetheless.
15 minutes later, I was walking out of Guitar Center the very happy owner of the nicest and most enjoyable set of headphones that I’ve ever experienced for under $200.
Mike, there’s very good reason why these things, and the upcoming Crossfade M100’s, are the talk of the town over at head-fi, yet not even a peep out of you regarding them…other than to say you haven’t tried them. It seems strange to me that an enthusiast like you hasn’t made an effort to experience these. Please check them out, Mike. I’d love to hear your take on them.
FYI…I’ve never been big on the alleged effects of burn in…until I bought the M80. They sound good out of the box, but a good 24 hours of burn in made a very noticeable difference. I love mine, and at $200, I consider them a steal.
Mike
Hi Joe,
The main reason that we still haven’t done the M-80 review is… we still haven’t got one yet from V-Moda! Lol yes I know people have been asking about it and for those of you who are expecting a review, it must’ve looked quite dumb how we can’t seem to get our hand on one of the more popular headphone around.
Also please remember that there are tons of other products being released on the market, and so often it’s hard to just focus on one particular product, especially if the company releasing it (Vmoda) is not being particularly cooperative.
Anonymous
I just sent him a PM at head-fi and he said he’ll send you one! He gave me these two email addresses that you should contact:
[email protected] and [email protected]
I also sent him your contact form…not sure who will contact who first then. 😛
Anonymous
Thanks! We’ll give it one last try 😉
Mike
Lol, okay thanks for that. I will send him an email.
Anonymous
DT770 Pro 80 vs V-Moda M80 for Classic Rock?
Also, if the IE8/IE80 was comparable in performance to a full size can, what would it be?
Jeffrey Tang
The IE8 would be close to an unmodded HD650 and the IE80 to a modded HD650 with front back foams removed and possibly an upgraded cable. The IE8 is darker with overwhelming bass and recessed or slightly veiled mids, whereas the IE80 has a more forward mids and lesser soundstage.
DT770 is better but really the DT880 is more suitable for rock imho.
Mike
The IE80 is a lot of fun with Classic Rock. It’s like the IE8 + a little HD25-1 tuning.
Mike
Yes I know. Replied down below:
http://www.headfonia.com/q-a-2012/#comment-430565066
Florian GERARD
Hey Mike,
Do you know any website to buy the SUPERLUX HD660 headphones? or the 668B? as
i can’t find anything on amazon.fr or ebay.com. Thanks for your response.
David Ulrich
http://www.headphone.com It’s a website called headroom.
Mike
David,
You sure Headroom has the HD660 Superlux? Not HD600 (sennheiser)
David Ulrich
I know they have the 668B, but not the 660. I should have been more clear in my response.
Mike
Yes, no problem, David.
Mike
Hi Florian,
Unfortunately the Superlux distribution is a little limited and yes I understand it’s tough to find the HD660 especially in Europe or the US.
Anonymous
Hey Florian
I am not sure where you are located but http://www.pawmusic.com carries a lot of Superlux products. I have purchased several times from them and they are awesome to deal with. Another site you might try is Micca Store as they carried Superlux at one time
Mike
Thanks for the link!
Florian GERARD
hey thanks guys for the links! i just found out a website called THOMANN from deutchland as i’m linving in France they can ship to and have really good prices for the products…
Also my question how does perform the AKG K701 ?! versus my HD650….which is really a good one for me, o just bought the E10 since i read your review and that’s just fantastic for the price/small thing 😉 nothing to compare with my little Dot dac 1 + MKIII at home but surprising at work…worth for my collegues with the open HD650 😉
i alos bought the E11 but didn’t like the bass and cutting trebble so i returned it. I’m waiting for the E17 to get from amazon sooner i hope….;-)
As i saw your very great review of the superlux headphones and want a try for the price 😉
So many great review Mike!
Mike
Hi Gerard,
Just get the HD660. It’s a great headphone although not K701-HD650 level, but it’ll surprise you the way the E10 does. 🙂
Damien Tan
Hey Mike,
Between the CEentrance Dacport LX and HRT Music Streamer 2+, which one has better bass extension and impact? Also, do you have any plans to review the Calyx Coffee any time soon?
Mike
Hi Damien,
We tried talking to Calyx but they weren’t responding, so.
The LX and the HRT MS2? Well bass impact is usually more to the amplifier’s job. The extension are mostly the same. The MS2’s is fuller on the lows, but the LX is clearer.
Anyway I really don’t think you should evaluate a DAC based on such a limited terms i.e. Bass comparison.
Jeffrey Tang
I tried the Calyx Coffee, but it seemed to have issues with my macbook pro.
Rashid
Hi Mike,
I have stepped into the hi-fi world; just acquired the HD650. Need a DAC/AMP. Budget is 1000-1200, located in the CONUS. Listen to rock, classical, vocals, mainstream pop and percussion. Portability not needed. Reliability and warranty come second in importance, after sound quality. Would love to have you chime in. Thanks
Mike
Hi Rashid,
You probably won’t get one box that does all of that equally well, but the Burson HA-160DS is excellent for rock, and very good for pop and percussion.
http://www.headfonia.com/burson-ha-160d-review/
Rashid
Thanks Mike,
Do you not recommend any of the excellent Woo amps for my HDs and listening preferences? Also, at the expense of stretching my budget, I was looking at the B22 (since you love it) and feeding it with the CEntrance LX via laptop USB. Would appreciate your input on the Burson v/s the CEtrance+b22 combo, and also why not the Woos? Thanks much
Mike
If you already have a DAC, then yes you can go with the Woo amps as they don’t have a DAC/Amp model.
As for the Beta22, I don’t know, don’t think it’s that great anymore.
Rashid
Thanks Mike,
Sorry to be badgering you, but given the option of the CEntrance LX with the WA6 V/S the Burson 160ds, what would be your preference given my musical tastes? And maybe some elaboration on your lukewarm reaction to the beta22? Thanks again – hopefully my last question
Mike
Rashid,
Personally I think the Burson is the best amp for Rock out there. It also does Pop and Dance and Electronica well. The Woo, I think works better for slower paced music including some Pop, Rock-ballads, Jazz, and Classical.
As for the Beta22, I felt that while the technicalities are excellent, the musicality aren’t so. Most B22 owners I know personally have moved to a different amp, and the 4-channel B22 I built are not getting any more play time.
m.rezadwiarianto
mike which is better,neob o2 or jdslabs o2
thank you
Hafiz Yunaf
mike, does the 215 does rock nice? something like scorpions, muse etc
Mike
No, not quite the IEM for that.
Try the TF10Pro.
Hafiz Yunaf
i’m having a hard time to fit it into my ears lol. any reccomendations for cans that does rock well and good bass punch under $200? marshall major and superlux hd660 is out since it’s very uncomfortable to me.
looks like my best bet is MS1i
Anonymous
Have you heard the Sennheiser HD25’s? I believe they can be found for about $199 and sound really good for rock They’re my favourite cans right now. Definitely worth a listen….
Mike
Yes the MS1 does rock pretty well.
asd qwe
Hey can I get an ETA on the Bottlehead Crack review?
Mike
Sorry still no date.
Anonymous
But I’m working something out with Bottlehead. I’ll keep you posted
asd qwe
Awesome, many thanks.
john oh
Hey mike,
I have a hd598 complimenting my m50s, with asgard and msII+. Im seriously thinking about getting the hd600 but is it something that can, in a sense, replace my hd598? (Sell hd598 to help pay for hd600) or are they different enough so where i can have both.
Thanks,
P.S. so sad about the comment below. ive been waiting to hear your impression of the Crack +- Speedball, which i value oh so much 🙂
john oh
I have a question about soundstage:
Is it something you mainly hear through live recordings and albums? I say this because with music recorded in a studio, with all the EQing, recording in soundproof rooms, sometimes in separate rooms and other stuff i dont know about; would that recording environment create a stage for sound? i hope im being clear.
many thanks,
Mike
Hi John,
Yes real soundstage is captured on live recordings. With studio recordings, they sometimes can try to emulate a natural soundstage but it’s never quite like the real thing.
So a good soundstage reproduction is basically the headphones, passing along the information already captured in the recording. Which means, as long as the driver is accurate, it shouldn’t matter if it’s an IEM or a closed back headphone. The soundstage should still be vividly recreated.
I wrote a little bit about the difference of a “spacious sound” to what really is a good soundstage on this article: http://www.headfonia.com/audio-technica-ad-series-ad300-ad700-ad900-ad1000prm-ad2000/
john oh
Audio Technica AD-Series – Very spacious, bad imaging.
Sennheiser hd598 – not as spacious, great imaging.
Grado Series – very open, not spacious, and idk about imaging.
does very open just mean more speaker like as in less seal?
am i getting this right? and i dont mean bad as in its terrible just not as good relative to the headphones ive listed.
I know for a fact that the hd598s have great imaging as i use them for games, and its pretty scary.. so basically soundstage deals with imaging which the hd598 excels over the AD-series in.
THanks,
Mike
John,
Yes I think you’ve gotten the impressions right.
The AD-series.. I would consider the imaging pretty bad. But if you take a $20 headphone next to it, well maybe it’s not so bad.
john oh
It seems like there’s some kind of system locking the replys, anyways.
one last question.
Whats a good method for picking up on soundstage (spacious vs imaging) for a growing audiophile. listen to live recordings and try to place the instruments maybe? idk, i would like to know your methods (if theyre not a secret 🙂 )
Im beginning to differentiate 320kbs and flac (wild claim i know,) and definitely can differentiate 128 and flac. differentiating between dacs and amps is a bit tricky though..
thanks for the tips,
and good luck on your battle against on sound lol
Mike
No that’s just a limit to the threaded system.. I think you can’t go deeper than 4 replies otherwise all the text will be condensed into one narrow column.
Okay that’s a really good question and sure no secrets, but let me see if I can explain it with words.
First of all, a good live recording is definitely needed. Keep in mind that with mainstream music, sometimes recordings like “live in bla bla bla” is not really a pure live recording. For instance I have John Legend Live in Philadelphia and you can tell that his vocals are pushed way too much to give presence and the interaction of the crowd noise and his vocals aren’t always so consistent. In some areas the soundstage even compresses and becomes studio like. Clearly, there’s some heavy editing done on that.
Classical recordings tend to be more honest. But even then, with some performances, the acoustics in the hall is so quiet that you don’t really get a sense of the space. You know how in some recordings you can hear the air in the cathedral, like a faint hiss sound? Some of the information on the soundstage is actually transferred through that air, but on some recordings, you don’t hear it. Again it’s difficult.
Andrew Lavengood
Mike,
My current setup is an audinst hud-mx1 and ad700’s at my computer. i mostly listen at my computer but when i am portable (like on a plane or watching movies on my ipad) I have been using my jdslabs cmoybb and sunrise xcited ear buds. I am thinking about upgrading some parts of my setup but don’t where to start. the audinst and ad700s are great but maybe lack bass a little bit. however i really like the wide open spacious feel of the ad700s. i was thinking of getting an amp like objective2 or asgard but maybe that is wasted on the ad700s? i have tried my cmoy as the amp from the audinst as dac but it wasn’t that great.
I mostly listen to indie rock and hard rock, and shoegaze. Occasionally i get into folk, alternative, and jazz. I have tried grados and senns 25-1 but didn’t like the resolution or closed in sound. my other headphones are hd-555 and jvc rx-700.
what do recommend for my next amp or headphone purchase for under $500? i am just looking to start upgrading and get some really great sound.
Thanks!
Andrew
Florian GERARD
hello Mike,
As i’ll moved to balanced amp (probably the LD MKVIII SE) i would like to know where can i buy a balanced cable for my HD650 ?! And if you really think there’s a difference between two cables…caz i’ve seen cable between 100 to 500$ !
i’m also considering the DIY cable but i really don’t know where to look at.
thanks for your help.
any review of the C421 to come? 😉
Hafiz Yunaf
evening mike, just wondering is there any amps ( desktop/portable under US$300 ) that has a similar tonal ( especially the mid, low and soundstage ) to C421 OPA2227?
Mike
Similar, maybe amps like the E11, CmoyBB.
Jack Harvey
Hey Headfonia, what is the best amp for the HD650s?
Anonymous
A good OTL tube amp does miracles for the HD650. Crack, LF339, WA3, … there are so many in all budgets. the higher the budget, the better the HD650 I’m afraid.
We should soon be reviewing the Crack (in a month or 2)
Jack Harvey
I see. Any amps below 500usd? I’m new to home audio.
Jack Harvey
looking at the wa6 with s. grace tubes, kinda over budget, but looks good for the long run
Anonymous
WA6 is no OTL but better in the long run if you have lower impedance phones too.
Jack Harvey
i see. One last question, I’m moving to desktop, which headphone should i get? Looking at something with deep tight bass, good mids and controlled highs. I listen to jazz, pop, hip hop, rock and vocals. Lookin at the 650s and the he500. any suggestions?
Anonymous
The HD650 should do just one, it’s a lovely headphone
Mike
Jack,
No such thing as one best amp. What’s your budget?
Florian GERARD
i was looking at the DARKVOICE and LA FIGARO amps which are the same design? no? that’s a separate company now?! but also loads of feedback about the quality and custumers complains….What about now?! Does it has change? Is that safe to buy one? and from ebay? I saw review about the DV336 with hd650 which is a great combo as the guy say. I’m looking for an uprgrade of the little MKIII for my HD650. Amp budget about 800$ and there are lot of amps…I’m looking for an OTL design like my MKIII. So i was wondering about the DV336 with good tubes (5998) or WO amp or little dot balanced MKVIII SE or MKIV. Well i’m not decided ;-( i really dunno. I read lot aboiut the balanced mode of the HD650 which is “magical” as they say….But there’s not lot of reveiw about the ld MKVIII SE amp and some people say to go better with a good single ended amp like a woo or a DV336 with tube rolling….
Any body to help me?
Anonymous
Hi Florian. First of all the designer of Darkforce (Yuking) created his own new company called LaFigaro, where he launched improved versions of the DV brand. In example, DV337 became LF339. I myself have the 339 OTL amp from LF, which you can get on Yuking’s website http://www.yuking09.com.
It is safe to buy a LF amp from that site and Yuking has a good customer service, I have no complaints about it at all. I wouldn’t advise buying on ebay.
OTL is a very good way to go for the HD650, I would advise the WA3 or the 339 or maybe the Bottlehead Crack
Florian GERARD
ok thanks ! i think i’ll go for a 339 from the direct Yuking page’s….i havn’t find lot of review about the 339 but did you tested some tube rolling? did you paired it with hd650? and also is that amp balanced or not?
Cauz if it’s balanced i’ll have to buy a cable for my HD650. But i don’t think i’ll buy one of the 300$+ cable as i prefer to pay less and get a better amp. Do you know any good balanced cable for the HD650? i saw on ebay a shenzhen cable like that:
http://cgi.ebay.fr/Upgrade-version-HD580-HD600-650-balance-line-4-pin-XLR-male-single-crystal-etc-/110744575088?pt=PDA_Accessories&hash=item19c8e41c70
have you a better option?
Anonymous
LF339 in Single Ended, not ballanced, don’t worry. I have the HD650 and it sounds it best with the 339, it is AWESOME. All my friends agree that it sounds best on the 339. So you don’t need a new cable, the stock one does just fine.
Ofcourse I did some tube rolling. try getting some 6AS7/6080 tubes. like RCA, TS, Chatham. And some TFK EF80 tubes or the 5693 RCA Red. Don’t forget to ask for your free tube cage and the free EF80 tube converter.
any more questions, just ask!
L. I accidentally hijacked Mikes account 😀
Florian GERARD
Thanks a lot for your help ! Your’re so helpful guys……no one can try as much
amps as you…I’ll let you know my “impressions” as soon as i get it 😉 i think
for next month 😉
Anonymous
Hey Mike,
Budget: 200-300 euros.
Purpose: studio/recording.
Genre: (mostly) hard rock & metal.
Senn HD 25-1 II the best option in your opinion?
Best regards,
// Jonte
Anonymous
The HD25’s sound very good for listening to and enjoying hard rock & metal, but i dont know if they are revealing enough for studio monitoring?TTeshsux75
Mike
Hi Jonte,
So, this is for recording hard rock and metal stuff?
Mike
Well, if it is for recording metal stuff, I honestly never had that experience. The HD25-1 II is good for listening to hard rock and metal recordings, but for monitoring? I’m clueless.
Anonymous
Thanks for the reply anyway! 🙂
Andrew Lavengood
Hey guys,
What kind of tube amp under $300 would you recommend for ad700s and dt880s?
Great website, keep it up!
Thanks, Andrew
Mike
Andrew,
I did a review on the Bravo tube amp once, and it was pretty good for the price. It’s well under your budget though, and at the moment I can’t really think of a tube amp in the $200-$300 range. There are a lot of options if you go to eBay, but I can’t guarantee they’ll sound good.
http://www.headfonia.com/bravo-hybrid-tube-amplifier/
Andre Bonifacio
Hello Mike,
Although I don’t want to bug you with yet another “can’t decide between x or y”, but I cannot really decide between the HiFiMan HE-500 LE and the Audeze LCD-2. I have a HD-600 and I am looking or something different and fun. I am planning on driving the headphones with a HeadAmp Pico DAC/AMP and I am planning to listen to electronic music and jazz. I tried the HiFiMan HE-400 but it wasn’t what I was looking for and returned it. It has the bass, but lacked the PRaT, and the contrast between the mids and highs and the lows to my ears. From what I heard in head-fi, the HE-500 LE is a greatly improved HD-600 whereas the LCD2 is like a greatly improved HD-650. I read the reviews on both headphones in your website but in the HE-500 review, I wasn’t sure if you are comparing the HE-500 with a Rev. 1 or Rev.2 LCD2. Moreover the LCD2 Rev. 2 didn’t really say anything new except that it is better than the Rev.1. Basically I am looking for something with great musicality with some tolerance to some poor recordings. I trust your taste so your opinion would awesome. Thanks for the great work !
Andre B.
Mike
Andre,
To give a simple solution, I don’t think the HE-500 works for electronic, though it’s great for Jazz. The LCD-2 works with both electronic and Jazz.
Does that answer your question?
Andre Bonifacio
Thanks, that answers it.
jonathanajw
Hi Mike
I was wondering if you could suggest some headphones which would suit ambient electronic music. Something with good instrument separation but with a more laid back pace and less emphasis on bass than electro centric headphones such as the aiaia tma-1.
Mike
Hmmm…
The AIAIAI TMA-1 is pretty laid back already.. Not sure there is anything more laid-back. Have you listened to it ?
Jack Zheng YingLun
Hey Headfonia, I’m looking for an amp for my HD650. I am using it with the Equinox Cable, out from a Bitfrost. Schiit audio looks interesting, been looking at the Vahalla and the Lyr, which is better?
Thanks,
JZ
Mike
HI Javier,
Hee is the review:
http://www.headfonia.com/triple-schiit-asgaard-valhalla-and-lyr/
Burt Argyle
hi I am deciding between ALO Continental and Triad Audio L3. should i get both, ALO for warmer/musical with HD800 and Triad Audio for rock/metal, with rocker phones. or are they close enough that i should only get one?
Mike
Hi Burt,
Well if you have the money, why not? 😉
The L3 is actually the warmer sounding one, but the ALO sounds clearer.
Joe Siow
Hi Mike, it’s Joe here again.
Would like to enquire if you have heard the GS-1 or GS-X besides Headamp’s Gilmore Lite.
Though LCD-2 pairs very well with the Burson HA-160 that I have, I have been yearning for more transparency. I recently read an impression that with its very black background, the GS-1 sounds very transparent. I wonder if the GS-1/ LCD-2 pairing would be a good one, and would love to hear your input. Thanks!
Cheers
Joe
Mike
Nope Joe, sorry I haven’t.
Joe Siow
No worries Mike. Thanks anyway.
Jeremy Buchanan
Hello Mike, I was wondering when you were doing your review on the balanced module for the HM-801? Thanks!
Mike
Hi Jeremy,
The one they sent me was defective and I have yet to receive another one from them. So I don’t think I am going to do it.
I had some time with the balanced amp (before it went kaput), and I think it gives you the usual benefits of balanced amplification, i.e a bigger soundstage and having a weightier lows.
Anonymous
Hi, I have purchase a pair of Denon AH-D7000 headphones.
I would alike to use it with my iPhone 4 when I am on the move. I was thinking of buying a Fiio E17 to power the headphones but I was conceded if it will provide enough power to drive them! What are your thoughts or maybe you could recommend an alternative if you think it may not be suitable. I would like to keep the price under $300. Cheers Russ
Mike
Russ,
Sorry for the slow reply — whoa 6 days! I would start with these two articles:
http://www.headfonia.com/the-usual-suspects-12-portable-amps-compared/
http://www.headfonia.com/music-on-a-budget-sub-100-portable-amps-shootout/
TheOneInYellow
Hi Mike, I have a question to ask about certain products that I may be purchasing this week.
Right now, my budget is approximately $400/£250/€310.00, and I am torn between purchasing these three products. They are:
– Objective2 from JDS Labs ($144/£91.76),
– Matrix mini-i with remote control from TamAudio.com (or from their eBay storepage) ($335.00/£213.56), &
– Audio-gd NFB-5 from Audio-gd directly (AmpCity.co.uk is far too expensive) ($409.50/£236.94 via DHL, or $411.00/£261.90 via DHS).
First, the headphone amplifier section; which is better of the three? Iassume that the Objective2 beats the Matrix mini-i, but not sure about the NFB-5…
Second, DAC; except the Objective2, is there a discernible difference
between the Audio-gd DAC’s (that you have tested) against the Matrix
Mini-i? I understand that you may not have used or heard the NFB-5, but I assume that the Audio-gd ‘house sound’ remains similar to their products.
The NFB-5 is fairly new, and I am torn as to:
– risk and purchase the NFB-5, which seems to be potentially a great DAC with HA amp, or
– stick to a good, decent budget DAC/Amp (Matrix Mini-i), or
– stick with my current DAC (Asus Xonar D2X PCI-E) and get the
Objective2. This last option gives me room to purchase some custom
sleeves from ACS to fit onto my UE TF10’s, or save up for something else.
Thank you for your time!
BTW, on an unrelated topic. Though I am still writing my review, I still love my c421 with AD8620, though I partially wish I had went for the OPA2227P for use with my UE TF10’s. However, my opamp gives me a better options for future IEM’s, such as saving up for CIEMS.
Now, here is some interesting news that I am unsure if you know about (concerning the c421’s). As you may already know, there is channel imbalance at low volumes when using the c421 with Low Gain. Some owners who have high sensitivity IEM’s (CIEM’s) have found this problematic. John has been very helpful on the Head-Fi forums, enough to make his own response. Once John has sorted out the final enclosures, he has offered to all those who pre-ordered and bought the first batch of c421’s to receive a Low Gain modification, from its current 3.5x to 2.5x (-3dB),
by sending back our amps for the mod and new enclosures (what he calls the
v1.01 upgrade). I will be taking him up on his offer! It thought to let you know about this for your future review 😉
http://www.head-fi.org/t/575633/jdslabs-c421-preorder-is-live/105#post_8113936
^_^
Mike
Well there are so many variables it’s almost impossible for me to give a comparison between that three without having listened to them.
On the JDSLabs, I personally don’t have any channel imbalance issues but let me double check.
Mike
Yes the C421’s analog pot has channel imbalance at low volume levels.
TheOneInYellow
Hi Mike, sorry for the delay,…
The channel imbalance is only an issue for certain owners of the c421 amp who have high sensitivity IEM’s, but can also be a problem for any owner (of the preorder c421’s).
All new c421 will have the new change of Low Gain from 3.5x to 2.5x, but also the following changes (see John’s post below):
http://www.head-fi.org/t/575633/jdslabs-c421-preorder-is-live/120#post_8153505
About seeking for your advice; I knew it was a long shot, and that, without listening to them, it would be hard to give feedback. I am still torn between what I want, but I have narrowed it down to getting:
Desktop Amp’s:
– Objective2,
– Shiit Asgard,
– Audio-gd C-2.2,
or
DAC/HA’s:
– Audio-gd NFB-5,
– Audio-gd NFB-10SE (A little over my budget, but may be worth it),
– Future NwAvGuy ODAC (Objective Desktop Amplifier/DAC).
I think my problem is this; do I want a DAC with my headphone amp? Its a question that, for the last few days, has been throwing me off from buying anything.
I currently use the Asus Xonar D2X (over three/four years), which i great. I doubt it’s the world best, but it is one of the best PC DAC cards at its price point (though it has been superseded by both the Xonar STX and the Xonar Essence One), but it does the job for now.
The major problem is that I don’t want to sacrifice HA for a good DAC, but want both to be good. the Matrix mini-i would be very good over what I own, but I look at it has a half-step of improvement. I want both DAC and HA to be extremelly good, but my budget is asking for too much. Finding about Audio-gd was great, but I still have my reservations over buying a combo DAC/HA unit.
So, hopefully if it is not too rude, here are a few more questions for you:
With a budget of approximately $400/£250/€310, should I concentrate and get the absolute best desktop amplifier I can afford at, or buy a HA/DAC?
If the former, of the amplifiers that you have tried personally (or other Headphonia reviewers) what would be that absolute best amp at this price?
If the latter, what would be the best HA/DAC you have tried at, again, the budget price?
Again, sorry for the earlier long-winded post, I hope this one makes more sense, and I appreciate your advice!
Thank you for reading!
^_^
Mike
At that budget, I don’t know all the DAC/Amp boxes seem to be more of a DAC first, Amp second. Meaning the DAC is usually good but the Amp often lacks punch, with the exception of CEntrance’s DACPort. Of course I dont’ have any experience with the Audio-Gd boxes you mentioned so I don’t know.
Why not take the guesswork out and get a solid and proven combination like the HRT MS2 and the Schiit Asgard?
Anonymous
Hi Mike,
Which one would you recommend me for HD650?
Graham Slee Solo SRGII + HRT MS II+
Centrance Dac Mini
Burson HA 160DS or
………… (your recommendation)
(for R’n’B , pop, soft rock, accoustic)
Mike
Perhaps the Graham Slee set up would be best for your music.
Anonymous
Thanks.
Dou you think Graham Slee Solo SRGII shows me the HD650’s potential and do you think the HRT and SRGII might be too dark for HD650?
Mike
No it should not be too dark, just warm, but the Graham Slee is not a dark amp. If you want more sparkly treble then go with the Woo amps, but from your music list I would personally go with the Slee.
Yes it should be a good amp for the HD650, good enough for day to day listening. If you want to hear the HD650 at their best then spend $6,000 on some Manley Neo Classic 300B pre amp.
Manji group
Hi Lieven, i remembered hearing somewhere that you said you have the la figaro 339, can you do a review of that? also synergy wise, does it play along well with hd 650? how’s it compared with solo srg ii?
Manji
L.
I do have that one, it never really came up to review it actuallyp. I’ll check with Mike if we can do something about it.
But as I said on here before, it is my best amp for the HD650 and the HE-500. All my friends want to listen to the 339+HD650 combo, it’s just awesome. I can’t comare it to the Solo, sorry
Manji group
can’t because you’ve never heard of the solo? just wanna know that’s all, do you change anything on your 339? (aside from tube, cause i know you can customize it)
L.
Never listened to the Solo. the 339 is stock besides the tubes
Chi-Hwa Michael Ting
Mike,
have you tried the ATH-ES10? I than demoed the ESW9 and ES10 back to
back. The biggest difference was the price as it was marked right
infront of my face, the ES10 goes for twice as the ESW9. Design are
very similar, beside the obvious Ti vs Wood, the ES10 cup is a little
bigger and covers all of my ear perfectly while the ESW9 rest a bit on
my ear. The sound difference was really huge, considering
how similar the outside design is. Everything just sounds bigger and
tighter on the ES10. There was more bass, and for forward mids and
clear hi-highs. While being more exciting I didn’t feel it was messing
up anything, everything was detailed and clear on the ES10. On the
other side the ESW9 sounded soft, and as the store clerk puts it “warm.”
At another shop the ES10 was demoing beside B&W P5 and again the
sky is clearer with the ES10, the P5 was just too dark and slow. Of course I listen to Rock (L’arc~en~ciel) so maybe the ESW9 and P5 are not the right ones for me.
Mike
Yes, I have done a review on it.
Chi-Hwa Michael Ting
Well! That’ll teach me to use the search function more!
Matthew King
Mike,
What is your experience with lifespan on headphones? I have a pair of Sennheiser HD595’s from about 2004 that seem to be getting a little “muddier” as they age. I use them at work so they easily see 30+ hours a week – so I’m guessing around 10,000 hours so far on them. Any thoughts as to how many hours of life to expect from a set of cans?
Mike
Matthew,
The drivers should not degrade with age, but pads age affect the sound very much.
skyline315
Any chance the ibasso D7 is on your review to do list?
Mike
Hi Skyline,
Unfortunately no.
Vuk
Hi, I recently bought the Ultrasone pro900s and Im looking for a portable amplifier. Could you recommend me something in the range of 100-300? Thank you.
Mike
Hi Vuk,
The choices are plenty. Where should I start?
Perhaps you can check out these two reviews first:
http://www.headfonia.com/the-usual-suspects-12-portable-amps-compared/
http://www.headfonia.com/music-on-a-budget-sub-100-portable-amps-shootout/
rizviz
plz do a review on qls qa 350 mod v2 . . . thanks in advance
rustiandra
Hi Mike,
im considering to buy fiio e17 based on your review. do u have any recommendation for any iPod line out cable that i should use if it is a necessary upgrade to the sound, o r the fiio line out will work just fine. thanks a lot Mike!
Mike
The Fiio one should work just fine.
Mohammad Umair
Hi Mike,
i’m going to buy a new headphone, and i love the sound sig of Sennheiser HD202-II. But i’m looking for the higher-end and of course the better one (still under 100$). do you have any recommendation ? Thanks.
Mike
Mohammad,
I would recommend an amp instead. Have you tried the HD202 with an amp? It’s hard to find a sub $100 headphone with a similar sound to the HD202.
Mohammad Umair
no, i haven’t tried the HD202 with amp. hmm, what if the sub 200$ headphones ? it’s ok for a few bucks more. i also love the ATH M50 sound, but i think the bass is a bit boomy.
thanks anyway
Mike
For $200 you can give the HD558 a try.
Mohammad Umair
ok, thanks to you mike
Mike
You’re welcome, Mohammad.
Vuk
Hey Mike, Im looking at buying either the Sennheiser HD650 or the Hifiman he-500. Which one would you recommend? Ill be driving them with a ipod classic and headstage arrow amp.
Mike
Vuk,
The HD650 should be easier to drive with the Arrow.
Justin Gregoire
Hey Mike, I have a pair of HD598s and I already have a cmoy amp that I use with my macbook pro. I’m wondering what you think I should upgrade my DAC to? I was thinking the MS2. Any thoughts? Also some other headphones I have that I’m using is a pair of grado sr80s and KRK KNS6400.
Mike
Yes the MS2 should be a good upgrade to go for, Justin.
Justin Gregoire
Thanks I appreciate it!
Mike
You’re welcome. 🙂
Mike
You’re welcome. 🙂
john oh
Mike,
I just sold my HRT MSII+, is my asgard now useless? i only have a laptop and ipod as a source.
Thanks,
Mike
John,
Well you can hook up the Laptop or the Ipod directly to the Asgard.
Mike
John,
Well you can hook up the Laptop or the Ipod directly to the Asgard.
WaKKa
would that just be double amping? which i thought was bad.
Mike
Yes, that’s right it’s double amping.
It’s not ideal, but it’s better than having the amplifier sitting around not doing anything.
Adrian Lee
Hi
I’m looking at the audio technica AD-700 and the Fischer Audio FA-003
Anyways the AD700 are $145 from an authorised reseller
and the FA-003 are $190 from an authoriser reseller (and the only place selling in australia)
If i get the audio technicas i will most likely get a portable headphone amp to get the best sound out of ’em while with the FA-003, I’d be even lucky to get one in the future-might be some months before i could consider getting one for the headphones (looking at the fiio e11)
So my questions is, should i get the audio technica headphones with an amp, or
get the FA-003, wait it out for a few months, then get the headphone amp.
Essentially to break my question down further
Will the audio technica AD700s sound better amped than the Fischer Audio FA-003 will unamped (will an amp boost really be noticable in these headphones?). I’m willing to go all the way for these headphones as they’ll be my 1st proper headphones other than my Beats studios (which i learnt from 1st hand experience were terrible when it came to sound reproduction while i was watching some of my ps3 gameplay on youtube checking quality). I signed up straight away after deciding i was getting new headphones and i’d really value your opinion.
(i know there’s almost nothing on fischer audio on your site, but if you can, could you halp me decide? 😛 )
thanks
Mike
Hi Adrian,
When choosing headphones, you should begin with the sound signature that you’re looking for. The AD700 has been covered here: http://www.headfonia.com/audio-technica-ad-series-ad300-ad700-ad900-ad1000prm-ad2000/
As for the FA-003 I still haven’t had the chance to listen to it.
The bottom line is that you should choose the right headphone that suits your music – that’s first and foremost important. Then worry about the amp later.
You may want to read this article too: http://www.headfonia.com/a-guide-to-headphones/
asd qwe
Hey just saw on you’re Twitter that the Bottlehead Crack is shipping. ETA?
L.
If only we knew… Bottlehead has gone silent again 🙁
john oh
noo………..
Mike
Yes they are not very responsive
asd qwe
AAAAARGGGGGGGHHHH! WHY?!?! WHY!!??! The review I’ve been looking forward to more than anything else!!
Mike
Yea we’re really eager to do the review too, but just have to wait.. we like the concept so much we decided to get two. One for L and one for me.
Vuk
Hey Mike, sorry to bug you again but I need help choosing between the HD650 and the HE-500. I know you said the hd650 will be driven better through the Arrow amp but I was really leaning towards the hifiman he-500. But if you think the arrow wouldnt do the he-500 any justice I guess I will just go with the hd650. Thanks again.
Mike
The HE-500 is very nice, are you sure you are really stuck with the Arrow? I mean it’s a big headphone, and there is no point in a slim amp like the Arrow since the headphone is going to be very bulky.
Vuk
Ya unfortunately I am : I share a room so im basically limited to a portable setup otherwise I would have bought a desktop amp a long time ago lol.
The reason I wanted the he-500 is because I already have a basshead can (proo700 mk2) now im looking for something that is more laid back with lots of clarity so i’ve narrowed it down to the hd650 and he-500. People have said the hd650 pairs well with the arrow but I was leaning more towards the he-500 especially since its low impedance. With that being said I guess im asking which one would sound better through a portable setup?
Mike
mmmmmmm both are mainly desktop set ups.
I really can’t say. The HD650 I suppose runs better from a portable set up. I have good results with it and the JDSLabs Cmoy. Didn’t really like it with Headstage. Lacks space in the sound.
WaKKa
Hey mike,
what would be a good DAC upgrade coming from the MSII+ with a similar sound sig. i guess the obvious would be the PRO version but I was just wondering.
Mike
Hmmm I really haven’t found something similar but at a higher level. Perhaps yes the PRO version.
Manji group
Mike, i’ve been listening with Dacport LX for a while and somehow i’ve noticed that there’s a small peak on the vocal, that I bugs me, also somehow it sounds a bit dry for me (i’m pairing it with solo SRG II and HD 650), do you think the HRT MSII+ might be the solution? I’ve tried changing the dac with audinst (headphone out-connector 3.5 to 2RCA-solo SRG II), i like how it sounds but kinda miss the clarity on the LX, though it doesn’t sound as dry as LX which is much better for me, do you think the MSII+ will give me what i need? I think I want the same clarity but not as dry as the LX.
THanks,
Sorry i know it’s a long one.
Mike
Generally, specific issues like that I would attribute more to the individual recordings. Changing to a different DAC may lessen the issue but usually I choose my DAC from the overall sound signature, not as a cure of specific issues.
謝文翊
Hi,
I’ve been reading your reviews and I like them a lot.
I am looking for a headphone for symphonies and currently using dt880/600 with Lyr(Amperex A frame) and a 100 dollar Audiotrack soundcard.
That works fine with chamber music and vocals but not so well with larger works.Sometimes I feel that dt880 fails conveying the passion of the music.I will get bifrost when it’s available here.
I am thinking about HD600, HD650 and HE500, or save up for HD700, T1.Can you give me some advise on that matter?
Thanks~
Hsieh, Wen-Yi
Mike
Hi,
I still think that the HD650 is the best headphone for larger symphony works. The Beyer is spacious but strongly lacks impact especially on loud symphony passages. In that sense the HD650 is better than the HE-500 and the T1 (and I suspect the HD700 as well though I have yet to hear the HD700).
謝文翊
Thanks Mike,
I would give HD650 a try.
Looking forward to your new reviews.
Mike
Alright!
Dietmar Gsell
First of all,thank you for your fantastic site which gives me valuable information and also the inspiration to push things higher.Still,can’t make up my mind for a headphone amp to go with Sennheiser’s HD650.I am looking for 3D soundstage,ambiance and clarity.
Have ordered the O2 but also think about getting a Violectric 200.Had the Little Dot MkIII and did love the tube sound which sadly was inconsistent(days where I had a 3D tube sound and other days where everything was just FLAT!)
Any ideas?Please let me know.Thanks,Dietmar
Mike
Hi Dietmar,
So you are looking for an amp to improve the HD650 sound stage? I’ve never listened to the LD Mk3 or the Violectric (Lieven did that review), but usually the tube amps have an edge to the solid state when it comes to soundstage reproduction.
Perhaps Lieven can help share some thoughts as he also owns an HD650 and a La Figaro tube amp.
L.
L to the rescue 😉 . The HD650 weren’t bad at all with the Violectric, but as Mike says the Sennheisers really like tubes. No offence, but the LDIII isn’t a top tube amp and I’m convinced you will love the HD650 using an otl tube amp like the WA3, Crack or my Lafigaro 339. Me and all my friends think the HD650 sounds best on that OTL tube amp. It’s simply gorgeous and it shows why the 650 still is a world class headphone. And like Mike has said so many times before, the better the tube amp, the better the Senns.
Mike
Yes, I forgot about the OTL part. Go with an Output Transformer-Less tube amp for the Senns.
Mike
This is a good one, Dietmar: http://www.headfonia.com/living-legend-the-zana-deux/
David Ulrich
First, great call on the HD 202. For the 19 dollars I got them for, it is an amazing deal. Second, I wish you weren’t right about how the JDSlabs Cmoy is surprisingly good at exposing source limitations as I never noticed the congested mids of my Ipod so clearly before. Anyway, my ultimate (modest) goal is to pair a HRT ms2 with a Schiit Asgard (unless you know of something better for the price). I was going to get a pair of Grado’s to deal with my rock headphone needs, but my real love is classical. You said that the HD598 pairs very well with the asgard. Would they bring Shostakovich and Saint-Saens to life?
Thank you very much for this site and actually taking time to answer people’s questions. As most of us can’t just walk down to the store and test this equipment out for ourselves, you website is irreplaceable.
Mike
Hi David,
Yes the JDSLabs Cmoy is quite transparent especially on the mids. It occurred to me the other day that it probably has the shortest signal path of any amplifiers which may explain the transparency.
I still stand by my HRT MS2 and Asgard recommendation. The HD598, however, doesn’t quite have the bass slam for big symphony pieces. So it depends on the type of composition you listen to. I’d recommend the HD600 or the HD650 (depending on your budget) if you listen to big symphonies.
You’re welcome, David.
Timothy
Dear Mike
I have been reading your articles and really changed my poin of view… thanks to you i now have a better understanding in Hifi stuff.
but I still need your opinion regarding things i need to buy. as what I need is mostly to practice on my bass guitar silently, listen music from my iphone 4s.
and I already have shure se535 for my daily use.
and now i’m searching for a practice headphone that can give deep, low clarity sound of my bass, without a distortion when i slap or picking it.
i like to hear and play my bass in these genre: pop, rock, funk, a bit of jazz
still confused with what should I choses to buy I narrowed it down to some from your articles;
headphone: HIFIMAN HE-500, sennheiser HD650
amp : fiio e11 , ibasso pb-1 (ready on near store)
please help me with this matter.. if you have another recommendation please just tell. dont want to get overpriced nor doesnt find my expectation.
thank you
Mike
Sorry for missing this out, but this is the same reply I posted on the PB-2 comment section:
Tim,I’m probably not the best guy to answer this, but if you have a guitar store in your town, it’ll be best for you to stop by and test them out. Personally on the top of my head I’m thinking of monitoring headphones like the Shure SRH-940 or the Beyer DT770.
David Ulrich
Actually, you mention that with a warm amp, the superlux 668b is a solid headphone, and that it is the best of the superlux for classical. By that thought, a HRT MS2, JDSCmoy and a 668b would make a very good setup for classical on a low budget. Do you concur?
Thanks
Mike
I think it would be very good, but I still think that the HD660 would be better.
David Ulrich
660 a good headphone for classical on a budget. Good to know.
Mike
Yes, a little reverb which is to be expected from a closed headphone, but otherwise it’s nice. Pretty accurate soundstage image too.
David Ulrich
Do you think the more open, and laid back 330 might be the better yet for classical? And how would the new superlux’s compare to the Goldring dr150? I like the great genre bandwidth of my HD202, but I would like to snag something with more detail and clarity.
Mike
Hi David,
The 330 doesn’t really feel a lot more open than the 660. I’d personally still take the 660 over the 330/440. It’s just got a more convincing bass impact and a much better quality bass than the other two. In comparison to the Goldring, the DR150 is more laid back and again have a more Senn like signature, the 660 is a more straightforward uncolored sound. I think you should give the 660 a try. It would definitely give you more detail and clarity.
James Chuong
Hi Mike,
I’ve been really itching to upgrade from my AD700’s to Q701’s but I’m having trouble picking a DAC and amp. Right now I am using a laptop (USB out only) and a Cowon J3, so I was wondering what a good option would be for the Q701’s? I have gotten a lot of recommendations between MusicStreamer II, Audio-DG Sparrow, etc but I am having a hard time justifying spending about the same amount on the amp as the headphones.
I read a bit and it seems like it would be common for the amp to be fairly expensive but I am content with ‘middle-fi’ rather than spending a huge amount for the best quality. What do you suggest?
Mike
Hi James,
Based on my experience with the K701, I think what you need is an amplifier that boost up the bass. Other than that you don’t really need a terribly high end amplifier for it. Personally I think the AD900 is a better headphone than the K701, but that’s just me. 🙂
Jeremy Buchanan
Hi Mike. I know you are prive to industry info before we are;) What have you heard about the new Hifiman MH-802? Same PCM1704 chip? internal memory? will it have amp modules you can change? Thanks as always
Jeremy Buchanan
I meant HM-802;)
Mike
I didn’t even catch the mispell the first time. 😉
Mike
Jeremy,
I heard that there is a prototype, but nothing more than that. Certainly is interesting. I will send them an email and see if I can get any information on it. 🙂
AnAudiophile
They didn’t want to make a comment about it when I emailed them.. tell us how you go!
Salvatore Buscemi
Mike: appreciate the blog very much. I have a newer pair of PS500s that I use with both a Triad L3 and an ALO V2 Continental/ AlgoRhythym Solo package.
At first the sound was great, but then a clapping sound started to show up this week -with both amps and I’m wondering if I blew out the phones before breaking them in.
Note: without the amps, the PS500s sound fine.
My question is: are these ruined and what is the appropriate break-in period for these. How would you suggest I treat a new pair, albeit not as aggressively…
Thanks,
Sal
Florian GERARD
when will you guys release the CRACK review? Did you get it? I’m quite interesting pairing with my HD650’s.
L.
We still have no single news about the estimated shipping date… Horrible
Denton Chen
Hello Mike,
I am about to get my first ever amp, would you recommend the OPA2227 over both the AD8620/OPA627 for the ER4S? I would like to ‘balance out’ the sound as much as possible!
Mike
What amp is this for?
I think the OPA2227 is better than the AD8620/OPA627 for the ER4 and especially the S.
Denton Chen
Thanks for the reply mike!! the amp is for my portable rig set up, cowon J3 –> c421 –>ER4S.
Mike
Let me know how you like it!
rustiandra
Dear awesome guys (Mike or L),
I’ve seen you using C421 for your reviews. is there any writing about this amp? would recommend it? thanks guys and God Bless 🙂
Mike
Yes we are writing a review on it. It’s an awesome amp, but I’m still waiting for the final enclosure of the C421 before writing the review.
rustiandra
can’t wait to read it! how’s the c421 compared to o2 if I’m just looking for a portable amp for a companion to my iPod? don’t worry, I’m looking forward to buy clas also 😛 is it the o2 is not really a portable one? anyway, I’m open for any other amp recommendation. thanks guys!
Edward Cheung
Opinions needed: Been seeing all the raving reviews on the Denon AH D7000s and here in Hong Kong saw TWO stores with ridiculous deals on a pair.
My question is that I am not a bass-head and not really looking for bass in my headphones, I listen more to latin jazz, afro-cuban percussion and salsa / big band latin music….with the occasional chart music / classical tunes. Would it be worth getting these headphones otherwise?
(I posted this on FB and got “scolding” from L) 😛
Mike
Yea I don’t know. I haven’t heard the D7000, only up to the D5000 and I really think it was just okay.
Matthew King
Do you guys know of anywhere in the US Midwest to try out some of the higher end cans? You can only read so many recommendations before needing to try them out in person.
Mike
Sorry, I have no idea. Perhaps try to find a Head-Fi (www.head-fi.org) meet in Chicago? That’d give you an opportunity to listen to some high end cans.
Matthew King
Thanks for the reply. I checked Head-Fi and it looks like there are few people trying to organize get-togethers in my area.
Wunderbar7
Recently bought a new set of Superlux HD660.
Overall it sounds good but I hear a bit of “bhrpp bhrpp” sounds coming from the right can when the bass is a bit louder.
Is this normal because it’s still burning in or does this show a manufacturing defect?
Thanks.
Mike
That sounds like a problem.. And no, I don’t think it’s a burn in issue.
Rūdolfs Putniņš
Hey, Mike!
Have you got any experience with the Yulong D100 DAC/AMP? I am mainly looking at the DAC section because I plan to build an amp myself in the near future. The amplifier section will only be used until I get my building done. Headphone wise I plan to mainly use it with a HD650.
What I’m looking for in a DAC is basically a highly technical and neutral signature. I’ll leave the musicality for amplifiers and headphones. So yeah, that D100 seems like a reasonably priced future proof option. As an other option I might consider building a Opus DAC or a COD DAC from Twisted Pear but it seems that parts are not too easy to come by.
If you’ll ask what music I plan to listen to then… It’ll just get more complicated. I listen to everything.
Thanks and good luck!
Pickcick
Hi Mike, what will be the difference in respect of sound quality of say $5 LOD with the one that has $200 tag on it?
AnAudiophile
Hello,
How does the Ultimate Ears Triple.Fi 10 compare to full-sized headphones? DT880 / DT770 / K 701 / HD650 and the like…
Mike
You’ve gotta be kidding me!
AnAudiophile
I’m serious. 😛 Using a portable amp, though, not a desktop.
I’m asking this because I’m moving away from full-size headphones, and moving to IEMs.
Vladislav Ivanovich
Mike, I have a question. I’m the owner of Cowon J3 player, as we all know there is no line-out, but in the future I really want to come with good headphones like Ultrasone 900 or Westone 4R. Is there a sense of using cowon’s jack 1/8 to connect the amplifier (well, I really want to hear something like JA – AHA 120 for U900 pro or RS Shadow for W4R), I’ve read lots of threads, but people have different views, I believe it is still the question: “how good is jack’s implementation”? Does J3 have enough power to drive W4R with all possible potential (witout using an external amp)? The main question is – what are the cons in my case with ext. amp+ player’s jack?
Mike
Hi Vladislav,
I’ve listened to the Westone 4 (not R) and I don’t think it needs an amplifier. The Ultrasone would definitely benefit from an amp though.
The downside from connecting an amp from the headphone out is that the signal is not going to be as pure as if from a line-out (but in this case, there isn’t any line out). But you’d still get the benefits of having more power to drive the Ultrasone thus improving bass impact and dynamics.
Hagos Rush
Hello, wonderful site. I stumbled upon it by accident and have fallen in love. I am now looking forward to the E17 debut. My question, have you had any experience with the Focal Spirit One or the Klipsch M40? I get a decent discount for both of these (work) and am wondering which would be the better purchase. I have klipch bookshelf speakers but have never listened to their cans. Never could afford to even look at focal speakers.
Mike
Hi Hagos,
Sorry no experience with them. 🙁 Hope you’ll find the site useful. 🙂
Hagos Rush
Thanks
2 Twinster
Hey Mike, I know you are already very busy with the HD700 but when can we expect a review of the Fidelio 1 ?
Mike
I wanted to publish them last week but didn’t have the time to do it. Should be up this week.
rustiandra
helo Mike! so sorry to bother u with the same topic, coz i know you’re still writing about the C421, but my problem is my friend’s gonna be at US next week so i see it as a window of opportunity to buy amp like c421 if u know what i mean 😛 so i need your humble final opinion about c421 and 02, which one should i choose 1st as i know both are very good amps. thank you mike!
Mike
Try reading my notes on Facebook and also the comments section:
https://www.facebook.com/note.php?note_id=316049348439769
rustiandra
Thanks a lot, Mike! Now i can sleep in peace 😀 cheers!
Mike
One of the crucial factor with the O2 is its size:
http://dl.dropbox.com/u/51280369/_MG_3674.JPG
I really wouldn’t use the O2 as a portable.
John123John
I forgot to ask,
When do you decide to publish a review on Headfonia as opposed to writing a small one on facebook?
Mike
John,
Generally, a Headfonia review is more complete but takes more time to do. On facebook it’s more casual, just brief impressions. The reviews on Headfonia should be the more definite reference, but sometimes we just want to do a quick impression and we’ll do it on Facebook.
For instance:
HE-400: People were pressing me for an impression so I posted one on Facebook. The final article on Headfonia is a lot longer and more comprehensive. JDSLabs C421: Again people were asking for an impression, but I can’t publish the final review yet cause I’m still waiting for a final enclosure from JDSLabs for the photos, and I’m also planning to do a double review (me and Lieven) which means I need to send him one amp which takes time. So, impressions on Facebook, with a review planned for Headfonia.
Sometimes I have a few days to play around with something, but I don’t really plan to do a full review maybe because of time constraints, so I’ll just publish a short impression on Facebook (like my Vmoda M-80 impressions).
I hope this model of publishing on two different sites doesn’t confuse you.
I think Facebook is primarily for the more regular Headfonia readers. We have more updates there, the tone is more relaxed, we make jokes and such. The main site still has the priority in terms of depth and coverage, and the one that most people would read.
John123John
nono its not confusing, i was just curious and what you said makes alot of sense.
another question,
Is the facebook mini reviews easily accessible? like once it gets too far down the feed, is there a way i can still read them? actually i see some reviews in the notes but are those all of the review on facebook?
Thannks
Mike
Yes, the reviews on Facebook are all on the Notes section. We haven’t done that many Facebook reviews.. Sometimes on news feed I would post short comments — just like the comments section here, but that’s about it.
L.
It’s in the Notes section John, that’s the only place
David Ulrich
How does the O2 compare to the Schiit Asgard? 144 dollars is a very appealing price. I have heard nothing but great things about the Asgard,so I have no problem saving up a bit more for it, if it is still the better choice.
Robert Stern
Hi Mike,
in regards to genre, which headphones would you look at for primarily techno,house. price not being a factor. Would you have a clear favorite?
Florian GERARD
Hi Mike & Lieven !
Thanks to your reviews i’m waiting for my LAFIGARO 339 amp and since i also like the DIY i tried the BRAVO V2 amp that you reviewed in one article! it is just awsome for the price like 59$ the amp and i done the mods to get it work better:
change input cap with nichicon fine gold
change the output caps
change the tube heater to dedicated power supply
crosstalk mods
bias pot for manual setting
change LM317’s
change the MOSFET
change the heatsinks…
And this is a new amp ! just amazing how it soundsssssss and i’m build a dedicated linear power supply to get an even better sound than with the SMPS power supply. I would like you to review it just to see the difference with the stock one. I’ll even mod it tomorrow buy changing the classA biasing current….
I have a question, do you know any other amp that can be mods or DIY kits???? like with 6SN7 tubes, 300B tubes….?? As i now have this 12AU7 based amp, the little dot MKIII (8100 mullards tubes) and soon the LF339 ?! i already saw a test between the crack and the LD MKIII and they aren’t really differents….So another thing than bottlehead…And not to expensive 😉
thanks for your help and keep doing so great reviews
L.
Hi Florian, let me know what you think of the 339, don’t forget to try different tubes as the stock ones 😉 Are you sure the Crack doesn’t beat the LD mkIII? that kind of surprises me, where did you read that? Mike’s the expert on building stuff, hope he can help you 🙂
Florian GERARD
yes the crack beats the LD MKIII over the soundstage and highs but for the bass the LD MKIII is better….the review say that overall perfs are better on the crack but not really this different! So as i’m owning a LD MKIII i would like to change for something much different…Like the LAFIGARO 339 which seems quite good pairing for HD650s….as you said 😉 lets see…..
Mike
Florian,
You changed a lot of stuff there. It would be odd if the amp doesn’t come out sounding like a new one!
So what is your current question? You want to build a new amp based on 6SN7 or 300B?
Florian GERARD
yes exactily ! it was quite fun to “unbuild” and mod the BRAVO V2 amp and i definitely want to repeat the thing with DIY kits, or others tube amp based on a new tube that i don’t use to listen. For now i have test the BRAVO with 12AU7 (ECC88), the little dot MKIII with 5654 (MULLARD 8100, 8161) as there is a dip switch for EF92 or EF95…So trying a new tube amp with 300B, 6SN7 or others could be quite interesting….but i don’t find really good website to help me with schematics and drawings…I have you any suggestions??? something you have listen from friends???
Mike
How much are you willing to spend for this DIY project? 300B amps can cost quite a bit, even being DIY.
Florian GERARD
well for this new project i’ll say nothing more 400-500$…
Mike
I tried looking for a DIY 300B design that me and my friends were talking about around 2 years ago, but I can’t find the link.
For now, you can start with some of these designs:
From Pete Millett:
http://www.pmillett.com/
Headwize:
http://gilmore2.chem.northwestern.edu/projects/#tubes
Andrea Ciuffoli:
http://www.lundahl.se/audiodesign.html
Here is one SE 300B with 6SN7 input tubes: http://diyaudioprojects.com/Schematics/300B-SE-Tube-Amp-Schematic.htm
Perhaps diyaudio.org would be the best place to ask.
rustiandra
Another nubie question. i’ve been using ipod classic and soon will get the c421 i’ve just order. i’ve been using HD25adidas for now. im considering to safe up for a new dap (maybe hm602), CLAS, or new cans. i need your opinion on which should comes 1st, please tell me should u have another suggestion. thanks a lot, Mike 🙂
ps: i listen to so many genre. fan-till-dead of Queen, love Stan Getz, Oscar Peterson, RATM, Horowitz, Yo yo ma, Bobby Mcferrin, etc. from classical to Punk, no heavy metal or Heavy house music. my dream is to collect every cans that will fulfill all of those appetite as rule #3 😛
Mike
Do you want to keep the Ipod, or move on to a new UI?
Both the HM-602 and the CLAS based set ups are superb. HM-602 is lighter in weight and more compact, the CLAS based set up would be bigger and heavier, but you get to keep the Ipod’s superior UI and 160GB of storage.
Mike
Oh and since you’ll need to add an additional amp with the CLAS, you’ll probably end up with a much more powerful amp section than if you go the HM-602 route.
rustiandra
Thanks for your reply, Mike!
i actually have the 120gb one, same as yours? So from the sound/musicality perspective the CLAS based set ups (mine will be ipod+CLAS+C421) is more superior than a single HM-602 straight to my headphone? Cause for me its more of a problem which should come first (budget constraint), as I have a lot of curiosity in any great product that would make me buy the hm-602 eventually. well, it’s a part of the journey, innit? 🙂
Mike
Well the weak spot on the HM-602 is on the built in amp, so yes the CLAS stack is probably going to have a better amp in it. As far as source quality, the two are quite different in character. The HM-602 is warmer and more analog sounding. The CLAS are cleaner, bigger, blacker background and better instrument separation and bass.
rustiandra
yes, the analog sounding is indeed very nice to hear. would u agree with me if instead of buying CLAS i upgrade it with HP-P1 as it has the better dac considering i also use hd25 in the meantime?
Mike
Lately I’ve re-evaluated both the CLAS and the HP-P1, and I won’t say that the HP-P1 has a better DAC, but it is nicer as it has a built in amp.
rustiandra
OK last question Mike, promise. how’s the built-in amp inside HP-P1 compares to c421? to make it simple: iPod+CLAS+c421 vs iPod+HP-P1.
Mike
Okay last question. Any further questions from this point will be charged $0.50/answer. 😉
The C421 is still better.
Matthew King
Guys, I posted this to the note on Facebook, but there’s about 50 responses, so I thought I’d post here for more thorough feedback.
I’m looking to move up the headphone ladder and get some mid-level full-size cans. I currently have Beyerdynamic T50p’s and love the sound, but there are several limiting factors – thin on bass (although what is there is crystal clear), on-ear style makes seal difficult (as noted by Mike previously), nearly all-metal construction makes for quite a bit of noise unless you’re sitting perfectly still. When all factors are working together the sound is great, I just feel a little more power and size would improve the listening experience.
I”m looking in the $500 – $700 range and I think I’ve narrowed the short-list down to three choices – Beyerdynamic T70 (250 Ohms version), AKG-702 (possibly with ALO re-cable), or Grado RS-1i. I listen nearly all types of music and I fully understand that one headphone won’t fit all genres. Eventually I’ll be able to add more to my arsenal but am looking for a good set to start with. For amping, I currently have a JDSL CmoyBB, Headroom BitHead and HiFi Man EF-2A (sent back for repairs – another story altogether). I’m not opposed to upgrading amps as well (possibly O2), but would like to keep the whole purchase under $800.
Any thoughts would be greatly appreciated! Thanks! -Matt
Mike
Hi Matthew,
I’m really inclined to recommend you the T1 as I have a feeling you’ll like it. The T70, I don’t know, I haven’t heard it. Out of the three that you have listed, I would go with the Grado without a doubt. The RS1 has always been superb and it still is a highly musical machine even with all the new headphones being released.
What’s surprising is that I happen to have a T1 around and I just tried it with a standard build JDSLabs CmoyBB and it drives the T1 just fine!
Matthew King
Mike,
Thanks for the reply! I would absolutely love to move up to the T1, but just can’t spend the money right now. Is there a higher impedance version of the RS-1i? HeadRoom doesn’t have it in their list, but they also didn’t have the T70 listed, just the T70p. Also, how is the noise-leakage on the RS-1i? I work in a small and fairly quiet office so I don’t mind noise leaking IN, but don’t want to disturb my co-workers with sound leaking OUT.
Thanks again!
Matthew King
A little searching yielded that the RS-1i is the current model. No reviews that I saw mentioned sound leakage as a problem so I’m going to assume it shouldn’t be a problem. Thanks!
Mike
Matthew,
Sound leakage is going to be a problem with any of the Grados. Perhaps the reviews just happen to not mention it.
Matthew King
Mike,
Yeah, I tried out a co-worker’s SR-60’s last night and noticed that there is a decent amount of leakage. Going to have to sleep on it a bit more. Thanks for the reply!
Mike
No problem, Matthew.
Mike
Hi Matthew,
No the RS1i only comes in one impedance version, although the 32 ohms shouldn’t be too hard to drive. The other thing about it is that it leaks sound big time! Ufff..
Fauaad Anees
I need headphones for mainly movie watching. My budget is around 50 usd but I can go slightly higher if need be. Can you please suggest me something? I will be getting them from amazon so I’m limited to whats available there. I’d prefer headphones which don’t need an amp and I’m not too concerned about them being open/closed or portable.
Thanks!
L.
Have you checked out our recommendations? http://www.headfonia.com/full-size-headphone-recommendations/
Senn HD202, for your price class
Enjoy!
Fauaad Anees
I was looking for something better than that. What about jvcs or superluxes?
David Ulrich
I bought the HD202 and the HD518 together. The 518 for more series listening and the 202 for my ipod. I ended up returning the 518 and keeping the 202, because, while I can appreciate the 518 as the technically superior headphone, it wasn’t nearly as musical or as fun to listen to as the 202. The 202 also plays well with all music genres and worked well from a portable DVD player. Don’t let the cheap price tag fool you. They are a nice pair of headphones.
Fauaad Anees
Yea, I’m not doubting their sound quality, but its their comfort and durability that has me worried. A friend of mine used to have them, they didn’t last for very long. Plus quite a few reviews have this complaint.
Mike
The HD202 is pretty tough. A lot of my friends have one and I’ve yet to see one break.
It’s just a good fun musical headphone.
Dave McBride
Agreed on the HD202. My wife got them for about 20.oo and my teenager, who is NOT gentle, loves them for computer use. And they have lasted over a year in her tough hands
Fauaad Anees
Oh, well, seeing as thats the general consensus, I’ll give them a shot. Thanks for the advice everyone. Really appreciated.
Mike
I would lean more toward the JVC than the Superlux for movies (at least the Superlux models they have on Amazon).
The JVC HARX700 has a nice big sound with warm tonality, laid back and good bass. Should make for a good movie headphone. http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0013OWPV4/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=headfonia-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B0013OWPV4
Fauaad Anees
So should I go for the hd202 or rx700 then?
Mike
Both are good headphones, the HD202 is cheaper. The RX700 is a higher up headphone.
Mike
Good recommendation from L.
Dave McBride
Mike,
have you heard anything about Blue Ever Blue earphones? Supposed to be HDSS 3D technolgy; wondering how they sound?
Thanks!
Mike
Sorry Dave, never heard of it.
dekun lei
Hi, I am interested in an open back headphone, I’m interested in the AKG Q701, Sennheiser HD600 and HD598, and my budget is $300. Can the HD600 be driven by the Fiio E17? Or should I get a better portable amp? The music I listen to is R&B, Alternative Rock, Pop, and Vocal. Comfort is a big factor, especially the headband needs to be well padded. Which headphone do you recommend? Or is there better choice that fits by budget? Oh and I don’t mind getting the headphone used. Thanks.
Mike
Hi Dekun,
Between the three headphones you are considering, I’d suggest you read these reviews to get a more comprehensive answer:
K701 and HD600/650: http://www.headfonia.com/old-school-trio-akg-k701-beyer-dt880-sennheiser-hd650/ The HD600: http://www.headfonia.com/the-sennheiser-trio-hd580-hd600-hd650/ HD598 and HD600: http://www.headfonia.com/old-and-new-hd555-hd558-hd598/
Both the HD600 and HD598 can be driven by the E17 with sufficient power. I’ve never tried the K701 with the E17 but based on the HD600 and HD598, I think it shouldn’t be a problem with the Fiio.
dekun lei
Thanks Mike. From what I gather from the reviews, I ruled out the K701 since the lack of bass doesn’t seem to go well with my genre. That leaves the two sennheisers. I’m a bit cautious about the HD600 though, since it requires good amplification to sound good. I guess the more pressing matter is my choice of amplification, will the Fiio E17 do the HD600 justice? And between the HD600 and HD598, which one sound better on the Fiio E17? (sorry about all the questions, I almost feel like I’m interrogating someone)
Thanks.
Mike
Well good thing today is that we have powerful amp at cheap prices and the E17 does have more than enough power to drive the HD600 — it’s just not the most refined amp around, but you need to spend more money to get better refinement.
The HD600 and the HD598 both have a slightly different sound signature, but ultimately the HD600 still belongs to a reference-class headphone while the HD598 is not.
dekun lei
Thanks Mike. Just one more thing, I am starting to listen to more orchestra, will the less amount of bass on the HD598 be problematic for that?
Mike
Ah, yes it would be lacking. HD600 all the way for orchestras.
Mike
Good thinking there.
I’ve never listened to the Bifrost DAC, so I really can’t tell if it’s good but if you’re mainly listening to mainstream recordings I would just recommend the average sub $100 DAC (HRT MS2, Fiio E17, Audinst HUD MX1).
The headphone part will still matter, because an open back headphone would still sound more natural even with studio recorded music, and it’s also important to get the other things like the bass/mid/treble balance right.
On the amplifier part, what you need to look for is a warm colored amp since that would work better for these mainstream recordings. Some amps are more straightforward and they’ll just let you hear all the bad things about these recordings.
So in a way, yes you’ve got your points right, but on the other hand, just because you’re listening to compressed recordings don’t mean that better headphones and amps won’t make a difference.
Still if what you want is to stick with a budget, a simple set up of say a HD600 with a Fiio E10 would still be a musical set up.
Rob Evans
Hi Mike, I have just recently gotten into portable Hi Fi headphone audio
and am still starting to buy gear I want to be practical but do not
want to sacrifice quality, whats your opinion on e6 vs JDSlabs Cmoy?
thing is I can buy an e6 here but the JDSlabs CMoy I have to import
from abroad and will cost me a little bit more with shipping and such.
So do I just grab the e6 here or spend a bit more on buying a JDSLabs
Cmoy online. I mainly listen to lots of Post Rock like GY!BE,Mogwai,Toe
and Jazz/Bebop like Jaco, Miles, Bill Evans etc. and some smattering of
world music like Buena Vista Social etc. By the way do you think it is
better if I just buy a QLS QA350 and forget about buying a portable head
amp and source? I will need to have that imported too by the way,sorry
so many questions.
Mike
Rob,
I replied to your question here: http://www.headfonia.com/amplifier-for-the-masses-the-fiio-e6/#comment-458700956
Laurencewayne
Mike- any thoughts on Tyll’s HD 800 mod? I am presuming you’ve looked at it. And isn’t it great how you are appreciated.
Mike
I saw it briefly, honestly wasn’t really interested in doing the mod.
The thing is, I’ve tried lots of lots of modded headphones, and while they improve things in some areas, it also resulted in a reduction in some other areas. And what usually happens is that the headphones would lose their balance and the way it was originally designed to sound.
I’m not saying that the mods posted by Tyll are bad, but just based on my previous experiences with modding headphones, I always seem to prefer the stock version.
Laurencewayne
I certainly understand your analysis. That said, how do you reconcile that with the digZoid concept? Which I purchased strictly on your recommendation and absolutely love. The difference with my Etys is remarkable-but aren’t I affecting/adjusting the balance and the original design? Thanks for the great responses.
Mike
Well it’s no sin to try to alter the sound, likewise with the Zo. With a physical mod, people feel that it’s a more purist approach since you’re not altering the signal. The downside is that most of these physical mods are not easy to reverse, some of them even permanent (drilling holes and such) so you can’t go back to the original configuration.
Vladislav Ivanovich
Mike, have y ever heard Ultrasone 2900 pro? Is it true, that thanks to open design those cans perform better over U900 pro, are they more balanced? Some say they are better overall headphones (well, perhaps less bass impact and slam, but that should not be a problem)? And if y tried them, how do they sound with Moon Audio Silver Dragon V3 Cable?
Mike
I’ve only listened to the Pro2900 for like 5 minutes and seriously while it was more open than the Pro900, I really don’t think I should be making comparisons between the two because my experience with them are so limited. 🙂
billostler
Hey Mike,
I’ve got a bit of a dilemma. I’m looking for USB DAC to use with both active speakers (Swan MK200ii) and low-impedance headphones (Etymotic ER-4P and the Grado SR-60i). For that reason, I’m leaning towards getting a stand-alone DAC (like the HRT MS II or DACport LX) and adding a high-quality amp when I upgrade to some high-impedance headphones.
Does this sound like a good strategy? Would something like the MS II or DACport LX do a decent job with the ER-4Ps and SR-60s? Or would those phones benefit significantly from a built-in amp, like Audinst HUD-MX1 or Yulong U-100? Any specific recommendations on which models would be best?
Thanks for the excellent reviews.
Bill
Mike
Bill,
harsyafadilla
hey mike and lieven,
have any of you guys ever compared srh440 and px200ii? I know they are different, one is a circum and the other is a supra and obviously different size of driver.. but in terms of overall sound character are there any similarities and do you have an opinion on which one is better for all rounder music listening?.. i like detailed and crisp sound, but I dont mind a little bass but not too much… or do you have any other closed headphone at that price range to recommend?
thanks,
Eshwar Andhavarapu
hi all!
So need a bit of help here! I have a Musiland Monitor 01 US portable DAC/AMP but it needs drivers to work. So looking for a driverless option that performs like it. I don’t mind losing the 192kHz capability and move down to 96kHz for that convenience. As far as I know the Musiland has asynchronous (bla bla…) capability and so on. Anything similar with matching sound quality? The ESI Dac Nano? AudioTrak Prodigy Cube?
Mike
Clearly the Esi Dr. Dac Nano supports 24/96: http://www.headfonia.com/esi-dr-dac-nano-entry-level-2496/
But a lot of the newer entry level USB DACs these days also support 24/96: Fiio’s E10, E17, HRT MS2, HRT Headstreamer, etc.
Eshwar Andhavarapu
I am told the Tenor Te7022 implementations e.g. Prodigy cube, etc don’t match the Musiland Monitor. Is that true?
Mike
Perhaps in the sense that the Musiland supports up to 192kHz over USB, where the Tenor is only limited to 96kHz. However in real world applications, the Tenor is much more practical as you don’t need to install drivers for it to work, and for the majority of us 96kHz is all we need.
Eshwar Andhavarapu
Oh yeah true that! I’ve not found 192kHz audio so far that is to my tastes.. That said, I was wondering about the actual audio quality even upto the 96kHz that they both support.
I now am choosing between a JAVS nanoS and nanoV, one has a AKM DAC the other has a Wolfson :)! I see prodigy cube as an option but its a bit steep 🙂
Stas Ka
Hi Make
Which DAC would be better with IEM in terms of details level, soundstage etc? matrix mini i or Fostex HP-A3? Currently I have Matrix mini i. Need your advce to upgrade my setup.
Thanks
Mike
I would recommend the HP-A3. I think it’s currently one of the best DACs out there. Superb soundstage, three dimensionality, clean sound.
Chris Allen
Hey Mike, any possible chance of you doing a Musiland Monitor 03 review in the future?
Mike
Hi Chris,
I really don’t have any plans for that. Sorry.
Chris Allen
It’s cool, Mike.
David Ulrich
Mike, I think you finally convinced me to not got for the hd598 for use with classical music, but to pursue the hd600 or 650 instead. I will miss the bigger soundstage, but no matter. Anyway, I have one final two part question for you. Whatever setup I end up with is likely to be all I have for quite some time, meaning that I wont be constantly upgrading my headphones, dac or amp. I mention that because you say that to really get the full effect from the hd650, it needs a top of the line amp, which simply isn’t going to happen. So, my first question is, which would make the better setup. the Hrt MS2, Schiit Asgard and the hd600, or the Hrt MS2, Schitt Valhalla and the hd650?
Second, with either of those setups, would it be worth going for the MS2+ over the MS2? Is the difference really going to be worth it? I wish I could just head down to my local store and spend the day making the comparison myself (although my wife might like that I can’t as I would actually spend all day going from A to B and then back to A). Thanks as always.
Mike
Between the Asgard and the Valhalla, I would recommend the Valhalla if you feel the HD650/600 to be too dark, but otherwise I think the Asgard is still the better amp.
As for the HRT, yes the MS2+ is the better DAC, but is it worth the difference? I don’t know, to me, yes. But perhaps you can take a look at the Centrance Dacport LX instead. I believe it’s cheaper at $299 and you won’t have that MS2 or MS2+ dilemma.
David Ulrich
I went with the MS2. I have to keep to my budget. Plus, I can’t imagine that it wont be a huge upgrade over my PC integrated sound card or my Ipod. I also think I will go with the asgard and the hd600 over the 650. I like the idea of the balanced frequency response of the 600.
Chris King
Hi Mike
I’ve been looking for a new set of ‘phones that I can use at the office listening to music stored on the desktop. The ATH-M50’s seem to fit the bill, then I thought “hey i’ll add a desk top amp too!” Then I read the review of the FiiO E17 and realised I could take the set up plus my ipod with me on plane trips etc. So overall this set up really appeals to me. I can then still use the UE-700’s for round town etc.I’ve also always like the idea of the HD-25i-II’s (i’m a sucker for PRAT) but thought they were over priced in NZ (NZ$600) However there is a retailer that is doing a very good deal on them at the moment. So I can either get the ATH-M50s + the FiiO E17 for NZ$438 or the HD25 1-II’s’ for $400 (no amp). I probably wouldn’t spend much more than that though so the 25’s + E17 is probably out of the question. I’ll listen to both before I buy but would be keen to know your thoughts
FWIW my previous headphones were AKG K-26P’S which I chose over PX-100’s. They were great with the iPod but that was about it…
Thanks
Mike
Hi Chris,
If you are a sucker for PRaT, I would lean more with the HD25-1 even with no amp. Or look into the Vmoda M-80 if you can get it in your area.
Here is my short impression of the Vmoda: https://www.facebook.com/note.php?note_id=350896801621690
Chris King
Thanks Mike,
I had a feeling you might say that. I’ve had a look for the V-Moda but they don’t appear to be available in NZ. I’m going to see if I can compare both options this weekend.
Thanks & Cheers
Jeff Kong
im from aus myself..and the range is quite restricted and what ever i can find is quite pricey….i really recommend buying the stuff online…just check whether the site/ seller are authorized on the official site of the product as they all provide a list
Guessous Mehdi Imed
hi mike , could you compare the hd595 with the hd598 ?
I’m interested by bass /highs / speed, thanks
Mike
The improvements on the HD598 are mostly:
– much better soundstage
– smoother high
– bass is about the same
– speed is about the same
John123John
mike,
can you explain sample rate? advantages and disadvantages, upsampling and downsampling.
Mike
Something short for now, I find that I get best results with 44.1 kHz files upsampled to 88.2 or 96kHz.
There is a big argument both in support of and against upsampling, but I really am not qualified to explain it. As for downsampling, I think people very rarely downsample.
Shahrose Malik
Upsampling, IME, smooths out the sound in such a way that some of the texture and bite is removed. Prefer the sound with all processing (EQ, samplers etc.) off.
Anyways, main reason I messaged was to request a review for the SRH1840…just ordered a pair. The Eastern Electric Minimax Plus DAC would be good too (but with the mandatory LME49990 opamps and Psvane tube upgrades). The Anedio D2 is also making some noise in the DAC market.
Hoang Viet
Hi Mike,
Do you have any plan on doing a full review of the V Moda M-80 and Sennheiser Amperior? I’ve heard many good thing about them and Tyll @InnerFidelity:twitter said the Amperior is the superior one. Point is I’ve also had an HD25 so there’s no point to get the same signature sound again.
Btw: i’ve read your impression on the M-80 and sure that recessed mid seem to be problem since i mostly listening to Rap.
Mike
Word is the Amperiors are indeed slightly different. Slightly warmer, less treble, but there may be some metallic tone to the sound due to the aluminum housing. I’ve yet to listen to it personally though.
No plans for the Vmoda full review, just a facebook impression notes for now.
Stas Ka
Hi Mike,
What do you think about such setup HM-601 + ortofon q7-hd/schiit asgard+ hifiman HE-400? What do you prefer?Asgard or Ortofon?
HM-601 will be my DAP and desktop sourse. Is it decent source for the HE-400?
Or maybe Fostex HP-P1+HE-400?
Mike
Stas,
I think the HM-601 as a source should be fine. Just remember to keep it plugged in to the AC adapter. The Asgard is good with the HE-400, as for the Ortofon I’ve never tried it with the HE-400.
Stas Ka
Thank you!
Mariusz Marysia Bonifacy
And what about Hifiman 602 sa DAC? My setup will look like this: HE4+Hifiman602+Schiit Lyr. Now I Have Icon HDP as DAC 😉
Mike
The HM-602 makes for a pretty good DAC. I have no idea how it compares to the Icon HDP though.
Mariusz Marysia Bonifacy
Thanks Master! 🙂
Dave McBride
Any comments on the new Philips Shl 5605 for 99.00?
Mike
Haven’t tried it, Dave.
Mike
Hi Tuan,
You can start by looking at the recommendations list:
http://www.headfonia.com/amplifier-recommendations/
Jeff Kong
I was reading through the articles for portable amps, and decided to look into the RSA amps. Currently in a bit of a toss up between the Mustang and the Hornet (in one of the comments sections Mike suggested the shadow/mustang/hornet), but the info on the hornet seems to quite limited (or im probably looking at the wrong place).
Would you mind giving me a brief on how it sounds if you have had some experience with it. Thanks.
Mike
Alright the Shadow is good for IEMs. The Mustang is an all rounder with three gain levels. The Hornet, IMO, for full size headphones is the best of the three. The only other RSA Amp that I think is better than the Hornet is the SR71A.
Problem with the Hornet and the SR71A is that they don’t have a recharging circuitry built in, so you either have to replace 9V batteries, or take them out and charge them manually, a bit of a hassle.
Jeff Kong
Mike, thanks for the reply. I’ve checked on their site, maybe due to revisions of the amp, the hornet now comes with a 9v re-chargeable lithium battery and has an inbuilt recharging circuit.
I guess this means the Hornet!!
Thanks again
Mike
Damn that’s awesome! I wasn’t aware of the newer version!
Jeff Kong
Re-reading it again i made a mistake…BUT it does have a re-charge circuit….doesnt come with batteries tho..so i have to scout out a new battery.
Sorry Mike
Mike
Well getting the batteries shouldn’t be too difficult I suppose.
David Ulrich
What do you think would be a good DAC pairing with the JDS Labs O2? And I am waiting on baited breath for the O2 review!
Mike
I’ve been using the O2 with the Dacport LX and I’m loving the combination. Does it fit your budget?
David Ulrich
Since you mention them both having a very clean sound, I thought that might be a good pairing. Any particular music or headphones that combo excels with?
Mike
Yes though not so full in the mids… but I think that’s attributed mainly to the O2.
Headphones.. this is quite a versatile set up. What headphones do you use?
David Ulrich
Just some HD202s. Could that setup power the 650’s to anything decent?
Mike
Yes the O2 should have enough power for the HD650.
John123John
Hey Headfonia,
Im getting a Bottlehead Crack and I know you havent reviewed the product yet but i wanted some recommendation:
What Headphones would YOU personally get around the hd-650 dollar mark, like sub $500.
and
and what would you recommend for me? i lately have had a very wide variety of music: Mainstream hip-hop, Rock from Hendrix, Radiohead, RDCP, uh some Jazz brubeck and lightly on Classical. Listed from most to least.
Thanks alot
L.
I think you already answered your own question. The HD650 is an overall great headphone, and and so many have stated before it is an exceptional match with the Crack. Our Cracks should be shipped very soon…
John123John
lol maybe i should just send you mine :p , although i dont have mine yet either!
Mike
Yea the Crack is moving very very slowly..
L.
“Very very slow” is an understatement, really…
Trent_D
Looking for a decent dac/amp to go with a pair of he-300 with musical emphasis on classical and indie rock. I was thinking a e17, audnist or an audioengine D1. Something like a HRT MS2 and a Cmoy wouldn’t be out of my price range either. Any thoughts? Awesome site!
Mike
Trent,
I think the HRT MS2 and the CMoy pairing would be very nice with the HE-300.
Trent_D
Just out of curiosity, how does the USB cable DAC pair with the Cmoy? I don’t know how people can do this, basically guessing as to what components will have good synergy. My concern is that the MS2 and the Cmoy paired with the HE-300 might be a bit too warm.
Dan-Alexandru Gheorghe
Hello,
I have recently been to avstores` burson opening in Romania. They had a isotek power conditioner. Is that a really good improvement?
Between a Power Conditioner and a UPS what would you choose?
What models (budget level) would you recommend?
Thanks,
Dan
Mike
No experience with those power conditioners, Dan. Should just go there and audition it. If you can’t hear any difference then it doesn’t matter, right?
Dan-Alexandru Gheorghe
Thanks Mike. I will try to put my hands on one for testing first… All that i know is that after 1 am, the sound improves a lot. I hope it`s not placebo. I was saying that before knowing about the power conditioners. Last Sunday i overheard Sandu, telling somebody else that he enjoys listening to music at night. I thought that it was just a matter of perception and mood. He explained then that the power grid was less used in the night (apartment building) which gets lesser noise in the power grid . If I test one i will share my opinion here.
Mike
A lot of people likes to make comment on how music sounds better at night. I like to listen to music at night too, but many other variables can be at play there such as our minds being naturally more relaxed at night.
Song Kyung-han
Have you tried using the V-Moda M-80 with various portable amps? My iPhone drives the M-80 effortlessly, but I believe a decent portable amp could make a noticeable improvement. Which sub-$300 portable amp worked great with the M-80 in your experience?
Mike
I tried it with the JDSLabs C421, just briefly. Can’t really say but I think the M-80 runs fine without it. Probably there were some improvements, but I only tried it with an amp briefly.
shin-ko
Hi Mike,
i have been a silient reader of headfonia for a few week ago. I find that you didn’t review any headphones from Denon, can you tell me why? don’t you interest to the Denon’s sound because of their prosy performance? i’m curious because i have a Denon A100 now, and i don’t think they are a prosy headphone as i often read:( the only thing that i want to find a replacement/combined headphone now because i don’t achieve the satisfaction so much when i listen to vocal or R&B like Mariah Carey music. Can you recommend me a new headphone for MC music? A sub $300 used headphone for using beside the A100 or $500 used headphone(and i will sell the A100 that i bought for $275). I desire a mid-bass oriented sound, with a solid, deep and good impact bass like A100+forward midrange.Sorry about bad English and thank you so much Mike!
Mike
Hi Shin-ko,
No particular reason to the lack of Denon reviews..
I’m not too familiar with the A100 actually.. mid bass oriented sound with a solid deep (low bass) impact and forward midrange? Honestly can’t think of anything..
First I don’t know if there is anything like a mid-bass oriented headphone.. Maybe plenty midrange oriented headphone, but not mid bass. And if its mid-bass oriented, I doubt that the low bass will be impactful, and one more thing if the midrange will be forward.
Sorry I really can’t think of anything like that. The DT770-80 has a good mid bass, but I wouldn’t call it mid-bass oriented.
shin-ko
I’m sorry, i mean midrange-bass oriented..=.=i’m so silly, i don’t notice that mid bass have so much different meaning.
Mike
Perhaps try the B&W P5 headphones. It’s mid oriented, has a good bass, and should be good for vocals and R&B.
John123John
I would also appreciate a denon review, something like that AH-D 1000 series line up would be amazing.. Same with maybe the Beyer DT line up, just because these headphones are so popular. As much as i like Sennheiser, i would appreciate it 🙂
Mike
Yes, I would personally love to do these:
D1100-D2000-D5000-D7000
Beyer DT440-660-770-880-990
But as I’ve always said, it’s not easy to get all different models together for a big comparative review. And the manufacturers probably won’t respond if I ask them for 5 different samples from their line up. 😉
It’s on my to-do-list, but the right opportunity hasn’t come up yet. 🙂
Lior Amsalem
Hi Mike,
Decided to ditch the portable amp/dac thing. So now I’m looking for a portable amp.
Most important thing that I’m looking for in an amp with great synergy with my HD-25-1 II for better resolution and layering. I’m not into supercrazy bass, but just a warm and liquid sound.
I’d like to keep the price lower then 200$ but will invest a little extra to get better sound.
another thing, Id like the amp to be able to run for at least 30 hours.
I know it’s too much to ask, but I’m sure you’ll have the answer for me.
Regards,
Lior
Lior Amsalem
Ok, decided to go with PA2V2.
hopefully it’s a good pair.
Scott Boyer
Hi Mike,
Love your guys site! I’m hoping you can help me out as I have a bit of an unusual question….
Currently I listen to music like this:
iOS device –> AirPlay –> Denon AVR-4311CI –> JDS Labs cMoyBB –> Sennheiser HD650
But I could listen like this:
MacBookPro –> Portable DAC –> Portable Amp –> Sennheiser HD650
I mainly listen to 16/44 lossless files but have a few 24/96 recordings. I also have an Oppo 83SE that I’ll use with CDs and DVD-As. I am moving towards building a portable system to use at home and work and will most likely be upgrading to the JDS Labs c421 or something of comparable quality + a DAC. I’ve never heard any of the portable DACs so I’m wondering what to prepare myself for.
How do the new portable DAC units compare to the Denon’s and Oppo’s DAC? Are they comparable? Would it be an improvement? Am I missing out?
Mike
Scott,
I think what you need is an USB DAC. You can start by looking at the source recommendations list:
http://www.headfonia.com/source-recommendations/
Anthony Markarian
Hi Mike,
I was wondering if you’ll be having a review of the new HD449/439/429/419 anytime soon? It seems Sennheiser is rather fond of you since they let you see the HD700 ahead of time :p And sorry if this has already been asked.
Mike
Actually the division that sent me the HD700 is not the usual marketing/promotion division that sends loaner samples. I asked them for some other models and they told me they don’t have access to those. What happens in a big company I guess.
The 449-419 line up is supposed to be just a facelift to the 448-418 line up, if I’m not mistaken. Been wanting to do a review on those since a lot of people asked for it, but haven’t been able to secure the samples. 🙁
Anthony Markarian
I e-mailed Sennheiser about it while asking if the shorter, 1/8th inch able for the HD5xx is out yet (they said it’ be out soon) and they confirmed that it is just a face-lift of the 448-418 line-up. Still want a review though…
Mike
Funny thing is that I actually listened to the HD449 today (after I replied to your post) and I found the sound to be quite enjoyable. The lady at the store however said that the HD449 is closed while the HD448 was semi open. Not sure if what she said is right, I haven’t checked it with Sennheiser.
rustiandra
Hi Mike,
do you think Asgard will make a good synergy with hd650 for jazz music? do you also have a good recommendation for the dac? I’m thinking dacmagic
Thanks,
Andra
Mike
The Asgard is quite an all rounder amp. I think good specialized amps for Jazz are usually a lot more expensive, so if your budget is around the $300 mark then just go ahead with the Asgard.
The Dacmagic is a good DAC, but unless you need all the connectivity features (S/PDIF inputs, Balanced outputs), then you can get a better sound by getting either the HRT Music Streamer II+ or the Dacport LX.
rustiandra
Okay shoot Mike just out of curiosity, what specialized amp for jazz would you recommend? *eyesclosed*
Mike
There is a lot. Depends on the Jazz recordings too. Classic jazz recordings are on type, then you have smooth jazz, audiophile jazz, japanese jazz, female vocals, pure instruments. But in general you want to get the big tube amps.
rustiandra
i’m a geek for classic jazz like Stan Getz, ‘trane, Oscar Peterson, mostly instrument. what do you think Mike? would a tube like WA6 should be good for starter?
Mike
For Classic Jazz recordings, I probably would get the Graham Slee Solo SRG II over the Woo. I think the Woo is better for audiophile Jazz recordings.
rustiandra
Okay thanks Mike! now about the dac, if i happen to use source from my iPod through a dock, what dac can i connect it with? can’t use the streamer nor the dacport can i?
Mike
What dock are you going to use?
rustiandra
most probably the Onkyo ND-S1, Mike
Mike
Then you would need something with an S/PDIF input. What about the Dacmagic?
rustiandra
it crossed my mind, but is it really a tradeoff between sound and S/PDIF input? considering that either Dacport or HRT has the better sound? Or is there any dac that matches the sound quality and also my need of the input?
Mike
Well this is what you can do:
Ipod > Laptop > USB Dac.
But if you still want to use the Onkyo then you gotta need an S/PDIF input. To be honest I don’t use my Onkyo anymore as a lot of the newer DACs come with USB input only.
rustiandra
Agreed. I think when it comes to this, i’d rather sacrifice the dock than the sound quality. Thanks a lot, Mike!
Mike
Yea, and you probably already have a laptop, so no need to spend money for the Onkyo dock.
I only use the Onkyo for recharging my Ipod now. 😉
Mike
And on the DAC choice, I think the HRT will be nice for the stuff you listen to.
M.reza
mike,is the objective2 good enough to drive hd650?
and do i need a dac?
thanks!!!
Mike
Yes it has enough power for the HD650. A good DAC is always good to have, not mandatory, but good to have.
M.reza
if my setup like this
ipad with lod-o2-hd650 will that be good?
what entry level desktop amp that will drive hd 650 nicely?
and what dac should im using
thankss!!!
Mike
The O2 should suffice. I would add a DAC, anything you can afford in the $100-$300 range is going to be much better than the Ipad.
L.
Don’t forget that a lot of USB dacs do not work on the ipad as they pull to much current from it. So you need a powered dac or a powered usb hub/dac
M.reza
ok mike,maybe dacport lx would be nice
thank u so much!!
Trent_D
I currently have a Cmoy and a pair of sennheiser hd202’s. I was thinking, until I can afford something better, to get a USB cable dac to run between my laptop and the Cmoy. Would that work well, or would I be better with something like a e10, or a hm-101?
Second question, so I don’t have to ask it later, I am into classical and indie rock. I am planning to get a pair of he-300 and I am looking for a more neutral, detail oriented dac/amp combo. I was thinking the DACport LX for the dac. What would be some good amp pairings with that?
Mike
Trent,
I think the choice between a USB DAC cable or a unit like the E10 or HM-101 is entirely up to you. The E10 has been very popular since its release and a lot of people enjoy its sound, so that may be the safer way to go.
As for your second question, I usually recommend the Asgard since that’s a good amp for the price. But if you want something with a lot of detail, might as well skip the separate Dacport + Asgard combo and go for the Dacmini. It comes with a built in amp and the detail level is very good.
Trent_D
I went with the E10. I imagine it will be nice to have around to keep with my laptop when I am out and about. Should I just stick with the hd202 with the E10 for my musical preferences, or is there a set that pairs particularly well with it.
Mike
Alright good choice, Trent.
Michael Wang
hey Mike
I pre-ordered a fiio E17 about a month and a half ago and it hasn’t arrived yet so I was considering to get an audinist HUD MX1 instead. Do you think that’s a good switch? I’m planning on running the amp on my ATH m50’s and sennheiser 518’s, along with a bunch of low impedance IEM’s
Mike
Aside from the difference in features, what I can say is that the HUD MX1 is a superior DAC than the E17.
The E17’s volume control is ultimately better for low impedance IEMs as there shouldn’t be any problem with channel imbalance at low volumes, but the Audinst is not terribly bad at that either.
Michael Wang
Is there a clean winner between the two? Would you recommend something else altogether?
Mike
If you’re just looking at the DAC section, the HUD-MX1 is a clean winner.. but the E17 comes with a digital volume control, works as a portable amp, and has a punchier amp section.
verserq
Hi Mike,
I plan to buy a senn HD598 and pair it with a DAC/amp or amp (whichever is better). Currently I have my eye on Fiio E17, Topping D2 and Objective2. Which one of them do you think is better? Or is there another recommended item besides those three. My budget is about $150. FYI, if my option is getting an amp only, my source will be direct from notebook or desktop soundcard.
Thanks Mike
Mike
All three are good I think. I have the least experience with the D2, but the sound is smooth though a bit lacking PRaT and impact. The Objective 2 is technically very good and quite neutral. The E17 may have the least refined amp of the three, but I think it’s fun, lively and punchy. I would lean toward either the O2 or the E17. I like having the DAC of the E17 as I think the HD598 shines with a good source.
verserq
Got that. Thanks Mike.
JackyM
I know you are probably sick and tired of answering or even hearing about Sennheiser HD series comparison but I need to ask, HD598 vs HD650? Just some general differences. I can kind of make out the difference by comparing your hd598 vs hd600 and hd580,hd600, hd650 reviews. You seem to have all the other comparison but this one and its nice getting all from one source for consistency.
The lack of soundstage in the hd600 is a bit of a turn off for me.
JackyM
Im in the process of acquiring the hd598(have), hd600(pending) and hd650(looking) for a self review so i can see for myself and move on with my life (lol). Maybe try some denon or beyer next but we’ll see. Dang, I just want to try them all!
Youre so lucky…
Thanks,
Jacky
Mike
Jacky,
Can you give me a more specific question? I’m sure you know that the HD600/650 are more refined than the HD5XX headphones. And looking at your set up, I think you have quite a solid set up and shouldn’t have a problem running either the HD600/650.
JackyM
Sorry for being a bit unclear. Im just asking for a basic list of differences between the HD598 and HD650.
Thanks Mike!
Mike
The HD598 is a more mid-centric headphone with sweet intimate vocals. The HD650 has a bigger sound, weightier bass, better dynamics.
The HD598 is easier to drive and has a very good soundstage depth. The HD650 is more difficult to drive but will give you a much bigger sound when driven with a good amp. Other reference qualities such as timbre, dynamic range, the HD650 is better at.
JackyM
idk but i cant reply to your last comment.
sorry but i dont understand what you mean by “bigger sound”. Also how would you compare the soundstages of the two headphones?
Thanks Mike!
Mike
Well a bigger sound is like listening to a set of PC speakers then moving to a good bookshelf. Or listening to a bookshelf then moving to a big floorstand speaker.
The soundstage of the HD558/598 have better depth, but ultimate size, the HD650 is bigger. The HD600 is quite flat and not that three dimensional.
Dietmar Gsell
You recommended a tube amp(Woo/Figaro)for my HD650 but I got the chance to buy a Audio GD Phoenix for a good price here in NZ…and I am speechless!Only had Little Dots,E10 and the Objective2 before and the Phoenix is light years ahead!Laptop(FLAC)>HRTII>Phoenix>HD650(soon to be balanced),thats my chain and I would like to improve on the DAC(budget up to 1000.- US Dollars).
Any recommendation(thought going all the way Audio GD)?
Thanks from an avid reader of your site!
Mike
Dietmar,
I’ve reviewed the Ref 7.1 Audio Gd and it was excellent, but it’s way over your $1K budget. For under $1K, currently my favorite is the Kingrex UD384.
marcdisqus
Hi Mike. I would really appreciate your opinion on what sort of depth (e.g. in inches) is realistically possible with headphones (using your helpful definition of depth = how far the soundstage extends in front of you). I ask because whilst I’m really happy with the listening experience I’m getting from my headphones/amp/cd player I get zero depth – the sound is in my head not in front. I’m intrigued whether I may be missing something and should try to “fix” it. I have two pairs of headphones: Grado GS1000i and Audio Technica W1000x; a Lehmann Black Cube amp and an Audiolab 8200CD CD player. Music-wise I have sought out various “recommended” good quality recordings but none of these are classical.
Mike
The GS1000i is not very good at producing depth. The W1000X is a little better but not too great either. However it would mainly depend on your recording. If you can give me a youtube link with 2-3 songs you listen to, I can try listening to them to see if it’s indeed the recording.
A lot of recordings have no three dimensionality in them, so it doesn’t matter what headphones you use.
As for your depth question in inches, I don’t know, I suppose 5 inches is probably maximum with a good recording and good high end system.
Antonio Marqués
Hi. For HD650. Burson HA-160 + HRT MS II+ or Burson HA-160DS ? More on Jazz, Classical, Pop than Rock, Electronic.
Tnx!
Mike
Jazz, Pop, I would lean more toward HRT MS2+ and Graham Slee Solo SRG II.
M.Reza Dwi Arianto
hi mike
what dac do you recommended for pairing with objective2 amp and senn hd650
is fiio e10 or firestone fubar good enough?
or should i buy higher end stuff like dacport lx?
thx
Mike
The E10 is good. The Dacport is better of course, but the E10 should do if your budget is limited.
M.reza
thanks mike,yeah i think i will buy dacport lx
have you try hd650 with objective2 and dacport lx combo? is that nice
thanksss
Mike
Not the HD650 but the HD580 with the O2 and the LX. It’s very nice.
Trent_D
Looking forward to the O2 review. Wondering how it will pair with the dacport lx and the he-300.
Mike
Marc,
I think the recordings are good. I feel the Steely Dan recording to be the best out of the three, and you should not have any problem getting good depth out of it. Even on youtube resolution, a good recording is still a good recording.
Okay back on the headphones. The GS1000i is very wide and spacious, but not so much depth and I think it’s the case with perhaps all grado-based drivers. The W1000X is narrower than the GS1000i but has a slightly better depth. Something relatively affordable but with good depth is the HD598. You won’t get the spacious sound of the GS1000i but soundstage depth would be much better than the two headphones you have now. So, I’m recommending this merely on the merit of good soundstage depth.
Jeff Kong
Deleted.
Mike
If you’re looking for a warmer sound, then the C421 is going to be warmer than the Rx. Which HF5? Etymotics?
Jeff Kong
and you some how manage to see the question anyways, yea the etymotics
read through the review several more times after the pre-edit post..and realised it’d be the c421
Jeff Kong
BTW Mike, im really enjoying that parallel review style that you and Lieven have been doing lately, it makes it an even more enjoyable read than usual.
L.
Thanks Jeff, it’s always nice to get a compliment. The double reviews are nice indeed but they also are more then double the work as we each have to write a review and then edit them both to get one final piece. And don’t forget we each time need double review samples too. For the immediate future we only have the O2 planned as a double review. We’ll see what happens next.
Mike
Thanks I also enjoy doing the double reviews. We’ll try to do more of these in the future.
Jeff Kong
Deleted.
Adrian Pang
Tossing
between the Meier Arietta for ~120, the MStage for ~170 or to keep my
E9… Gna use it to pair with low impedance phones like the Denon, any
opinions? I couldn’t seem to find a lot of information about
the Arietta… Besides it was sold for $300 back then and Skylab gave it
a good review, back then.
Mike
Adrian,
I have no experience with the Arietta sorry.
Rūdolfs Putniņš
Hey, Mike!
Do you know if the HD598 driver can sound more refined than HD25-II when driven from an E10?
I was pondering about getting a HD650/600 but instead I’ll put some cash into my speaker rig. Also I’m not sure if E10 will do justice to HD650/600, most likely they’ll end up sounding no better than a HD598.
Best regards!
Mike
The driver is newer, it should be more refined regardless of the amplification. But also on the HD600/650, it would still be more refined than the HD598 even on the E10.
Rūdolfs Putniņš
Hmm… Thanks for the advice. I’ll consider the HD650 if I’ll see a good price for minty (no flaky paint and unsquashed earpads) used silver driver one. However when looking in the head-fi trading section they seem all but gone.
The thing I’m mostly worried about is the “sennheiser veil” and all the stereotypes associated with insufficiently driven HD650. The E10 has more than enough juice for my HD25-II (volume @2, lo-gain), so I wonder how it would fare with the heavier HD650.
L.
I used the combo at work till i got the C421 and while it is enjoyable it doesnt make the HD650 sound like it should, forget about a wide soundstage an clarity, the sound is dark and “veiled” as they call it. I don’t mind as I love senns but I’m not sure you do too.
Rūdolfs Putniņš
Well, I do love the HD25-II but it’s more of a Grado than a Sennheiser. That said I have listened to both HD600/650 driven from a SPL Phonitor and they did sound terrific to my ears.
Oh, well- might as well get the HD598 and for the leftower cash buy me some shoes or something that normal people spend money on…
Mike
You should just go for the HD650. I think now more and more people realizes that the HD650 is generally a very solid headphone.
Mike
Don’t worry about the veil. I think it’s mostly for people moving from a Grado to a Sennheiser sound and not getting used with the thick bass and the lesser treble. Detail level wise the HD650 is better than even the flagship Grados.
Rūdolfs Putniņš
Btw, is there a genre of music the HD650 doesn’t handle all that well?
Mike
Something like metal would probably be a challenge.
Dipta Prabhaswara
Hi Mike!
I’m thinking of buying a closed headphone to use at work as an upgrade from my HD25. I’m a big fan electronic and instrumental music and i’m comfortable the the sound that comes out of my SM3.
Any recommendations? Have you tried the K550?
Thanks Mike!
Vladislav Ivanovich
Mike, is there any chance y gonna make a review on Ultrasone Signature Pro in the near future?
Mike
I listened to it a few weeks back… wasn’t so impressed with it. I thought the Pro900 was better.
john
I’d also be interested to see a review on the AKG K550. I’m going to audition them tomorrow when I pick up my new Fiio e17. Can’t wait.
Mike
Alright I am still waiting but I should get them.
Анатолий Кылосов
Hi Mike. My friend selects to the iPhone 4s earphones with a font and considers this option (AKG K 3003). I have a question. It is possible? If I yet didn’t bother you that I want to ask that you would advise (money not a question) to my friend to get from earphones with a font what to listen most qualitatively only with iPhone without resorting to portable amplifiers?
Mike
Go with the JH13/JH16, direct from an Iphone.
Анатолий Кылосов
I according to your recommendation bought the PA2V2 amplifier really excellent thing. Now I plan to raise so to speak a bar and to spend approximately on the portable amplifier and earphones of $1000 that you to me would advise. My preferences the most various I listen to fate, the jazz, the blues, classics and modern music. In advance to you it is grateful for the answer.
Mike
If you can narrow down the choice then I can help you give some pointers, but at the moment the question is just too open.
Marc_D26
Hey Mike,
Have you got the National? If it doesn’t bother you, how’s it compared to the open-sounding, wide/deep soundstage, and impactful ALO Rx Mk2?
Do you think its special promo price will last long or it might end soon?
Thanks!
Mike
Hi Marc,
Please find the review here.
http://www.headfonia.com/the-sequel-alo-audio-the-national/
There is a short comparison to the Rx, but basically the two amps have a different sound. The soundstage is wider on the Rx, bass impact more powerful on the Rx.
Hai
so final word which portable amp you prefer to pair with hd 650 the national or c421 since I can get them with similar price here in Aus I just wait for your final word and pull the trigger. Also I love laid back and smooth sound 🙂
Mike
The review is now up, Hai. 🙂
http://www.headfonia.com/the-sequel-alo-audio-the-national/
With my HD580 I enjoyed the National better than the C421 mainly due to the bass. The C421 is smoother though.
Hai
thanks Mike. thought you didn’t see my question :P. I will audition the national amp during this weekend can’t find any c421 in Melbourne through but I trust your ears 😀
Mike
Well at least by auditioning the National you can get a sense of what the C421 would sound more like, based on the comparison. 🙂
Josh W
Hey Mike,
I love the site. Thanks for providing subjective reviews for those of us that cannot audition headphones.
I’m looking for opinions regarding my next headphone purchase. Currently, I own the following: Denon AH-D2000, Sennheiser HD558, and the Ultrasone HFI-580. I also have Schiit’s Bifrost DAC and Asgard amplifier. The DAC is fed from a toslink connection from my X-Fi titanium sound card.
My usage will be for electronic music production (all of my recording is at 24bit/96khz), so I’m looking for headphones with a neutral/analytical nature. The AKG 701, Sennheiser HD650, Beyerdynamics DT880, and Hifiman HE-400 are on my radar after reading your articles. The Sennheiser HD600 has also been on my radar after looking around head-fi.
Anyways, I’ll stop babbling. Do you have any recommendations? I’m open to all options, not just the one I listed above.
Thanks, man! I appreciate any insight.
Mike
Hi Josh,
Sorry for the slow reply.
Electronic music production: cross out the HE-400, HD650, and the Shures. I don’t think they are neutral enough for music production.
The K701, DT880, HD600 all should make for a good headphone for music production.
Josh W
No worries, Mike. Life is busy. Thank you for the suggestions!
Chris Allen
Hey Mike, I must have asked you a thousand questions already on the HD 5xx series yet I must ask one thing. I did try the HD600 finally and loved it. I can’t seem to find it on a decent price, but have found the HD 558 at a really great price almost brand new. How does the HD 558 compare to the HD600? Obviously it wouldn’t be on the same level as the HD600, but still, wouldn’t bother me too much if they were slightly on par.
Chris
Trent_D
What would you consider a good price for the HD600?
L.
I’ve been tracking the european Senn prices on Amazon for a while. Lowest they went were 200€, right now they are at 347€! In my opnion around 230€ is an excellent price for a new pair. No idea what Chris thinks of course 😉
Chris Allen
I think $230 is great, but they are $399 New on Amazon and $349 Used. I did try the HD555 with a Nuforce HDP and it was fine, which is why I considered the HD558. I would be using the Fiio E10+JDSLabs Cmoy as my setup. I don’t like the Nuforce HDP as it only worked for the HD555 out of all the headphones I demo’ed.
Mike
Not on par, Chris. Go for the HD600 😉
USCdeacon
Hi Mike
My current setup is a Macbok Pro -> NuForce uDAC (1st Gen) -> Audio-Technica ATH-M50’s (I actually prefer my M50s to my TF10s with this setup. Am I crazy? :P).
With that said, I’ve been interested in the DigiZoid Zo 2.3 – I’m torn. The Zo would function fine going in between my iPhone 4s and my M50s for the on the go use. The problem is for my setup. described above. I want a good DAC feeding the Zo… but am unsure how this is possible. I don’t want to connect the Zo to the uDAC’s headphone out as this will cause double amping and less clarity/distortion. Any idea or recommendations?
Thanks in advance!
Mike
Hi USCDeacon,
So your question is for the Iphone + M50 set up and what to put in between the two?
Well first of all you can’t use the uDAC with the Iphone right? So that’s out of the question.
The only other alternative at the moment is the Fostex HP-P1 and the CLAS if you want to upgrade (or bypass) the DAC on your Iphone.
Cheers
USCdeaconHF
thanks for your reply Mike!
My original statement was that I have no problems with the iPhone + Zo combination, but the problem is with the Macbook Pro setup. Would Macbok Pro -> NuForce uDAC (1st Gen) headphone out –> DigiZoid Zo 2.3 –> Audio-Technica ATH-M50’s be prone to problems with “double amping” ?
As always, thanks!
Mike
Yes you would be double amping if you do that uDAC headphone out > Digizoid.
Mike
Thanks for sharing the link, Trent.
rustiandra
Hi Mike!
i have my desktop plans with HRT ms2 and graham slee srg2 thanks to you, and now my question is what would you recommend if I’m going portable? i have my budget for clas, and i already have iPod and c421. but I’m also considering hm602. Which one should be my priority, for portable, Mike? i have hd650, hd25adidas, m50, and se215 as my everyday iem
p.s. altmann is out of question! 😛
Thanks a lot, Mike! really appreciate your thought.
Mike
Do you want to keep the Ipod’s interface? If yes then go with the CLAS.
Sound wise the pack of Ipod+CLAS+C421 would sound better than the HM602, but you would be carrying a lot more weight as well.
Cheers.
Mike
I realize I missed out a lot of the questions on Q-A. I will try to answer them in the next few days. Sorry.
john
Hi Mike,
Can you tell me is there a way to calculate how loud in dB a pair of headphones is at any given volume setting using the specifications from the various system components?
Or would you have to use a meter? I’m getting older and I’m worried about my hearing!
Thanks.
Mike
John,
You would have to use a meter I’m afraid.
There are two difficulties that I can see with trying to figure out the loudness using calculations:
1. When you play a recording, you notice that there are loud passages and quiet passages. So even though your source is quoted as having a 2 Volts line out, that’s just the maximum limit. On quiet passages it may just be sending a 0.5 Volts signal or lower. 2. Then the signal gets feed to an amp with say a gain of 10, so theoretically that 0.5 Volts would be amplified to 5 Volts at the output, BUT that’s considering you don’t have a volume control. With a volume control it’s hard to say how much voltage is being cut at a particular position in the potentiometer.
Hope that helps.
john
Thanks for your answer Mike, I should have known it wouldn’t be that easy!
Maybe I can put this situation out to your readers. Playing FLAC files from a PC through the Fiio E17 and AKG K550 headphones. Bass and treble at 0.
Does anybody have some idea what volume setting I would need to use in order to be getting 85dB at the loudest parts of the recording????
I guess there are other factors to consider like the recording and ripping levels????
(PS….the K550’s are very nice!)
john
Thanks for your answer Mike, I should have known it wouldn’t be that easy!
Maybe I can put this situation out to your readers. Playing FLAC files from a PC through the Fiio E17 and AKG K550 headphones. Bass and treble at 0.
Does anybody have some idea what volume setting I would need to use in order to be getting 85dB at the loudest parts of the recording????
I guess there are other factors to consider like the recording and ripping levels????
(PS….the K550’s are very nice!)
Trent_D
How would the HA-160ds work with the HD 650 for classical music?
Mike
Just okay, I’d recommend the WA6.
David Ulrich
I love classical music, but that isn’t my only music I listen to. So, my plan was to buy a DACport LX, Schiit Asgard and use the HD600 as my headphones figuring that would give me solid detail and sound-stage for my Sibelius, while still being a solid setup for jazz and alt rock. My only question is will the dacport and the Asgard be enough to bring out the full potential of the 600, or will I need something more?
Mike
The Asgard should be good for the HD600.. As for the full potential of the HD600, it’s hard to put a limit since you can go all the way to some $2K-$3K amps and still get an improvement.
David Ulrich
As long as they will be able to do the phones justice. Thanks for the reply!
Mike
You’re welcome, David.
Bestmale
Mike, i have 2 headphone in my hand right now, hifiman HE500 and sennheiser HD650.
My question is what amp that could optimize this two headphone?
For DAC i consider for buying Dacport LX.
I usually hear pop music, vocal, and jazz
thx for the help 🙂
L.
With both my fav amp is the Lafigaro 339, a dual mono design OTL amp. So I’d recommend an OTL tube amp for these.
Bestmale
How about WA6SE? is it good for both of them?
L.
The WA6 is no OTL but uses a transformer, but the SE does have a lot of power. I’d still recommend an OTL
David Ulrich
Isn’t the WA3 an OTL?
Mike
WA3 is an OTL. WA6 and the higher up models are not.
John123John
Bottlehead Crack!
If the review ever happens…. haha JK! 😀
Mike
Our bottlehead crack kit is right now on the customs office. Should have it before the end of the week. 🙂
Mike
Haven’t tried the SE with the HE-500 but the regular WA6 feels underpowered.
Hai
Hi, Lieven
Which tubes are you using with the 339 ?
I’m planing to buy that amp for my hd 650 too 🙂
L.
2 sets: 6AS7G RCA + EF80 Telefunken (adapter needed) or 2399 Chatham (= 5998 tung-sol) + RCA RED 5693
The RCA 6AS7G and TFK EF80 is reasonably cheap and great sounding. Don’t forget to ask/order your tube convertors when ordering from Yuking09 😉
You’ll love it with the HD650!
Mike
Just an alternative from Lieven’s Darkvoice (I’ve never tried his amp), if you want to go with solid state go with the Graham Slee SRG II.
Guessous Mehdi Imed
Would that be a bad idea to run a hd800 from a xonar stx ? Would I see an improvement compared to the srh940 , or would the xonar stx “trash” the sound ?
I ask, because it’s hard to buy stuff online from country, but I was excited to find a hd800 on a local store at a decent price.
Mike
Ummm it’s hard to say, the HD800 will still technically be better than the SRH940 even from a Fiio E10.. But as for the overall musicality, I can’t say as I’ve never listened to the Xonar.
Jeff Kong
Hi, I was wondering if you guys have had any experience with the beyerdynamic DT150/250s?
possibly a brief on how you felt/remember about it?
Thanks!
Don Vittorio Sierra
I’m not Mike or Lieven but the dt250-250 ohm version is a current favorite of mine. The dt250-80 ohm is darker, more forward and bassier but is still good. Comparing both of them is like comparing the hd600 vs the hd650. The DT150 is pretty good too if used with the dt100 velour pads without the inner foam. The dt150s when using the velours also have a huge family resemblance with the dt250s. If you want a neutral closed can, get the dt250-250, its the best one among the three hands down
L.
thanks for replying to that 🙂
Don Vittorio Sierra
You’re welcome Lieven. I always like to try and help especially when the question is about cans or equipment that I am currently enjoying. Cheers!
Jeff Kong
Thank you Don. I was definitely thinking more 250ohm one than the 80ohm variety.
So you would say that the dt150 is more coloured? and in what way? if you could elaborate a littleand is there an area which the dt250-250 excels at? ie mids/highs
Definitely nice to hear some comments from other people too! =D
Thanks!
Don Vittorio Sierra
The dt150 is too bassy and hollow in the mids with the stock pads but with the dt100 velour pads with no inner foam, they become more neutral. The mids fill in but the highs still lack extension when compared to the dt250-250 which is overall just a more neutral can. The dt150 even with the velour pads still have a more bloated midbass and lower midrange vs the 250 ohm dt250 but is not far off the 80 ohm version of the dt250.
By the way, my recent favorite cans were hd600s and now I like the dt250-250 even more plus bonus feature is that it is closed! The cans are pure genius LOL.
As a starter amp for the dt250-250s, I suggest getting a jdslabs cmoy for them since the cmoy has good power with high impedance headphones… In fact my jdslabs CMOY sounds brilliant with the hd600s too. Take note I like to listen to music loud so when I say it has decent power I’m talking above 100db clean without distortion. Out of the FiiO E10 for example, the dt250-250 hardly makes any sound hehehe. For Grados though or any of the other lower impedance cans I have including the 80 ohm version of the dt250, they sound better to me out of the e10. Low impedance cans sound forced to me out of the cmoy and totally gets distorted at club volume levels 🙂
Jeff Kong
Thank you Don, you impressions of it are quite helpful!!
Mike
I’ve had some time with both but I don’t think I can write a good impression on them. Don however is very familiar with the DT150 and the DT250 so his comment is probably more valid than mine
Don Vittorio Sierra
I have a question about the power output capability of some of the recent amps reviewed. Among the national, the O2, and the c421 which among them is the most powerful amp for low and high impedance headphones. Which amp can play the loudest without strain or distortion on hd600/650s and on the majority of low impedance cans or orthos, etc…
Don Vittorio Sierra
does anyone here know?
John Seaber
None of these amps will have issue driving 300 or 600 ohm sets, or even reasonably efficient orthos. Don’t expect to drive any orthos to their fullest with a portable amp.
O2 is technically more powerful than c421. But both have enough voltage swing and current output that you should never find yourself limited, using dynamic headphones.
NGUYEN
hi Mike, any new about the wings audio amp WA01LT. The amp is made from my country so I’m really interested in your review 🙂
L.
I don’t think we received it yet
JackyM
Hey headfonia,
I know why you would need two Cracks (speedball vs stock) but why do you need three? (fancy parts?)
L.
We bought 3, one is for a friend 😉
David Ulrich
Mike and/or L, help a poor music lover out. I have very little spare cash (darn kids), but would still love to have a decent sounding system. My laptop has a surprisingly decent soundcard (I had trouble telling the different between my computer and the Fiio e10), so when paired with my hd202’s, most mainstream recordings sound quite good. Where my setup has trouble is with my classical recordings. I can hear my setup struggling with them. They just can’t handle the clarity or detail. So…
I have a JDSlabs Cmoy and was thinking of pairing it with a HRT ms2, which everyone seems to think is a great DAC for the price. What would be a good headphone to go along with them? My 202’s will do for everything except classical and jazz. So, for those genres, how would the hd518 or the 558 be as I can get them for cheap? It doesn’t have to be a sennheiser, I just see those phones mentioned alot. Any suggestions would be much appreciated.
Mike
David,
Try the Cmoy and the HRT MS2 first with the HD202?
The HD558 is good, but the HD600 will put you in reference-class territory.
David Ulrich
and it will sound good out of a Cmoy? That really is a 60 dollar pack of awesome. Would I want to get a 24v dc adapter for that ass the one I have is only 16-18v?
Thanks, Mike. Great site!
Mike
Yes it will be good even with the Cmoy as the Cmoy is quite a transparent amp.
16-18V should be fine. I think I was using either a 15V or 16V adapter with my Cmoy.
Glad I can help!
Manfred Peters
Hi Mike, thanks for a very impressive repository of info. As a newbie I just stumbled in and never left…
Question: does it make sense to use the Fiio E17 to boost not only levels but also quality when listening to classical music on a DAP/smartphone? I would of course also use it for listening from the computer, but maybe a simple E6 for the phone and something stationary for the computer then makes better sense?
Incidentally, the new samsung Galaxy phones have a micro usb port with OTG/USB host properties. Have you ever heard of someone who has managed to plug in something like the E17 to a phone via USB (as opposed to the 3,5) to get better quality sound output?
Thanks!
Chris Allen
Just go with the E17. Grab a FiiO L7 dock and you can use the E17 at home. However, you could go with the E6 for portable use and the E10 for home use. I own the E10 and love it! I still would preferably recommend the E17, but it is up to you.
Cheers! 🙂
Mike
Hi Manfred,
The question on the Samsung Galaxy, I think people have been talking about that for a while but I’ve never really heard a successful story of a samsung-Fiio pairing.
And for your first question, can you re-phrase that? I’m not really sure I understand the question.
rafkepunk
Hi!
I just bought a Sennheiser HD202 today, and I’m really enjoying it 🙂
For now, I just plug it into my laptop when I listen to music. I’ve also listened to the hd202 through my onkyo receiver, and I thought that sounded better than just through my laptop. I have read, however, that such AV receivers aren’t really made for headphone-listening, and so I wonder if my hd202’s can do even better?
Would using an amp (like say the DSLabs cMoy) really improve its sound? Or are such amplifiers really only for more high-end headphones?
Thanks!
Mike Roderigo
hello mike,
any chance that you’ll get your and on both john kenny usb dacs JKDAC / JKDAC32. There are getting some good feedbacks and for once that it is an affordable european products. I would lot to hear your view on these.
kindest regards
Mike
Thanks Mike,
I will look into it. 🙂
kranker
Hi Mike,
I’m after a high quality portable source for around £200 and I’ve got myself confused. I listen to electronic and rock, I’ve already got an iPod touch and I just bought some triple fi 10’s. I was thinking of qa350, hm-601, or an amp for the iPod (not fussed too much about UI/battery issues). I’m in the UK so the little just audio amp appeals, but I’m not sure which option would most suit my taste in music.
Thanks,
Mark
Mike
Kranker,
I think the set up that you have right now is good as it is..
The QLS and the Hifiman both are higher quality DAPs, but the QLS is big and bulky (http://www.headfonia.com/qes-qa350-player/), while the Hifiman is more manageable in terms of size.
Here is a comparison article with the Hifiman HM602 and the QLS QA350: http://www.headfonia.com/hifi-dap-comparison-hm-801-hm-602-qa350-boomslang/
Jonah_Chao
Hey Mike,
I’ve been looking around for a new amp to buy, and I’d really appreciate your help! I’m looking to spend around $250-$300 and from what I’ve gathered, a used Gilmore Lite, a Matrix M-Stage, or a Schiit Asgard seem to be my best options (unless you can think of others). Seeing as you’ve reviewed all three in the past, could you help me choose the best amp? Thanks in advance!
My chain looks something like this: Foobar 2k (WASAPI) -> HRT MSII -> ??? -> Denon D2000
Best regards,
Jonah
Mike
Hi Jonah, out of the three solid state amps I would go with the Asgard for the Denon.
Jonah_Chao
Wow, thanks for the prompt reply! Would there be any other amps (tube or SS) that you would recommend, or is the Asgard the best among all options in that price bracket? I really appreciate the help.
Mike
I’m really enjoying the Bottlehead Crack at the moment, but I’m not sure if it’ll do well with the low-impedance Denons, as it is an OTL tube design.
Jonah_Chao
Yeah, the Bottlehead site states it’s not a good idea to pair the Crack to low-impedance headphones. I’ll look into the asgard then. Thanks Mike!
Mike
Alright Jonah.
Trent_D
Question for anyone. Is there a device that would let me connect my Cmoy to my laptop via USB port? Let me output the audio signal through the USB? The sound card on my computer is fairly decent and will do till I can afford a really good DAC. Just to be sure, I am not looking for a USB dac, just a way to get audio out of my computer without going through the headphone out.
Mike
Here it is, Trent:
http://www.headfonia.com/the-headstage-usb-dac-cable/
m.rezadwiarianto
Mike,where can i buy bottlehead crack in indonesia?
Or should i import it?
Thanks
Mike
Everything is imported.
Trent_D
I finally have a plan. I am going to be saving up for a Kingrex 348 with upower, bottlehead crack and the HD650. Since it may be years before I can actually afford that, I ordered a pair of M50’s to suffice till then. I got the chance to listen to them connected to my laptop and the detail and clarity blows my hd202’s away (although they are still quite fun sounding, but my classical needs more).
I am really happy that laptops seem to be coming with much better soundcards these days. I had my laptop, e10 and audioengine d1 next to each other for a few weeks and I was STRAINING to tell the difference. My hp computer was actually able to drive the he-300s better then the D1. (those were all on loan to me, btw. I don’t still have them).
Thanks for all your advice. You must either really enjoy talking audio with people and answering questions, or you are one crazy bloke. Looking forward to your and L’s Crack review!
Jack Harvey
Hey, any suggestions for a good and versatile MP3 player with good SQ and battery life?
Mike
I think the Ipod is very versatile, has good SQ and battery life.
You can also look into the Sansa Clip players. They’re very popular as well.
Alex Constantine
Hello Mike, I am so sorry that I posted the question at facebook…so I am here again.
As same question, I am new, please recommend me that if I am always listen song like “Angel by Sarah McLachlan”, Which headphone is suitable for me at budget 350-650 US$.
And if they need headphone amp or DAC, please recommend me, I will try those you recommend me at Munkonggadget in
Thailand.
Thank you….^^
Mike
Alex,
Try the Senn HD598. It’s very nice with soft relaxed vocals like that.
Mike
Alex one more, the new AKG K550 should be good for that as well.
Johan
Hello Mike
I hope you are doing well. Thank you very much for an awesome blog with so much information.
I love music so much, but I am new to the headphone thing. I have done some research and read up on some reviews and I have bought myself a pair of Monster Turbine Pro Gold IEM’s. I really love them. I like using them on the go, but honestly I still get interference from outside noises so I mostly enjoy them at home where it’s quiet. I thus most often listen to them from my MacBook Pro. I have been impressed by the sound, but the more I use them, the more I realize there are details missing and the mids are a bit messy. I came to know that this is because of the quality of the laptop’s DAC and amplifying circuit. I am now looking for a nice DAC and headphone amp that I would enjoy and was hoping you could recommend some. Here it is very difficult to find a shop with these so I could listen to them and find the one I like, however you have listened to a lot of them.
I love classical music, the bigger more impressive stuff like full orchestras, pipe organ etc. but also individual instruments and choral music which has more detail. I also love “classical pop” like Josh Groban etc and also music from the likes of Nora Jones and Diana Krall etc. From time to time I listen to rock, but I am not very much into it. Please could you suggest some DAC’s and amps or a two-in-one system that would be suitable for my music. In total I am looking to spend around $320 or so. I like a little of everything (bass, mids and treble). I enjoy a warm musical sound (which the Turbine pro’s give me) yet with lots of detail. I like a large sound stage (as you so eloquently put it, who doesn’t).
I would really appreciate any advice and if anyone else has opinions and experience, please do share.
Thank you very much.
Johan
Ooops. I posted this yesterday as well and didn’t see it again so I thought it didn’t go through, but now I see both posts 🙂 You can reply on any one. Tnx.
Mike
Alright Johan, sorry for missing the earlier post. I’ve replied to the one below.
Mike
Classical music, Josh Groban, Norah Jones, Diana Krall, try the new AKG K550 I think you’ll like it. Big spacious sound with a good instrument separation and vocals.
As for the DAC and amp, I think you can squeeze in a Fiio E10. Won’t fit the budget but should be close.
Johan
Hi Mike
Thank you for the reply. Mmmm, I will keep the AKG in mind, however for the moment I already have the Monster Turbine Pro Gold so I will have to use that. Thus, the budget that I mentioned is available for DAC and amp. What do you think?
Thank you and regards.
Mike
Ah, I see what you’re saying.
Well you don’t need too much of an amp.. so go with a one box DAC/Amp like the Fiio E17/E10?
Or if you want try looking up for the Fostex HP-A3. Excellent DAC box but I’m not sure if you can get it for $300.
http://www.headfonia.com/fostex-hp-a3/
Johan
Thank you very much. How is the Fiio E17 sound for my type of music? The Fostex looks very nice, by the review that you have made. If I can find extra money I might go for that.
Mike
The E17 is quite a good all rounder and should be fine with your music. The Fostex is better, but again, more money. 🙂
Trent_D
How does the k550 compare with the M50 for classical?
D.r. Hilerio
The K550 by a mile. The M50 won’t give you the clarity and detail in the highs and mids which the K550 seem specialized for.
Mike
Better in a lot of aspect, Trent.
Trent_D
So, if I could get a K550 new for 169, which I can, I should jump on it?
Mike
You better do that and share us the link where you got it from 😉
Trent_D
It is with a discount via my job. Of course, I find this out after I ordered the M50. Just a few bucks more for, what most people seem to think, is a better headphone in most all respects. How does the K550 compare on bass?
Mike
The M50 has slightly more bass body but it’s muddier and more boomy.
Trent_D
So, the K550 has slightly less bass, but what it has is clearer, tighter and punchier. It has a better soundstage, and better clarity across all frequencies. That sounds really nice. Any flaws you have encountered?
Mike
Flaws.. nothing too glaring. Housing reverb but I can live with it.
Trent_D
Wow, your sentiments seem to be echoing the popular opinion on this headphone. Any particular dac or amp pairings jumping out at you, or should I just be patient for the review 🙂
Mike
I’ve been using the K550 with:
– direct from Tera Player
– Bottlehead Crack
– RSA Dark Star
All with very good result.
Antonio Marqués
Hi Mike. I own HD650 & AKG550 between others. Would Crack pair with both fine ? I was afraid it would be a little too much for the sensitive 550. If you think this is a good bet. Which DAC would you recommend then. Tks.
L.
Hi Antonio,
Mike just mentioned elsewhere that he’s using the crack for the 650 and 550 with great results. Dac budget?
L.
Hi Antonio,
Mike just mentioned elsewhere that he’s using the crack for the 650 and 550 with great results. Dac budget?
Antonio Marqués
Thanks Lieven. I missed Mike´s comment on that. I would go for a 300 Euro Budget DAC together with Crack and mentioned headphones. Thanks
Mike
Yes the Crack is fine. It hisses a little with the 550 but no problem once music starts playing.
DAC, check out the usual list: http://www.headfonia.com/source-recommendations/
Talha Ali
Hey Mike. It would be great if you do a tutorial on recabling. Thank you!
Mike
Good question, but first and foremost I think people need to practice their soldering skills first before attempting to recable a headphone. The thing with recabling is if you’re not quick with the solder, there is a big chance you’ll kill a driver. I killed one, once. It was an AKG K501 🙁
Ken Stuart
For learning to do any skill, there is only word needed – Youtube.
Mike
Yes, Youtube helps a lot.
Felipe Torres Marques
I’ve been reading on Head-Fi and a lot of people claim that O2’s transparency is a great match to Denon’s D5000. That actually makes sense, since the D5000 is already a colored sounding headphone and SS amps would make a nice pair with it. I know that you and Lieven never had the chance to review the AH-DX000 series, but my question is: would you guys prefer the Audinst HUD-MX1 over the Objective 2 for low impedance cans like the D5000? JDSLabs is now offering the O2+ODAC pack for US$285, which is around a hundred bucks more compared to MX1’s price, so I would count the money on that decision. I know that it’s almost 60% more, but I don’t know if JDSLabs pack would offer 60% more on performance.
Mike
I’ve heard the D5000 a few times, I’d still go with the Audinst over the O2. It just pairs better and more musical. Of course I don’t know how the ODAC sounds, so that can be an area where it’s better than the Audinst.
Antonio Marqués
Yes, I also recommend AKG550 for that music. If it helps I use it with Mike´s suggestion, Fiio E10 and it works very well. I use bass boost setting on. Finding a good sealing on 550s is key factor to enjoy bass potential. I have to say small heads don´t get very good clamping force from the headband thus loosing sealing > bass. I use an elastic band removed from led headlight/torch to push the cups tighter. I know it´s weird and not very aesthetic but works for me (only at home, of course, hehe).
Trent_D
I went ahead and ordered the k550 for 169.34 after shipping, and I can’t wait to get them (although I might have to as they are on backorder), but I have a question. The first thing I will want to upgrade will be my DAC. My computer actually sounds pretty good in and of itself, so I am thinking it would be worth it to wait and either go with the MS2+ or the Dacport LX, and use them with my Cmoy until I can afford a better amp. And their in lies my question. The K550, on paper, should be as easy to drive as my HD202, which doesn’t see much benefit connected to my Cmoy over my Ipod’s headphone out. What would, say, a Schiit Asgard bring to the table over a Cmoy, or c421 for a headphone that should be really easy to drive?
Related question: both the enveloping analogue sound of the MS2+ and the clear, black background of the Dacport lx sound good to me. Since I listen to classical music almost exclusively, which do you think would pair better with the asgard (or the Cmoy) for that purpose?
Mike
The K550 would still benefit with an amp. In the case of the Asgard vs C421, the Asgard is punchier, the C421 is more refined.
Mike
I missed your question on the DAC.
The MS2+ would play better with both ADD and DDD recordings. The Dacport LX, I don’t find so good with older ADD stuff due to the grain in the recordings sort of “being in opposites” with the clean LX sound. Whereas with the HRT MS2+ they sort of “blend” together.
Jack Harvey
Hey Headfonia, I have a simple question. Should I go for a desktop rig?
I am a student. I’ve been “playing” portable audio for a long time. I am thinking of transiting to desktop, is it really worth it? This is a tough and extremely controversial question, but just wanna hear your honest opinion on this. Thanks 🙂
Mike
Okay money is always an issue.. what sort of a budget are we talking about here?
I don’t know how high up the desktop chain you plan to go. It’s easy to recommend something basic like a Fiio E10. You plug the USB end to a computer, the headphone out to a headphone and you’re done without too much hassle. And despite being an entry level rig, it’s very enjoyable to listen to even to us who have big expensive desktop systems at home. It’s almost like the Grado SR-60 of the DAC/Amp world.
Jack Harvey
Thanks for the speedy reply! My budget is easily around 1000 bucks. Looking at the HD650. Amp wise either the Crack with Speedball or the HA-160DS( way over budget, but I can starve :))
Any suggestions? Thanks.
Mike
Jack,
The HD650 + Crack pairing is hard to beat. Go with the Crack and spend the extra budget on the best DAC you can find. I use the Kingrex UD384 + UPower:
http://www.headfonia.com/black-holes-and-revelations-kingrex-ud384-dac-and-upower-psu/
Jack Harvey
Ah i see. Thanks for the reply.
mahirosi96
Hey Mike! i have a HD660 and i love it, but i want another headphone which offer a good bass and keep their balance
*my budget it’s below the HD660
**i know you’r from Indonesia, so you must be know how’s the price in here
***sorry i posted here.. it’s all because i cannot post at HD660’s page somehow..
Mike
Tough to best the HD660 for less price. It’s already one of the best value headphone around.
Talha Ali
Hey Mike,
Great website here! I’ve read so many reviews over here that i’m confused between a few headphones. I listen to a lot of music especially ambient, trance, techno, house, rock, hard rock and classical. Mainly Boards of Canada, My Bloody Valentine, Daft Punk, Ludovico Einaudi, The Black Keys, m83, Led Zeppelin (hard rock bands), AvB, Tiesto, Paul Oakenfold, Justice, Kavinsky, etc etc.
After reading your reviews I bought the V Jays for my day to day needs and have been in love with them since then. I also like making music and have a mini home set up. I was wondering what would you suggest between the ATH M50s, the Grado (sr80is, 125is and 325is), HD598s, Audio Technica Pro700 Mk2s, HD25-1 IIs.
Hope you reply!
Talha
Mike
Talha,
You listen to a wide range of music and it’s going to be hard to recommend one that’ll cover all of those.
Maybe start with these two articles?
A Guide to Headphones
http://www.headfonia.com/a-guide-to-headphones/
Full Size Headphones Recommendations
http://www.headfonia.com/full-size-headphone-recommendations/
Talha Ali
I did read them and I do not mind getting more than one. I was thinking the Grado sr80i for my rock urges, the HD 598s/HD25-1 IIs for my dance and club needs ( includingV Moda M-80 for classical too?)
Was I of any help? :p
Mike
For rock: Grado or HD25-1.
Dance and Club: AIAIAI TMA-1 or ATH Pro700 Mk2.
Classical: HD600/HD650.
Talha Ali
Just ordered the HD25-1s..
Have been into the likes of Justice and Daft Punk. Would ATH Pro700 Mk2 be too muffled for it?
Jeff Kong
Hi Talha,I use my HD25s for daft punk and justice a fair bit…it goes very well. Pretty much anything with speed and isnt classical goes pretty well with them.
Talha Ali
Thank you so much! It helps a great deal! Been listening to Mangetic Centrepiece for hours now.. Cheers again.
Rūdolfs Putniņš
I’d take HD25-II for my bass quantity needs (electronic/rock/metal) and the HD598 for soundstage.
Mike
Nice but I don’t think the HD25 works for Oakenfold, Tiesto stuff.
Rūdolfs Putniņš
Sure, a dedicated basshead can will do better, but often they aren’t too good at anything else. HD25 is versatile and quite portable.
Trent_D
If someone were using an asgard and the k550 (and high quality recordings, of course) would the difference between the MS2 and the MS2+ be noticeable?
Mike
It should be noticeable, yes.
Tim Loke
Hello Mike, any impressions on the Senn 4×9 series? I enjoyed the HD 202 a lot as per your recommendation. So I’m looking for something similar in sound signature. I’m quite sensitive to bright headphones, even the PX 200 II could make my ears ring after only one song.
Mike
I tried the latest HD449 and I think it was a good headphone, solid sound. It’s more energetic and not as laid back as the HD202, and the bass is punchier on the 449. I really need to do a review on the HD4x9 series.
Tim Loke
Would you say it’s as bright as PX 200 II?
dgiles
I must replace my TTVJ Slim, it was recently stolen. I am considering the ALO Continental V2. I prefer a tube like sound and am drawn to a more analog sound. I was considering the Continental before my amp was misappropriated. But I noticed ALO just made available their MKIII. I have read Mike’s review of the Continental and his review of the SR71-B and his explanation of the shortcomings of a balanced amp. So I am leery about the MKIII, but also curious if the ALO engineers were able to make something other worldly special and something to trump the Continental. Please offer helpful advice before I spend $500-$600 on a new amp. Thanks a lot.
Mike
I am still waiting for the Mk3 to be deliverd by FedEx. I will probably post something about it on Facbook once I have it. 🙂
Talha Ali
Hey Mike,
Have become a proud owner of the HD25 1-IIs and am loving them. Got them second hand with only 2 hourish of playtime. I feel a little let down by the bass though. Was testing them with some fast paced bass stuff like dubstep and stuff (a mistake?). Just wondering, I’m thinking of complementing them with a portable amp to make it a little warm and the bass more punchy (less than $100 ofcourse!)
I was thinking of the Cmoy JDS Labs obviously but I’m torn in deciding between the JDS Labs and the AMB Labs Mini3..
Any suggestion? Any other portable would be greatly helpful!
Cheers!
Mike
Talha,
If you want more bass quantity, the Cmoy with the boost on will do that. If you want punchier bass, it’s the Mini3 but the sound is not as warm as the HD25-1.
Talha Ali
I think (Do you?) that the Cmoy would be good in helping the cans out with the bass levels.
Or should I just get the ATH Pro700 and use them for this type of music and not invest in a portable amp?
You’ve been of tremendous help and I really appreciate it! Thank you sir!
Mike
Well the Pro700 will be a bigger investment than a Cmoy is so that’s a factor to think about. If you don’t mind spending the money then yes it’s always good to start with the “right” headphone than try to tweak things to sound the way you want to.
dalethorn
Here’s my recommendation, with a serious hedge worth considering. The Philips L1 has gotten good reviews “as is”, so there’s little risk there. But when I tried some bass reduction with the L1, the result sound was equal in fidelity to (but darker than) the Shure 1840, and the bass still stronger than the 1840, all the way down to 20 hz. So you get 2 headphones for the price of one.
Mike
The L1’s sound signature is quite different than the SRH1840 IMO.
dalethorn
It is different. Really different. The first issue is that fat bass on the L1 that obscures the rest of the range somewhat. Once you reduce the bass then things get much more interesting, that is, if you wanted to compare to a really lean ‘phone like the 1840 (not that you would want to necessarily, just sayin’)
Porky
Thanks for the advice. L1 it is then. Honestly, I was
leaning that way already, for all the wrong reasons (they look pretty and seem
to be built like a tank) Part of me understands that L1’s are a compromise in
every respect but the build quality: not quite a full sized nor a true
portable, neither closed nor open, and “wide genre-bandwidth” sounds like a
euphemism for “unsure what it wants to be sound-wise.” But coming from a world
of $20 earbuds, I’m convinced that I’ll be impressed with what I hear even it’s
only because I won’t know what I’ll be missing. Thanks again.
dalethorn
Porky, you wouldn’t be disappointed coming from any $200 headphone that I know of. Just don’t be afraid to experiment. And BTW, although the L1 isn’t a *small* portable, I can wear it around my neck all day when not in use, earcups pulled all the way down and folded flat against my chest, and the lightweight cable tucked into my pocket. The cable can even be removed and put into a pocket or bag. Very portable.
Mike
Yes but other things outside of the frequency response as well. For instance the SRH1840 is very grainy, the L1 is grainless. Also the background is blacker on the L1. I’m not saying that the L1 is a better headphone (I think the 1840 is, despite the less than powerful bass).
dalethorn
Thanks Mike – Your impressions here concur with mine, which is interesting.
Noel
Mike (or anybody):
I’ve read here about the burn-in controversy, but what I want to know is, Do the sound and dynamics in earphones/headphones ever CHANGE at all, and FLUXUATE back and forth during their maiden period? I’ve had Sennheiser 280 in-ears for a few weeks now, have asked myself every damn psychological question, done every test I could, used every type of silicone tip, etc., and still these things vary in sound in a capricious enough way to…well, to bring me to your forum. So perhaps phones change as in progress toward their ultimate yada-yada — but is it at all normal for my bass and isolation to have sounded good a few days ago and sucky the past two days? On all kinds of music…and even when the highs sounded very, very good, so I knew that my seals and other factors were OK?
Thank you!
Mike
No I don’t think they fluctuate.. brand new, then they get better after a few hours and that’s when they’re at their top shape. As you wear them longer, the pads (especially velour) will deform and get mushy and sound quality suffers until the point where the pads are all soft and soundstage image is all over the place at that moment.
Now, with in ears, sometimes you get a good fit and sometimes you don’t, so that’s one factor to consider. Another factor to consider is the recordings. Are you playing the same songs over and over again? If not, it can be the case of one recording being better than the other, hence the bass was “better” yesterday because the recording on that particular track was better.
dalethorn
Anybody ever have a Vmoda Faders in their hands? It’s pretty amazing, a “high fidelity ear protector”, so I won’t say any more unless there’s a request.
Mark Ma
Hi mike,
I’ve been looking for a headphone/amp package or just headphone if it sounds good w/out an amp. After thinking about it, I feel like I enjoy stuff like Coldplay, Drake, Justin Timberlake and Talor Swift. I would like to stay in the sub $400 range including amp if applicable. They do not need to be portable and comfort is a must.
Do you have any recommendations? I am open to anything. I listen out of my laptop mainly.
The previous headphone I had was the V-moda LP2 which I found to have a little too much bass. Some cans I recently looked at were the Philips Fedelio, beyerdynamic DT 880 and 990 250 omhs, Audio-Technica ATH-M50, Sennheiser hd558, and senn amperior (upgraded hd 25) although I don’t think the amperiors will be really comfortable.
dalethorn
The Philips L1 would be a big step up in quality over the Senns and AT’s, but the more expensive Beyers might compare better.
Alex
Mike–
I’ve been playing with a pair of modified Fostex T50RPs and am very impressed. What I’ve realized, though, is that my DacPort isn’t satisfying with them, sounding kind of wimpy. In comparison, the Audioengine D1 (also USB powered, via TosLink) sounds much more driving, full-bodied and generous, just a much more exciting presentation. The problem is that the D1 isn’t nearly as clear, detailed and transparent as the DacPort–it always sounds like a brownish veil exists between me and the music. Can you recommend a robust and powerful amp that sounds as clear as the DacPort (hopefully for not too much more money)?
Thanks,
Alex
Mike
Alex,
I think the Burson HA-160D or DS can be what you’re looking for. Generous power that should be more than enough for the T50RP, better technicalities than the Dacport, and a forward presentation. If the cost is too much, try looking into the amp only HA-160.
Chris Allen
Hey Mike, wanted to know your thoughts on using the Fostex T50rp with the E10?
Mike
Overall smooth and quite enjoyable except I found the combination to lack bass punch. Basically the T50RP is not very strong in bass punch, and so is the E10. With the Bass boost you get more bass quantity but not punch. Perhaps try the AMB Mini3.
Jonah_Chao
Hey Mike,
I know it’s been years since you reviewed the Koss ESP-950’s, but would you happen to know how it would fare against similarly priced products in today’s competition?
The fact that you mentioned that the ESP-950’s rivals the RS1’s in technical capabilities, and would do well to complement the HD800’s almost seems too good to be true. I’d be interested in how it would compare to phones such as the HE500, LCD2, HD650, AD2000, etc.
You already mentioned that it completely trumps the K701 in every aspect. Does this hold true for other headphones in the same price bracket (DT880, HD600, D2000, HE400, etc.)?
I realize that electrostatics have a vastly different presentation in comparison to dynamics, so I’m more concerned on the technicalities.
For reference, my current system consists of HRT MSII -> Matrix M-Stage -> D2000. I mainly listen to rock (mostly classic, and a bit of alternative and grunge), with some jazz/blues and classical music every so often. Would my current system hold a candle to the ESP-950 if I were to upgrade?
I realize there are a lot of questions here, sorry! Thanks a lot for your time!
Best regards,
Jonah
Mike
Jonah,
I still think that the Koss is better than all of the lambda-frame Staxes I’ve reviewed (I haven’t tried the new Staxes though), so if you want to go to electrostats, I’d still recommend it highly. Just set a budget for a separate amp.
The technicalities are good, but at the end of the day, I think people move away from Stats because they simply can’t get a good bass like they can with a dynamic or an orthodynamic. Say the comparison you’re asking with the K701 and the other comparable cans, the Koss is competitive, but like comparing even dynamics to dynamics, there is no one headphone with truly superior technicalities above all else.
I think that at the moment the popular orthodynamics like the HE-500 and the LCD-2 have managed to bring the good things from stats and dynamics and that’s why they are very popular with the crowds. They still don’t quite mimic a true stat sound, and so in that sense nothing really truly replaces stats. However at the end of the day, after the honeymoon period with stats have passed, a lot of people find their sound still too specialized, and they ultimately want their bass back…
Víctor Hernández
Hi mike
Right now I’m in a very hard decision between the akg k340 and the Shure SRH 840. I can buy both for the same price… but the major problem is that the k340 needs a very good amplifier.
I mostly hear classical and OST recordings (almost 95% of what I hear everyday)
What do you think?
Mike
Victor,
The K340 has more glamour factor, being a famous vintage and that dynamic-electrostatic combination. However, it’s an old headphone and despite what the K340 fans say, its technicalities are below the level of the SRH840. Soundstage precision, frequency extension, micro details. There is also another problem with the K340 and that is the dynamic driver based low frequencies don’t quite match the electrostatic based high frequencies. It’s a common problem and everyone who’s added a subwoofer to a planar speaker set up know about this.
It’s a good headphone to have in a collection just because it’s a unique concept, but I wouldn’t use it as my main headphone.
As for the 840, if you can afford a 940, it’ll be better for classical and OST recordings. If not, the 840 is still very good.
Or you can also look at the new AKG K550 if your budget allows it. Excellent for classical and OST, much better than the 840/940.
Víctor Hernández
Thanks
for the answer Mike.
My
main problem isn’t the budget (I can pay the 940 or the 550) but the
availability. Since in my country the “audiophile” market isn’t
that big. So, to get the 550 (new cans) I will need to import them
(pushing the price around the double from the standard price). But in
some months I think that I can get the K550, so you thing that the
840 will do the job for some months until I can buy the 550?.
Ah, some good amp for the 550?.
Thanks
in advance, Greetings.
Mike
Well I wouldn’t pay double for the K550. It retails for $299 on Amazon and so I thought for some $100 extra from the 840, it will be worth it.
Go ahead with the 840 it’s a fine headphone and you’ll enjoy it.
I’ve been trying the 550 with different amps and it’s very enjoyable with almost anything I use with it. Very easy to drive.
Víctor Hernández
Thanks
Mike.
I’m
not going to pay the double. I’ll wait until some store sell the cans here
and them buy it.
Greetings
Igor Sryvkov
I’d like to upgrade from my Koss Porta Pro and Klipsch S4. Should I go for the ATH-M50 “studio” or the Aiaiai TMA-1 “dj” as I listen a lot to harmony, a capella, and choral groups on a Sansa Fuze and a Sansa Clip? or do I choose a headphone described as “mid-range centric” or one having a “fun” sound? if the M50 or the TMA-1 are not the proper hps for my music genre, pls recommend in the $100 to $180 range. thanks loads.
Mike
What is harmony? If you listen to a cappella and choral.. the M-50 is going to be far better than the TMA-1.
Igor Sryvkov
thanks, Mike. I was told the best in my price range for vocals, especially a capella and choirs, would be the V-Moda M80 so let me chime in with others here and say I am also eagerly hoping you are sent one for a much-awaited review.
Mike
Hi Igor,
We have published M-80 review. I have listened to it and though I didn’t write the review, I agree with what Edd said on that review.
I probably would still choose the ATH M-50 than the M-80 for your music.
sc_low
Hi Mike,
I’m planning to get the Sennheiser HD598 to pair up with the Dacport. Mainly will be listening to songs by whitney houston, celine dion, mariah carey etc (generally not any fast songs). I don’t plan to get the 600/650 because i believe that i wont be getting the full use out of it by pairing with Dacport. I currently own the hd25 and wanted to try something new. Please advice, or maybe other phones u would recommend? Anyone is free to post yr opinion. Thank you!
Mike
I think the HD598 would be nice for that. The DAcport should have no problem driving the HD650.
sc_low
okay, thanks Mike for ur reply! 😉
Ken Stuart
Mike – have you ever compared the headphone jack of a good quality “stereo system receiver” or “A/V receiver” (eg Onkyo) to a dedicated headphone amp? I’d be interested in any actual listening report on that.
One thought is that some audiophiles prefer hooking their speakers to old 70s Marantz or Fischer receiver or “integrated amplifiers”, and I have to wonder if their headphone jacks also compare favorably to modern gear.
Mike
Yes I have, though there are so many variations on the headphone jacks.
For instance on a rather nice vintage McIntosh Integrated, the headphone jack was SO MUCH FUN. Full sounding mids and bass, very punchy and powerful bass, and the whole set up comes with a bass-mid-treble adjustment knob as well. Transparency and detail was not its strong point though.
With the headphone jack on my Adcom GFP-565, the sound is airy and spacious, very pleasing but not so much bass punch and impact. I did install a socket on the headphone out op-amp and I enjoyed trying different op-amps on it.
I’ve also tried the headphone jack on various vintage Pioneer-Technics-Teac-Sony-Sansui receivers and I think for most of them, generally the consensus is that they sound warm and full, but not so much detail and weak on soundstage.
I had a thought to do a comparative review once to a modern headphone amp, but since the variations among the vintage receivers are quite wide, it’ll be hard to compare them all.
Ken Stuart
Mike – thanks for that thoughtful reply on headphone jacks.
So, are there any headphone amps (either desktop or portable) in the $200 and under range (roughly) that – from your recollection – exhibit better detail or soundstage than the average vintage receiver headphone jack?
Mike
I think the Cmoy exhibit better detail than the average vintage receiver. 🙂
But I think the point here is that a lot of these vintage receivers sound good. And often that’s more important than detail retrieval. They are usually warm sounding, with a full midrange and bass, and it’s hard not to like that kind of a sound (at least for me).
Ken Stuart
I just now came across your review of the C421 amp, which would be relatively affordable as an add-on at $175.
I’ve been auditioning the Shure SRH-1840 headphones directly from the rather high output of the HRT MS2 DAC (2.25 volts RMS).
Given that I do not find it necessary to add an amp in order to get sufficient volume, is there some additional synergy that would provide improved sound quality by adding a C421 amp (even though in theory adding another component should deteriorate sound quality)?
Mike
Ken,
If you plug in the HRT MS2 directly to the 1840, you will get better detail retrieval than if you add in the amp in between. Simply, shorter signal path. It’s like plugging your headphone directly to a CD player’s line level out. However overlooking the superior detail level, you won’t get as good of a bass impact than if you add in an amp.
Gibran
Hi Mike,
There is something I am a little bit confused regarding the k550.
You mentioned that k550 lacks bass but at the same time I read somewhere that the bass quantity of k550 is comparable to m50.
I think I missed something here.
Another thing, how’s k550 bass compared to hd598?
Hope for your reply.
Thanks 😀
Gibran
Ops, sorry, I posted double. I thought my previous posts did not get through.
Mike
Yes somehow we get a lot of double posts with the new Disqus.
Gibran
Somehow after you press the post button, the post is not displayed at the top, but somewhere below.
Mike
Thanks, I will look into that to see if anything can be done.
Gibran
Man.. Look at my triple post above. Sorry dude. I pressed the post button three times, but things only show after I refresh the whole page.
Mike
Yea that happens a lot with the new Disqus…
Mike
The bass quantity is good, but it doesn’t have the punch and the impact.
Likewise the M-50 has plenty of bass, a little bit more than the K550, but it’s not that punchy.
I hope you understand the difference.
Gibran
Thanks for the super quick reply.
So, K550 is more punchy than M-50 and HD598? Just less quantity
Mike
No they are all roughly about the same, maybe one a bit stronger than the other depending on the recording, but overall I would say that the bass punch are weak on all three headphones.
Gibran
Ah, I see. Actually I am purchasing M50. Waiting for it to arrive. A lot of people praise m50 for its bass. Now you are making me think to get K550 instead, haha.
Thanks 😀
Gibran
Ah, I see. Actually I am purchasing M50. Waiting for it to arrive. A lot of people praise m50 for its bass. Now you are making me think to get K550 instead, haha.
Thanks 😀
Gibran
Ah, I see. Actually I am purchasing M50. Waiting for it to arrive. A lot of people praise m50 for its bass. Now you are making me think to get K550 instead, haha.
Thanks 😀
Mike
Honestly I don’t understand why people praise the M-50’s bass. It’s a bit boomy, loose, not that punchy. The M-50 is good but not because of the bass.
Gibran
I guess the same thing like the Beats? Beats’ bass booms just like those bassy car audios, haha.
I never really heard a very high end audio equipment, though. So myself never really experience what a bass should be like. Have to try one day.
Mike
I don’t think this have to do with high end audio. You can get something relatively affordable like the AKG K518DJ and get a strong bass punch.
Gibran
I see. That’s exciting. I really need to dig up some more.
Mike
Hey, about the duplicate posts. What’s the problem that you’re having that’s causing them?
Gibran
Ah, I did it again… Basically, the screen does not update after you press the post button. Nothing happens at all. As if you didn’t press the button. So, I guess, most people will try to press the post button again. I am using Mozilla btw, if that can help.
Mike
Alright, thanks Gibran.
Gibran
Glad if I can help :D. This is such a great website.
Gibran
I see. That’s exciting. I really need to dig up some more.
Trent_D
Finally having put the K550 through the paces myself, it has less body in the bass than the m-50, but it is tighter.
Mike
Yes that’s what I heard too.
Mike
No Danta, Sorry.
Barry Rosekind
will you possibly be reviewing JDS labs o2 dac in the near future? i am trying to decide on a dac in that price range so my options are that or the hrt MS2.
Mike
Hi Barry
I’m sorry but we’re leaning towards a no. The reception we get the last time was really nasty.
Trent_D
That stinks. I don’t blame you though, as the comment boards for the O2 became really unpleasant. Healthy disagreement and debate is one thing, but that got very disrespectful. The sad thing is that the O2 and the ODAC are very interesting products, and I would love to see a review of the ODAC.
Mike
😉
Well the ODAC review, hypothetically speaking, if it turns out less than stellar, you can probably guess what’s going to happen.
Trent_D
The O2 review wasn’t bad, it just wasn’t the home run certain people needed to see.
Mike
Exactly! It was a good review in my opinion, but no amps are perfect.
Ken Stuart
I’ve been an audiophile and a science student turned engineer since the early 70s, and I have never seen the level of irrational hatred of audiophiles as I see now. Of course, it is the Internet that allows such a phenomena to grow due to endless positive feedback from other fanatics, and shouting down of any contrary viewpoints.
In this case, the idea “our side is objective rational science and their side is irrational nonsense” makes their brains immune to any rational scientific evidence against their point of view. So, their viewpoint has become a fundamentalist religion.
Usually the discussions end up boiling down to “double blind tests”.
Okay, so logically those tests either work or they don’t work (to telll us whether there is a true difference). But if they don’t work, HOW WOULD YOU KNOW ? You would need some better test, and then you would not need double blind testing.
For anything to be scientific, it needs a way of verification, and double blind testing cannot be verified. Since double blind testing has nothing that can verify its results, the belief that it is an ultimate test is a religion.
This is clearly shown by the anguished responses to any scientific arguments against “objective” testing, the exact same you get from any other challenges to someone’s religion.
dalethorn
I said this at headfi a year ago in the science section and got banned, so here again: Subliminal things don’t work well in blind testing, which by its nature prefers conscious reactions.
Mike
True. There are a lot of factors that need to be considered on in doing a proper blind test.
Some things, you pick up after long term listening up to several days. Almost impossible to do a blind test given these sort of circumstances.
alejandro vidal
You can do a blind test and listen for as long or as short as you want (though it’s usually harder to pick up differences on long listening sessions).
alejandro vidal
“For anything to be scientific, it needs a way of verification, and double blind testing cannot be verified. Since double blind testing has nothing that can verify its results, the belief that it is an ultimate test is a religion.”
so what better way would you suggest to verify audible differences between cables, amps, dacs, etc.? (and how is sighted listening in any way better for assessing this differences?)
also, you do not need to “verify” blind testing provided that its premises are logically correct and that its results don’t contradict previously known aspects of reality.
Ken Stuart
Listening is not just better, it is the only way. Why?
Think of a race car. Any number of times, top designers use advanced computer modeling to produce a car that is “definitely going to be faster”. Then the driver takes the car out to the track, only to find that it is half a second slower than the previous one.
In a similar way, the end result of all audio design is for humans to listen to music with their ears. So, the only possible way to evaluate anything is by the end result.
Side note – premises can be “logically correct” and not apply to actual reality:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zeno%27s_paradoxes
Lastly, another page for double-blind test fans:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Scientific_method
BTW, the claims that listening tests are subject to bias and placebo effect are certainly true, and readers of reviews are advised to be alert for that possibility.
alejandro vidal
I agree that listening you can better evaluate the end result of the audio chain, but in what way is sighted listening better than blind listening (given the unreliability of our sensory system)?
dalethorn
Here’s something to think about if you have the interest, but please don’t react before you have investigated or unless you are familiar with the subject. In the military we learned about something called off-center vision for “seeing” at night in apparent total darkness. It works. My hearing of small details in sound often works in a similar way. Increasing my concentration usually obscures the details that I hear better when relaxed and not focusing directly. This is why I think you need to run tests that get input from a broader range of people over a period of time with good statistical analysis, instead of trying focused DBT in a fixed place at a fixed time with a limited group of test subjects. Subliminal information cannot be picked up in DBT, by its very definition.
Ken Stuart
I am only getting the meaning of “sighted listening” by context, but if you mean comparing two bottles of wine blindfolded as opposed to knowing in advance which wine was poured, then I do not see any advantage to knowing. In fact, the first time a California wine beat a French wine in a major testing was when the taster did not know what was in each glass.
So, similarly, a blindfolded headphone test would be more likely to eliminate bias and placebo effect.
The problems arise when you get more complicated, like double blind tests and ABX tests, because you need a way in which to verify that the mechnism is not affecting the judging process, and all those sorts of things are so complicated and restricted that they could affect the results.
But just single blind tests are fine.
For example, one could take the 02 headphone amp and the C421 headphone amp and mount both of them in identical larger cases with generic headphone jacks, knobs etc. Then someone like Mike could spend weeks using one box – marked Amp A – and another identical one – marked Amp B – for weeks in normal listening situations
It is only when tests change the listening method that there is a problem.
dalethorn
Most of the difference in cables and amps is going to be subliminal. How will blind testing pick that up?
alejandro vidal
if the difference (subliminal or not) is in the actual sound then it should pick it up, as a matter of fact I don’t think you can even establish the existence a “subliminal audio effect” without DBT.
dalethorn
If DBT requires conscious attention to differences, then it will not account for subliminals, by definition.
alejandro vidal
sighted listening in a review context requires conscious attention to differences and details as well, how could you possibly describe differences in sound that you are not consciously aware of (because they are supposed to be subliminal)?
Subliminal effects have been established by looking at the brain activity reaction to different stimulus and not telling the subjects if the stimulus is actually different, if you where to tell the subject that there is a difference in the stimulus you would have no way to discern between expectation bias and subliminal effect.
Mike
Good post, Ken.
Truth is, everybody chooses what they want to belief and build their arguments around that.
dalethorn
The O2 promo discussions remind me a lot of the promotion that Henry Kloss did for his “Small Advent” loudspeaker many years ago. He had a real winner with the original speaker, albeit other than fantastic bass for the price it was otherwise bland sounding. Then he marketed the Small speaker as having “The same bandwidth as the original larger speaker.” Oopsie – the critical reviews got to the point really quick with “Response at 32 hz was mostly doubling.” And I thought I could trust the guy. So fast forward to 2012 and I have the O2 – and it sounds really good. And in some respects relating to simplicity of design it may even be a real breakthrough like Kloss’ original speaker. But too many people have tried to stretch “good value” and “engineering achievement” beyond a reasonable limit. I can only wish that the design guy will make more good designs and keep the claims modest – let the reviewers do the exaggerations.
jjhfhj ghmhg
Hi Mike,
I’m looking for the best & most natural-sounding a headphone which doesn’t add external qualities to the music as much as possible) headphone and an amp for about 600 $ for listening to Ambient/Noise music & I have come to these:
Hifiman HE-400
Shure SRH-1840
Sennheiser HD 600
AKG K550
AKG Q701
Stax SRS-2170
If none of them are good enough, which headphone (& amp) do you recommend?
Thanks in advance
Mike
One answer:
Beyer DT880 600 ohm.
John123John
Hey mike,
Comparison on Triple Fi 10 and Shure 215?
Mike
If you want bass, fast pace, rock, then it’s the TF10.
The Shure 215 is warm, full mids, moderate pace.
jjhfhj ghmhg
Sorry, but when I said most natural-sounded , I didn’t mean that much of naturalness .If you consider this point, you still recommend DT880?
Thanks in advance.
Mike
The word natural means different things to different people.. It’s really hard for me to know what you really mean. But if you want something that doesn’t add anything to the music, you can try the DT880 Beyerdynamic.
jjhfhj ghmhg
Thanks.
I was afraid to choose DT880 because some people say it’s not able of nice sub-bass and somewhat lacking weight through the mids and also it’s a little bit treblish. But if you say it’s good enough for AMBIENT/NOISE music, I’ll get it. But you forgot to recommend an amp too?
Mike
I’m not saying that it’s going to be good for your music. 🙂
No, seriously, I’m just saying that if you want something that doesn’t add anything to the music, then give the DT880 a try.
The comments with the headphone being trebly, lacking weight on the mids and bass are correct. That’s why some people prefer colored headphones that is more relaxed on the treble, fuller on the mids and weightier on the bass, like the HD650.
(here is a review just in case you want to read it: http://www.headfonia.com/old-school-trio-akg-k701-beyer-dt880-sennheiser-hd650/)
As for the amp, go with the NwAvGuy O2 amp. http://www.headfonia.com/nwavguys-objective-2-by-jdslabs-and-epiphany-acoustics/
Chris Allen
Hey Mike!
I was wondering how the HD598 would compare to the
ESW-9?
Mike
Briefly,
The ESW-9 I think has a better tonal balance, smaller soundstage, less grain, more bass.
The HD598 is more airy, sweeter mids, more spacious, less bass, more grainy, more accurate imaging, more soundstage depth, more mid centric.
Hope that helps.
Chris Allen
Would the HD598 be more Grado like then?
Alfred
I plan to buy a JKDAC32 and are looking for a desktop amp to match. I listen to mostly electronic house music. I’ve been looking into the Apex Butte and like the formfactor. You write that the Burson HA160 is better for fast paced music. I think it’s a little big and don’t really like the shiny silver style. I have the HD-25 MKII and Beyerdynamic DT-1350 and plan to buy a T1 or a LCD-2 as well.
Do you have any other amp suggestions? The budget is around €500.
Thanks
John123John
yo mike, I have a question about amps.
So what are the requirements for a speaker amp vs a headphone amp? Can the asgard, cmoy or darkstar drive passive speakers?
Thanks
Mike
John,
Mostly power demands. Speakers need a lot more power to run. They are physically bigger, they move more air, they need to move those air over bigger distance than with headphones.
John123John
Yo mike,
Thinking about doing a review of the ODAC? probably compare it to the Dacport. yea cool?
Thanks.
John123John
Yo mike,
Thinking about doing a review of the ODAC? probably compare it to the Dacport. yea cool?
Thanks.
L.
Probably no ODAC review.
Mike
John,
The exact same question answered a few lines down 😉
http://www.headfonia.com/q-a-2012/#comment-541655031
Eagle1776
Double Post! Doh!
Eagle1776
I’ve found myself with nothing except an ipod classic. I went a certain direction and then found it wasn’t for me, sold some stuff, and am back looking for a couple recommendations. I’ve got about $700 total.
I’ve owned the HD600 several times (either w/ E9 or O2) and really enjoyed it, though they are a little dark and a little uncomfortable for me. Considering getting them again but would like to see what options are out there. There’s a lot of stuff I’ve never looked at (Hifiman, new Shures, AKG-K550). I really don’t like recessed mids. I found the K701 lifeless and sterile, the D2000 good for its price but a little sloppy w/ recessed mids, the DT880 not bad but the treble was kind of metallic or maybe fabricated, the M50 kind of silly for classical, the M80 not bad for vocal stuff but uncomfortable and poor isolation and the HD25 uncomfortable and really only fantastic for rock.
I think I’d like to split my funds between an open and a closed pair, though if there is an option that is just stellar for me that is more expensive, I could buy a cheap pair of over ears/in ears for portable. Probably 4/5 of my listening can be open, 1/5 closed. I listen tons of classical (strings, quartets and some symphonies), folk and jazz. A little rock on the side. The HD600 is a good sound for me, but I’m interested in a darker background and clarity. I guess I want to see if time has improved on the HD600.
Thanks for any recommendations!
dalethorn
The Philips L1 sounds excellent with bass reduction (and the bass is strong and full all the way down with bass reduction). The Shure 1440/1840 has light bass compared to a 650 or a bass-reduced L1.
Mike
You really know what you want, but I hate to say that it’s going to be hard to find one that fits your criteria.
The Philips L1 and the AKG K550 both have a darker background and excellent clarity, but the mids are less forward than on the HD600.
I think you may want to try the HD650 out of a desktop set up. It has a darker background and have better separation than the HD600, but you should be using a good desktop set up for it.
Budget somewhere around $1K for the DAC/Amp set up for the HD650 and you’ll get a pretty good black background sound with it.
The KingRex DAC is excellent for the price and gives an extremely black background:
http://www.headfonia.com/black-holes-and-revelations-kingrex-ud384-dac-and-upower-psu/
And for the amp, go with the Bottlehead Crack. I’m going to be publishing a review of the Crack this week.
Pkrdlr
Hi, Headphonia, Glad I found your site the reviews and insights are great for a newbie like me.Using Rule #3: More Headphones Is Better Than One Headphone, My budget is $300.00 for 2 headphones. One for Classical and the other for Classic Rock. Your advice is greatly need and appreciated.For now my only source is the headphone out from my Onkyo C7030 cd player until I can afford a dedicated amp in about 1-2 months.I don’t mind buying used.Also if you have any advice for a desktop amp under $300 ( w/o a dac ) for down the road that would be great also.Thank you for your time.
Mike
$300 for two headphones. That’s not easy.
Say an Allesandro MS-1 for classic rock. ~$100
And for classical, something like the Shure SRH-840
or you can get the Senn HD600, I think it covers both classic rock and classical pretty well.
For the desktop amp, either get the Schiit Asgard (search for Schiit on the website’s search box) or the Bottlehead Crack (review currently on the front page)
Pkrdlr
Mike, Thank you for your help with my question.
Jonah_Chao
Hey Mike (and Lieven!),
I’ve read through your review on the Shure SRH1440/1840, and thought it was great. However, I noticed that you mostly compared the 1440’s with it’s superior sibling, and briefly touched upon how it compared with the HD600’s.
How do you think the SRH1440’s compete with other models within the same price range, such as the HE400, HD650’s, K701, DT880, etc?
I’m asking because I feel like upgrading from my current headphones (D2000), as I find the mids to be too recessed (the vocals seem too distant and “sucked out” from the rest of the music). So, I think the more appropriate question to ask is which one of these phones (or any others) would suit me best?
I primarily listen to rock (mainly classic, but some grunge, hard and alternative), though I also enjoy classical, blues/jazz, down-tempo, trip-hop, and a little bit of acoustic.
Basically, I’d like to know which all-rounder would be best-suited to my tastes (which I realize are kind of all over the place, sorry!) within the $300-$500 price bracket.
My current system consists of HRT MSII -> Matrix M-stage -> D2000’s, though I have no desire to upgrade my other components unless absolutely necessary.
Thanks a lot, guys!
Mike
Hey Jonah,
Yes the reasoning behind that is that with every new headphone release in the market, we feel that it’s going to be too tedious to do a brand-by-brand comparison. The matrix will get very big and I don’t think people will enjoy reading it. Additionally, we feel that the majority of people who reads this site already have an idea of how most common headphones sound, and so we’ll only draw comparisons with headphones that relate well. In the case of the 1840-1440, I feel that the HD600-650 is a good base of comparison.
On the vocals question, you can find it on the review that the 1440 is more forward, but the overall vocal quality is better on the 1840.
I think it’ll be hard to recommend the 1840 for hard rock, down-tempo and trip-hop. Mostly it’s going to be good for the classic rock, grunge, alt, classical, blues/jazz, acoustic.
Ken Stuart
Mike – I did a search on this question, and have not come across it asked before, so… Can you compare the AKG K550, the V-Mode M80, and the Philips Fidelio L1 ? (since they are all new, all similarly priced, and all either closed or semi-closed) Thanks !
Mike
Ken, briefly:
K550: Biggest soundstage, dark sound, fairly linear top to bottom, slight recessed mids, moderate pace, laid back. L1: Medium soundstage, dark sound, fairly linear but a little bass heavy, moderately forward, good pace, good PRaT, good bass punch. M80: Smallest soundstage, less dark than the other two, fairly linear with slightly recessed mids, fastest pace of the three, great PRaT, good bass punch.
Ken Stuart
What about just in terms of “____ is better for ___ while ___ is better for ___ ” ? Thanks !
Mike
Generally, the faster the pace of the headphone and the better the PRaT, the better it is for fast Rock. The slower the pace, the better it is for medium paced music, acoustics, jazz and such.
Mutnat
Hey guys, any plans to review the Focal Spirit One closed cans?
L.
There might be yes
Harsya Fadilla
Hey mike, can I ask for some advice… so I’m looking for a new headphone, I’m gonna be using it for Movie Musical Score which means it’s all about soundstage, strings, big band and such, probably wont be too far from classical music… I’m currently considering Audio Technica AD700 and A superlux HD668B.. which one should I get? do you have any other suggestion under 100$/roughly 1jt rupiah… (I can get ad700 for that price, used though),
Thanks,
Mike
Better to go with the AD700, or AD900 if you can.
masoud ekhtesasi
Hi Mike,
Thanks for your great website and for your time. I have a pairs of Hifiman HE-400 (+Objective2) and I listen mostly to Drone doom, Funeral Doom & Sludge, but it lacks the clarity, accuracy and neutrality that i want (and also its soundstage is not that deep and accurate). I like it, but I don’t love it. After reading your site, I’ve come to these three:
Koss ESP-950 Electrostatic System
Audio Technica ATH-A1000X
Sennheiser HD600
Are they better than my current headphone? If no, can you recommend me another one? and if yes, which amp do you recommend to use with them?
Thanks
Mike
Hi Masoud,
Headphones are not “better” as in the absolute sense. You will always find that they are better in one area and less so in another area. Those three headphones are good, I think you need to give them a try. The HD600 is perhaps the most popular out of the three, and so if you don’t have a chance to audition them, I would recommend to start with the HD600.
masoud ekhtesasi
Thank you Mike.
Maybe the reason that I don’t love HE-400’s sound is that I used to DT880’s sound. I was in love with their great sound. But, it broke and I got HE-400 instead. IMO they are in opposite sides. Of course HE-400’s sub-bass is amazing and its treble is a little bit less shiny & annoying, but it lacks the detail, both in bass area and treble area. But as you’ve said I should try HD600. Can you recommend me an amp that makes HD600’s treble a little bit less grainy, please?
Thanks in advance
Mike
Masoud,
The Bottlehead Crack is one of the cleanest amp I’ve listened to.
masoud ekhtesasi
Sorry Mike, But just as a question I own Asgard & Objective2. Is The Bottlehead Crack a huge difference? You know it’s a kit and I don’t know anything about this kinds of stuff.
Thanks
Mike
Yes the difference is pretty big.
Trent_D
I don’t know. Have you tried the O2 vs the Crack in a double blind test 😉
Mike
Damn is that a trick question or what? 😉
Trent_D
I have to say, I am still really curious as to how the O2 and ODAC sounds. I might have to try them for myself.
Mike
Alright man.
Trent_D
I would offer to write my impressions if I do, but I don’t want people to threaten my children if it doesn’t blow me away.
dalethorn
I filed the serial number off of my O2. Just in case.
Trent_D
You were fond of the O2, were you not? As someone who loves clarity and detail with his classical music, how do you think the O2 would do?
dalethorn
I’m using the O2 now with my ipod touch and a istreamer DAC. Funny you mention classical and clarity/detail. I just got a SACD (with CD layer) of Beethoven 9 by the Minnesota Orchestra and conductor Osmo Vanska. With the ATH M50 headphone it sounded slightly dull or something – hard to pin down – probably too much floppy bass. Anyway switch to the Shure 1840 headphone and what an amazing difference. It sounded more like live music than anything I’ve heard in a long time. You know that live sound – doesn’t have quite the high freq. sparkle all over everything like most commercial CD’s. Simply marvelous. And when the bells, triangles, other percussion cuts in – it’s all there. Total detail. Just not the boosted highs. Love it.
Once I got the mental picture I switched back to the M50 and then I could hear everything better. So I highly recommend the recording, and as for the O2, I think it does good basic repro on everything I’ve played – clean, clear, reasonable balance of lows to highs and detail. But the only amps I’ve compared it to were an old $400 Headroom amp and the Cute Beyond by Firestone. I’m going to shop for awhile before I upgrade the amp since the O2 works well, and it seems from the reviews that different amps have almost unpredictable reactions to any given headphone.
Trent_D
Hehe, not only do I have the full set of the Vanska Beethoven cycle, but I am a season ticket holder with the Minnesota Orchestra. Excellent choice!
As for the O2, I have the K550 and that took me a while to save up for, so the O2+ODAC is tempting because of the proposed quality for the price. It is a Cmoy and the headstage cable dac right now.
dalethorn
This is so good to hear – I got some downloads of live recordings already from the Minnesota site, so eventually I should have a pretty good selection of their music. I hope other music venues pick up on this idea of offering these different formats, as well as live and non-live recordings.
Mike
It’s a pity that the Vanska Beethoven set sounds so compressed. I can’t help but feeling as if they recorded that on a closed mic set up.
And I don’t know, I think Vanska’s style sounds too stiff for me. Lacks flow. Just my amateurish sense.
Trent_D
Vanska seems to be a love him or leave him conductor. I love his Beethoven cycle. I know others who don’t. I read rave reviews of his performances, and I read less then stellar. Although, if those haters listen to his cycle and that of another conductors in a double blind test, I doubt they could tell the difference.
Trent_D
The blind test line was a joke, just in case someone took it seriously.
dalethorn
I enjoyed it.
dalethorn
I read a review on a piano set once that described the playing technique as like working with an ice pick. It left an indelible impression that carries over to other things. Now I wouldn’t describe Vanska’s technique as ice-pick-like, but on some of those sudden breaks to a short and soft, slow passage, he does pick over the notes as though he’s afraid to sound rushed as so many(!) conductors have. As to the mic placements, Vanska’s Beethoven does sound really different, but try switching headphones or speaker placement and you may discover it not only doesn’t sound compressed, but sounds like live music in a less-reflective space. This type of sound can be a real fooler sometimes.
Trent_D
I believe they were recorded in Orchestra Hall in Minneapolis. Amazing acoustics in that place. What I love about his cycle, is that he isn’t afraid to be extreme in dynamic range. When the music is suppose to be quiet, it whispers. When it is suppose to be loud, it thunders. Really different from what most recordings do today.
I agree that Vanska does take take his time in pacing his symphonies (I believe he was very faithful to Beethoven’s tempo markings, but don’t quote me on that). But just like you need to know quiet to really appreciate loud, you need slow to really enjoy fast. When the tempo really starts to move (4th movement of his the 5th symphony), it cooks.
And I listen to this music with headphones. So now, it is a justifiable headfonia post.
dalethorn
I find the pacing OK in general, but the light, soft “tick tick tick” parts do need to be more fluid. I’m curious also now to hear more commentary on the micing and impressions of the soundstage from different people using different gear.
Trent_D
The only difference between professional sense and amateur sense is the professional sense gets paid.
Johnathon Williamson
Hi Mike and Lieven,
I am in the market for a new IEM. I currently use my Sennheiser HD25-1 II as a portable headphone, along with an iPod Classic; and I’m in love with the sound, but I’d prefer to just leave them at home and not have something around my neck at all times when I’m out. I’m looking for an IEM that sounds as similar as possible to the HD25 (maybe with better sub-bass extension, though). My budget is around $300. Any suggestions?
Mike
Johnathon,
Sorry I can’t think of any.. I haven’t been into IEMs for a while now.
L.
Try the Fischer Audio Eterna Rev 1 or 2. Excellent value and Sennlike sound for a fifth of your budget
Johnathon Williamson
Lieven,
Thanks for the suggestion, but the Eterna seems to be more similar to the Sennheiser house sound, warm and laid back. The HD25 doesn’t stick with the typical sound of other Sennheiser headphones, its brighter and more forward and “Grado-like”.
L.
That’s exactly why I put “Sennheiser” 😉
Mike
Maybe the DBA-02 is a bit like the HD25-1. They updated it a while ago I think, but I haven’t been following it.
Fauaad Anees
Hey there, I have a warranty related query this time. My Sennheiser PX 100-II developed a problem and I sent them in for repair (they have over a year of warranty still left). However, the people at my local Sennheiser say that they need to ship the product to Singapore for repair and that I have to pay the courier cost.
I just wanted to know, are they right to do that? I can’t find it anywhere in the terms and conditions that I have to pay the courier cost, plus they didn’t tell me that when I bought my headphones either.
Mike
Fauaad,
It’s very difficult to judge and I’m in no position to make that call.
Fauaad Anees
Whats the usual procedure for stuff like headphones? Have you ever sent in anything for repair on warranty?
Mike
Not on warranty, but I broke an ATH headphone last year and they had to order the parts from Japan which took them a few months.
Mike
Fauaad,
It’s very difficult to judge and I’m in no position to make that call.
John123John
What is a recommended product that can connect to both headphones and an active speaker simultaneously”
like a dac that has two outputs or an amp with headphone jack and line-out/pre-amp.
not really sure what the difference between line-out and pre-amp are either…
line-out: where the volume is controlled by the next amplifier.
pre-amp: to connect to amps together? idk.. something with a turntable. who knows.
Thanks!
Mike
Pre amp out and line out I think are just different names for the same thing.
You can get a DAC like the Fiio E10 that has both line out and headphone out.
John123John
Anything a little more dedicated? I currently have the Schiit Asgard so Im mainly looking for a Dac with two (switchable) outputs.
John123John
I see the Burson 160D, Dacmini and Audinst mx1. Might have to settle for the mx1 due to the first two being SO expensive. jeez. I need that digital input though….
Mike
Yes that’s true. Worth to mention that with the Burson 160D and Audinst, the pre-out and the headphone out won’t run together simultaneously. I’m not sure about the Dacmini.
dalethorn
I presume Mike has the 4-1-1 on the V-MODA vamp by now….?
Chris Allen
Hey Guys,
I was just lent the HiFiMAN EF2A with both the stock tubes and some Mullard CV4010 tubes. Using this amp with HD280 PRO, I think I found a decent amp with PRaT, refinement, and Hi-Gain (my only con). Not to mention the mids are much more energetic and forward, while almost being full. The Treble has become sparkly, but not to the point where it is too harsh.
Anyways, I hope I described it somewhat accurately, but I really wanted to know if you guys have tried HiFiMAN’s little “budget” amp and if so, what were your thoughts on it? 🙂
Thanks,
Chris
Harsya Fadilla
hey Mike and Lieven,
I asked you about AD700 and 668B, which is better for musical score.. and you said that the AD700. What I wanted to ask is, if I include another phones, the akg k240 sextett.. which one you think will be better for movie musical score? I know it will be a little harder to drive, but lets just put that aside cause I think I have the equip’ that can drive it..
thanks!
Tom Kinsella
Hi Mike
I’m wondering if an Audio Technica ATH-ES10 would benefit from a JDSLab C421 for on the go, most genres of music or would a ALO National be better?
And if I had one of those would there be much point in getting a Schiit Asgard for my desktop?
I also have the Sennheiser HD598, ordered the AKG K550 and will probably be getting the Ultrasone Signature Pro HPs in the future; If you have any thoughts on those?
Also have the Titanium HD Sound Card in desktop.
Fiio E17.
cMoyBB.
Thank you.
Victor Yu
Hi Mike, do you have any suggestion on neutral sounding RCA cable from DAC to Amp?
dalethorn
Stereo RCA on both ends?
Ken Stuart
To be honest, Victor, the answer to that question is an entire web site, with a hundred reviews, broken up into price categories, etc. etc. Is there a “cablia.com” web site ? 🙂 If not, there has got to be something somewhere on the web…
Mike
What is neutral? To some people silver wire is neutral. To me silver is *usually* dry.
Kevin Cotrone
Do you think we’ll see a review of the ODAC? Would love to see opinions on a DAC that is supposed to sound transparent and clean for $100.
Trent_D
I doubt it. I would love to see that as well, but after the extremely rude and hostile reactions of a select few to the O2 review, I don’t think Mike or L want to deal with that again. Can’t say I blame them either.
L.
Exactly, but then I’m getting tempted 😀
Trent_D
I can’t say I wouldn’t love it, as the ODAC and the O2 are very interesting products at a very attractive price point. Maybe just leave the comment section closed?
Kevin Cotrone
I thought you were referring to outside reactions. Now I will have to go look through those…
Brandon Wong
Hey Would you recommend the JDS Labs C421 OR The Fiio E17 for my AKG Q701’S? i want portable on the go? :p thanks or any other suggestions for under 200usd
Mike
Brandon,
If you want a portable on the go, the C421 would be better. The E17 if you want to listen to music from the computer.
Adhi Hardiansyah
So if we to judge based on the amp functionality, the C421 is better and E17 prowess is located on the DAC side?
Mike
Yes. C421 = better amp. E17 = DAC.
Harsya Fadilla
hey Mike and Lieven,
I asked you about AD700 and 668B, which is better for musical score.. and you said that the AD700. What I wanted to ask is, if I include another phones, the akg k240 sextett.. which one you think will be better for movie musical score? I know it will be a little harder to drive, but lets just put that aside cause I think I have the equip’ that can drive it..
thanks!
Mike
The Sextett.. you can sort of extrapolate from the current K240 line up. It’s not that much different.
I think the K240 lacks air and space for musical scores.
Ken Stuart
Mike – I checked the FAQ first, but did not see this defined, so…
Can you clarify what you mean by “grain” in headphone sound ? Thanks.
Mike
Ah, explaining sound with words is never easy yes?
When you listen to a recording, a good reproduction should give you a “visual” if you know what I mean. This visual is like photographs. Hi ISO 35mm film are very grainy. Lo ISO 35mm slides have zero grain. Similarly, sometimes audio gear gives you that grainy reproduction. It can be nice for some music, just like how some very iconic photographs come with heavy amount of grain.
Hafiz Yunaf
Hi Mike and L. i’m searching for a DAC upgrade that has similar sound signature with Audinst ( smooth relaxed, full low, warm, spacious/wide soundstage, perhaps a little bit dark ). Will the Pico DAC be a nice improvement in DAC section compared to Audinst?
Mike
The HRT MS2+ is.
Shirish Tiwari
Hi Mike!
I am Shirish from India. This is my first post here, though I have been following Headfonia for almost a year now. First, huge congratulations for such an amazing website!
My post will be a large one, so have patience 🙂
I will divide it in 2 parts- Information and questions.
PART 1- INFORMATION:-
Being a total lover of headphones (with little knowledge of how to put them to good use), I bought a load of them.
I have-
Headphones- Sennheiser HD598, HD650, Shure SRH 1440, Beyerdynamic DT 880, Ultrasone PrO 900, Bose QC15, Audio Technica ATH M50, Denon AHD 5000, AKG K702, Koss PRO4AAAT, Beats Studio
In Ear- Shure SE535, Koss KDE250, Sennheiser CX300II, IE8, Bose IE2, Monster Miles Davis Trumpet, Bowers & Wilkins C5
Speakers- Harman Kardon Soundsticks III, Bose Companion 5
Sources- Alienware laptop, Apple MacBook Pro, Ipod Classic 6th Gen, Colorfly Pocket HiFi C4 Pro
Now, I used to own Audinst HUD MX1, sold it to a friend along with my old HD600. It was a good little piece, but never really gave me the pleasure I expected from so many and nice headphones.
When I began reading about audiophile stuff, I gathered that I have been a fool to buy all these headphones and no good desktop audio setup. So then, enlightened as I am, I have decided to stop buying more headphones for now, and invest in a good quality rig.
I have decided for the FiiO E17 for my portable needs. Need help in desktop setup.
I would like to buy products available locally in India, instead of having them shipped from overseas (weird and huge import duty rules of the gov here!). I will miss some awesome brands like Burson, Schiit, Woo, Rein, HifiMan, Headroom etc. for now.
Products available in India (what I know of)-
Asus Xonar Essence One, Govibe Vulcan Mini, Beyerdynamic A1 Amp, Musical Fidelity, Cambridge Audio, Fostex, CEntrance, Grace Design, Manley Labs, Stax, Maverick Audio, NuForce, Rotel, AudioResearch, Jeff Rowland, Theta Digital, Bang & Olufsen.
* I listen to all kinds of music, so I need something neutral and natural sounding, not inclined towards any particular kind of music.
PART 2- QUESTIONS-
1. Is FiiO E17 good as a portable device, any other reccomendation in the price range $150-300?
2. Considering the hardware I have, and a budget of not more than $1600, what would you suggest for desktop setup (AMP+DAC)? I guess for my budget a solid state amp is better suited, or am I wrong? I plan to buy more expensive headphones after a couple of years, so will definitely buy an awesome tube amp then.
3. Do I need a Pre Amp for headphones and these speakers? Can a good headphone amp drive speakers?
It would be really nice if its a 2 in 1 unit (AMP/DAC in one, really loved the reviews of Burson HA160), but I have no qualms about buying two separate pieces if necessary. I have read a lot about hardware on forums, from M1s to DacMagics etc., but frankly, it has only confused me even more!
Please provide more than one options (single unit or kit) and correct me if I’m wrong anywhere. I simply want the best sounding rig for my budget.
Thank you and warm regards
Mike
Hi Shirish!
That was long, but at least I get a good idea of your set up now.
Manley Labs stuff are always good. I’ve reviewed the Stingray amp here, and the Neo-Classic 300B pre amp is another excellent product from them. Too bad they are around $6K.
For about $1.6K, the Grace Design m903 is going to be an excellent DAC/amp box. I had the m902 for a long time before I finally sold it.
Shirish Tiwari
Hi Mike!
Thank you for actually replying! I thought you would skip it just by the size of the post! Hehehe!
This is amazing! I am extremely interested in the Manley and Grace Design myself! Really feel happy that you gave m903 as the first choice! Though here in India, the m903 actually overshoots my budget. And yes the Manley products are outlandishly expensive!
Now that we stand firmly about the m903, I still have a few questions 🙂
What are your views about (as extra options)-
1. MF M1HPA+M1DAC or M1HPA+VDACII
2. CA DacMagic Plus vs MF M1DAC
3. NuForce DAC9 (I know it might be over my budget)
4. I found m903 uses Burr Brown PCM 1798. Does it use one or two chips? What are the differences in DACs with two chips (in dual differential I guess) vs. single chips?
5. If I wasn’t limited by the brands available in India, would you still suggest the m903 or would there be any other recommendations? (This questions is simply out of curiosity :D)
Thank you once again
Warm Regards
Mike
Shirish,
I absolutely have no idea with the other boxes so I can’t comment on them.
I thought that the original Dacmagic is a fine DAC box, but I have no experience with the headphone out of the Plus model.
As for the dual or single chips, they may state lower distortion figures with dual chip and/or the ability to output a fully balanced signal.
Shirish Tiwari
Hey Mike!
Okay. Precise explanation. I understand it now.
The Grace Design m903 is costing $2700 in India. Damn me! :O
Mike
Ouch that’s really expensive!
Shirish Tiwari
Yup. Add to it about a month of waiting time! Now I’m beginning to look for other options. Though my heart is going all out for the m903! It is B-E-A-U-TIFUL!!
Its pretty surprising at times. I bought the Beyerdynamic and Sennheisers, brand new, for less than the USD price here in India!
Mike
The Grace box are always beautiful 🙂
orta03
Happy Father’s Day Mike! Put your feet up and enjoy those wonderful gears you have. 😉
Mike
Thanks, Orta!
I actually did. My daughter and I listened to music together last night. The RSA Dark Star amp has three headphone outs, so I plugged in the HD650 in the balanced port for her, and I used the MS-Pro in the single ended port and we listened to Mozart’s Concerto No.21!
Trent_D
That’s my kind of father’s day. My youngest loves listen to headphones with me. On an unrelated note, I went and saw the Minnesota Orchestra a few days ago, and the only words that came into my mind during the (excellent) show were, “bass slam”
Mike
How was the bass slam?
Trent_D
I could feel it. It was pretty nice. I never realized how important it was to the music.
Shirish Tiwari
Hi Mike and Lieven! Good day to all members too!
Other than the HQPlayer featured here, what software (for windows 7) would you suggest for playback of high quality mp3 and lossless audio?
And what are your recommendations for high quality cd audio grabber/ ripper softwares? (windows 7 again)
Thank you and warm regards
Chris Allen
Hi Shirish!
I personally use Foobar2000 for audio playback. For ripping CDs, I just use iTunes. Most of my files, if not all, are in Apple Lossless Codec (ALAC). I find it easy to do and great to organize. There are other options, but I find this option the easiest. ALAC is really just Apple’s alternative to FLAC, and there is really no loss in quality as it is still a lossless format.
Hope that helps! =)
Jack Knight
hei mike, which one is better for overall, GS novo or schiit asgard?
Mike
Tough call.. plus and minuses.
Stephen Loke
Which would be the best portable DAC for the HD25-1 II, C421 & the Ipod Classic?
L.
Cypherlabs CLAS from ALO
Stephen Loke
The CLAS is quite expensive though. Is it really worth that much money?
L.
That’s something you have to make up for yourself. Don’t spend it if you can’t miss it is what I always say 😉
Chris Allen
There are perhaps only a handful of portable DAC’s that can bypass the built-in DAC of the iPod/iPhone. The ones that are available are at rather hefty price, unfortunately.
L.
I can count 2 portable ones. Fairly expensive indeed
Stephen Loke
ok thanks.
Ken Stuart
The HRT iStreamer does that and is US$199, which is roughly the same price as the other components.
Chris Allen
Yes, but its really not portable.
Ken Stuart
Why do you say that ? Did you see the new review on this site ?
dalethorn
When I run the iStreamer in the most portable way, I have the iPhone connected to the iStreamer with the Apple cable (I found a 6 inch cable), the iStreamer getting power from the Mophie battery with a USB cable, and the iStreamer connected to a headphone amp with a short high-quality RCA to miniplug cable. So that’s 4 components and 3 cables. You almost need to build a box or special carrycase to keep the stuff from falling all over the place, unless portable means just using in the hotel. Actually, I’ve found I get greater convenience, better sound, and less hassle with a small laptop and a Headstreamer. Just one cable and 2 components -vs- 3 cables and 4 components.
Linus Holmqvist
So I’ve got HD555 now but plan on getting HD650. Rarely listen to aggresive music like hardrock, goa trance etc. Anyhow, I’ve got Onkyo SR607 A/V receiver now but read that onkyo dont do that well with heaphones like hd650, so guess i better get a headphone amp. As I dont have any pre out on the back, can I use tv/tape pre out instead to a headphone amplifier?
If this works, is there any need to get a DAC aswell?
A bit intrested in Fiio e9+e7/e17 combo as it is cheap, and it does make it possibly to use e7/e17 for my mp3player. But priority is to get a good sound as desktop.
Mike
I think the Onkyo should do okay.. I would get the headphones first and try it out. I don’t think the HD650 is a hard headphone to drive.
Linus Holmqvist
Hm ok, Most people over at head-fi seem to think otherwise. Anyway, using HD555 seems to get me bored using these headphones to this onkyo. Dont know if it’s the headphones or the A/V though.
Ken Stuart
If you are using an HD555 and an Onkyo receiver, then my experience (with similar Senns and similar Onkyos) is that a DAC will make the biggest difference at this point. What is your current source ?
Linus Holmqvist
Currently my setup is: Foobar > computer onboard sound optical out > Onkyo SR607 > Monitor audio speakers / headphones.
Im using my HD555 as we speak listening to music, but i would rather turn up the volume and use my speakers instead.
Ken Stuart
Yes, I found that even a $20 DAC from 10 years ago was better sound quality than computer onboard sound.
Whereas Onkyo receivers are good quality in the amplifier world (I’m listening to one right now), and HD555 is good quality in the headphone world.
So, you can read DAC reviews here at Headfonia.
Linus Holmqvist
Yeah but what I dont get it.. I use computer onboard sound OPTICAL out = isnt this just zeros and ones? 111010101 = it can either work well or not work at all. Which means the “source” DAC i will be using in my current system is the DAC inside my onkyo?
I understand your saying if u DONT use DIGITAL/OPTICAL computer > Recievers. But thats what im using.
PS. This is what I learnt yesterday, correct me if im wrong with thinking this 🙂
Ken Stuart
Here is some reading on this:
http://www.positive-feedback.com/Issue43/jitter.htm
Linus Holmqvist
aight, perhaps getting like a asus xonar DX/D1 will fix things then. So it will look like this.
Asus xonar optical > onkyo > speakers/sub
Asus xonar rcaa > amp > headphones.
What would you say about this setup?
Ken Stuart
What in the article made you think that the Xonar optical output would be any better than the built-in optical output ?
Linus Holmqvist
Some guy over at head-fi recommended it. Should be better then built-in optical i guess.. but ye. I dont know. I bought HD650 now anyways, now the hard part is to get a amp/dac system for it..So many different things to consider and choose from
Ken Stuart
The only improvement of a Xonar is the one that has good DAC chips and so needs to be used from the analog output.
The article that I linked explained why optical is not best.
Shirish Tiwari
Hello everyone!
A question which has been ringing me for a while now. Whats more important while selecting a DAC, a high quality/branded DAC chip or other circuitry or both? Basically how do you select a good DAC based on reviews and without hearing one?
At most of the audiophile forums I hear, Burr-Brown and Wolfson chips to be the best. Then again some high quality really expensive DAC boxes have some brands which aren’t these. Like the Ipod video 5.5G sounded awesome with its wolfson, but the new 6G classic (they say it has a Cirrus chip), doesn’t sound all that nice. But I also own a Colorfly C4 PRO which has a Cirrus chip, and it sounds amazing!
Some people say more complex the circuitry, more issues with sound; simple circuits = awesome sound. But then some really high grade outlandishly expensive amps and DACs have circuits which make you lose your mind! How do you read and select then?
What other brands make really good DAC chips?
Thank you and warm regards.
dalethorn
I start with the DAC’s in my price range and look for any unusual features or comments about the sound that are specific enough to use to compare to other comments on the same items. If I don’t feel comfortable with the DAC’s on my short list, I may have to go up in price. Generally I don’t worry about the chips, but my main concerns besides the sound are reliability, the mfr’s reputation for repair, whether there are firmware upgrades, etc. If you consider your audio system to be an investment in items that you might need to sell later, then you might consider long-term resale value too.
Ken Stuart
“Basically how do you select a good DAC based on reviews and without hearing one?” Ultimately, you need to listen to it.
If you let someone else pick your brand/model of car, your flavor of ice
cream, your favorite food, and which political party to support, then
are you really living your own life ?
Second, you are also falling into the trap of looking for the magic easy
shortcut – something like “Only buy DACs with Wolfson chips!”. People
tend to love those statements, because then they have just cut 100 hours
off the process. And, of course, the company loves that you are only
buying their product. 🙂
Unfortunately, it doesn’t work that way.
For example, the HRT MusicStreamer 2 DAC is one of the best in its US$149 price range because:
– It has asynchronous USB connection and re-clocks the audio stream
internally, thus reducing timing issues that cause a lot of the cold,
hard “digital” sound.
– It has a power regulator that only uses the USB power as a raw source, and so eliminates power issues.
– It has galvanic isolation of the digital and analog stages.
So, you cannot simplify these sorts of choices.
Mike
That was a good post, Ken.
Shirish Tiwari
Those are some nice replies! Positively agree with them.
@twitter-432989079:disqus I required an open explanation about various chip manufacturers, as I’m not particularly inclined towards any brand. Liked your reply. Very true.
I guess you could also fill in a bit of technical details about the Grace Design m903 and the MF M1DAC+M1HPA. Would be really helpful as I’m trying to decide between the two. Restricted by limited brands in India
@dalethorn:disqus “If I don’t feel comfortable with the DAC’s on my short list, I may have to go up in price.” Haha! Exactly my situation!! Though resale value isn’t important to me, but yes customer support is. I hear grace Design and Musical Fidelity are damn good at that.
dalethorn
I read this and thought about the scene in Die Hard where the cop says “Light ’em if you got ’em” – so you’re already 2 steps ahead of the game just like Bruce Willis. That’s a good thing. Now I found something interesting – using a small simple Netbook from 3 years ago and playing lossless, I got no interruptions with the Headstreamer. Using the desktop fire breather I have, I got lots of nasty interruptions due I suppose to the network, auto updates, whatever. That’s what happens when the DAC controls the data flow – eventually there’s an audible break. So you might want to have a playback computer that isn’t quite so interruptable.
Mike
I would basically say the same thing as Dale and Ken.
Analog stage also makes a big difference. So in reality is knowing the DAC chip, it’s like going to buy a laptop and knowing that you’ve got an Intel chip inside. Doesn’t tell you anything about the fact that it’s going to be a good or bad laptop.
Mike
And the reality today is that when I go out to buy a smart phone, I don’t even know what processor they have inside.
Chris Allen
Hey Mike!
Read your article on EQ, and out of curiosity, I wanted to know how you feel about EQs now? Do you still use them? I used to tamper with EQs, but not anymore. I personally find it to almost ruin the recording of a song and also to be time consuming.
Thanks in advance,
Chris
Mike
Yes it’s a tool and I use it when the needs arise. Not all the time, but like a dictionary, I know it’s there when I need to look up a word.
Chris Allen
I see, that makes sense. Thanks for the reply, Mike! =)
Shirish Tiwari
Hey Friends!
I am thinking of getting some Ray Samuels iPod cables/LOD. Any Headfonia members using them are welcome to enlighten me about their sound quality.
Thank you
dalethorn
Are you intending to use audiophile cables to carry a digital-only signal?
Shirish Tiwari
I will use this between iPod and Fostex HP-P1, so I guess its digital only.
But I will also buy a Fiio E17 too, once it’s available here, since that device is “truly” portable.
Apogee
I was looking at getting a pair of HD650 and was wondering at which amp to get. Im very interested in the Burson HA160DS or something from Woo audio.
Trent_D
Bottlehead Crack
Mike
😉 Thanks, Trent.
Trent_D
I don’t know why, but I had a a feeling the Crack might be your answer. That, and maybe the K550 are two of the most overwhelmingly positive reviews I have read here. Neither are sponsors, I believe 🙂
Äolo Pummer
which porable amp do you recommend for electronic music in combination with the digizoid zo2 ? i can’t decide between the soundmagic a10 and the e11 :S
Or do you have any other suggestions ? 🙂
Ken Stuart
Mike – at this point I would recommend closing the comments section on the O2 review page only. Things are going around in circles. Clearly there are other sites with links to the discussion, people whose total experience in audio is about 10 minutes are making multiple disparaging comments, and its just a big distraction from the normal discussions about headphones.
It would be one thing if anyone actually answered any of my questions, but they just run here, post and leave.
So, it has become the same as a discussion of political candidates, and should be closed for the same reason.
Just my thought on the issue.
Trent_D
I see know reason that the discussion can’t continue. As long as it is polite, and people stay respectful of each others opinions, there is nothing wrong with debate.
Ken Stuart
Except that there is no debate, because no one answers the points made by others. This is the current Internet discussion scenario – everyone already has their mind made up, and only use the discussions to make points for “us” against “them”.
In general, this site’s stated method is subjective review, and beyond the occasional comment, questioning the premise of the site is rude.
dalethorn
Then instead of pursuing what you complain about raise the questions they need to answer. They’ll answer your questions although you may not like the answers.
dalethorn
For example today one of the naysayers said all good amps should sound the same. But amps don’t “sound” – they are merely signal carriers and amplifiers. Speakers and headphones “sound”, and they may react differently to different amps. But nobody said that.
Trent_D
Isn’t it true that some amps uh… amp certain parts of the sound more then others? Some amps seem to have more bass than others, and so on.
Although, looking back over the o2 comments, I think you are right. It wasn’t constructive or interesting. It seemed at times like some people were defending a religion, as opposed to an amp.
Sad, but this pretty much nixes our chances of getting an ODAC review.
L.
I’m still interested. Never say Never, but probably there won’t be a comment section 😉
Trent_D
It could be awesome. HRT Music Streamer 2, reigning champ of the 150 dollar DACs vs the upstart, open source DAC from the Pacific Northwest, the ODAC!!!!!
dalethorn
Is it assumed that wherever you get your ODAC from all samples will perform the same?
dalethorn
I hadn’t been into this until my first-ever compare of 2 DACs/amps using a hirez recording, just last week. I wouldn’t have believed it before then, so I can empathize with the skeptics. Some of what I learned was you do need a good hirez recording, you do need a good signal path, and you have to know how to listen. That last part would seem like a doh! to the skeptics, but my example of not seeing the deer in front of me is a good analogy to not hearing what’s in front of you if your brain tunes it out. Skeptics might assume their brains don’t tune anything out, which I’m sure opens up a big can of worms.
dalethorn
I’d like to leave it open. I haven’t been paying much attention to this, but now I’m just starting to pick up on the arguments and realizing that a few things have been avoided in the discussion that could be valuable to know. The objective -vs- subjective issue is really big, so maybe better in a separate topic, but not closed off I don’t think. A lot can be learned here.
Ken Stuart
There have to be at least a dozen other discussion Forums where there are thousand-post threads about it. 🙂
IMHO, I don’t think anything can be learned from the discussion except about psychology.
As the population of humans using the Internet grows to a billion and beyond, the world becomes incredibly complicated, because there are people out there working to make everything more complicated.
For example, 50 years ago there were 3 TV channels and you watched a show at the time it started. Now there are hundreds of channels and thousand of programs that you have to spend time choosing, and you have to babysit your DVR so that it does the right thing, and you also have to manage your account and your relationship to your cable/satellite provider, etc. etc. – all things that have been added to your schedule if you watch TV. Same with making a phone call, and there are many other examples.
SO, the point is that things are much more complicated and time consuming and the human mind which was formed in small simple tribal situations, looks to simplify its stress-producing life.
The idea that there is one objective correct answer to everything is an attractive one, even though it is NOT based on science or logic.
But it is popular and extends to doctors using x-rays, MRIs and blood tests instead of actually examining and listening to patients (a survey showed that only 25% of medical diagnostic techniques were based on real medical science.)
Also, most people feel unqualified to compare audio components, and feel that reviewers are corrupt. This is because they do not understand that it is only just the same difference as chocolate and vanilla – whatever headphone they LIKE should be just fine for them.
dalethorn
Those other forums aren’t getting to the bottom of the issue. I’ve raised a few unique points here. I’d like to see it through here.
L.
The 02 thread has been closed.
Trent_D
Would anyone like to say a few words in its memory?
L.
you will not be missed? 😉
Cola Bear
You haven’t raised any unique points. Sorry, but you have only used the same tired old arguments as many others before you. You have not shown anything new or unique.
dalethorn
I know how the game works, cola bear, because I’ve been through it many times. You make posts like this one that have no information at all, and hope it will dissuade others from posting or have the topic closed. If you feel like reciting some facts, we can deal with those.
Cola Bear
You’re the one that said… “I’ve raised a few unique points here. I’d like to see it through here.” So what is your “unique” point no one else has thought of? I’d like to know.
dalethorn
I went back through all of my comments in this and the closed topic and found at least a dozen. Rather than reiterate all of those here, you can list which you object to. This makes two posts now by you which contain no facts at all, just unspecified complaints.
Bootney Lee Farnsworth
Talk about making something more complicated…
The characteristics of human hearing, sound and electricity have been studied and are well understood. So, it’s not exactly rocket surgery to use that data to create an amp, or a DAC, or headphones to meet the criteria required to produce any desired sound signature, of which transparency is one.
Without such knowledge, virtually every audio technology would be the result of random guessing, even those things for which transparency is nowhere near the intended goal.
dalethorn
All of the characteristics of human hearing and sound and electricity are well understood? Wow!
Bootney Lee Farnsworth
I have no idea what you’re actually saying here.
dalethorn
All of the characteristics of hearing and sound and electricity are far from well (i.e. completely) understood. BTW, when you fire up a music track and listen, do you get the impression that you’re hearing all that’s possible to hear in that track? Or that maybe there’s a higher rez version of that track where you can hear more? Or that a good enough version of that track or some other track might contain audible information that your current gear doesn’t present perfectly? Personally I think there are some mysteries in electronics that aren’t nailed down and we can hear some of them. Not as huge differences that grandma can hear in the next room, but still audible. My big breakthrough came about with the Emily Palen recording. It revealed differences that my other recordings didn’t.
Bootney Lee Farnsworth
Forgive me. I still don’t know what it is you’re trying to say.
At the risk of replying out of turn, I’ll say this: If we know that the human ear cannot detect a sound at an SPL of X dB and an amplifier produces distortion at an SPL less than X dB, then we can say the amplifier produces no distortion, because we can’t hear it. The same is true for variances in frequency response, noise level, jitter, etc.
A basic understanding of what can and cannot be heard combined with an understanding of electrical circuitry easily enables the production of an amp that can be called transparent. That’s not to say that it will sound better or worse than any other amplification. That’s a matter of taste for which there’s obviously no universal truth.
dalethorn
That’s interesting. Absolute and relative at the same time. Transparent, yet may sound better or worse. And another absolute: “What cannot be heard.” My ears tell me that declaring absolutes like that is certain to be found wrong. Even the greatest scientists have been proven wrong when they make absolute claims. There is another saying you may not have heard : You cannot prove a negative. Perhaps you would like to recast your comment to say “Cannot be heard under normal circumstances” or something similar that isn’t so absolute.
Bootney Lee Farnsworth
Yes, transparency is effectively absolute. If you can’t hear something, then for all intents and purposes, it’s not there.
However, transparent isn’t synonymous with “sounds better,” nor is it synonymous with “sounds worse.” Those are subjective judgments to be made by the listener based upon his or her tastes.
No amount of incredulity or obfuscation can change these things. That’s the whole point of objectivity. And for that reason, I’m quite content let stand everything I’ve said on the subject.
dalethorn
There is no such thing as effectively absolute any more than there is being slightly pregnant. Absolute either is or isn’t, and playing with words that way renders your ostensibly logical arguments fallacious. And once again, you can no more say “You can’t hear” than you can say what hearing is. You can scratch the surface of hearing with science analysis of nerve fibres and cilia and brain receptors, yet as woefully primitive as science is on the brain, there is so much more. Please next time, make sure your absolutes aren’t relative or “effective”.
Bootney Lee Farnsworth
I’ve made my point. Moreover, you clearly understand the point I’ve made. Yet, you’ve chosen to respond with little more than frantic hand-waving and attempts to make this far more complicated than it really needs to be.
I think for you this is more jousting than it is conversation, and, frankly, I find that incredibly boring. Running around in circles just doesn’t do it for me.
So, I’m effectively done here.
All the best.
dalethorn
Bootney, there indeed is a clear difference between being a little bit pregnant and either totally pregnant or not at all. Furthermore you cannot put words in my mouth or head saying I am clear on your statements. Now here’s another logical argumentation fallacy type: Slippery slope. That’s what you get when you insist that others accept “effective absolute” as absolute. It just ain’t so, and can lead to bad assumptions.
Ken Stuart
The problem with “this is absolutely inaudible” is something that
reminds me of a Public Service Announcement in an old comic book. A
boy eats a candy and throws the wrapper on the ground. Superman appears
and tells the boy he should not do that. The boy replies “Its just one
wrapper, you can hardly see it”. Superman goes off, and using his
super powers gathers hundreds of discarded wrappers from all over the
city and dumps them down in front of the boy, declaring “If everyone did
the same as you, this is what happens.”
In the same way, any one little bit of distortion below the threshold of
audibility is “inaudible” by itself, but together with many other bits –
and together with the complicated musical waveform – creates audible
effects.
Music has harmonics – combining two audio waveforms creates many other audio byproducts.
The only possible test that would declare an amplifer “transparent” is
playing the entire Dark Side of the Moon into the inputs and digitally
recording the amplifier’s outputs for the whole 40 minutes and then
digitally removing the gain and comparing. I don’t think anyone is
doing that.
Ken Stuart
I think that someone says “The characteristics of human hearing, sound and electricity have been studied and are well understood.” only because they have never heard any instrument that was not electric or miked.
Anyone who has heard an oboe or a cello (or better yet, a pipe organ), and then has heard the best ever recording of the same instrument, played back through the best ever amp and speakers, knows that the characteristics of human hearing are not entirely understood.
By the way, even harder to reproduce is a full orchestra, because of the interactions between instruments and the hall itself.
L.
You guys keep going don’t you 😀
Trent_D
At least they are being polite about it.
dalethorn
This is a learning process for me, having discovered how to hear the difference in amps just last week. Hope you don’t mind.
L.
I don’t. Carry on 😉
Bootney Lee Farnsworth
Unless someone has claimed that transparent amplification somehow perfectly mimics the natural source of any given recording, I don’t see how that’s relevant.
A recorded sound will always be a compromised version of the original. That has nothing to do with any lack of understanding; it’s just physics.
However, the presentation of that recorded sound doesn’t have to be compromised at all, and that’s what this conversation is about. (Right?)
Transparent amplification provides the most faithful rendition of the recording itself. It does nothing more. That doesn’t mean it sounds better or worse than amplification that’s biased one way or another. It simply is what it is.
Don Vittorio Sierra
LOL now that was pretty funny hahaha. I think Bootney should be the one to design the ultimate headphone since no one else has got it spot on perfect yet even with all the so called knowledge that they all know about human hearing, sound and electricity. If the big companies knew all this pretty well then the stuff they are making is just purely for making money then because most headphones out there are disturbingly imperfect.
dalethorn
This could be a great marketing opportunity, Don. Maybe you could build the amps – parts and quality wouldn’t matter since they all sound alike, you know. Call them “Don’s Transparent Amps, Inc.” I could write the ad copy — “Folks, buy our new solid state amp – all discrete design, zero distortion (effectively zero), zero noise, completely transparent, 30 days parts and labor.” Then when person A returns an amp, send them the amp that person B returned. (Disclaimer: For entertainment purposes only – don’t try this yourself.)
Bootney Lee Farnsworth
I must admit, I’m fascinated by the mindsets on display here. Much like an accident on the side of the road, I can’t seem to avert my eyes from it, no matter how badly I really want to.
What’s led you to believe that all amps sound alike? Or that such has even been asserted?
Why is it so difficult to understand that if a sound is inaudible, then it effectively doesn’t exist, even if reality knows otherwise?
How can any audio equipment be designed without at least a basic understanding of human hearing? Wouldn’t such ignorance often produce gear with needless and/or illogical characteristics, e.g. an amp with a frequency response of 1 Hz to 75,000 Hz that reaches 180 dB SPL and has a THD+N of 0.0000000000001? Would such specifications, or any others, even have meaning?
How could electronic components of any type whatsoever be engineered without at least a basic understanding of circuitry?
And, finally, what makes the concerted use of basic knowledge in a variety of fields to engineer an audibly transparent amplifier such a laughable notion?
dalethorn
Bootney, you have the same basic logic problem as my partner in hi-fi here locally. You keep using absolutes when you should qualify your remarks. For example (the nth time) “If a sound is inaudible” — anyone should be able to see where qualification is needed in that statement. The fact that you can’t, no doubt because it’s beyond the scope of your over-simplified approach, leaves holes that an ocean liner can pass through.
Bootney Lee Farnsworth
And I think you have the same basic problem that’s endemic to people who really have no idea what they’re talking about, because you seem to think blustery comments are somehow a logical and appropriate reply.
You’ve yet to say anything constructive at all in this discussion. In fact, your sole point of view appears to be, “No no no no no no no no…”
For the last time, if a sound is reproduced at an inaudible level, you can’t hear it. It’s as simple as that. Human hearing has a finite range. Anything beyond that range is effectively absent, and no amount of hand-waving will ever change that simple fact.
Ignore that as you’ve ignored my questions; the facts remain the same.
dalethorn
Bootney, you create a lot of negativity with your comments, whether “blustery” or “no no no no no” etc. For the last time, you have no idea what is audible or
not. I hear with my ears and brain, and yet you seem to think you have the god-like ability to determine what I can and cannot hear. Now Bootney, whether you
have a god complex or not I can’t say, but I can say this – unlike a certain actor who plays such a part, you are not god. Now you go back to your pseudo-science and learn some more about what is audible or not under the gazillions of conditions that audibility comes into question. It should take you about a gazillion years to do that, unless you learn to hear those faint little whispers
your amplifier is putting in your ear that you refuse to hear.
Bootney Lee Farnsworth
Are you saying that human beings do not, in fact, have a finite range of hearing?
(Have you ever been kept awake at night by the incessant thunder of cotton fibers snapping under the strain of your movements? Did you hear me knock on my table a moment ago?)
I’d love for this to be an actual conversation. But, not only are you ignoring my (serious) questions, you’re not adding any substance except to say “no” in various ways.
Talk to me about the absolute threshold of hearing. Tell me how it’s affected by both environmental and physiological factors. Tell me those things so I can tell you those facts can be, and are routinely, exploited in the design of audio equipment.
L.
I’m still watching guys. Feel free to discuss and contribute, just don’t attack anyone personally. Let’s be constructive and get along. I’m not saying anyone has been out of line. Enjoy Headfonia 😉
Bootney Lee Farnsworth
For my part, I’m sorry if I brought in any unnecessary drama. But, I thank you for the forum. It’s definitely been a learning experience.
dalethorn
Actually Bootney, I don’t hear the cotton fibers, and not because my brain is incapable of hearing them – it’s because my brain tunes them out. In your case, when you hear the cotton fibers, it’s called something else, but I’d rather not say what that is.
Bootney Lee Farnsworth
Is this your way of saying that you cannot answer my questions?
dalethorn
Since it was requested by two people that I repost all of my key comments about sound here, I’ll redo just one, in more detail. Imagine the average person taken off the streets and trained to be expert with a rifle, then assigned to a heavily forested area as a sniper. No training on what to look for, how to look, etc. Failure, right? I’ve been in that forest, and most folks would not survive very long there since they can’t discern the dangers from the background noise (animals, trees, branches moving in the wind, etc.) Same goes for audio. When you get into the best sounding gear, if you don’t know what to listen for and how, it all sounds the same. More or less.
Bootney Lee Farnsworth
It’s as if the danger doesn’t exist, right? If only there were tools…
I’m sorry. I had high hopes for you. I really wanted to see you sail that ocean liner. But, between this and your other non-reply reply, it’s pretty obvious you can only pilot a dinghy.
Toodles.
Bootney Lee Farnsworth
“If the big companies knew all this pretty well then the stuff they are making is just purely for making money then because most headphones out there are disturbingly imperfect.”
You probably think that’s somehow ironic, but you’ve really just described common sense business practices. If Sennheiser’s PX 360 sounded the same as the HD 800, no one would ever pay well over $1,200 more for the HD 800.
The central tenant for any company is to make money. So, it’s a mistake to confuse economics with technological ability.
Don Vittorio Sierra
I do agree with you here… but they should at least show that they can make a perfect sounding flagship first. Heck, everyone should make perfect sounding cans regardless of price and have cheaper ones that are less good but I don’t think anyone has made a flagship that wasn’t annoying in one way or another yet.
Bootney Lee Farnsworth
“Perfect-sounding” is a value judgment that has different meanings for different people. For example, some people think Beats are perfect, while others aren’t that misguided.
dalethorn
Just as audio manufacturers make tradeoffs to get the job done for a certain price level, we humans have to make tradeoffs in evaluating the seriousness of audio gear users, in order not to tie ourselves up in hopeless discussions with people who aren’t serious. Beats users to name one example.
Äolo Pummer
hey i have a question to portable amplifiers ^^
i cant really decide between the fiio e11 and the soundmagic a10 ….i want to use the amp with the digizoid ..
does it even make sense to buy an amp when i have the digizoid zo2 ?
i listen mainly to electronic music and my headphones are the ultrasone signature pro and the westone um3x .
Mike
I think you should not add an amp on top of the Digizoid.
Äolo Pummer
thanks for your help!
Stephen Loke
Hi guys,
Do you know a Amplifier that will go well with the Samsung Galaxy Nexus and the HD25-1 II?
Thanks.
John123John
Audioengine D1?
L.
Maybe yes, maybe no? It doesn’t hurt to actually form a full question you know 😉
John123John
Haha okay. Is it possible the D1 would get a review? I notice you do not have anything Audioengine albeit they are a mainly a speaker company so that would make sense.
Weird that they do not have an reviews for the D1 on their site, no offense dale thorn.
Mike
Yea it’s not that we discriminate against brands (that won’t do us any good), but Audioengine has not responded to our enquiries.
dalethorn
I’ve now compared the Audioengine D1 to the Headstreamer and iStreamer. I think the D1 has a slight edge over the Headstreamer, but very slight. You can hear the differences, but which is better I can’t say for certain at this point. The Headstreamer is certainly better for portability having no extended parts. The D1’s volume knob is handy, though. The D1 also has analog outputs and optical input, but lacks the LED signal lights of the Headstreamer.
John123John
Thanks for your input. I read your review on it and it seems mostly positive. The design and implication are nice.The all-in-one unit is very appealing.
John123John
The main reason I ask is because I need a product with these inputs (usb digital, tosh optical) and I wanted to know how decent of a product this is or if i should look elsewhere. I was wondering if anyone knew of a product with these inputs. The only ones I have seen on this site are the Dr. Dac2 Dx and DACmini which would be awesome to have but just too expensive.
The Audiophiliac says he liked the E10 better and now i am a bit turned off. :/
Cola Bear
Has anyone else noticed that the specifications posted on HRT’s website for the HeadStreamer have changed? IIRC, they used to show the output impedance as 10 Ohms and now it shows “<1 Ohms" ? Did they come out with a newer version of the Head Streamer recently?
Mike
Sorry,
I didn’t notice.
Chris Allen
Hey Mike and Lieven!
I was wondering if the HiFiMAN HE-400 would be an upgrade to the Beyerdynamics DT990/600ohms?
Thanks,
Chris
Mike
Not an upgrade, just different.
I believe the DT990 would be a better monitoring headphone, the HE-400 a better music listening headphone.
L.
I sold my DT990/600 months ago, the mids just weren’t right for me. As Mike says the HE-400 is an overall more fun headphone for listening to music
Chris Allen
Thanks for both of your responses. 🙂
Using the amp of the EF2A, I feel mids have improved slightly, but it is still overpowered by the sweet treble and amazing bass. Does the HE-400 retain that same sweet treble and amazing bass, but also have more mids?
AnAudiophile
How does the Ultrasone Pro 900 sound without an amp?
Also, what sub-$200 headphone would you recommend for portable uses and Top 40s / modern pop music?
Mike
The Pro900 is okay with no amp, but it’s better with an amp.
Sub $200, Fidelio L1 is good but it’s $299.
Perhaps you can try the Alessandro MS1i. It should retail for roughly $100.
AnAudiophile
What are the differences between amped 900 vs unamped 900? I am planning to use it with a Rockboxed Sansa Clip Zip.
Mike
With an amp you should get better bass punch and impact. Usually that’s the first thing that people notice with an amp.
Alvin
hey mike or anyone,
I am looking for a new amp and dac to match my hd650 and t1. I mainly
listen to modern pop, indies, jpop, classic rock, alternative, and rock,
but i do have many other genres that i hope the amp/dac can also play
(not expecting them to sound perfect, just reasonable). My current
amp/dac is the yulong u100. I want my new set up to still be vocal
based, but I want it to be little faster paced (PRAT i believe as the hd650’s
bass is a little congested right now) and greater clarity. The t1
sounds just a little bright to my ears) right now (maybe the lack of a
well recoded source, synergy, or maybea ever so lightly warmer amp is
needed), but if it is hard to solve that I am willing to just let the t1
issue go. It’s more of a long term use fatigue than a sound signature
problem.
I am currently looking at the the wa6 with a hrt2+, the Lehmann black
cube with hrt2+, or the burson 160d, but I welcome any recommendation or
comment that anyone has. I am not going to put out a limit on the price
as I will just save up more if i need to, but please no beta22 or any
diy (I have no experience in soldering). Thank you!
Alvin
Alvin
anyone?
Mike
Alvin,
It’s difficult because the T1 and the HD650 are quite the opposite in character, and you want one DAC/Amp to fit them both. The T1 is quite bright and I’d pair it with a tube. The HD650 is dark and though I like it with a tube amp as well, you’re not going to get that bass clarity that you ‘re looking with the HD650.
Some of the things that you are asking for are hard to get. For instance you want vocals, but with a faster pace. That’s hard as most amps with good vocals tend to be slower paced. I really can’t think of anything to be honest.
Sometimes it is not about correcting the shortcomings of a headphone to turn it into a “perfect” headphone.
Alvin
thanks for ur reply, i had a feeling that this would happen as many of ur reviews and headfi reviews pairing headphones good with vocals also with jazz … lol, but i still asked anyways, just like the inexperienced music lover I am.
If I were to upgrade amp/dac for the t1 alone(u100 isn’t really powerful enough) for more forward vocals and a slightly warmer tone and give up a little pace would the wa6 with hrt streamer 2+ be a good choice, since u mentioned it was better with tubes? Thanks!
Also I kinda wondered what your choice of headphone and amp/dac for my genre of music(just the pop, rock,alternative and jpop)? (just for am idea of what I should look out for)
And thanks for the perfect headphone statement; it means a lot. I was subconsciously thinking about what would be the best headphone pairing that that l forgot what one should seek is not perfection rather a better an upgrade form what you currently have.
Mike
The WA6 is quite neutral actually and doesn’t really have the typical tube amp coloration. I don’t really have a suggestion for sub $1000 tube amps. If you check the Minute 45 review, that amplifier is made for vocals, but I think MSRP is $2000+.
http://www.headfonia.com/the-minute-45-amplifier-by-sac-thailand/
The Yamamoto headphone amp (~$1,500) is also made for vocals, but I’ve never tried that amp with the T1.
For the other music you listen to, I’d get something dark like the HD650 or the LCD-2.
Alvin
Mike
thanks for your suggestions I will look into them carefully and try to audition them; the price does not really matter, just happened most of the ones i looked at were about 1k. I don’t replace my gear often so i am always willing to put out the price for good ones. I’ll let u know how it goes once i get it, thanks.
However, I am a little confused on what genres you identified as “other music” that is good for the hd650(lol… i own this already for my zeppelin music). Was it pop, rock,alternative and jpop? classic rock and indies? or the ones i didn’t mention (classical music and jazz)?
Mike
If the budget is not a problem, then definitely look into the Minute 45.
As for your other music, I was referring to this:
“Also I kinda wondered what your choice of headphone and amp/dac for my genre of music(just the pop, rock,alternative and jpop)? (just for am idea of what I should look out for)”
😉
Alvin
I realized i confused you, as “the other music” was actually mu main genres, but I completely understand why you like the hd650 for those genres (the dark laid back tone, the slightly forward vocals, the amazing bass impact). The only reasons why i ended up getting a t1 was for more focused vocals presentation and the more focused bass presentation (well maybe the people at canjam 2010 working at beyer has something to do with it too … lol).
Thanks again, mike!
telek
Hi Mike! This site is very informative, I cannot stop reading it 🙂 and already recommended it to a few friends.
I’m looking for an AMP for my D2000, which I currently listen to from my notebook or ipod. I’ve had a chance to listen to Schiit Valhalla and really liked the improvement. Reading your reviews I got an impression that Schiit Asgard may be a better AMP for my headphones. I currently find my D2000 a bit fatiguing mainly because of its emphasized trables, so I think I would like something more musical, with better mids, open sound. I don’t listen to very aggresive or bass heavy music.
If I decide to go with standalone AMP, what would be the good DAC to pair it with? Which of HRT music streamer, D10 or Audinst HUD-MX1 would be the match? How much of a difference would such a combo made over E17?
Mike
Hi,
I’m not sure if you can find an amplifier that’s dark enough to compensate the treble. The Asgard would drive the D2000 nicely, but it’s just on that treble part, I don’t think it will attenuate the treble that much.
You either have to go with a software EQ or a different headphone.
If you already have the E17 just use that for now. How do you like the treble control on it? It gives you the ability to reduce treble.
Talking DAC quality wise, the HRT MS2 is better than both the Audinst and the E17.
telek
Thanks Mike. I don’t own E17, so can’t really compare. I decided to give Asgard the try, but I’m also considering getting another headphones.
Mike
Usually it’s better to get the right headphones first, rather than trying to fix a headphone using an amplifier.
Try the Fidelio L1, it has great bass and a relatively dark sound.
http://www.headfonia.com/philips-fidelio-l1/
Alvin
hey mike or anyone,
I am looking for a new amp and dac to match my hd650 and t1. I mainly listen to
modern pop, indies, jpop, classic rock, alternative, and rock, but i do have
many other genres that i hope the amp/dac can also play (not expecting them to
sound perfect, just reasonable). My current amp/dac is the yulong u100. I want
my new set up to still be vocal based/forward, but I want it to be faster paced
(PRAT i believe as the hd650’s bass is a little congested right now) and
greater clarity. The t1 sounds just a little bright to my ears) right now
(maybe the lack of a well recoded source, synergy, or maybe an ever so slightly
warmer amp is needed), but if it is hard to solve that I am willing to just let
the t1 issue go. It’s more of a long term use fatigue than a sound signature
problem.
I am currently looking at the the wa6 with a hrt2+, the Lehmann black
cube with hrt2+, or the burson 160d, but I welcome any recommendation or
comment that anyone has. I am not going to put out a limit on the price as I
will just save up more if i need to, but please no beta22 or any diy (I have no
experience in soldering). Thank you!
Alvin
Dave Calbrecht
Hi guys,
First of all…what a great and professional site you’ve got! awesome!
At the moment I’m looking for an amp for my iPod, I’m trying to enhance the
quality of it. Apparently iPods do not offer the best quality (Cowon should be
better I’m told) but I’m dealing with this one now 😉
Is there one you can really advise knowing that I’m listening to rock, metal,
pop and electronic music most of the time (no jazz, rnb and classical)?
Price can be more than 200 by the way…
I also would like to dock the ipod and use airplay…do I have to disconnect it
then or can it be used at the same time?
Besides this…are custom made IEM’s really what you want? I’m considering of buying them but they are of course a lot more expensive than standard ones.
Any tips on this perhaps?
Thanks a million in advance !
Dave
Mike
Dave,
Your question on amps. You can start with either the big comparative article:
http://www.headfonia.com/the-usual-suspects-12-portable-amps-compared/
Or browse the articles in the portable amps category:
http://www.headfonia.com/category/amps/portable-amps-amplifiers/page/2/
I think it’s most important to get the headphones/earphones first that fits your music, then the amp.
The custom JH5Pro is a dual driver and sells for $399 and I find it to be better technically than all the flagship universals. But still there are other things than technicalities, and some people may enjoy a certain IEM more.
Shirish Tiwari
Should this be awarded the longest ‘disqus’ in headfonia history or what? 😀
Hey Mike!
I was wondering, since you owned the younger brother for a long time yourself, how about a nice detailed review of the Grace Design m903? I believe it would be an awesome addition to headfonia as I didn’t find any Grace product reviews here. If you feel good about it!?
PS: It will be of great personal benefit to me 😛 😀
Trent_D
I am still deciding between the C421 and the National for the K550. You have said that, in terms of detail and clarity (and so I am assuming grain), that the C421 and National are roughly equivalent. So, my question is, how do the mids and soundstage on the National compare to the JDSlabs cMoy?
Mike
No question I would go for the National. The biggest problem with the K550 is the bass and the National would help with that tremendously.
The soundstage and mids are pretty good, it’s not going to be the issue especially given the K550’s strength in those areas. What you need is bass.
Valentin Hogea
Hey Mike and Lieven,
After some serious searching for a new desktop amp for my HD650’s I’m more confused than clarified. My budget is between 300 USD and 700 USD.
Honestly though the main competitors in the race seem to be Bottlehead Crack/Speedball (495 USD incl. S&H to Sweden) and La Figaro 339 (645 USD incl. S&H to Sweden). I’m an old engineer, haven’t used a soldering iron in 5 years, so I’ll have to get some anxilliary equipment for about 150 USD extra for the Crack… So it ends up at the same final price.
When will your La Figaro 339 review be posted?
I really need some help in this question.
I mostly listen to Hip-Hop and Electro(-House), although some Rock/Pop reaches the tympanic membranes too.
Kinds regards,
L.
Hi! 339 should be up in a week or 2 tops. Personally if you don’t have to look at a budget, my 1st choice would be 339 with good tubes as the 339 is the best imo, but than you’re easily adding $200 for 5998 tubes and good input tubes.
Shirish Tiwari
Hello Mike!
I have only been using earphones/ IEM’s for portable use. I now plan to
buy a portable headphone. The most important thing I wanna point
out- I find my choice in music is pretty much like yours. Yes, I listen
to all genres, keep downloading new/ older artists etc etc, but all that
music you have mentioned in your reviews (and what you listen to) are kind
of my favourite.
So considering any and all types of genres, Colorfly C4 and iPod+Fostex
HP-P1, what do you recommend:- HD25 or DT1350 or
B&W P5 or Amperior or MDRZ1000 (coz they are portable! and sound amazing!) or something else?
More than one recommendations are also welcome as I will be more than ready to go out and buy two! 😀
Thanks in advance.
Ken Stuart
Shirish – The top of the site is a menu. There is one “Buyers Guide” that probably should be “Recommendations”. The entry you want is:
http://www.headfonia.com/portable-headphone-recommendations/
Read that, and then it contains a link to a shootout.
Then you can ask more specific questions based on that.
Mike
Thanks, Ken.
Mike
They are all good headphones. And with so many different music genre to cover, there are going to be areas where one will be better than the other for some music.
You really should try the HD25-1. It’s the cheapest of the bunch you listed and it’s hugely popular. Just have to know what the sound is all about.
After the HD25-1, if you need a second headphone you can get the P5 which will be a slower pace, thicker warmer sounding headphone. So you have two different headphones to cover a wide range of music.
Shirish Tiwari
Thanks Mike!
That sums it up 🙂 I was actually inclined towards P5, and was confused between HD25 and DT1350. Because both are available at the same price here!
@twitter-432989079:disqus- Thanks for the shootout tip 🙂 I did read that recommendations page but somehow missed the shootout link. I will read that now and will be more to the point from now on.
Aric Ross
My bad, it looks as if someone already asked the question I was woundering about, however i was curious if you had heard the Amperiors? Is it worth the extra $150 over the original hd25-1? specifically I want my next cans to cater towards rock. and they can be open or closed it doesn’t matter.
Mike
Aric,
I’ve yet to hear the Amperior, but from what I’ve heard it is based on the same headphone/driver, and the difference only being the sound signature, the Amperior being warmer and fuller sounding. Is that worth $150? Very hard to judge, yes or no.
On the other hand a LOT of people have enjoyed the HD25-1 with rock.
Sigve Hølleland
Hi! I am a AKG K550 user, wich was a big step for me since I dont know much about music quality. At the moment my phone and ipad is my surce for the headphones. I lisen moslty to clasic rock and new rock (like Linkin Park) But also llisen to almost everything. So here is my question: What should i Get to improve the music quality? Do i need an amp or must i Get a better source first? What source/amp do you Recommend in a price range 100-200? primery music player is spotify on “extreme quality” (320kbit/s)
Thanks
L.
Are you looking for a dac or an amp? Or both?
Sigve Hølleland
Sorry
I am using my AKG K550 wich is a huge step for me since I actulally dont know a thing about music quality. My iPad and my phone with spotify on “extreme quality” (320kbit/s) I mostly lisens to classic rock and new rock (Linkin Park) but Also lisens to anmodet everything else. So here is my quastion: Wha should i Get to improve the music quality? Is it an amp or mest i Get a better portable source first? Which amp/source do you recommend? Could be handy with a bass bost eq (my friends are mostly bassheads and I a little from time to time)
Sorry my bad english and thanks
Mike
How do you like the K550 so far with your music?
I would definitely start with an amp. What’s your budget?
Sigve Hølleland
200 dollars at most if not an high gain on going a little further on the price thanks
Mike
Sigve,
I really am not sure here. Perhaps a Fiio E11? You sure that AKG K550 plays Linkin Park good? To me it is the wrong headphone to play Linkin Park (hence I would get a different headphone first).
Sigve Hølleland
Well I tough about the fiio e11 first, but aften I searched some more I found digizoid zo2 the national etc, so thanks for the help 🙂 Also i love the akg k550 to Linkin park, but thats how i feels it 😉
Mike
Yea there are a lot to choose from.
The National is a solid performing headphone amp. The Zo is also good if you want to try something cheaper.
Sigve Hølleland
So would you recommend the national over the Fiio e11? And the c421 not or? Maybe i could go for it if I save for a little longer 🙂 or someone i know goes too USA 🙂
Thanks
Mike
Well it’s a better amp.. but the E11 is a nice amp too. It depends on the budget I guess.
Sigve Hølleland
Well thanks, I will think some more about it them 😉
Sigve Hølleland
I think a DAC isnt necessery
Trent_D
I love this website. My wallet, not so much (or my wife to that effect).
Mike
That makes us buddies then. 😉
Trent_D
Actually, that might make our wives buddies. Also, I will be receiving an ODAC in the next shipment. What’s his name claims that it is indistinguishable from the dacport LX, and I’m not going to lie, I really hope it’s true. (not only would that make it a great deal, but JDSlabs is a great company and I am always happy to give them my hard earned money) It would allow me to get on with my amp and headphone collection. After I procure the National, I really want to get a pair of HD650’s. Anyway, although film criticism is my hobby, I should try to stretch and do a review of the ODAC when I get it. Even if I draw hate posts from NwAvGUY’s groupies, at least it would bring traffic to my website.
Mike
LOL.
Yes JDSLabs is a great company.
Aric Ross
Mike,
any plans to do a review of JDS labs standalone odac in the future?
Ken Stuart
That question has been asked about once a month – please do a search to find the previous answers (it would be presumptuous of me to answer for them).
Aric Ross
hadn’t seen it asked actually, but for my own future information how do you search these forums? there doesn’t seem to be any obvious way. I’m using firefox.
Mike
Aric, the search function is not as good as it should be. As the webmaster I can only apologize.
Mike
Aric,
Probably not.
Aric Ross
Thats too bad, I really wanted to know if it could compete with the Algorithm solo, and others that are priced slightly beyond what I’m willing to spend.
Looks like the ODAC and C421 would make a nice portable setup though, one that is in my (responsible) price range!
Ken Stuart
If you look earlier in this thread here, you will see that Trent said he is going to review it on his web site.
Aric Ross
Very true, he did mention it. Maybe someone could divulge the name of his website? That would be helpful too.
BUT,
The problem here is that since I started getting into headphones I have only used mike’s website as my guide to making new headphone/amp/dac purchases.
After reading many of his posts, I found myself agreeing with a lot of what he was talking about as with music in general. I also thought his tastes in music might be somewhat similar to mine, thus I can put some faith into what Mike is saying. that being said, I have tended to ignore some of what other web sites have said when they conflict with Mikes reviews.
Now the positive of doing my research this way, is that I have a constant in my equation for purchasing new audio equipment. After I buy a pair of headphones and have listened to them for a while, I go back and read the reviews that convinced me to pick up the things in the first place. This way I can compare the reviewers ears with mine and thus use future reviews from the same editor and have a better idea of what a particular pair of headphones will sound like, whether I agreed with them or not.
And I suppose you might wounder why I don’t just go listen to them at a store or meet? well basically I might as well be living on the moon. It’s pretty rural in this part of the country. Not an option unfortunately.
Anyways enough said on my part, but I am always interested in others opinions on headphones/amps/dacs etc even Headfi every now and again.
Trent_D
Geez, now the pressure is on me. I will just post my impressions in the Q and A if that would make it easier. Although, I am no professional audio gear critic.
Aric Ross
say what? don’t sweat it at all! besides my wallet will thank you. 😉
Jack Knight
i’ve asked the same question, and mike’s answer is no
L.
Not immediately no
Guest
Hello, this is already five months that I used an akg K550, I really love them, but I am currently looking for a portable solution (in-ear), with a more dynamic listening, warmer (but since my player has a warm, neutral sound could also do the trick).
I chose the CX 300-II, I find them quite good, dynamic, warm sound, with an impact of low frequencies more relevant, but the loss in detail is more troublesome than I would have thought.So I wanna know which model of intra could suit me …(sorry for my bad english i’m french)
Mike
You are looking for a pair of in-ears?
Something warm and more detailed than the CX300-II… Try a Westone 4, if that fits your budget?
Guest
hmmm…the only one I can find available for my country, cost 432,and it’s the model with fixed cable…for a portable use it’s scare me spending 400 with the risk that the cable has problems…with a soldered cable I would prefer one who cost 200~250…
(about the sound, the things who really bothers me,it’s the soudstage and the voice.When I compare with my old headphone akg k422/420 (the only one i can still listening,despite the downgrade,but her sound has not the warmth I’m looking for,and I really prefer in-ear for a nomad use )I find the first to small,and the second not as clear…)
Mike
Yea, I really can’t help you much here. Havent’ been too much into IEMs lately.
lcamtai
Hi, Mike. I would like to see your review of new products on the market such as AudioQuest Dragonfly, ODAC. Thanks and have a nice day!
Mike
Thanks, Icamtai. Will look for them.
Aric Ross
I own a pair of ath m50 and I just bought the Phillips Fidelio L1. Both of these cans are great all a rounders, as you and many others have suggested, but since I listen to so many different genres I’m thinking my next pair of cans needs to cater to one genre more than others. Id like to buy a pair of headphones in the $300 dollar range that caters to white stripes, Led Zeppelin queens of the stone age, and tool for example. I have an e17 for portable amplification and a desktop stereo to amplify my laptops sound. I was thinking something like the Beyerdynamic 1350, or senn hd 25-1 except the graininess you speak of in the senns is steering me towards the Beyers. are there any other headphones, open or closed you might like to recommend for the specific purposes of catering to rock and roll. Maybe the Grado 325-i’s?? I really love the looks/build quality of the beyers and the grados, but the complete plastic build of the senns def steers me away from them. I wish there was a place nearby I could try them out, but i live in a rural town so I have to live vicariously through what the sites and forums are preaching. Thanks Mike/Levin, or whoever else can help me out here!
Trent_D
I have heard the Superlux hd660 is great headphone for rock.
Aric Ross
Unfortunately it is pretty difficult to find any information on them in the US. But for that price they might be worth a listen, however if I’m being totally honest they look rather hanus and I doubt for their price they could compete with some of the aforementioned cans…
Mike
The HD660 is a great headphone for rock, you can even compare it to the $200 HD25-1.
Aric Ross
I just came across the Amperiors as well. After reading inner fidelity’s review I’m impressed. better than the dt 1350? how can it be?
Mike
Answered your question on the other thread, Aric.
I think you should give the HD25-1 a try. So many people have used it and enjoyed it with Rock. Probably one of the top-5 most popular headphone in the world of headphones today.
Ken Stuart
Mike – can you please compare the sound of the C421 and the Crack (for
low to mid impedance cans) ? And what other amps can you recommend in
that rough price spectrum (other than the O2 and Asgard – I’ve already
read your reviews of both)? To quote “boonh” from an earlier comment –
“Since I will use it at home, either desktop or portablle one would be
accepted” (portable use requires a portable, whereas at home, one can
use whatever has the best sound in that price range).
Thanks !
Mike
Though people often talk about how a certain amp would pair with low-Z or high-Z cans, I think in reality it’s more complex than that. For instance, talking low-Z, there are IEMs, Grados, Denons, Portables, to the big Hifimans.
Now between the C421 and the Crack,
Generally comparing the two, I find that the usual comparisons between tubes and solid state, desktop and portable to be quite applicable. For instance:
1. Tube is smoother, more refined, better soundstage. True in this comparison. 2. Solid state is more grainy, less spacious. True.
3. Desktops have better dynamic range. True.
Of course an amp designer may be able to design something that breaks all those “rules”. But generally, from what I’ve observed on all the amps I’ve auditioned and reviewed, those three applies quite consistently.
dgiles
I currently am using a Fostex HP-P1 and have owned a CLAS Solo. I am curious how you think the new iPhone 5’s smaller doc, which is reported as the new standard for Apple mobile products, will affect the use of these products? Will there be zero affect other than buying a new LOD, or will something more be necessary like a software download to enable these products to work with the new Apple mobile products?
Mike
Sorry I can’t comment on that, will have to wait until things are unveiled.
Andre Bonifacio
Hello, I was reading your schiit review and I am currently deciding between the Lyr and the Asgard. I currently own the HD600 and plan to buy the LCD-2 sometime soon. In your review, you said that ” I would imagine the Lyr to be a better pairing for the LCD-2 headphones as it helps adds treble presence.” did you ever try out the Lyr and LCD-2 pair and/or the Asgard/ LCD-2 pair? I am leaning to geting a used Lyr but I fear that it would drive my HD-600 off a cliff.
Thanks, love the blog
Mike
Andre,
I can’t remember if I have listened to the LCD-2 out of the Lyr (I may have), but if I did, I have no recollection of how the pairing was. Sorry.
AnAudiophile
M50 vs TF10? Can anyone differentiate / compare them in detail? Also, which one is better for Rock and Pop music?
Mike
The TF10 IEM you mean? compared to the M50 heapdhone?
Well aside from the difference in form factor, the TF10 has always been considered as a solid Rock Pop IEM.
The M50 perhaps though quite good, but not as good as the TF10 especially for Rock.
AnAudiophile
Thank you!
Mike
You’re welcome.
Mike
JDSLabs Cmoy, add in a good 18V or 24V AC adapter. Should be good for now.
Ken Stuart
JDSLabs web site has very specific details on which AD adapter to get (the amp is very particular about that).
Mike
Yea they do. Umm in my experience I’ve had success with adapters outside of their recommendations list.
Julian Wong
Hey Mike,
I’m looking to buy a amp for around $100 dollars (a budget I can stretch a bit), and right now I can’t really decide if a need a DAC or not. I have GR07s and GR80i’s at the moment, and I would like to increase the quality of the sound, both on my iPod and my Mac + PC. At the moment I have looked at the iBasso D-Zero, Fiio E11/E10 and some other amps. I just want to know whether or not you think I should get a DAC+Amp combo or just an amp to increase the SQ. If I should just get an amp I’m thinking of the E11 or any other amp that is better within that price range. Or if you think that I should get a amp+DAC combo what other options do I have other than the iBasso D-Zero? I’m also open to something not portable like the E10 if you think that using an amp on the go with an iPod really doesn’t increase SQ.
Thanks 🙂
Julian Wong
Hey Mike,
I’m looking to buy a amp for around $100 dollars (a budget I can stretch a bit), and right now I can’t really decide if a need a DAC or not. I have GR07s and GR80i’s at the moment, and I would like to increase the quality of the sound, both on my iPod and my Mac + PC. At the moment I have looked at the iBasso D-Zero, Fiio E11/E10 and some other amps. I just want to know whether or not you think I should get a DAC+Amp combo or just an amp to increase the SQ. If I should just get an amp I’m thinking of the E11 or any other amp that is better within that price range. Or if you think that I should get a amp+DAC combo what other options do I have other than the iBasso D-Zero? I’m also open to something not portable like the E10 if you think that using an amp on the go with an iPod really doesn’t increase SQ.
Thanks 🙂
Mike
A Dac would definitely help with good IEMs, more than an amp.
What’s the GR80? IEM too?
L.
GR08 is supposed to be Vsonic’s new IEM. But not on the market yet. We’ll be doing a full Vsonic line up review soon, thanks to Lendmeurears.com
Jack Knight
GR08 or GR07 mkII? or they are same IEM
L.
The 7II is out already and we’re getting it, the 8, no news…
Jack Knight
nice, waiting for the review:)
Mike
Alright he was saying the GR80 which I thought is a different thing. You know new models come out all the time nowadays.
So back to the poster. I think a DAC will be more significant than an amp. But if you can get an upgraded amp that will be good too.
I’ve yet to hear the Vsonics. But you can look at the popular DAC/Amps like the Fiios and the HRT HeadStreamers and decide which one you like better.
I also have an Audinst HUD-Mini review coming. (https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.437387789639257.106681.145341288843910&type=1)
Julian Wong
“So back to the poster. I think a DAC will be more significant than an amp. But if you can get an upgraded amp that will be good too.” Hmm…okay. What do you mean by a “upgraded amp”? Do you just mean any old add on amp? Also, what do you think about using an amp on my iPod while using IEMs? Will it really increase the SQ? If I should use an amp while on my iPod, how comparable is the D-Zero with the E10? I remember you say somewhere that you like the E10 a lot more, but the D-Zero is the right price for me with all the capabilities I need (DAC+Amp, both desktop and portable use). Thoughts?
Mike
Well, the E10 and D-Zero, you can read the comparison here:
http://www.headfonia.com/fiio-e7-meet-your-rival-the-ibasso-d-zero/
If you need both desktop and portable use, you can also look at the Fiio E17:
http://www.headfonia.com/the-upgrade-fiio-e17-alpen/
Julian Wong
Ahh thanks.. going to go to the store and compare to try out the D-Zero and probably going to buy that one.. thanks for all the help Mike 😀
Mike
You’re welcome, Julian.
Julian Wong
oh just one more question…how does the DAC in the Fiio D3 compare with the one in the D-Zero/F10? Thanks 🙂
Mike
Julian,
Sorry but I’ve never auditioned the D3.
Julian Wong
LOL i mean the SR80..sorry typo 😛 sorry for the confusion guys~
dyonoctis
Hello, there is one question I have from a moment.On any sites devoted to audio, koss, yet considered a legendary brand, is almost nonexistent. Why such a lack of interest, while the brand continues to go out products? I can not believe that the interest of the mark is confined to the porta pro?
(I am a very curious person)
Mike
I think that’s simply because they haven’t released anything worthy talking about, other than the Portapro which is good, but getting old, and the ESP-950 electrostatic which is a very niche product.
We have a review on both Koss here.
http://www.headfonia.com/tag/koss/
dyonoctis
Okay … I find it unfortunate that the brand becomes as invisible, especially when people are increasingly interested in audio. (Or I’m too idyllic, but now I meet many people with sennheiser, akg , bower and wilkins, shure, and not only monster beats or skullcandy)
Just one more thing: maybe one day you might take a look at the aune x1.This is a chinese dac came with entry-level price,but it seems he’s can reach dac like the dac magic…
(I hope my English is not too bad)
Jack Knight
will headfonia write a review about nwavguy ODAC?
Mike
No, Jack.
SoundEskimoo
Altough i’m not Audio Technica fans at all, this review is worth reading!
Good job Mike!
Jack Knight
mike,have you tried sony sa3000, is that better than ms1i?
Mike
Not better, just different. 🙂
Jack Knight
just different sound sig?
btw my friend said that, sa3000+alo national is very good, will my ms1i improve if i pair it with alo national? if yes, is that big improvement? because we know that the scalability of ms1i is not so high,,,
Mike
Jack,
The SA3000 with National blew everyone away when I was in local Jaben store the other day. The MS1i doesn’t scale up too high, but it also improves quite a lot with a good amp. Mainly to add body to the sound and improve bass impact.
Jack Knight
does jaben sell ALO? i just tried SA3000 with some go vibe dac, i forgot what amp is that. but i think its just a side grade with MS1i, not an upgrade, reading your comment makes me wanna try SA3000 with ALO national.:)
Mike
I think it’s more or less MS1 level yes.. better in some areas but not a clear knockout upgrade.
I lent my National to the Jaben STC store, you can try it out there. 🙂
I think Jaben sells ALO but not sure if they have the National in stock by now.
thethirty3rd
Hey Mike (Hi to you too Lieven 🙂 ),
Since I’m going to school and wouldn’t like to have too many different rigs lying around, I decided to sell EVERYTHING that I don’t need and just get 2 portable headphones to use with one rig on the go. My speakers will sit at home while I’m in the USA studying 🙂
I’ve got the DAP, Amp, Cables and one of the headphones settled (Sennheiser HD25’s, gotta love ’em) I’m trying to decide on a second, better headphone to be used when I’m in a comfortable environment and not on the move for some sports game. Right now I’m looking at the Ultrasone ED8s, do you think those are a good choice? Or are there other headphones you (or Lieven) think I should look at? Basically I’m looking for a better HD25.
Thanks for the help guys (and any kind soul who replies)!
Mike
My friend Peter has a situation similar to you. He owns the expensive full sizes, but rarely have the time to enjoy them. Day to day he mostly uses the HD25-1 (owns three HD25-1s!). A while back he wanted something better like you, and bought the ED8. While it was a good headphone, he still uses the HD25-1 a lot more often.
Somehow I think the overall tuning of the HD25-1 is still better for common mainstream music. This is why we are all asking for Senn to create a new HD25-1.
thethirty3rd
I see… So I guess the best upgrade option would be to get the Amperior or a future ‘new hd25’ ? Sounds like a long time before the latter materializes though :
Mike
Yea I would give the Amperior a try, though it’s not really an upgrade, just slightly warmer and different, from what my friends told me.
thethirty3rd
Hm if that’s it, I may as well keep the hd25s with me for a few more years and upgrade everything else 😛 to be honest I’ve used them so much that I’ve come to prefer a slightly small soundstage @_@
Mike
Yea, what happens with a big soundstage is that they tend to lose the energy on fast paced music. It’s like the sound gets too diffused.
May be a good idea to experiment with amps if you want to.
thethirty3rd
Planning on pairing it with a Nano 6g and a Shadow, since I don’t listen that loud. Do you happen to know how loud the HD25 can be driven by the Shadow? Like say in % of the iPhone/iPod Nano’s volume bar?
Mike
Ah, I’m not so sure about that, sorry.
Song Kyung-han
I have a couple question about OTL tube amps. Now, I’ve never used an OTL amp before, but I’ve heard many people say different things about OTL, their strengths and weaknesses. First, I want to verify whether what I’ve generally heard about OTL amps are true. These are some of what I’ve heard, from various sources…
1. OTL amps lack sufficient power to drive low efficiency headphones, like orthodynamic cans from Audez’e and Hifiman.
2. Yet, OTL amps excel at driving high impedance headphones. The higher the impedance, the better it matches with an OTL amp.
Are what I said above all true? If so, what are some of the high-end or flagship headphones (around $1,000 or higher) that does an excellent job when driven by a high-end OTL amp?
Lastly, what do you think of pairing closed headphones with low impedance (such as ATH-W3000ANV you recently reviewed) with an OTL amp?
Mike
Answered on the other post you did.
Song Kyung-han
I have a couple question about OTL tube amps. Now I’ve never used an OTL amp before, but I’ve heard many people say different things about OTL, their strengths and weaknesses. First, I want to verify whether what I’ve generally heard about OTL amps are true. These are some of what I’ve heard…
1. OTL amps lack sufficient power to drive low efficiency headphones, like orthodynamic cans from Audez’e and Hifiman.
2. Yet, OTL amps excel at driving high impedance headphones. The higher the impedance, the better it matches with an OTL amp.
Are what I said above all true? If so, what are some of the high-end or flagship headphones (around $1,000 or higher) that does an excellent job when driven by a high-end OTL amp?
Lastly, what do you think of pairing closed headphones with low impedance (such as ATH-W3000ANV you recently reviewed) with an OTL amp?
Mike
Answered.
thethirty3rd
Hey Mike (Hi to you too Lieven 🙂 ),
Since I’m going to school and wouldn’t like to have too many different rigs lying around, I decided to sell EVERYTHING that I don’t need and just get 2 portable headphones to use with one rig on the go. My speakers will sit at home while I’m in the USA studying 🙂
I’ve got the DAP, Amp, Cables and one of the headphones settled (Sennheiser HD25’s, gotta love ’em) I’m trying to decide on a second, better headphone to be used when I’m in a comfortable environment and not on the move for some sports game. Right now I’m looking at the Ultrasone ED8s, do you think those are a good choice? Or are there other headphones you (or Lieven) think I should look at? Basically I’m looking for a better HD25.
Thanks for the help guys (and any kind soul who replies)!
Mike
Replied on the other post
Fabio_Rocks
Hi Mike! I found the Sennheiser hd 650 sounds a little too laidback and sleepy for fast metal and punk. What is in your opinion the best open headphone for those genre? I want a dark-forward-fast sound with bass like px100ii and inoffensive treble. Maybe the Grado hf2? Or there is something better? Cheers!!
Fabio_Rocks
Up to 999 US DOLLARS!
Mike
NICE! LCD-2 it is!
Mike
HF2 I think lacks the attack.
You can get the Grados, but you’re not going to get the bass body of the Senns.
Perhaps you can try the HD600.
Lately the metal crowd, I think, worships the LCD-2 as the ultimate uber cans for their music.
Jack Knight
waiting for audinst huf mini review…:)
Mike
It’s really good, I’m enjoying it now after an opamp change. I told Audinst if they can ship it default with the OPA2227 instead of the LME4-something that it comes with.
I just need to find time for the review. 🙂
Jack Knight
is it better if we compare it with E17? i think that OPA2227 is your fav opamp, isn’t it?:)
Mike
No it’s just the one I happen to have laying around. I’ve misplaced my other opamps since I rarely do opamp rolling. 😉
I think it may be better than the E17, but I really haven’t done an AB.
Ken Stuart
Mike (or anyone else) – Do you use headphone extensions, and if so, what is your experience with how they affect the sound of the headphones ? (And, of course, any recommendations would be welcome, both for myself and future readers.)
Mike
I don’t, since my headphone extension (Grado) is very long, like 5 meters.
All of my full size headphones have 3 meters cords so I’m fine. Sometimes some headphones come recabled, only ~1meters, but they are usually portable and would do pretty well out of a portable amp.
Now I did try the Grado extension once and it did muddy the music, though Grado claims no loss of quality. You realise that your question can open up a whole new chapter of scientific proof arguments? Perhaps next time we should talk about cables over private messaging. 😉
L.
I use an extension cable for the HD650 and HE-400, it’s one i had made for me with Canare L4E6S(I think) and honestly I don’t think int influences the sound, even at 15ft. check out a seller called heels-6 on ebay
rustiandra
since I haven’t got any headphone-related question, guess i finally remember one question that I wanna ask long time ago. what kind of lenses that u currently use as a professional photographer? :))
CH Liew
Hi Mike, I’m on the lookout for a decent tubed headphone amp (desktop) and have in my sights either the WA6-SE with upgraded tubes or SAC Minute EL34-SE. I listen to primarily metal tunes through my RS1 vintage and HD555. Which amp would you reckon to be more suitable for me? Thanks!
Mike
Metal tunes.
I’ve never auditioned the EL34 Minute. But usually an amp manufacturer would have a typical sound signature and if the EL34 Minute follows the direction of the 45 Minute, it’s definitely not going to be good for Metal.
The WA6SE is a faster paced amp than the Minute, but I’m also not sure if it would be a good amp for Metal.
CH Liew
Thanks for the feedback, Mike. In that case, which solid state (or tube, if possible) amp should I seriously consider to give me some good dynamics and bass slam?
Ekawit Jaithiang
Now, i decided to get he-300 but one more thing about cable dock to mini. I’m using fiio L3 with ipod classic and d-zero but i saw the cable of iBasso CB07 in their website and 2 models of Zycable in head-direct which i’m not sure if ithey will change the sound quality if i change to it. Can you recommend me? Thanks!
Mike
I woulnd’t worry about the LOD cables.
mike roderigo
Did you gyus noticed the current Audiophilliac post about a pair of headphones called Noonteck zoro?
any feedbacks from headfonia’s community?
Mike
Hi Mike,
Sorry not yet.
Stephen Loke
Hi Mike,
Which IEM would you recommend for Pop, Rock & Alternative? I have a budget of 450USD.
Mike
UE’s Triple.Fi 10 is very popular for those. Another you can try is the SM3. Or if you want to go custom the JH5Pro
Stephen Loke
Hi,
What bassy portable amplifier would benefit the Westone 4R? I have a budget of USD200-300. I listen to: Pop, Rock & Alternative.
Mike
RSA Shadow. Headstage Arrow. They should all add bass.
Stephen Loke
Hi,
Which Headstage Arrow would you recommend for Pop, rock & Alternative? 3G or 4G? Its gonna be paired with the Westone 4R.
Mike
The 3G is nicer than the 4G. I don’t know if they’ve made a 5G. 🙂
Maurice Theriot
I use the Sony MDR-V6 headphones and recently upgraded my computer. I previously had an ASUS Xonar DG sound card to power the headphones but I have since upgraded to an ASUS Sabertooth Z77 board with integrated Realtek ALC892 audio. I’ve noticed the sound isn’t as good. I’m on the fence between getting an external USB DAC/Amp or another sound card. I like the portability and reported quality offered by the FiiO E17 but the cost is more than my actual headphone. I will primarily use the phones with my PC but it would be nice to connect to my iPhone/iPad on the go. Which solution (if any) would you recommend as the best choice?
Mike
Maurice, if the cost of the E17 is too expensive then you can look at the Fiio E10 though that doesn’t give you the portable amp feature.
http://www.headfonia.com/the-latest-must-have-the-fiio-e10-usb-dacamp/
Another one you may want to look into is the Ibasso D-Zero which gives you a USB DAC and a portable amp for a cheaper price than the E17.
http://www.headfonia.com/fiio-e7-meet-your-rival-the-ibasso-d-zero/
Maurice Theriot
Thanks for the reply!
My concern was less about portability or the cost of the E17 and more about whether or not it would be considered overkill. The Sonys are sub-$150 headphones and since I don’t know enough about this I was wondering what a professional thought. Is it uncommon to spend more on an amp than a pair of headphones? If the E17 is the best choice, I’m game for it. I just don’t know if it would be better to get the DAC/amp or another sound card like the Xonar Essence STX.
Mike
Maurice,
Yes in this hobby amps often are more expensive than the headphones they are being used with. People often use $1,000-$2,000 amps for the HD650 that cost $400. I think it’s mainly law of economics. The headphones are mass produced. The amplifiers often come from small boutique factories.
Maurice Theriot
Great, I’m beginning to understand now. Do you have a position on the Essence, with say, a LME49720NA op-amp upgrade? Will that place it over the E17 or with its stock TI TPA6120A2 will it naturally be better out-of-box? Thanks again!
Mike
Ummm I’ve never made that comparison, Maurice, so I can’t say.
Maurice Theriot
I wound up purchasing the Xonar Essence STX after reading multitudes of very-positive reviews. My friend who also has MDR-V6s purchased the E17, so I will be able to give readers a verdict as soon as they arrive! Thanks for the input!
Mike
Alright Maurice, looking forward to your impressions. 🙂
Dave Ulrich
I know this may seem like a silly question being how different the prices are, but, in terms of technicalities, how does the JDSlabs cMoy compare to the National?
Mike
Not silly, Dave. I’m sure a lot of people are asking the same question.
I wouldn’t say that there is a big gap in terms of technicalities. That may seem surprising, but the reason is that a lot of people tend to look down on a Cmoy. The Cmoy has a very short signal path, perhaps among the shortest in all headphone amplifiers, and that translates to a very transparent sounding amp, one of the best among portables.
What you are getting with more expensive amps such as the National is the more linear frequency response (a basic, non bass boost Cmoy is rolled off on the bass, while the bass boost tend to lose bass texture), bass impact, current capacity (for low impedance cans), build quality, and features like gain switch and rechargeable batteries.
Dave Ulrich
If you think about it, and you obviously have as your review says as much, that really makes the cMoy a tremendous deal as people who are on the fence about adding a amp into their setup can get a very nice sounding one for a mere 60 dollars.
As my tastes in music are all over the place, I was looking for a good all around amp, and it looks like the National is it. As the cMoy is the only amp I know, I just wanted to make sure the National wouldn’t be a step down in terms of technicalities. Thanks
Mike
Yes that’s correct. The Cmoy is a brilliant amp for $60. That’s why I made so many recommendations for it.
Chris Allen
Hi Mike & L,
I wanted to know what amp would you suggest to be paired along with the DT990/600Ω?
Mike
Chris,
I’m not that experienced with the DT990. I know L owned one at one point, perhaps you want to listen to what he has to say.
Personally, from the amps you listed, I would get the LD Mk4.
Chris Allen
Thanks, Mike! That’s one vote for the LD Mk4 then. What about the Bottlehead Crack? Would you suggest that be a better option then the Mk4?
Mike
Yes the Bottlehead is very good. The LD is mellower, smoother and more midrange centric. The Bottlehead is cleaner, better PRaT and bass impact.
Chris Allen
I would probably end up with the Bottlehead then. It seems like the better bet. I am hoping for more/tidy bass impact and a little more midrange to somewhat level the sound nicely. Thanks for your input, Mike! 🙂
Mike
Yea if you’re based in the US it’ll be easier to get it serviced if anything happens too.
I think the Crack is currently the best deal in headphone tube amplification.
Chris Allen
Thanks, Mike! I never done any DIY before (let alone soldering), so it’ll be my first time attempting to do so. I hope it isn’t too difficult, but reading the Headfonia article/review, it seems its an easy job and indeed worth it. Thanks again Mike!
Gavin TheEmperor Tyndale
Hey, can you review the sennheiser HD 449 if you can get your hands on it ?
Mike
Hi Gavin,
Yes actually a lot of people have requested that review and I still have yet to make it happen. Let me try to get the headphones from the local Sennheiser. I talked to them a while ago about doing a review on the whole HD4XX series, but haven’t really follow up on that.
Gavin TheEmperor Tyndale
Thanks, i appreciate it
Elzafir Habsjah
Hi Mike, sorry to post this on several posts (the HD661 review, the E10 review, and here). Because I’m not sure which one you will read. Feel free to delete my comments on which you didn’t read and reply.
I’m considering a DAC+Amp for home use to go with my Samson SR850 and Superlux HD661. Budget is $100 max. I’ve read almost all of your DAC+Amp review, but still can’t decide the best amp for under $100.
I need it for my PC, so I don’t need portability, unless the portable is better than the desktop amp (like the E17 vs E10. But the E17 is unfortunately over my budget).
So in your opinion, which is the best sub-$100 DAC+Amp (or separate DAC and Amp combination for also under 100 bucks) to drive Samson SR850 and Superlux HD661?
I’m considering the FiiO E10, E7, HiFiMan Express HM101, iBasso D-Zero, and the likes (anything under $100). I also heard of Headstage USB DAC cable, dBe USB DAC 10, and FiiO D5.
On a side note, I’m planning to buy the M-Audio Fast Track audio interface for my recording needs. Should I just use it for DAC and get a separate (sub-$100) amp? Would it be a better setup vs the best sub-$100 DAC+Amp? Some sub-$100 amp thats available on my city are the SoundMagic A10, Rolls HA43, Superlux HA3D, Banzai Jelly V7, and the Bravo Audio Valve Class A Muti-Hybrid Headphone Amplifier V2.
Thanks, Mike.
Please shed some of your insights.
Mike
Elzafir,
I have no experience with the Samson, but the HD661 + E10 combo is extremely good. I think you should give the E10 a try. It was one of those products that blew our expectations in 2011 and I’ve made a LOT of recommendations for it.
Elzafir Habsjah
Hey Mike, why can’t I reply here? My comment doesn’t show up.
Mike
Huh?
Mike
On the Fast Track audio interface, I really have no experience with it.
Valentin Hogea
Hey guys! Just wanted to check… There’s a new star in the portable-premium amps, VorzAMP (Duo & Pure). Said to be the best available at the moment. But I don’t trust the gossip, therefore checking if you guys have any plans to audition them.
http://vorzuge.com/?page_id=162
Best wishes,
V
Johnathon Williamson
Have you ever heard of the Matrix MIni? It’s a portable 24/192 DAC/amp from Matrix, using the AD1955 DAC chip. It seems like a new product. (not to be confused with Matrix’s desktop DAC/amp, the Mini-i)
http://tamaudio.com/store/index.php?route=product/product&path=36&product_id=126
Mike
Yes, they sent me one and I’ve written some impressions here: https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.443051622406207.108416.145341288843910&type=1
L.
Reviewed that 😉
Chao Gilbert
Hi Mike Which one do you prefer. Between Shure940 and AKG550. What is pros and cons of them? Thankyou
sindri1980
Hello everyone!
I am looking for an upgrade to my Shure se215.
I listen mostly to electronica (stuff like Björk, for example), pop, some vocal… not much rock.
I would like to get something with a wow and fun factor like the Shure se215 but with better quality and clarity, soundstage and bass.
Yes, I do like bass, but the se215 sounds sometimes sound too overemphasized.
I’ve reading tons of threads here and there and my main candidates now are the Vsonic GR07 mk2, Earsonics SM2/3, Westone UM3X and the Future Sonics Atrio MG7.
I am looking for a comfortable IEM, with good isolation, impactful and generous textured bass, sweet mids and nice treble without being to harsh.
Any help? 🙂
Thanks!
Sigve Hølleland
Hi again Mike! I have tought some more on a portable amp and have found these three intresting fiio e17 and e11 and digizoid ZO2. I mostly needs a bass booster, but without loosing much of the overall qualty. I will also be using it with my desktop and ipad with camera conaction.
Thanks for your time 😉
Mike
Sigve,
All three has bass boost capability. The E17 also comes with a treble control (+/-) so in a way it’s special. The Zo however is the most compact of the three and wins point just for that. The E17 is better than the E11, but if you only need a bass booster, it would be more expensive than the other two, not to mention the size being the biggest.
I probably would go with the Zo.
Sigve Hølleland
Mike,
I think i will go for the zo now, but if you takes away the point for more compact (i have tried the Fiio e17 and that worked well so dont need to be smaller) is the zo the way to go then?
Mike
Well the E17 would be the best option, if we’re not considering size and price.
Sigve Hølleland
Thanks 🙂 and congrats by the way! The next step is a store here in Norway isnt it? 😛
Mike
Thanks, Sigve. 🙂
Norway would be nice, never been there, but I can use some European atmosphere. 😉
George Lai
Mike, you have so many headphones in your possession. I have the V-Jays but the foam earpads hurt. I know they’re square but which other earpads fit? PX 200’s for example?
Mike
Ouch. I dont’ think you can fit the PX200’s in there, George. Why not try the PX200?
George Lai
I found the solution, Mike. See my latest post. Thanks anyway. Thanks also for a wonderful website which I have bookmarked.
Chris Allen
Hey Mike! I was reading your Schiit amps review, and you said that the Asgard has deeper soundstage. Can you elaborate on that a tad more?
Michael Mottau
Hey!
I am hoping you can help me find a pair of headphones. I have been reading your website for a couple hours now and I am having a hard time finding the right pair. I have a pretty specific criteria so hopefully you can guide me pretty easily.
I plan to use them to listen to music while at work, I wil be wearing them for an extended period of time so it is important that are comfortable. Since it is a pretty quite environment I think closed would be best. I will probably be bringing them back and forth to and from work so portability is nice but not required. I listened to mainly hard rock and metal, with an occasionally pop song or two. My budget is up to $100. Hopefully this gives you enough info the help. If you need anything else please let me know.
Mike
Michael,
Hard Rock and Metal for less than $100..
Last headphone that I like for Hard Rock and Metal was Shure’s SRH-940 but it’s more on the $200 range. It’s closed and is quite comfortable.
Ken Stuart
In a comment (or perhaps a review), someone mentioned using a specific aftermarket cable with silver (or silver plated) wire to bring up the treble of a particular headphone. Is this a general characteristic of silver – that it brings up the treble somewhat ?
Autumn Constantine
Question: I just can’t get my headphones to sound as good on a portable device as compared to my PC’s sound card. Its a 5 yr old or so Creative X-Fi (not the Titanium) but still sounds incredibly superior to any portable device. I use the Fiio e11 and a pair of ATH-Pro700MK2.
Electronic music sounds like god’s voice when using my PC. Especially with the crystallizer feature on the Creative audio console. Is there no such thing as decent sound processing in a portable device? Am I doomed to carry around a laptop?
Mike
You can try some portable players, but I really have no base for a comparison with the X-Fi.
Chao Gilbert
Hi Mike I want to ask you about Beyer DT 770 Pro 250 Ohm and Shure940.(with Fiio E17) I want to use it for monitoring and recording. Which one would you recommend me? Thank you mike.
Mike
Chao,
I think both are good for monitoring and recording.
Jack Knight
I need amp for my beyer dt770/250? my budget is around $250, i wanna buy 2nd hand graham slee novo or new littledot mk3 is which one is better? or any other good amp?
Mike
Hi,
I don’t have an experience with the LD Mk3.
Jack Knight
how about novo and national? which one
do you think have better sinergy for beyer 770/250?
Mike
Jack,
I think the Novo is.
Yongky
wah bro jaka ini wakakak
Jonah_Chao
Hey Mike and Lieven,
I noticed that your review of the HE-400 was from February, which most likely indicates that your phones are from the first revision batch. Are there any plans to follow through with an HE-400 revision 2 update?
Thanks guys,
Jonah
L.
I’d like to do it, let me check with Hifiman
Jonah_Chao
Thanks for the prompt answer. I hear the revision 2 drivers improve upon the HE-400’s quite a bit. Looking forward to the update, if it happens!
L.
Hifiman is sending me a Rev 2!
Jonah_Chao
Great news! I look forward to your impressions. Thanks for letting us know.
Trent_D
Brief ODAC impressions. I have had the ODAC for a week now, and think it is a very excellent DAC for the price. Clean and smooth through all frequencies. Width and depth both solid. Detail is very good. All in all, it looks like NwAvGuy did a good job designing this, as it does sound quite transparent to my untrained ears. I will be A/B’ing it this weekend with the only other DAC at my disposal (Headstage Cable DAC) and I will write more detailed impressions afterwards. My biggest regret is that I don’t have a MS2 (same price point) or a Dacport LX (similar sound) to compare it to. I can’t imagine however, that the ODAC isn’t an excellent bargain at $150
Trent_D
And a question. How is the Sr-71A on mids and treble?
Ken Stuart
To be honest, if you do not have something to compare it with, then that is not really helpful (other than to say that you did not find anything immediately wrong).
Tung Nguyen
Hi Mike and Headfonia Crew,
I would like to upgrade to Audeze LCD2, there are so many recommendations for DAC/Amp combination for it that I’m confused. This is my setup for HD650 at the moment: Fostex HP-A3 as DAC and Schiit Valhalla as amp.
Can I use that setup for LCD2? Does it limit LCD2’s performance greatly?
I’m also interested in Burson Soloist and Violectric V200 amp. Which one would you recommend for LCD2? Also, which DAC would work better with the recommended amp?
Thank for your time.
Mike
The Valhalla, I don’t think is recommended for Orthos as it is an OTL amp.
The DAC should work nicely.
The Burson Soloist is very nice, but the V200 is also very nice. Lieven will be doing a comparison of the two hopefully soon.
Tung Nguyen
Thanks Mike, looking forwards to that comparison.
One more thing, I mostly listen to jazz, alternative rock, vocal, RnB and a bit of pop. Which one would be more suitable for me between Audeze LCD2 and Senn HD800?
Thanks in advance.
Mike
Should go with the LCD-2, it’ll cover your music better than the HD800.
Tung Nguyen
Hey Mike,
What do you think about Burson DA-160 DAC? How is it compared to Fostex HP-A3 DAC section? Should I get Burson DA-160 DAC/Burson Soloist or Burson 160DS or Burson 160D?
Thanks.
Yongky
hi mike,
i’m a user of hd25 adidas,
i listen to rock like john mayer, hoobastank, chris daughtry, lifehouse, matchbox 20, and some kind like that…i want to upgrade from hd25 since i feel that i want more forward sound, more emotion on rock music, and more harsh sound on the guitar…which one is more suitable on me?Grado sr325i or Alessandro ms2i?or you have other suggestion?i will using it with govibe vulcan+ and centrance dacport lx.thx mike.
Mike
The SR325i would be it then.
Yongky
mmm…could you give me more specific reason about why i choose sr325is over ms2i?because a lot of people suggest ms2i over sr325is since it has very killing treble …im sorry mike i cant try them both…so i need a strong advice 😀
Mike
The MS1i is good because of the pads it use. The MS2i, with the bowl pads, it’s a more laid back cans than the MS1 and it has lost its attack. I’m not saying that MS1 is better than the MS2, technically the bigger number is still better, but presentation wise, you need that attack and the SR325is is the best of the three.
Have you actually listened to the SR325is? I think the latest version strikes a nice balance between attack and treble balance. Read my review of the Grado PS500 where I compared it to the SR325is.
http://www.headfonia.com/the-new-grado-sound-grado-ps500/
Yongky
thx mike, i’ve already read it, and i found that sr325is is really good with prog. rock.
my question is…
1. if i change ms2i bowl pads with senn hd414 yellow pads, will it be the same forward sound with sr325is?
2. what do you think about sr325is with comfy pads?
3. some says that sr325is is “thinner” than ms2i new batch…is that
true?of course i want a forward rock music but i dont wanna get a “thin”
rock, i want a “solid” and “strong” rock.
Mike
You’re asking too many questions here. I really don’t know how it would sound with the different pads.
Yongky
maybe just no. 3 and no. 4…?
Mike
I really don’t know. Sorry
James O'Connor
A couple of questions, one embarrassingly basic:
1. Computer(Creative Titanium HD) RCA out to Marantz 4023 CD in to Speakers and Headphones. Which component is my DAC? Is my soundcard still my DAC or does the Marantz take that duty?
1.1 Do I need to invest in a better DAC before getting too into headphone amplifiers?
2. About 50% of what I listen to is electronic (Chemical Brothers, Paul Van Dyke(classics etc.)) the other half being eclectic rock (Modest Mouse, Bloc Party, U2, Yeah Yeah Yeahs). So I do not think I am overly concerned with getting a warm sounding amp. However some of the only amps on this site which are not really described as warm are the Bursons. Currently I cannot afford a Burson but could afford a Schiit Asgard. Should I save up to get a Burson or get a Schiit and not worry about upgrading? My headphones are Sennheiser HD 555, Audio Technica ATH-AD700, Ultrasone HFI 780, and the Audio Technica Pro700MKII ANV.
Thank you, you are a great human being.
Ken Stuart
The Creative Titanium HD is $150 more than the usual Creative sound
cards, because it has a high end Burr-Brown DAC chip. (Have you tried
putting the HD555 directly into it’s headphone port on the Titanium ?)
In any event, the Titanium HD, the nouveau Marantz, and your headphones are all roughly equivalent in quality.
IMHO, the next setp is go from the computer to an asychronous USB DAC,
in order to remove jitter. Certainly, you would need to spend $300-$350
on a DAC to get anything better than the Titanium HD.
Whether Out There And Back will sound better on an Asgard or a Burson
depends on how good the nouveau Marantz’s headphone jack is (or the
Titanium HD’s headphone jack).
Okay, that is some preliminary info while we wait for the more experienced people (Mike and L).
By the way, the above assumes that “RCA out” means that you are putting
two RCA plugs into the Marantz from the Titanium HD, in other words, an
analog cable. (If you are using a digital out from the Titanium HD,
then you are wasting its fine capability).
Nick Tam
1. The Creative Titanium HD. As soon as it goes out of the RCAs it is analog.
1.1 A setup can only be as good as the cheapest component. I’d say yes depending on your headphones as well.
2. I’m not into that genre but I do have a pair of Pro700MK2ANVs, I think the Asgard may be a hit or miss, as it’s mostly neutral bur leaning towards warm, though I’m not sure and can’t make a recommendation. The Burson seems like the ideal amp for you. because it’s fast and impactful on the bass section and not too warm. Mike can help you on that.
Mike
James,
First, what Nick and Ken already said.
Second, I think an amp would be nice from where you are now. The question is, which amp. I think you need an amp with a good PRaT for your music. The Asgard is good, the Bursons are really nice but more pricey.
Jeffery T. Greer
I have a question about distortion. Whenever I play certain songs, such as “Some Chords” by deadmau5 or “Kick Out The Epic MF’er” by Dada Life, I notice that in the former song the mids tend to distort, and in the latter the high note is highly distorted. What is causing this? I’ve tried Googling multiple times and I can’t find anything close to a straight answer.
To start off, this only happens when playing near or at max volume (I know, I know, damaging to my ears but I gotta have that kick from my DJ1’s) so I tried to “normalize” the tracks to see if that would work. To a point it did but it didn’t solve the issue. Then I thought “maybe it’s my headphones”. THEN I thought “maybe a portable amp would help”. Any suggestions? At all? All help is greatly appreciated.
Mike
Jeffrey,
First of all I’m not too familiar with the songs. But here is a few tips:
1. Try playing at low volume. If the distortion is still there, then it’s probably the recording that is faulty. 2. If the distortion only happens on loud volumes, then it’s either the amplifier or the headphone. What amp are you using, what headphone?
Jongheon Park
Are you going to review the G103 & G109 by Lake People? They seem like good amps for their prices. It would be wonderful if you review it.
L.
This has been asked before, and no we will not. sorry (they’ve been discussed on Head-fi )
Jongheon Park
Sorry. Didn’t realize it.
L.
No problem. Let’s hope Violectric releases a new amp soon!
Trent_D
After comparing it as much as I could with the headstage dac cable, I find myself about to return the ODAC. Perhaps those with a better setup then mine (my amp is but a cMoy) could tell the difference night and day between the two, but I can barely discern the difference, certainly not enough to justify paying for it. Not much of a review, I know, but there it is. Kind of a bummer as I was hoping to love it, or at least notice an improvement in detail or soundstage.
What’s a bigger bummer for me is that I have decided to sell my AKG K550 (200 if anyone is interested), as I find myself, despite the infinitely more advanced sound, preferring to listen to my HD 202. I love the Sennheiser sound. So, my goal is now clear: Dacport Lx, Bottlehead Crack and the HD 650.
Mike
That sounds pretty bad, Trent.
Trent_D
One of the few differences I can discern between the two dacs is that one a few tracks, the ODAC sounds a bit more digital. Whether that is the signature of the ODAC or it just happens to be those tracks, I can’t really say. With the Dacport Lx, did you ever have that problem with any music, having that sterile digital sheen?
Mike
I don’t know what D/A chip the ODAC uses, but one of the characters that always bothered me with Sabre based DACs is what I would call as digital sounding.
Brian Werner
Trent you obviously are hearing wrong! Your subjective bias must be kicking in and you are not hearing what you are really hearing…. Don’t you know that you can’t trust your ears…. the O2 measures as good as the Benchmark DAC so it doesn’t matter if you think it “sounds” good…. it IS good so YOU MUST love it. Joking aside thanks for those impressions Trent I was just about to put in an order for the ODAC possibly piggy backed to the O2…. Measurements do tell as story and I appreciate alot of what NWAVGUY is doing, but another thing that should be acknowledged is that Headfi’s classifieds are chocked full of O2 amplifiers for sale by owners who’ve owned them a very short time… there seems to be a pretty inordinate amount of O2’s on the classified listing for an amp that was just released to market recently.. I wouldn’t be surprised to see the same thing with the ODAC…. I appreciate alot of what NWAVGUY has done and I really like John over at JDS labs but I honestly would be more confident buying John’s C421 than the $150 O2 with its $1000 performance….. Measurements are important, but its not the only place where you can assign value to a piece of kit…. thanks for your feedback Trent, you’ve saved me a lot of grief…. my best.
Trent_D
I agree. I love JDSlabs, and I like idea of what NWAVGUY is doing, but I think relying only on measurements is a mistake. I am reminded of my senior year in college when some friends and I had a bourbon tasting night. Wild Turkey Russell’s Reserve was a big hit. When I tried it, I could appreciate the clarity and smoothness of it’s flavor, the fact is I don’t like the Wild Turkey flavor. While objectively, I would give it high marks, I still wouldn’t drink it.
NWAVGUY is trying to make a point that you don’t have to use fancy parts and throw out huge marketing buzz words to get great sound, but I think the world is starting to realize that as well. Not that long ago, you can read Mike saying that the HD 650 is a great headphone but only if you are willing to make the large financial investment necessary assemble a system able to reveal their potential. Now Mike (and many others) are raving about a 300 dollar amp that takes the HD650 and makes something beautiful with them.
As for the ODAC, there seems to be many who like it, and that’s great. I don’t presume to speak for them. There are just my impressions.
Ken Stuart
Trent wrote: ” I like idea of what NWAVGUY is doing, but I think relying only on measurements is a mistake.”
I DISLIKE the idea of what NWAVGUY is doing, BECAUSE relying only on measurements is a mistake.
Relying only on measurements is circular reasoning. The only way to know if a measurement is measuring sound quality is by listening.
If nuclear war kills all human beings, and then later robots and computers together try to create the perfect headphone – how would they know when they have succeeded ??
Brian Werner
I think the argument has gotten a little shrill from the objective crowd but there is a diamond in the rough there and I think Tyl Hertsen harvested it. He developed his own 10 point amp measurement suite for his reviews. Developing standards for amp measurements would be a nice direction to see things go. Understanding that they don’t tell the whole story, (but do tell a story) it would be nice if amp manufacturers all published the same 8 or 9 specs. As it is, from one OEM to the next you’ll have wildly different specs or specs without proper weighting….. which some take as malicious or disingenuous. I think it is just evidence that the culture developed out of DIY. That being said players are big enough, equipment is sophisticated enough and the knowledge base is wide enough that implementing standards shouldn’t be too daunting. Just my two cents…. Hopefully no one sees this as trolling. It’s not meant to be.
Trent_D
TROLL!
Brian Werner
I know…. I went off topic…. I’ve been called worse I suppose. Bummer about the ODAC though.
Ken Stuart
It is without question a good idea for equipment designers to have some measurements that they use in the process of creating new equipment. But this should only be known and discussed in the appropriate trade journals.
For sales/marketing to say “This particular measurement shows you that our product is great.” is just fraudulent. For consumers to say that is just another fundamentalist religion.
thethirty3rd
Hey Mike,
Just a question: I’m considering getting a pair of customs from a friend and reshelling them. He’s had them in his dry box for about a year and a half now, and the CIEM is about ~3 years old. Seeing as they’ve only been used lightly for about a year and a half then kept away for another 1.5 years, how long do you think the CIEM would last if I were to reshelling it? Would I be better off buying a new set of customs?
Thanks!
Mike
I don’t think the drivers in an IEM would age that fast.. I would assume that they would have quite a few years of life in them. I really don’t know though, just never heard people complaining about their BA drivers dying on them.
thethirty3rd
Ah, okay thanks!
I’m just afraid I reshell the IEM and only get a year or two from them :
pc-men
Hi Mike.
Since my ath-ad700 drivers are broke, I wondered:
Can i replace them with ath-ad2000 or ath-ad900 drivers?
Do they fit ?
How would the sound be compared to the stock models since the drivers would be angled?
Thanks:)
Mike
I have no idea if they fit, sorry.
Nick Tam
Not really a Q&A but I was just wondering which tubes everyone with the Crack are using. I’ve heard the TS5998 and Mullard 12AU7 makes a really nice combo with wide soundstage and openess, while RCA 6AS7Gs and the RCA Cleartop 12AU7 makes good impactful bass. The TS5998 is quite pricey around here and I’m not too willing to fork out $75 for it and the Mullard as well, so if you have experience with these tubes please feel free to advice!
Other tubes that I can buy are the GEC 6080WA, Telefunken 6AS7W/6080, Zaerix 6AS7G and GE JAN 6080. Not many 6AS7G around here, thx!
Mike
I don’t really do tube rolling but the RCA Cleartop 12AU7 does not have impactful bass. The stock tube have a better bass than the RCA Cleartop.
The RCA Cleartop has a sweet midrange, but for me it was a little too mellow, and lacks the bass of the stock tubes so I went back to stock.
Nick Tam
My kit came with an old RCA 12AU7A cleartop so im looking at replacing that. although instead of rolling the input tube I’m thinking of the output 6AS7G since it has more impact on the sound. Was also planning on rolling in a 12BH7 since I have the speedball, heard it will open up the sound vastly. Who knows, but if it does…
Mike
Nice!
I didn’t really try that many tubes with the Crack. Lieven should be able to tell you more about tube rolling with it.
L.
Hi Nick, unlike Mike I threw out the EH 12AU7 immediately and put in a RCA 12AU7 clear top. 6AS7 wise I have tried the RCA, Chatham, 5998 Tung Sol and even the GEC 6AS7G. All that to go back to the standard Westinghouse branded TS 6080WA tube. It just sounds best to me (and to be honest I don’t really want to to use my 5998 and GEC in the Crack)
there’s a huge 61S7G tube rolling thread on Head-fi with lots of great info, a must read if you’re into 6AS7 tubes.
Trent_D
Interesting. You and Mike seem to have very different opinions of the RCA 12AU7 clear top.
Mike
I know.. Funny because I don’t usually find our impressions that much different. Maybe one of our clear top is a fake. 😉
Ken Stuart
I’ve been tube rolling a lot of 12AX7s recently (details of the amp some time later) and the West German vintage tubes are a level better than everything else (the famous Telefunken are very good, but the Siemens from Munich are even better). The only thing that was pretty close was the Mullard made in Blackburn, England. I found a vintage RCA black long plates (the highest regarded RCA), and it was nowhereas as good.
Of course, disclaimer – my system is different from other people’s and my tubes could conceivably have been different from others of the same vintage brand. BTW, I tried a 1970 Amperex made in Holland and a 1959 Amperex Bugle Boy made in Holland, and both are too bright for my system. YMMV.
L.
yes indeed, it’s my fav 12AU7 🙂
Ken Stuart
Evidently the RCA 12AU7A clear top is a unique tube that does not have a 12AX7 direct equivalent. From tube world:
Julian Wong
Hi
I go on the internet and different forums about headphones, and I always see many different variants of the Sennheiser HD25 series…
From the HD 25-1 II, then there’s the HD 25 II… or the HD 25-13 II.. etc.
A lot of them have different prices, so I’ve always wondered what are the major differences between them? They all basically look the same, but surely Senn has a reason to release so many different versions…
Also, out of all the HD 25 variants, which one is the “best”? Perhaps a more suitable question would be which you prefer the most… hehe.
Thanks, Julian
Mike
The most popular ones are these:
HD25-1 and HD25-1 II and HD25-1 II Adidas. Same sound.
HD25 SP. Cheaper, slightly different sound. You can read the review if you click the Sennheiser tag on the bottom of the page. HD25-13. High impedance version of the HD25-1, I haven’t yet heard it actually.
Julian Wong
Is there a difference between the HD25 II and the HD25-1 II?
Also, when it says high impedance does it mean it is more efficient…?
Mike
“HD25-1 and HD25-1 II and HD25-1 II Adidas. Same sound.”
The high impedance version is not necessarily more efficient. Better stick with the standard version IMO.
Ali B.
Mike Hi!
For years I’ve been following your website and dreaming of getting my own system which, as far as the dream goes, would show me new things that always escaped my perception. Now I’m moving to US and had managed to save about $1000. I have to say I’m total newbie. What I want is to be able to connect my computer (and maybe a gaming console) to system which is compatible with both headphones and speakers. It gets trickier because I will be getting a turntable in the near future, so not everything can be digital only.
Since my budget is limited to $1000 initially (without the turntable and with a little wiggle room) I’ve decided to go with AKG Q 701 as my headphone of choice (this is simply because they offer the most bang for the buck, in terms compatibility with the Bifrost DAC, Amazon sells them for $250, but open to any suggestions).
As I’ve said, I will definitely get a turntable in the near future which in turn necessitates an integrated amp purchase (if I’m not wrong). Marantz PM6004 seems to be great budget choice, so I’ll probably get that (What Hi-Fi says that it compliments turntables very nicely).
As I’ve said, I would like to have the freedom to choose listen to speakers as well (I couldn’t decide which at the moment but it should be passive ones, right? Any suggestions around $300-400 mark?) and this is where I’m stuck. I don’t want to switch cables etc. whenever I am in the mood for listening with headphones or speakers. So I may go Schiit’s Bifrost, I know you haven’t tested those yet, and with the Marantz PM6004, but I am not sure how good the headphone out on Marantz is. Can I use Schiit’s Lyr amp as a good pre-amp for Marantz and the speakers, would that even work? Then again, I don’t know if Lyr and Q701 are a good match. Even then maybe Lyr is an overkill for a newbie like me.
As you can see, I’m stuck. Any help will be very much appreciated.
Ali B.
I think you missed post, so: bump!
Mike
Yes, I missed it and thanks for the bump.
I think it’s best if you don’t go out and spend $1,000 all at once especially since you don’t seem to have an idea on what is it that you really need. I would advise you to start with something relatively affordable and add components up.
Turntables, they usually pair better with speakers, not with headphones (due to the amount of noise and cracks being “zoomed in” with headphones).
Dave McBride
Shroom In Ear review says best bass is deep in ear canal but also the review says they are best worn “over the ear”…I am not sure what this means, sorry for stupid question but how would you wear in ear phones over the ear?
Thanks!
Dave
Mike
Dave,
I think over the ear refers to the cables.
For instance this photo: http://3.bp.blogspot.com/–pKPRT7pdPg/Tcir5pRCHaI/AAAAAAAAABM/AG-t-WUcEVM/s1600/hj_SE215CL%2528right%2529.jpg
That’s wearing the IEM over the ear.
Moo
Hi Mike!
I’ve decided to get a DAC, for use with my Bottlehead Crack and the HD650’s with a very fancy cable that I won.
It needs to have both USB and Optical though. My absolute top price is $400. The main ones I’m considering are the Dr DAC 2, the Mini-i, and the DacMagic. I really like the sound of the crack and senns, and I like a warm sound. I like detail, but not overwhelming detail. Feel free to suggest any you might think are better, too!
Thanks!
Mike
Moo,
If you want a dark sound, try the Matrix M-Stage DAC. It’s quite affordable and has a good sound. About $200 I think.
L.
Mike might not agree, but look at the NFB2 or 3 from Audio GD. I like it very much
Moo
Thanks! I just don’t want it to be too dark though. How does it compare to the DacMagic or the mini-I? I really like the mini-i because it looks so cool, but that’s not the only reason I want to get it!
Mike
It’s definitely warmer than the DacMagic and more or less the same as the Mini-i. I don’t have the Mini-i here so I can’t write a direct comparison.
Moo
So, I’m guessing that it’s not ‘better’ or worse than the DacMagic, it’s just a personal preference, warmer vs cooler? Is there any DAC at that price point that’s obviously ‘better’?
Thanks again!
Mike
There is always plus and minuses, so not a clear “this is better than that”.
Mike
There is always plus and minuses, so not a clear “this is better than that”.
Trent_D
L, what DACs have you been using with the Crack and the 339?
L.
Yes, I keep going back to it, it’s just how I like my music
Moo
Grrrrrr…I can’t seem to decide between the used DacMagic for $300 and the Mini-i for $345!!! This is driving me batty! 😀
Mike
Moo,
If warm is what you want, the Mini-i is the one you should get.
Trent_D
Mike, I am just curious, what is it about the HD650 that makes it your classical headphone of choice?
Mike
Lot’s of good headphones do classical pretty good, but I’m always missing bass impact on a lot of them, especially for symphonies and those loud piano passages.
George Lai
Hi Mike, I bought a Sennheiser HD600 today on impulse, just after getting a Beyer DT880 250 ohms a week ago. This adds to my collection of Grado SR325iS, ATH-M50, ATH-AD700, AKG K550, etc. My music is predominantly rock, Blues, R&B and are usually from my iMac in Lossless and 320. I have an Audioengine D1, Fiio e10 and for portability, a Fiio e11. I feel my rig could do with another DAC/amp (combo or separates) that does not need to be portable and ideally for my top 4 cans – HD600, 325, 550 and 880. Could you help with a couple of recommendations for different price levels? Say up to $300, up to $500, and up to $999? Thanks in advance.
Mike
George,
I would get the Bottlehead Crack with the Dacport LX.
http://www.headfonia.com/bottlehead-crack-otl-addiction/
http://www.headfonia.com/cheaper-better-the-centrance-dacport-lx/
I know the amp should work really well with your dynamics: the Senn, the Grado, the ATHs, and the AKG. PErhaps the Beyer too, but I didn’t try the Crack with the Beyer. And my Crack is currently not working (broke a tube — my fault).
Apogee
How much more bass quantity and bass impact does the LCD2rev1/2 have over the hifiman he400.
Mike
It’s a different, more mature bass. I’m not sure I can give an answer for “how much”.
frankkramer
I’m a little late getting to your AKG K550 review which I enjoyed. Would the K550 be an upgrade over my Sennheiser HD598 especially since I listen to classical primarily? If not, what in the sort of mid price range might be better for classical
I’m using Asgard + Audio Poutine ODAC. Thanks
Nick Tam
Then why not the HD600 with the Asgard? They pair like bacon and eggs and they’re the next closest thing to the HD650 for classical. Don’t know about the prices of the Senns in your region though. The HD600 goes for around $280 in Hong Kong but if you can’t get it around that price then yes, get the K550. The K550 would be an upgrade although I won’t say it is a significant upgrade. As Mike noted, the AKG is extremely clean sounding as opposed to the grainy Senns. The K550 may be closed back but the sound is still pretty massive.
frankkramer
Thanks for your thoughts Nick. HD600 has gone up here in the US – it’s now around $400. I’ve thought about stepping up to HD600 or HD650 but they seem a lot more to me. I’ve been pleased with the HD598, but since I bought them I’ve moved toward classical almost exclusively. Not that I don’t like them, but the grass is always greener if you know what I mean. I’ve read in a number of other places talk about the K550 being especially good with classical. That and the fact that I really like the way they look has me sort of interested. I’m also interested by the idea that the K550 is, as you say, extremely clean sounding.
Nick Tam
Just telling you Mike’s impressions really. I personally haven’t auditioned the K550 in particular, but it is sort of like the closed back counterpart to the HD600 minus the high impedance. Kind of strange that despite it’s larger driver, it doesn’t quite have the bass slam of the Senns. Not that it matters too much for classical anyways, the K550 should be a bliss to listen classical to.
Trent_D
I have the K550 and am also an (almost) exclusive classical listener. The asgard should give you more bass impact than the cMoy I have gives me, but from what I understand, it will never be to the level of what you get from the HD650. During my last live classical experience, I came to realize how important bass impact is to classical. As a result, I am currently saving up for a Dacport lx, Crack, HD650 set up. For things like string quartets, the K550 is pretty awesome, though.
Nick Tam
lol i can see that you too are on a tight budget… that.all changes after you get the Crack, you’d just want to tube roll that badly you’d wonder where your wallet went. I thought at first “HRT MS2+, Crack, Senns 650 and recable, I’m done with my audio spending”
Now I’m hunting for tubes after work hours… and I’m not even a uni student yet… damnit
NubTAM94
Go ahead and get the K550. As Trent says the Asgard will compensate the bass which from my experience gives string instruments abit more impact, while at the same time you would be amazed at the clarity the K550 has. It won’t disappoint.
Apogee
i was wondering if you could rank some headphones in terms of bass impact. HD800, HD700, HD650, LCD2, HE400. I’m pretty sure the LCD2 will be number one but i’m not sure about the rest. also have you tried the Woo Audio WA2.
Brian Werner
Mike would be the expert here but based on what i have heard from the lcd2 (rev2), hd650, and He400…. i would say hd650, He400, LCD2… i have never heard the 700 or 800 but understand them to be more analytical…. the Lcd2 can resolve low low base perfectly clear without so much as a gnats ass of distortion… but it so recessed that it lacks impact….. you hear the low base but do not feel it… both the hd650 and HE400 present it with more tonal density and weight…. i also cannot speak for old stock rev 1 LCD2’s… i heard they were better… off the shelf brand new LCD2’s are not your best choice if looking for a hard hitter… hd650, he400, he300 and he500 beat it in that ONE regard. its amazing in other regards though.
Mike
Bass Impact, roughly: LCD-2, HD650, HE400, HD800/700.
Sorry haven’t tried the WA2, but Lieven is writing a review on it.
L.
I’m getting to know the WA2 first 😉
Arturo Lazaro Jr.
Looking of getting into stax Mike, currently have a MS-1, DT250 80Ohm, W5000, and UM TF-10 + mids iems, all currently used through a ALO Rx MK1 & Audio-gd NFB10se Would a Stax 404LE + 2nd hand mid range stax amp, be a mind blowing upgrade?
Mike
Arturo,
It’s different, and though I don’t think that it’s going to be a step-up, it may be mind-blowing just because the sound is so different.
Personally I think it would be a good idea to start with lesser priced Lambdas such as the SR-202 just to get a feel of the Stax Lambda sound.
NubTAM94
Come to think of it… answer this question without second thoughts or deep considerations of practicality and application, then say why.
AKG K550 or Hifiman HE-300
Mike
Mico,
The E10 is a good entry level DAC/Amp and will definitely improve the Shure.
Trent_D
Here is a question open to anyone, not just Mike and L (although they are free to comment as it is their website). I have two options that I am having trouble deciding between. Classical music is my main love, but not my only. I have a wide selection of music. I currently have a K550 and an HD202. Option one has be buying a Dacport LX and the ALO National (and possibly the Superlux HD660). Option two has me buying the Dacport LX, Bottlehead Crack, and the HD650. Now, if money weren’t an issue, I would go with the latter. However, money is quite an issue for me, and even a 300 dollar amp requires quite a bit of saving.
The National seems like it would be a great all around amp, able to handle all the music I listen to, and as space is an issue, it’s smaller footprint would be great. I am also not to shure (get it?) about my amp building skills.
One the other hand, I love the sennheiser house sound, and I sometimes think it might be worth the (great quantity of) extra time to save up for?
Any thoughts?
L.
Tough spot. From my own experience whenever I bought “cheaper” gear I always ended up selling it to buy “better” gear” after a while. That’s why I now go straight for the units I want, even if they are more expensive and require me to save up money for a longer period. In the end I think it’s the less expensive way, you just have to be more patient. The units you mentioned are all good, so that makes it extra hard. Sorry this wasn’t more helpful
Mike
Trent,
L is right.
If you want another option, the Matrix Mini Portable that I’m doing a review on should make for a great system with the HD650. The Matrix should be available for $320 and it’s a DAC/Amp built into one.
Trent_D
that sounds like good advice.
Mike
And I just published the review too..
Valentin Hogea
Trent… If you’re interested, I’ve found a used pair of HD650’s for 1100 SEK in my neighbour town. That’s 169 USD. After reading your story I must say, that I’d like to help you achieve your “dream”… Some of us in this game, spend money like crazy, and others have to save for months. Must say that it moved my quite… Contact me on head-fi if you’re interested.
Nick Tam
Honestly you don’t want to go there. I thought I was done spending when I completed my Crack and now I’m just wishlisting a whole lot of upgrades and different tubes to roll in.
If you’re somewhat tight on budget maybe consider the Fostex HP-A3? Unless you are planning on upgrading later then I think you’d stick with a separate DAC and amp. Save up, it will be worth it.
Trent_D
The only place I can find the HP-A3 has it for $500, only $100 less than the Dacport Lx and the Crack together. I had thought about that. But I think you and L are right. Save up for it. The Matrix mini-portable looks really nice, but it would be more of a stop gap measure for me. I know what I want. I just need the patience to get there.
Nick Tam
Dacport LX, Crack, Tubes… and then cables for the senns…
then Copper Interconnects….
then copper USB cables…
more tubes…
then audiophile grade caps and resistors…
then some neutrik parts and some more flashy connector upgrades….
oh and then silver wires…
silver everything…
then gold…
the upgrades just never stops.
Trent_D
I think I can do without the fancy cables and interconnects. Tubes… well… maybe.
Ken Stuart
If you get an HRT MusicStreamer 2 or 2+ DAC, then a $6 USB cable works as well as any other, because the MS just uses the USB for raw data, and will reclock it and regenerate its own power from the USB.
Furthermore – and I think Mike and L would agree – although I have not compared them – my understanding is that the HD600 is a better value for a classical music fan than an HD650.
Unfortunately, my experience is that classical music benefits from audiophile equipment more than any other genre of music. While Miles Davis or Alison Krauss can still sound enjoyable on bargain equipment, orchestras simply sound like crap on iPods and earbuds.
Also, I find the Bottlehead Crack to be far more expensive than it seems. It is roughly $300 as a kit, but closer to $500 assembled, and then there are upgrades that run another $150 and reading the descriptions, it seems odd to be buying the amp and settling for lesser sound quality than it is capable of. Then, as a tube amp, you really
need many hours and $$ of tube rolling. Recently, I found an RCA long black plates 12AX7 for my tube headphone amp, and after about 40 hours of burn-in, it sounded like crap, but a tube expert told me that they often need more than 100 hours due to gas buildup in the tube over time,
and sure enough, at 120 hours, it now sounds very nice indeed (although still not quite as good as German tubes).
So – don’t go with tubes unless you want to spend some time on the audiophile hobby. 🙂
( Personally I use a $240 pro audio hybrid tube amp with one 12AX7 tube, but I have a hard time recommending it to anyone else, simply because it has no professional reviews and no one has ever compared it to other similar amps – so it would be presumptuous of me to review it, since I can only compare it to the $60 cmoy amp. 🙂 I think one reason it is so obscure, is that they provide the worst tube ever, so tube rolling is a must (and vintage tubes are simply much better for audio).
I’ll stop, hopefullly before tl;dnr 🙂
Nick Tam
Actually I rolled in a very rare 12BH7A I picked up for a bargain and the really rare and $$$ Tung Sol 5998 to go along my Speedball kit which was for free when Bottlehead did that 30 free Speedball kit deal… Although I haven’t been too far in upgrades yet I think the choice of tubes really matter, in fact it really does hold it’s own against the LF339. if you fill the Crack with upgrades with roughly the difference in value of the two amps it really is a dead heat between the two. And yes I’ve had a chance to audition the 339 since I live in Hong Kong, and I mean it is pretty much the only competition around here. Everything other imported amp seems to cost more. Crack may not be that appealing at first but those subtle upgrades really gives it the potential of matching extremely high end amps. Even with stock tubes the Crack is just awesome, minus the layering capabilities and subtle sonic improvements of rare tubes and the internal component upgrades. I personally won’t roll in anything other than 12AU7s and 12BH7s or even the E80CC for the input stage, seems too much trouble to roll in the other types.
Mike
Thanks for that informative post, Ken.
Regarding the Crack, I didn’t really find the need to go with the speedball upgrade or tube rolling (though they would be nice to have). I find the stock unit already very enjoyable.
Also the HD650, once you pick up the superior three dimensionality, it’s hard to go back to the 600.
Trent_D
And that is the thing with classical. It is all about the soundstage. To hear a great orchestra playing in a concert hall is amazing.
After the last concert I heard, it struck me that I could hear more detail in my music via my K550 than I did during the live show, but something is missing, an energy, a drive, and then I realized what you already know Mike. I had always figured that bass wasn’t important to classical, but sitting in Orchestra hall, feeling the floor rumble to the end of Rachmaninoff’s Symphonic Dances, I realized just how essential that impact is.
I’m not saying clarity and detail aren’t important, but that, for classical, they are superseded by soundstage and impact. Although, and I think this is why classical is such a tricky genre for audio gear, is that all frequencies have their moments of prominence.
Oh, and I do find myself listen to classical, from time to time, with my ipod using a pair of hd202’s, and while I wouldn’t call it reference, I would call it musical.
Sorry for my rambling post.
Mike
I know, Trent.. detail is good to have, but without bass impact, the emotion just wouldn’t be there. Imagine Beethoven’s 5th 1st mov or Beethoven’s 9th last mov with no bass. 😉 Rachmaninov, Mahler, Tchaikovsky, they all need bass too 😉
The HD202 is musical indeed. Surprising what you get for $20.
Trent_D
If you want to hear bass, find a good recording of Shostakovich’s 6th symphony. The ending of the third movement is a timpani field day.
NubTAM94
The thing about the Crack is it’s potential as a DIY amplifier, although it is potentially far more expensive as well, subtle upgrades really does put it on par with much higher end finished products, namely the LF339. The stock unit was very much enjoyable given it’s price to start with, put a decent tube in and the 3 dimensionality and layering capabilities really go beyond expectations.
Regarding the price/performance, it pretty much is dollar for dollar, considering it was a steal from Bottlehead to start with. And since Bottlehead doesn’t offer the kit assembled anymore, it really is hard not to use that surplus cost in throwing in a nice tube or at least some component upgrades, $150 worth of upgrades or tubes for the Crack could really justify it’s price.
I’m not really in a position to say how great my Crack is from a price/performance perspective since I got my Speedball for free, but rolling in some good tubes and listening exclusively to classical with the HD650 really does shine. I really don’t regret the investment over a tube amp like the LF339, but the thing with the commercial amps is that as a finished product, it is limited in sonic quality by the tubes. And you may ask why not go solid state or discrete? Maybe because I’m just too spoiled over the Crack given how it’s sonic quality is better with its lower initial investment compared to the Asgard. Furthermore, listening exclusively to acoustics and classical, I really don’t see why I should not have got a tube amplifier.
Just my 2 cents.
Mike
Yes I understand, and I agree. Just don’t want to scare off people with having to invest another $150 in upgrades if you know what I mean. 😉
L.
That being said, the sound sig from both amps is very different and imho the 339 still tops the Crack easily 🙂
NubTAM94
At double the cost of tube rolling :
L.
You can roll tubes with both amps, and rolling tubes isn’t that expensive. don’t get me wrong, the Crack is a great amp, but with the WA2 and 339 at home, it hardly gets any air time as they are up a level for me. 🙂
Trent_D
I would gladly take that Crack off your hands.
L.
If I ever decide to put it up for sale I’ll think of you. For now I’ll keep it in the collection, I still have enough space for more amps 🙂 (and its a 240V version anyway)
Jack Harvey
Any experience with the AIAIAI TMA-1 Studio? Looking to use it as a portable headphone. Listen to rock, modern day pop and hip hop.
Jack Harvey
using it with my ipod classic. looking for moderate isolation. shortlisted a couple, really need you expertise here Mike. thanks.
L.
I wouldn’t recommend the TMA for pop and rock at all. I suggest you have a look at the new Beyerdynamic (review this week). the TMA really only is for Dance (and maybe R&B), the rest just doesn’t sound good. (ps. mike doesn’t have the TMA studio, I have it)
Jack Harvey
Thanks Lieven (Hope I spelt correctly), I want something durable with detachable cables. Looking for something good with a decent price tag. Looking at the ES10 from Audio Tech. Any other recommendations? Can’t wait for the Beyer review! Just wanna make a list so that I can test everything at one go this fri! Thanks a bunch man
L.
Right now my mind says “Beyerdynamic Custom Pro One” or the AKG K550 (not sure if that last ones cable is removable)
Jack Harvey
Read about the Custom Pro. Seems really interesting. Any thoughts of the Shures? Considering all options. On a tight budget as I am a student. Can the 550’s be considered as a portable option? Pretty big in my opinion hahaha
Mike
550s not portable.
Jack Harvey
Oh Thanks Mike. Well, it’s off my list. Any other options for portable? For rock/hip hop/pop modern music basically. Looking at the Shures, m50s, Ear Suit Series from ATH too. Appreciate your input. Wanna make sure I get the right stuff as audio gimmicks are really expensive for students like me haha
Mike
Jack,
Either the Senn HD25-1 or the AKG K81DJ would be good.
oscillo
Hello Mike and Lieven!Many thanks for your website(which enlarges my cans addiction). For you ,which amp makes the best matching with the audiotechnica W1000X: the woo audio WA6SE or the Lafigaro 339? Bests regards,Antoine.
Mike
Oscillo,
Sorry I don’t have an experience with either of those pairings.
Mike Schwaller
Hey again. I’m debating on selling my Yulong U100, and going with a seperate dac, amp setup. This amp/dac is very nice, I’m just trying to see what else I could get thats a nice upgrade with a budget of around 400. Features I like hearing are excellent instrument seperation, airy sound signature, some weight to the low end. Other than that all I can say is I enjoy a flavored headphone style, not neutral for the most part, as I enjoy Grados. I may try the HE-400 in the future. Any help would be appreciated.
Mike
Mike,
The Matrix Mini Portable, I think is great but you won’t get an airy sound with it. It has plenty of bottom end weight and the instrument separation is very good.
Mike Schwaller
Thank you Mike, i’ll check your review and see about ordering one. 🙂
Dave McBride
Looking for I Pod in-ear budget phones for kids. Lots of back seat fights over music leaking with the OEM cans so what do you suggest that would not leak much and sell for 50 or less? Thanks for helping me keep two teen girls from mayhem!
Mike
Any entry level IEM would be enough. I wouldn’t get them an audiophile IEM since it may not fit their music. Just something simple with a teenager design.
Dave McBride
Mike, thanks. Would the Hippo Schroom also be suitable for teens with good isolotaion
Mike
Dave,
Isolation should be good with the Shroom.
L.
What is a “Teen with good isolation”? 😀
Dave McBride
True, wish I knew that answer lol.
Mike
Check the IEMs from AIAIAI. They’re quite nice and colorful.
http://aiaiai.dk/store/headphones/swirl
http://aiaiai.dk/store/headphones/pipe
Trent_D
L and Mike, what cables do you use for your hd650?
L.
I used the stock cable for a long time but then I got one made for me with Mogami 2893
Trent_D
What differences did you find?
L.
Cable discussions are quite tricky, even on here. The stock cable was darker and more bassy. The custom one is clearder, less bass. Bit more detail. To my ears. Now let the discussions begin, lol 😉
Trent_D
I wish I had something to add.
Mike
Stock cable.
Apogee
I was wondering what amp you would recommend for the HD650. I already own the Q701. I would prefer a tube amp.
Trent_D
Bottlehead Crack or LaFigaro 339. Check the reviews for more information.
L.
It’s funny people still ask us about our fav amps for the HD6X0 🙂
Nick Tam
There should be a exclusive “Sennheiser Corner” tab on Headfonia’s page… lol
L.
Don’t give us any ideas 😉
Mike
Shhh, L!
Nick,
That’s a good idea.. what should I put on that link?
Trent_D
Although now I guess the PanAm can be added to that list.
L.
Hey Trent, could you contact us through the contact form. I have something to talk to you about. thanks! http://www.headfonia.com/contact-us/
Trent_D
done
L.
Mailed you!
Trent_D
I didn’t seem to get it. If it doesn’t show up in a little bit, I will send another contact form, in case I spelled my convoluted email address wrong.
L.
Please do. I think it’s gmail that doesn’t like our mail account
Trent_D
Sent another contact form with a non gmail address.
L.
I’m mail-less for another 5 hours or so. Sry
Trent_D
Gives me something to look forward to!
L.
email sent
Jonah_Chao
Hey there,
I asked if there would be an update on the r2 he400s, and Lieven mentioned that Hifiman was going to send him one for comparison. Did that end up happening? Are there impressions yet?
Thanks!
L.
Hi there, I did receive it but haven’t had enough time to fully process it yet. It will come, I promis
Jonah_Chao
Okay, thanks! It’s worth mentioning that the Hifiman velour pads are generally much preferred to those who have tried them over the stock leather pads. I encourage you to give them a try! 🙂
L.
I only use Velour on Hifiman, actually, I try to go for velour on any headphone
Jim Balow
Where to start? The more I read, the more confused I get. I’m wondering where I can get the best bang for my (limited) bucks. Do I start with a DAC? An amp, like the CMOY? Or upgrade my cans (I use Senn PX-100 at work, some budget over-ear Senns at home) to the AT M-50s? Thanks in advance.
Trent_D
Something like the Fiio e10 is fun. I quite enjoyed its sound. The e17 or Audinst hud mini (both unheard by me) are suppose to really nice, slightly more high end gateway drugs. The question is, what are you looking for? A nice dac/amp to give you a improved sound from your computer? Are you looking to start putting together something leading to high end? What kind of music do you listen to? Any flaws with the headphones you have now?
Jim Balow
I listen to a lot of classical, plus classic rock, folk, acoustic and blues, on my computers — mp3s, CDs and radio. I don’t think I’m aiming at high-end audiophile, but want a taste of how I can improve my raw feeds. Nothing wrong with my headphones but I expect I could do better with the AT M-50s. I was planning to get the CMOY amp but wonder if I should get a DAC too, or first.
Trent_D
I have a cMoy, and think it is amazing for the price. Although I have only listened to the m-50’s for a few minutes, I thought it was quite nice and should do well with what you listen to. I’m not sure that it would pair that well with the cMoy, however. Mike should be able to give you a definitive answer here, but I think the bass on the m50 when paired with the cMoy would be a bit to loose. Something simple like the e17 or hud mini might be a great place for you to start as they combine both a dac and an amp, both retail for under $150, and should provide a nice bump in sound.
My biggest concern for you Jim, is you saying that you just “want a taste.” This website, and head-fi, and others are filled with people who just wanted a taste. Once you get that taste, it is hard to stop.
Jim B.
I hear you, Trent. I invested in a home theater system a few years ago,
and it sounds fine, but get the itch every so often to upgrade. Thanks
for the advice. I’m still not quite sure where to start — DAC, amp, or
maybe a combo like the e10. Mike, by the way, thought the M-50s would
work with the cMoy.
Mike
The M-50 would be a very nice upgrade if you listen to Classical.
For classic Rock, folk, Blues, something like the Alessandro MS-1 is great especially with vocals and guitars.
I would get those two first before worrying about an amp and a DAC.
Mike
It’s probably easiest to start with a headphone, Jim.
M-50s are a big crowd favorite so that would be a good place to start.
Then if you feel curious, something like the JDSLabs Cmoy would be a nice entry level amp to get.
Afterwards you can add DACs and so on.
Enjoy the journey!
Jim Balow
I hear you, Trent. I invested in a home theater system a few years ago, and it sounds fine, but get the itch every so often to upgrade. Thanks for the advice. I’m still not quite sure where to start — DAC, amp, or maybe a combo like the e10. Mike, by the way, thought the M-50s would work with the cMoy.
Mike
Guys please move to the new Q-A page. I’m closing this one down as it’s getting really long already.
http://www.headfonia.com/q-a-2012-2/
Mikko Nikulainen
How do you choose the best choose the best product among the ones listed here?Best Sennheiser Headphone