General Headphone Advice

This is absolutely filled with the truth, folks.

The last segment should be printed and displayed on a wall mounted, UV-protected glass case!

 

How long will it take for a certain someone to take the hint already?

Who was the Ned Thompson of BS2015?

 

I spent quality time with HD600, I didn't just return it after a few hours. I let them go through an extensive break-in before making judgments. They were clearly inferior to both my TH-900 and HE-6. I directly compared them with the TH-900 as my HE-6 is in storage at this moment waiting for a new amp that can handle it, so I am going by memory when they were amped off a Mjolnir 2 with Reflektor Silver Shields. Using my current stable of amps (a Chinese custom, Pioneer VSX-816 and a SMSL sApII), the TH-900 displayed much better speed, sub-bass performance, extension and micro-detail. The TH-900 is also a true luxury product with its very pretty lacquer job on exotic wood cups, super soft protein leather pads and feather-light seating -- as compared to the HD600's cheesy kitchen counter-themed plastic construction and harsh clamp. The only area in which the HD600 is superior was soundstage. Again, going by memory, the HE-6 was much better in every way, and about equal in terms of soundstage, but maybe a little more narrow. In particular, the HE-6's bass response was on a different planet, imaging and resolution were better -- although, bear it mind that may have been more attributable to the M2 and tubes that cost $75 a piece. Purrin says that paired with ToTL amplifiers the HD600 transform into hi-fi headphones, which I'm sure is true, but I can't validate that so I can only relay my experiences with modest amps.

I will eventually pick up a Balancing Act, a Studio, MHA100, Liquid Gold or something of that caliber and I will try the HD600 on them.

 

What about HD-650, haven't heard your opinion on that one. Unless you haven't heard it extensively.

Purrin's fave is the 650, not the 600 by the way, so if you're looking to rustle jimmies..

 

I think the HE-6 was a good headphone as well when I heard it at canjam and plan to own an HE-6 someday or get their HE-6 successor if they ever make it. The other hifimans didn't impress me as much.

GUTB
HD600 sucks, HD600 sucks, HD600 sucks
lmao I just noticed that.

 

So now you're listing some of the most expensive headphones amps available. You do not need to use 2-7k amps to compensate for the HD600's "obvious inferiority". A torpedo 3 or even an upgraded Crack is good enough to appreciate much of the beauty of the HD6x0s. If you don't like the HD600, forking out 4k for an amp will never change that. Or maybe it will out of bias, since you're so obsessed with prices and all.

EDIT: I don't believe someone who calls the HD600's mids recessed will be able to tell the difference between an O2 and a Studio. Just my 2 cents

 

I've always thought the mids on my hd600s were the best part. More fool me I guess. Consider me schooled I suppose. I still like 'em.

 

Just ignore m8, ignore... eheh

 

Also note that at least one participant said (and I paraphrase) the best advice would be to get a pair of HD600's and a decent amp and then go away for five years. If you're going to make references to certain events its best not to do so selectively.

Edit: Found the quote by the man himself ...

"As you read about the cans below, I suggest that you always leave the compromised position of simply getting a pair of Sennheiser HD 600s on the table allowing you to wait it out for five years to see what happens. I'm not saying they sound as good as these top-of-the-line cans, but they're way closer than the dollar difference would indicate, and it'll free up a thousand dollars or more for music and the like."

 

Once you've ponied up $250+ for a set of cans you start to bring various levels of "big dick swinging" into the purchase equation. And the magnitude of the "dick swinging" at escalating price points is directly proportional to the level diminishing returns. The flawed premise that more $$$ = higher performance (as an absolute) removes a barrier to entry for new manufacturers and is the reason for the escalation of TOTL headphone prices and a dearth of product in the $500-$1000 range. Want credibility despite numerous QC issues / driver failures / mismatched drivers etc... just charge more than the other guy!! Oh, and make sure your review samples ARE THE CREAM OF THE CROP!

The new manufacturers will need years/decades to get to Sennheiser's level of critical mass, economies of scale, and manufacturing techniques/subcontracting base. BUT, this really doesn't matter as much if their target customer accepts the flawed premise above and is willing to pay for the privilege of owing a "hi-fi" product and the dick swinging that comes with it.

Its very easy to dismiss the hd6X0s on the basis of price and looks, I know I did. Won't make that mistake again... though it would be great if they could update the aesthetics somewhat. The 600 especially is an abomination to my eyes.

 

I thought you sold your HD800 because you're moving away from headphone to speakers.
Did none of your amps push the HD800 to exceed the HD650? Don't you have a Balanced Act or Zana Deux Super?

 

Looking for advice on a portable headphone that also would complement an HD 800.

In other words I'm looking for something for work under 400 dollars that's great for portable use. Also needs to be good for occasionally lulling me to sleep. Leaning towards Oppo PM-3 as it kind of seems like the clear winner in the segment at this moment in time. Also considering the NAD visio HP50s. Was considering the Meze 99's but I just couldn't see myself in those in public. The gold is just kind of euro trash esque to me. Understated would be what I was going for physically.

Seems like the PM-3's have a lot of good buzz. Am I on the right track there?

 

@therealjay

Maybe Sennheiser Momentum 2.0.

 

Audeze sine is the other one to consider at this moment.

Note that any closed you get will pale in comparison to the strengths of hd800.

I've been auditioning the pm-3 lately, and it's really good, and amazingly well constructed, but still a closed can with a closed in field of sound and "intimate bass".

 

If by complement to the HD800 you mean a more laid back treble that's easy to listen to, you're on the right track with the PM3 and HP50. I think they sound quite similar, with the HP50 leaning slightly warmer. Both are an enjoyable listen for extended sessions, but not rolled off to crap up top.

The hp50 has a weird build and fit, if you could get your head on a pair first it may be a good idea. Otherwise the PM3 is an easy recommendation all around

 

I'll check out the Audeze pair mentioned. Did not realize they had anything new in the portable arena out. Otherwise I think I'll just go with the PM-3. Looks like a solid phone sonically and I'm a sucker for high build quality electronics in general. They just look realllyyy nice.

I was considering the Momentum's initially but I read some stuff about the pads not fitting well on most ears. Not read much about the 2.0 however.

 

The 2.0 fixed most of the fit issues some people were having. They have larger ear pads than the original.

 

@therealjay

FWIW, the Meze 99 Classics *are* available or will soon be available with grey silver accents instead of the gold, check their site. I was somewhat interested in them as a closed pair for the house that can double as a transportable (rather than portable, I tend to use IEM or my on-ear XS when I'm really on the go), but the dual entry cable and the fact that they don't fold at all makes them more cumbersome in that role.

Ended up buying the PM-3 instead, $320 refurb straight from Oppo (looks brand spanking new), you can call them to order if the refurb is listed out of stock online (got that tip from the sales thread here). I've got the NAD HP50 too, which I'll probably be gifting away to family, for $250 they're pretty awesome but the fit always bothered me a little. The Oppo seem to seal better or more easily around my glasses.

As far as looks, if you think the Meze look funky you probably don't wanna walk around with the NAD HP50 on your head... The square-ish headband just looks really odd when worn (at least on my relatively long head), it's like the complete opposite of V-Moda's 'mind the gap' ad for the XS heh. I don't think they look cheap and didn't even mind the glossy (red) cups but the headband is definitely weird.

Sound wise I could've lived with either but the Oppo was just easier to throw on and not have to fiddle with over the seal, plus they pack away a little smaller.

 

Yeah I think I'm definitely narrowing in on a PM-3. Going to do some research on the Momentum 2.0's mentioned above but more then likely PM-3.

Good tip on the refurbished unit. I was looking to see if I could find a decent pair on head-fi but that's the route I'll go otherwise.