Massdrop x Hifiman Edition XX

Discussion in 'Headphones' started by Panohm, Oct 29, 2018.

  1. Clemmaster

    Clemmaster Friend

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    The Edition X don't have the speaker-like sound of the HE-500. The latter is very special in that regard.
    However, the EdX are more even throughout and more detailed. They also fall apart at higher volume, so deaf or soon-to-be deaf listeners beware...
     
  2. Magnetostatic_Tubephile

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    I really dont buy into the "notably different design" statement. FR graph is extremely similar to Edition X V2 (actually less neutral in mids to low treble to my eyes) + distortion graph shows a lot of mess in treble (again just like with previous EDX iterations).

    FR wise, extension towards subbass might be there. In reality, EDX V2 couldnt really provide deep hard-hitting bass. (Ive tried the headphone twice on different amps.) The bass was soft. The overall sound of EDX was soft and kind of "plasticky". I dearly miss the heavy footed / tactile sonics of HE400 / HE6 or overall balance of HE500. EDX is tonally quite nicely balanced but fails in timbre, tactility and cleanness.

    Dont get me wrong, EDX V1/V2 (and EDXX) are overall nice for 599USD, especially due to a combo of good tone and good staging. But, again, this does not look like a truly different design by any means visible to me as of now compared to previous iterations. Lets see what the coming months bring but call me very skeptical.
     
  3. Hands

    Hands Overzealous Auto Flusher - Measurbator

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    It does seem like Jude divides his distortion measurements by 10 to make everything look ultra good.

    Like I said, these are best at low to moderate listening levels. I think most people think they listen louder than they actually do, so most people should be just fine. Anything below "loud" listening is just fine, really.

    These aren't going to be the last word on anything, but you get a pretty neutral, balanced tone from a headphone that will run off about any source happily for $600. I think there's something to be said about that. It's really tough to find balanced tone like this, but expect to sacrifice in other areas of ultimate performance (slam, cleanliness, staging and layering, resolution, etc.).
     
  4. neogeosnk

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    This looks and measures like the Ananda headphones I have. Ananda isn't talked about much but I think it sounds pretty close to the HE1000 v2 with more bass and slightly less plankton (10% less or so). Prefer them over the LCD2C. $599, it's a steal!
     
  5. Magnetostatic_Tubephile

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    LOL! I actually incline to believe that.

    The tone for sure is really good compared to most. Anyway: EDX V1 FR (with perfect seal) + HE500 timbre/smoothness (with the right pads) + HE6 tactility/technicalities (on the right amp) = winner. I can dream, right?
     
  6. Pillars

    Pillars Embarrassment to Colorado crew

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    Well, with what can be bought for $200 nowadays.. I expect a whole lot going up from there.
     
  7. RedFuneral

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    Took in my pair a couple hours today. Listening & typing on phone due to 90° weather making my room unlivable, will be brief and sloppy.

    These things are tall. And light. Comfort's good, I nearly dozed out wearing them. Was worried about the headband because it creates a gnarly pressure point with the HE-6 back in the day. They sit loose on your head but seal seems unimportant. Driver can crinkle like a STAX when you move your head.

    On first listen I recognized the house sound from my time with the Sundara. Diffuse large images, air, light footedness, fast. XX can do low volumes where the Sundara loses all detail. Less dynamics vs Aeon Flow Open but the bass may be better quality, there's rumble here the AFOs lacked. I prioritize soundstage and it seems good so far, AFO immediately disqualified itself. XX will immediately DQ if you find the Sundara boring.

    More later.
     
  8. crenca

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    @RedFuneral,

    Have you figured out where that treble spike is yet? I have not spent much time with them yet but the two things I immediately noticed was the lack of resolve/detail in the mids (voices sound correct FR wise, but lacking in inner detail and somewhat "veiled"), and a treble spike. I am shelving down the treble in general a couple of DB which helps but I have not located what I think is a serious spike yet. That said, they are fun with eletronica...
     
  9. RedFuneral

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    I haven't had any more listening time since I posted last night but no I didn't hear the spike on first listen. My ears are adapted to Beyer peaks & metal drivers so it may take a while for it to stand out.
     

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