Brainwavz Alara

Discussion in 'Headphones' started by limesoft, Mar 20, 2019.

  1. limesoft

    limesoft Friend

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    https://www.brainwavzaudio.com/products/alara-planar-magnetic-headphones

    Anyone had a chance to try these out? I'm surprised no one has mentioned them yet. Ive read mixed reviews, some say warmish neutral, others say the treble can be a bit grating. I only trust sbaf reviews however.
    I am hoping they might be the Sennheiser HD650s of planar magnetics.. the price is attractive at 399 USD.
     
  2. Aelms

    Aelms Facebook Friend

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    It's not likely a review will just pop up.

    As far as I know, Brainwavz has only popped up here for their earpads. I can't recall if their transducers ever got any accolades. Known members pick up budget gear for better reasons than because it popped up in a certain price point. I certainly don't see anything other than the usual marketing bs.

    EDIT:

    Should footnote that there's already a few good planars SBAF pointed out at the HDxxx price range like the T50RP and Verum. The Sennheisers are held at high regard particularly because they scale well with high-end gear. If you're not putting together a really expensive system, I don't see why existing options don't suffice.
     
    Last edited: Mar 20, 2019
  3. limesoft

    limesoft Friend

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    I meant Im just interested in other people's experiences. Their B400 IEMs are well received, I have those myself and I think they offer excellent value and good neutrality.
     
  4. Deep Funk

    Deep Funk Deep thoughts - Friend

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    If they can be measured and tested by someone on SBAF then I will read that.
     
  5. Peter Pan

    Peter Pan New

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    I'd suggest you ask in another forum. Many people here are very pre-determined and only seem to like the same thing so not much room for alternative views or any other options than the ones from the leaders of the pack.

    The Alara is a great pair of headphones btw, much more enjoyable than the HD650 IMHO ;)
     
  6. Case

    Case Anxious Head (Formerly Wilson)

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    Why?
     
  7. Roderick

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    I've had Alara's for about a week now. I love the bass. It has a certain punchiness more common with dynamic headphones, yet it has linearity and extension of a planar. Definately more impressive than he400i, he560 and sundara I have here for comparison. Upper midrange/transition to highs is what kills these for me. The dip at 1khz to 3khz not only makes these sound quite "cloudy" but it hinders the dynamics. Treble has no peaks so I can blast these out loud but I'm unable to lure out any fun out off the sound

    Soundstage is quite small, quite common for a mid priced planars. Imaging is excellent. I bet someone into competitive gaming could use these.

    Headband is just ridiculous. I have about average size male head and I don't adjust the headband at all. I would not recommend these to anyone under 180cm 80kg because you likely have a too small head for these.

    All in all...stupid headband, f'd up upper midrange with nice bass.

    Here is the fr and hd650 for a reference
    [​IMG]
     

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