EnigmAcoustics Dharma D1000 Measurements

ENIGMAcoustics Dharma D1000 Measurements

ENIGMAcoustics Dharma D1000 Frequency Response (0dBR = 100dBSPL)



ENIGMAcoustics Dharma D1000 Distortions in Percentage



ENIGMAcoustics Dharma D1000 CSD



Notes:

1. Bass distortion is high. Third order distortion is higher or close to second order. It's almost always the other way around. This probably accounts for its "unique" bass characteristic. See subjective discussions in following posts.
2. The treble measures uneven with three peaks and valleys, although I have to say that the overall treble timbre is very nice. A bit sibilant with some recordings from the spike at 7kHz, and maybe an edge from the 5kHz ridge, but nothing unpleasant. We don't see any long lived ridges in the lower treble of CSD which would be a more obvious sign of issues.

 

No only that, the bass characteristic seemed quite unique. We've heard high bass distortion cans before, but this one sounded different. Can't think of the right words right now - maybe furry fuzzy? Typically third order will be lower than second order distortion. In this situation, it's the reverse. Agreed on mids and treble being quite nice. You get that feeling they just missed the mark by a bit. Just think how awesome they would have been with a better bass driver with less distortion.

 

This was an odd one at Tyll's Big Sound event. I remember him telling us there was something strange he found in measurements but wanted us to pick it out first through listening showing. No one seemed to guess bass distortion, or at least not at levels that high. Though I did notice the rough and somewhat bright treble right away, and with very particular tracks, you could hear a slight disconnect in the sound. Best guess at the time was that dip in between 4-5KHz, though hard to say with certainty it's where the drivers crossover.

 

It looks like they are using paper. Might not be flex causing distortion. Usually material ~ to cone breakup (FR) and CSD. Distortion ~ surface area and motor.

 

Finally received the pair of those I have to review for Tellementnomade.org. Will unbox it tomorrow and Measure it later.

 

OK unboxed and first listening tonight. something wrong in the treble. unpleasant. Not that much problem with bass surprinsingly. Mids seem nice at first glance. Soundstage, lmaging, technicalities so so. but I have strong competitors at home with the HE60 and the HD800... will be back after a few dozen of hours of listening...

I have a loaned NAIM V1 with the Dharma... If anyone knows the output impedance of that thing ? Considering Dharma's spec, I'll mostly use my GOv2 for listenings but for now I've only the Naïm.

 

Listen before judging distortion levels. I found the treble the biggest problem.

 

To me, it sounds much better than it measures. Easily more overall clarity than HD650. The treble has a few spikes, but presentation is nice. Bass distortion tends to be more evident on certain recordings. Treble silibance and peaks vary by recording as well. The bass really isn't horrible or much worse than HD650, but as I said before, the characteristic is different than what most of us are hearing. I still would not recommend the bassier tracks from Random Access Memories (CD or the less bassy vinyl masters) though. Joni Mitchell's Blue (the recent vinyl) is nothing but fantastic with the Dharma.

I could try TP or foam in front of the electret driver. I'll get a more full review out by this weekend. This headphone has a few rough spots, but it also does some things no dynamic, planar or traditional can do.

I thing I do respect is that ENIGMAcoustics has remained true to their sound. The headphones sound a lot like their speakers, at least the ones I've heard at the shows.

 

It's super efficient, but amp that will grab the dynamic driver to get the most out of the bass is recommended. The Leck actually does a good job.

 

Posted full measurements. Renamed from Preview into Measurements thread.
http://www.superbestaudiofriends.or...nigmacoustics-dharma-d1000-measurements.1168/

P.S. Why why why the world would you use Sennheiser type connectors into the Dharma? Why?

 

@purrin: did you try the Dharma with a GOv2 ? if yes , what are your impressions?

 

No, I told tried with VPI Classic 1 / 2M Black > EC Custom Phono > EC Studio chain. So I guess I kind of cheated.

 

ah ah ah ah ah !

Holy shit , I still struggle with the treble here; the Only combination that allowed me to listen to the dharma more that 10 mn is the THeta+ Vali2 with a warm tube. Anything else ( Vali2 + 6N23p + Theta, Naim V1, GOv2 ) makes me cringe.

 

Don't get me wrong, some tracks from Random Access Memories (vinyl) are quite sibilant. It's also possible there is some variation.