The Head-Fi Healing Thread

Yeah, ultimately I think that is the problem over there. It is true that a lot of gear they look at has redeeming qualities, but there is very little actual discerning critique or comparison, cuz everything is good. It's very hard to learn anything over there.

 

Yupp, I think the general thing which is lacking for me over at HF these days is "context".

When all you get out of an article is "this product is great, if you can afford it you should buy it" there really isn't much to take away. HF has few discussions in regard to personal preference, component synergy, music genres and comparisons with other similarly priced or cheaper components.

This is one of the reasons Tyll is so great, he doesn't shy away from comparing products from widely different price categories and saying that each thing has its merit. Just look at Big Sound 2015, he purposefully threw in the HD600 and crack amp as a fun and useful reference point.

 

I wish I had read @Tyll Hertsens review of the Oppo PM-3 before buying it. Some of the reviews I read at Head-fi and elsewhere had me thinking it was going to be amazing. After trying to convince myself for weeks that they sounded amazing, I had to admit to myself that it was a nice and competent headphone that was just a bit dull and closed in sounding.

 

I still visit head fi because I am a student and can't afford most of the higher end gear people discuss here.

 

You do not need Hype-Fi. Trust your ears, look at your wallet and decide. It is your money to spend, not Emperor Jude's.

 

Gil, I actually bought this after spending a boatload on almost all the TOTL cans we talk about in this forum ...guess what... from the iPhone the sound is just awesome.

Add: and I just strapped them on..... inspiration comes from all over the world thanks to the net

 

Several of our most respected friends operate openly within affordable-fi. The thing that made me really get hooked at CS (and now SBAF) was how UNimportant the total cost of someone's rig was when people shared opinions and criticisms of headphones and gear.

There is a spectrum for a reason, and there are major standout values all along the spectrum. No one should be made to feel bad or inadequate for having higher priorities in life than the next ZOMG piece of gear. To me, not pushing that ideal is one of the fundamental failings of head-fi. If you are a starving student, you can't afford the cognitive dissonance that head-fi pushes in the race to "summit-fi".

 

Was there any mention of how the HD600 and Crack did against that very expensive gear?

 

@Eugene du Toit

I watched all the BS videos and there wasn't that much talk about it other than that for it's price it's pretty stellar and a good reference.

But I think it's important to separate "performance" and "enjoyability". You can argue all day that the HD800 and Audezes and Hifimans are better and they probably are, but if you're talking about sitting down and actually enjoying the music and forgetting about the gear I reckon crack+speedball+HD6X0 is right up there on the fun factor and enjoyment scale.

P.S. That's how I'm going to refer to if from now on. The BS tests done by Tyll.

 

@TwoEars

Yes, there was some sideways reference to the HD600 and crack, but nothing in the sense of how does compared to those expensive setups, apart from its a good reference. Well, no matter, I am firmly in the enjoyment and value for money camp. I noticed very early on that "performance" gear affects too much what I listen too...

 

I think the consensus (which wasn't really discussed in the content at all) was that it was a clear step down technically, but remained a completely enjoyable listen...which was hard to get with gear that seriously shredded you wallet. Much easier to fall in lust with a cheap tramp than deal with the drama and expense of a super-model.

 

@Tyll Hertsens.
Eloquently put, thank you.

 

I approve of this message.

 

This came to mind after Tyll replied:
"He looked at me!"

 

Just meet me once or twice and you'll get over it.

 

@Eugene du Toit

Yeah, chill dude. Tyll is just a guy who likes motorcycles and reviews headphones for a living. I don't think anyone here thinks they're anything special. Well.. there's one guy.. but let's not point fingers.

 

He is special. He was the impetus for bringing the dislike button back.

 

Thanks for everyone's advice. I am a student, but still have a small income so I can afford some mid-fi, just not hd800 and the like. Right now the only thing I am missing are iems that you can sleep on the side with. The rha ma750 were great for that and its sound signature was warm and soothing. However, the lack of detail, clarity, and treble bugged me enough to get rid of it. I suppose I could upgrade to the rha t20, but I am not sure if they're worth the money.