ETHER 2

This is probably the sanest way to tackle it- buy some cheap but tidy used HD800 that you won't be afraid to mod, and have at it.

Even if you've never modded headphones before, the mods aren't too hard (especially if you buy pre-made SDR parts from the handsome and witty @sorrodje), and it's quite rewarding. If you have or plan to buy an amp which will potentially sound good with the HD800, then it's a nice exercise.

Back on-topic, this is a huge thread, and I am getting lost reading back- @Hands said that the Ether 2 sound OK from a Magni 3, so that implies that they're pretty easy to drive?

 

Yes, they are easy to drive. BUT...using the LP the e3 need a good notch and a half more than the hd650 to get to the same SPL level...if that helps.

 

Yeah, expected, planars tend to need a lot of current, don't they? I mean, there were oddities like the PM-3 and HE-400S which are designed to be easy to drive, but generally, that's expected otherwise.

(Hence the silly question, I guess.)

 

It's hard to wear subwoofers. You're dedicated, I'll give you that.

 

It was only after I started going for v-ish shaped cans that I really starting enjoying listening to classical on headphones, so that explains a lot. Not that I get to listen to live performances very often, maybe a couple times a year at freebie public performances where the acoustics suck buttocks.

Also, don't be too hard on @zerodeefex @Elnrik, it takes a lot of neck strength to get used to having huge natural (wooden) cups on your face. Er, head.

That aside, using subs while listening to HD800s? Holy shit that's an idea.

 

It does sound odd at 1st I guess, but I did have an interesting experience listening to headphones with @Pharmaboy ...he had his monitors and sub on, at the same time, and it does impact the experience. Not a crazy idea to me.

 

1st off, people should know @Jinxy245 looks nothing like his avatar photo (disappointing).

But yes, he & I discussed this "'headphones+speakers+sub" idea last time he was here. I never gave it much thought, but it surely does amplify whatever is good about a given pair of headphones, to have the music flowing through the sub & monitors.

I find it doesn't take much volume on the speakers/sub side to get the job done. Just enough to feel the music physically (that's mainly bass effect) is perfect.

BTW, on those occasions where I was critically listening to this or that headphone, I never supplement w/speakers+sub, as that would confound my impressions of its sound.

To finish this thought: most of my listening is low volume classical via speakers/sub, with occasional headphone listening. Every now and then the spirit moves me to crank the speakers/sub (they're excellent: ATC SCM12 Pro's driven by Wyred 4 Sound ST-500 amp + an SVS SB-1000 sub), and yes, it's a very different experience compared to headphone-only listening. Both ways of listening are essential to my music appreciation...

 

(Finally) tried an E2 this weekend and unfortunately it didn't fit my head at all. This is the first and only time I've ever put on a over ear headphone and immediately wanted to take it off due to fit. The headphone is about 1cm too small for me (longitude) at max size and puts a very strong hot spot on the crown of my head. It is made worse by the fact that the leather top is now mostly cut away as the force is now focused rather than a general push thats distributed out. I also tried wearing the E2 with the band behind my head but this wasn't possible because 1) it doesn't clamp hard enough to stay on my head this way (ymmv) and 2) the ear opening inside of the foam is shaped but the foam will not spin around enough for my ears to still fit inside with the band behind my head.

This fit issue is a real shame as I liked the sound during the 2 minutes I forced myself to endure the discomfort of E2. (edit: However I prefer the sound of EFO/E1.1 I tried back-to-back, didn't try to tune E2 with inserts) I've have also always received great service from Dan and the MrSpeakers team in the past as well. As far as I can tell, ordering the E2 with Ether 1.1 or Aeon leather headband won't fix the issue as the actual metal frame part of the headphone is smaller as well. Ordering E2 with 1.1 metal frame/yokes won't work either as these yokes attach on the body differently (more like AFC).

For reference: I have a larger than average head in terms of longitude (but not extreme or very large by any means) and slightly larger than average latitude (I don't remember numbers right now but a friend measured and I looked it up before). With HD650, I pull the bands out until I have 4-5 clicks remaining until maximum on each side and can pretty much wear it indefinitely w/o issue (especially with groove in padding for crown of head). Ether1 variants fit very well. Aeon fit is great too under 2 hours, at 2-4 hours a hotspot develops on the crown of my head. Neither E1 or Aeon require the headband to be at max size (leather band all the way up).

 

I heard the Ether 2 for the 1st time today, and sorry to say it wasn't love at first listen for me. I, too, found it less than ideally comfortable. Overall the sound struck me as likeable but unremarkable. Maybe it was the amp or the material, but I really had no great urge to listen for long.

On the other hand, tried the AFO again, 2nd listen (1st was last year). Smaller earcups, not a large space for the ears--but a very pleasing/relaxing listen.

Heard the Voce and was dazzled.

 

Fit was definitely not an issue for me. Maybe it has to do with larger/smaller heads (Pharmaboy is definitely cranilally endowed). quick & easy adjustments made the fit quite comfortable for me.

I definitely loved the sound...oddly enough I enjoyed it more at the Schiit table than I did in the Mr. Speakers room...don't know if it was synergy, DAC or the Head-Amp they were using in the room(I think it was the GSX mini) but Schiit had it on the Lyr3 (I assume with the MB module) when I got there & It sounded great.

Full bass extension, very linear not peaky...sounded like maybe a little emphasis in the mids, and airy treble, not piercing. I didn't feel the headstage was lacking at all, but couldn't get a good grasp due to show conditions.

I definitely lean more towards the ZMF sound (and frikin' love the Empyrean) but I definitely wouldn't kick these cans outta bed.

 

That's a really lovely way of putting it

 

Pharmaboy picture taken in his natural environment:

 

I'll have you know I had those big, pulsing veins surgically removed. They were getting in the of my babe-magnet "light bulb cranium" effect.

 

Yes, he has a unique way with words. Same person who said he "definitely wouldn't kick these cans outta bed."

"MEDIC!"

 

For those of you who don't visit HF. I got two sets of new pads in for ETHER 2. Here is a copy and paste from my post there:

Got the sample pads in and here are some quick impressions after an hour:

It’s nice to have choices, for a multitude of reasons. Mrspeakers now offers a choice of both suede and perforated pads to go along with the stock leather pads. These pads are designed to offer a signature that complements the stock pads. So for those of you who are looking for something a little different with ETHER 2 house sound and don’t care for EQ, you now have choices.

The perforated pads will bend the signature towards neutral with more of a “reference” sound. There is still a good dash of warmth from the original pad signature, but these will offer a new level of transparency. If you like fine detail, subtlety and sonic nuance, then this may be the pad for you. Sound stage is the best with these, pushing well off the shoulder for width and digs out depth cues very well creating a spacious musical platform.

The suede pads take a somewhat different approach. I’ll cautiously refer to these as the “basshead” pads (evil grin). Sub bass sounds punched up around 3 db or so (just a rough guess). But don’t be mistaken here, nothing in the signature is out of place. There is still a seamless transition from bass to mids with no bleed whatsoever. But damn, the bass really hits hard with these pads! There is a more intimate presentation of vocals and stage here.

While both perforated and suede feel softer than stock, the suede is the softest. Because the suede is the softest pad, it should offer less clamp for those who feel that clamp with the stock pad is too much.

So now there are three pad options with each offering a different flavor and are each compelling in their own way. It’s difficult to say which is my favorite. It’s in the early going but I have to say I’m drawn to the sound and comfort of the suede pads.

 

I will talk to Dan. If SBAF is interested, Dan has already offered to sell us a pair for a nice discount. Do we have funds and interest?