Klipsch Heritage HP-3 Headphones Preview

We are working on more ear pads as well as balanced cable.

 

Looking at that plot, the Atticus jumps out as a solid, general-pleaser. Plus it being a closed design which I need in my place, seems like I should jump on that piece of gear.

 

How you find the time and energy to go above & beyond like you did above @Marvey is beyond me. You may be grumpy sometimes but you're one of a kind.

 

For non-studio stuff any headphone is good in my book if it doesn't have a moronic treble peak and wonky distortion above 100Hz. I liked the Elear mostly because it had a small and very narrow treble peak and could overlook the upper mid dip. I get why Focal put it there, but I'd still rather not have it.

 

@Marvey yep you're right, closed is my only choice. But I appreciate the visual and descriptive comparisons of the Atticus to the 650 and 800 'phones which I'm much more familiar with. Just finding a proper amp to go with it as all I have is a Jot at the moment.

Did you have a chance to compare the HP-3 on SS (Jot, for example) as well as your mentioned tube setup(s)?

 

Wow, these seem like they'll be fantastic. I'm glad I didn't impulsively buy a TH-X00 or the E MU version of it last week. I've been searching for something that's a hybrid of the TH-900's bass with the mids and highs of a good sennheiser. It does seem from Marvey's impression that Klipsch has done the research and gotten it right. Just when I was happy with my $300 IEMs. Thanks for saving me some money with the sneak preview of the headphone I should probably be waiting for.

Also, they kind of remind me of this. If they sound as good as Marv seems to indicate, they could be pink with my little pony rainbows and I wouldn't care.

 

My only wish was that there was a 250 ohm version to play nice with more tube amps. The 25 ohm impedance seems tricky to work with.

 

I'm curious as to how the HP3 will compare to the PMx2? I've seen the later described as a TOTL offering having tonality remiscent of the hd650. It seems the HP3 is compares favorably to the hd650 as well but for the price of an Elear.

 

Which is the Panamera? The PMX2? A used PM2 can be modded by Alex for just a bit more than the HP3s price. I'm wondering which is the better buy.

 

The PM-x2 is definitely the Porsche of the two. Fast, pretty damn neutral, and extended on both ends. I would get a pair if I could, but they are damn expensive. But still cheaper then other companies Flag ships

 

The PMx2 is the most neutral headphone I have ever heard. If you are looking for a super HD650, go with the Zenith. The HP3 sounds more V shaped, loads of bass, warmer tuning. Based on the descriptions, It sounds like the HD650 and the Atticus had a baby ... a baby that is apparently very technically proficient. I wish I could have both in my garage.

 

I remember on big sound 2015 noone seemed that impressed with them. For that price I'd pass. Yet hearing is believing so maybe if I heard a pair I would reconsider.

 

2 years is a loooong time in headphone land though.

I think there's consistent rolling changes now and then too, which mean units need to be dated though... Like: http://www.superbestaudiofriends.or...n-mid-2017-impressions-and-measurements.4567/

 

You should definitely check them out at least. They're pretty impressive, and don't sound anything like the stock Oppos.

 

What's the build material on the cups? Meaning are they made of wood or compressed wood like the Nighthawks? They almost look like the old Audezee El-8s stickered on wood grain. The steampunk aesthetics, looks like the headphones someone from a Bioshock's Rapture would wear seals the deal for me. A showdown between ZMF Auteur and HP3 would be interesting.

 

Real wood on the HP3 Cups. I believe the wood choices are Ebony, Walnut and Maple? Marv's unit is in Ebony.

 

@Marvey How do these sound compared to the HD-580?