Neutral(ish) headphones [Continuous poll]

Discussion in 'Headphones' started by Magnetostatic_Tubephile, Dec 28, 2017.

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Which of these headphones can be considered neutral(ish) sounding?

  1. Audio Zenith PMx2

    34 vote(s)
    26.4%
  2. Fostex TH-7

    1 vote(s)
    0.8%
  3. Hifiman Edition X

    4 vote(s)
    3.1%
  4. Hifiman HE500

    7 vote(s)
    5.4%
  5. Koss ESP950

    12 vote(s)
    9.3%
  6. LFF Paradox Slant

    6 vote(s)
    4.7%
  7. Sennheiser HD650

    35 vote(s)
    27.1%
  8. Sennheiser HD600

    79 vote(s)
    61.2%
  9. Sony MDR-MA900

    5 vote(s)
    3.9%
  10. Sennheiser HD540 Reference Gold

    5 vote(s)
    3.9%
  11. LFF Paradox

    16 vote(s)
    12.4%
  12. Sennheiser HD800S

    5 vote(s)
    3.9%
  13. Focal Clear

    17 vote(s)
    13.2%
  14. ZMF Auteur

    11 vote(s)
    8.5%
  15. Sennheiser HD580

    10 vote(s)
    7.8%
Multiple votes are allowed.
  1. Magnetostatic_Tubephile

    Magnetostatic_Tubephile Friend

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    NOTE: As a natural continuation of this SBAF thread, due to a significant progress made, new IN QUEST OF NEUTRAL HEADPHONES topic intends to track my audiophile journey focused on neutral(ish) headphones further. The new thread focuses on reviews accompanied by measurements.

    TOPIC DESCRIPTION

    OK, what would you say about trying to join forces in order to collectively list and discuss headphones that in SBAF view could be considered as neutral(ish) sounding?


    In simple terms, by 'neutral' I mean subjectively as true to the source as possible with headphones, ideally also confirmed objectively (e.g. by measurements). This, from my current understanding, in practice involves a suitable balance/combination of frequency response, distortion characteristics, internal construction/damping and possibly other parameters too.

    I would not expect any definite answers but rather a summary of valuable points of view, maybe even a useful dataset if enough people vote. This thread attempts to somehow go around lack of widely accepted definition of ''neutral-sounding headphones' by focusing on personal experience (personal takes on neutrality) of a large group of members of (IMHO) highly knowledgeable headphone forum. Yes, this is not a scientific study.



    Without further ado, I would suggest the following format of this thread:
    • GOALS:
      • Provide short info regarding any potential candidate you personally heard. Your impressions (for either a brand new candidate or already nominated headphone) will be added to the second post of this thread.
      • Do not forget to also point out all other headphones that you consider neutral(ish) according to your personal listening experience in the voting poll associated with this thread.
    • NOTES:
      • As of now, primary focus of this thread is on over-ear or on-ear headphones in their stock form.
        • Stock form = the way headphone can or could be acquired by a regular being.
        • IEMs or DIY modded headphones (only one mod per headphone) are allowed but will be carefully assessed prior acceptance.
      • Prior acceptance, the following conditions need to be met:
        1. First-hand impressions from the person that nominated the headphone
        2. At least one set of comparable measurements available online
        3. 7 days after initial nomination, higher amount of positive/confirming opinions is required compared to negative/doubtful ones. (Liking a post that either confirms or declines particular nomination is considered as a reaction too.)
      • Votes in the poll can be changed later-on by the voter to account on potential shifts of opinion over the course of time.
      • Pricing tiers are only informative, for those interested in purchasing. They do not have any significance to the poll, your personal opinion on how those headphones sound does.
      • I reserve the right to request a specific comment from 'SBAF Staff' members when in doubt about whether to include a particular headphone to the poll, or not.
        • (Will try to use this option as infrequently as possible. Potential use cases: headphones recently released to the market, headphones with rather controversial impressions or measurements, DIY modded headphones, ...)

    I am continuously updating the second post of this thread as well as the voting poll. Lets keep this thread growing! :)

    DISCLAIMER: Yes, I know, I am a rando who joined just few days ago... Still, I feel a thread like this has a potential to become a useful resource, with the core value being a fact all people can provide their recommendations either in written form or simply by multi-voting. Please try to judge the thread itself rather than its author if possible.
     
    Last edited: Feb 12, 2019
  2. Magnetostatic_Tubephile

    Magnetostatic_Tubephile Friend

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    HEADPHONES WITH ACCEPTED NOMINATION
    (See user impressions listed below. See actual amount of votes given in the poll above.)

    UP TO 500USD MSRP

    FOSTEX TH-7
    [closed dynamic; RAA|RYUMATSUBA]

    • @Magnetostatic_Tubephile: 'Very good introductory headphone. Bass has a satisfying depth, punch and linearity to it while mid to treble region is not screwed up enough (in terms of tonality or distortion) to disqualify TH-7 altogether. MA900 or HD650 are of course better but also significantly more expensive.'
    SENNHEISER HD650 [open dynamic; IF|SBAF|CHANGSTAR|RAA|GE|DIYAH]
    • @Magnetostatic_Tubephile: 'Apart from PMx2 and HD650, I am not sure if I ever heard any other headphone that would sound truly composed and uniform from bass to treble. I do have my reservations (unfocused bass, a bit emphasized upper mids, lack of overall cleanness/transparency) but feel sad about recent rumors that HD650 should be replaced by HD660S. I only heard silver screen versions myself, not sure about actual difference from the older black screen variants.'
    • @Serious: 'HD650 treble is a bit smoother (than HD600) and not quite as grainy (but still grainy), but it's just too warm. ... have too much mid bass.'
    SENNHEISER HD600 [open dynamic; IF|CHANGSTAR|RAA|GE|DIYAH]
    • @Magnetostatic_Tubephile: 'A bit brighter version of HD650, maybe with slightly better technicalities. Some prefer HD600, some HD650.'
    • @Scubadude: 'My standard recommendation for neutral headphones in current production is the HD600 ... Apart from a slight steely colouration in the upper mids and somewhat rolled off bass it remains an incredible performer more than 20 years after release.'
    • @Serious: 'HD600 (what I voted for) has too much upper mids and sounds grainy with weird treble. ... have too much mid bass.'
    • @jowls: 'Not perfect but it gets you most of the way there. Some 2-4khz weirdness and cymbals can sometimes sound a bit rough, but otherwise pretty damn good. It embarrasses most other headphones out there WRT tone.'
    SENNHEISER HD580 [open dynamic; IF|CHANGSTAR|GE]
    • @PacoTaco: 'This might just be me, but I actually think the HD580 is more neutral than the HD600. Much better bass response and doesn't have the shout the HD600 has. The HD580 is the inbetween of the HD600 and 650.'
    • @Marvey: 'Debatable if HD580 is any different from HD600 because they are supposed to be the same. However, anedotal evidence points to the HD580 being somewhere in between the HD600 and HD650. Factors such as pad wear and silent revisions by Sennheiser (to all lines) makes it difficult to say for sure.'
    SONY MDR-MA900 [open dynamic; SBAF|CHANGSTAR|RAA|GE]
    • @Magnetostatic_Tubephile: 'If I would feel adventurous, these could be considered as an ellegant hybrid of HD650 and HD800. HD650-like tonality and smoothness with HD800-like soundstaging and openness. Of course, MA900 are not quite as composed as HD650 (especially as you increase volume) or quite as spatially precise as HD800 but you get the point. Recommended.'

    500-1000USD MSRP

    HIFIMAN HE500 [open planar-magnetic; IF|SBAF|CHANGSTAR|RAA|GE]

    • @Magnetostatic_Tubephile: 'I still feel HE500 with original velour pads are worth consideration, even moreso with the very original ones (those with glued transparent plastic rings). Bass is nicely linear and impactful, mids are world class and treble does not hurt your ears like other Hifimans do (HE-4, HE-6, ...). Apart from not-so-perfectly textured bass notes, I would like to see less coldness/zinginess in highs since it would not only make treble more linear but the overall tonal balance also a bit calmer. Anyway, HE500 were the phones that crossed the 'good enough' line for me - I could retire from headphone hobby with those and be content.'
    KOSS ESP950 [open electrostatic; IF|CHANGSTAR|RAA|GE]
    • @Magnetostatic_Tubephile: 'Apart from the rather ethereal electrostatic timbre (it is still there even though we are not talking Stax), I always kept noticing detailed yet smooth mids and treble the most with ESP950. I rather enjoyed the cans but dont expect deep bass or tactility - it is simply not there.'
    LFF PARADOX SLANT [closed planar-magnetic; CHANGSTAR]
    • @Magnetostatic_Tubephile: 'Very good T50RP modification, providing a bit smoother/warmer take on neutral due to considerable mid to upper bass emphasis. Good soundstage depth, surprisingly clean and dynamic performance for a T50RP-based closed-back headphone. Apart from the coloured bass response, I heard a tendency towards plastic timbre.'
    LFF PARADOX [closed planar-magnetic; IF|CHANGSTAR]
    • @Ringingears: 'In my opinion it is a bit more neutral than the Slants. I own the Paradox and have heard the Slants on several occasions. Including I believe LFF’s pair. The Slants have a slight tilt towards the bass.'

    ABOVE 1000USD MSRP


    AUDIO ZENITH PMX2 [semi-open planar-magnetic; IF|SBAF|CHANGSTAR]

    • @Magnetostatic_Tubephile: 'The way I see it, one of the top candidates. Current revision effortlessly blends together linear, deep and impactful bass with sibilance-free puristic mids and very smooth but present treble. They sound satisfyingly clean and textured throughout the whole frequency spectrum. Notable deviations would be slightly recessed low treble region (2-5Khz) and rather average sense of openness. My pair subjectively has more bass presence even compared to cans like LCD-4 or HE500 but original revision is said to be a bit weak in bass impact.'
    • @jowls: Not the last word in resolution, however it’s perfectly balanced. @Audio Zenith knows WTF he is doing. It will be interesting to see what he mods next now that PM2 seems to have been discontinued.
    HIFIMAN EDITION X [open planar-magnetic; IF|SBAF|DIYAH]
    • @Magnetostatic_Tubephile: 'Good candidate for those wanting somewhat neutralish tonality with the unique spacious presentation associated with very large earpads. I would prefer deeper and less weak-sounding bass, a bit less distorted mids and a bit less plasticky treble but the headphone is still good enough to recommend and include here.'
    SENNHEISER HD800S [open dynamic; IF|SBAF|RAA|DIYAH]
    • @allegro: 'The HD800S are the most revealing headphones I have had the pleasure to listen to. Be advised they will expose any problems with your components. It is very easy to hear deep into well recorded files. Midrange is most natural I have heard and treble is extended with plenty of air around instruments. Bass is accurate and you hear what is on the recording. Soundstage and imaging is excellent possibly the best of any phone you can buy right now. On well recorded files I often hear the music extend outside my head beyond my ears.'
    • @Kattefjaes: 'The HD800S has (compared to HD800) added second order distortion in the bass to thicken it up, and costs most more than the HD800 to boot. It's quite a poor choice. ... Moreover, it's pretty f'ing far from neutral if you listen to classical. Suckout makes strings sound weird.'
    • @Muse Wanderer: 'The HD800S is as far from neutral as it gets. Upper mids are scooped rendering symphonic music to be lifeless especially within the string and upper winds sections. HD6X0, Andromeda and Utopia are so much better at rendering the fundamentals. The treble is bright despite the Helmholz resonator. I was relieved of getting rid of the spike on my HD800 but the sibilance was still present. And the bass is the worst offender after the mids. Oh my, it just sounds like Dolly the sheep woolly farting on my ear drums. Why on earth would Sennheiser mess with the bass of the HD800 and create this mess?
    • @chakku: Personally got rid of my HD800S in favor of my HD6XX, the upper midrange dip emphasized the quick rise going into the treble region which, even though the midbass was around the same level, still came off as a bit sharp as there isn't a smooth transition from the midbass to the treble like there is with the HD6x0. Of the terms to describe the HD800S for me to use, neutral wouldn't be on the shortlist.
    • @Magnetostatic_Tubephile: 'I know quite a few audiophile guys who would call HD800S neutral but do not share this sentiment myself. Bass, while not as good as with HD800, is still very satisfying for analytical listeners while lacking ultimate depth and presence for others. The same could be said about rather thin mids. As far as treble goes, the very enjoyable sense of air and microdetails is being let down by the 6K peak that is bearable but still somewhat distracting.'
    FOCAL CLEAR [open dynamic; IF|SBAF|DIYAH]
    • @Marvey: 'So finally gotten more time with the Clear and I am more convinced that the Clear is the closet thing to an upgrade to the HD650. ... The reason I consider the Clear a truer upgrade to the HD650 is because of it's more open nature and steps to minimize cup coloration. The Clear does what the HD650 wishes it can do, but cannot: extended low bass, clarity, fast transients, etc. ... The top end of the HD650 might be just a bit smoother, but it also lacks some of the sparkle and air that the Clear can pull off.'
    ZMF AUTEUR [open dynamic; SBAF]
    • @Marvey: 'Sounds much better than it measures. Neutralish response. ... Seems more appropriate to see the FR as having a BBC 3kHz dip instead of a 6-7kHz peak. ... The Auteur is a romantization of neutrish sound. Resolution is good and so are transients, but macrodynamics seem a bit behind Atticus and Eikon even. There is also the touch of reverb and cup effects, which people may or may not like. ... It's an reinterpretation of the HD650 with a few things on top of it.'
    • @cskippy: 'The Auteur is the closest headphone to meet my preferred sound signature. I find them to be a warm take on neutral with a slight emphasis at 6kHz like the HD800 but at a lower amplitude giving just enough coloration to add a sense of detail or engagement. I can hear an emphasis with snares and cymbals especially in this area so I decided to switch to the perforated Eikon pads. They do a better job of smoothing out the treble but add about 3dB below 800Hz. At first I thought the pads made the Auteur sound too dark and muddy but that slight treble coloration was all but gone.

    UNKNOWN MSRP

    SENNHEISER HD540 REFERENCE GOLD [open dynamic; GE]
    • @Scubadude: 'The Gold edition sported hand matched drivers, copper cable, a lovely wooden box and golden trim accents. I was amazed by how accurate and neutral it sounded, vividly detailed and with beautiful timbre, wonderful flowing dynamic response if not outright slam. ... Now I can compare them to a host of other former flagships I collected and am amazed how well it stacks up against HD600 (no steely colouration, better timbre), HD650 (no veil, much better dynamic impact), HD800 (similar detail and speed, no nasty treble, imaging and focus almost on par), de-fazored LCD2 (massively more comfortable, more detailed, more focused, more neutral), T1 (more even treble, better focus, better timbre) and K1000 (imaging not quite as good, better bass impact, looks a hellavu lot better).'


    HEADPHONES WITHOUT ACCEPTED NOMINATION
    (Other headphones that could theoretically be considered but are not accepted yet.)
    • Campfire Andromeda
    • Focal Classic / Focal Spirit Pro
    • LFF Code-X
    • LFF Code-SEX
    • Stax SR-007
    • Oppo PM2
    • Mrspeakers Aeon Open/Closed
    • Mrspeakers Alpha Dog
    • Mrspeakers Ether (Flow) Open/Closed
    • Sennheiser HD660S
    • Sennheiser HE90 (Orpheus)
    • Beyerdynamic DT150
    • Sonoma Model One System
    • Hifiman HE1000
    • Hifiman RE-272
    • Ultimate Ears Custom In-Ear Reference Monitors (UERM)
    • Beyerdynamic DT250-250
    • AKG K240 DF
    • AKG K240 Monitor
    • Pioneer Monitor 10
    • Beyerdynamic DT1350
    • Sony CD900 ST
    • AKG K500
    • AKG K501
    • ATH-M50(X
    • ...?
     
    Last edited: Jan 8, 2018
  3. Magnetostatic_Tubephile

    Magnetostatic_Tubephile Friend

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    Reserved
     
  4. Ryu

    Ryu Friend

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    Not to knock on your effort making this thread but what significance does cost have to this poll for each headphone? Why are you tagging yourself in every description? What significance does this thread pose?
     
  5. cskippy

    cskippy Creamy warmpoo

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    I have to commend @Magnetostatic_Tubephile for a well thought out post with room to grow. I also agree with his/her sound descriptions for each headphone. We seem to hear things very similarly.

    I think this is a good idea, kind of like, what DAC is best type thread. As more users add their impressions and preferences, this could become a good reference guide for Rando's to use instead of, tell me, what's best neutral reference headphone for mixing blah blah blah, with no mention of price, associated gear or sonic preference.
     
  6. Lyander

    Lyander Official SBAF Equitable Empathizer

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    I will say that there's a bit of a price spread among the headphones listed in the poll, and that allowing members who may not necessarily have heard all of the phones listed to weigh in and vote might skew the results unfavourably (I mean, I'd be envious of anyone who's had ample head time will all of the above), but have to agree that this is a great idea for a thread.

    As for tagging theirself in the descriptions, well, I suppose that's because it's all their own impressions, and that they plan to add and tag impressions from trustworthy others?

    Oh, and @Magnetostatic_Tubephile, if I may offer my 0.02, what about the Focal Spirit Professional? Don't have one of my own yet, but got a bit of headtime with it at a store demo and thought it remarkably natural-sounding. Of course, given my lacking experience with many headphones I can't definitively say by virtue of my knowledge alone that they fit the bill, but others such as Tyll from IF seem to have similar impressions.

    Also, they're currently on MD for $180 and damn if I'm not tempted right now.
     
  7. BaconBits

    BaconBits Acquaintance

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    I think he's going to add others impressions/reviews in the future possibly.
     
  8. songmic

    songmic Gear cycler East Asia edition

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    Campfire Andromeda and LFF Code-X are neutral. I have a Code-X6 and PMx2 incoming so more on that later.
     
  9. Scubadude

    Scubadude Almost "Made"

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    Interesting thread. My standard recommendation for neutral headphones in current production is the HD600 ... Apart from a slight steely colouration in the upper mids and somewhat rolled off bass it remains an incredible performer more than 20 years after release.

    But the HD600 is probably surpassed by an even older former flagship from Sennheiser - the HD540T. TheHD540 (Reference=same thing) was introduced in September 1986 and discontinued in 1991 (presumably in preparation for the launch of the Ref. II). Initially it was 600ohm but updated to 300ohm in 1989. It was replaced by the HD540 Reference II which was sold from October 1991 and discontinued in 1995.

    About two years ago I picked up a pair of HD540 Reference Gold. The Gold edition sported hand matched drivers, copper cable, a lovely wooden box and golden trim accents. I was amazed by how accurate and neutral it sounded, vividly detailed and with beautiful timbre, wonderful flowing dynamic response if not outright slam. I foolishly sold this pair a few months later (OK there was a good reason ... It partially funded my AKG K1000's).

    I deeply regret selling that pair and made mention of this pair on a vintage headphone thread on our local AV forum. While travelling in China a couple of weeks ago I received a pm. A fellow forumite had a pair which he did not use and he very kindly offered it as a gift to me. I collected this pair last week ... It is a 300ohm Reference I Gold just like the first one but in an incredibly fine condition (save for the cable which I swopped for a spare HD600 cable).

    Listening now with better trained ears I am even more impressed by how good (and neutral) these cans are. Now I can compare them to a host of other former flagships I collected and am amazed how well it stacks up against HD600 (no steely colouration, better timbre), HD650 (no veil, much better dynamic impact), HD800 (similar detail and speed, no nasty treble, imaging and focus almost on par), de-fazored LCD2 (massively more comfortable, more detailed, more focused, more neutral), T1 (more even treble, better focus, better timbre) and K1000 (imaging not quite as good, better bass impact, looks a hellavu lot better).

    They have a bit of collector's value now but can still be had for around $100 - 150 (much less if the seller does not know what it is). If you see a pair advertised go for it ... If you like a clean and clear signature you will love it.

    Golden Ears measurements FWIW ... http://en.goldenears.net/16553
     
    Last edited: Dec 29, 2017
  10. Magnetostatic_Tubephile

    Magnetostatic_Tubephile Friend

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    I will make it clear in the original post that the goal behind including cost of every headphone is segmentation for potential purchasers. It does not have any significance to the poll, your personal opinion on how those headphones sound does. That being said, in order to try to make it a bit less misleading, I will just modify the second post to include generic price tiers.

    I am tagging yourself to make it clear those are just my impressions, nothing more. I would like to add impressions from other people as they are coming!

    Not sure about the last question - apart from the reasoning provided in the original post, I feel being able to listen to music with headphones at least approximating neutral sound presentation was always an important goal of mine... and I hope I am not the only one in that! Hopefully I understood your question well and answered it.

    I think we just need to trust each other - people should only vote for headphones they have personal experience with. I cannot modify the poll title to further point this out, maybe somebody from the moderation team could do that? @ultrabike Btw, votes can be adjusted anytime by the voter to account on possible shift of his/her opinions.

    I will gladly add Focal Spirit Pro but you or anybody else should post useful impressions including deficiencies. Since this is a SBAF thread (dedicated to what SBAF members think), such impressions should be either posted here directly or at least linked from elsewhere on SBAF.

    Do you have any impressions shared on SBAF you find to be spot-on that could be copy/pasted here before adding the phones to the voting poll? Those impressions should preferably also include any sound deficiencies you spotted. Thanks a lot in advance!

    Your HD600 impressions added, thanks for that!
    HD540 Reference Gold added too, havent heard that one yet unfortunately. Very good that you also provided a link to measurements!


    Thank you all for the responses and votings, keep it coming!
     
    Last edited: Jan 1, 2018
  11. Magnetostatic_Tubephile

    Magnetostatic_Tubephile Friend

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    Made some adjustments today to the first two posts in order to improve formatting and ensure the text is more to-the-point. Also added some few more headphone suggestions to the list at the bottom of the second post.

    Will proceed tomorrow or so with addition of links to various measurements for every headphone listed in the poll so that both subjective and objective sides are represented. Any suggestions on what to improve are welcome. :)
     
  12. m@tty

    m@tty New

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    Last edited: Dec 30, 2017
  13. allegro

    allegro Friend

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    What no love for the Sennheiser HD800S? They deserve a place in your list for neutral phones over $1000. You can find a link to HD600 measurements here and the HD800S here. After wasting money on some other phones that are definitely not neutral all I listen to are the HD800S now.
     
  14. Magnetostatic_Tubephile

    Magnetostatic_Tubephile Friend

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    I have now included links to various measurements for all headphones listed in the poll. Feel free to use them as an additional reference but bear in mind the core aspect of this thread is personal listening experience of contributing or voting SBAF users.

    Voting results look very interesting so far, keep it up! Looking forward to add more headphones and their impressions!


    Guys, if you feel these two headphones are truly worth consideration, please provide short/to-the-point impressions that could be listed here. Based on my personal experience with those, they definitely do have deficiencies we should take into account. As of now, both models are at least included in the list of suggestions. (see bottom of the 2nd post)
     
    Last edited: Jan 1, 2018
  15. Ringingears

    Ringingears Honorary BFF

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    I’d like to see the LFF Paradox on the list. In my opinion it is a bit more neutral than the Slants. I own the Paradox and have heard the Slants on several occasions. Including I believe LFF’s pair. The Slants have a slight tilt towards the bass.

    Edit: From LFF. “The Slants have a tilt towards the bass end.” “I made the Paradox to sound like nothing. The Paradox was made for me. I needed a neutral and accurate headphone for my mastering. I never intended to sell it because it sounded like nothing to me.”
     
    Last edited: Dec 30, 2017
  16. SineDave

    SineDave Friend

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  17. allegro

    allegro Friend

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    In the OP you state:

    "Currently looking for a dynamic headphone that would finally blow me away in the long term!"

    Just spend the $1500 for the HD800S problem solved for years. Your present rig should work OK with the HD800S but you have to realize you will be using a set of very revealing phones and will soon feel the urge to upgrade your components. If you browse the other forums you will find folks who thought Utopias were better than HD800S and later regretted the purchase and went back to the Senns. If you can go visit a high end audio shop where you can listen to the HD800S with very good components.
     
  18. cskippy

    cskippy Creamy warmpoo

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    But the thing is, some don't think the HD800 is strictly neutral, including myself. I find HD650 a lot closer but it lacks extension at both ends. You need to say why you think HD800S is neutral not proclaim this is what you should do. Focal Clear could potentially be more neutral than HD800. I need to spend some time with it to be sure.
     
  19. Serious

    Serious Inquisitive Frequency Response Plot

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    Tbh I don't really think any phones are that close to neutral. HD600 (what I voted for) has too much upper mids and sounds grainy with weird treble. HD650 treble is a bit smoother and not quite as grainy (but still grainy), but it's just too warm. Both have too much mid bass. The Utopia is pretty decent, but has that DF upper mid shout. Same for the Staxen.

    All decent planars have upper mid issues. Some have treble issues in addition to that.

    Properly modded HD800 gets closest for me, but that's me being me and you'd probably still find it too bright unless you use mods that completely ruin everything it's good at to the point where you'd be better off with an LCD-2 or HD650.

    As far as IEMs go both the UERM and Andromeda (with proper output impedance) are a bit U-shaped to me. I'd probably like just a touch more of a DF-curve. The RE-272 that I have has just a bit too much of it. Pick your poison. Both are pretty good when compared to stock, unmodded headphones.
     
  20. Ringingears

    Ringingears Honorary BFF

    Pyrate
    Joined:
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    Headphone fight, headphone fight. This should be good. Not.

    Haven’t we had these discussions over and over. Seems we always end up back in the same place. I prefer this, you don’t. I’m not in favor of these vote for your favorite votes. Only for Golden Schlong or loaner candidates. Please don’t take this as a slam. But maybe you might want to start out a little slower. You kind of came into the bar a little too fast. Slow down. We need to know you better first.
     
    Last edited: Dec 31, 2017

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