The All Purpose Advice Thread

Agreed. I like the sound of the BW (its rather tubey) with 650s, but they sure do like tube amps as well.

I'd consider a SS amp for orthos, but for dynamics, tubes is the way to go.

 

Anyone heard the Questyle CMA800i or CMA800r? Any thoughts as I can pick one up for rather cheap if I act quickly. I actually have a Liquid Carbon on order but I'll have to also order a DAC soon, the CMA800i all in one would simplify that.

 

Actually that is very helpful. I am allergic to bright gear, hence my getting rid of my Schiit M2 stack (which is bright IMHO). I'm guessing maybe the Dharma has a notable impedance curve? That would make it sound different on a current source amp versus voltage ones.

 

I remember some talk back on the old forum about it being theoretically possible to replace the HD600's drivers with the HD650 drivers. Has anyone actually tried this? Or would be a bad idea (driver matching and such)? I'm curious as to whether or not the HD650 will be more relaxed and/or less fatiguing listen, but I'm not keen on spending another $400 to find out.

 

Wouldn't it be more cost effective to just try out the HD650 and if you like it sell your HD600 and buy a used HD650 or even find someone who will swap? But it would be a cool thing to try, and document it for us.

 

What tube amp would you recommend? I have the LYR2 and I like it a lot but I'm looking for an map that would run passive speakers also.

 

Thanks for responding!

 

Is there any consensus whether the DT1350 has become more sonically consistent since Purrin's useful expose on Changstar? I'm kind of hoping that they've improved consistency.

 

Don't think so, sorry. Recent discussions indicate a "good" 1350 is just one chocolate in the box.

 

Yes, they have improved consistency..........they discontinued it

The replacement T50P and the now current T50i sound much better, but I have no first hand experience with multiples of those.

 

What's your go to recommendation for closed-back, good isolation, neutralish, over-ear headphone that can be worn comfotably for a 4-5 hour session? Every once in a while I like to get out of the office and write at a coffee shop. I'm sensitive to clamp, so the on-ears are out of it for me. I got a fairly large head.

Iems should be the answer but there are times I just can't stand the thought of putting anything in my ears. Today, I'd rather listen to the garbage at the coffee shop than put in my ER4 again

 

Umm, the HD25-1 II does tick most of the checklist, but if you're planning to wear it for 4-5 hours straight, well...

 

Yeah, something with how my ear is shaped and having a big head, makes any on-ear a real issue: DT1350, HD251ii, Amperior, HD25 Aluminum, T51p, even the Focal Spirit Pro... They all make my ear ache after about 45 minutes I wish I could get on with them!

 

I should have mentioned budget... Prob a max of $300?

I had the Mad Dog but could never get used to the headband and weight. Alpha pads were pretty comfy though...

 

The mentioned senns are nice but afraid they are on the ear.

My short list would include:

Mad Dogs - very comfy even for us big head guys
Nad hp50
Focal Pro
and maybe the Hammo

Then if you have the cash:

Fostex 900
Audeze xc
Dharma

 

If you think the Mad Dogs are too heavy and Focals clamp too much and your budget is $300 you have very little to choose from without some compromises in freq response. Alternate models would include:

Sony 7520
ATH-M70X
AKG
Beyer 250

 

Well since it is going to be worn at a coffee shop (place like Starbucks or such?), perhaps considering something with also an emphasis on style is appropriate, I mean that is where people hangout with their hipster gadgets and stuffs; what about B&W series or Fidelio?

nb: as much as I personally like how the Viso HP50 sounds, it is not a comfortable one.