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Headphoneus Supremus: Moderator: Needs a regular fix of 'Fi. '06 National Meet Co-Coordinator
Looks of a headphone last about two seconds after they go on my head. I owned a pair of Audio-Technica W2002's - arguably the most beautiful headphone ever - and they didn't sound particularly great.
Most important attributes are:
1. Sound quality
2. Construction quality
3. Wearing comfort
4. Manufacturer support
.
.
10. Looks
Hopefully the v1.3 will come closer to v1.2 after some burn in. I am sure that amplifiers will play a large part in the resulting sound too. For a peak at the HEAUDIO e-stat amp prototype, check out lan's videos from the last NY meet.
Thanks for taking the plunge, Dave. I'm sure you will have many happy hours of enjoyment with them.
Lastly, I thank spritzer for sharing his extensive knowlege of electrostatics, both here and in other related threads. We all benefit from that.
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"Keep in mind, for the most part, we're talking degrees of subtlety that have led lesser souls to long periods of rehabilitation in quiet, grassy places." - Aaron Weiss
My feedback thread is here (click to view/add)
Have a question? Try the SEARCH function first.
A very interesting new headphone. Certainly despite its downturn in looks to the more individual from the 1.2 to the 1.3, it doesn't come close to the AMT or the TakeT for fugly.
I look forward to future impressions from members, and I love Steves new signature.
Lastly, I thank spritzer for sharing his extensive knowlege of electrostatics, both here and in other related threads. We all benefit from that.
Happy to help. The HE 1.3 really needs to be compared to its nearest competitor, the Airbow SR-SC1. It retails at around 80k Yen in Japan and while it looks and smells like the SR-404 the sound is much improved. The annoying bass bloat of the Lambdas is gone and they sound is much more linear and controlled. It is also more laid back and the sound stage is better controlled. It's a shame that there aren't more of these around here in the West.
__________________ Feedback
Main rig: APL 3910 32bit -> DIY IC's with thin cotton insulated silver wire -> BHSE on order and a DIY Blue Hawaii under construction, B22 -> See profile
Secondary rig: APL 3910 32bit -> DIY IC's with thin cotton insulated silver wire -> Modded Stax SRM-T1 -> See profile
Computer rig: Computer S/PDIF output -> AudioZone DAC -> DIY IC's -> Stax SRM-1/Mk2 P.P. -> See profile
Moderator: Headphoneus Supremus: The first to organize an International Head-Fi Meet (2006)
spritzer, would the Airbow SR-SC1, and Stax 303/404 have problems with the backwave because of the grill as you mentioned the 1.3 might have?
I had the 404's and didn't like them and moved up to the O2's because they were a bit bright and forward. However, the whole back of all three of the headphones contain a grill that encompasses the whole rear of the earspeakers and I'm not sure if it affected the sound.
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-My house was built for lovin'...not a theater of war.
-Realize it's harder to find your own voice, then to follow one, already in the air.
~~~><///'>~~~><///'>~~~><///'> ~~~
Music is my recreational drug...I need a dose, everyday!
spritzer, would the Airbow SR-SC1, and Stax 303/404 have problems with the backwave because of the grill as you mentioned the 1.3 might have?
I had the 404's and didn't like them and moved up to the O2's because they were a bit bright and forward. However, the whole back of all three of the headphones contain a grill that encompasses the whole rear of the earspeakers and I'm not sure if it affected the sound.
They are affected and it is clearly audible but then again it is a 1979 design. It's it amazing just how much performance they have managed to squeeze out of those old frames. With the Lambdas it is a combination of the plastic frame resonating and partially blocking the backwave. The SR-SC1 is cryo treated, twice, so that must change the resonating properties of the plastic (a cryo treatment rearranges the position of the molecules to create a more linear structure) so most of the midrange nastiness is gone. It could also be that the diaphragm has also been altered or the glue bond that fixes the driver to the baffle. I've never tried the drivers in some other housing so it's hard to be sure what causes the difference.
The whole area of backwave absorption/diffusion is a big deal when it comes to speakers and Sound Lab even created pillars to place behind the huge speakers to deal with it. It is the sole reason why planars need to be moved out into rooms and are often raised up on stands.
__________________ Feedback
Main rig: APL 3910 32bit -> DIY IC's with thin cotton insulated silver wire -> BHSE on order and a DIY Blue Hawaii under construction, B22 -> See profile
Secondary rig: APL 3910 32bit -> DIY IC's with thin cotton insulated silver wire -> Modded Stax SRM-T1 -> See profile
Computer rig: Computer S/PDIF output -> AudioZone DAC -> DIY IC's -> Stax SRM-1/Mk2 P.P. -> See profile
I agree, I think if the entire headphone was similar in color as the mahogany/rosewoodish color then the phones wouldn't look half as bad. It'll at least not have as much contrast with the black grill..
Not to threadcrap but this goes out to Aaron.Remember us talking at the last meet about you wanting to do some longer listening sessions with the HE90/Aristeaus rig?Well I think this is a great idea in light of your new addition.It may take me a few days to pack everything up and get it to you,but I don't mind at all.I've got the HD650's here to occupy me and I have'nt been doing much listening lately anyway.I will expect a nice little comparison/contrast essay,as will a few others I imagine,though.You could keep it until the National,or send it back sooner if you choose.Gary.
P.S.I hope you're ready for some Patron,buddy.
Headphoneus Supremus Member of the Trade: S² Audio
Wow! What a gracious offer!
Aaron that would be a fantastic opportunity to both compare the sound of the two headphones, and to try the new phones on the Aristeaus, should you choose to take him up on his offer.
The HE 1.3 really needs to be compared to its nearest competitor, the Airbow SR-SC1. It retails at around 80k Yen in Japan and while it looks and smells like the SR-404 the sound is much improved. The annoying bass bloat of the Lambdas is gone and they sound is much more linear and controlled. It is also more laid back and the sound stage is better controlled. It's a shame that there aren't more of these around here in the West.
Linear Mode
