Lol, all Planars have the same weaknesses as each other these days and are all the same design? Can't wait to see how they make a totally unique and groundbreaking Planar, when apparently none of Hifiman, Audeze or JPS have done anything worth noting... haha.    So the Magister is going to be...

Was it really necessary to quote such a long post    Anyway, excellent review. Couldn't have asked for more detail - good little treasure trove for anyone deciding between the two. Sounds like the HE560 is the one for me.

Dead Roots Stirring was a great album, thats for sure.         Some of my favourite albums in recent times. 

I've had my HD650 for a few years and never have had any chipped paint. As long as you are not rough with them or hit them against something you should be fine.

The PS4 is not aimed and marketed to teens only, in fact going by studies the average age of gamers was around 30 when I last checked.

Interesting impressions so far between the HE500 and 400i. If what I'm seeing in this thread is right, I'm quite disappointed like Mad Lust Envy that these are not like an improved 400 but more close to the HE500 sonics. Dat bass was glorious.   Quote: From early reports the TH500RP...

The HD700 would be a worse option for the above poster.  Would be no good for Torta as they are too bright, brighter than the AD or HD6X0 series. 

Grado will be too bright/aggressive - not really alike to the Alpha Dog. HD600 seems like a reasonable option if comfort is desired. Haven't heard a 400i to comment. HE500 is just as heavy/bulky as AD. 

Oh no, here comes the debate about driving headphones to their fullest.     Anyway, I'll be buying a HE560 very very soon, cannot wait to compare to my other cans (a few of which will be going soon).

I'm pretty sure that I've read that making an open fostex mod is considerably harder than the closed versions - there don't seem to be too many DIY jobs of those around.

What setup did you hear the Abyss on Takato14? When you listened to them, what stood out the most as weaknesses?

Have you checked out some of my impressions in the other ZMF thread, there is a few paragraphs in there between the LCD2.2 and the ZMF from me.

I will still always prefer albums of theirs like Blackwater Park or Still Life - but the newest album is more enjoyable for me than Heritage. I enjoy all of their albums though, just some a lot lot more than others. Great mastering job.

Just a question Beagle, are the Pandora IV very bright at all? I tend to be a bit wary of Dales description myself. I'm considering trying out one of the two cans but my dealer does not provide the IV. 

Hes not wrong, those new beats are remarkably improved from their previous designs.      Anyway, I always have preferred these over the TH600 overall, as the TH600 is a bit piercing for my ears at their worst while the DJ is always sonic bliss thats for sure. I've sometimes go for long...

I can testify to how good the final version sounds, I like mine quite a bit over my non fazor LCD2. Impressions in the normal ZMF thread.

I'm short on time this week with stocktake/work, but here goes. Ok so as far as the LCD2 vs ZMF goes.   I'd say that the sound stage on the ZMF seems to be from further back resulting also in better width, the ZMF actually sounds more open. The LCD sounds more upfront and somewhat more...

Save the condescending garbage...   I own the HE500 and I'm happy with them and their bass quantity. I'm just commenting on how a lot of people go around talking about planar cans having slamming bass or thunderous bass.

After listening to a lot of cans over the years the term planar "slam" or "impact" has to be one of the comments that always make me scratch my head. I've heard a lot more impactful/slamming dynamics over the years. One thing certain is that the bass goes deep, but never has it truly been what...

I feel blessed that there are 3 reputable online headphone/hifi retailers - that also maintain a brick and mortar location which they sell from in my city (and another one in another state doing the same).    I find it horrible what happened to you, even though I guess I get their point...

7   I have a pair of comfortable black sneakers for work, 3 pairs of shoes for going out casual, a pair of more presentable dress shoe for events, a pair of boots and a pair of sandals. 

I hope the Aria works out, its a really good closed can for the price. Bass, soundstage and detail are all quite high - fantastic for $350 odd dollars or whatever they will soon retail for.   Anyway - on topic - how did you end up liking the Fischer?

There is a fair bit of information actually - there is a thread here about the FA-003 - the FA-003 is a rebrand, there are other versions out there like the Jaycar, HM5 etc.   http://www.head-fi.org/t/491632/review-fischer-audio-fa-003-a-neutral-champ/2805

I apologise, I did not mean to come across snarky, attacking your method or anything - I agree with you about the recordings themselves and we seem to agree with a more forgiving method of listening.   I made the comment in general (more in reply to the fellow who just got his HE560 and had...

Simply grab yourself something that is a good but forgiving can. I personally would never be able to give up on good music due to album mastering - sure better recordings are certainly desired but it doesn't dictate my music taste.