[Duggeh]

Quote:

Originally Posted by milkpowder /img/forum/go_quote.gif Also, how in the world do people use the 003 without the headband?

Araldite.

Need to have a Stax meet now you've got your new toys Jonathan, between us we've got everything except the 303.

 

[milkpowder]

I think I have to say this again... the 404 are really incredible out of the 006tMk1. It's ability to pick out all the inner details and present them in a soothing and coherent sound is simply amazing. I haven't even listened to my K701/Headfive combo once since the 006tMk1 arrived...

When I first tried the 404/006tMk1, I wasn't immediately addicted. However, I've been listening to this combo for a solid two hours now and I can say without a doubt that the 404/006tMk1 beats the K701/Headfive combo. The 404 is ruthlessly analytical without sounding sterile. It's sound reminds me of the speaker system in Hong Kong...

Anyhow, the K701/Headfive combo is unbeatable for its price and it is here to stay! I don't really feel like doing a comparison atm because I'd rather enjoy my music

Something I do miss though is the Meier crossfeed. It is better than the Foobar one by a long way... Do you think it's worth purchasing the Corda Cross-1 for the Stax? Being able to use a variable crossfeed plus a high quality "EQ/bass/treble-contour" would be very nice indeed.

 

[Carl]

Quote:

Originally Posted by mirumu /img/forum/go_quote.gif I thought the same but then I modded my E500 tri-flanges to bi-flanges and the bass improved markedly without sacrificing treble. The SR-003 is still better, but to me that brought the E500s a lot closer to the SR-003s. The E500 does have more bass impact but it's just not as tight and I prefer the tightness. I feel the SR-003 does have more overall detail in the mids and highs than the E500s as well, but it doesn't sacrifice any of that "thickness" in doing so.

Try those 003s through a better amp, and then you'll see what they're really made of...


Quote:

Originally Posted by milkpowder /img/forum/go_quote.gif The 003 is better value though because for a mere 250USD (audiocubes?), you already have performance that rivals the 500USD E500.

How about if the Stax cost $155?

Quote:

Originally Posted by milkpowder Also, how in the world do people use the 003 without the headband? Do you push the tips right into the canal? I can't seem to figure out how to stop them from falling out!

People used to earbuds seem to prefer to use it that way. Personally I much prefer them with the headband, but I hate 'buds and IEMs.

 

[milkpowder]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Carl /img/forum/go_quote.gif How about if the Stax cost $155?

You need to get an energizer though... I have to say the SR-003 is simply the best bang for the buck portable headphone for its price range. You get a generous taste of high-end for only $155. That said, I wouldn't be satisfied with the SR-003 having the SR-404... The SR-404 is that good

I just need a crossfeed for listening to classical music. The left and right feel too disconnected now that I've been spoiled by the crossfeed on the Headfive

Also, I cannot stress how important it is to make sure you fiddle around with the fit until you get it right. Not unlike the B&O A8, the orientation of the SR-003 in your ears makes a huge impact on the sound.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Carl /img/forum/go_quote.gif People used to earbuds seem to prefer to use it that way. Personally I much prefer them with the headband, but I hate 'buds and IEMs.

I love IEMs (considering the Triple.fi10Pro when they officially come out), but there is no way that I will ever manage to get the SR-003 to stay in!! This is very frustrating... I guess I'm going to have use the headband, which fortunately is quite comfortable and doesn't weigh much.

This is how things stand atm:

 

[mirumu]

Quote:

Originally Posted by milkpowder /img/forum/go_quote.gif Also, how in the world do people use the 003 without the headband? Do you push the tips right into the canal? I can't seem to figure out how to stop them from falling out!

I don't have any problems using the 003 without the headband, in fact I find it hard with the headband. Maybe my ears are just a good match for them. I do tend to push them in deeper though, I find it strengthens the bass a little. There are some strange noises when I open my mouth etc. My solution is that I just don't do that.

 

[mirumu]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Carl /img/forum/go_quote.gif Try those 003s through a better amp, and then you'll see what they're really made of...

Indeed. I'm veering towards the idea of buying an EA-4 currently.

Quote:

People used to earbuds seem to prefer to use it that way. Personally I much prefer them with the headband, but I hate 'buds and IEMs.

You're definitely describing me there, I went many years without going near a full size can.

 

[milkpowder]

Quote:

Originally Posted by mirumu /img/forum/go_quote.gif I don't have any problems using the 003 without the headband, in fact I find it hard with the headband. Maybe my ears are just a good match for them. I do tend to push them in deeper though, I find it strengthens the bass a little. There are some strange noises when I open my mouth etc. My solution is that I just don't do that.

My solution is to use the headband and position them so that they don't make a seal. I find the the sound is noticeably brighter and the bass is reduced. I quite like this "new" sound. It's more balanced than before and definitely bring them closer to the 404. I've tried inserting them deep into my ears, but it's very uncomfortable as the edge of the tips seem to scrape against my canal. I guess my ears aren't really big enough...

The strange noises are very annoying (+very loud +can go on for a few seconds) and I think it's got something to do with the charged up membrane and air trying to get through it. Whenever you move your jaw, the shape and sound of your canal changes and air either moves out of or into your ears. I don't think the charged (personified) "diaphragm" likes it much to be honest and whines like a pig as a result. The actual reason remains a mystery and I hope someone can offer a valid explanation. For the record, the weird noise doesn't seem to exist if the 003 are disconnected.

 

[Carl]

Quote:

Originally Posted by milkpowder /img/forum/go_quote.gif You need to get an energizer though...

The SR-001 comes with one, of course.

Too bad I can't run them off my main rig, though. I need a cable adaptor...


Quote:

Originally Posted by mirumu Indeed. I'm veering towards the idea of buying an EA-4 currently.

My own design is coming along, albeit slowly. I need to get myself some bench supplies...

 

[Carl]

Now this is a rig.

 

[Duggeh]

That T2 is so shady, if I pinch it, theyll never notice...

 

[Carl]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Duggeh /img/forum/go_quote.gif That T2 is so shady, if I pinch it, theyll never notice...

There's even an Ergo AMT sitting atop it. Double the fun.

 

[Duggeh]

 

[milkpowder]

 

[Carl]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Duggeh /img/forum/go_quote.gif

Uh oh, lights are on, you can't pinch it any more. Sorry Doug.

 

[Duggeh]

Haha, Ill settle for the half I've already got! The AMT cable seems to sneek in behind the PS2, I wonder what its connected to.