Head-Fi.org › Forums › Equipment Forums › Headphones (full-size) › Differences between use of "Forward" and "Intimate"
New Posts  All Forums:Forum Nav:

Differences between use of "Forward" and "Intimate" - Page 2

post #16 of 23
1/31/07 at 12:31pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by donunus View Post
First I'll Say my definition of focused is detailed/defined. It is clear where the instrument is in the stage because of its clearly recorded natural reverb (including the direct sound, first reflections and all the natural bounces).
OK, I'm starting to get this. By that definition I would agree that the 595 is more focused. And I think this is by dint of the xx0's "intimacy" which seems to enfold me with the vocalist(s) and instruments to such a degree that the room sound becomes less apparent than with the 595.

In other words, to me it's exactly because the 595 is less intimate and puts me a little further away from the band that I can hear the room somewhat more, giving it the sound that I think you're describing as more focused. But I'm still befuddled by the HeadRoom - and I think fairly standard - assertion that the 580/600 put you further back in the audience than the 595.

BTW, donous, Patricia Barber's Companion is one of my personal reference and favorite CDs - I agree, very intimate.
Reply
post #17 of 23
1/31/07 at 7:16pm
[QUOTE=Asr;2674436]There are only two contexts in which I use the word "forward," the first one referring to the spike over the upper mids, the second referring to presentation of space - as in, up-close and personal, as opposed to distant.

hello, what are "distant" brands and models, pls? i do not like to sit too close to the stage - you get lost too much in one instrument and do not hear others. i don't want to "participate", i'd like to watch and listen. the worst thing is when sound is VERY close to the ear or even inside it... what are cans which allow me to sit in let's say 12-16th row? with good bass and strong rithm section.
thnk U in advance, leener
Reply
post #18 of 23
1/31/07 at 10:54pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by episiarch View Post
OK, I'm starting to get this. By that definition I would agree that the 595 is more focused. And I think this is by dint of the xx0's "intimacy" which seems to enfold me with the vocalist(s) and instruments to such a degree that the room sound becomes less apparent than with the 595.

In other words, to me it's exactly because the 595 is less intimate and puts me a little further away from the band that I can hear the room somewhat more, giving it the sound that I think you're describing as more focused. But I'm still befuddled by the HeadRoom - and I think fairly standard - assertion that the 580/600 put you further back in the audience than the 595.

BTW, donous, Patricia Barber's Companion is one of my personal reference and favorite CDs - I agree, very intimate.
The 580 sounds more like an auditorium playing the recording while the 595s are more like a jazz club. To me the Jazz club is more intimate, but I guess its all a matter of taste. The first reflections in the jazz club definitely sound stronger since its a smaller venue. Basically relates to my analogies above.
Reply
post #19 of 23
1/31/07 at 10:59pm
Oh just to add to that... The difference in venue is not the same as the distance of the listener from the performer but its all interrelated. Its the combination of these two that makes for ones definition of different degrees of intimacy... Hehehe I think I just invented my definition of intimacy while writing on this thread.
Reply
post #20 of 23
1/31/07 at 11:33pm
I've never used intimate to describe a forward sounding headphone, instead, I'd say headphones, in general, is more intimate than speakers.

I've always used forward and upfront to describe phones that have a tone that sounds closer to the ears than the others. I.e. Grado has a very forward presentation in general - mids, highs, lows. The 6x0 has a more laid back sound with vocals placing farther away and has a wider soundstage. The 5x5 on the other hand has a more forward sounding mids and bass, but not as bright as the grados.
Reply
post #21 of 23
2/1/07 at 12:01am
[QUOTE=leener;2677076]
Quote:
Originally Posted by Asr View Post
There are only two contexts in which I use the word "forward," the first one referring to the spike over the upper mids, the second referring to presentation of space - as in, up-close and personal, as opposed to distant.

hello, what are "distant" brands and models, pls? i do not like to sit too close to the stage - you get lost too much in one instrument and do not hear others. i don't want to "participate", i'd like to watch and listen. the worst thing is when sound is VERY close to the ear or even inside it... what are cans which allow me to sit in let's say 12-16th row? with good bass and strong rithm section.
thnk U in advance, leener
AKG K501, K601, and K701 all have a larger soundstage than most other headphones. Also the Beyerdynamic DT880, and Audio-Technica's ATH-AD2000.

Headphones without much soundstage = most closed cans. And Grados.
Reply
post #22 of 23
2/1/07 at 3:15am
If I had to pick a word to describe the difference between the two as I see it, it would be smoothness. Intimate I would think of as being smoother, perhaps a bit less detailed, or maybe just presenting the detail in a more subdued way. Forward would be less smooth, but not necessarily in a bad way. Less smoothness can lend itself well to certain types of music, maybe sounding more aggressive for rock, or just highlighting details (or perception of details) more for those who crave that sort of thing.
Reply
post #23 of 23
2/1/07 at 2:21pm
[QUOTE=Asr;2677815]
Quote:
Originally Posted by leener View Post

AKG K501, K601, and K701 all have a larger soundstage than most other headphones. Also the Beyerdynamic DT880, and Audio-Technica's ATH-AD2000.

Headphones without much soundstage = most closed cans. And Grados.
Thank you, I really appreciate your help - now at least I know the general direction in which I ought to go...
thnx, leener
Reply
New Posts  All Forums:Forum Nav:
  Return Home
  Back to Forum: Headphones (full-size)
Head-Fi.org › Forums › Equipment Forums › Headphones (full-size) › Differences between use of "Forward" and "Intimate"