It's only the 2nd day, and I realize there are factors such as new toy syndrome, self-justification of a new purchase, being easily impressed by a new, hitherto unheard sound, etc.
But this O2+KGSS is basically the highest sound quality I've ever heard from a headphone. The only one that I think might equal it is the Sony R10.
Sure, there are areas where other headphones beat the O2+KGSS. The L3000 at least matches its bass quality, and comes close in terms of refinement. It has better PRaT and sounds extremely vivid, energetic and full-bodied. But it can't match the O2's effortless refinement, soundstage and details.
The W5000+HA5000's soundstage, imaging and details are very good. These are its greatest strengths, IMO. But the O2 basically matches it and adds a warmer, more pleasant-sounding and more neutral tonality. And it has the combination of smooth, liquid effortlessness plus details and resolution, which maybe only the R10 can match.
The RS-1 has energy and jump-up-and-down-on-your-chair fun factor. The O2 is almost the complete opposite. It exudes sophistication, quality, refinement, elegance, intelligence... good breeding(?!). It is well-deserved, though, making the RS-1 seem rough and uncouth in comparison. And I already consider the RS-1 a refined-sounding Grado.
The K701 has a more expansive soundstage than the O2. It also has good details and notes separation. The O2 matches its strengths and adds warmth, body, bass impact, bass details, smoothness (did I mention that the O2 is smooth
), and refinement. Comparatively, the K701 is somewhat bland, tasteless, and cold, without much expression of pleasure.
I also think the others, such as the AD2000 and HD650 are over-matched by the O2. The only one that might be able to put up an effective fight, or maybe even win, is the R10. But I suspect the R10 might need beefier and better-matched amplification to do so.
Also, I don't comment much on the K1000 because I don't have a suitable amp for it. The K1000+good amp might also be able to fight the O2.
So where does this leave AT? The W5000+HA5000 combo is good, and the L3000 also sounds great with either the HA5000 or Raptor. But I don't think they're quite at the level of overall sound quality as the O2+KGSS.
However, there's a ray of hope for the dynamics, in the form of balanced recabling and a balanced amp.
I think everyone except maybe R10 owners (ah, heck, including R10 owners) should get an O2!!!
But this O2+KGSS is basically the highest sound quality I've ever heard from a headphone. The only one that I think might equal it is the Sony R10.
Sure, there are areas where other headphones beat the O2+KGSS. The L3000 at least matches its bass quality, and comes close in terms of refinement. It has better PRaT and sounds extremely vivid, energetic and full-bodied. But it can't match the O2's effortless refinement, soundstage and details.
The W5000+HA5000's soundstage, imaging and details are very good. These are its greatest strengths, IMO. But the O2 basically matches it and adds a warmer, more pleasant-sounding and more neutral tonality. And it has the combination of smooth, liquid effortlessness plus details and resolution, which maybe only the R10 can match.
The RS-1 has energy and jump-up-and-down-on-your-chair fun factor. The O2 is almost the complete opposite. It exudes sophistication, quality, refinement, elegance, intelligence... good breeding(?!). It is well-deserved, though, making the RS-1 seem rough and uncouth in comparison. And I already consider the RS-1 a refined-sounding Grado.
The K701 has a more expansive soundstage than the O2. It also has good details and notes separation. The O2 matches its strengths and adds warmth, body, bass impact, bass details, smoothness (did I mention that the O2 is smooth
), and refinement. Comparatively, the K701 is somewhat bland, tasteless, and cold, without much expression of pleasure.I also think the others, such as the AD2000 and HD650 are over-matched by the O2. The only one that might be able to put up an effective fight, or maybe even win, is the R10. But I suspect the R10 might need beefier and better-matched amplification to do so.
Also, I don't comment much on the K1000 because I don't have a suitable amp for it. The K1000+good amp might also be able to fight the O2.
So where does this leave AT? The W5000+HA5000 combo is good, and the L3000 also sounds great with either the HA5000 or Raptor. But I don't think they're quite at the level of overall sound quality as the O2+KGSS.
However, there's a ray of hope for the dynamics, in the form of balanced recabling and a balanced amp.
I think everyone except maybe R10 owners (ah, heck, including R10 owners) should get an O2!!!
).
. Very appreciate your initial impression on OII+KGSS combo. Make me feel better, you know, since I ordered them without listening.
That's the one with a few hundred bucks worth of BG PS caps right? :drool:
than the brown?!? Wanna trade? j/k (unless you want to trade for brown, lol.) 
