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Electrostat can to contrast with O2

post #1 of 21
8/30/08 at 8:28am
Thread Starter 
I'm coming into a little bit of "free" money next month. My wallet had been on life support since jumping on the BHSE list, but it's on the mend now. I'm thinking about getting something to contrast with my 007 mkI for use on the BHSE and it's also time to decide on plugs for the BHSE.

I'm considering:
Used HE60
Koss ESP950
Stax 4070
HE 1.2b (if it ever materializes)

Anyone have a suggestion (from experience) on a can (doesn't have to be on my list) that has a worthwhile but different presentation from the O2 ? I have no gripes about the O2 so I'm looking for contrast, not replacement. I have no other 'stat experience except an hour with a pair of Lambdas. I'm genuinely interested but don't necessarily "have" to buy anything. My budget is $1500 - or less is always better - so something over the top like a HE90 isn't in the cards.

Can 1500 get me something "worth it" or would I be better off putting the money aside for next years speaker purchase (I know, blasphemy)
Anyone ?
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post #2 of 21
8/30/08 at 9:33am
I have experience with the Used HE60 & Koss ESP950, but not the Stax 4070 or HE 1.2b (was VERY tempted but didn't get in in time )

Based on my experience and what I've read I'd be looking at the HE60 or HE 1.2b. Both scale up well with an amp like the BHSE. Price wise I think that points you towards the HE 1.2b
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post #3 of 21
8/30/08 at 10:12am
Hi bada bing,

For myself the Stax 4070 gives a fine contrast to the esthetic SR-007(A/II) in terms of punchiness and crispness.
And with its spatiality and accentuated upper range the 4070 complements IME the Ω's somewhat dreaminess and narrow head stage.
I love these heavy humongous closets! <-- twice as big/much
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post #4 of 21
8/30/08 at 12:05pm
Go for the He 1.2B ! They compliment each other rather nicely.
They are without a doubt on the same level as the O2s.
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post #5 of 21
8/30/08 at 2:47pm
^^ that was my thinking as well. of course we don't know when the 1.2B will be available for purchase and more importantly due to whatever modifications they made, however slight, how they will sound. if previous performance is any indication though, the 1.2B will certainly be a headphone to own.
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post #6 of 21
8/30/08 at 3:12pm
I think design wise they shouldn't change anything from the last run with the tighter diaphragm. They DO need to improve on the leather work on the head band a bit. But soundwise they really hit it out of the park with the final incarnation.
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post #7 of 21
8/30/08 at 3:29pm
Another thing to keep in mind is that it is HIGHLY unlikely that a setup contoured around the O2 will be favorable to the 1.2Bs. You may not be happy with the plug and play results.

I still have not nailed down the most favorable ICs yet for the 1.2Bs. I still very much need to try some gold and palladium with them. But with one amp, you would likely end up with a different tube compliment for both.

Just something to think about.
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post #8 of 21
8/30/08 at 4:01pm

STAX SIGMAS?

I think you might find a Sigma Pro or a Sigma/404 (i.e. a Sigma with 404 drivers and low capacitance cable) worth considering.

http://www.head-fi.org/forums/f4/sig...dphone-175556/

The pro's are a bit hard to find. The 404 mod you would have to have done yourself. It cost me about $500.00 to have broken low bias Sigma remade as a Sigma/404 by the US distributor.

I personally think the Sigma line is remarkable for its almost-successful ability to get around the in-the-head quality of virtually all other phones. The pro line gives good deal more oomph than the low bias, although I also like the low bias set. With the 404 mod you get the 404 dynamics plus better detail and treble response.

BTW are you getting a low bias capability with your amp? I think some of the low bias Stax such as Sigmas, SRXII and Lambdas are worth having around.
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post #9 of 21
8/30/08 at 8:13pm
i heard words that the 1.2b will be out resurface again soon. it will have some change of appearance based on the feedback from the 1.2b thread. sound wise it will be still the same.
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post #10 of 21
8/31/08 at 3:56am
I had O2 and have HE60, both driven by KGSS. I've auditioned 4070 and 1.2B at various meets. I will have to say HE60 is a perfect complimentary/contrast to O2. I personally prefer HE60's presentation though.
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post #11 of 21
8/31/08 at 4:03am
^^ the O2 and HE60 definitely give you a different presentation of the music. i like them both. the HE60 is quite engaging and lively but i would say the O2 is the better or more technically precise headphone. the 1.2B also, if memory serves, provides a good contrast to the O2, so that is at least two options.
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post #12 of 21
8/31/08 at 4:38am
Thread Starter 
All good info to mull over. Thanks for the input so far. It's useful & appreciated.

I'm leaning towards wating to see what comes of the HE1.2b. If nothing develops, then I'll have another decision to think on.

As a parallel question, for people waiting on the BHSE, what output bias/socket combos are you going with ? Is anyone configuring with the idea of a future headphone purchase rather than just accomodating what they presently have ?
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post #13 of 21
8/31/08 at 6:40am
Quote:
Originally Posted by bada bing View Post
As a parallel question, for people waiting on the BHSE, what output bias/socket combos are you going with ? Is anyone configuring with the idea of a future headphone purchase rather than just accomodating what they presently have ?
I'm going with two Stax Pro sockets since that's what will get most use and if I ever want to use some other bias system I'll just use one of my adapter cables.
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post #14 of 21
8/31/08 at 11:06am
2 Stax Pro sockets here - I figured I won't go with anything Sennheiser and even if I do, there are always converters.
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post #15 of 21
8/31/08 at 4:32pm
I find the 4070 to be a really nice contrast and companion to the Omega 2.
A nice team indeed!
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