Review: CharterOak Acoustics SP-1 (GMP 450 Pro) - Page 2

The earpads are not the isolation problem with the GMP250/ 450, but the housing. The Beyer pads won't help in this regard.

The Kenwood K1000 would be a fine choice, but are IMO not that much better than the K271 when it comes to sound quality. The K1000 have way more bass though. K271 isolates better.

The K271 and the K400 have not the same soundsignature, especially not the early production K400. Those are far more lively, with a much better overall sound and soundstage than the K271 have.
The Kenwood and the K271 share more similarities in sound than the K271 and the K400.

^ Thanks!

I had K271s, and I got my GMP450 recently.

I audited both before my decision of buying the GMP450.

Here's my finding.

For isolation, go get K271s since GMP450 has almost no isolation.

For sound, GMP450 wins with a far lead (I listen mostly classical, for your info).

GMP450 sounds very like an open-end headphones, and everything is well controlled.

It has a realistic sound stage and image, and its balance on bass and treble are ideal.

K271s does the treble of piano very smoothly, but it does in a way putting extra distance on that but not for the bass part of piano sound.

GMP450's piano treble can be a little bit harsh yet it is reasonable since it also delivers the bass part with clear thump.

GMP450's sound is direct, controlled, and slightly engaged.

The only complaint I have is that its treble can be fatiguing after like 1hr of continuous listening.

This is not surprising though, it is a pair closed-back phone after all.

Edited by stokitw - 6/22/10 at 6:42am

I agree, the one I got from Taiwan only comes with one year warranty.

I wish I can pay some more for a life time warranty though.

In addition, the package of the re-lable one OP got looks gorgeous:P
 

I would put GMP450 up against Senn HD650, AKG K702, Beyerdynamic DT990.

The very simple fact is, GMP450 is the only phone I own which won't let me grab GS-1000 ASAP.

It won't let me have the feeling : what the hell I'm doing? why do I waste time on this phone while GS-1000 is around. (That's the reason I keep the DT990 at the office otherwise DT990 won't get any head time at home with GS-1000's presence)

 

Yes, GMP450 sounds that good.

 

It has a very realistic sound stage (smaller than GS-1000 or K702 or DT990 but no big deal), yet a little bit aggressiveness like Grado which gives you intimacy.

The intimacy is not too much as are lower-end Grados. 

The balance between spacing and intimacy is outstanding.

 

When put it on my m902, GMP450 really gives you a listening experience both realistic and engaging close to GS-1000's level.

( from my audition on HD650, K702, DT990, they all puts you a little bit too far from the orchestra by emphasizing the reverberation a little too much )

The closed back design gives you some sort of isolation (not good due to its loose and comfortable fit), which fits me well during the summer when AC or fan is on.

The only thing it falls short is the listening time.  Even though the sound qualities are close, I can stay with GS-1000 for hours without rest.  I have to rest after a full CD (70+ mins) with GMP450.

 

I also have some auditions for other German Maestro's model.

I like the 8.35S's aggressive sound, but the clamping is too much for me.

GMP400 loss the clarity of bass due to the velour pads.

The audition on GMP435 is rather brief, it's sound signature is similar to GMP450.

I would recommend an audition between GMP435 and GMP450 for anyone who interested in German Maestro's phones.
 

Let me add the GMP 8.300 D to the list. It has the isolation that the GMP250 and 450 are lacking, and a very, very good sound.

The only downside of them is a small soundstage, but that's about it.

I think GMP is one of the few headphones that really almost only targeted at professionals.  From it's sound qualities to it's durability, it just screams I am the headphone for a busy studio where mishaps may happen, and where reliability is crucial.

 

GMP doesn't seem to have an entry level consumer headphone to pull people in to see the rest of their line up.  Like for Audio Technica, they have their fashionable AD700 that let's you hear and want more.  M50 another choice.  Sennheiser has their HD485/HD555 series.  These headphones you can find in electronic's stores or instrument/gear stores like Guitar Center etc.

 

Some like AKG just have history, and is just iconic.  The 240 studio can be seen worldwide in magazines, pictures, news rooms of people using them.

 

Unless you are a headphone fan, or working in the studio how else would you know about GMP?  The other headphones you don't need to visit any headphone site/forum or be working in a studio or music industry to know and hear those headphones.

Edited by Ruffle - 7/1/10 at 10:48am

Oh man, I see you have these up on the FS forum and I'm so incredibly tempted because it sounds like it's the sound signature I'm looking for, but I just can't justify buying any (more) phones right now. I would offer my Phiaton MS 400 as trade, but alas those are still rather new to me and I don't think I could bear to part with them just yet (though I do recommend them if you're looking for something with good base yet retains a focus on vocals).

Hello fellow Headfiers!

 

I'm new here but have been hanging around looking for my first full sized headphone to pair with my Yulong D100.

I apologise for reviving this thread but it seemed to be the more apropriate place to post my questions.

 

After a long and pacient search and reading on Head-fi and other sites, I think that my final decision on my first full sized headphone will be one of these three German Maestro sets:

 

GMP 400

GMP 435s

GMP 450 Pro

 

Unless anyone changes my mind, it will probably be the 450 Pro. I have some critical questions though...

 

1. Is it possible to replace earpads on the 450 Pro?

2. I still don't get one thing... is the GMP 450 Pro bass light or not? (I'm no basshead I want balanced sound)

 

To Joelpearce:

How would you compare the overal sound (particularly interested on midrange description) of these three headphones?

 

GMP 450 Pro (I know you no longer own the Charteroaks but you seem to be the only one who has owned these three cans to compare)

Beyerdynamic DT 48 ( Possibly interested in these but can't find it cheap)

Fostex T50RP

 

By the way, more comparisons or impressions are always welcomed.

 

Any aditional information will be much appreciated, thank you!

Edited by kkl10 - 12/26/10 at 9:59am

Thank you very much for your attention joelpearce!

 

Would you say that for someone who can accept the sound of the Head Direct RE0 IEM, the Charteroaks would have a reasonable amount of bass?

 

Did you actually replace the earpads on the Charteroaks? Or did you at least get to take off the stock ones?

 

I ask you this because, a couple of weeks ago, I had the oportunity to hear (in non optimal conditions) and compare head-to-head the MB Quarts QP 450 and 400 and I liked more the sound of the QP 450 which, from what I've read, is the same as the German Maestro GMP 450 Pro. They use the same earpads but I still don´t know if they sound exactly the same... so being able to switch earpads is very important to me. Curiously I found out that the MB Quarts QP 400 sounds nothing like the descriptions I've read for the German Maestro GMP 400 sound, it's actualy the complete opposite...

 

Oh, one more thing.

Tonal accuracy and detail retrival... how would you rank those three headphones(Charteroak, Fostex and Beyer)... and others that you've heard or owned, if possible...

Okay just skip the Beyerdynamic DT48...

 

Is there anyone else that has heard the GMP 450 Pro? More input please!

 

stokitw?!!

 

Thanks!

Edited by kkl10 - 12/26/10 at 11:49am

 

This thread can also be of some help: http://www.head-fi.org/forum/thread/404143/compared-three-germanmaestro-headphones-previously-mb-quart