Every one I've met at head fi has been knowledgeable, passionate, witty bloks with some really nice gear. You know they'd fit in with the gang.
I envy youth's thirst for (and retention of) knowledge. Chase, Punnisher and friend was engineering/software resources. Driven to learn and access to resources are perfect environments and I have come away with a new respect for educational institutions and those who make it their professions. Then you have us crusties that have been playing with our toys for years. When they speak it's by experience and you find yourself finishing their sentences and grin. Then you have those who have the passion for superior sound that are casual to the whys and hows but have skills that demand performance. Shake that up, add a beer and a beautiful day and you have time well spent. Thank you all for being so cordial and willing to share your experiences, concerns, opinions and wit.
I've been to meets in homes, block wall class rooms, sound treated media rooms and the room really makes a difference when trying to hear open phones. When ten guys get together and talk in a block walled room, forgetaboutit. I desperately want to hear both the HD 800s and the HE-5 in a quiet setting. I was impressed with both. Trying to listen to electronic's finer nuances is impossible.
To the gear, you never ever have time to do what you want to do when you start out. Mix and match, try this, listen to other's taste in music and it ends up you get little to nothing done.
HD 800
There was much anticipation with all the advance hype given them. They sure have created a stir and are held in high regard. Best in the world does not come to mind. Better than any currently built dynamic headphone that I've heard, yes. It's been mentioned here often that the higher you go in "performance", the dryer the sound. Compared to the 650s, the 800s remind me of the AT sound with less bottom end. A bigger sounding 70x. The 800s do everything better than the 701. Do they do it with enough of an improvement to merit the price difference? Each person has to decide that with their ear and financial resources. If having the best available gear is a main motivation, you have them. Technically outstanding sound. Based on descriptions of others, I expected to hear what I heard. Well balanced, hyper-detailed and a bit wispy with expansive material.
Musically they are very dependent on source/amp. That, to me, means you have a good performing headphone. You could hear every change done to the link. All music portrayed its prowess on them. Metal was strong and energetic, acoustic was light and resonant, orchestra was full and spacious yet focused. All the parts could be followed without being overpowered by others. As much as they look like a helmet, they don't feel too intrusive. Pretty light for all the frame.
HE-5 kit
This is one that surprised and impressed me the most. I had no pre conceived thoughts on this one because I only casually read up on it. But those who have heard the pair gave it very high marks. The design is sturdy with a small presence, comfortable fit and delicate feel. For the size, the amp matches the headphone quite well. I thought that if Mike bought it, it must be pretty good cause I know his references.
The sound has all the openness and fullness of the 800s. very similar actually. I listened to both on my system and would love to spend more time with each. Very nice.
D 7000
When I first heard the 2000 I wasn't too impressed. I am used to an open phone and felt too smothered in the closed environment. The bass sounded muddy and the mids were recessed because of it. The 7000s correct this. I found them to be very engaging and balanced at low volumes. Now I can see why they have such a following. Of course the wood is beautiful and the build is a tank. Being a 701 fan, I was surprised by the amount of bass kick in a good way. Very nice.
DT880
This headphone was in the running when going for my first full sized pair. I felt they were too hot (not having heard Grados yet) for my tastes. I had the chance to hear a broken in pair on a tube amp and have found new respect.
I'd like to be able to take the time to pop in some dacs for a quiet listen. I was able to get a listen to the GD dac. Initial impression is GD has pretty good quality at it's pricepoint. Makes me want to hear the Ref. series to see what Mr. Kingwa's talents are capable of.
The JH-13s were a no show to my dismay. Chase has them back for treatment so I'll have to wait to hear what I'm missing for another time.
Duke's castle rig sounds like a must listen. If it sounds on par with his headphone rig, I'm going to be impressed (damn showoff
).
The portables of Hardwireds leave nothing home. Portables are high end sources when done right. With so much HeadRoom gear, I thought maybe Tyl was sponsoring this meet. Well hearing it says you can't go wrong with HeadRoom's gear.
I long to hear a properly amped O2/HE/Jade/Koss. I'm rooting on one of the gang to find success and bring one to a future meet.
Pics are very well done. Love the balanced jacks with the 800s in the background.
I'd go fishing with all of them, good people.
PS
Doc, you missed a fun meet. May be time for us to put one together in C'nati. Have yours call mine, we'll lunch.
these were the open cans i had been looking for.
