This review will be updated as quickly as possible.
To start off this review, I will say that each amp will have a in-depth review of highs, bass, mid-range, neutrality , and sound stage. I know there is already a topic like this one however it doesn't have the newer an cheapish amps.
Gear: Headphones: Beyerdynamic DT990 Pro 250ohms, AKG 701 66ohms, Grado SR80i 32ohms,Sennheiser 448 32ohms, Sennheiser 428 24ohms, Creative Aurvana Live! 32ohms.
Source: ZuneHD 16GB, ZuneHD 32GB.
Music used: 6:00-Dream Theater, Rock, death metal, J-rock, J-pop, K-pop, ect. Music will be named during initial test. Will try to do all types of genres of music. If you want a certain song message or post the song/ genre. Quality: FLAC, WMA lossless, 320bit MP3.
Headphone review w/o Amp
Beyerdynamic DT990 Pro 250Ohms 500+hr burn-in :
Highs: A- The highs are not as excruciating as everyone says. The highs sound amazing and don't over shadow the mid-range and bass end of these headphones, the songs that i have listened to that have over eccentric highs that this headphone shows is Zenmai- Last Alliance and every Scandal (j-rock) song. The highs have a some what warm and colorful feeling to them and very detailed.
Mid-range: A- The mid-range is a little bit over shadowed by the bass, however it is recognizable enough to determine the difference between the two. They don't fatigue, they are quite fun and exciting.
Bass: A The DT990 Pros have a punchy and warmish bass. Very thumpy and fun. The DT990s have bass but could use a little extra detail into it.
Neutrality: These are a quite even but could use a little push in the mid-range, which i have yet to find a amp, portable or desktop, to give it that push.
Soundstaging: The soundstage on the DT 990 Pros is mid-ranged it makes you feel like you are in the middle while the band plays around you. With other music that does not have instruments in it the music is very upfront and in your face.
w/ FiiO E11
The FiiO E11 has a gain switch of low and high, an EQ switch between 0,1,2, and a high and low power switch. The best combonation for my DT990 Pros, is high gain, EQ 2, and High power.
Highs: A The highs are roughly the same with a bit more warmth and detail, and strength. The FiiO E11 gave it a boost in sound but not clarity.
Mid-range:A The mid-ranged didn't get the push they needed to get out of the shadow of the bass. The mid-range became warmer then they originally were.
Bass: The bass became more powerful and detailed, and more of a kick then a punch but not to hard. The bass became A+ grade. It is warmer and very structured.
Neutrality: The neutrality of the sound stayed at par because the mid-ranged didn't get the push they needed. But it still recieves an A grade for keeping it neutral enough.
Soundstage: A The FiiO E11 doesn't change the soundstage really on any headphones i have tried them with. But it detailed what i already had.
Build quality: Nice, very strong build, and small enough to fit in pocket. A
Overall: For the price the FiiO E11 is a great buy for a entry level amp. I will probably change my grading on this amp once I get more into the higher end and more expensive portable amps. I give this Amp an overall grade of a B because i took into consideration the fact that my music sounded great to begin with and all the FiiO E11 does is give off raw power with a little bit of EQ in the bass department but does give low-end headphones a chance to shine.
w/ Micro Cmoy opamp 2227
I bought this amp as an entry level amp. This specific cmoy amp didn't do anything for any of my headphone or friends headphone but raise the volume which is good for headphones that just need a power source and it lessens the power usage of your source. The build quality is the best thing this amp has which will be an A. Mint cans are just nice.
Sennheisers HD428s
I really underestimated these headphones, i gave them up after only about a week of using them. They had about 100-15o hrs of burn-in on them when i gave them up now they have about 400 to about 450 hrs. They sound better in all aspects except the bass which is alittle muddy.
Highs: B+ these highs are quite detailed but are piercing none the less. But I was able to listen to these without fatuige with Dream Theater, Mozart, and Girls Dead Monster.
Mid-range: B Its there :D and not completely covered by the muddy bass. At first i didnt even notice the mids until i heard them because my DT990s mids aren't as appearent. But they are there.
Bass: B- not what i want its quite muddy but its not overshadowing.
Neutrality: A. nothing overshadows anything really but could be a bit warm.
Soundstaging: A: The sound stage is not in your face but its not really sure where it is exactly, its different with each song so its brought out really well.
w/ FiiO E11
Highs: A Toned down, detailed. Not as piercing but still pierces none the less.
Mid-Range: A+ I wish my DT990s Had these mids, they are extraordinary to listen to when i am listening to J-rock or Prog.
Bass: A- No more muddy bass and still keeps its place and doesn't overshadow the low mids.
Neutrality: A nothing overshadows anything really but could be a bit warm.
Sound staging: I have found it. It is if i had to measure about 3 feet in front of me, its like being at a concert with every artist that i want to be with.
Overall: A i would recommend these with the fiio e11 and without it. These are a good pair of portable headphones especially if its raining.
UPDATE: So i have finally got to the point where I want to review my DT880's with the E11 and the PA2V2. Also i will be doing a review on the new K550's with my E11 and a PA2V2.
I will Be buying one more pair of headphones before I just buy AMPs again.
What should I get the HE-300, or the NEW HE-400s
Edited by shiorisekine - 2/9/12 at 9:41pm
