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Any Other Suggestions Before I Buy?

post #1 of 13
1/12/12 at 4:39pm
Thread Starter 

I've been looking for a closed can + portable amp combo for under $200 dollars. I'm pretty much set on the Brainwavz HM5 + Fiio E11 unless someone has a better suggestion. Any suggestion is appreciated.

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post #2 of 13
1/12/12 at 5:26pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by BW202 View Post

I've been looking for a closed can + portable amp combo for under $200 dollars. I'm pretty much set on the Brainwavz HM5 + Fiio E11 unless someone has a better suggestion. Any suggestion is appreciated.

Musical preference? Sound signature preference?
 

 

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post #3 of 13
1/12/12 at 5:40pm
Thread Starter 

Rock and a little bit of lighter metal. Anything from folky like Fleet Foxes and Mumford&Sons to A7x and Bullet For My Valentine. I'm leaning towards the HM5s because of their neutral signature.

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post #4 of 13
1/12/12 at 6:15pm

If you want a neutral/balanced signature with a great soundstage for music with a lot of varying in instruments as you have listed above, honestly this may be biased like 90% of the suggestions on here, but get the Audio-Technica ATH-M50s. You don't even need to buy an amp with these, just one less thing you gotta carry around. I've had mine for almost a year and a half now and they just really excel in any style of music, enough bass for whatever, clean mids for that folk music you mentioned, and crisp and clear highs for your vocal liking. Just my 2 cents, if you really want an amp then don't get these, but you don't need one if you decide on these, look around for other reviews for them on here, you won't be disappointed.

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post #5 of 13
1/12/12 at 6:23pm
Thread Starter 

How's the isolation? These are for use on bus trips so leakage would be a nuisance to both me and those around me.

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post #6 of 13
1/12/12 at 6:39pm

Isolation is really great with music going, assuming your bus isn't like people just yelling randomly you wont be able to hear the actual bus or people holding regular conversations.

 

Leakage will not be an issue, if they leak then you are listening to them too loud :) (I just mean they can go loud enough to leak but you shouldn't have them on your ears at that volume, are regular volume or even above regular then you wont get an ounce of leakage.)

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post #7 of 13
1/12/12 at 6:40pm
Thread Starter 

Alright, ordering them tonight, thanks for your help.

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post #8 of 13
1/12/12 at 6:52pm

In my opinion (I own both the Fischer Audio FA-003, which is the same thing as the HM5, and I also own the M50), the HM5 has a much better soundstage, much better isolation, AND a much more neutral sound signature than the M50. You'd be a fool (IMO) to pick the M50 for neutrality and soundstage, because the HM5 far outclasses it in both.

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post #9 of 13
1/12/12 at 7:24pm
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by ssrock64 View Post

In my opinion (I own both the Fischer Audio FA-003, which is the same thing as the HM5, and I also own the M50), the HM5 has a much better soundstage, much better isolation, AND a much more neutral sound signature than the M50. You'd be a fool (IMO) to pick the M50 for neutrality and soundstage, because the HM5 far outclasses it in both.


 

Should I go with the E11 amp with it? Or would there be a better option? It's about $45 on mp4nation if bought with the HM5s.

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post #10 of 13
1/12/12 at 7:39pm
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by BW202 View Post


 

Should I go with the E11 amp with it? Or would there be a better option? It's about $45 on mp4nation if bought with the HM5s.



If I do go with it, should I get the Fiio L9 connector (the cans will be used with my iPod) or will it be fine without?

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post #11 of 13
1/12/12 at 7:46pm

HM5 doesn't need an amp - but if you're keen on getting one anyway, the E11 is a pretty good choice (I have both).

 

BTW - just my opinion - but I agree with ssrock64.  HM5 is a much better can than the M50 - more balanced.

 

If you have an iPod or iPhone - and you intend to use that - + the E11, then you'll want to also get the Fiio L9.  But it's only for use with the line out from an iPod/iPhone.

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post #12 of 13
1/12/12 at 7:57pm
Thread Starter 

Alright, thanks guys. HM5 + E11/L9 it is.

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post #13 of 13
1/13/12 at 5:33pm

Glad I could help, and sorry I didn't respond soon enough to your latest questions. I hope you enjoy your new cans!

 

Sincerely,

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