Is the FA-003/HM5 an upgrade from the SRH-840?

Hey guys, Brooko was kindy suggesting that the FA-003 is a great improvement over the SRH-840 for a clean, neutral sound (something in the ballpark of the HD-600 is the ideal balance I like).

I have read on a few posts that people think the FA-003 is a lower quality can than the SRH-840 and yet others suggest it is superior.


What are everyone"s thoughts on this? Is it a worthy compliment or upgrade?

Thanks a lot
zambz

I haven't heard of one being decidedly better than the other but I've heard the FA-003 are more comfortable. I have the Lindy equivalent and can say that they definitely are great comfort wise. And at $110 shipped (for the Lindy) they're much cheaper than the the 840s.

Just pull the trigger Zambz. 

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nikp said:

Just pull the trigger Zambz. 

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+1 
and let us know how you feel about them. I own the 840's and thinking to upgrade. 
 

IMHO, the FA-003 (HM-5/Lindy) sound much better than the 840's. Just my opinion though.

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lff said:

IMHO, the FA-003 (HM-5/Lindy) sound much better than the 840's. Just my opinion though.

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I have to second LFF here. Especially if you're looking for an HD600-like sound, you cannot beat the FA-003. It seems to be almost literally the closed HD 600 to my ears.

http://www.tvcables.co.uk/cgi-bin/tvcables/premium-hi-fi-headphones-20378.html
If you decide to go that route. Cheapest place I could find the Lindy and they got here in under two weeks where most people say the FA-003 take about a month from Russia. The HM5 aren't in stock anywhere otherwise those would be the best option.

Are there any major differences between the HM5/FA-003/Lindy headphones?  Was thinking of getting a pair eventually.  Would they make a good closed can for rock?

Minor differences in accessories. The FA-003 are the only ones that come with both pleather and velour ear pads, the other two have two sets of pleathers. Don't know that there is anything else. 

Thanks guys, can anyone describe the difference in sound signature between the SRH-840s?



Are there any other good closed cans that compete with these?

I don't know if all three come with a carrying case, either, and obviously the new version of the FA-003 is a tiny bit different-looking. Otherwise, they're the same headphones.

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zambz said:

Thanks guys, can anyone describe the difference in sound signature between the SRH-840s?

Are there any other good closed cans that compete with these?

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Never heard 'em myself but cd900st are used in all the major studios in Japan...supposed to be very flat....with great detail retrieval. Almost double the price of some of the others though.

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ssrock64 said:

I don't know if all three come with a carrying case, either, and obviously the new version of the FA-003 is a tiny bit different-looking. Otherwise, they're the same headphones.

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The Lindy have a case, and I've read that the HM5 do as well. 
 

Are FA-003 warmer than srh840?

 
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ssrock64 said:

Quote:

lff said:

IMHO, the FA-003 (HM-5/Lindy) sound much better than the 840's. Just my opinion though.

Click to expand...

I have to second LFF here. Especially if you're looking for an HD600-like sound, you cannot beat the FA-003. It seems to be almost literally the closed HD 600 to my ears.

Click to expand...

 

I wondered about this for the past few weeks until I got the HM5 yesterday. I listened to them for quite a few hours and also did some A/B comparisons between HM5 and some of my other cans using music that I use for comparison/review purposes. Unfortunately I sold SRH840 a few days ago, so no A/B comparison between these two, but I do remember the srh840's performance quite well and my other phones serve as good reference points for me to compare HM5 and SRH840.
 
That said, I think HM5 is an upgrade to SRH840 for those who look for balanced, neutral, closed can. My major complaints with SRH840 is the sharp/edgy upper mids/highs, small soundstage, and mid-bass hump. HM5 solve these problems easily, very smooth highs with good extension, larger soundstage and tight, detailed and accurate bass. HM5's mids are much more refined and sweet than SRH840. HM5's might be a touch warmer than SRH840, but still very neutral, not colored in anyway. Both phones are very detailed, but without A/B comparison, I cannot tell is which one is more detailed. Since SRH840 are brighter, less warmer, they may make people think they are more revealing and detailed. Also, HM5 is more comfortable to wear despite the strong clamping force. SRH840 are too top heavy for me. The short cable of HM5 is also very nice.