Compact Portable Headphone Roundup (16 Phones including PortaPro, PX-100 II, V-Jays, Tracks,... - Page 5

Quote:

Originally Posted by JK1 

The KTXpro1 uses the same or a very similar driver to the one on the KSC75. The KTXpro1 has a very small and flimsy headband. It looks very cheap, and the headband is very small, so this with a large head will probably have fit problems. I had the older version of the KTXpro1, which had a better headband and was in all black. The Sportapro does sound the same as the Portapro. I have had both for over 10 years.

Thanks for the clarification, JK1...

If the SportaPro does in fact sound the same I can see why some people would spend less on it. For me though, I just wanted to have the classic version, even with its quirks. And $35.00 does not seem like too much $$ IMO. I am likely to get a pair of KCS75 (and do the headband mod) soon. I'll post my impressions...

http://www.amazon.com/gp/offer-listing/B005FWYYN2/ref=dp_olp_new_map?ie=UTF8&condition=new

 

Quote:

Originally Posted by warrenpchi 

 

I would entertain the thought, but as I already have a K422, a PX-200, and an HD 238 I think it'd be a little excessive.  Or put another way, you can't ride so many horses with only one ass. 

I guess everyones interpretation of "excessive" is different...haha. I have nearly 30 sets of phones in total. But they might fill a void for something that's ULTRA lightweight and truly 80's style, etc. I still think whoever gets these it will be money well-spent for only $8 and change. JK1 is understandably skeptical that it isn't just a typo and that they would actually ship them at that price, but I've bought other items at 90% off from Amazon and alway got what I ordered. Neither of these vendors is an audio store; one is primarily CD's and DVD's and the other is mostly cosmetics (???). So, they probably just don't care. I've actually bought two pairs of headphones from Amazon at about that price. Unfortnately both were pretty awful, One was the Audio-Technica ATH-ON3W (REALLY bad!) and the other was the WeSC Pick-up (blatant take-off of the PortaPro that was just too mediocre to include in my reviews...maybe I'll post something later just for laughs). But...the Kassette is actually GOOD!

RE: Tanto Tempo / August Day Song, etc

Quote:

Originally Posted by warrenpchi 

 

Excellent (via K240 Studios) track!  Like being flanked by sonic sultryness.  The rattling at 3:20 can be a bit chilling when you're not expecting it.  Wonder what a little bit of crossfeed would do to this recording...  BTW, has anyone noticed that the title track has a RIDICULOUS amount of bass in it? 

It is a great track for sure. And the first song (title track) does have an intentionally cavernous and deep bass mix. If you're curious about the other vocalist who sings on "August Day Song", Nina Miranda, she's best known for the trip-hop/bossa nova song "Underwater Love" with her then band "Smoke City". The album, called "Flying Away" is really good and beautifully recorded. Unfortunately it doesn't seem available for download anywhere so you will have to buy the CD. There are tracks from the album posted on Youtube (also some live videos) and other sites, but trust me the audio quality is poor on all these uploads. The CD sounds amazing. They formed Smoke City in the U.K. in the 90's and the other key person is multi-instrumntalist Chris Franck, who wrote the music and plays on "August Day Song". They went on to do another project together called "Zeep", but it's not quite as good as the earlier music.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Achmedisdead 

 

I agree with your conclusions regarding the Audio Technica ATH-FC700A....they've been a favorite of mine for a while.

Thanks for your comment. I feel the FC700A is often overlooked and under-rated. Some reviewers here and elsewhere feel that they are too sibilant. I would say that they are on the bright side but as stated in my review I don't find them fatiguing at all. What are some of your other favorites?

Quote:

Originally Posted by warrenpchi 

HOLY CRAP 

 

Pulled an all-nighter last night and I'm beat, so I'll read it tomorrow when I can give it the time it duly deserves.  Thanks for all the hard work postrock!  A lot of fellow and future Head-Fiers are going to find this valuable indeed. 

 

EDIT:

 

Okay, all caught up now.  Not sure why, but I've never been a big A-T fan.  However, based on your impressions it seems like I may just have to give it a go... especially in light of what I found out the other day about my K422.  Turns out, while the K422 can handle a modest amount of external noise, it's semi-open back nature is a big fail if you ever find youself on a bus.  On foot or on bike - not problem.  Even on a train, not too much of an issue.  But in a bus, forget about it, no isolation whatsoever.

 

Since you've got some mid-sized portables in there, I wouldn't mind reading your thoughts on the HD 238/239.  I tend to like mine for its speed and precision.  And it's not the most uncomfortable unit out there with those soft foam pads,  I do wish it had a bit more clamping force, but I also acknowledge that I have a bit of a slimmer head than most.

 

Overall though, a great effort that I am sure took quite some time.  Thanks for all the time spent listening to cans you would have rather tossed within the first few minutes.    That's a sign of dedication.

Thanks a lot. Regarding the ATH-FC700A, you will find some negative reviews (and some lukewarm) on that headphone. Many people said they were too bright and sibilant. I would strongly recommend a lengthy burn-in on these and you will find that the highs mellow out and the bass tightens up. I agree with you about many of the other A-T phones. I'm a little surprised at how many people rave about the M-series, which are primarily studio monitors. I've tried them and they never measured up to my other favorite monitors, which are the Beyerdynamic DT770 and Fostex-R50P.

I wish I could comment on the HD 238/239 but I've never had the opportunity to check them out.

I'll be adding a mini-review of the FiiO E6 Portable Amp very soon and I'll include my impressions of how it sounds with the most of the headphones in this roundup.

Quote:

Originally Posted by warrenpchi 

 

And for those who need to visualize this...

 

 

Wow, that PX 100-II sure looks impressive now doesn't it?

Thanks for the graph