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REVIEW: The Sennheiser HD 215 (the HD 205's bigger brother) - Page 6

post #76 of 181
9/23/12 at 1:41pm
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by exxecutor View Post

So, i just wonder if e11 can perform better.

 

I don't know about the E11 specifically, but I do know that running more current through it definitely beefs up the LF response.

 

I built an O2 not too long ago, and ran some quick impressions with the HD 215.  Initial impressions are that the HD 215 is a different breed of animal with the O2... so much so that I've been meaning to do an update to my review.  Just haven't had the time lately...

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post #77 of 181
9/23/12 at 5:23pm

thanks for your reply! Looking forward for your review update :)

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post #78 of 181
9/24/12 at 1:25am
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Quote:
Originally Posted by exxecutor View Post

thanks for your reply! Looking forward for your review update :)

 

No problem!  Just a quick heads up though, I might not get to it for a little while.  Between work (which is particularly busy this time of year) and two more reviews on the way, I've been swamped lately.  smile.gif  I'll get to the update as soon as I can though.

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post #79 of 181
9/24/12 at 5:27pm

With a headphone like the HD215, with or without an amp for me doesn't matter too much. Ok it changes enjoyment but it is not such a big improvement on the HD215 that warrants a $60 amp purhcase for a $80-$100 headphone. 

 

Some parts are not as active and may even sound mellow and just whatever with direct iPhone 4S out but it really didn't do much for me. 

 

@Warren

I have acreddited you with the mini picture styling on my new review

http://www.head-fi.org/t/628615/miu-audio-mrb-diy-headphone-amplifier-review#post_8719196

 :)

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post #80 of 181
9/25/12 at 12:06pm
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Quote:
Originally Posted by bowei006 View Post

With a headphone like the HD215, with or without an amp for me doesn't matter too much. Ok it changes enjoyment but it is not such a big improvement on the HD215 that warrants a $60 amp purhcase for a $80-$100 headphone. 

 

Some parts are not as active and may even sound mellow and just whatever with direct iPhone 4S out but it really didn't do much for me. 

 

Sure, but I think I know what exxecutor is after.  I am guessing that he really likes the sound signature of the HD 215, and just wishes that it had more LF response (and maybe tamer highs to deal with the sibilance issues).  So spending $60 on an amp - which he can re-use for other cans later - is gonna be cheaper than for him... versus playing headphone roulette trying to track down the *perfect* model for him in terms of sound signature.  Looking at it from that angle, I can see where he might be going with this.

 

Quote:
Originally Posted by bowei006 View Post

@Warren

I have acreddited you with the mini picture styling on my new review

http://www.head-fi.org/t/628615/miu-audio-mrb-diy-headphone-amplifier-review#post_8719196

 :)

 

LOL, awesome!  That was very kind of you good sir!  Wasn't necessary, but appreciated, so I thank you.  wink.gif  Very nice review BTW!

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post #81 of 181
9/25/12 at 12:28pm

You're Welcome :)

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post #82 of 181
9/26/12 at 4:23am
@Bowei: thanks for your reply. some headphone with 32 ohm really benefit from amplification, possibly due to better power delivery and the use of line out output from ipod. In my case, Straight from the ipod, the hd215 sounds really good. But when using fiio's e5 + L3 lod, apart from increased volume ability and warm sound, the bass somehow lacking especially midbass, despite being deeper and lower. Also, overall sounds slower. Maybe it's just me. I've got same result with koss portapro. Thus, wonder whether e5 is not good enough, and if e11 can deliver better, just that I'm a bit worried about the 32ohm impedance / easy to drive nature.

@Warren: yes, if bass/treble can be further improved by using better amp, willing to try that. Buying another headphone is not my interest right now as I'm currently happy with the hd215 smily_headphones1.gif
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post #83 of 181
9/26/12 at 7:09am
Quote:
Originally Posted by exxecutor View Post

@Bowei: thanks for your reply. some headphone with 32 ohm really benefit from amplification, possibly due to better power delivery and the use of line out output from ipod. In my case, Straight from the ipod, the hd215 sounds really good. But when using fiio's e5 + L3 lod, apart from increased volume ability and warm sound, the bass somehow lacking especially midbass, despite being deeper and lower. Also, overall sounds slower. Maybe it's just me. I've got same result with koss portapro. Thus, wonder whether e5 is not good enough, and if e11 can deliver better, just that I'm a bit worried about the 32ohm impedance / easy to drive nature.
@Warren: yes, if bass/treble can be further improved by using better amp, willing to try that. Buying another headphone is not my interest right now as I'm currently happy with the hd215 smily_headphones1.gif

low impedance does not mean easy to drive. it just means its easier on consumer products that don't have the voltage swing. 

 

A  good example is my denons, they can get good volume out of about anything. But they need an ass load of current to get the bass really up and going and the soundstage and all the microdetails to where it should be. 

 

so volume != drivability, but it better for beginners to start with low impedance cans to save on amping. But its till recommended to amp with most low impedance headphones, atleast when its higher up on the price scale (HE-400, Denon D2000 level) 

 

I really would not worry about this level, I think a decent DAC would be a better investment.

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post #84 of 181
9/26/12 at 6:28pm
Thread Starter 

WAIT A TICK!  Bowei, don't you have an E11?  If you do, you could probably give the HD 215 a spin real quick and let exxecutor know what you think.  I don't have an E11 so - at best - I'd be telling him how it pairs with an O2 rather than an E11.

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post #85 of 181
9/26/12 at 6:40pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by warrenpchi View Post

WAIT A TICK!  Bowei, don't you have an E11?  If you do, you could probably give the HD 215 a spin real quick and let exxecutor know what you think.  I don't have an E11 so - at best - I'd be telling him how it pairs with an O2 rather than an E11.

Nope. Don't have E11.

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post #86 of 181
9/26/12 at 7:19pm
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by exxecutor View Post

@Warren: yes, if bass/treble can be further improved by using better amp, willing to try that. Buying another headphone is not my interest right now as I'm currently happy with the hd215 smily_headphones1.gif

 

If you want a preview, here's what I recall as far as audible differences go:

 

Nothing changed as far as sub-bass.  Bass and mid-bass response was definitely increased, although the quality suffered as a result.  The HD 215 lost a bit of it's trademark speed, tightness and punchyness in the low end... sounding looser and more like an HD 205.  The mids seemed relatively unaffected in terms of levels, but they did smooth out a bit.  It might have been all in my mind, but I felt that a little definition was lost in the process.  As far as highs, the sibilance went away (YAY!) but so did a good deal of clarity and brightness.

 

Please keep in mind that these are all my initial impressions recalled from memory.  Just posting this so you won't have to wait too long (because I totally wasn't kidding with the "particularly busy" thing I said earlier).  I do distinctly recall one lasting impression though... I do NOT like the HD 215 amped.  It seems to lose a lot of what makes the HD 215 the HD 215.  Amping it makes it noticeably different, but by NO means better...  at least not with an O2.

 

Hope that helps!

 

Quote:
Originally Posted by WiR3D View Post

so volume != drivability

 

+1

 

Quote:
Originally Posted by WiR3D View Post

I really would not worry about this level, I think a decent DAC would be a better investment.

 

Well assuming he's got quality files.  Unfortunately, not all of our bretheren have stuff flac'd (or even high bit-rate lossless)...  frown.gif

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post #87 of 181
9/26/12 at 10:13pm
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by bowei006 View Post

Nope. Don't have E11.

 

Hmm, weird.  For some reason I had it in my head that you had a lot of Fiio stuff.  My mistake!  smile.gif

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post #88 of 181
9/27/12 at 6:06am
I became a reviewer recently. I dont want to "request" to review the E11 as honestly. I dont. There are enough reviews, i have class work and i dont do portable anyway

Until I get that E12 and Heir audio or iems that is smily_headphones1.gif
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post #89 of 181
9/27/12 at 6:45am
Quote:
Originally Posted by bowei006 View Post

I became a reviewer recently. I dont want to "request" to review the E11 as honestly. I dont. There are enough reviews, i have class work and i dont do portable anyway
Until I get that E12 and Heir audio or iems that is smily_headphones1.gif

Trying to find excuses to buy a Heir 4... Dont have any atm though...

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post #90 of 181
9/27/12 at 9:25am
Im getting sent a review sample
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