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Switching to SOL REPUBLIC - Tracks HD?

post #1 of 11
10/5/12 at 9:44am
Thread Starter 
Hello everyone, it's my first post here. Uh, nice to meet all of you?

Well, I'll go ahead and admit that I have shamelessly created an account to post this question... hope I'm not rubbing anyone the wrong way by doing so. >_<<br />
In anycase, here's my issue:

I have been using a pair of ATH-Pro700mk2 for about a year, and I have had a very pleasurable listening experience thus far, at least in my opinion. (Do note that I lack any comprehensive understanding here.)

However, due to wear-and-tear, especially regarding the rubber pads on the sides facing out of the headphones, I now prefer to listen to them at home.

Erm, I'm attracted to the Tracks HD for their looks. And yes, I do know that they aren't exactly audiophile-worthy headphones, and that they are over-hyped accesories that are comparable to Skullcandy and Beats by Dr. Dre...

So basically, I've actually already had my mind made up.

However, my issue here, is that I have pretty much no idea as to how the Tracks HD sound, at least in comparison to my current pair of cans.

I do not have the option of trying them out as the headphones aren't exactly widely available (at least not yet, for now) in stores throughout my country (Singapore), so yeah, it would be appreciated if someone could make a comparison between my current headphones and the Tracks HD.

I do understand that the Tracks HD will probably never measure up to my current pair of headphones.

I also understand that they do not provide the uncoloured ideal audio experience that artists want us to listen to. (Sorry, but I fail to appreciate this..)

- Extra Info -

I'm not exactly an audiophile like you guys, but I do use lossless files, for the most part. (FLAC CD rips, to be precise.)

I'm currently using a Galaxy Note for listening to music, but I'll be switching to the Galaxy Note 2 next month. To my (limited) knowledge, the Note 2 features a Wolfson (rumored) audio chip as compared to the original Note's Yamaha audio chip... (Wolfson > Yamaha? I think you guys know better. >_<)

I listen mainly to J-pop, Anime Soundtracks (Basically quite a lot if genres here...), along with some K-pop. (Yeah, I'm part of the younger crowd, though more towards the North Asian side.)

I do have a preference for punchy bass, perhaps even to the point of exaggeration.

I do not use a line-out (if there even is one) for my phone/listening device.

I use PowerAMP, but with DSPmanager instead of the built in EQ. (Doubt it can compete with portable amps, but I don't actually use high-end stuff... so yeah.)

Well, thanks for reading! Sorry for this absurdly long post of mine.

Uh, any reply/help provided would be greatly appreciated! biggrin.gif

I apologise in advance if my post is in the wrong section. >_<<br />
Thanks again, for reading. biggrin.gif

PS: Sorry for the lack of formatting, I'm currently on my phone now... so yeah, it's kinda messy.
Edited by Telomeresis - 10/5/12 at 10:02am
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post #2 of 11
10/5/12 at 10:59am
Quote:
Originally Posted by Telomeresis View Post

So basically, I've actually already had my mind made up.

However, my issue here, is that I have pretty much no idea as to how the Tracks HD sound, at least in comparison to my current pair of cans.

I think that shows your mind is not yet made up. If you want it for the looks, then get it for the looks. Sound quality still seems to be an important issue for you.

You can also try replacing the ear pads (I think that's what you are referring to) of your current headphones.
See this thread: http://www.head-fi.org/t/569081/ear-pad-replacement-for-ath-pro700-mk2

You *may* be able to swap the drivers from your old headphones into your new headphones. However, I don't know how easily they can be taken apart and I don't know if it will fit.
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post #3 of 11
10/5/12 at 5:06pm
Thread Starter 
Hmm, you maybe right, I guess. But I doubt I'll be getting anything else. (So I kinda have narrowed my choice...?)

Actually, regarding the issue of the earpads, they are fine. (Pretty much...)
It's actually the rubber surface with the Audio Technica logo that is on the surface of the cups.

As for the switching of parts... I doubt I'll be going down that route. (Well, maybe not yet.)

Thanks for the help, anyways.
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post #4 of 11
10/5/12 at 5:08pm

Maybe my review will help with your decision?

 

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post #5 of 11
10/6/12 at 5:01am
Thread Starter 
Thanks for directing me to your review! If you don't mind me asking, could you name a headphone that sounds similar to the Tracks HD? It would be nice if I can actually get an idea as to how the Tracks HD sound. (Assuming that other headphone is available in my country.)
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post #6 of 11
10/6/12 at 7:57am

The new (Beats version) Beats by Dr. Dre Solo HD is a good comparison.  The Tracks HD has a bit more BOOM.

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post #7 of 11
10/6/12 at 8:01am
Thread Starter 

Ah, I see! Thank you! It is very much appreciated.

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post #8 of 11
10/6/12 at 8:15am
Quote:
Originally Posted by Telomeresis View Post

Ah, I see! Thank you! It is very much appreciated.

Maybe get the V-Moda M80?

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post #9 of 11
10/6/12 at 9:25am

I have the Sol Republic Tracks, Tracks HD, and the new Tracks Ultras, as well as the V-Moda M80s and LP2s.  Of all of these, the LP2s are my favorite for sound, and the V-Modas in general can't be beat for sound and build quality as far as my collection is concerned (I also have Skullcandy Hesh 2.0s and Aviators, Sony MDR-700s, and Audio-Technica ATH-M50s).   And they are very cool-looking as well.  I am fairly new to this whole headphone obsession thing.  =)  The V-Modas have a wonderfully clean sound, and great bass when needed, and you get all this without have any kind of EQ enhancements.

 

If you are sold on the Sol Republics for looks (which is why I tried them, not gonna lie =) ), then I'd recommend the basic Tracks rather than the HDs or Ultras.  I know the latter two are touted as being the more advanced Sound Engines, but to my ear they can sound a bit compressed and muffled for things like female vocals or piano, and when there is a lot going on musically.  The Tracks have the same wonderful fat, juicy bass as the HDs and Ultras without the drawbacks that these have.  In my opinion, at least, Sol Republic nailed the sound on their first headphone, took 2 steps back in sound quality with the HDs, and then 1 step forward with the Ultras.  And, the Tracks are the cheapest of the bunch, so that's a bonus.  The interchangeable headband works with all 3 iterations, so you're good there unless you had your eye on the Deadmau5 HDs - that headband isn't sold seperately .  

 

I listen to all my music on iPhone 4S and iPod Touch, and i listen to techno, dub step, and industrial, so good bass is a must for my headphone collection.  I have found that if I adjust my EQ to the Dance or Electronic setting, it helps with the muffling of the Sol Republics a bit.

 

I hope this helps, and I hope I will be forgiven for my lack of sophistication as far as headphone comparisons go.

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post #10 of 11
10/6/12 at 12:35pm
I don't have the Tracks so I can't comment on it.
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post #11 of 11
10/7/12 at 6:22am
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by wolfetan44 View Post

Maybe get the V-Moda M80?

Ah, unfortunately, I'm more attracted to the Sol Republic's design... =P

Thanks anyway!

Quote:
Originally Posted by Shooz66 View Post

I have the Sol Republic Tracks, Tracks HD, and the new Tracks Ultras, as well as the V-Moda M80s and LP2s.  Of all of these, the LP2s are my favorite for sound, and the V-Modas in general can't be beat for sound and build quality as far as my collection is concerned (I also have Skullcandy Hesh 2.0s and Aviators, Sony MDR-700s, and Audio-Technica ATH-M50s).   And they are very cool-looking as well.  I am fairly new to this whole headphone obsession thing.  =)  The V-Modas have a wonderfully clean sound, and great bass when needed, and you get all this without have any kind of EQ enhancements.

If you are sold on the Sol Republics for looks (which is why I tried them, not gonna lie =) ), then I'd recommend the basic Tracks rather than the HDs or Ultras.  I know the latter two are touted as being the more advanced Sound Engines, but to my ear they can sound a bit compressed and muffled for things like female vocals or piano, and when there is a lot going on musically.  The Tracks have the same wonderful fat, juicy bass as the HDs and Ultras without the drawbacks that these have.  In my opinion, at least, Sol Republic nailed the sound on their first headphone, took 2 steps back in sound quality with the HDs, and then 1 step forward with the Ultras.  And, the Tracks are the cheapest of the bunch, so that's a bonus.  The interchangeable headband works with all 3 iterations, so you're good there unless you had your eye on the Deadmau5 HDs - that headband isn't sold seperately .  

I listen to all my music on iPhone 4S and iPod Touch, and i listen to techno, dub step, and industrial, so good bass is a must for my headphone collection.  I have found that if I adjust my EQ to the Dance or Electronic setting, it helps with the muffling of the Sol Republics a bit.

I hope this helps, and I hope I will be forgiven for my lack of sophistication as far as headphone comparisons go.

You have no complains from me. I'm not exactly a "sophisticated" listener, at least not compared to the folks on this forums.

In fact, I find your description of the headphone(s) to be more user friendly. (at least for me)

I'll keep the vanilla Tracks in mind, though I'll have to listen to both the vanilla and HD versions to really decide. (Hopefully sometime soon, but I'm more towards the Tracks HD at the moment, due to it's metal build)

Thanks for your reply, It was of great help!
Quote:
Originally Posted by HiFiGuy528 View Post

I don't have the Tracks so I can't comment on it.

0_0.
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