What should I buy next? SR-009? - Page 18

Quote:

Originally Posted by jackskelly 

 

I have heard great things about the R10s, obviously they're one of the most respected and acclaimed headphones on Head-Fi, I definitely wouldn't mind owing one someday. How much would one in great condition go for? Almost as much as the SR-009s? I haven't seen many around on the forums, Sony must not have made very many.

About 2000 were made in total I believe.  Their current going rate is between 4 to 6.5k with 6.5k is in a near NOS condition.  The R10 is a low impedance headphones that is very difficult to drive properly.  They must also be driven in a balanced mode to really sound their best.  The amp must also be powerful and able to bring out the bass as they are little bass shy compared to other headphones.  I highly recommended the Balancing Act or GS-X MK II as an amp if you ever landed an R10 one day.  The R10 is very capable of making a really beautiful music thanks to their very liquid and euphonic presentation.  Additionally, they present the music in such organic and transparent manner along with plenty of musical detailed in a very life-like soundstage.  Most importantly, they don't sound closed-in like most closed headphones out there.  They are stunning with classical, jazz, female vocal, and well recorded music.  Sadly they have been long discontinued and now receive very limited supports from Sony.  One gentleman who heard my R10 in a recent Atlanta Meet stated the following:

Quote:

Originally Posted by jackskelly 

 

I'll definitely listen to one at a meet if I ever see one. I see you have the bass-heavy version. Have you heard both versions? It's interesting that Sony doesn't seem to produce a high-end headphone currently. Hopefully they'll come out with something special again in that market.

Yes, I used to have both versions.  I sold the bass light b/c the bass quantity was a bit less for my taste; however, the bass light version  has airier and a bit more refined sounding between the two versions.  They are also more demanding of the upstream equipment.  Meet impressions are tough on the R10 given that they will sound lean comparatively to nearly every other rig at the meet, but don't dismiss other aspects of sound that they are able to portray.  If you are willing to build the system to compensate for the R10's shortcoming they are capable of very sweetest sound in headphone kingdom.  My opinion of course.