Hello Head-Fi!
So I just ordered a Hugo, which should arrive tomorrow. Needless to say, I'm very excited. So excited, in fact, that I'm starting to think about a nice new headphone to go along with it. I would be immensely grateful if someone could give a recommendation pertaining to the following parameters: I listen to 70 % comtemporary electronic music from Ambient to the roughest Berghain-style stompers, 15 % 80's pop music (yeah, I know, kind of a guilty pleasure of mine, sorry) and 15 % classical (however, I suspect that might be changing a little bit in favor of the latter as I'm growing older, and I'm looking for something that is future-proof, so feel free to suggest something that you think is suited for classical music. But it should definitely be good with synthesizers, because I'm already old enough to know my love for those will never really wane). I currently own an Ultrasone Pro 900 but am looking for a definite upgrade -- something that is really hi-fi, crystal clear, very resolving, open-sounding, airy, but has the right amount of bass if needs be -- I guess if such a thing exists (please tell me), it will be bound to be flagship material.
The thing is that I have two preferences that I have yet to find combined to my satisfaction in a single headphone: I'm a huge sucker for both soundstage and bass. Now, I have read any thread there is on Audeze LCD-3 and LCD-X and have finally come to the conclusion that I will not be buying either because I'm worried, frankly, about all the reports of failing drivers, cracked wood rings and whatnot. If I lived in the US I would probably go for it anyway and just keep my fingers crossed, but living in Europe, it would be too much of a hassle to RMA them. Is there anything that sounds close to these babies, but coming from a more traditional industry player perhaps? (It breaks my heart to ask this, since I support independent labels, stores etc. whenever I can, but there is just too much at stake here not to play it safe. I discarded Hifiman for the same reasons, by the way -- just too worried about general build quality.) I heard that the Fostex TH-900 is supposed to have good synergy with the little Englishman that we're all so crazy about, and might cater to my needs, but I'm not altogether sure if it is in the same league as the Audezes and enough of an improvement over my Pro 900 to justify the investment.
The Pioneer SE-Master 1 has piqued my interest, but there are almost no reviews around (yet?), and so far reactions are kind of mixed ...
So, anyway, please hit me with suggestions as you see fit. Oh yeah, one more thing: I quite like the sound of my Westone W3's as well, so anything along those lines, improving on that kind of sound signature, would be welcome as well.
Thank you very much!
(Yay, first post! I have a feeling it won't be the last ...)
