ChrisChung420
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Oppo PM-3 : The Portable Planar - Impressions
hans030390
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I'm running behind writing my full PM-3 review. I have notes ready and everything after quite a few hours of listening, but compiling that into a write up takes a decent amount of time.
While you're waiting, here's a teaser at the measured frequency response. I will have more to say about my measurement methods and some "gotchas" that come with it, so don't get too tied up in a knot trying to figure it out or worry about how well it matches with your hearing just yet:
While you're waiting, here's a teaser at the measured frequency response. I will have more to say about my measurement methods and some "gotchas" that come with it, so don't get too tied up in a knot trying to figure it out or worry about how well it matches with your hearing just yet:
I just ordered a Moon Audio Sliver Dragon balanced cable for them. I should get it in a few days.
mike7898
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I have the silver Dragon v3 as well. Just saying it will take longer then a few says at least a week only cause they are all customs hand made. Wich was fine by me. I got mines in a week and it also needs a 80hrs burn in period as well. I was told from Drew, 40hrs for silver and another 40 hrs for copper. I notice a big huge improvement afterwards, with my Astell & Kern AK100II with Oppo PM-1. For example wider soundstage and more "airy" plus more detail. It felt like i was running a amp, so much power and engery. Yes it's a great cable. Just be patient with its burn in period.
Mike
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Be sure to let us know if hear a difference between the balanced and single ended with the PM-3.
HasturTheYellow
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No pricing yet, but seeing how we offer synthetic leather earpads for the $39.00 for the PM-1/2 line of players, it is likely that we will be offering a similar price for the PM-3 earpads.
I currently own both and was using the NAD's as my closed back for home use - until I got the PM3. The NAD's are great headphones for the price. In terms of sound, it is always hard to compare two different types of headphones - dynamic vs planar. Speaking purely from my own experience, sound wise, I think the PM3 may be more balanced overall with a more energetic and engaging SQ - when I go back to the NAD's they almost seem a little dull in comparison and I keep reaching for the PM3 instead. Then again, your brain adjusts to each sound signature so whatever you are listening to most, you relate to instantly I guess.
In terms of comfort and portability, the PM3's win hands down. I only ever wear the NAD's in my study - not even around the house, never mind outside as they look so ridiculous on the head. The fit can be a bit weird and they seem awkward. The PM3 are really solid, classy and comfortable, despite it's weight and are definitely designed better for wearing out and about. I still find them a little too heavy/chunky for the daily commute but they are getting all of my attention at the expense of my other headphones at the moment. The sound is almost addictive.
Hope this helps. : )
goldendarko
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Be sure to let us know if hear a difference between the balanced and single ended with the PM-3.
Does it seem kind of silly to get a double helix cable for the PM-3 to anyone else? It will probably cost nearly as much as the headphone! For that money I would think you would just be better off spending the same amount and buying a better class of headphone. Don't get me wrong the PM-3 is a great $400 headphone, but when you get to $700 you've got other great options that will sound better stock (Alpha Dogs, EL-8's, used LCD-2 to name a few) than a PM-3 with upgraded cable.
JML
Headphoneus Supremus
Be sure to let us know if hear a difference between the balanced and single ended with the PM-3.
Does it seem kind of silly to get a double helix cable for the PM-3 to anyone else? It will probably cost nearly as much as the headphone! For that money I would think you would just be better off spending the same amount and buying a better class of headphone. Don't get me wrong the PM-3 is a great $400 headphone, but when you get to $700 you've got other great options that will sound better stock (Alpha Dogs, EL-8's, used LCD-2 to name a few) than a PM-3 with upgraded cable.
Actually, the DHC balanced cable for the PM-3 runs about the same price as the Oppo balanced cable for the PM-1 and PM-2.
Not the one Peter is recommending. He is recommending the Molecule Elite. That cable 4' long can go from a minimum of $299 (4 wires Hybrid) to $724 (8 wires OCC Silver). I really like DHC but for this headphones I went with Moon Audio Silver Dragon (IEM version for portability).
Peter sent me an email recommending the Molecule Elite. You can go with a lesser cable if you like.
So after auditioning some headphones this weekend, sadly no Oppo dealer, I'm now finding my RS1i to be too bright. 
It still sounds good plugged into my Axe FX 2 Guitar processor, but for actual listening I'm realising that it's maybe a bit peaky and fatiguing. I'm now kinda torn:
I could go still go down the route of a set of closed backs for when I'm in the office, on the plane, or laying in bed when my wife is asleep: Oppo PM3, Audeze EL-8 Closed, Shure 1540, FAD Pandora Hope VI. I've only heard the Shure's which I liked, on some tracks the bass was too much, on others the treble too peaky, but on most they were nice, but far from perfect. I'm leaning towards the Oppo.
On the other hand, I could just postpone the closed backs, and go for a nice open back instead, sell the Grado RS1i. I've auditioned nothing in this category at all, and not sure where I can in Glasgow. Thinking the EL-8 Open might be nice, worried the PM2 will have too little treble for rock. Would prefer something I can drive from my iPhone without an amp.
All I can really tell you is that I hate the Momentum 2 - the bass is too much, and not very nice, and guitars sounded wrong - probably due to the treble and upper mids. I like the Grado, but I find it a bit too bass light and treble peaky - especially when I am tired and want to relax.
Any ideas?
It still sounds good plugged into my Axe FX 2 Guitar processor, but for actual listening I'm realising that it's maybe a bit peaky and fatiguing. I'm now kinda torn:I could go still go down the route of a set of closed backs for when I'm in the office, on the plane, or laying in bed when my wife is asleep: Oppo PM3, Audeze EL-8 Closed, Shure 1540, FAD Pandora Hope VI. I've only heard the Shure's which I liked, on some tracks the bass was too much, on others the treble too peaky, but on most they were nice, but far from perfect. I'm leaning towards the Oppo.
On the other hand, I could just postpone the closed backs, and go for a nice open back instead, sell the Grado RS1i. I've auditioned nothing in this category at all, and not sure where I can in Glasgow. Thinking the EL-8 Open might be nice, worried the PM2 will have too little treble for rock. Would prefer something I can drive from my iPhone without an amp.
All I can really tell you is that I hate the Momentum 2 - the bass is too much, and not very nice, and guitars sounded wrong - probably due to the treble and upper mids. I like the Grado, but I find it a bit too bass light and treble peaky - especially when I am tired and want to relax.
Any ideas?
goldendarko
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So after auditioning some headphones this weekend, sadly no Oppo dealer, I'm now finding my RS1i to be too bright.
I could go still go down the route of a set of closed backs for when I'm in the office, on the plane, or laying in bed when my wife is asleep: Oppo PM3, Audeze EL-8 Closed, Shure 1540, FAD Pandora Hope VI. I've only heard the Shure's which I liked, on some tracks the bass was too much, on others the treble too peaky, but on most they were nice, but far from perfect. I'm leaning towards the Oppo.
On the other hand, I could just postpone the closed backs, and go for a nice open back instead, sell the Grado RS1i. I've auditioned nothing in this category at all, and not sure where I can in Glasgow. Thinking the EL-8 Open might be nice, worried the PM2 will have too little treble for rock. Would prefer something I can drive from my iPhone without an amp.
All I can really tell you is that I hate the Momentum 2 - the bass is too much, and not very nice, and guitars sounded wrong - probably due to the treble and upper mids. I like the Grado, but I find it a bit too bass light and treble peaky - especially when I am tired and want to relax.
Any ideas?
PM-3 sounds like a perfect fit for you then. It's a closed can, affordable and easily driven by an iPhone - in fact it sounds great driven by an iPhone. Also, it does better bass than the Grado, while being lighter and cleaner than the Momentum. The treble is also not as peaky as with Grado can's, but definately still present enough for rock music.
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