Abbizle
New Head-Fier
- Joined
- Jan 23, 2017
- Posts
- 21
- Likes
- 0
Hi all, firstly I'd like to commend this forum and members for the extensive and well informed information you all provide. I've been reading lots recently to try to get an idea of my first set of decent headphones.
A bit about myself. I like the finer things in life and am not averse to audiophile equipment as I have a decent HT setup with Paradigm Signature Reference S8, C3, ADP3, Sub1 with Halcro MC50 powering them through an Anthem D2V processor. All connected with XLR cables and some expensive speaker cables.
With this background, fast forward I found myself listening to a lot of music and watching Netflix on my tablet in bed with just a pair of cheap in ear headphones. I came across some open box Sony MDR-100AAPs for £50 from my local AV shop. On a whim, and more so because I can't resist a bargain, I though let's see if they make a difference to my night time viewing/listening.
A week later and wow, what a difference! However, my ears being sensitive and used to my Audiophile rig in the lounge, straight away I felt, I'm missing a slight detail in the treble, mids were a bit recessed and not clear enough for me, whilst the bass was tight, but wasn't going deep enough and lacked some punch.
Now I realise that if I want some decent sound I'll have to dig into my pocket somewhat. However not too much as it's just for bed time
Basically I'm hooked but need something better than the Sony MDR-100AAPs. I hope the type of sound signature I want has been described above. But to add to that. I tried out a few headphones to see what's what and if I can find what I'm looking for and this is what I felt. All are over ears and closed back, as that's what I'm after:
Momentum 2 - Nice but boring sound.
Oppo PM3 - much cleaner, more detailed, but again slightly boring.
B&W P5 - Mids were great, that's about it.
Audiotechnica M50x - Very clear, analytical and too sparkly and where's the bass.
I still liked the sound signature of the Sony but wanted the clearer mid and treble quality of the above price range (£200-300 give or take). I'm looking for a well balanced sound with good detail across the whole frequency range. A slight tinge of warmth, with clear mids that don't take a back seat. Deep yet tight bass and with lots of detailed treble, but not sparkly or fatiguing. Smooth and natural with the widest soundstage possible........Sounds like the holy grail, right lol
So this is where my fellow Head-fiers will hopefully be able to help. I have narrowed down to the following headphones, but can't listen to them as they aren't available locally.
Audeze Sine
Meze 99 Classics
V-Moda XS/M-80/100
Hifiman HE400s
Oppo PM3 (I know, I know, but they've had so many good reviews lol)
Maybe there are others I need to consider like Beyerdynamics. Please could anyone with these headphones or experience help me pin down the best ones suited to my taste. Oh, also I'll be using an Audiophile at Dragonfly Black DAC with them as well.
I need closure on this in a few days time as my return policy on the Sony MDR-100aap will run out. I want to give them back and get something better. Otherwise I'll just have to settle for them at £50 and always be letting wanting lol
Thanks in advance for all your input guys.
A bit about myself. I like the finer things in life and am not averse to audiophile equipment as I have a decent HT setup with Paradigm Signature Reference S8, C3, ADP3, Sub1 with Halcro MC50 powering them through an Anthem D2V processor. All connected with XLR cables and some expensive speaker cables.
With this background, fast forward I found myself listening to a lot of music and watching Netflix on my tablet in bed with just a pair of cheap in ear headphones. I came across some open box Sony MDR-100AAPs for £50 from my local AV shop. On a whim, and more so because I can't resist a bargain, I though let's see if they make a difference to my night time viewing/listening.
A week later and wow, what a difference! However, my ears being sensitive and used to my Audiophile rig in the lounge, straight away I felt, I'm missing a slight detail in the treble, mids were a bit recessed and not clear enough for me, whilst the bass was tight, but wasn't going deep enough and lacked some punch.
Now I realise that if I want some decent sound I'll have to dig into my pocket somewhat. However not too much as it's just for bed time
Basically I'm hooked but need something better than the Sony MDR-100AAPs. I hope the type of sound signature I want has been described above. But to add to that. I tried out a few headphones to see what's what and if I can find what I'm looking for and this is what I felt. All are over ears and closed back, as that's what I'm after:
Momentum 2 - Nice but boring sound.
Oppo PM3 - much cleaner, more detailed, but again slightly boring.
B&W P5 - Mids were great, that's about it.
Audiotechnica M50x - Very clear, analytical and too sparkly and where's the bass.
I still liked the sound signature of the Sony but wanted the clearer mid and treble quality of the above price range (£200-300 give or take). I'm looking for a well balanced sound with good detail across the whole frequency range. A slight tinge of warmth, with clear mids that don't take a back seat. Deep yet tight bass and with lots of detailed treble, but not sparkly or fatiguing. Smooth and natural with the widest soundstage possible........Sounds like the holy grail, right lol
So this is where my fellow Head-fiers will hopefully be able to help. I have narrowed down to the following headphones, but can't listen to them as they aren't available locally.
Audeze Sine
Meze 99 Classics
V-Moda XS/M-80/100
Hifiman HE400s
Oppo PM3 (I know, I know, but they've had so many good reviews lol)
Maybe there are others I need to consider like Beyerdynamics. Please could anyone with these headphones or experience help me pin down the best ones suited to my taste. Oh, also I'll be using an Audiophile at Dragonfly Black DAC with them as well.
I need closure on this in a few days time as my return policy on the Sony MDR-100aap will run out. I want to give them back and get something better. Otherwise I'll just have to settle for them at £50 and always be letting wanting lol
Thanks in advance for all your input guys.