Quote:
Can you be a little more specific on why you like the sound of the Quad better than the sound of the V6?
Sure.
I did some extensive listening sessions with both of the Quads and the V6.
I've lived with the Quads for almost a year and a half and I've gotten accustomed to its sound signature so much that the changes that the V6 have brought to the table were a bit unexpected (even though Vitality said that they have a more neutral sound signature).
Quads definitely have "more" bass in terms of quantity but they are not as controlled and well defined as the bass on V6. When I first put the V6 in, the first thing I noticed was the highs. Having two dedicated drivers as opposed to one does make a difference. So the Quads, I think, more laid back and warmish compared to the V6. If one is listening to a lot of drum or bass oriented music I think the Quads may be a bit better choice as the cymbals may slightly get a bit fatiguing after a long listening session.
All that being said, I think the V6 are technically superior. They have more clarity from top to the bottom and a slightly larger soundstage than the Quads. If one is looking for a LCD-2 type of sound signature, I don't think the V6 would fulfill that desire fully. One thing that I heard a bit more articulated and forward more are the mids. If I were to make a comparison it would be the Quads (Grado RS-1i mids) vs. the V6 (HD800 mids). The mids on the V6 are certainly not recessed, just not as pronounced as the Quads. With the V6, there's an interesting and impressive balance between all three frequencies.
None of this should be taken to mean that the V6 are overly analytical and kind of K701 type of customs. I do not regret my decision for upgrading the least and still have my Quads up for sale on the sales forum. In closing, I must say that most of these impressions that will appear here will be based on one's source as well. If I were to listen to the V6 out of my iPod Classic's headphone out, I wouldn't have been this happy. Though technically they don't require amping I think it makes a noticeable difference to feed these with good signal. So my rig is in my signature and that itself makes probably half the difference in my impressions.
Last note, the V6 came with the stock cable and my first comparison with the Quads was with the BTG Sunrise Cabled Quads and the stock cabled V6. So I was like : What the heck?
And then I swapped the cables and used the Sunrise cable with the V6 and for the first time I can honestly say that cable does make a difference. The anemic bass is gone and the instrument separation vastly improved. So my next comparisons were done with the same cable. I hope this won't start another cable fight here but I'd highly suggest investing in a good aftermarket cable whether you're getting the V6 or the Quads or whatever.
I still need to get used to this new sound signature that the V6 are presenting me so I'll say more if I hear anything else that is worth sharing.
