tbonner1
Headphoneus Supremus
- Joined
- Mar 13, 2002
- Posts
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Equation Audio RP-21 Review
Here is the capsule review upfront:
Treble
8 (of 10)
Clear with good detail.
Midrange
8
Very good definition. Superb delineation during complex music passages without the congestion of many other headphones.
Bass
9
A strength of this headphone. Good pitch and detail with acoustic bass. Goes deep and is a bit elevated in level but does not impede the midrange.
Imaging
8
If you are used to the presentation of an open headphone, you may find the RP-21’s have a more stable image outline (this is what recording engineers like) and are less diffuse. The downside of closed phones is that they do not seem to suspend images with depth and air around them as open headphones do.
Dynamic range
9.5
Among the best I have heard. Very good micro dynamics that really let you pick out instruments even at low listening levels. Macro dynamics sound like a well-balanced subwoofer system. On occasion, the RP-21’s can make reference phones (such as the Stax electrostatics or Beyer’s) sound restricted in terms of dynamic contrasts.
Definition
9
Even across the entire spectrum. Lacking a bit of air and soundstage depth of field.
Build quality
8.5
These are very sturdy and look like they can be thrown around, as headphones will be in a recording studio.
The adjustments on the headband are solid and click with a secure assurance. The swivels seem well made and pivot without the loose and flimsy feel of Grado’s.
Ease of fit
9
They are well designed and neither over built nor heavy so they are comfortable. I am used to velour earpads of the AKG’s, Senn’s and Beyer’s and find the Sony 7506’s uncomfortable with their pleather pads. I found the RP-21’s comfy for long periods and my ears did not sweat as the do the Sony’s. Isolation is superb.
Flat frequency response
9
Unloads energy evenly. If I had to nit pick (and I always must with headphones) in order to convey the sound character for the purpose of this review, I would say they are a notch elevated in bass and a slight bit in the treble. At low listening levels these sound as neutral as any headphones I have heard.
Sensitivity/Efficiency
9.5
The RP-21’s are not headphones that need a lot of power. These sound as though the efficiency is around 115dB (although they do not measure that high) and similar to what I consider the most efficient class of IEM’s such as the Ultimate Ears SF 5 Pro. The RP-21’s sound more open at low listening levels without the constricted sound of many IEM’s at similar low volume.
SOUND QUALITY
What I don’t I like
I prefer the imaging of open headphones. However, I would agree that the RP-21’s are voiced like studio monitors such as the superb Genelec’s rather than home speakers. Instrument images and vocals are clearly outlined and less diffuse than most speakers voiced for home use.
I thought the earpads would get uncomfortable after a while, but they did not. I still wish the RP-21’s had velour/cloth pads available as an option.
What I like
Finally a good sounding, inexpensive, closed headphone that is efficient
Experienced engineering from a US pro audio company with a price from China
Great isolation when you cannot use an open headphone
User detachable single sided straight cable
User replaceable ear cushions
COMPARISONS
I had a pair of Sennheiser HD-280’s and an old pair of Sony V6 (7506) for comparison. The Sony’s were used as field and studio monitors for years. The bass is quite robust and the Sony’s are also easy to drive. However the soundstage is flat and the treble is harsh and no longer as good as other competitive models.
The Sennheiser HD-280 has a heavy build quality, but they are uncomfortable. I also prefer the sound quality of the Sony’s due to the Sony’s better midrange definition and bass slam. The Senn’s sound a bit dry with the polite Sennheiser sound.
The RP-21 is a step up in this, the workhorse category for headphones in a pro environment. The detail of these phones are closer to the audiophile level of closed phones such as the Audio Technica ATH-A900 than the old Sony 7506.
COMPANY BACKGROUND
This is an interesting company. They also sell pro microphones for music and commercial applications as well as microphone tools. It looks to me like they engineer their products in house and farm the designs out to China to be manufactured to specification.
http://www.equationaudio.com/Profess...o-eartools.htm
PRODUCT DESCRIPTION
The RP-21’s are closed headphones with good isolation. There are suggestions on Equation Audio’s website that this model can be used for mixing and recording. I have also read a description that these are voiced to sound similar to “…4 Ohm monitors..” strapped to your head. If you have ever heard good near field monitors such as the Genelec’s when they are properly set up you will know that the goal is accuracy. This includes detailed instrument and voice separation above almost all else. Bad recordings will sound bad and if you are looking for a colored or rich sound these are not for you.
BUILD QUALITY
These are well built and remind me of a pair of Beyers. They look and feel robust. The detachable straight cable as well as circum-aural ear cushions are both user replaceable.
TECHNICAL INFO
The RP-21’s are efficient: rated at 100 dB with 1 mw input which is around the same level as the Sony 7506 and Sennheiser HD-280. They can be driven out of most portables or high level line outputs, but scale well with better amplification.
They use a relatively large 50-mm dynamic driver. Frequency response is 10-22 khz +/- 3 dB but the website does not describe how this is measured. I would recommend use and reference of the SIA SMAART tools (the Pro Tools of this segment) to demonstrate compliance to some standard. Equation also lists something called Fantasy Response: .001Hurts - 12Ghurts perhaps in cynical response to the futility of technical specifications regarding transducer sound. Even the cable is described with “Plutonium free polymer”….very funny.
A headphone company with a sense of humor coupled with pragmatic pro audio experience.
CUSTOMER SERVICE
No personal experience
OTHER USER COMMENTS
This is a new model, but the feedback has been predominantly good so far regarding sound quality.
CONCLUSION
The RP-21’s are inexpensive, well built and sound better than the competitive closed earphones that were the standard for years. It’s about time. These reflect state of the art thinking in terms of manufacturing and design.
I had dismissed the closed, midrange priced headphones and thought I had to spend around $300 to get a good sounding closed headphone. The build and sound of the RP-21’s pleasantly surprised me.
TEST GEAR
SPEAKERS
JM Labs820
AR9
Sound DynamicsRTS-3
Sound DynamicsAPI-21
AR215
AERPisces v.20 (B&W 805 clones)
AERPisces stands
AERA8 subwoofer
AERA10 subwoofer
AMPLIFICATION
AcurusDIA 100II
Sony800ES
CayinTA-30 (Prima Luna Prologue One)
Aragon2004 mk2
Aragon24ksp
Realistic2280
SOURCE
RotelRCD-991 (nice with HDCD)
PioneerDV-525
TechnicsDVD-A10 (for DVD-A)
SonyC333ES (for SACD)
PhilipsDVP642 (as a transport)
Presonus Central Station DAC
McIntoshMR67
Accuphase T100
KenwoodKT 7500 (fully modded)
Fisher90B
HEADPHONE AMPS
Bada PH-12
Doge6210
RockhopperM3
PresonusCentral Station
XtraX-1
Little Dot2+
YarlandP100
HEADPHONES
AKG701
Altec LansingIM716
CreativeEP-630
Grado225
KossKSC-75
Panasonichje-50
SennheiserHD-650, HD-580,MX400
Ultimate EarsSuperfi 5 pro
Shure E4C,E500
MISC
BelkinPF30 power filter
MonsterHTS-1000
VantageRack
StudiotechRack
CABLES
AudioquestType 4
Silver Audio4 (my best interconnect)
Radio ShackHT Pro
Audioquest16
Audiio MagicSceptor
IXOS Bronze Audition II
SignalIC
Audioquestvideo 1
SignalPower
AcousticResearchPR-130
Radio ShackFusion IC
HeartlandBelden 89259
CTSilver Reference II
Monster2.4 bi-wire
HeartlandStar Quad 4S11
Home DepotHD-14 14 guage (don’t laugh until you try it)
Here is the capsule review upfront:
Treble
8 (of 10)
Clear with good detail.
Midrange
8
Very good definition. Superb delineation during complex music passages without the congestion of many other headphones.
Bass
9
A strength of this headphone. Good pitch and detail with acoustic bass. Goes deep and is a bit elevated in level but does not impede the midrange.
Imaging
8
If you are used to the presentation of an open headphone, you may find the RP-21’s have a more stable image outline (this is what recording engineers like) and are less diffuse. The downside of closed phones is that they do not seem to suspend images with depth and air around them as open headphones do.
Dynamic range
9.5
Among the best I have heard. Very good micro dynamics that really let you pick out instruments even at low listening levels. Macro dynamics sound like a well-balanced subwoofer system. On occasion, the RP-21’s can make reference phones (such as the Stax electrostatics or Beyer’s) sound restricted in terms of dynamic contrasts.
Definition
9
Even across the entire spectrum. Lacking a bit of air and soundstage depth of field.
Build quality
8.5
These are very sturdy and look like they can be thrown around, as headphones will be in a recording studio.
The adjustments on the headband are solid and click with a secure assurance. The swivels seem well made and pivot without the loose and flimsy feel of Grado’s.
Ease of fit
9
They are well designed and neither over built nor heavy so they are comfortable. I am used to velour earpads of the AKG’s, Senn’s and Beyer’s and find the Sony 7506’s uncomfortable with their pleather pads. I found the RP-21’s comfy for long periods and my ears did not sweat as the do the Sony’s. Isolation is superb.
Flat frequency response
9
Unloads energy evenly. If I had to nit pick (and I always must with headphones) in order to convey the sound character for the purpose of this review, I would say they are a notch elevated in bass and a slight bit in the treble. At low listening levels these sound as neutral as any headphones I have heard.
Sensitivity/Efficiency
9.5
The RP-21’s are not headphones that need a lot of power. These sound as though the efficiency is around 115dB (although they do not measure that high) and similar to what I consider the most efficient class of IEM’s such as the Ultimate Ears SF 5 Pro. The RP-21’s sound more open at low listening levels without the constricted sound of many IEM’s at similar low volume.
SOUND QUALITY
What I don’t I like
I prefer the imaging of open headphones. However, I would agree that the RP-21’s are voiced like studio monitors such as the superb Genelec’s rather than home speakers. Instrument images and vocals are clearly outlined and less diffuse than most speakers voiced for home use.
I thought the earpads would get uncomfortable after a while, but they did not. I still wish the RP-21’s had velour/cloth pads available as an option.
What I like
Finally a good sounding, inexpensive, closed headphone that is efficient
Experienced engineering from a US pro audio company with a price from China
Great isolation when you cannot use an open headphone
User detachable single sided straight cable
User replaceable ear cushions
COMPARISONS
I had a pair of Sennheiser HD-280’s and an old pair of Sony V6 (7506) for comparison. The Sony’s were used as field and studio monitors for years. The bass is quite robust and the Sony’s are also easy to drive. However the soundstage is flat and the treble is harsh and no longer as good as other competitive models.
The Sennheiser HD-280 has a heavy build quality, but they are uncomfortable. I also prefer the sound quality of the Sony’s due to the Sony’s better midrange definition and bass slam. The Senn’s sound a bit dry with the polite Sennheiser sound.
The RP-21 is a step up in this, the workhorse category for headphones in a pro environment. The detail of these phones are closer to the audiophile level of closed phones such as the Audio Technica ATH-A900 than the old Sony 7506.
COMPANY BACKGROUND
This is an interesting company. They also sell pro microphones for music and commercial applications as well as microphone tools. It looks to me like they engineer their products in house and farm the designs out to China to be manufactured to specification.
http://www.equationaudio.com/Profess...o-eartools.htm
PRODUCT DESCRIPTION
The RP-21’s are closed headphones with good isolation. There are suggestions on Equation Audio’s website that this model can be used for mixing and recording. I have also read a description that these are voiced to sound similar to “…4 Ohm monitors..” strapped to your head. If you have ever heard good near field monitors such as the Genelec’s when they are properly set up you will know that the goal is accuracy. This includes detailed instrument and voice separation above almost all else. Bad recordings will sound bad and if you are looking for a colored or rich sound these are not for you.
BUILD QUALITY
These are well built and remind me of a pair of Beyers. They look and feel robust. The detachable straight cable as well as circum-aural ear cushions are both user replaceable.
TECHNICAL INFO
The RP-21’s are efficient: rated at 100 dB with 1 mw input which is around the same level as the Sony 7506 and Sennheiser HD-280. They can be driven out of most portables or high level line outputs, but scale well with better amplification.
They use a relatively large 50-mm dynamic driver. Frequency response is 10-22 khz +/- 3 dB but the website does not describe how this is measured. I would recommend use and reference of the SIA SMAART tools (the Pro Tools of this segment) to demonstrate compliance to some standard. Equation also lists something called Fantasy Response: .001Hurts - 12Ghurts perhaps in cynical response to the futility of technical specifications regarding transducer sound. Even the cable is described with “Plutonium free polymer”….very funny.
A headphone company with a sense of humor coupled with pragmatic pro audio experience.
CUSTOMER SERVICE
No personal experience
OTHER USER COMMENTS
This is a new model, but the feedback has been predominantly good so far regarding sound quality.
CONCLUSION
The RP-21’s are inexpensive, well built and sound better than the competitive closed earphones that were the standard for years. It’s about time. These reflect state of the art thinking in terms of manufacturing and design.
I had dismissed the closed, midrange priced headphones and thought I had to spend around $300 to get a good sounding closed headphone. The build and sound of the RP-21’s pleasantly surprised me.
TEST GEAR
SPEAKERS
JM Labs820
AR9
Sound DynamicsRTS-3
Sound DynamicsAPI-21
AR215
AERPisces v.20 (B&W 805 clones)
AERPisces stands
AERA8 subwoofer
AERA10 subwoofer
AMPLIFICATION
AcurusDIA 100II
Sony800ES
CayinTA-30 (Prima Luna Prologue One)
Aragon2004 mk2
Aragon24ksp
Realistic2280
SOURCE
RotelRCD-991 (nice with HDCD)
PioneerDV-525
TechnicsDVD-A10 (for DVD-A)
SonyC333ES (for SACD)
PhilipsDVP642 (as a transport)
Presonus Central Station DAC
McIntoshMR67
Accuphase T100
KenwoodKT 7500 (fully modded)
Fisher90B
HEADPHONE AMPS
Bada PH-12
Doge6210
RockhopperM3
PresonusCentral Station
XtraX-1
Little Dot2+
YarlandP100
HEADPHONES
AKG701
Altec LansingIM716
CreativeEP-630
Grado225
KossKSC-75
Panasonichje-50
SennheiserHD-650, HD-580,MX400
Ultimate EarsSuperfi 5 pro
Shure E4C,E500
MISC
BelkinPF30 power filter
MonsterHTS-1000
VantageRack
StudiotechRack
CABLES
AudioquestType 4
Silver Audio4 (my best interconnect)
Radio ShackHT Pro
Audioquest16
Audiio MagicSceptor
IXOS Bronze Audition II
SignalIC
Audioquestvideo 1
SignalPower
AcousticResearchPR-130
Radio ShackFusion IC
HeartlandBelden 89259
CTSilver Reference II
Monster2.4 bi-wire
HeartlandStar Quad 4S11
Home DepotHD-14 14 guage (don’t laugh until you try it)
