I just have to say, I"m a little... not on board with the manner in which these tests are run. You can't separate them into genres without being very clear about what albums are being used. You might say you're listening to black metal, but the difference between Passage D'Hyver or Ulver and, say, Dodecahedron or Lunar Aurora in terms of production is monumental. Not all metal albums are produced equally or even optimally, and rating a headphone's quality in a subgenre is impossible unless it's laid out what albums were used.
Metal is a unique genre in that an album sounding good doesn't necessarily mean the speakers are good simply by virtue of the WIDE variance in production from genre to genre, band to band within that genre, and album to album from that band.
these are "grain of salt" tests to me....but it is very nice to have a thread comparing (a lot) of headphones where someone talks about metal and not the latest diana krall piece of garbage, or some obscure classical release or for that matter listening to Tool and calling it the metal test (although i do love Tool)
i appreciate all the efforts from everyone and plan to add my own data when i have some time!
I just have to say, I"m a little... not on board with the manner in which these tests are run. You can't separate them into genres without being very clear about what albums are being used. You might say you're listening to black metal, but the difference between Passage D'Hyver or Ulver and, say, Dodecahedron or Lunar Aurora in terms of production is monumental. Not all metal albums are produced equally or even optimally, and rating a headphone's quality in a subgenre is impossible unless it's laid out what albums were used.
For a doom album, what kind of doom do we mean? Candlemass doom or Electric Wizard doom? Does sludge mean old Crowbar or atmospheric sludge a la Neurosis? And which albums therein? Headphones that take gigantic albums like Maudlin of the Well's "Bath" tend to expose the weakness of older recordings, but headphones that impart coloration to old recordings leave more epic albums sounding muddy and flabby. You gotta tell us what works on a given recording because it's entirely possible that you're listening to an inaccurate representation of an album which makes it sound better, but that very inaccuracy is a problem rather than a benefit on more robust productions.
Metal is a unique genre in that an album sounding good doesn't necessarily mean the speakers are good simply by virtue of the WIDE variance in production from genre to genre, band to band within that genre, and album to album from that band.
Albums list is in the first post, under "List of albums used for subgenre tasting" spoiler
May be it's better to open albums list, what do you think?
It's possible to choose the best cans for every album (for personal usage actually I started with it) and every track. But in a real world it's not too practical, so I'm trying to get general idea of headphones/subgenre synergy.
I acquired 600 for review (and like them much more than 650), but... Currently I have couple of weeks to listen borrowed LCD-X + Fostex 900 and semi-finished notes on Pandora Hope VI are calling for my time...
I acquired 600 for review (and like them much more than 650), but... Currently I have couple of weeks to listen borrowed LCD-X + Fostex 900 and semi-finished notes on Pandora Hope VI are calling for my time...
I just wanted to post that I started using my Zoom G3 as a DAC and to my surprise the Asgard and AKG k701 combo is actually not that bad for a lot of metal. I have always wanted to make the k701s work for metal because they are clear and easy to wear. Also how many flagships can you buy for under $200?
I'm dumbfounded that the G3 DAC adds the X factor with the Asgard. So I keep asking myself if I can live with this combo. Also as many know the more you listen to the k701s the more you get used to em.
So with this hobby headphones can be slightly changed with what is upstream. Sometimes there are surprises for those who want to tinker with the beast known as the k701.
It makes me wonder about HE400 sample variation. I personally was actually disappointed by HE400 compared to HE500/LCD-2 in every way possible, including bass.
My concerns about sample variations were more about bass quantity/quality, I did not find in HE-400 I heard anything like this "the bass is outstanding with way more punch than the 500's"
And I have to agree, that HE-400 are good for the price anyway.
My concerns about sample variations were more about bass quantity/quality, I did not find in HE-400 I heard anything like this "the bass is outstanding with way more punch than the 500's"
And I have to agree, that HE-400 are good for the price anyway.
Cool thread. I've gone through a lot of headphones in the last 2 years. Most of my metal listening is centered around stoner/doom/psych. I like all Grados and currently own an 80i, 225i, 325is and RS1 Classic. I also have a Fidelio X1, AD2000X, LCD-2.1, D2000 and an HE-4 on the way. All are great depending on my mood. Biggest surprise was how great the AD2000X sounds with metal. They do need an amp with lots of current to really make them shine, especially in the bass region. They really don't get enough credit. One of my favs once I figured out they do require amplification.
Cool thread. I've gone through a lot of headphones in the last 2 years. Most of my metal listening is centered around stoner/doom/psych. I like all Grados and currently own an 80i, 225i, 325is and RS1 Classic. I also have a Fidelio X1, AD2000X, LCD-2.1, D2000 and an HE-4 on the way. All are great depending on my mood. Biggest surprise was how great the AD2000X sounds with metal. They do need an amp with lots of current to really make them shine, especially in the bass region. They really don't get enough credit. One of my favs once I figured out they do require amplification.
I have the AD1000x and agree, they're great with metal. AD2kx is a bit more forward so may excel a bit more, but the general sigs are the same I hear. Thinking of trying the 2kx. Which amp are you using? WA6? Was thinking about the WA7 myself.
I have the AD1000x and agree, they're great with metal. AD2kx is a bit more forward so may excel a bit more, but the general sigs are the same I hear. Thinking of trying the 2kx. Which amp are you using? WA6? Was thinking about the WA7 myself.
Yes the WA6 is a very good match, so is the Fiio E10. I recently got an LD1+ but haven't tried it with the AD2000X but I have a feeling they will be a good match.
according to the chart from the first post... the Fostex TH600's are the best cans for metal. i read through every post in this thread, and not once we're they mentioned! i currently own the Denon AH-D7100's and i hate for metal. im looking for a can with solid kick drum with authority! not to dark or bright.in your face fun headphone
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or for that matter listening to Tool and calling it the metal test (although i do love Tool)
