nikp
Headphoneus Supremus
- Joined
- Aug 19, 2011
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Hey joker, is your scaling method on the sound quality similar to your iem comparisons?
Ah, man I don't know what I would do without your reviews. It's such a joy just reading them.
Hey joker, is your scaling method on the sound quality similar to your iem comparisons?
Thanks, I appreciate that.
The scales are based on a set of benchmark units - headphones/earphones that have been with me for a long time and that I'm familiar with. All new additions are scored in a series of A:B comparisons to these models (for the headphone thread they are currently the KSC75, PX100, HD428, HD25-1, MS300, and Pro 650). The IEM thread has a different set of benchmarks but I would say the sound scores are comparable to around +/- 0.5
The scales are based on a set of benchmark units - headphones/earphones that have been with me for a long time and that I'm familiar with. All new additions are scored in a series of A:B comparisons to these models (for the headphone thread they are currently the KSC75, PX100, HD428, HD25-1, MS300, and Pro 650). The IEM thread has a different set of benchmarks but I would say the sound scores are comparable to around +/- 0.5
Quick question. John Chen is sending me a review sample of the GR10's. But, from what I have heard, they sound exactly the same as the e-Q5. I know you have not reviewed them, but have you ever heard them by chance?
Thanks.
Wait, by MS300, do you mean the Phiaton MS300? Any plans to do a review on that any time soon?
The HD25 is a great headphone, super durable, nice strong punchy bass and highs. The MS400 has more bass quantity but not as much impact; it's more of a warm thick sound and is more laid back compared to the HD25. I would not use either of them for producing, as you generally want a more neutral headphone for that (and most people would feel "neutral" is too light on the bass). I honestly thought the Solo HD was one of the worst headphones I had ever heard.
Another budget option for a small supraaural with strong bass would be the AKG K81/518. They clamp a bit tight, but stretching will help alleviate this.
I tried not to give off the impression that the HD25 lacks bass - it really doesn't. Plus, the bass of the Solos isn't that impressive either. I agree with how Armaegis splits up their bass - definitely more body for the MS400 but not necessarily more impact than the HD25. You can get more bass out of a small portable - with the Klipsch Image One, for example - but the overall sound quality won't be as good.
Would you not class the HD25s as neutral then?
I think I may be (from what I gather, not the only person who, after reading this thread) sold on the idea of the HD25. The only bad words on them I could find are here, but all they really said was that the build quality was bad, and all this was widely discounted in the reply reviews. I can only think this was because they had the adidas edition and they were made from worse plastic?
Not really neutral... they have an accentuated midbass (though not subbass), the treble peaks a bit around 2kHz, and again around 8kHz, but the valley is fairly shallow in between so you don't get too much for sibilance spikes (to my ear that is; sibilance is very different for other people). The mids on the HD25 are recessed in comparison to the bass and highs.
HD25 Adidas uses the same plastics as the regular one. Obviously that review was written by someone who cannot tell the difference between finish and durability.
And thanks joker for the work you put in on the reviews at the front of this thread, not seen anywhere with better comparisons than here!
I'm stuck between going for the Sennheiser PX200-ii or the AT ES7. They both have a score of 7 in terms of SQ. Any ideas?
If you like neutral and accurate (and comfortable), go for the PX200-II. If you like bright and colorful, go for the ES7. I think ES7 prices may have gone up, though.