That would be very interesting. I have only listened to the MG Pro and the Utopia (2022) in comparison with the Neumann.

True for the HD 800. When the 800S was launched in 2015 Sennheiser already had its own headphone amps in production, HDVD 800 and HDVA 600, since 2012.

When I bought my first true hi-fi headphones, the legendary Sennheiser HD-580 Precision, I knew that enjoying music through headphones would be a lifelong passion for me. I had a Creek integrated amp (UK) at that time with a headphone output, still working fine today in my mothers system, but...

If you are really after the best possible sound for your money you sould not overlook the Neumann NDH 30 at about € 630 new. Its sound quality is a bit higher than that of the Clear MG with very natural and expressive mids, more extended (and very informative) sub-bass and a superb overall...

It is interesting to know that an independent maker did not design a product as they should. If this is the case however, you'll have cable for your HD620S at least!

As I wrote in an other thread: ...about cable compatibility of the NDH 30 with Sennheiser cables. The HD-560S and the HD-400 pro seem to have the same 4-contact (symmetrical or "balanced") mini plug with the NDH 30 for the earcup but actually this is not the case. The Sennheiser plug has a...

According to physics (electromagnetics) no cable can ever compromise audibly an audio signal, if it is properly made - good connections (and good shield where necessary). This means a few dollars cost for DIY solutions. Cables start to affect very slightly a signal at much-much higher...

If we must be precise, I don't think that an emphasis in the 300-800 Hz range can be called "boominess". This term is proper for lower frequencies, say 50-150 Hz. Maybe "boxiness" is more appropriate for the 300-800 Hz range. (I don't say that the HD-620S sound boxy, I haven't listened to them).

I see now that solderdude has added in his review some more comparisons of the HD-620S frequency response with other headphones including the SRH-1540. The latter looks definitely more bass heavy compared with the 620S.

I think that recordings that have already bloated bass or midbass need flat (neutral) systems to sound as they are ment to sound (bloated not double bloated). However, a headphone that emphasizes the low frequencies can be very useful and musical for older pop/rock recordings that were rather...

Or New, transparent earpads for €299! (each).

But you compromise the S/N ratio this way! LOL

Good to know. This is in line with my experience with every new headphone. No burn in effects obsereved or measured. Since the suspension of the membrane is mechanical (a material that flexes thousands of times per second) there must be some theoretical burn in effect, but either it lasts very...

Well, it doesn't seem to be all that difficult nowadays. Neumann/Sennheiser have created the NDH 30 which offers a tremendous combination of musicality/enjoyment with very high resolution, accuracy, balance and pinpoint positioning. Definitely worth a serious listening for anyone seeking the...

Yep, in the very center of Larissa, a 10 minutes walk from my home!

Hey Greg, nice to see you here! My experience is that that NDH 30 will extract the best of every source, even budget ones. However, it scales incredibly; every upgrade of dac/amp brings new seductive elements to the music/sound, revealing the true quality of the source and the recording. If you...

Wow, half a month passed without a post here! I guess we all found our end game headphone in the NDH 30! lol

No, only the HD 490 Pro uses a 4 pin mini-XLR at the headphone end. The NDH 30 uses a 4 pin mini plug (TRRS type), same as the HD 400 Pro / HD 560S. Please google for photos. However, the cable of the HD 400 Pro / HD 560S has just a bit thicker plug handle which cannot be inserted in the NDH 30...

Definitely include the NDH 30 in your list. You'll be delighted with what's possible today for less than €/$ 1,000. Try to compare them all using top electronics to appreciate the true value of each headphone.

Whatever it is, it sounds expensive! lol Is it new pads with better sound / frequency response ?

Thank you for this mini review. What about the recessed area between 900 Hz and 2,6 kHz? Since I saw the measurement below, this area is my main concern. How is this recess perceived in music listening? (Comments by everyone who listened to the Composer extensively are welcome.)

That would be a real test. A truly fine transducer must follow and reveal any improvement of sources. That's also why I regard the Neumann NDH 30 so highly. They surpass everything up to at least €/$ 1500. I haven't tried the Composer though; still not available at the AA dealer in Greece.

I am glad to know that Axel Grell @xlcans is a member here! I hope he visits this thread sometime since it is dedicated to one of his finest contributions. (Now going to catch up with the OAE1 thread pages that I missed).

The way I see it the truth is in the middle. The same driver can be equipped with different rear venting schemes, giving different damping characteristics and thus altering the behavior of the driver in a given enclosure (FR, THD, speed, phase variation, etc). Is it still the same driver? It is...

About a case generally: it is preferable to be small, rounded and hard enough to retain its shape under pressure. A small suitcase-style case is not practical for trips. Some makers offer cases that become one more piece of luggage; not useful at all. Compactness and efficiency is needed, just...