Before I jump in, let me say I am not answering the mqa question. I have a m400. It's ok for what it is. Yet, I would not go crazy with mqa or DSD or high res stuff in general. I always ask my friend to try to set computer output to 44.1hz and highest bit value permitted and compare it to...

My setup is kind of complicated. I feed the fix into a 600:600 interstage transformer and then to a potentiometer (general radio 1450ta) before going into a digital crossover. I would assume clipping may happen if the pre does not hv enough headroom for such unusually high output. Adding a...

I have been playing with M400 for a few days. I do like it. This dac is quite clean sounding and, unlike many new modern dac, the treble seems to be not emphasized. The overall sound is a bit flat if compare to good vintage good R2R dac (PCM 63) but this problem is also common for most...

I would consider Sennheiser HD600 + Antique Sound Lab MG Head OTL mk 3.   I actually have this combo and am happy with how well they get along.

Sorry, I did not compare shure with westones carefully.  At the place where I live, westones are not common.

Actually SE215 is an odd pair of headphones by shure.  It is very coherent and musical.  Some may think it rolls off a bit at high but this does not bother me.  I have both 215 and 535 and always carry both in my bag.  Honestly, I usually listen to 215 unless I am in the mood for major rock or...

I just wanna drop a note here to say right after I listened to HD800, I went out and got a spare pair of HD600 just in case. :-)

Just my 2 cents -   If the head amp is capable, HD600 can make wonders.  Yet, if the head amp may not be up to challenge, HD650 is a safer buy.   HD600 is more neutral.  HD650 has a slightly mega-bass effect and can easily get great result with vocal and jazz.   In any event, both...

Hi, There is one thing you can do but may sound stupid. Play some of you favorite music at a volume you like and then clip the headphone to you thigh. This will give you a pretty good idea what others will hear in close distance. I did the same before. (I tired to ask around too. Often people...

Kind of curious why 535 cannot be worn for prolong time.  Is it because of the shape not matching well?   I understood everyone's ear is different.  For my case, shure is quite comfortable and I cannot imagine how much more miserable it will be if I use a pair of full size can for long working...

Hello,   If you don't mind my newbie's 2 cents -   There is no such thing as best headphone in the world.  This is all a personal thing.  I would suggest you go to stores and test out more models to see what kind of character you really like.  Money and quality do not always go along the...

Hello,   From your own list, I think Shure SE215 should be best in handling classical music.  Actually, I like 215 very much and think it can do wonders if plug into a serious head amp.  It is very coherent and with good isolation, details can be easier retrieved.

I guess it all boils down to the actual usage.   If you are going to use the headphone primarily with Iphone or other mobile devices, you may want to re-consider if you want a big can.  After all, full size headphones usually need proper headamp to sing well (eg HD600).  Without it, you may...