I've used Etymotics for the last 8-9 years (currently the hf5) and am looking for an IEM to use with a smartphone, so I need the in-line controller/mic.   I love the Etys for the clarity and detail, and I think the bass is fine, but partly because I listen to slightly different music now and...

Does the HD25 II have good rich mids or is it more analytical (like Eymotics)?

I recently bought a Fiio E6 amp and it really transforms the HF5 - you can select 3 EQ presets and one of them boosts the bass so that it sounds great!

Thanks for the review.     Is it possible to fit foam tips on the RE262 for a better seal?

Ok....I guess that is something important to consider as well.   I did think of Westone and Shure but there are so many models I don't know how they compare with each other - eg Westone have the Wx and UMx range.  I understand what you mean about customer service - Etymotic has been...

Thanks!  I might just get a small, thin amp like one of the Fiios which are great value.  The RE262 seems to get very good reviews and may be what I'm looking for. I think they also come with foam olives so that would be good.  I've never been able to get a good seal with anything other than Ety...

Thanks for all the advice, guys.   The RE262 seem like a good buy, especially since I can get them from a UK dealer for about $160 (which in the grand scheme of things is much cheaper than other IEMs suggested).  There are only two things that bother me about them: a) can I use foam eartips...

I'm using Etymotic HF5s which I've had and enjoyed for 2-3 years now.  However, I would like to upgrade to an IEM which has better all round performance, especially in the mids, but without losing clarity and soundstage (which Etys are great for).   My budget is about £300/$450.  Customs are...

This may not help you as much as you'd like because I've not heard the PFE but I have owned the HF5 for about 2 years now, so I can tell you that they are fantastic headphones, especially for the price.   If inserted properly into your ear canals they are amazing for sound isolation (yep...

Quote: Yes and yes   Couldn't agree more - my V2 (with Rock Grotto upgrade and separate PSU) sounds great with the HD 600 .  

Is there any aftermarket cable that makes the HD 600 creamier and lusher in the mids?  I actually prefer the stock cable because for all its detractors I like the smooth, rich sound it provides.  I wouldn't want more treble or a thinner, clearer sound.  I don't find any veil or lack in clarity...

I would keep on saving and get the HD 600.  I compared my HD 600s with a pair of HE-300s and the Sennheisers (for me) beat them for sure musical enjoyment.   Quote:  

Thanks :)   What is it about vintage receivers that people like or prefer?  Is it just the extra power that comes from them or the specific sound?  Or the value for money?    

Another post got me thinking about trying a vintage receiver with my DAC and CD player.  Would virtually any vintage receiver with 20-30 watts per channel be ok to drive something like the Sennheiser HD 600 or 650?   I'm thinking of buying a relatively cheap receiver that is in good working...

I'll be trying the LCD2 soon but if I don't go for it then the HD 600 will be my main headphone, as I do love its engaging sound.  Budget would be around $1500 but note I live in London so US amps like Woo would be difficult to get without paying 20%-30% in Customs' fees.   The vintage route...

Thanks - I just posted it in that section.  I was thinking of the question from a headphone point of view but what you said makes more sense I guess :)   Cheers for all the helpful replies so far    Quote:  

(I posted this in the headphones forum as I was thinking of it from a headphones' point of view, but I'm also posting it here as I'd be interested and grateful to hear some opinions)   I'm wondering (even for those who don't have them or no longer have them) what is the best amp they've ever...

Just wondering (even for those who don't have them or no longer have them) what is the best amp they've ever heard with the HD 600?  (even at past hifi get togethers)   I'd tend to believe that a tube amp might pair better with the Senns but I'm curious to hear if you've really been...

I agree with the HD 600 analogy completely.  I don't know if the other two models sound like their respective images but when I listen with the HD 600s I am enveloped with warm, engaging sound that is very musical and pleasing.  I have never felt that they have a veil. Quote:  

Thanks - there might be, but I doubt it will be anywhere near as big as Head-Fi.  As it is I don't think many Woo amps come up for sale here too often - maybe a sign that they are enjoyed so much.   Quote:  

I don't think the $40 or pricier tubes would be that much of an issue - I'd want the best sounding one for my HD 600, but unless I take a trip to the States with an extra large suitcase I don't think I'd escape another $400 in fees!   Btw - if you were buying a W6SE or W2 would you go for...

Thanks Dubstep Girl   Now the bad news - I am located in the UK so would get whacked with 20%-30% Customs' charges   Quote:  

Would the W2 or W6SE be a great match up for the Sennheiser HD 600?  I've found the HD 600 sounds better with the X Can V2 tube amp I have now than my previous solid state amp, but was just wondering if the Woo amps were a significant step up and would specifically benefit this headphone?

Yep, I had the Mini-I and M-Stage combination for a while and it was very good and great value for money....the M-Stage must be one of the best bang-for-your-buck s/s amps out there.

I have a modified/upgraded Musical Fidelity X Can V2 tube amp, which pairs really well with the Mini-I and HD 600.  You wouldn't be disappointed with the Mini-I, it has received excellent reviews and is a superb DAC.  Maybe give Ampcity a call (www.ampcity.co.uk) as they have many amps and also...