[size=x-large][size=large]Impressions of the Phiaton PS320[/size][/size]
[size=x-large][size=large]First, I'd like to thank Phiaton for giving me the chance to post my thoughts on the PS320.[/size][/size]
[size=x-large][size=large]The following is my opinon based on what I prefer and look for in a portable headphone. The unique sound of the PS320 given it's form factor and price range. And the overall sonic signature and clarity are quite good. The dual drivers seem to have a great blend, and the crossover region does not stand out.[/size][/size]
[size=x-large][size=large]I'd like to start with the build and comfort of these. Both are very good, and the comfort is almost unrivaled for me.[/size][/size]
[size=x-large][size=large]We're talking ad700 comfort.[/size][/size]
[size=x-large][size=large]The sound and sonic signature is also very good. However if you prefer thumping midbass or weighty upper bass/lower mids, these WILL not be your cup of tea. It's pretty obvious from my perspective, that Phiaton was shooting for hifi sound, at a reasonable price.[/size][/size]
[size=x-large][size=large]For my personal preferences and what I look for in a portable set of cans. These hit the mark.[/size][/size]
[size=x-large][size=large]The sound, is very detailed, and very revealing. Handling all but the most demanding recordings, that even cans triple the price struggle with. It's quite clear after a 40 hour mark, that Phiaton wanted a true hifi sound, and sacraficed the often used midbass hump to get it.[/size][/size]
[size=x-large][size=large]It does have pretty good bass extension, however, bass is clearly not the focus here. Instead it leans more toward the balance of say the AT ad700. The differences between the two is pretty fair, but the balance is close. The bass, is song dependent, some music, the Phiatons come across with more weight, others not. In all cases however, what struck me the most, was, I always considered the ad700 to sound clean, the PS320, makes them sound muddy, from mids all the way to the upper treble. The Bass is about equal in speed and clarity. Both bow out gracefully, rather than try to reproduce more than they can. It is often surprising what the Phiatons can produce in the bass.[/size][/size]
[size=x-large][size=large]I want to add that for portability, you will not need an amp, this set will play quite loud from a portable, yes, amping does scale up the sound a bit, but it's very close. They are clearly the most sensitive portable phones I've heard. Way more sensitive than a PX100, or the newer budget HD line of portables from sennheiser. They also sound much better IMO. Although with less bass than some of the senns.[/size][/size]
[size=x-large][size=large]The isolation is pretty decent, but not for commuting, they[/size][/size] [size=x-large][size=large]fare much better at keeping the sound in rather than the sound out. You could play these at a really nice level and not bother a coworker.[/size][/size]
[size=x-large][size=large]As a portable phone, they do suffer if you want them for very noisy commutes. Airplanes for instance. But for work, or at home, needing to be somewhat aware of what is going on around you, out for a walk, they are fine.[/size][/size] [size=x-large][size=large]For the going price, I find them to be a very good bargain.[/size][/size] [size=x-large][size=large]So long as you're not concerned with a thumpy bass.[/size][/size]
[size=x-large][size=large]I own[/size][/size] [size=x-large][size=large]many phones at just under the price range of the PS320, and I'd easily pick them over the others. I like the detail. I can't compare these to much I have in the upper ranges, if I step up to a Grado, that costs more, The grado gets the edge. Since the Grado share many qualities with the Phiatons, but the Grado's are punchier. The Grado loses in portability though. Any other phone I have that bests the PS320 requires an amp and not a portable amp. At least IMO[/size][/size]
[size=x-large][size=large]I'd say the SR80 is a better match for portability, and we are talking open phones. Which may not work at the office.[/size][/size] [size=x-large][size=large]And as a grado fan, I can't say the comfort can match the Phiaton. And once again, they are even more sensitive than the grado's. I estimate the Phiaton line value wise, is comparable to Grado.[/size][/size]
[size=x-large][size=large]And for those concerned with fashion looks, the Phiaton win. All in all a very revealing set. And it won't be for everyone, just like a grado. I tend to think you will like these or not. I am in the like them camp.[/size][/size]
[size=x-large][size=large]If you're a Grado fan, but need a closed back can at work, these, or if you want a tad more bass, a step towards the MS300 should have a fair shot at being up your alley for most genres.[/size][/size]
[size=x-large][size=large]Acoustic rock, and soft rock, pop, really shine, much jazz fares well, but in all fairness, the PS320 lacks a bit in other jazz, light or smooth jazz is fine though. Even some hip/hop suprised me, some songs seem to have the right amount of bass, others seemed lean, most rock is pretty good, the heavy metal, I thought was fine, a few others I let listen thought they were forward. Again, they are not a laid back sound.[/size][/size]
[size=x-large][size=large]My opinion is that at this price point, it is a great choice if the detail oriented sound, and lack of any midbass hump, but quick lean and accurate low notes are audible is for you.[/size][/size]
[size=x-large][size=large]Not much visceral going on here.[/size][/size]
[size=x-large][size=large]No can at this price point, and pretty much no can period is for everyone. The supreme comfort and detailed sound make it a winner in my book. Also fans of the ad700 looking for portability and even cleaner sound, this should be for you.[/size][/size]
[size=x-large][size=large]The soundstage isn't huge but precise, and better than any closed can at this price point. The AT M50 comes to mind, and has more bass, but I honestly feel that given the comfort and detail, these may grow on you.[/size][/size]
[size=x-large][size=large]I have never been a heavy bass fan on a portable phone, it seems to screw up the sound. These will seem lean, but in all honesty, the way these present detail and instrument seperation, makes the lack of bass seem just fine pretty[/size][/size]
[size=x-large][size=large]quick.[/size][/size]
[size=x-large][size=large]With the exception of Grados and AKG's getting rare headtime, I will admit to strongly preferring iem's.[/size][/size]
[size=x-large][size=large]These may actually get used from time to time.[/size][/size]
[size=x-large][size=large]Last, I'd like to give Phiaton a big thumbs up for the packaging. It is rather plain, but not in a bad way, the phones are securely packaged, and the pouch included is very sensible.[/size][/size]
[size=x-large][size=large]Thanks for reading, Frank[/size][/size]
[size=x-large][size=large]First, I'd like to thank Phiaton for giving me the chance to post my thoughts on the PS320.[/size][/size]
[size=x-large][size=large]The following is my opinon based on what I prefer and look for in a portable headphone. The unique sound of the PS320 given it's form factor and price range. And the overall sonic signature and clarity are quite good. The dual drivers seem to have a great blend, and the crossover region does not stand out.[/size][/size]
[size=x-large][size=large]I'd like to start with the build and comfort of these. Both are very good, and the comfort is almost unrivaled for me.[/size][/size]
[size=x-large][size=large]We're talking ad700 comfort.[/size][/size]
[size=x-large][size=large]The sound and sonic signature is also very good. However if you prefer thumping midbass or weighty upper bass/lower mids, these WILL not be your cup of tea. It's pretty obvious from my perspective, that Phiaton was shooting for hifi sound, at a reasonable price.[/size][/size]
[size=x-large][size=large]For my personal preferences and what I look for in a portable set of cans. These hit the mark.[/size][/size]
[size=x-large][size=large]The sound, is very detailed, and very revealing. Handling all but the most demanding recordings, that even cans triple the price struggle with. It's quite clear after a 40 hour mark, that Phiaton wanted a true hifi sound, and sacraficed the often used midbass hump to get it.[/size][/size]
[size=x-large][size=large]It does have pretty good bass extension, however, bass is clearly not the focus here. Instead it leans more toward the balance of say the AT ad700. The differences between the two is pretty fair, but the balance is close. The bass, is song dependent, some music, the Phiatons come across with more weight, others not. In all cases however, what struck me the most, was, I always considered the ad700 to sound clean, the PS320, makes them sound muddy, from mids all the way to the upper treble. The Bass is about equal in speed and clarity. Both bow out gracefully, rather than try to reproduce more than they can. It is often surprising what the Phiatons can produce in the bass.[/size][/size]
[size=x-large][size=large]I want to add that for portability, you will not need an amp, this set will play quite loud from a portable, yes, amping does scale up the sound a bit, but it's very close. They are clearly the most sensitive portable phones I've heard. Way more sensitive than a PX100, or the newer budget HD line of portables from sennheiser. They also sound much better IMO. Although with less bass than some of the senns.[/size][/size]
[size=x-large][size=large]The isolation is pretty decent, but not for commuting, they[/size][/size] [size=x-large][size=large]fare much better at keeping the sound in rather than the sound out. You could play these at a really nice level and not bother a coworker.[/size][/size]
[size=x-large][size=large]As a portable phone, they do suffer if you want them for very noisy commutes. Airplanes for instance. But for work, or at home, needing to be somewhat aware of what is going on around you, out for a walk, they are fine.[/size][/size] [size=x-large][size=large]For the going price, I find them to be a very good bargain.[/size][/size] [size=x-large][size=large]So long as you're not concerned with a thumpy bass.[/size][/size]
[size=x-large][size=large]I own[/size][/size] [size=x-large][size=large]many phones at just under the price range of the PS320, and I'd easily pick them over the others. I like the detail. I can't compare these to much I have in the upper ranges, if I step up to a Grado, that costs more, The grado gets the edge. Since the Grado share many qualities with the Phiatons, but the Grado's are punchier. The Grado loses in portability though. Any other phone I have that bests the PS320 requires an amp and not a portable amp. At least IMO[/size][/size]
[size=x-large][size=large]I'd say the SR80 is a better match for portability, and we are talking open phones. Which may not work at the office.[/size][/size] [size=x-large][size=large]And as a grado fan, I can't say the comfort can match the Phiaton. And once again, they are even more sensitive than the grado's. I estimate the Phiaton line value wise, is comparable to Grado.[/size][/size]
[size=x-large][size=large]And for those concerned with fashion looks, the Phiaton win. All in all a very revealing set. And it won't be for everyone, just like a grado. I tend to think you will like these or not. I am in the like them camp.[/size][/size]
[size=x-large][size=large]If you're a Grado fan, but need a closed back can at work, these, or if you want a tad more bass, a step towards the MS300 should have a fair shot at being up your alley for most genres.[/size][/size]
[size=x-large][size=large]Acoustic rock, and soft rock, pop, really shine, much jazz fares well, but in all fairness, the PS320 lacks a bit in other jazz, light or smooth jazz is fine though. Even some hip/hop suprised me, some songs seem to have the right amount of bass, others seemed lean, most rock is pretty good, the heavy metal, I thought was fine, a few others I let listen thought they were forward. Again, they are not a laid back sound.[/size][/size]
[size=x-large][size=large]My opinion is that at this price point, it is a great choice if the detail oriented sound, and lack of any midbass hump, but quick lean and accurate low notes are audible is for you.[/size][/size]
[size=x-large][size=large]Not much visceral going on here.[/size][/size]
[size=x-large][size=large]No can at this price point, and pretty much no can period is for everyone. The supreme comfort and detailed sound make it a winner in my book. Also fans of the ad700 looking for portability and even cleaner sound, this should be for you.[/size][/size]
[size=x-large][size=large]The soundstage isn't huge but precise, and better than any closed can at this price point. The AT M50 comes to mind, and has more bass, but I honestly feel that given the comfort and detail, these may grow on you.[/size][/size]
[size=x-large][size=large]I have never been a heavy bass fan on a portable phone, it seems to screw up the sound. These will seem lean, but in all honesty, the way these present detail and instrument seperation, makes the lack of bass seem just fine pretty[/size][/size]
[size=x-large][size=large]quick.[/size][/size]
[size=x-large][size=large]With the exception of Grados and AKG's getting rare headtime, I will admit to strongly preferring iem's.[/size][/size]
[size=x-large][size=large]These may actually get used from time to time.[/size][/size]
[size=x-large][size=large]Last, I'd like to give Phiaton a big thumbs up for the packaging. It is rather plain, but not in a bad way, the phones are securely packaged, and the pouch included is very sensible.[/size][/size]
[size=x-large][size=large]Thanks for reading, Frank[/size][/size]
