World's first collaborative headphone from Massdrop and E-MU, the Massdrop x E-MU Purpleheart Headphone!
Specifications
Design: Circumaural, closed back
Materials: Solid purpleheart wood, protein leather
Driver: 40 mm neodymium magnet, biocellulose diaphragm
Frequency range: 10 Hz–30 kHz
Impedance: 32 ohm
Sensitivity: 103 dB
Maximum input power: 1,300 mW
Connector: 3.5 mm gold-plated stereo mini plug
Cable: 4 ft (1.2 m) oxygen-free copper
Weight: 7.7 oz (219 g)
Pros: Smooth and pleasant sound, lightweight, comfortable, Purpleheart wood is lovely
Cons: Non-detachable cabling, however, you can mod on your own if you'd like
Review: Massdrop x E-MU Purpleheart Headphone
Before I start the review, I would like to thank Massdrop for the complimentary headphone.
Introduction
“Whoa” -- I knew it would look like the headphone that I listened to at RMAF this year! This is what happened when I opened up the Massdrop x E-MU Purpleheart package, as I didn’t see any pictures of the headphone before it arrived at my doorstep. Let’s back up a few months. RMAF is an audio expo in Denver, Colorado that I attended, where they also featured CanJam in various rooms and a huge tent (which was used because the hotel was in the process of remodeling). The headphone that I’m referring to that I listened to at RMAF is the E-MU Walnut, which is a lower-cost headphone to the highly acclaimed E-MU Teak headphone.
Chan was very nice to converse with at RMAF, and it was great to see his vast assortment of different wooden earcups as well as his headphones such as the E-MU Walnut and E-MU Teak headphone displayed for audition. Here is Chan's earcup spread at the RMAF table:
Eye-candy
Speaking of the E-MU Teak, which was featured as a “dropped” headphone on Massdrop, isn’t the only headphone that has had similar success from the Foster/Fostex series on the rapidly growing enthusiast website. The Fostex x Massdrop TH-X00 Mahogany (which I modified with SMC, DHC Nucleotide V3, and replaced the Mahogany earcups with gorgeous E-MU Ebony Earcups), Fostex x Massdrop TH-X00 Ebony and Purpleheart headphones are all headphones offered by Massdrop that I thoroughly enjoy with most any source or DAC/amp. Now the tradition has continued - this time, in a lighter headphone weight but leaving with a heavier wallet than most others on the market: the Massdrop x E-MU Purpleheart Headphone.
Will this be a headphone that I think you should purchase? Read on to find out!
Thanks for the interest! I have been a music aficionado since first listening to greats such as Anita Baker and Michael Jackson in their glory years.
An avid wrestler, coach, teacher and mentor, I like to immerse music lovers in headphones, earphones and sources that do nothing but make the listeners smile.
Ringing in my ears? Oh, tinnitus? I get that about 2 times a year, for about 10 seconds each time. Other than that, I’m currently good to go with regards to my hearing. Even if my hearing is perfect or not so perfect, what I hear may or may not match what you hear, for a multitude of reasons (genetic, physical, psychological, age, etcetera).
My music preferences are anything that has a great beat to it, not too vulgar in nature and anything that can induce head-bobbing, toe-tapping and maybe even dancing if the mood is right. I normally listen to (alphabetically): Alternative, Classical, Hip-Hop, Indie, Popular/Top Hits, Rock, and R&B/Soul. I will even from time to time listen to Blues, Jazz, Modern Electronic, Retro/Classics, and World.
Measurements - I measure headphone output dB with my decibel measurer app that anyone can download, replicate and have an instant reference with what I use to test. Frequency spectrum measurements are seldom posted, as the manufacturer’s measurements are usually the best guidelines to go by. Why? They use them to tune their equipment, and it’s from their own specific parameters. I completely agree with Ken Ball from ALO’s statement/post when it comes to frequency response measurements (verbatim):
“…I thought it might be good to post some frequency response measurements first before we see a lot of variations posted by people. Without going into a long drawn out thesis / debate on measurements I just want to say that I have not seen any reviewers measurements that are accurate and it can be difficult to interpret a freq measurement. I don't use HRTF compensation curve on my measurements because I am familiar with the raw freq curve so when I see a curve I know what it sounds like and am comfortable with what I am seeing. So to state my measurement so I can be happy that this is the official freq I am posting it here now. I do not really want to get into any debates on what the freq means or read into it too much as a freq measurement is only a very small part of the over all picture of the product. I would MUCH rather listen to the IEM than read a freq.
In addition, I dont want to sound like I dont welcome people to also have fun and measure, but just want to say that taking a accurate measurement is tricky, also tricky to read into the measurement. I spent over $15,000 on on measurement system and it took me almost a year with professional help to calibrate and set it up 100%. So in doing so it is expensive and can be difficult to set up and calibrate. I know my set up is accurate because I send my IEMs to independent labs to double check everything.”
Measurements are valid to possibly get a glimpse or gist of what we are hearing, but measurements are not the end all be all. Various manufacturers have told me privately that even though it may measure flat, it may not sound flat. Also, measurement devices do not equal our brain and cannot measure with absolute 100 percent certainty with regards to what we hear and feel. I listen with my ears, and write based on my interpretations of the music that is being presented to me.
A wise man once told me: "Music is the only thing that doesn't have war, pestilence, garbage, crap - music is so general, it's such a beautiful canopy of peace."
Here's a video of the Massdrop x E-MU Purpleheart, as I open and discuss, sight unseen!
Very excited to be able to announce the Massdrop x E-MU Purpleheart.
Some Background…
Day One working at Massdrop, they knew I was coming. Throughout the day, I ended up gathering a row of headphone offerings on my desk wall. “Team Favorites” to try.
The E-MU Walnut “Wood Series” was one of them. Comfy, light, an easy sound signature (warm but detailed), beautiful wooden cups, portable, closed (but not super-isolating), plus drivable from my phone.
I immediately started wondering what we might try to change if we could do a collaboration project.
Maybe the wood type, the printing, colorway, cables, don’t need to change the sound much...
With this new version and Custom Product, in collaboration with E-MU Systems, we offer a portable companion to the E-MU Teak/Fostex TH-X00 Purpleheart/Fostex TH-900 headphones for seasoned audiophiles and an accessible headphone to new people entering the world of wood headphones, biocellulose drivers, and really good sound. We wanted a headphone that was ready to use on the go and with portable devices, out in public or for home/office use. Not too flashy.
I’ll try to answer some potential questions here and will check in to answer others that you may have…
Wood Type: I learned a lot about making wood headphones with Chan Ming-Tat. From wood grain to finish to manufacturability, E-MU has been a great partner and shared their experience of working with different woods. We tried some different finishes and wood types before choosing the purpleheart. The source for these wooden cups is E-MU systems while the rest of the headphone is sourced and made by Foster (the same manufacturer of the E-MU Teak and Fostex TH-X00 headphones). The purpleheart cups have a natural color (there is no color added). I find these purpleheart cups to have a darker color than the Fostex TH-X00 Purplehearts that I have seen in the office. Lighting in some of the studio shots shows a good deal of color and grain detail in the cups while the variety of shots in different settings on the drop page should help with a sense of how these will look in different conditions.
Drivers: The new E-MU Purplehearts do have 40mm biocellulose drivers while the E-MU Teak and Fostex TH-X00/TH-900 use 50mm biocellulose drivers.
Finish: The purpleheart cups are a matte finish to match the luster of the rest of the headphone. We’ve designed these to be more understated than their bigger relatives so you can truly wear them out and about.
Plastic Cups: The chrome plating on the previous E-MU Walnut cups has been removed to showcase the wood and have a more stealthy look.
Headband: The printing on the outside of the headband has been removed compared to the Walnut and placed inside the headband so it is not visible when wearing.
Quantity: We’ve confirmed ahead of the drop that we have a <definite> maximum quantity of 3,000 units that we can sell during this drop.
Price/Shipping: The price is $74.99 including shipping within the U.S. An additional $10 to ship internationally, including Canada.
These have the same pads as the E-MU Walnut and are considered over-ear.
I just measured the openings in the pads on the E-MU Purpleheart and the TH-X00...
Massdrop x E-MU Purpleheart
Width: 1-1/2 inches or ~4 centimeters (at the widest portion of the opening)
Length: 2 inches or 5 centimeters
Fostex TH-X00
Width: 1-3/8 inches or 3.5 centimeters
Length: 2-1/4 inches or ~5.3 centimeters"
Here is some great info from Massdrop’s @WillBright, answering a poster’s question with regards to why the E-MU Purpleheart doesn’t offer detachable cables:
"Believe me friend, we bring it up in every conversation, we aggressively push for it on all our Custom headphones, but manufacturers don't want to do it because of this:
Changing a product to have removable cables means structural changes, and almost always requires creating new tooling. Tooling is the metal mold used when injection molding plastic or metal. Creating tooling is very hard because it requires dozens of man hours on design, dozens of man hours machining, and hundreds of man hours "finishing" the tooling. Here's a decent video about how tooling is made:
For some additional clarification, while this video doesn't show it, most tooling is finished by hand. Individuals have to polish the tooling with progressively finer friction agents to achieve a smooth finish on the injection molded part. If any mistakes are made in the finishing process, they have to toss the tooling and start again.
All this work is expensive (tens of thousands to hundreds of thousands of dollars depending on the size and complexity of the tooling), so manufacturers don't want to make that kind of investment unless they can use the tooling to produce the maximum number of units it is capable of producing (hundreds of thousands to millions of units depending on the tooling).
Eventually we'll get to the point where we're in a position to sell hundreds of thousands of units in a drop, at which point we'll be able to dictate most anything we want as far as tooling goes, but until then there are some changes we won't be able to make.
Additionally, some manufacturers make a strategic decision to only offer removable cables on higher priced products. Personally I think this is pretty silly, but I don't make the rules.
Thanks for your interest in this drop, as well as our other Custom Products, hopefully this helps shed some light on the cable situation!”
Build and aesthetics
Driver view
Egg-shaped earpad
Underside earpad
Earpad side view
With earpad removed
The E-MU Purpleheart has a mostly plastic build, except for the inside of the headband and top-area of the headband (approximately five inches long) that is outfitted with pleather. The earpads are made out of pleather, are egg-shaped in design, and the circumaural (over ear) allows good depth of most ears.
You can replace the earpads much easier than other headphones because the E-MU Purpleheart doesn’t utilize proprietary earpad rings. Rather, each earpad inserts into the earcup’s earpad lip, meaning taking off and installing the earpads are instantly easier than having to install earpads with earpad rings.
How to remove and insert earpad
Inside of the headband and on top of the earpads are very small L and a R that may be very difficult to read to distinguish which side of the headphone is which.
ProTip: Right above the very small “R” is a much larger “C E do-not-trash icon”:
Remember that the insignia is on the right side so you can distinguish very easily between right and left. You can also tell which side is which by looking at the earcup, and going with the direction the lower part of the earcup is facing. If the lower part of the earcup is facing lower left, then that is the left side of the headphone, and vice-versa.
The E-MU Purpleheart doesn’t feature detachable cabling, but you can always get them recabled or modded into detachable cabling by a person that I have a great experience with: @PETEREK, and you can contact his etsy.
The black cable has a good rubberized feel, doesn’t tangle very easily, and has a straight angled audio jack with strain relief as well. I also like how the cable isn’t 10 or 13 feet long, it’s a nice and manageable 4 feet, perfect for on-the-go use. The audio jack is thin enough to fit in my iPhone 6 with my case on without any issue.
The E-MU Purpleheart earcup can downturn and upturn approximately 135 degrees and can twist 45 degrees left to right on each side, for a total of 90 degrees twistable ability.
The lightweight headphone fits in any bag easily, and is a joy to take around. Make sure to keep the E-MU Purpleheart in a case so the beautiful Purpleheart wood doesn’t get scratched.
Fit and comfort
The E-MU Purpleheart is very comfortable, as the only part of the headphone that touches the head other than the earpads is the top part of the headband. The 219 grams of the E-MU Purpleheart pretty much automatically leads to increased comfort, with very little neck strain as well. The pleather earpads are comfortable and I can wear without issue. A disclaimer is I am used to wearing hot and sweaty head gear for wrestling, so my idea of earpad warmth and comfort/discomfort may be different than yours. Head gear or not though, the earpads feel pretty good to my ears. Headphone adjustability is generous, and can adjust for smaller or larger sized heads. Clamp strength is decent and shouldn’t move around easily. The egg-shaped earpads fit my ears well and are about the smallest in the over-ear category - definitely adding to the slimness and portability of the headphone as a whole. There weren’t anyone that had issues with the fit of the E-MU Purpleheart when they auditioned it.
Isolation
Even though the E-MU Purpleheart offers satisfying clamp strength, there is not a lot of isolation going on, especially when outfitted with the stock earpads. The headphone acts more like a semi-open design than an all-out closed back design, in my opinion. You will be able to hear what’s going on around you, and as a result, the E-MU Purpleheart wouldn’t be an optimal choice for loud places or flying on a plane if you are looking for a headphone that offers noise isolation from the outside world. With that said, you can minimize the outside noise you hear by simply turning up the music, or go with another headphone or in-ears until you get to a place where outside noise is as minimal as possible for you to not be distracted from the music.
Eyeglass and sunglass wearers
The headband of the E-MU Purpleheart shouldn’t touch your eyeglasses or sunglasses, and if you are able to wear either on the top of the earpads, you shouldn’t have much issue with wearing either eyeglasses or sunglasses with the E-MU Purpleheart.
Disclaimer and hearing factors
The E-MU Purpleheart sound impressions are mainly for anyone wanting a point of reference regarding how they more or less pair with the iPhone 6, QP1R and Surface Book. Other sources may vary slightly or greatly as the E-MU Purpleheart sounds different enough with these three sources to warrant mentioning. The E-MU Purpleheart will have a warmer and pronounced effect in the overall bass region when pairing with the iPhone 6. The E-MU Purpleheart will have a detailed with slight treble and bass with extended detail when paired with the QP1R. The E-MU Purpleheart will have a balanced, yet slightly lean sounding approach to its presentation when paired with the Surface Book. For reference, the E-MU Purpleheart is easy to drive, as a smartphone such as the iPhone doesn't take full volume for the E-MU Purpleheart to emit levels that can damage hearing pretty quickly. 12-13 out of 16 volume is when it starts to sound very loud to my ears.
We all hear differently, and our experiences with regards to how our interpretation of what we hear vary greatly. Some factors that come to mind (and not limited), are:
Heredity, noise trauma, dietary habits, smoking, hypertension, atherosclerosis, are other factors that affect people’s overall hearing ability.
Analyze this and that
The test tracks that I use in my reviews are located in these albums (album alphabetical order)
1989 (Deluxe Edition) by Taylor Swift (FLAC 44.1kHz/16bit) 21 by Adele (FLAC 44.1kHz/16bit) Bad (2001 Special Edition) by Michael Jackson (FLAC 44.1kHz/16bit) Bangerz by Miley Cyrus (MP3 320kbps/44.1kHz/16bit) Beyoncé by Beyoncé(FLAC 44.1kHz/16bit) good kid, m.A.A.d city by Kendrick Lamar (FLAC 44.1kHz/16bit) Heart Blanche by Ceelo Green (MP3 320kbps/44.1kHz/16bit) Hybrid Theory by Linkin Park (FLAC 48.0kHz/24bit) Make Yourself by Incubus (MP3 320kbps/44.1kHz/16bit) No. 5 Collaborations Project (EP) by Ed Sheeran (MP3 320kbps/44.1kHz/16bit) One by One by Foo Fighters (FLAC 88.2kHz/24bit) Random Access Memories by Daft Punk (FLAC 88.2kHz/24bit) Schubert –Berliner Philharmoniker by Nikolaus Harnoncourt (FLAC 48.0kHz/24bit) Shades of Marmalade by Jackson Breit (FLAC 44.1kHz/16bit) The Dark Side of the Moon by Pink Floyd (FLAC 44.1kHz/16bit) Thriller by Michael Jackson (DSD 2822.4kHz/1bit) X (Wembley Edition) by Ed Sheeran (FLAC 44.1kHz/16bit)
Several standalone tracks (track alphabetical order)
Dock of the Bay by The Persuations–A Cappella Dreams (WAV 44.1kHz/16bit) M.O.R. by Blur – Blur 21, Blur (2012 Remaster– Special Edition) (MP3 320kbps 44.1kHz/16bit) Schubert String Quartet No. 14 in D minor D. 810, Death and the Maiden: III. Scherzo. Allegro molto by Oslo String Quartet – The Schubert Connection (DSD 2822.4kHz/1bit) Serenade (Spanish Dance), Op. 54, No. 2 by Jano Starker and David Popper –Wilson Audio Ultimate Reference (APE 44.1kHz/16bit) The Peppery Man by Natalie Merchant– Leave Your Sleep (WAV 44.1kHz/16bit) These Bones by The Fairfield Four– I Couldn't Hear Nobody Pray (WAV 44.1kHz/16bit)
If I am listening to a product that is not able to be listened with the highest resolution tracks that I have mentioned, I will listen to the TIDAL versions (FLAC).[/color]
Sound impressions
The E-MU Purpleheart sounds warm and soothing, doesn’t emphasize bass too much and the treble is gentle, lending it to a balanced with warmth-sounding signature. The construction of the headphone, from the 40mm biocellulose diaphragms, to the real Purpleheart wood enclosures brings out the yummy acoustic subtleties of the E-MU Purpleheart. The sound signature is so easy-going, but can be cranked up with an amp for extra oomph if so desired. The sound is not just easy-going, but also engaging, especially for its price point. Detail is good but not as detailed as the much higher priced TH-X00 Mahogany or E-MU Teak.
The spatial capabilities lend it to be more of an intimate presentation than a speaker-mimicked presentation. Vocals are smooth and silky. The midbass emits a weighty response, and there is good subbass presence as well. Add some EQ or bass boost and feel the power of the E-MU Purpleheart! Overall, this is a lower midrange to midbass emphasized headphone and presents those areas in a more apparent manner than either the TH-X00 M or E-MU Teak. The treble does not reach the outer reaches of the height of the frequency spectrum, but this ultimately creates a less-fatigued listening session, and is just enough to enjoy, especially for lengthy listening sessions. This is a headphone you’ll want to spend time with, and has been great for me while writing my assignments for my occupation, has even assisted in making writing this review a breeze. Basically, the E-MU Purpleheart is a more warmer version with just a touch less clarity and overall spaciousness as the TH-X00 M or E-MU Teak. Simply lovely.
The E-MU Purpleheart is a headphone that is just an easy headphone to listen to for hours, as the lightweight nature and non-fatiguing treble make time...fly.
iFi Audio micro iCAN SE
The micro iCAN SE is an amp that produces a defined and resolute sound signature, especially when coupled with the QP1R. Warmth is abundant, and the micro/macro detail of the E-MU Purpleheart truly shines. The "3D HolographicSound" setting helps add in a little more spaciousness, rich and transparent sound field perception. iFi Audio explains: "3D HolographicSound recreates a holographic sound field like listening to a pair of speakers."
Here's the 3D HolographicSound settings:
- = Direct
●●● = 3D for flat sounding recordings.
● = 3D for recordings with excessive stereo effect.
I only need to turn the volume dial a little (to around 9 o'clock) to obtain a comfortable listening level. The micro iCAN SE also features a Bass Boost switch, called "XBass". iFi Audio explains: "XBass was uniquely-designed to extend the bass response to suit different headphones."
Here's the XBass settings:
- = Direct
●●● = For bass shy headphones.
● = For average bass headphones.
XBass is my favorite setting on the amp because I can immediately hear and feel a change in the bass response (increased volume of bass, texture and decay).
At the one dot setting, I personally feel the E-MU Purpleheart sounds the best to my ears with this setting, when I’m in more of a mellow mood. More bass is apparent, but is bassy enough to my ears, as the one dot setting is best for average bass headphones. The E-MU Purpleheart is in my opinion an adequately punchy headphone, and would benefit the best with using the one dot setting. With that said...
Using the three dot setting adds more volume of overall bass and on most tracks has bass that can be heard, felt (not supremely immensely, but definitely sufficiently), and there is more perception of prolonged reverberation and decay. The three dot setting turns the E-MU Purpleheart into a basshead headphone even without software EQ applied, compared to a basshead headphone without the bass switch of the micro iCAN SE. The result of the three dot setting is creamy-smooth, yet totally reverberating-feeling bass that melds naturally into the more detailed midrange and mellow higher frequencies, that is perceived as much warmer as a result of the three dot bass switch.
iFi Audio micro iDSD Black Label
The Black Label is literally the vanilla iDSD on technical growth hormones! A true step up, especially when it comes to the XBass and 3D HolographicSound settings. The Black Label is what you wanted the vanilla iDSD to be, which can be described in one word: more. More of everything, may it be perceived volume in certain situations, or understated good-looks. I used my SLA decibel measuring application (you can check out my full method of decibel measuring in the (Q15) Decibel Measurements, Disclaimer and Headphone Comparisons section of my QP1R review, here).
I found the vanilla iDSD to have roughly the same power/sound decibel output compared to the Black Label, however, when comparing both DAC/amps with the XBass and 3D HolograhicSound settings enabled, the Black Label emitted around half a decibel more power/sound decibel output compared to the vanilla iDSD. To my ears, the vanilla iDSD’s XBass and 3D HolographicSound settings are compared to the one dot setting of the iCAN SE amp’s setting, and the Black Label’s XBass and 3D HolographicSound settings are compared to the three (max) dot setting of the iCAN SE amp. The iCAN SE has three different strength settings in all, from “none”, to “medium” to “high” strength with regards to the XBass and 3D HolographicSound settings: and the vanilla iDSD and Black Label both have two different strength settings in all, from “none”, to “high” strength, as the “high” is in direct comparison with the iCAN SE’s three dot setting of the performance-tuned options.
I personally always wanted a little more oomph with the vanilla iDSD, and the Black Label gave me just the right about oomph I’ve been looking for! The Black Label is one of my favorite sounding with versatility DAC/amps regardless of price.
Headphone comparisons
If you’d like a comparison of a headphone that is not mentioned in the review or my profile, feel free to message me and send me anything you’d like that can then be added to the review. Without further ado…
Archeer AH07Impact Wireless Bluetooth Headphone
Both headphones are very comfortable, but the AH07 has the edge over the E-MU Purpleheart with regards to ultimate comfort between the two because the AH07 uses a plusher headband. However, the E-MU Purpleheart has a clear edge over natural good-looks, due to the implementation of the real Purpleheart wood. The AH07 will have a more balanced sound and treble will be slightly more farther reaching than the E-MU Purpleheart. The bass of the E-MU Purpleheart reaches deeper, is more plentiful and reverberates more than the AH07. Midrange is a little more smoother than the AH07, but the AH07’s midrange may sound more reference in nature. Spatial capabilities don’t favor either too much, but the E-MU Purpleheart is a little more intimate with meatier subleties than the AH07.
Cleer DUHigh-Definition Dual Driver Headphone
The E-MU Purpleheart has the DU beat on comfort, and the DU does very well in regards to build, since aluminum is used in most aspects of the entire headphone. I’m partial to the Purpleheart wood, so even though I like the look of the Purpleheart more than the aluminum housing, those that are looking for a more subtle, understated design may be served well by going with the DU. The DU is a headphone that has a more extended treble response than the E-MU Purpleheart, but the bass is where the E-MU Purpleheart shines in regards to emitting more heft and more quantity of bass notes. Both have good quality bass, but the DU’s bass is more focused, while the E-MU Purpleheart’s bass is more diffuse. The midrange of the E-MU Purpleheart is warmer with slightly more lushness than the DU. Perceived soundstage will favor the DU compared to the E-MU Purpleheart, as the overally sound of the DU is more detailed and overall more balanced in use.
Non-audiophile Impressions
Daniel checking out the Massdrop x E-MU Purpleheart with the QP1R
Eddie checking out the Massdrop x E-MU Purpleheart with the QP1R
Lovely while eating soba and drinking Calpico
Every person that listened to the E-MU Purpleheart wound up really liking the sound saying they “really like the sound” or “I love how this sounds!” I also heard “This sounds much better and clearer than my Beats!” They also thought the headphone costed more than the going rate is for the headphone. I won’t say exactly how much, but it was by factors the amounts the non-audiophiles were coming up with. The E-MU Purpleheart punches above its weight, indeed!
Should you modify?
It’s really up to you. By now you should know that having this headphone as part of your collection (or only headphone) that it is a bassy, warm and smooth experience. With that said, you may want to dial in modifications to help bring out the bass as well as taming down the treble in the process. What can you do?
EQ – use your source’s EQ settings to dial in a preferable frequency response to your ears.
Bass Boost or equivalent – use your source’s Bass Boost or equivalent button or switch, as you can with a button press or flip of a switch have immediate results with increased bass with the expense of probably lower perceived treble.
Earpad change – changing the earpads may change the frequency response to one that sounds better to your ears and may better to your ears as well.
Recable into detachable cables – if you’d like, @PETEREK is a great resource and can guide you along the way from start to finish.
I personally won’t be modifying as I am thoroughly enjoying the pleasant sound signature the E-MU Purpleheart produces.
Cultivate a fresh sound™
What does this mean? Too often we focus on only the music we are accustomed to. I am usually this way as well. Here’s an opportunity to listen to something you either may not normally listen to, or haven’t heard of. As I publish reviews in the future, I will have new and older tracks from various genres that I’ve listened to in this section, and will be largely based on what songs really moved me in particular to the reviewed product I’ve listened to on it. Even though the tracks will be linked to YouTube videos or audio-only versions, the tracks will either be listened solely from the iPhone 6 and TIDAL HiFi - Lossless, or from my Microsoft Surface Book and TIDAL HiFi - Lossless. Instead of describing each track in immense detail, you can simply listen for yourself and bask in the beautiful music you may have just found for the first time right now! What’s also great is that you can come back here just to listen to the tracks mentioned! If you have any personal issues with any tracks posted, please PM me and I'll replace it with another track. It's all about positivity in our musical journey. With those kind words of encouragement, here we go…
679 & No Diggity by Jackson Breit
Better Than Me by Blood Orange
Roller Coaster by Bon Jovi
Breathing Underwater by Emeli Sandé
Is the E-MU Purpleheart worth it?
In my opinion, yes! Just for the quality, fantastic-looking Purpleheart wood, it’s a very good deal. Chan’s earcups by themselves are very nice looking, and are also more than entirety of the E-MU Purpleheart. The E-MU Walnut, which is very good on its own is over $100, but does have very nice chrome accents along the earcups, and sounds more similar to the E-MU Purpleheart than disimilar. The E-MU Purpleheart offered on Massdrop is currently the lowest price E-MU in the universe. With that said, onto the next section...
Final thoughts
I wanted to seriously write only two words for this review:
Buy it.
There’s a few reasons why I wanted to only write those words. First is because I believe the headphone is very good sounding on its own. Second is because I’d like everyone to have the chance to buy it without too much analyzing. Third is because I can actually guarantee that someone in your family (or friend) will love it as a gift if you do not end up loving the E-MU Purpleheart. Endgame headphone? For those that are just starting out, why not? You’ve got a bit of the TH-X00 Purpleheart’s flavor in a smaller, more compact package, for a fraction of the Purpleheart’s price! For those more versed in the auditory enthusiast arena, the headphone may be one of the more understatedly exciting that you’ll own.
Live. Love. Purpleheart.
Specifications
Massdrop x E-MU Systems
Design: Circumaural, closed back
Materials: Solid purpleheart wood, protein leather
Driver: 40 mm neodymium magnet, biocellulose diaphragm
Frequency range: 10 Hz–30 kHz
Impedance: 32 ohm
Sensitivity: 103 dB
Maximum input power: 1,300 mW
Connector: 3.5 mm gold-plated stereo mini plug
Cable: 4 ft (1.2 m) oxygen-free copper
Weight: 7.7 oz (219 g)
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