Mrvile
Headphoneus Supremus
- Joined
- Jan 15, 2006
- Posts
- 3,391
- Likes
- 13
Equation Audio RP21
I received these things today in the mail and have been listening to them for a while now. I ordered them from FullCompass Audio a few days ago. They didn't send me a shipment email or anything so I wasn't able to track it - hell I didn't know they had even shipped it, but it arrived on my doorstep today so whatever.
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First I'll start with the outside. The build is decent...a lot of plastic, but it's all pretty sturdy. Can't compare it to like, the DT-770, but I won't hesitate to bring these cans outdoors. The paintjob is really nice, maybe a bit overdone with the sparkly piano-finish orange, but it doesn't bother me. These things are barely big enough for me...I have them set to the largest setting and they just fit. The detachable cable is really nice because the connector from cabl- to-headphone is a standard 1/8" plug. I did notice that the headphones are actually quite microphonic for some reason...even like, the headband rumbles when I tap it, but it's relatively tame compared to IEM's so I don't really mind. What I do have a problem with, though, are the earpads. They are pleather (which isn't bad) but they are really small and kind of weak - it almost seems as if I'm wearing supraaural cans, which can be pretty uncomfortable and it affects the isolation. Does anyone know if there are alternatives for the earpads?
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Now onto the sound. I'll start with the bulk...the highs are very impressive, the mids are decent, and the bass is very good. The first thing that stood out to me were the highs - throughout my headphone career I've used headphones that weren't really known for their treble (K501, HD580, etc.). The thing about the treble with the RP21 is that it really sparkles and has no hiss or sibilance...I generally EQ 10khz and 16khz down pretty far to ease the treble pain but I don't find the need to with these headphones. Cymbals sound great - clear, balanced, and full. The mids aren't anything worth bragging about - they sound pretty average and don't have the body and weight of headphones like the HD580, but aren't really lacking anything, either. The bass is great - they extend very deep, are detailed, and have a little kick without being overpowering.
The headphones, designed as monitoring headphones, has a very detailed and clear general sound. The separation is pretty incredible - I can easily pick out each instrument, similar to IEM's. However, being closed, the soundstage is rather small and unimpressive. But again, I'm used to K501 and HD580 soundstage so I'm pretty biased. But for the last couple weeks I've been playing CS:S with the KSC75's, so hopefully these are at least a little bit better
. The isolation is present but very weak - this is probably due to the stupid earpads. Someone help, these things are killing my ears.
Rock/Metal - I listened to some basic rock, alternative, and metal. It all sounds pretty good with these headphones, though I have to say I still prefer the HD580 sound for rock because of the added weight in the midbass to give the guitars some roar, especially with metal music. Other than that, the guitars sound great; the drums even better with the impact of the bass and the excellent cymbals.
Electronica - This genre sounds especially good with the detail and weight of the bass, which holds together most electronica music. However, with electronica, the clarity of the music can be a little overwhelming - sounds coming from everywhere. I'm not complaining, though
Jazz - Sounds alright, but these headphones weren't really made for jazz. They lack the liquidity (word?) and warmth that make headphones like the HD580 perfect for jazz music. Ah well.
Classical - This is the highlight of these headphones, IMO. Classical music sound just awesome with these headphones...the biggest thing is the sound of the violins and other high instruments - the magic of the highs really helps. The detail gives the strings a lot of texture and the timbre is very organic. The clarity and imaging also do a lot so that larger orchestras don't sound like a mess. One downside, however, is the soundstage. The smaller soundstage may be unappealing to some people for classical music. Personally, I never thought a wide soundstage added to the sound so it's no big deal. But I'm just throwing it out there.
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All in all, for $100, these things are a steal. These headphones excel in so many areas and sound better than so many other phones in its class (HD280, A500, etc.). Now if I can find a solution to the damn earpads, I think I'm going to love these headphones while I'm at school.
Oh and no, I didn't forget, here are your pictures. I was too lazy to set up a proper background so I used a guitar instead
. Thanks for reading and enjoy!
I received these things today in the mail and have been listening to them for a while now. I ordered them from FullCompass Audio a few days ago. They didn't send me a shipment email or anything so I wasn't able to track it - hell I didn't know they had even shipped it, but it arrived on my doorstep today so whatever.
-----
First I'll start with the outside. The build is decent...a lot of plastic, but it's all pretty sturdy. Can't compare it to like, the DT-770, but I won't hesitate to bring these cans outdoors. The paintjob is really nice, maybe a bit overdone with the sparkly piano-finish orange, but it doesn't bother me. These things are barely big enough for me...I have them set to the largest setting and they just fit. The detachable cable is really nice because the connector from cabl- to-headphone is a standard 1/8" plug. I did notice that the headphones are actually quite microphonic for some reason...even like, the headband rumbles when I tap it, but it's relatively tame compared to IEM's so I don't really mind. What I do have a problem with, though, are the earpads. They are pleather (which isn't bad) but they are really small and kind of weak - it almost seems as if I'm wearing supraaural cans, which can be pretty uncomfortable and it affects the isolation. Does anyone know if there are alternatives for the earpads?
-----
Now onto the sound. I'll start with the bulk...the highs are very impressive, the mids are decent, and the bass is very good. The first thing that stood out to me were the highs - throughout my headphone career I've used headphones that weren't really known for their treble (K501, HD580, etc.). The thing about the treble with the RP21 is that it really sparkles and has no hiss or sibilance...I generally EQ 10khz and 16khz down pretty far to ease the treble pain but I don't find the need to with these headphones. Cymbals sound great - clear, balanced, and full. The mids aren't anything worth bragging about - they sound pretty average and don't have the body and weight of headphones like the HD580, but aren't really lacking anything, either. The bass is great - they extend very deep, are detailed, and have a little kick without being overpowering.
The headphones, designed as monitoring headphones, has a very detailed and clear general sound. The separation is pretty incredible - I can easily pick out each instrument, similar to IEM's. However, being closed, the soundstage is rather small and unimpressive. But again, I'm used to K501 and HD580 soundstage so I'm pretty biased. But for the last couple weeks I've been playing CS:S with the KSC75's, so hopefully these are at least a little bit better
Rock/Metal - I listened to some basic rock, alternative, and metal. It all sounds pretty good with these headphones, though I have to say I still prefer the HD580 sound for rock because of the added weight in the midbass to give the guitars some roar, especially with metal music. Other than that, the guitars sound great; the drums even better with the impact of the bass and the excellent cymbals.
Electronica - This genre sounds especially good with the detail and weight of the bass, which holds together most electronica music. However, with electronica, the clarity of the music can be a little overwhelming - sounds coming from everywhere. I'm not complaining, though
Jazz - Sounds alright, but these headphones weren't really made for jazz. They lack the liquidity (word?) and warmth that make headphones like the HD580 perfect for jazz music. Ah well.
Classical - This is the highlight of these headphones, IMO. Classical music sound just awesome with these headphones...the biggest thing is the sound of the violins and other high instruments - the magic of the highs really helps. The detail gives the strings a lot of texture and the timbre is very organic. The clarity and imaging also do a lot so that larger orchestras don't sound like a mess. One downside, however, is the soundstage. The smaller soundstage may be unappealing to some people for classical music. Personally, I never thought a wide soundstage added to the sound so it's no big deal. But I'm just throwing it out there.
-----
All in all, for $100, these things are a steal. These headphones excel in so many areas and sound better than so many other phones in its class (HD280, A500, etc.). Now if I can find a solution to the damn earpads, I think I'm going to love these headphones while I'm at school.
Oh and no, I didn't forget, here are your pictures. I was too lazy to set up a proper background so I used a guitar instead
