[Cl0udy]

I got mine new within the last month. They came with the 3 sets shown in the picture you posted with the black definitely being foam.

I got mine new a couple months ago and received the same 3 sets, too.

 

[DaemonSire]

That's so strange. I got my tuning pads in early November and my 3 sets are the two white felts and a black felt. No black foam.

So you guys received black foam and no black felt instead?

 

[max1236]

hmm I just ordered one, I hope I get black felt, mine came with the black foam and I cant use it because of the comfort issue.

 

[Cl0udy]

That's so strange. I got my tuning pads in early November and my 3 sets are the two white felts and a black felt. No black foam.

So you guys received black foam and no black felt instead?

Right, my black one is foam and the white ones are felt.

 

[Benno1988]

All these tuning pads are good and all. But they cans are more comfortable with no insets (ears don't touch), but don't sound right.

 

[Cortlendt]

I've got AFC for office use and they are in transit. My main criteria were:

1. Closed with good isolation
2. Light and comfortable enough
3. Sub 1000

Had Audeze EL-8C, sound was good for me but weight was just too much for me. Was considering Audeze Sine but it has a lot of reported comfort issues. Did not go for Ether CX due to lack of reviews.

Now, AFC seems to be a very controversial headphone. Most frequent complaint is a lack of dynamics. My current T50rp modded/HE-400i don't actually have nice slam of EL-8C (not a bassy headphone but still), and I miss that.

I'm an avid IEM user that like airy and detailed armature sound and not a basshead at all, given that I won't probably complain about anemic sound. I like piercing treble but also very sensitive to mid spikes.

Given I live in backwater European country with zero chances of auditioning anything before I buy, I'm I going to regret this?

 

[LarryM]

Cortlendt, I do not think you will regret buying the AFC. They fit your criteria extremely well. In my experience, they sound as good as any headphone I've heard for under $1000, closed or open. I'm not saying they are the best headphones under $1000 (that's a subjective call), but they are worthy contenders.

 

[Cortlendt]

Cortlendt, I do not think you will regret buying the AFC. They fit your criteria extremely well. In my experience, they sound as good as any headphone I've heard for under $1000, closed or open. I'm not saying they are the best headphones under $1000 (that's a subjective call), but they are worthy contenders.

Thank you for you reply.

I'm very interested how AFC compares to $900 Ether CX, but it's maybe to early for Ether CX reviews ATM.

 

[LarryM]

I haven't heard the Ether CX. My placing the AFC as a top contender in the under $1000 range is based on my having heard the Audeze LCD2, Mr Speakers AFO, Sennheiser HD600 and 650, Oppo PM1, Audioquest NightOwl. I might be forgetting one or two more. I live in a part of the U.S. where auditioning audiophile headphones is difficult. I've personally owned all of the above headphones except for the Oppo and Audioquest.

For me, the Sennhesier 600/650 was the gold standard until the Audeze LCD2 came along. The LCD2 is now my favorite headphone under $1000, but if they were taken away from me, I could live happily with the AFC. I much prefer the AFC to the AFO.

 

[earnmyturns]

Now, AFC seems to be a very controversial headphone. Most frequent complaint is a lack of dynamics.

They need power. Underpowered, they sound weak. I commented earlier in the thread on how they sound with the amps I own. Great dynamics with high-power Neurochrome HP-1 and Lyr 3 amps, not convincing with the very good but much less powerful Apex Peak (which is my favorite amp with the right tube and Ether C Flow 1.1).

 

[Benno1988]

How would I test if one side is slightly quieter than the other? I sometimes feel like the left is louder, but how do I quantify it before I send for repair?

 

[max1236]

How would I test if one side is slightly quieter than the other? I sometimes feel like the left is louder, but how do I quantify it before I send for repair?

switch the connectors and see if it switches sides

 

[Benno1988]

Haha. It's the drivers not the cable!

I don't have a db reader

 

[Sound Trooper]

Finally heard the Aeon closed at my local shop yesterday and I have to say they are mighty impressive, however I feel that they need a decent amount of power to sound at their best. When you have enough juice pushing thru, the Aeon sounds fast, dynamic and clean. It’s treble is very well extended yet smooth while the mid bass and bass region is fast and hits cleanly. I feel that the vocals and mids are somewhat forward as well. In general, it is a very different sound from the Audezes’, ZMFs’ and Fostexs’ which I am used to and I think different enough to tempt me to buy a pair.

I wanted to try the Ether2 yesterday as well but I didn’t have the time, will be going back to the shop again to try the Aeon closed again before making my decision.

 

[shadowplay0]

Looks like my stock cable is already starting to wear through. I can see red wiring in two spots, after ~6 weeks of use. Apparently this cables is kinkier than my fetish friends, but does not like being kinked?

Anyhow, I'm currently looking for suggestions on replacement cables.