An Interview with Paul Barton of PSB and NAD - Head-Fi TV

[Seismic]

  The NAD Viso HP50 is my reference can, it really does everything well, if not excellent, and yes it reminds me best of my speaker set up at home as far it's tonal balance goes. All my other cans introduce major colorations, some enjoyable some isn't, It won't need fancy amps and DACS to sound it's best, though it can't hurt either.Now if anyone can chime in with their experience with the HP20 IEM it would be great.

 
 
I've owned the HP20 IEMs for about 8 months now and they are my favorite IEMs. I dare to say that I have compared every potential upgrade to them and have found nothing in the price range that comes close, including more expensive headphones. There are other IEMs that have their own personalities per se, which are fun and enjoyable, but the HP20s represent all my music with superb clarity and sense of space. The representation of different genres is great also; I listen to Rock, Pop, R&B, Hip-Hop/Rap, Spanish and tons more to even write. The bass to me is perfect, the mids are great and the treble is very well implemented. These headphones do well with everything I've thrown at them, but they shine with better recorded tracks and live music.  I put an amp to them (they don't really need one), nothing special just the AQ Dragonfly, and the sound becomes even more alive. As Mr. Barton explained with RoomFeel, the HP20s certainly let you experience that, though maybe not as much as the PSB or HP50s. As I type, I'm listening to Beck's Morning Phase album and you can clearly see what he is intending with the music, and how each note makes you feel. The thought and engineering that Mr. Barton and his team put into the HP20s along with the rest of the PSB/NAD line up, really makes a difference in how you experience the music. Whatever you're preference in in music, you should be able to enjoy it and use the headphones as a window to see what the artist is portraying as Mr. Barton put it. I would have no hesitation recommending the HP20s to anyone, which I have done in many occasions. The biggest problem is that I have not been able to find them anywhere to actually audition. I took a huge gamble in purchasing them originally and I'm SO glad it payed off. Can't wait to see what he's got coming up, it should be very exciting!! 

 

[LajostheHun]

   
 
I've owned the HP20 IEMs for about 8 months now and they are my favorite IEMs. I dare to say that I have compared every potential upgrade to them and have found nothing in the price range that comes close, including more expensive headphones. There are other IEMs that have their own personalities per se, which are fun and enjoyable, but the HP20s represent all my music with superb clarity and sense of space. The representation of different genres is great also; I listen to Rock, Pop, R&B, Hip-Hop/Rap, Spanish and tons more to even write. The bass to me is perfect, the mids are great and the treble is very well implemented. These headphones do well with everything I've thrown at them, but they shine with better recorded tracks and live music.  I put an amp to them (they don't really need one), nothing special just the AQ Dragonfly, and the sound becomes even more alive. As Mr. Barton explained with RoomFeel, the HP20s certainly let you experience that, though maybe not as much as the PSB or HP50s. As I type, I'm listening to Beck's Morning Phase album and you can clearly see what he is intending with the music, and how each note makes you feel. The thought and engineering that Mr. Barton and his team put into the HP20s along with the rest of the PSB/NAD line up, really makes a difference in how you experience the music. Whatever you're preference in in music, you should be able to enjoy it and use the headphones as a window to see what the artist is portraying as Mr. Barton put it. I would have no hesitation recommending the HP20s to anyone, which I have done in many occasions. The biggest problem is that I have not been able to find them anywhere to actually audition. I took a huge gamble in purchasing them originally and I'm SO glad it payed off. Can't wait to see what he's got coming up, it should be very exciting!! 

Thanks for that, there is not a whole lot of reviews out there on this model especially on this site. Couple of things, have you heard the HP -50, if yes how would they compare.
Comfort, these looks to be on the larger side and I have small ear canals, should I be worried?
thanks.

 

[Seismic]

  Thanks for that, there is not a whole lot of reviews out there on this model especially on this site. Couple of things, have you heard the HP -50, if yes how would they compare.
Comfort, these looks to be on the larger side and I have small ear canals, should I be worried?
thanks.

 
 
I have heard the HP-50s but it was for a very brief moment and I would not feel comfortable giving you my opinions based on that. I can tell you that the sound was immediately pleasant and I didn't find it off putting at all. Based on all the reviews I've read on them here and other sites, most seem very positive and generally the HP-50s are very well liked. Not sure if you've read the review on InnerFidelity but its among the most well regarded sites, along with many Head-Fiers here love them (links are down below). The reason why I say that the RoomFeel may be better implemented on the HP-50s is because of the physical dimensions vs the HP-20 IEMs. As far as fit, I did not find the original tips too comfortable in my ears so I had to change them. I tried all of the ones they supply, which is about 4 different sizes, but none impressed me too much. The only ones I tolerated were the medium ones but after an hr or so, they became uncomfortable. I'm currently using some Sony tips that I semi-customized and these let me listen to the HP20s from 4-6 hrs daily (more on crazy days). I used a flexible silicon that you can get from any drug store to seal the ear when you go swimming. I applied it to the inside of the tips, between the bore and the flange and this seems to work great, it gives me a very customized and comfortable feel that does not affect the sound quality. Hopefully you won't have to resort to this but for me it works great. I've included some pics to give you an idea of what I'm talking about. Hope this helps.

 
 
http://www.innerfidelity.com/content/i-love-these-headphonesthe-nad-viso-hp50
http://www.head-fi.org/products/nad-electronics-viso-hp50-noise-isolating-over-ear-headphones

 

[LajostheHun]

   
 
I have heard the HP-50s but it was for a very brief moment and I would not feel comfortable giving you my opinions based on that. I can tell you that the sound was immediately pleasant and I didn't find it off putting at all. Based on all the reviews I've read on them here and other sites, most seem very positive and generally the HP-50s are very well liked. Not sure if you've read the review on InnerFidelity but its among the most well regarded sites, along with many Head-Fiers here love them (links are down below). The reason why I say that the RoomFeel may be better implemented on the HP-50s is because of the physical dimensions vs the HP-20 IEMs. As far as fit, I did not find the original tips too comfortable in my ears so I had to change them. I tried all of the ones they supply, which is about 4 different sizes, but none impressed me too much. The only ones I tolerated were the medium ones but after an hr or so, they became uncomfortable. I'm currently using some Sony tips that I semi-customized and these let me listen to the HP20s from 4-6 hrs daily (more on crazy days). I used a flexible silicon that you can get from any drug store to seal the ear when you go swimming. I applied it to the inside of the tips, between the bore and the flange and this seems to work great, it gives me a very customized and comfortable feel that does not affect the sound quality. Hopefully you won't have to resort to this but for me it works great. I've included some pics to give you an idea of what I'm talking about. Hope this helps.

 
 
http://www.innerfidelity.com/content/i-love-these-headphonesthe-nad-viso-hp50
http://www.head-fi.org/products/nad-electronics-viso-hp50-noise-isolating-over-ear-headphones

Sorry you misunderstood me, I do own a pair of HP-50s it's even on my avatar, I have a red pair. The reason I asked for the HP-20 review in the first place because I'm looking for an IEM with similar sound signature of the HP-50s, so after your glowing endorsement of the HP-20 I was wondering if you had a chance to compare the two.
I also forget to ask if the cable on the HP-20 has significant microphonics problems, since flat cables are known for that. Also if it could be used during exercise, or at least for walking without having it falling out easily.
Thanks again. 

 

[Seismic]

  Sorry you misunderstood me, I do own a pair of HP-50s it's even on my avatar, I have a red pair. The reason I asked for the HP-20 review in the first place because I'm looking for an IEM with similar sound signature of the HP-50s, so after your glowing endorsement of the HP-20 I was wondering if you had a chance to compare the two.
I also forget to ask if the cable on the HP-20 has significant microphonics problems, since flat cables are known for that. Also if it could be used during exercise, or at least for walking without having it falling out easily.
Thanks again. 

 
Ha, sorry about that 

 
Could not speak in depth as to the similarities but the microphonics on the HP-20s are on par with other IEMs that have flat cables. The shirt clip helps to minimize them somewhat, although its pretty big compared to other clips. I think the worse I've noticed is two Klipsch IEMs I've owned. I haven't used them for running, however, like you mentioned, they are big and they can fall out. I have also worn them with the cable behind the ear, a bit tricky but doable, which helps to keep them in place and tame the microphonics a bit. That might help if you use them running as well, but depending on how snugly the fit is for you, you may not have to do this either. The tips I customized, help them stay a whole lot better than the original tips. I use them mostly in the office so I deal with the microphonics and size because of the sound. One thing that is annoying is the microphone pod, it has a pretty decent lip on it and because it sits right below the chin and it gets caught on all of my collared shirts, pulling the buds out of my ear. I have to use the shirt clip to keep them in place but that sometimes doesn't work all that well either. The only thing that has solved this is wearing them with the cable behind the ear. 

 

[arcanemethods]

Paul Barton was doing just fine without jude's interjections and re-directions, loudly cutting him off just when he was getting into the most interesting information.  What Paul was saying about canals, scans and measurement was far, far more interesting than jude's overrides.  In fact they were downright disruptive and rude.  Paul did not need to be dumbed down. 

 

[jude]

  Paul Barton was doing just fine without jude's interjections and re-directions, loudly cutting him off just when he was getting into the most interesting information.  What Paul was saying about canals, scans and measurement was far, far more interesting than jude's overrides.  In fact they were downright disruptive and rude.  Paul did not need to be dumbed down. 

 
@arcanemethods, thank you for the very blunt feedback. Regarding Paul's research (and the cadaver ear discussion), he and I have been talking about that for a long time now, and I knew ahead of time he wasn't able to say much in the way of detail about it. Had he said much more, we may have had to edit it out.
 
Anyway, I'll try to do better next time. And I certainly hope Paul didn't take as dim a view of the video as you did, especially as he has been tremendously helpful for the last several months in working with me on the topic of headphone measurements, especially as I assemble a headphone measurement rig here (currently for my own enlightenment). (Several other industry engineers--as well as G.R.A.S.--have also been of great help these past several months.)
 
I believe I'll be talking to Paul today, so, in light of your feedback, I'll be extra polite. 

 

 

[fiascogarcia]

   
@arcanemethods, thank you for the very blunt feedback. Regarding Paul's research (and the cadaver ear discussion), he and I have been talking about that for a long time now, and I knew ahead of time he wasn't able to say much in the way of detail about it. Had he said much more, we may have had to edit it out.
 
Anyway, I'll try to do better next time. And I certainly hope Paul didn't take as dim a view of the video as you did, especially as he has been tremendously helpful for the last several months in working with me on the topic of headphone measurements, especially as I assemble a headphone measurement rig here (currently for my own enlightenment). (Several other industry engineers--as well as G.R.A.S.--have also been of great help these past several months.)
 
I believe I'll be talking to Paul today, so, in light of your feedback, I'll be extra polite. 

 

Very nice interview.  I personally did not see or hear anything remotely disruptive or rude!  I also understand there is a difference between moderating a half hour interview versus a full day seminar where you can more easily spend time on specifics.  I think you kept a good balance!

 

[rthomas]

@arcanemethods, thank you for the very blunt feedback. Regarding Paul's research (and the cadaver ear discussion), he and I have been talking about that for a long time now, and I knew ahead of time he wasn't able to say much in the way of detail about it. Had he said much more, we may have had to edit it out.

Anyway, I'll try to do better next time. And I certainly hope Paul didn't take as dim a view of the video as you did, especially as he has been tremendously helpful for the last several months in working with me on the topic of headphone measurements, especially as I assemble a headphone measurement rig here (currently for my own enlightenment). (Several other industry engineers--as well as G.R.A.S.--have also been of great help these past several months.)

I believe I'll be talking to Paul today, so, in light of your feedback, I'll be extra polite.

Hi Jude,

Can you or somebody else give us an update on a new PSB/NAD flagship?

I feel like they would be a good entrant into the $1000+ market.

If Paul Barton can produce great sound at the $300 price point I would love to see him go head to head with the big player in the $1000 to $2000 price point.

Paul if you ever read this I'm a Viso HP50 owner and I beg you to never use that headband design again. I got my HP50s for less than $100 on clearance and if their sales have been less than stellar one of the primary reasons is the weird headband design.

I eagerly await a 'sound quality first' flagship from PSB/NAD without a big mark up due to using unnecessary exotic materials.

PSB buyers are not buying for style. Give us simple construction (like the HD600 and HD650) and world beating sound and they will fly off the shelf.

 

[MacedonianHero]

Hi Jude,

Can you or somebody else give us an update on a new PSB/NAD flagship?

I feel like they would be a good entrant into the $1000+ market.

If Paul Barton can produce great sound at the $300 price point I would love to see him go head to head with the big player in the $1000 to $2000 price point.

Paul if you ever read this I'm a Viso HP50 owner and I beg you to never use that headband design again. I got my HP50s for less than $100 on clearance and if their sales have been less than stellar one of the primary reasons is the weird headband design.

I eagerly await a 'sound quality first' flagship from PSB/NAD without a big mark up due to using unnecessary exotic materials.

PSB buyers are not buying for style. Give us simple construction (like the HD600 and HD650) and world beating sound and they will fly off the shelf.

When Frank I and I visited PSB last year (June I think?), Paul did mention to expect a new $1000+ flagship from them in the near future. We were expecting to see an announcement at RMAF in October. But when we talked to Paul then, there were no further updates. I'm really excited to hear if they have once close to completion considering how well Mr. Barton knows "good sound".