Analyzing New Headphones?

[cossix]

I will apologize in advance if this post gets a bit philosophical in nature, but I was recently thinking about how people tend to compare new headphones to their current ones.

My friend and I enjoy swapping headphones whenever one of us gets something new, in hopes of expanding each other's knowledge of different gear and to share the experience. This is the second time now that he has lent me his HD700 (we initially switched so he could hear my 650, and this time to try my LCD2). I will say I am definitely used to a laid back sound signature. Each time when I tried the 700, I couldn't get over how tinny and thin the sound was. It was almost like somebody had also added fake reverb to all my music. Needless to say, my first impression was not good.

I tried listening solely to the 700 for a few days and I still didn't enjoy it. I recently became lucky enough to get my hands on a fellow Head-Fi member's HD800 (I'm sure you're reading this, so thank you again). I immediately enjoyed everything about the headphone. The soundstage was wide, bass was deep and controlled, mids were present, and treble was sparkly but not fatiguing at all (the latter of which surprised me, because I was running the 800 from the bright Jotunheim). This is where I came across my question.

Is it better, when testing out new headphones for potential purchase, to switch back and forth from a pair you love? Or should you spend a few days wearing only the new pair, to get used to it?

The problem with this question, is that I am not sure that "getting used to it" is the best way to go about it. If I've been using the LCD2 for months, and I love it, then what I'd the point in getting used to the HD700 if I immediately dislike it? If somebody can like any possible type of headphone after they get used to it, then do they actually like it?

On the other hand, is it then a good or bad idea to judge a headphone based on direct comparison to something you are already used to? Should somebody trust their initial impression of a headphone?

My friend said that I need to listen to the 700 to get used to it. That sounds, to me, like "it's not an enjoyable headphone, so you need to trick your brain into thinking the 700 is what "normal" sounds like so you can enjoy it".

 

[FumblingFoo]

Personally, I switch headphones often and get better at identifying the sonic traits of said headphone after several sessions. In one big session I miss things that I would later hear the next few sessions over days after listening to other headphones, but I still like to give a new pair of headphones a long listen of at least a couple of hours at first to get a general idea then switch among other headphones. I also sometimes switch among several headphones instead of just two pairs, letting me understand more all the headphones I listen to instead of a specific pair I'm interested in. If I listen to a pair of headphones for too long, my brain adapts and the headphones sound more natural, correct, and flawless than they really are, IMO. So its probably best not to get used to headphones and then critique them, because then they will sound more natural and correct than they really are. IIRC, the brain likes to filter out imperfections in sound that it gets used to.

 

[Malfunkt]

I think you can begin to appreciate certain qualities over time. This may only happen over time, after listening to a wide-range of music. For that matter, certain music I only begin to tuly appreciate over many many listens - certain works of classical music would fit this. Perhaps ask your friend, what music he likes with the HD700.

In most cases, the qualities of the headphone are immediately apparent. My LCD2 was wow from day one, 650 pretty much week one, etc.

But the HD700 was a bit of a weirdy. I remember trying to listening to it intensly when I first got it and I honestly was fatigued. Over a period of time I acclimated. What I think it is , is not the treble per se, it is the resonant chamber of the enclosure. It has this seashell type of effect that can appear hollow or cavernous. But somehow, over time I just took to its sound - a lot.

But that doesn't mean someone else would - based on how we hear, music preferences, etc.

But to really answer your question I think the best way is to ultimately do both - spend time with them, but also compare your headphones back to back.

Personally, I don't think you are missing much if you already enjoy the HD650,LCD2 and HD800!

 

[banco-sg]

Still cant decide on that HD800 eh?
I would dedicate my time with the new pair listening to my favorites tracks

 

[ahmadfaizadnan]

I used to like my modded HD6XX more than HD800. I still like my HD800 at that time but I know it can deliver a much better sounding. Now that I upgraded my amp, I am amaze by how great the HD800 is now. I guess, the setup do make a difference.

 

[serman005]

I do a combination of all of the above. First, I spend a good deal of extended listening time with the 'new' headphone or the one under evaluation. I then do a series of comparisons with a) a series of other headphones; b) other DACs; and c) different amps, ultimately doing about as many differing combinations as I have pieces of gear. I want to know if it sounds better with tubes or SS, for example. So, I do all these combinations and compare them all and then I add it all up and come to some conclusions that are preliminary in nature, but somewhat firm--for now. I say this because I know I am likely to adjust my assessment somewhat over time as I get more accustomed to the new headphone. It may take a few weeks or even months, but then I settle into a fairly firm conclusion about the headphone. And that is how I do it.

 

[Me x3]

I think headphones like HD700 and HD800 shine with different recordings than LCD-2 or HD650.
So if you pick those recordings you love with LCD2/HD650 and play them through HD700/HD800, best chances are you'll think LCD2/HD650 are much more enjoyable.
For both reasons: your brain being used to LCD2/HD650 type of sound and the recordings being a better match for them.

If you want to give the HD700 and/or HD800 a chance, then ask for matching recordings, set the volume wisely and use them exclusively for a week or so...
Then judge the experience they've provided.

Picking a headphone is a really personal process in which your preferred sound signature, listening levels and recordings, are the defining variables, along with how you weight other things like comfort and fit.

 

[FastAndClean]

HD700 with EQ minus 6db at 6.5khz is amazing

 

[BunnyNamedCraig]

I do a combination of all of the above. First, I spend a good deal of extended listening time with the 'new' headphone or the one under evaluation. I then do a series of comparisons with a) a series of other headphones; b) other DACs; and c) different amps, ultimately doing about as many differing combinations as I have pieces of gear. I want to know if it sounds better with tubes or SS, for example. So, I do all these combinations and compare them all and then I add it all up and come to some conclusions that are preliminary in nature, but somewhat firm--for now. I say this because I know I am likely to adjust my assessment somewhat over time as I get more accustomed to the new headphone. It may take a few weeks or even months, but then I settle into a fairly firm conclusion about the headphone. And that is how I do it.

+1. This can take a long time (depending on how much gear you own!) but I think what Serman005 says is smart. I am a big believer in synergy so your gear can make or break an experience with a headphone on FIRST demo. Listening to it for a while especially on different gear could really change your opinion of it.

Since I started living in the candyland its self I bounce around A TON with different cans and gear. I currently have 2 Grados and a Utopia hooked up to an RH-5 Tube hybrid right now. I have a general understanding of what these all sound like on neutral gear, so to add the Rogue amp in I want to see if its a good match for each can. I have had times where the synergy was so great it changed my opinion of that can. (the Audeze Deckard and the Beyer T1v2 to be exact)

With this all said, I think its best to find what the cans strengths and weaknesses are, and general ability off neutral gear (if you own any). That way you can bounce around your favorite genres and see if anything really blows you away. Then you know what the headphone truly sounds like... If you have flavored equipment, then it can be more confusing but still doable if you have owned the gear for a long period of time.

I feel like with you hearing the HD800 and digging it shows you that your tastes are not only rooted in chill sound. In other words it means your brain is able to bounce between flavors, which is a great thing. That could have been another variable you would have to think about... "is it my brain not adapting, or does the headphone suck" ha