[FlyingInABlueDream]

Something almost always happens when I get new cans. I compare them to other headphones I own, but almost always come to the conclusion that the 'new' cans are the best. At times I feel that I convince myself that my purchase was warranted, but I have noticed over time that the sound I fell in love with is really not as good as I though.

As a new Head-Fier, I'm just wondering, how often do you get new headphones only to realize later that the sound you fell in love with is really not 'all that'. I think we all can recall some purchase that we validated, only to later regret it.

Any stories on the topic? I review all my online purchases (several good review can lead me to buy almost anything), but feel that people lie to themselves sometimes to justify the plunge.

BTW, Happy 2010 Everyone! Stay safe in these precarious times.

 

[K_19]

I've been right on about my own expectations for most of my cans so far; I usually do extended research on any of the headphones/IEM's I am interested in before I make the purchase. The only exception has been the SRH840's as I was one of the earlier adoptors and was lead to believe early on that these sounded mostly like the SE530's, even though IMO in reality they're quite different (especially in the mids, where I don't find it even remotely similar). And even with those I still think it's great headphones for money... just not exactly what I expected.

So yeah, as long as it is established cans with extensive reviews and comparisons here, you'll usually get what you expect IMO. But if you are one of the early adoptors or a Flavour of the month, then you do naturally run some risks.

 

[FlyingInABlueDream]

Very true.

I just feel that at times, I am 'hearing' the things that I 'read'. Does that make sense? It's all subjective, so it's easy to read an amazing review, and then hold to your guns because you have an online army of reviews to back you up.

I'm impressed with this community and the way people review things. Much more 'real' than most of the other sites I go to. I value good opinions, but hope they don't distort my view of the products I receive.

Cheer Head-Fi

 

[MomijiTMO]

New toy syndrome. It's just all the excitement and love for something different, in this case something new. The way to tell if the headphone is good is to listen to it for some time.

As for the hype, well read my sig. I don't believe half of what I read on Head Fi but it's worth plodding through the hyperboles and general rubbish to find the good posts and comparisons.

 

[dRummie]

I've noticed the opposite, if anything. Sounds strange at first, then you start noticing merits. Except with my 225's, those wowed me right off the bat, and continue to do so

 

[Leonchan]

I'm actually unsure of the sound. I usually A/B headphones until I come to a conclusion. Sometimes I convince myself that it sounds good when it doesn't haha, and when it doesn't. I try to fix that via marklmod/kramar etc

That's only for headphones that don't get a lot of reviews. For the most part. I do a lot of research before buying.

 

[MrGreen]

Nope, I find my most favourite at the moment I didn't like at first.

 

[VALIENTE]

Quote:

Originally Posted by K_19 /img/forum/go_quote.gif I've been right on about my own expectations for most of my cans so far; I usually do extended research on any of the headphones/IEM's I am interested in before I make the purchase... ...But if you are one of the early adoptors or a Flavour of the month, then you do naturally run some risks.

X2 for me.
In particular, I had thorough browsed the web pages, printed them on paper, studied carefully, and highlighted the important ideas using my Stabilo Boss pen before I bought my beloved Grado SR60 and AKG K701, which I think are best buy headphones.

 

[K_19]

Quote:

Originally Posted by FlyingInABlueDream /img/forum/go_quote.gif Very true. I just feel that at times, I am 'hearing' the things that I 'read'. Does that make sense? It's all subjective, so it's easy to read an amazing review, and then hold to your guns because you have an online army of reviews to back you up. I'm impressed with this community and the way people review things. Much more 'real' than most of the other sites I go to. I value good opinions, but hope they don't distort my view of the products I receive. Cheer Head-Fi

Do keep in mind this is all assuming that you have a good idea of what type of sound you are looking for. It may initially take few different types of entrance-level cans before you can get a good grip on what sounds good to you and what you are looking for, and how they translate into Head-fi terminologies that is often used in reviews posted here. And THAT'S when reviews start becoming truly helpful, IMO.

I initially started my journey with the Shure e2C's few years ago, then went through the SE210's, UE Super fi 5 EB's, and UE Super fi 5 Pro's before I finally purchased my first high end stuff: the SE530's. By that point, I knew exactly what type of sound I was fond of (and knew what else I wanted to get as something complimentary to that sound, such as K701 for HD650, etc) and worked my way up from there for full size headphones. So I do encourage you to review exactly what type of sound YOU are looking for, what type of headphones you've owned in the past, what you liked about them, etc. etc.

Best of luck in your journey.

 

[FlyingInABlueDream]

Quote:

Originally Posted by K_19 /img/forum/go_quote.gif Do keep in mind this is all assuming that you have a good idea of what type of sound you are looking for. It may initially take few different types of entrance-level cans before you can get a good grip on what sounds good to you and what you are looking for, and how they translate into Head-fi terminologies that is often used in reviews posted here. And THAT'S when reviews start becoming truly helpful, IMO. I initially started my journey with the Shure e2C's few years ago, then went through the SE210's, UE Super fi 5 EB's, and UE Super fi 5 Pro's before I finally purchased my first high end stuff: the SE530's. By that point, I knew exactly what type of sound I was fond of (and knew what else I wanted to get as something complimentary to that sound, such as K701 for HD650, etc) and worked my way up from there for full size headphones. So I do encourage you to review exactly what type of sound YOU are looking for, what type of headphones you've owned in the past, what you liked about them, etc. etc. Best of luck in your journey.

Well said.

I'll keep looking for 'the one'. Just hope my bank account doesn't hate me during the trip

 

[Landis]

NTS (New Toy Syndrome) indeed!

So far I feel that I've had a progressive upgrade streak; going back to listening to my cans from oldest to newest and I still feel to this day that each one is better than the last. Well, my SRH840s and K601s are kind of a sideways step apart, but K601s still win for the unbelievable comfort!

 

[yukihiro]

For me, I'm on and off with my headphones. Sometimes I'll feel like one sounds a lot better than another, but then I'll listen to the other one way later and think 'Wow, this sounds better than I remember.' Then I'll listen to my other headphones again after a while and think the same thing...

So I think a lot of it might be mental. Although, I do know my headphones aren't that different from each other. They are, but they aren't at the same time. So maybe that's why I feel the way I do about them. Either way, I know I like how they sound compared to ones that I decided against buying.

I don't know if I'm making any sense, but if you feel the same I'm sure you know what I'm talking about.

 

[the search never ends]

Quote:

Originally Posted by FlyingInABlueDream /img/forum/go_quote.gif Something almost always happens when I get new cans. I compare them to other headphones I own, but almost always come to the conclusion that the 'new' cans are the best. At times I feel that I convince myself that my purchase was warranted, but I have noticed over time that the sound I fell in love with is really not as good as I though. As a new Head-Fier, I'm just wondering, how often do you get new headphones only to realize later that the sound you fell in love with is really not 'all that'. I think we all can recall some purchase that we validated, only to later regret it. Any stories on the topic? I review all my online purchases (several good review can lead me to buy almost anything), but feel that people lie to themselves sometimes to justify the plunge. BTW, Happy 2010 Everyone! Stay safe in these precarious times.

Happy new year to you also.I have a different experience, while I don't know which is worse, when I get new iem's I listen non critically for about 50 hours as I let them burn in. Once I feel they have gad enough time to break in, I will listen for things I don't like, If it's bad, I lgive further time to burn in, listen more, and continue to listen for things I don't like. So in the end, I don't like many, leaving me giving many away, I think we all have some kind of dysfunctional method to our madness. After owning many flagship models, like I used to with speakers, I figure I'm searching for the holy grail of sound, which sadly, I don't believe exists. Growing up in a very large family and circle of friends that are musicians kind of leads to what I percieve to sound the most "like music" I have found about 4 sets I'll never let go, but, my search continues. Sorry about the long post. I thought your thread topic was a great one though.

 

[moonboy403]

Quote:

Originally Posted by yukihiro /img/forum/go_quote.gif For me, I'm on and off with my headphones. Sometimes I'll feel like one sounds a lot better than another, but then I'll listen to the other one way later and think 'Wow, this sounds better than I remember.' Then I'll listen to my other headphones again after a while and think the same thing...

This actually reminded me of what I did today. Ever since I got my JH13, I've given my RE1 to my friend and have not heard it since. Going by memory alone, the RE1 was a decent IEM which had a pretty good midrange and dynamics. However, I couldn't believe what I heard when I switched over the the RE1 from my JH13 today!

There were a few things that immediately jumped to mind when I tried on the RE1 again:

1) The RE1 sounds terrible.
2) Where has all the dynamics gone?
3) The RE1 sounds too warm and muffle.
4) Details were smeared and it sounds slow.
5) Soundstage and imaging are terrible.

In short, the RE1 sounds a lot worse than I remember which I prefer over the Klipsch S4 by quite a bit. I don't think that the RE1 is actually that bad, I think I've been spoiled by my JH13 and K1000 rig.

 

[swbf2cheater]

That happens to you because every headphone sounds different, and listening to one set for so long, then using another great set will always seem good. Happens to me all the time.