j-curve
100+ Head-Fier
- Joined
- Apr 15, 2002
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It seems Audiocubes is auctioning an ATH-W11R (or a few) on AudiogoN. After an impressive listen to a W11JPN I'd still love to hear an 11R but the reviews I've seen all seem a bit cautionary, whilst concluding in a positive light. Some examples attached, with apologies to the authors for any shortcomings in my translation:-
Taken from http://isweb21.infoseek.co.jp/art/airies/sub_review.htm
Quote:
Perhaps a harsh critic. Several phones are reviewed on the same page. You should be able to read the rankings even on an english version browser.
Taken from http://ns.tachyon.co.jp/~sichoya/mai...ca7510_02.html, where pictured with an SCA-7510K :-
Paraphrasing:-
Quote:
He goes on to explain how the phono plug gets magnetized by being packed in the box next to the heapdhones, whose magnets are strong. A viable theory, but one which has my inner skeptic clambering for a soap box. I'd be happy to put plug demagnetization in the "whatever floats your boat" category.
I'm not clear on the meaning of "off-mike" in terms of the sound either, especially since he describes the phone as bright. Perhaps the treble emphasis draws attention to sounds on the recording other than those from the instruments at which the microphones presumably are pointed(?)
It is interesting though to read of the treble burn-in which sounds exactly like what I experienced with the HD580, both in effect and timeframe. I don't think this is purely a psychoacoustic adjustment of hearing but a genuine (and perhaps the most significant) burn-in effect. [Doubtless the treble character of the two phones is vastly different and I'm prepared to accept that the proper burn-in of woodies takes much longer.]
Taken from http://www-esl2.isc.chubu.ac.jp/mun/hp.html
Quote:
I tend to agree with those who find the notion of choosing headphones to suit the music objectionable, although I would admit to have found such descriptions by Head-Fryers useful. Certainly if I ever find my "ideal phone" then I would expect it to please me in any genre.
In summary, these reviews are not unilaterally favourable with respect to the ATH-W11R. Neither do they reach my evaluation of the ATH-W11JPN. Can these differences be ascribed solely to burn-in? [The W11JPN I heard was well worn].
The price difference between the W11JPN (list 65,000 yen, street 52,000 yen) and the W11R (list 56,000 yen, street 44,000 yen) could be attributed solely to the deep gloss lacquer treatment of the JPN, as I believe the drivers are identical, but this is not to say that they should sound the same. I should point out that neither phone is readily available any more, although the W11R may pop up if pursued.
Where are you, Clarkiebloke? How are the W11R's going for you? I'm sure I'm not the only one looking forward to your comments.
To close, a retailer photo:-
Taken from http://isweb21.infoseek.co.jp/art/airies/sub_review.htm
Quote:
The ATH-W11R phones, not yet fully burnt in, exhibit mild harshness in the top end and slight lack of bass definition. Despite these complaints they are the best closed can I've heard yet and can be enjoyed without a tube amp. Comfort is good although the pads touch the ears lightly. Overall rank is B-, but they only score a C from the point of view of the sound and value-for-money. |
Perhaps a harsh critic. Several phones are reviewed on the same page. You should be able to read the rankings even on an english version browser.
Taken from http://ns.tachyon.co.jp/~sichoya/mai...ca7510_02.html, where pictured with an SCA-7510K :-
Paraphrasing:-
Quote:
- although there are more expensive headphones, the W11R is priced at my personal limit - without burn-in, the treble had a luster about it, not irritating but an emphasis nonetheless - after 2 hours the treble had relaxed somewhat - after 3 hours the bass had developed but the value of the phone had not yet been realized. "...listening to the Tchaikovsky violin concerto, audience sounds were noticeable and the sound character was "off-mike" in accordance with Irie's review (in Stereo Magazine). Although the bass was present it seemed out of alignment with the overall sound. At that point I realized I had forgotten to demagnetize the phono plug. On doing this, the sound changed completely - the haze cleared and the details could be appreciated along with the weeping tone of the violin. I like the tone now and am satisfied with the purchase. The full-range transparency which appeared by 4.5 hours listening time was accompanied by increased speed and resolution." |
He goes on to explain how the phono plug gets magnetized by being packed in the box next to the heapdhones, whose magnets are strong. A viable theory, but one which has my inner skeptic clambering for a soap box. I'd be happy to put plug demagnetization in the "whatever floats your boat" category.
I'm not clear on the meaning of "off-mike" in terms of the sound either, especially since he describes the phone as bright. Perhaps the treble emphasis draws attention to sounds on the recording other than those from the instruments at which the microphones presumably are pointed(?)
It is interesting though to read of the treble burn-in which sounds exactly like what I experienced with the HD580, both in effect and timeframe. I don't think this is purely a psychoacoustic adjustment of hearing but a genuine (and perhaps the most significant) burn-in effect. [Doubtless the treble character of the two phones is vastly different and I'm prepared to accept that the proper burn-in of woodies takes much longer.]
Taken from http://www-esl2.isc.chubu.ac.jp/mun/hp.html
Quote:
Listening to Bach's orchestral suite #2 through a TASCAM MH-40 amp, the ATH-W11R's dazzling detailed highs are enthralling. However, due to its (cloudy) closed can character, a Beethoven size orchestra will expose a weakness or omission of detail in the phone as compared to the HD600. That is to say, what the open-air headphone lacks in tightly contained sound it makes up for with an airflow-created presence which makes the last movement of Beethoven's 9th simply delightful. If I had to choose only one headphone it would be the HD600, but without such a limitation it is hard to discard the tight sound of the ATH-W11R, so I alternate depending on music and mood. Due to the close proximity of the drivers to the ears however, even the HD600 is lacking when it comes to creating the soundspace of a Mahler scale orchestra. For this, the HD570 (little brother of the HD590) comes to the rescue. With its special housing material and wider positioning of the drivers, the impression is of a soundspace around the head rather than against the ears, and here the HD570 will not be found lacking even up against the epitome of a Mahler symphony. Although never fatiguing, the HD570 does lose out to the HD600 in detail, as one may expect from the price. The ATH-W11R and the HD600 may not be classed as "monitor" headphones but are undoubtedly high-fidelity phones and as such they expose any weaknesses in the recording. |
I tend to agree with those who find the notion of choosing headphones to suit the music objectionable, although I would admit to have found such descriptions by Head-Fryers useful. Certainly if I ever find my "ideal phone" then I would expect it to please me in any genre.
In summary, these reviews are not unilaterally favourable with respect to the ATH-W11R. Neither do they reach my evaluation of the ATH-W11JPN. Can these differences be ascribed solely to burn-in? [The W11JPN I heard was well worn].
The price difference between the W11JPN (list 65,000 yen, street 52,000 yen) and the W11R (list 56,000 yen, street 44,000 yen) could be attributed solely to the deep gloss lacquer treatment of the JPN, as I believe the drivers are identical, but this is not to say that they should sound the same. I should point out that neither phone is readily available any more, although the W11R may pop up if pursued.
Where are you, Clarkiebloke? How are the W11R's going for you? I'm sure I'm not the only one looking forward to your comments.
To close, a retailer photo:-