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- Oct 3, 2015
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Originally Posted by betula /img/forum/go_quote.gif
-SNIP -
Even though I liked my X00s after a few months together it has turned out, we just can't live together. Shame, however I already like NHs very much. Trading a little sub-bass in for this unique experience what NH gives, was well-worth for me. No more pain, but a more natural, organic sound with an exceptionally unique presentation. -SNIP-
Haha, glad you gradually made your way back. I remember you were transitioning from NH to X00 a few months back, around when I was transitioning from X00 to NH. I see we both finally came to the same conclusion. Below is what I wrote a few months back comparing the NH to the X00 and even the 400i. I don't miss either.
...If anything, the NH's low-end is more reminiscent of that of my 400i. However the NH has a more "natural" control over the bass notes to me. In other words, I prefer the attack and decay qualities of the NH's driver. As for the X00, I truly liked its thicker-toned bass presentation and would never say "no" to it, but quantity-wise it was a touch overboard in some scenarios (think: dubstep or trap music sessions). But again, it would be difficult for me to ever deny my enjoyment of the X00's low-end. Without ever feeling like it goes overboard, the NH's bass extension and quantity are also solid while being more satisfying than that of the 400i. What's very nice to me about the NH is that I can turn the volume up louder than usual and get as much bass as I want, with virtually no distortion/harshness from the total presentation. Easy Cla-ri-ty; at any volume. That is such an enjoyable trait. For the 400i and X00 however, they both had a certain stridency or sibilance in their midrange & treble regions. In this regard, the 400i was a greater offender than the X00. This mostly became noticeable to me only after I received the HEM6 [IEMS] and acclimated to its sound signature. Once that happened though, I did not feel like I could go back to the 400i nor even the X00. Maybe that says something about how tolerant our ears and brains can become of emphasis in the mids and/or treble regions...the NH overall offer an improved sense of clarity, cohesion, space, balance, imaging and long-term listening + wearing comfort. All-round versatility to me...
Also to those talking about DAC/Amp pairings, I'll offer the Grace Design/Massdrop m9XX as a really good pairing for NH. The natural clarity and control of the pairing never ceases to impress me. That said, check out pg 49 of this Stereophile issue HERE for another nice description of the NH balanced vs unbalanced. Balanced is indeed tempting...