First A/B.
The very new HA-S500
this is the all black version and not the Z gun metal one I have. VS...
V-moda M-80s. I can't argue with the build quality of the tank like M-80s and their sound is more neutral than anything else they have ever made making them a headfi favorite and I was an early adapter when these came out..
So how can a $50 portable compete with the likes of a $200 one? Read on
I have both on my burn station and I paused burn in to do my first A/B against a well established headphone just to see where we are at sound wise. How do the JVCs fare against these V-modas? well ah a better question would be..
Anybody want a pair of V-modas for sale? Lol.
Highs..
HA-S500> M-80. No contest. with more micro details to boot..It is the one area that I thought the M-80s could improve upon and the cheaper HA-S500 is better and much cleaner extended as well.
Mids
HA-S500> M-80. Everyone knows the real aspect of the M-80 sound is their lush mids. Well they kinda failed against the HA-S500. In fact I will go as far as to say I prefer the imaging and a bit more forwardness of the HA-S500 more so than the M-80s. Not only more detailed in the mids but better imagery as well.
Lows.
No contest. The HA-S500 beat the poo out of the M-80 in the sub bass arena. No contest.
Well there you have it. The very first A/B and not one I am happy with as I now have a sub par M-80 that will be collecting dust.
Winner
The sounds on the HA-S500 are much more vivid more detailed extended better and has better bass. What can I say. Oh yea I forgot the sound staging is better on the M-80s as they are a vented design but minus this. They loose.