Not to mention, one that is so damn purty and sexy looking!
I had the HD600's since inception and was never really a fan. I know the 880's have their faults, but always prefer my '06 (pre-change) 880's a more enjoyable experience, wobbly bass and all.
I have had the R-10's since the second batch came out and they are still my favorite dynamic, and I sold my HD800's due to hard times (they fetched more than my T-1's) but, boy am I glad I got in on the T-1's before the price increase.
The way I look at it, as a mature adult who used to spend a lot of money on audio recklessly before wifey's 16 month unemployment,
if you really like a headphone, and are fortunate enough to afford a high priced headphone, then go for it. If you really have a limited
budget, then you have a very difficult task, and that is one of picking the "right" headphone for you, that will make you the happiest.
Every headphone has many pros and cons, and the thrill of the chase can only be enjoyed by those with expendable cash.
But, one of the greatest things about Head-Fi, is that with the free "For Sale" forums, you can buy and sell, without fear of taking a big loss, until you find a pair that really can make you happy for awhile.
My JH-13's occupy my ears 70% of the time because I travel so much, but you know what? The are probably the best headphones that I own. Take away the visceral aspect and the reproduction and personal experience is one that can't be touched.
I'm listening to Radiohead's "In Rainbows"as I write this, with my iMod and a hacked version of a Xin (god bless his sole) Reference,
and although they are slightly underpowered, I'm having a pretty good T-1 listening session. Also, "In Rainbows" is a less than stellar recording any way, so I take it with a grain of salt.
When I was an active professional reviewer, I wrote an article on the 701's and besides the lack of "wow" factor, and the insane headaches that I got from the ridiculous headband (because I had to max them out, due to my "ear to top of the head" ratio") the
one thing that the 701's had going for them, was layers of detail. But like the O2's, they are too polite for me. I need a speaker and
a headphone that will knock my socks off (like that great Maxell commercial from the '70's-80's, and the 701's just don't make my hair blow backwards.
For anyone that is interested, here is my old article:
