Post Meet Impressions
That was quite the marathon of headphone listening. I think the most surprising thing is that in the 6 or so hours I was there, I didn't really listen to too many headphones. Instead, I managed to get some quality time with a handful. Looking back and seeing the pictures there are many I wish I got to try.
Was really impressed with EdmontonCanuck's pre-fazor LCD-3 and WA7 rig. It sounded so smooth. Compared to my LCD2 rev1s everything sounded more relaxed and the bass was even better.
Clem24 had another great setup. He let me steal away both his Denon AH-D7100 and TH900. Both of these I was looking forward to listening to at the meet. Both I would need to spend considerable amount of time before making any real statements on. I wasn't technically blown away by the TH900. But I kept coming back. It was a seriously fun headphone. If it wasn't so damn expensive... It's hard to think of a headphone that is like it but that won't cost me so much. I was surprised by how light and comfy it was. The 7100 reminded me of course of my old AH-D600 which I absolutely loved. Again, the
I also managed to listen to quite a few of hakushondaimao's collection.The KXX and R70X were both great and very capable - both recommendations for a more project studio orientated sound. The MSR7 I found a bit sharp, and was hoping for more bass. The ESS RLM-713 had a signature that was quite bass heavy. It still sounded clear and I didn't listen to it for long-enough. It was certainly mid-tier, but offered a much different presentation. Oppo PM3 was excellent, but lacked some of the refinement of higher end. I've been hearing that it was preferred over the PM1/PM2 by some. To me the PM3 is an excellent portable. HD598 - again, a fine headphone and probably a top recommendation for the low prices they sometimes go for. I quickly listened to the SHP9500 to know that they were good considering the price they go for - a fine offering by Phillips.
I spent a good time with Dale's HD800 and HE560 setup. The HD800 is undeniably good, and I'd love to have that kind of precision high-end detail at hand. I think I prefer the warm tilt and sumptuous bass of the LCDs though, wish there was something that combined both (HE1000? HE560 perhaps not quite). Either way, the HD800 was excellent and its bass is still very good, just rolled off. The HE560 was very very good, and I would need to spend some real time to form an opinion of these. They didn't wow me, but they were certainly quality. They had a bit more punch than the HD800, not as liquidy as Audeze.
Enjoyed hanging out with BobMonkhouse and discussing the LCD2s and O2/ODAC with him. He had a solid collection. I found the Fidelio X2 very surprising, while it didn't have the refinement of higher end cans, it offered pretty close in amount of enjoyment. I found testing many cans in its tier to lack bass, and the X2 has plenty of lower end weight and a very nice sparkly high-end - all this in a very smooth presentation. Nice build and very comfy. Another win for Phillips. These are cans I'd recommend without reservation to many. Denon's new AH-MM400 were good, and a contender to the PM3s for a quality portable. Was hoping for a bit more bass from the AH-MM400. I guess if one wants that Denon still has the AH-D600 in offer.
JonJeffman's Stax SR-007 MKII and Stax amp setup were sheer class. They had a characteristic signature and the whole sound was high-end. Very comfortable too, one of the standouts of the meet for certain. Sound like they were less than a week old and I'm sure Jon is tucked away somewhere listening to these right now. First time I've heard a Stax, and if the SR-009 is better - wow.
Mikoss LCD3F setup was pretty killer and we had a LCD3F/3/2 showdown running off my Mayflower O2/ODAC listening to Coltrane at fair volumes. They were all good, Mikoss told me to hang-on to my classics and hope my drivers never fail. Cautionary praise
Swich401s HD800 I've heard prior, but I didn't get a chance to really spend enough time with his rig nor discern the quality of the Yggdrasil or Mainline.
Lastly, was excited to hear the Audeze EL-8, but... was underwhelmed - but only because I'm so impressed with my LCD2. The EL-8 was very good, it just didn't have anywhere close to the low-end of the LCD or its texture. That said, it was very comfortable, and even though the wood gives it a bit of a '80's VHS player vibe, the overall design, comfort and construction is top-notch. It does offer something different, but it is a bit pricey - might as well make the jump and get something higher-end IMO. Still this is just a quick impression.
Conclusion
I'm not going to be racing out to buy anything as yet. As much as I liked many of the headphones that I sampled, I can rationalize I don't
need a KXX, R70x, HDxxx, Fidelio X2, etc. All of those headphones are good and offer something but I'm happy to have the LCD - it just does what I'm looking for. Even the TH900, didn't seem to offer up technically the same level though an irrational/obsessive part of me is craving to have this 'ultimate fun' headphone. Sensibly speaking, I might just call it a day - but I said this to myself not long ago when I owned the HD650s. I'm not sure if my desire to own a pair of HD800s is killed off, but I think I'm going to hold out.
Hoping to hear the Hifiman HE1000 and Sennheiser's latest HD630vb (hoping its another polished, closed and 'fun' can).
btw - The Schiit Yggdrasil was kept powered on all the way to the meet!
more pics