Day 2 Impressions:
Much more quiet today. Focused on over ears.
Stars of the Show:
- HE-1 (Lol)
- ATH-2022WB
- Hifiman Audivina
- Sennheiser IE200
HE-1: Not much to say. Who the heck is gonna buy this? Might just be worth the price, though.
Hifiman Audivina: Hifiman's really nailed making spacious closed backs ever since the R7DX. Audivina takes the same sound stage, bumps it up a notch, and brings in great mid vocals and bass. It was a bit brighter than I'm used to, but everything else was so well implemented, I really didn't mind. Comfort and looks were also top of the line, even though I usually don't like the Arya-style shape and headband. Once the Diana Closed is finished, it'll really be a tough choice between the two.
Hifiman R10P: The R10P is fairly neutral and smooth, with HD600 like intimatacy. However, overall, I found it a bit boring in comparison to the Audivina. Great technicalities, but soundwise, these were just ok. If I had to pick between these and the Audivina, I'd go Audivina no question.
ATH-2022WB: Audio technica's anniversary wireless headphones. A total knockout in the looks department, and super comfortable to boot. However, actually listening to these was a small tragedy. Imo, they're just way to bright. Like even more than the TH900s, but with less low end. Why was it a star of the show you ask? If I ignore the tuning, having DACs for each driver really seemed to pay of in terms of sound quality and detail, two areas which I think are the weakest for wireless vs wired. Compared to both the Bathys and Solitaire t, these are in a league of their own. So, while I'm not a fan of the ATH-2022WB's, I'm really looking forward on how they move forward from here. All the pieces are there to make the one bluetooth headphone to rule them all.
DCA Corina: I'm pretty new to electrostats, so I can't really say where this falls in the grand scheme of things. I was, however, able to A/B with the Voce. The Corina was a bit darker, but with a much fuller sound, and impactful base, which is a definite win in my book. In the general field of headphones, I probably wouldn't invest in an amp just for these.
UM Mentor: Really solid set of IEMs falling somewhere between the Aroma Jewel and UM Mason FS. Has some good bass rumble and excellent sound stage. However, I feel like this falls in the "jack of all trades, master of none" category when it comes to this caliber of IEM. I'd probably just go with the Jewel or Mason at this point unless you're really looking for soundstage and don't like the 64 Audio Tia Fourte
Vision Ears Phonix LE: Unfortunately, I haven't heard the original Phonix, but the LE's hit me with a very fun and bassy tuning. On the downside, it's a bit to dark for my liking, and not quite as versatile as it's competitors above.
IE200: These were the one thing I actually bought. At $150 it punches well above it's weight. Nothing crazy, just a solid little V-shaped IEM, and sometimes that's all you need. I do miss some of the detail and low end you get on the IE600 and IE900, not to mention the aluminum shells, but cost/performance these are hard to beat, no doubt.
Conclusion
Of the newcomers, the YH-5000 was still my favorite. I do wish the perforated pads held their own a bit better against the suede, but that aside, these were my favorite of the TOTLs. In terms of what I'd actually buy, it'd still probably be the Meze Elites, especially if they come out with color variants like Chameleon again. They just continue to impress me, especially on amps like the Viva Egoista 845. Sound wise, I think I prefer the T+A Solitaire P, but probably not worth almost double the cost. Audivina might also be quite the contender, depending on pricing (hoping for Arya level, expecting Susvara). The Spirit Torino Centauri were also surprisingly impressive, though price wise, I don't think it's as competitive to it's peers. Biggest disappointments were probably the Utopia 2022, Susvara, and Valkyria. Don't get me wrong, they're great headphones, but just didn't wow me. Hopefully, I'll have a chance to try them again under more favorable conditions. Now, if money were no object, I think I'd jump on the electrostatic train. Aside from the HE-1, Headamp was also really impressive.
On the IEM side, my first choice is easily the Rn6. Looking at other TOTL's, I always find myself missing the Atom modules and Kinetic Bass. My favorite sound signature is still the Xe6's, but the Rn6 brings that down just enough where I can see myself listening to it more regularly. The Mason FS were a close second, but considering the price tag, aren't something I can see myself owning. Competition in the IEM market is fierce, with everyone seeming to put out bangers.
For the future, I'm most looking forward most to seeing how Audio-technica, as well as others, innovate in the wireless headphone market. The ATH-2022WB proved to me quality and comfort are really starting to get up there. Maybe when we get true lossless bluetooth.