Closed back headphones for classical, again

Aug 26, 2024 at 11:46 AM Post #46 of 91
Cause this is a great headphone.
Had ones, stupidly enough, I said to myself, maybe there is something better? Sold them.
Bought the ZMF Auteur Classic, without testing. They are now for sale, and I think about getting the Denons back, if I can find them somewhere cheap.
Long-running for-sale on a pre-owned set here, tho' that price ain't what I'd call cheap.

update: nvm, it's USA only.
 
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Aug 26, 2024 at 12:06 PM Post #49 of 91
Aug 27, 2024 at 3:32 AM Post #51 of 91
They are now for sale, and I think about getting the Denons back, if I can find them somewhere cheap.
Do iiiiiiiit

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Aug 27, 2024 at 2:41 PM Post #52 of 91
Thanks for the suggestion. What are your impressions of classical music on the E3 - how does it sound to you?
not familiar with genre so i can't comment on that, but classic music has lots of ups and downs all of a sudden it becomes loud or silent for that type of music, dynamic open backs will be the best option but closed back, no idea.
 
Aug 27, 2024 at 5:57 PM Post #53 of 91


Have a listen here:

For me, the best interpretation of Mahler's 5th. Cuttingly cold, highly dramatic, brilliantly played, perfect recording. Gets better with every listen!

The fourth movement is interpreted by most conductors (actually all of them) as Mahler's declaration of love to his fiancée. With Karajan, it's completely different. He interprets the fourth movement as something physical, something demanding, sensual. With no other headphones have I been able to capture this obvious sexuality with such intensity.
Wow ... I mean, like, two words: holy f#ck.

That is awesome. I'm a late arrival at Mahler and now I think I'm spoiled forever. And totally 'see' your point about the potential for gets-better-with-every-listen. Thanks for the discovery!

Oh, and the AH-D9200 is excellent at reproducing it. A lot to unpack there and I could go on and on, "mit größter Vehemenz", but for now I won't 🙂. That performance ↑ is the final gem.
 
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Aug 27, 2024 at 6:34 PM Post #54 of 91
Wow ... I mean, like, two words: holy f#ck.

That is awesome. I'm a late arrival at Mahler and now I think I'm spoiled forever. And totally 'see' your point about the potential for gets-better-with-every-listen. Thanks for the discovery!

Oh, and the AH-D9200 is excellent at reproducing it. A lot to unpack there and I could go on and on, "mit größter Vehemenz", but for now I won't 🙂. That performance ↑ is the final gem.
I'm glad you like it.

There are only two options with this shot: you either love it or you hate it.

Also a good recording of Mahler's 5th:

IMG_1911.jpeg


Softer, warmer, more pathos, with a creeping darkness and a not quite as strong accentuation of the secondary voices as with Karajan, which the headphones can nevertheless work out and differentiate excellently.
 
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Aug 27, 2024 at 7:58 PM Post #55 of 91
Well, I jumped ahead to see where we were with this thread. Elsewhere on the board I posted my personal current experiences with the JM Edition XTC 2.5 headphones for my new office system designed for rock music. Spoiler alert! I flat out love 'em! But every morning (it's so great to be retired) I listen to classical music in my reading area. I've got two pairs of closed backs there, the E3's by Dan Clark and the Focal Stellia's. I'm driving that system with the Mytek Liberty THX amp and the Mytek Liberty II DAC. I listen to all kinds of classical music. This morning I relistened to the Faure Violin Sonatas/Symanowaski Mythes set with Kaja Danczowska violin and Krstian Zimerman piano. Fantastic recording and through the E3's I was right in the room, six or seven rows back. Just fantastic! Orchestral music is a real treat because the sound stage, instrumental timber reproduction, and over all transparency is absolutely accurate. The E3's are the headphone equivalent of freestanding loudspeakers costing at least $25,000 a pair if not more. Do they blow away the Focal's? No, but I have chosen the E3's every morning since my first week with both pairs. And...they're super comfortable! Please do not make a final decision until you listen to them. I get the concerns about having enough power. But I'm done worrying about ever needed to upgrade my gear again. As you know, I'm sure, we need all the time we have left to listen to all the great music out there waiting for us.
 
Aug 27, 2024 at 8:02 PM Post #56 of 91
Well, I jumped ahead to see where we were with this thread. Elsewhere on the board I posted my personal current experiences with the JM Edition XTC 2.5 headphones for my new office system designed for rock music. Spoiler alert! I flat out love 'em! But every morning (it's so great to be retired) I listen to classical music in my reading area. I've got two pairs of closed backs there, the E3's by Dan Clark and the Focal Stellia's. I'm driving that system with the Mytek Liberty THX amp and the Mytek Liberty II DAC. I listen to all kinds of classical music. This morning I relistened to the Faure Violin Sonatas/Symanowaski Mythes set with Kaja Danczowska violin and Krstian Zimerman piano. Fantastic recording and through the E3's I was right in the room, six or seven rows back. Just fantastic! Orchestral music is a real treat because the sound stage, instrumental timber reproduction, and over all transparency is absolutely accurate. The E3's are the headphone equivalent of freestanding loudspeakers costing at least $25,000 a pair if not more. Do they blow away the Focal's? No, but I have chosen the E3's every morning since my first week with both pairs. And...they're super comfortable! Please do not make a final decision until you listen to them. I get the concerns about having enough power. But I'm done worrying about ever needed to upgrade my gear again. As you know, I'm sure, we need all the time we have left to listen to all the great music out there waiting for us.
At this junction, too late: already bought the AH-D9200.

But at a future junction - well, we all know how that goes in this hobby 🙂
 
Aug 27, 2024 at 11:13 PM Post #57 of 91
My concern with the E3 is lack of dynamics, which is an issue with every DCA headphone AFAIK. I've heard the E3 is an improvement in this regard, but classical music really benefits from some dynamics. I would love to try them before buying.
 
Aug 27, 2024 at 11:30 PM Post #58 of 91
My concern with the E3 is lack of dynamics, which is an issue with every DCA headphone AFAIK. I've heard the E3 is an improvement in this regard, but classical music really benefits from some dynamics. I would love to try them before buying.
I can't speak to other Dan Clark headphones but a lack of dynamics has never been a problem with the E3's. About a month ago I did a "Dvorak-a-thon" with the Istvan Kertez and Rowicki symphony sets.. Wow was that exciting! I'm comparing my listening experience to sitting in the front orchestra section for the L.A. Philharmonic which I do every season at Disney Hall. No, the phones do not convey all the power of a live symphony but every instrument is accurate and in the right place with all the dynamics you need to get lost in the piece. Usery, enjoy your new headphones!
 
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Sep 1, 2024 at 3:54 AM Post #59 of 91
@ usery

Since you seem to like the sound of the AH-D9200, I thought that might be something for you too:

https://north-america.beyerdynamic.com/xelento-remote.html#

I use them on the road with an iBasso DX260 and am thrilled with the brutal precision of the resolution. The sound is flawless and extremely musical.

Apparently Beyerdynamic is currently discontinuing the IEM.

Maybe that would be something for you?
 
Sep 1, 2024 at 6:55 AM Post #60 of 91
@ usery

Since you seem to like the sound of the AH-D9200, I thought that might be something for you too:

https://north-america.beyerdynamic.com/xelento-remote.html#

I use them on the road with an iBasso DX260 and am thrilled with the brutal precision of the resolution. The sound is flawless and extremely musical.

Apparently Beyerdynamic is currently discontinuing the IEM.

Maybe that would be something for you?
Groan ... now you've done it 🙂. Another compelling piece of audio gear I must consider.

Your timing is good, as I've had an IEM 'itch'. Have been using Sony IER-M9 for a few years now, which to me sounds quite good. I mainly use them with a Shanling M6 Pro 21, which also sounds quite good to me but suffers from a poor Android implementation.
 
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