Taylor Smith
Head-Fier
- Joined
- Jan 12, 2017
- Posts
- 56
- Likes
- 31
Edit: I have no problem shopping used.
Hey Everyone,
I'm quite a long time lurker here and other places, but have finally made the plunge to ask for some recommendations and contribute. Living in central Ohio I do not know of any place to audition any products I am interested besides what is available at Sam Ash or Guitar Center sadly. No foreseeable trips to Cincinnati in the near future either. I see a lot of great suggestions from contributors and would like to add my particular taste in the mix.
I am currently looking for a relatively easy to drive closed back (Over Ear) headphone to use for travelling or use around campus, libraries, home.. an all rounder for sorts. . Largeness and leak is a mild factor in my purchase. I also wear glasses so a larger ear pad is recommended to create a good seal.
Here are some attributes I prefer:
Rich or fun sound, wider soundstage (wide enough), good dynamics, balanced sound, sound signature between neutral and V- Shaped, prefer non-recessed mids that accompany a more prominent punch to low end that keeps mid present, detachable cable . Obviously there is give and take for any of these. While sound quality is very important, a good looking portable headphone and presentation can also win me over in hand. Sound and Look is complimentary.
To continue I'll go through my recent closed back purchases ( in chronological order ) to give you a better picture of what I'm looking for.
-Beyerdynamic DT-770 80ohm
Too V- shaped for my liking. Soundstage is wonderful and dynamics are there. Loved the high end detail that the 770's are known for. Low end a little too bumped up, but overall lively to listen to. Very comfortable velour pads and size did not bother me. (Planning to sell)
-AIAIAI TMA-2 - S04 driver & E05 Microfiber Earpads
Oh no no no. Intrigued by modularity and left disappointed. Boomy, lack of finesse and clarity in every range, too V-shaped. Pads felt more like on ears, do not cover entire ear enough. Size too small and caused issues with my glasses
(Returned)
-B&O H6 (Generation 2)
An interesting sound signature that is more neutral than the previous purchases. Although the mids were excellent and staging was pretty good, although I found the signature lacking in depth. It is very odd to describe the lacking feeling of the lower mids ( if I recall correctly )? Lively but not rich, anemic feeling. Earpad and headphone sized just big enough.
( Returned )
-Master & Dynamic MH40 Gunmetal
Took me a couple days to grasped the interesting sound signature, but the more I listened the more I liked! While the low end is not super tight, it is controlled well and adds the right amount of detail, fullness, and punch for my liking. Low end wit the right amount of presence. Mh40's mids were just about at the point I am satisfied without calling them recessed. High end present enough for me and sound stage is enough. Very Dynamic and energetic headphone. I would like a signature as close to this as possible! My issues with the MH40's are the lack of good seal with glasses on, and how much fiddling is needed to create a perfect seal. I'm thinking of buying the alcantara pads that may help airflow through the pads (unlike the leathers). I'm keeping these for now while I continue searching.
( In possession)
- OPPO PM-3
Just got these today and will immediately return. Too neutral for my liking and felt lacking like my previous H6's. Too laid back like the Meze 99's, but even more troubling to my ears. Low end lacked presence for my tastes, but mids were excellent. For some reason high's felt extremely shouty to my ears? Felt less controlled than Q701's or the AKG KXXX series ( I expect a lot of different opinions on this one haha).
Currently Reading Up On
Final Audio Design Sonorous III and Shure 1540's as possible contenders?
As you can see, I prefer the MH40's heavily for its unique, fun signature, look, and presentation. If I could have help finding some alternatives that are somewhat similar I will be forever grateful. Please feel free to ask me more questions, give me feedback or give an opinion. I'm trying not to write a novel here. Thanks guys!
Hey Everyone,
I'm quite a long time lurker here and other places, but have finally made the plunge to ask for some recommendations and contribute. Living in central Ohio I do not know of any place to audition any products I am interested besides what is available at Sam Ash or Guitar Center sadly. No foreseeable trips to Cincinnati in the near future either. I see a lot of great suggestions from contributors and would like to add my particular taste in the mix.
I am currently looking for a relatively easy to drive closed back (Over Ear) headphone to use for travelling or use around campus, libraries, home.. an all rounder for sorts. . Largeness and leak is a mild factor in my purchase. I also wear glasses so a larger ear pad is recommended to create a good seal.
Here are some attributes I prefer:
Rich or fun sound, wider soundstage (wide enough), good dynamics, balanced sound, sound signature between neutral and V- Shaped, prefer non-recessed mids that accompany a more prominent punch to low end that keeps mid present, detachable cable . Obviously there is give and take for any of these. While sound quality is very important, a good looking portable headphone and presentation can also win me over in hand. Sound and Look is complimentary.
To continue I'll go through my recent closed back purchases ( in chronological order ) to give you a better picture of what I'm looking for.
-Beyerdynamic DT-770 80ohm
Too V- shaped for my liking. Soundstage is wonderful and dynamics are there. Loved the high end detail that the 770's are known for. Low end a little too bumped up, but overall lively to listen to. Very comfortable velour pads and size did not bother me. (Planning to sell)
-AIAIAI TMA-2 - S04 driver & E05 Microfiber Earpads
Oh no no no. Intrigued by modularity and left disappointed. Boomy, lack of finesse and clarity in every range, too V-shaped. Pads felt more like on ears, do not cover entire ear enough. Size too small and caused issues with my glasses
(Returned)
-B&O H6 (Generation 2)
An interesting sound signature that is more neutral than the previous purchases. Although the mids were excellent and staging was pretty good, although I found the signature lacking in depth. It is very odd to describe the lacking feeling of the lower mids ( if I recall correctly )? Lively but not rich, anemic feeling. Earpad and headphone sized just big enough.
( Returned )
-Master & Dynamic MH40 Gunmetal
Took me a couple days to grasped the interesting sound signature, but the more I listened the more I liked! While the low end is not super tight, it is controlled well and adds the right amount of detail, fullness, and punch for my liking. Low end wit the right amount of presence. Mh40's mids were just about at the point I am satisfied without calling them recessed. High end present enough for me and sound stage is enough. Very Dynamic and energetic headphone. I would like a signature as close to this as possible! My issues with the MH40's are the lack of good seal with glasses on, and how much fiddling is needed to create a perfect seal. I'm thinking of buying the alcantara pads that may help airflow through the pads (unlike the leathers). I'm keeping these for now while I continue searching.
( In possession)
- OPPO PM-3
Just got these today and will immediately return. Too neutral for my liking and felt lacking like my previous H6's. Too laid back like the Meze 99's, but even more troubling to my ears. Low end lacked presence for my tastes, but mids were excellent. For some reason high's felt extremely shouty to my ears? Felt less controlled than Q701's or the AKG KXXX series ( I expect a lot of different opinions on this one haha).
Currently Reading Up On
Final Audio Design Sonorous III and Shure 1540's as possible contenders?
As you can see, I prefer the MH40's heavily for its unique, fun signature, look, and presentation. If I could have help finding some alternatives that are somewhat similar I will be forever grateful. Please feel free to ask me more questions, give me feedback or give an opinion. I'm trying not to write a novel here. Thanks guys!