[seacard]

Quote:

Originally Posted by sacd lover Absolutely awesome post seacard.

Thanks. I'm trying hard to get onto your "Particularly Cool Head-Fiers" list. How many great posts does it take to get there?

 

[sacd lover]

Quote:

Originally Posted by seacard Thanks. I'm trying hard to get onto your "Particularly Cool Head-Fiers" list. How many great posts does it take to get there?

Wow we even think alike.

There you go .....

 

[philodox]

It is funny how I both like some of the headphones which you rated highly and dislike others. This hobby is a strange one for sure.

 

[TooNice]

Quote:

Originally Posted by sacd lover I am so impressed with the 701's I am still debating with myself why I ordered the Grados today. The GS1000 descriptions are very close to how I view the 701. Will the GS1000 be worth three times the cost of the 701's? I hope so!

As long as you take into account diminishing returns

I find it hard to believe that anything can be 3x better than something that is already classified as good/very good.

 

[kwkarth]

Seacard,
An excellent review. Thanks for taking the time to share your thoughts and experience, it was most enlightening.

I always have great respect for the ear of an experienced musician. There's no better reference than the real thing!

Cheers!

 

[Trogdor]

seacard, interesting analysis, can't say I totally agree (especially the K1000, R10, Orpheus comparo).

What's funny is that one really doesn't know until you *live* with these headphones, i.e. I've had the wonderful opportunity of listening to all of these headphones but you really don't know until your in quiet place all alone with your setup before you go "YEA" or "NAY."

With that said, impressions are fun to say the least!

Also, what amp did you hear the Qualia's with? (they are very sensitive as are all of the top headphones)

 

[kg21]

nice thread, I enjoyed reading through the impressions especially since Im new and your post covered a broad range of headphones.

 

[seacard]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Trogdor seacard, interesting analysis, can't say I totally agree (especially the K1000, R10, Orpheus comparo). What's funny is that one really doesn't know until you *live* with these headphones, i.e. I've had the wonderful opportunity of listening to all of these headphones but you really don't know until your in quiet place all alone with your setup before you go "YEA" or "NAY." With that said, impressions are fun to say the least! Also, what amp did you hear the Qualia's with? (they are very sensitive as are all of the top headphones)

I didn't really do an Orpheus comparison since I haven't spend much time with it. I was trying to limit it to dynamics at this point. The R10 was really something special to me, but I know opinions differ.

I heard the Qualia with a Supra, an MPX3 SLAM, and balanced through an SDS-XLR. I also had a brief listen with a GS-1. With those, I would definitely say that it is in the upper echelon, but just a little short of the R10 or the K1000 at its best. But you're absolutely correct... some amps are just not right or some headphones, which is why I'm a little hesitant to call something best or worst, given I haven't (and never will) be able to try it with every amp combination. I also use a Meridian 508.24 CD Player, and realize that these combinations may sound different with a Cary or an EMM or a Wadia.

 

[Trogdor]

Quote:

Originally Posted by seacard I didn't really do an Orpheus comparison since I haven't spend much time with it. I was trying to limit it to dynamics at this point. The R10 was really something special to me, but I know opinions differ. I heard the Qualia with a Supra, an MPX3 SLAM, and balanced through an SDS-XLR. I also had a brief listen with a GS-1. With those, I would definitely say that it is in the upper echelon, but just a little short of the R10 or the K1000 at its best. But you're absolutely correct... some amps are just not right or some headphones, which is why I'm a little hesitant to call something best or worst, given I haven't (and never will) be able to try it with every amp combination. I also use a Meridian 508.24 CD Player, and realize that these combinations may sound different with a Cary or an EMM or a Wadia.

seacard, cool beans, yeah, the SDS-XLR and Qualia is something I just experienced at the National Meet. Very magical to say the least. With that said, I have to agree with you that the balanced R10's and SDS-XLR was even more magical.

I don't know about everyone else, but I feel with the best setups, things become a matter of "preference" than which one is "better!"

I still think the AKG 701 is a solid headphone but not even close to the R10 or Qualia (certainly not the Qualia in terms of transient response or low-end impact, my biggest compliant with these cans at this point, 5Hz my ass!).

I'm probably one of the few who has had more than 5 minutes with the new Grado GS-1K's (about half hour runnning through a SFT M3 and Dynamight). I'm debating on whether or not to buy it or the E500 (I want...err...need both).

 

[thrice]

seacard,

Great impressions. I definitely agree with your assessment of the K1000, SA5000 and R10. I too have heard the Qualia out of an SDS-XLR and they are special. I would also mention the RS-1 out of the same amp....it really takes that headphone to another level.

Thanks for your impressions...that first post is a great thumbnail sketch for people looking debating between any of those headphones; it offers some nice perspective.