[sakvi]

As the title says I am deciding between the Live! and the HM5. I am extremely new to this and these would be my first audiophile headphones or any headphones I've put any research into. I know the HM5 is almost twice the cost but these seem to be the best two, at least from my research. So if anyone could point out the differences between the two, I would appreciate it. Thankyou!

 

[Sam21]

I have the CAL!2 , there is bass but the mids lacks clarity and the treble isn't sparkly. sound stage is good however...

 

[KG Jag]

Head to head, I prefer the CAL!  See:
 
http://beta.innerfidelity.com/content/creative-aurvana-live-classic-reincarnate
 
The HM5 is not bad, but I find it to be nearly lifeless.

 

[sakvi]

Thanks, I'll probably go with the CAL!

 

[sakvi]

Also do you know if the CAL!2 is worth it over the original CAL!?

 

[KG Jag]

The CAL2 is an entirely different can than the CAL1.  The fact that they have the same base name is deceptive and unfortunate.  the CAL2 is for bassheads or at least basshead lites.

 

[sakvi]

Okay, thanks. I'll probably go with the CAL!1.

 

[sakvi]

I wish the CAL! 1 looked as nice as the CAL! 2 though.

 

[sakvi]

I've read some reviews of the CAL!2 and they've said the CAL!2 has a similar signature to the ooriginal, just with enhanced bass.

 

[KG Jag]

I've read some reviews of the CAL!2 and they've said the CAL!2 has a similar signature to the ooriginal, just with enhanced bass.

No--you can't up the bass and say that the sound signature is the same.  If you look to the Buying Guide, the CAL2 has a red "B"--which means it is a "bass heavy headphone."
 
See:
 
http://www.head-fi.org/a/headphone-buying-guide

 

[sakvi]

Thank you for showing me that. I did not know that it existed. When you said that it was unfortunate that the CAL!1 and CAL!2 had the same base name were you implying the original had a better sound quality?

 

[KG Jag]

I am implying two things.  First there is really very little that is similar between the CAL! & CAL2.  Second the CAL! is a great sub-audiophile entry level can.  See:
 
http://www.innerfidelity.com/content/creative-aurvana-live-classic-reincarnate
 
The CAL2 is a bassy lifestyle can.

 

[sakvi]

@KG Jag In your first comment, what did you mean by the HM5 being lifeless? Sorry, I'm new to purchasing anything close to audiophile headphone and don't really know what that means. Thanks for all your other extremely helpful comments.

 

[sakvi]

Is the Shure SRH440 any good?

 

[KG Jag]

  @KG Jag In your first comment, what did you mean by the HM5 being lifeless? Sorry, I'm new to purchasing anything close to audiophile headphone and don't really know what that means. Thanks for all your other extremely helpful comments.

They lack musicality.  They fail to reproduce soul of the music.