[Zuerst]

Would say a slightly cheaper headphone with newer drivers be better than say slightly more expensive headphone that has an older driver? Could the ATH-A900/A1000 sound better than the now discontiuned ATH-W100? Should I get a W100 if and when get the chance?

 

[D-EJ915]

No, how old a headphone is has no relation to whether it's good or not. Please note the V6/V600 comparison, or the R10, W11JPN, etc. They are all better than newer models...according to their respective owners, all of whom have a better system than I do

 

[Zuerst]

I didn't know there is a respective newere model for the R10? I would expect the R10 to be better than their newer lower end headphones being it's a $4000 headphone...

 

[Canman]

The enclosure is probably just as important as the driver. In addition, AFAIK dynamic driver technology hasn't changed that much in the last 10-20 years.

 

[Duncan]

Quote:

Originally posted by Canman The enclosure is probably just as important as the driver. In addition, AFAIK dynamic driver technology hasn't changed that much in the last 10-20 years.

The only arguable improvement (other than diaphragm design, which is manufacturer dependent anyway) would probably be the magnetic strength, with neodynium being (reportedly, according to Sonys marketing at least?!?) 20 times more powerful than Samarium Cobalt...

Other than that, nothing that I can think of...