[listenerwww]

From the impressions so far, I'm noticing a trend: it seems people with big heads tend to really not like it. I think the folks at headphones.com said the same thing, and they also had very big heads. Someone in the drop.com comments did mention that "stretching the headband out" did help a bit with getting proper positioning, but I wouldn't risk it as it may affect returnability.

It seems like this headphone just might not be for people with bigger heads.. which is disappointing if true. Curious if people with smaller heads will corroborate the impressions so far or provide different impressions (I have a smaller head, so I eagerly await these impressions!)

Also @Evshrug I forgot if you mentioned it before but what's your head size XD

Well, the headband probably didn't fit Resolve or GoldenSound very well due to the aforementioned deficit of headband extension. Likely didn't help the sound itself or the overall impression!

However, I have a much smaller head (and brain) than either of them, and I didn't really like any of the OAE-1 versions I heard—which I believe was 4 versions total. Take that however you will, as I've yet to hear the new version.

 

[Ishcabible]

Mine came today!

I have to be honest, these sound unfinished. There is way, way too much bass, and while a lot of bass can be fun, it's not fun when it sounds muddy, which the OAE1 unfortunately is. This is combined with an awkward elevation in the upper midrange that gives them a, "phone in a Solo cup to make it louder" character. The treble sounds more fatiguing to me than my measurements show, and they already have an elevation. In the time it took me for me to write this post, I had to take them off because I was too fatigued by the treble. Further, since there is so much bass and so much mid treble, I keep having to remind myself that I'm not using a cheap gaming headset, as that is what I keep defaulting to assuming I'm using when I'm using the OAE1.

I quickly compared to an HD560S I have on hand and the bass delta is not only noticeable, it shows just how destructive it is to the midrange. I have issues with how the HD560S lacks texture in the midrange, which is why I tend to struggle to recommend it over cheaper headphones like the Koss KSC75 or PortaPro, but even the HD560S seems to resolve more texture than the OAE1, in part because of how overwhelmingly bassy they are. To try to come up with a comparison off hand, these remind me of a cheaper version of the Philips Fidelio X2; I'm incredibly disappointed because I've loved Axel's work; the HD580 remains my reference for midrange, for example. I bought these in the hope that I'd have a new recommendation in the <$500 price bracket. This, however, sounds like a capitulation to the mass market, but at a price range that's higher than the actual quality of the sound would suggest.

Maybe they just need to break in, but first impressions are pretty bleak.

Here is my OAE-1 measurement compensated to the Diffuse Field HRTF of my rig vs. Jude's measurement compensated to the Diffuse Field HRTF of his rig. This should be seen as comparing the response on two different heads in a more apples-to-apples way than comparing them raw—and even may gesture towards the kind of differences we'd see between two real human heads.



But just in case you want it, here are raw measurements as well, normalized at 500 Hz compared against Harman-filtered DF for each rig:



Oh yeah, pads are glued, so I can't even pad roll like I was hoping to do.

EDIT: should have RTFM, the pads are removable and clipped; I’d recommend shimming a finger under the outside rim to prevent ripping a seam like I did.

 

[Luckyleo]

Mine came today!



I have to be honest, these sound unfinished. There is way, way too much bass, and while a lot of bass can be fun, it's not fun when it sounds muddy, which the OAE1 unfortunately is. This is combined with an awkward elevation in the upper midrange that gives them a, "phone in a Solo cup to make it louder" character. The treble sounds more fatiguing to me than my measurements show, and they already have an elevation. In the time it took me for me to write this post, I had to take them off because I was too fatigued by the treble. Further, since there is so much bass and so much mid treble, I keep having to remind myself that I'm not using a cheap gaming headset, as that is what I keep defaulting to assuming I'm using when I'm using the OAE1.

I quickly compared to an HD560S I have on hand and the bass delta is not only noticeable, it shows just how destructive it is to the midrange. I have issues with how the HD560S lacks texture in the midrange, which is why I tend to struggle to recommend it over cheaper headphones like the Koss KSC75 or PortaPro, but even the HD560S seems to resolve more texture than the OAE1, in part because of how overwhelmingly bassy they are. To try to come up with a comparison off hand, these remind me of a cheaper version of the Philips Fidelio X2; I'm incredibly disappointed because I've loved Axel's work; the HD580 remains my reference for midrange, for example. I bought these in the hope that I'd have a new recommendation in the <$500 price bracket. This, however, sounds like a capitulation to the mass market, but at a price range that's higher than the actual quality of the sound would suggest.

Maybe they just need to break in, but first impressions are pretty bleak.

Here is my OAE-1 measurement compensated to the Diffuse Field HRTF of my rig vs. Jude's measurement compensated to the Diffuse Field HRTF of his rig. This should be seen as comparing the response on two different heads in a more apples-to-apples way than comparing them raw—and even may gesture towards the kind of differences we'd see between two real human heads.



But just in case you want it, here are raw measurements as well, normalized at 500 Hz compared against Harman-filtered DF for each rig:



Oh yeah, pads are glued, so I can't even pad roll like I was hoping to do.

I just removed my pads. As documented in the instructions. Not a problem to take off and put back on.

 

[Evshrug]

From the impressions so far, I'm noticing a trend: it seems people with big heads tend to really not like it. I think the folks at headphones.com said the same thing, and they also had very big heads. Someone in the drop.com comments did mention that "stretching the headband out" did help a bit with getting proper positioning, but I wouldn't risk it as it may affect returnability.

It seems like this headphone just might not be for people with bigger heads.. which is disappointing if true. Curious if people with smaller heads will corroborate the impressions so far or provide different impressions (I have a smaller head, so I eagerly await these impressions!)

Also @Evshrug I forgot if you mentioned it before but what's your head size XD

When I wear a baseball cap with buttons to adjust the tightness, it’s two holes wider than centered. I think that means I have a fairly medium head?

The headband tension is quick to adjust though! No need to crush the earpads by using books for hours. The headband splits into a top and bottom half section. I suggest using a guitar pick, plastic wedge, or other pry tool (preferably not likely to scratch things), or even just your bare hands. Look how neat the inside design is:

Steps:
1. Remove lower padding by unsnapping along the seam.
2. Remove six screws on one side, which hold the slider in place.
3. Slide the spring steel out on the open side.
4. Adjust spring steel by flexing/stretching it to reduce the amount of tension.
5. Slide back into place making sure it is seated properly and is not pinching the overhead cable.
6. Reinstall slider with the six screws.
7. Align lower padding and press to snap back into place.

@jsabini1 @ruinedx
Hope this helps someone! Also, somebody give @DekoniAudio a nudge to offer a velour or suede bottom half option of the headband

 

[Ishcabible]

I just removed my pads. As documented in the instructions. Not a problem to take off and put back on.

Got mine off, thanks! I should have read the manual…when trying without reading it I ripped a seam—I had better luck shimming a fingernail under the pad

 

[julian12]

I’m listening to Taylor Swift and it sounds like she’s singing from another room. On 4.4mm through a RU7. My first impression is these are very V shaped with a tremendous mid suck out.

 

[listenerwww]

I’m listening to Taylor Swift and it sounds like she’s singing from another room. On 4.4mm through a RU7. My first impression is these are very V shaped with a tremendous mid suck out.

Sounds like some incredible soundstage distance!

 

[Ishcabible]

While the pad is removed, here’s what’s underneath! Looks like quite a thick piece of felt.

 

[Vitaliy Belz]

*

 

[Ishcabible]

Can I ask you to take a detailed photo of the driver?

Best I can do for now; I plan on just eating the cost of these and disassembling them tomorrow or Friday.

 

[Vitaliy Belz]

*

 

[ThEvil0nE]

I’m listening to Taylor Swift and it sounds like she’s singing from another room. On 4.4mm through a RU7. My first impression is these are very V shaped with a tremendous mid suck out.

You can thank the dug out 5k 6k trench for that. Deep dip on 5k always pushes back the middle of the stage . The same issue I have with the SR325x with a 5k dip, snare drums, you can barely hear brush strokes and rimshots don't sound right. Vocal in that region get's attenuated and stays back in the mix. The good thing about the SR325x is the 5k dip exist not to widen the soundstage and they made it work damn well to be an engaging visceral sound. Dipping the 5k region to widen the stage which look like what's happening with the OAE1 is a tricky proposition. I did not pre-order the OAE1 but if I had, I would try to EQ it close to SR325x

 

[trellus]

Does anyone have a balanced cable that works? I was flummoxed by the one included, as it has not a dual-sided cable -- and it just didn't work, I only got sound in the side it was plugged into, unless I pulled it out a little, and it was tricky to get it to play on both sides and even then it sounded rather out of phase.

The dual-entry single-ended 6.3mm cable worked just fine, though.

I don't have enough time yet to share any impressions, except that it sounds "interesting", and that it's definitely less of a disappointment than Grell's "Heavy" wireless headphones.

 

[buidoimiennui]

Through the photos shared by everyone, I feel the construction quality is low. The cup frame seems to be made of plastic and painted silver. The iron mesh is clumsily drawn. we don't seem to need cups. 55% of the drivers are located outside, inside the ear cushions. What will the remaining 45% in the cup create?

I have obsessive-compulsive disorder, I wouldn't be able to stand seeing the holes of the iron mesh going in the wrong direction like this.

 

[zilax002]

Does anyone have a balanced cable that works? I was flummoxed by the one included, as it has not a dual-sided cable -- and it just didn't work, I only got sound in the side it was plugged into, unless I pulled it out a little, and it was tricky to get it to play on both sides and even then it sounded rather out of phase.

The dual-entry single-ended 6.3mm cable worked just fine, though.

I don't have enough time yet to share any impressions, except that it sounds "interesting", and that it's definitely less of a disappointment than Grell's "Heavy" wireless headphones.

The included balanced cable works just fine for me, and only needs to be plugged into one side. You can choose whichever side you prefer.

It's a unique design. I'm not sure of the availability of other single 2.5mm entry balanced cables, but I assume the vast majority on the market would be dual-ended 2.5mm entry.