[VandyMan]

I'm really enjoying the ES-R10. For music, it is my favorite closed-back. I still prefer the more neutral Stellia for TV/movies with my Realiser A-16.

As much as I like the ES-R10, I feel it gets a little bit congested in the midrange with bass heavy music, large scale music, and complex dynamic music. By congested, I mean individual instruments are less distinct. I also hear a touch of brightness in the lower treble at times. Overall, a really pleasurable listen that will get a lot of head time from me.

 

[VandyMan]

Also, the ES-R10 is a great compliment to my other ToTL headphones. Its sound signature is pretty unique and the story behind it makes it extra special. I will not be selling any of my favorite headphones due to the ES-R10 though.

 

[buffer]

Yes I agree.

The D9200 is a underrated gem! Its pretty good. It is somewhat better than the ES-R10.

The D9200 has a interesting warm musical sound. It might be Denon greatest headphone they ever made.

I would respectfully disagree with the opinion expressed that the D9200 is better than the ES-R10. Of course, I get that it might be for some, but for me the 'smallish headstage' is significant and I also feel the D9200 has a bit too much bass emphasis, more than I consider to be natural.

 

[Sebbai]

Agree with @buffer

9200 had that wired soundstage you get from a bad Bluetooth headphone. But the bass is probably the best I’ve heard from a dynamic headphone, maybe any headphone. LCD-5 also comes to mind.


What if someone transplants the 9200 driver into the ES-R10?

 

[protoss]

D9200 has a bit too much bass emphasis, more than I consider to be natural.

Agree. The D9200 is not neutral.
I find it fun and musical which makes it enjoyable.

 

[justanut]

What if someone transplants the 9200 driver into the ES-R10?

Then it would no longer the R10 reborn... nah... The R10 is perfect the way it is. I don't even want to change the ear pads.

 

[mulveling]

The ES-R10 is gonna be a classic. Here's the hardware I've been playing with lately:

Headphones: ES-R10; Stax L700, 007 Mk I, 009; Grado PS2000e, GS3000e, PS500e; AKG K340
Amps: DIY T2, KGSShv 500V, HEV90 Balanced, Headroom Max Balanced, Dynalo+ Balanced, Sony WM1Z (modded)

The most musical, most enjoyable listens are: 007 or 009 with T2, ES-R10 with anything (but best with Max), and L700 with HEV90. There is a very substantial drop-off below these 3 combos. Enough that I don't want to listen to them anymore. The T2/009-007 is a better technical performer than the other 2 musical combos. But does this contribute meaningfully to the music? I don't know. Each of these 3 combos has its own distinct merits in serving the music. I also have an issue with my T2 where the Left channel cuts out after a minute. So it can only serve as a reminder of how wonderful it's supposed to sound. Electrostatic amps are a nightmare to keep running. The L700/HEV90 and ES-R10 seem right up there with it in term of making me want to listen more, though.

The L700 was not great on T2 when I tried it in the past. The 009 sounds a bit odd on HEV90 so I'm not even gonna bother trying 007 there. The 009 and 007 are quite competent on the KGSShv, but the harder edge to its sound pushes me away after a short while. The 009 really only sounds spectacular on T2 now. The L700 and HEV90 each seem like flawed gems that somehow work really great together. The ES-R10 is warmer than the electrostats for sure. The Grados sound fun at times but are just so fatiguing, usually sound awful with stock pads, and not as technically adept as these other headphones.

With all the problem I've had with electrostatic amps and matching them to headphones, the ES-R10 really represents life on easy mode.

 

[Failed Engineer]

You should get an HP1000. After climbing to the top in technical proficiency I've found that my musical satisfaction comes from headphones that are considered a tier below technically: This ES-R10, HP1000, HD580, and newly the ZMF Atrium (which is spectacular and forcing me to split my headphone time with the ES-R10 as I received them within days of each other) are the ones I enjoy the most and are most guilty of "one more song" syndrome.

 

[mulveling]

You should get an HP1000. After climbing to the top in technical proficiency I've found that my musical satisfaction comes from headphones that are considered a tier below technically: This ES-R10, HP1000, HD580, and newly the ZMF Atrium (which is spectacular and forcing me to split my headphone time with the ES-R10 as I received them within days of each other) are the ones I enjoy the most and are most guilty of "one more song" syndrome.

I've had HP1000, three times in the past
They were very enjoyable; it's been many years since I had a pair and my sources / amps weren't the best back then.

 

[dougms3]

Can anyone with the headphones post pictures of the driver without the earpad? Thanks.

 

[purk]

Can anyone with the headphones post pictures of the driver without the earpad? Thanks.

That’s not easy to do and doubt that anyone want to remove the earpad since it is glued to the housing.

 

[Sebbai]

Can anyone with the headphones post pictures of the driver without the earpad? Thanks.

https://www.head-fi.org/threads/es-...a-discussion-impressions.962569/post-16890293

 

[dougms3]

https://www.head-fi.org/threads/es-...a-discussion-impressions.962569/post-16890293

Wow, that is some serious level damping and tuning.

That does not look like the pioneer driver that was posted before.

 

[Failed Engineer]

Eva Cassidy's crystalline, emotive voice is just so beautiful via the ES-R10. I've thoroughly enjoyed the past couple weeks with it but the R10 puts me in the venue. I don't know if it's the cups, driver, or driven through the 3F, this is a spectacular listen.

 

[purk]

My very favorite album as well.