ES2a discussions \ reviews \ reasoning \ impressions

[RogueCrusher]

Finally was able to pick up my delivery with a weeks worth of anticipation. Seems like everyone so far ordered the classic brown version. I stuck with the OG black, and seems like it’s one of the first black ones “out in the wild”, Number 22. Here are a few unboxing pics. I ordered the Stax cabling option, extra set of pads, a 4mm thick nylon headband (standard is 3mm) and the headband 2cm narrower side to side. Must say, with those changes, the clamping pressure is perfect and it provides a good seal and stability. Any less and I would be wanting for more.

Here are a few unboxing pics…

 

[K3cT]

Interesting comments about customising the headband. If let’s say the SR-009 OG fits my head very nicely, will the stock headband do well or we need to adjust the fitting?

 

[RogueCrusher]

Interesting comments about customising the headband. If let’s say the SR-009 OG fits my head very nicely, will the stock headband do well or we need to adjust the fitting?

Having had the ES-1a and being familiar with its fit, it was a little too loose for my liking and clamp force a little too gentle. Multiple owners and a few reviewers had commented on this in the past. So I wanted to remedy this with the ES-2a.

I have an average head size (head circumference 57.5cm, I wear New Era fitted baseball caps that are size 7 1/4. From outer edge of helix on pinna to outer edge on other side I measure about 19cm. I do not have “prominent ear/lop ear”, and my pinnae rest normally back.

I’ve never owned the 009 so I can’t comment on the relation with fit, and that would be very difficult to conclude anything from anyhow.

The thickness and width mods now provide proper clamp force and pad seal. Alas, I have still not been able to listen yet because my office setup is not suitable for eStats Help, Da MF plug won’t fit! Gotta wait until this evening. Current office setup..,I’m actually loving the FiiO FT1 at the moment on the Asgard.

 

[TheAbyss2022]

My pair arrived today, loading up some tunes on the Carbon CC.

 

[RogueCrusher]

My pair arrived today, loading up some tunes on the Carbon CC.

Awesome! I think I like the beige/brown like you have the best. Good choice. Audition them on your iFi Phantom too. Feedback when you get a chance

Also, please compare bass with your 007 Mk1

 

[TheAbyss2022]

Awesome! I think I like the beige/brown like you have the best. Good choice. Audition them on your iFi Phantom too. Feedback when you get a chance

Also, please compare bass with your 007 Mk1

Yeah I really like the colour combo.

Very early impressions are extremely positive with the es-2a. Very good soundstage, smooth and detailed mids with no honk, airy treble with no harshness at all, uncoloured sound. Congrats to Benson!

Bass might be better than 007, need more time and A/B.

 

[mbrennwa]

Bass might be better than 007

Better or just more?

 

[TheAbyss2022]

Better or just more?

Need to A/B, I thought the Phantom was connected as a tube pre and xbass was engaged when in fact it was only running on the Carbon CC and producing the amazing bass I was hearing.

EDIT: I just did an A/B with a few test tracks with 007 mk1 with mk2 pads and es-2a on Carbon CC. It's a no contest here, es-2a delivers more impact and definition in the bass. Shocking!!! 007 has good impact as well but there is a noticeable more amount of slam with es-2a.

 

[TuHu]

Is the ES-2a headband made out of metal or it is plastic like the Stax 009s?

 

[icnaiwhimor1975]

Is the ES-2a headband made out of metal or it is plastic like the Stax 009s?

there is no metal
there is plastic but it is different
not like 009
it is softer
metal is worse, it bends so much and presses more

 

[mbrennwa]

...es-2a delivers more impact and definition in the bass. Shocking!!! 007 has good impact as well but there is a noticeable more amount more slam with es-2a.

Interesting!

What's your thought on the ES-2a bass on this track:
Emiliana Torrini, Me and Armini
https://i.imgur.com/BrOWdNr.png

 

[TheAbyss2022]

Interesting!

What's your thought on the ES-2a bass on this track:
Emiliana Torrini, Me and Armini
https://i.imgur.com/BrOWdNr.png

Much better bass on es-2a on this track. Much greater definition, impact and goes deeper into the sub compared to 007 mk1.

 

[TuHu]

there is no metal
there is plastic but it is different
not like 009
it is softer
metal is worse, it bends so much and presses more

Thanks for the information.
I have the ES-2a added to my cart for a few days already.
If I order it and don't like the sound signatures, I may trade/sell

 

[RogueCrusher]

Much better bass on es-2a on this track. Much greater definition, impact and goes deeper into the sub compared to 007 mk1.

Your report so far put a huge smile on my face! Thank you. I always thought 007 mk1 had some great bass extension and presence for eStats. As far as a test listen, a few songs come to mind that really work for testing bass. Mega Bass by Audio Creator Sistem, recorded 2020 and Breathe by Zabo and Parallax, by Direct, I think Monstercat label 2014 recording. Listen to those with both headphones and let me know how they perform.

 

[TheAbyss2022]

Your report so far put a huge smile on my face! Thank you. I always thought 007 mk1 had some great bass extension and presence for eStats. As far as a test listen, a few songs come to mind that really work for testing bass. Mega Bass by Audio Creator Sistem, recorded 2020 and Breathe by Zabo and Parallax, by Direct, I think Monstercat label 2014 recording. Listen to those with both headphones and let me know how they perform.

So for the track Mega Bass, upon the drop at 54 seconds, the 007 mk1 produces copious amount of slam and impact on this track and its really impressive. With the ES-2A the impact is increased further and its more defined, perhaps slightly deeper on 007 but more impact on es-2a. I think the Carbon CC is also doing a great job with this headphone and takes its bass performance close to HE1 levels. On the Phantom, the bass is still very impressive but its taken up a level on the Carbon.

I couldn't find the other track.