ESS 422H

[Dobrescu George]

I have one now, and it is amazingly good actually

Easily sounds in line with most 300-500 USD Headphones when you think it through and through. Interesting that it comes at only 200 USD

 

[audio_dude]

I have one now, and it is amazingly good actually

Easily sounds in line with most 300-500 USD Headphones when you think it through and through. Interesting that it comes at only 200 USD

Do you find the low end a big bloated/boomy, and a bit of a peak around 8kHz? I'm really curious about whether or not there was actually a point at which a production change fixed the sound, because even the second pair they sent over has an identical sound signature to my originals with the driver assemblies flipped.

 

[Dobrescu George]

Do you find the low end a big bloated/boomy, and a bit of a peak around 8kHz? I'm really curious about whether or not there was actually a point at which a production change fixed the sound, because even the second pair they sent over has an identical sound signature to my originals with the driver assemblies flipped.

A bit boomy on the low end, yes, which I don't really mind, thinking this is a basshead headphone (?)

As for the 8kHz, theyb have good sparkle, there is a bit of a peak in that area as well (?)

I just don't find those two issues, I mean, I tend to EQ headphones to sound closer to this overall signature. If there is any issue I'd mention, the low end can be a bit much at times, and you need a good source to control them, as with a lower quality source, the bass may feel a bit loose, but with a better source, something with more authority and control, they sound rather nice

 

[audio_dude]

A bit boomy on the low end, yes, which I don't really mind, thinking this is a basshead headphone (?)

As for the 8kHz, theyb have good sparkle, there is a bit of a peak in that area as well (?)

I just don't find those two issues, I mean, I tend to EQ headphones to sound closer to this overall signature. If there is any issue I'd mention, the low end can be a bit much at times, and you need a good source to control them, as with a lower quality source, the bass may feel a bit loose, but with a better source, something with more authority and control, they sound rather nice

That's about where I'm at with them. They've got a very unique sound signature, and it tends to make tracks feel 'alive'. I haven't done a lot more pad testing yet, but I still feel like a high quality slightly thicker angled pad (probably hybrid or 'fenestrated' leather for a little venting) would be an ideal combo here.

 

[Dobrescu George]

That's about where I'm at with them. They've got a very unique sound signature, and it tends to make tracks feel 'alive'. I haven't done a lot more pad testing yet, but I still feel like a high quality slightly thicker angled pad (probably hybrid or 'fenestrated' leather for a little venting) would be an ideal combo here.

Agreed. This kind of V / U shaped signautre tends to make music more vivid and alive, give music more dynamics and impact, which is why I tend to like it

As for getting replacement pads, I am not sure. I like how the original pads are rather soft and comfy, and I am not sure what other pads you can get for them, but I am fairly sure that they will adapt well with time. Not much else to get with this sonic quality at 200 USD (?)

I think that ESS doesn't promote them as much as they should, since I am finding 422H to be absolutely stunning

Lemme process a photo and attach it, to show how cool those are!~

 

[Dobrescu George]

Also, photo time!

I think they are quite beautiful

 

[trellus]

Has any tried the Shure SRH1540 pads on these? Zeos reports that he hated them and they sounded terrible to him with the stock pads but then after several misses with other pads, he rolled the 1540 pads and they became dramatically better and he actually enjoyed them. He said it opened up the soundstage and wasn't "muddy" anymore.

 

[audio_dude]

Has any tried the Shure SRH1540 pads on these? Zeos reports that he hated them and they sounded terrible to him with the stock pads but then after several misses with other pads, he rolled the 1540 pads and they became dramatically better and he actually enjoyed them. He said it opened up the soundstage and wasn't "muddy" anymore.

Did he only talk about them during a stream? As far as I know he hasn't posted any videos with them aside from the unboxing one on the 2nd channel.

Definitely going to pick up a pair of those Shure pads to try out though. Even if they aren't quite right for me I've got plenty of others they'll fit on.

 

[trellus]

Did he only talk about them during a stream? As far as I know he hasn't posted any videos with them aside from the unboxing one on the 2nd channel.

Definitely going to pick up a pair of those Shure pads to try out though. Even if they aren't quite right for me I've got plenty of others they'll fit on.

The video review is available earlier for his patrons on Patreon and I’m nutty enough to pay for his content.

 

[Chein]

The video review is available earlier for his patrons on Patreon and I’m nutty enough to pay for his content.

Well this guy is an entertainer, if you like his way of being no problem. Woudn't trust his opinions too much though, hope someone else can confirm his statement

 

[audio_dude]

The video review is available earlier for his patrons on Patreon and I’m nutty enough to pay for his content.

Well, guess I'm joining you on that nutty train now!

I'm going to pick up a pair of those 1540 pads on Amazon now. Will report back once I get a chance to test them out.

 

[Dobrescu George]

Has any tried the Shure SRH1540 pads on these? Zeos reports that he hated them and they sounded terrible to him with the stock pads but then after several misses with other pads, he rolled the 1540 pads and they became dramatically better and he actually enjoyed them. He said it opened up the soundstage and wasn't "muddy" anymore.

]

ESS 422H sounds great even with the stock pads, no idea what people be talking about

 

[AudioManNewb]

Has anyone tried these out when playing video games?

 

[Dobrescu George]

Has anyone tried these out when playing video games?

Yes, I tried them with some Star Craft 2, Metro 2033 and with some Visual Novels, which tend to have beautiful music and voices

They work really well, the enhanced bass works well with explosions and impact, and their stereo placement is also spot-on

 

[AudioManNewb]

Yes, I tried them with some Star Craft 2, Metro 2033 and with some Visual Novels, which tend to have beautiful music and voices

They work really well, the enhanced bass works well with explosions and impact, and their stereo placement is also spot-on

Those are all things I wanted to hear gonna have to grab me a pair of those. I was going to get an amp/dac the fulla schiit is what im looking at unless there is something better for $99?