Here are my brief first impressions. Before we get started though, I prefer a mostly neutral to slightly warm signature without excessive Beyerdynamic treble. Let me get this out of the way first. In terms of quality of sound across the entire frequency spectrum: these are simply amazing. The treble sounds very neutral to me with maybe a small peak around 8k, but it is not sibilant or overdone. The mids are equally neutral to slightly recessed. The mid and sub bass quality is exceptional. In terms of quality, it’s the best I’ve ever heard in an open back.
But here’s my problem with these. It has nothing to do with quality of bass. It is the QUANTITY. I think that the designers were so proud of their amazing technological breakthrough with their Air Dampening System, which allows low bass to remain linear all the way down to 20hz without any roll off, that they couldn’t help but show it off. Subsequently, it is just too prominent for my preferences. In fact, I wonder if the mids really are recessed at all or if they just seem that way because of a slightly excessive quantity of bass. Again, it’s HIGH QUALITY BASS! Outstanding even. I just wish there were less of it.
Of course desired bass quantity depends on not only personal preference, but also on music preference as well. If I’m listening to R&B and pop, the bass quantity is perfectly fine. But with folk, acoustic, bluegrass, and country, not so much.
These first impressions were done with only solid state amps. I don’t own any tube amps, but I’m pretty sure they would only contribute to the problem.
I have three caveats to everything I’ve just said:
1) These don’t have a lot of hours on them yet, so my impressions may change later on.
2) Maybe I’m so used to the typical bass roll off of open back headphones, that I’ve come to prefer that signature and am therefore biased.
3) If you prefer a warm headphone, then these will be an eargasm for you.
And just to recap from an earlier post: build quality of these headphones and all accessories provided, is absolutely top notch.
The soundstage is almost as expansive as the 800S and HEK V2. I was very surprised by this. I am an admitted soundstage snob.
I have no issues with comfort for long term wear. My ears do slightly touch the earpads, but they’re soft and comfortable so it’s not a big deal. But if I had to nitpick, I’d prefer them to be slightly larger or just ear-shaped.
These headphones look and feel even more premium in the hand than in pictures.
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As promised!
