@PACSman jist to get an idea of your preferred sound signature, what would you say are your top 5 favorite headphones?
I like the way you describe the 909, but this hobby is so subjective.
Five Favorite Headphones:
My JH Audio Layla is my favorite IEM available. The sound signature and placement of instruments is hard to beat for an IEM. It took me a while to figure out how to get a good seal and that may be why most of the other well reviewed IEMs haven’t yet auditioned as well for me. I’ve been using IEMs since the Shure SE500 because they travel so well. (I’ve owned CIEMs but find them hard to keep clean).
I enjoyed every audition of the STAX SR-009 and hope to own it or maybe the MrSpeakers VOCE Electrostatic someday. The quickness of the SR-009 can’t be beat but the flip side is the treble can sound too fast and appear uncontrolled. I’ve heard that MrSpeakers improves upon this and has a more controlled bass. As I travel most weeks of the year, it isn’t practical for me unless I leave the amp at the office or have the hotel store it for me.
Likewise, with the AB-1266 Phi Reference CC. The bass can be incredibly controlled and detailed with a great amp. The imaging of the mid and treble is focused and enjoyable to me. This isn’t practical as a travel headphone.
I like the HD-800S when paired with a great amplifier. I’ve heard some stellar amp matching that makes me think that it can be better than what many of us give it credit for. My mistake was trying to overcome the high impedance with a value amp. The iFi micro iDSD Black-Label helped me realize the bass potential and tame the treble but it didn’t deliver the soundstage or note detail that I know the HD-800S can provide.
My favorite closed headphone is the MrSpeakers Ether C Flow V-Planar. I own a pair and use it on the airplane. My unscientific bias is that planars don’t need to move air like dynamic headphones so they have greater potential to overcome some of the closed headphone limitations. My initial impression is that MrSpeakers Ether C Flow has the best sound / placement of instruments, etc. of the available closed headphones. I haven’t found another closed headphone that fits my head better
That’s five plus a double mention for MrSpeakers. I’ve auditioned most of the respected cans from Audeze, HiFiMAN, BeyerDynamics and others. Each was paired with their amp and cable of choice. Perhaps my environment wasn’t right for each of the auditions. I’m not a quitter so I’ll keep trying
Other thoughts:
Sony has a lot of low-priced cans that I’ve like over their competition but I’ve never owned any. I’ve purchased several of their $300 to $500 headphones (including Bluetooth) but they haven’t been a good match for me. I hope to audition and maybe own the MDR-Z1R someday.
I’ve owned two of the JayBird Bluetooth IEMs enjoyed them. I currently use the Jaybird X3 and think it sounds good if I use their app to tune them. Even with the silly charger, it may be one of the best value earphone in its class.
A moderate price headphone I like is the E-MU Teak. It has a warm and yet detailed sound signature that I like. I also like the Shure SRH1540 (closed) and SRH1840 (open) as moderately priced cans.
On my short list for future auditions are the Kingsound KS-H3, and the ZMF Eikon / Atticus.
a part of me wants to get it, another is like "will it sound almost the same? is it worth more money to get open version of this can?" :S
they have some flaws. but definitely worth the addition to any audio enthusiasts collection.
