Looking to add to my headphone collection with a pair of $400-or-less open circumaurals. I absolutely loathe the "lush" and "liquid" sound. The music I listen to is far too aggressive, intricate, and technical for me to enjoy it when it's blunted by "lushness."
What I'm looking for:
- "Solid" texture, particularly in the bass.
- Relatively balanced signature. Would prefer to go bass-lite than bass-boosted.
- Speed, speed, speed. My music demands a snappy response. Quick attack, and a quick, clean decay.
- Aggressive texturing, maybe even a bit dry.
- Neutral mid-range
- Do not want a mid-bass focus in the low end
- Would prefer the treble to be on the "soft" side. Note: not rolled off, but soft in presentation. I consider the RE-0 to have a pretty soft treble presentation.
- Clear image. Soundstage size isn't a huge deal, but it needs to be well-defined and layered.
- More concerned with bass punch than physical impact or body.
Here are a few pairs I own that I'll use as a reference:
AD900:
- I don't find the bass quantity to be all that lacking, actually. Ideally I'd like a bit more, but I'm not unhappy with it.
- Bass presentation is great: very "solid" and well-textured. Also very quick.
- Upper-mids are boosted a bit, but overall I really like the mid-range presentation.
- A bit too much treble emphasis. Normally wouldn't be an issue, but the treble decay isn't very clean. My #1 fault with these.
- Would like more soundstage depth.
- Overall texturing is great. Guitars and screams are absolutely searing.
- Not a lot of bass body, impact, or extension, but bass punch is quite good.
GR07:
- Bass quantity is about the most I would want.
- Bass is great. Great, solid texturing, very quick. Extension is good, but a bit too much in the upper bass makes the vocals too warm.
- Presentation is quite good. Decently wide with fair depth. Layering is very good, and imaging is quite good as well. Very clear and open.
- Mid-range is too warm. Upper-mids are a bit veiled.
- Treble is too hard and can be sibilant. Quantity is a bit less than what I'd consider ideal.
- Would like a bit more aggressive texturing and detail across the board. Still very good, though.
RE0
- Love, love, love the treble. I have 3 plys of the stock filters and it's wonderfully smooth, soft, and detailed.
- Midrange tonality is excellent as well. Would prefer it to be a bit less "liquid," but tonality is beautiful.
- Bass quantity is fine, but is a bit too soft and liquid, and lacking punch.
- Soundstage is small and quite flat. My #1 issue with these.
- Overall tonality is very, very near what I would consider ideal with 3 plys of the stock filter.
That should be enough. As always, thanks Head-Fi! I look forward to seeing your suggestions.
