Headphones that sound like my beloved Panasonic HJE900

[roma101]

So I've been doing non-stop searching to some avail, but definitely not enough input, especially with something so specific. I've done some asking around and have put off starting this thread. But alas... I enjoy my HJEs more than any of my cans so far and this is really important to me as I feel as though I'm closer to finding my perfect sound. It's amazing I got these for $110 when I feel these should be worth more for what they bring compared to other headphones (I would say iems too but I haven't tried other iems since I never considered myself an iem person). And so I wonder, if I spend a little more, will I get a better and even more natural sound?
 
So far, I've found a couple of cans that have come close to the sound sig a bit - M80s and Denon D1000s. 
 
But I crave the clarity/resolution, imaging, impact and the natural timbre of my HJEs and would like to hear it in other cans, since now I know this sound sig is what I'm after more than anything. The bass, mids and treble are spot on for me. I put these on last night after not wearing them for over a month and was still blown away with how natural everything sounded, from the guitars to drums to vocals (it felt like I'm not listening to speakers providing that sound, but as close to real as it possibly gets - chillin with Norah Jones). It sounded open (possibly due to the vents) and clear with great soundstage and imaging. I have no complaints with this iem - I just want other cans that sound like this or have as natural a timbre as these have. 
 
Another thing is that the HJEs are so versatile with genre. A must. They're fun and very detailed/refined at the same time. Love that. My perfect kind of sound. Authentic and very musical.
 
So I'm very open with suggestions: from closed/open cans to even more isolating iems with natural timbre/great imaging/good balance and extension across the frequency. I'm not going to put down a price range because I'm very interested in whatever suggestions come my way but I'm open to all honest price ranges. My last request is to please only post here if you've had some time with the HJE900, as I'm looking for that specific sound.
 
Some headphones that have crossed my mind: DX000 series (I'm not sure if I would like an overly warm sound so maybe the D2000s may be more my cup of tea - but of course I have no idea since I haven't had a chance to try a pair yet) and Senn HD600/650.
Thanks for taking the time to read this and for any and all suggestions. 

 

[roma101]

up

 

[Napilopez]

Hey man. So as a HJE900 lover, I've had very much the same issues as you do with finding the right pair of full-sizes. I've yet to find anything that can completely match the natural timbre of my HJE900s; it seems that zirconium really does work some magic for timbre. However I think I might have some recommendations. Have you looked at the Superlux headphones and their variants? The Samson SR850, a slightly bassier variant of the Superlux HD668B, was the first and only headphone I've owned so far to match and possibly dethrone the HJE900s as my favorite sounding headphones. The sound took a little getting used to, but I loved them. You may also want to check out the Superlux HD681, which is a more V-Shaped sounding version of the others, and given what I've heard seems to have a frequency response similar to the Pannies. I don't have personal experience with that particular model, though.

 

[roma101]

Thanks for the response 

 I have not looked into any Superlux headphones quite yet at all but will do so. I've only been doing some reading between the HD600, HD650, and D2000 with really no idea if the timbre of those headphones or the sound sig are anything similar to the HJEs (reading description after description can only do so much until you actually try them). What do you drive your SR850's with? What's the impedance? Would it sound good out of an ipod or should I not sell my P51 Mustang just yet? lol

 

[Napilopez]

Quote:

Thanks for the response 

 I have not looked into any Superlux headphones quite yet at all but will do so. I've only been doing some reading between the HD600, HD650, and D2000 with really no idea if the timbre of those headphones or the sound sig are anything similar to the HJEs (reading description after description can only do so much until you actually try them). What do you drive your SR850's with? What's the impedance? Would it sound good out of an ipod or should I not sell my P51 Mustang just yet? lol

 
The SR850 does not need an amp to sound good, though I assume it will sound better amped. I never amped mine. It's 32 Ohms. I drove mine straight out of my Laptops sound card or Sansa Clip+ Nothing special The suprlux HD668b is higher impedance(56 ohms) though and allegedly sounds better amped. The HD681 is 32 ohms.

Some people compare the 668b to the Senn HD600, which seems ridiculous, but if it's anything like the SR850, it's a huge value for the price. If anything, I'd say give one of the superluxes/Samson a go. They all sell for less than $50. Keep in mind the SR850 and 668B are known to sound better after a lot of burn-in, though the sound good out of the box.

 

[roma101]

Quote:

 
The SR850 does not need an amp to sound good, though I assume it will sound better amped. I never amped mine. It's 32 Ohms. I drove mine straight out of my Laptops sound card or Sansa Clip+ Nothing special The suprlux HD668b is higher impedance(56 ohms) though and allegedly sounds better amped. The HD681 is 32 ohms.Some people compare the 668b to the Senn HD600, which seems ridiculous, but if it's anything like the SR850, it's a huge value for the price. If anything, I'd say give one of the superluxes/Samson a go. They all sell for less than $50. Keep in mind the SR850 and 668B are known to sound better after a lot of burn-in, though the sound good out of the box.

So I'm a bit stunned. I did some research before I saw your post (reading your review and someone else's) and couldn't believe how inexpensive it is and that they really don't need to be amped. Would you call the SR850 a giant killer (or at least giant-competitor)? I mean, could it be in the same league as something like the HD600 or just a notch below? I'd imagine the biggest difference being overall refinement of sound. It seems to be exactly what I'm looking for, especially since I don't have the money to go for an HD600 or D2000 anytime soon. Thanks again for the response and for bringing this headphone to my attention.
 

 

[5370H55V]

Do post an impression if you decide to get them. I love my pannies also and I have a barely used pair of sr850. Out of the box the pannies beat the sr850's in every area except soundstage, but I may have to dig them out again if you could verify Napilopez's claims.

 

[roma101]

I'll definitely post an impression once I get them. 

 

[Napilopez]

I would say the SR850 easily competes with the ATH-M50, and sounds better to my ear. I haven't had enough experience with higher-end equpment to make a significant judgement but my goodness they're so good for the price I feel like everyone should at least have one lying around as a back up. I might get myself the HD668b to test out it's more analytical and refined take on the SR850s sound, or the 681b for something more fun and V-shaped.

 

[Gilly87]

Could the SR850 compete with the likes of, say, the K240 Mk II in soundstage? They look remarkably like AKGs.

 

[roma101]

Quote:

Could the SR850 compete with the likes of, say, the K240 Mk II in soundstage? They look remarkably like AKGs.

Sounds like another good option to look into. Before I delve into a pair of SR850s just yet, I just recently invested in a pair of Thunderpants currently being made my a fellow head-fier. Will post my impressions once I get them. Apparently they're supposed to sound quite natural.
 
EDIT: Icksnay on the TPs! Decided not to get them at the time but may go for them in the future.

 

[roma101]

I just thought I would update this thread while I've still been on this quest to find headphones that sound like the HJE900. It's really not the matter of headphones sounding exactly like them - it's more of the fact that again, the HJE900's produce instruments (like drums and guitar) very realistically. The timbre is pretty out of this world and I haven't found that in a full-size just yet. Even my newly acquired HD600's are not completely on par, on just the basis of timbre. They're good, but not as accurate and natural as the HJEs IMO.
 
Now the Philips Fidelio L1 is going to come out (and has come out in some places), and apparently it is supposed to sound very natural. I am hoping those fit the bill (not like I have funds anyway but eh I may end up selling the HD600s for those if I keep hearing good things about its timbre accuracy). Anyway, I was just wondering if anyone has any more input on this subject. If you've heard the HJE900, you would know what I am talking about so for those who have, any chance you've found the same/similar natural sound in a full-size?

 

[pokpokgei]

hi roma,
 
have you found your desired headphone replacement for the hje900's timbre?

 

[roma101]

Just saw your post ^^ I am happy to report that I have the Yamaha PRO 500. In fact the Yamahas are more refined with better balance, detail, imaging and soundstage. My only gripe is the weight/comfort and I wish it was overall more head-conforming. But yeah I'm really impressed by them and especially their timbre/decay accuracy. They're musical, natural-sounding with great detail from top to bottom to my ears. Hope you have a chance to try them.

 

[kyuuketsuki]

Quote:

Just saw your post ^^ I am happy to report that I have

the Yamaha PRO 500. In fact the Yamahas are more refined with better balance, detail, imaging and soundstage. My only gripe is the weight/comfort and I wish it was overall more head-conforming. But yeah I'm really impressed by them and especially their timbre/decay accuracy. They're musical, natural-sounding with great detail from top to bottom to my ears. Hope you have a chance to try them.

 
Yeah and I still need to demo your pair. We'll get to that eventually....