Headroom Overture Initial Impressions
The unit hasn't had a chance to burn in yet - it only has about 20 hours so far on it, but some initial thoughts after listening to this all weekend:
Old Rig
iPod -> SR-71 -> Sensaphonics 2X-S
New Rig
iHP-140 -> Overture -> SR-71 -> Sensaphonics 2X-S
The iRiver/Overture is a definite improvement over the iPod's lineout as source, but the sonic signature (at least right now) may not be to everyone's liking depending on your rig. The magnitude of the difference is similar to the difference in listening to the Sensa's straight out of the iPod or putting the SR-71 into the mix. In other words, maybe not a huge "night and day" change, but a definite and meaningful improvement.
Its strengths are in its presentation of detail.
The usual statements apply - I'm hearing a 3-dimensionality to the attack and decay of cymbals. Harmonies and instruments are being more clearly defined and brought forward, so I'm getting the "wow, I didn't hear that before" effect. Though if I go back to the old rig, I can listen for it and hear it, but it's just not as there.
There is more presence in the music, especially in the upper-mids (female vocals) and treble. I hear the vocal technique of female vocalists just a bit better.
I've commented before that the Sensa's are actually laid back, especially compared to Sony high-end headphones. Actually, I've been looking into UE-10's to get a less laid back sound. The iRiver/Overture has satiated my craving for detail (at least for now). I'm getting a bit more of the detail that I get out of my Grace m902+SA5k combination.
Some of the downsides:
Bass is muddier. It's there, but just not as controlled as the old rig. Also, maybe I'm just spoiled by the "velvet glove" control over bass of the Grace m902/SA5k rig.
The new portable rig isn't as smooth in its presentation of the additional detail as the Grace/SA5k. As such, it is brighter rig and I am feeling listening fatigue (for the first time out of the Sensa's) as a result. I find I am turning the volume down a bit. I can still enjoy the music, but honestly, I miss having my music moderately loud.
I wonder if the Coda might be a better match-up in this respect. But that's the topic for another post. Either way, we'll see how the sound improves with burn-in.
Battery life - as mentioned by Tyll, the Overture eats through one of the 9v's a lot faster than the other. I haven't measured the life of the batteries exactly, but I've already swapped the batteries twice this weekend. Rotating the batteries, as discussed by Tyll, helps a lot, but needless to say, this is a powerhungry beast. I need to get some Plainviews (anyone know where? Esp. as Norm's gone now.)
Anyway, these are really "initial thoughts" on a new (i.e., not burned-in) unit, so take them at that.
Best regards,
-Jason
The unit hasn't had a chance to burn in yet - it only has about 20 hours so far on it, but some initial thoughts after listening to this all weekend:
Old Rig
iPod -> SR-71 -> Sensaphonics 2X-S
New Rig
iHP-140 -> Overture -> SR-71 -> Sensaphonics 2X-S
The iRiver/Overture is a definite improvement over the iPod's lineout as source, but the sonic signature (at least right now) may not be to everyone's liking depending on your rig. The magnitude of the difference is similar to the difference in listening to the Sensa's straight out of the iPod or putting the SR-71 into the mix. In other words, maybe not a huge "night and day" change, but a definite and meaningful improvement.
Its strengths are in its presentation of detail.
The usual statements apply - I'm hearing a 3-dimensionality to the attack and decay of cymbals. Harmonies and instruments are being more clearly defined and brought forward, so I'm getting the "wow, I didn't hear that before" effect. Though if I go back to the old rig, I can listen for it and hear it, but it's just not as there.
There is more presence in the music, especially in the upper-mids (female vocals) and treble. I hear the vocal technique of female vocalists just a bit better.
I've commented before that the Sensa's are actually laid back, especially compared to Sony high-end headphones. Actually, I've been looking into UE-10's to get a less laid back sound. The iRiver/Overture has satiated my craving for detail (at least for now). I'm getting a bit more of the detail that I get out of my Grace m902+SA5k combination.
Some of the downsides:
Bass is muddier. It's there, but just not as controlled as the old rig. Also, maybe I'm just spoiled by the "velvet glove" control over bass of the Grace m902/SA5k rig.
The new portable rig isn't as smooth in its presentation of the additional detail as the Grace/SA5k. As such, it is brighter rig and I am feeling listening fatigue (for the first time out of the Sensa's) as a result. I find I am turning the volume down a bit. I can still enjoy the music, but honestly, I miss having my music moderately loud.
I wonder if the Coda might be a better match-up in this respect. But that's the topic for another post. Either way, we'll see how the sound improves with burn-in.
Battery life - as mentioned by Tyll, the Overture eats through one of the 9v's a lot faster than the other. I haven't measured the life of the batteries exactly, but I've already swapped the batteries twice this weekend. Rotating the batteries, as discussed by Tyll, helps a lot, but needless to say, this is a powerhungry beast. I need to get some Plainviews (anyone know where? Esp. as Norm's gone now.)
Anyway, these are really "initial thoughts" on a new (i.e., not burned-in) unit, so take them at that.
Best regards,
-Jason
