Hi there,
I've posted this in the high end thread as well as the full size headphones thread. I'm beginning to think I may need to take a step up to the higher end of the headphone world. I would appreciate any help or opinions from experienced head-fiers. I have loved my journey so far and have amassed quite a number of headphones over the last few years, many you can see in my signature and others listed in my profile. If I give a brief overview of what I already like and dislike about my present cans, I'm hoping some of you could steer me in the right direction as to where I might go next.
All my cans are being driven through an HRT Microstreamer either on its own, or through a Bravo Audio Ocean tube amp or Fiio E11 if they require more juice. I don't need to listen at excessively loud levels to enjoy my music either.
HD598 -
HE400 -
K702 -
MA900 -
NAD HP50 -
GRADO SR80 -
Give those impressions, I'm hoping some of you may be able to deduce what I want. My ideal headphones would be fast, detailed (but not treble heavy), realistic and close to neutral midrage, great open soundstage, great dynamic ability to cope with the large scale orchestral stuff I listen to. Deep and detailed bass with impact. I know that the HD800s should be on the shortlist, but I worry they may be too analytical for my tastes and lack the warmth I want from certain music. From my present headphones, I wish I had a pair that had the midrange lushness of my NAD/598s, the speed and dynamics of my MA900s, bass detail of HE400 with the clout of the NADs (even maybe a little more). I am yet to be happy with the treble of any of my phones. I wish the HE400s didn't have those spikes and the NADs had a bit more extension and excitement at the top end. Am I asking for too much? T1s? HD700s? HE500? Any help appreciated!
I've posted this in the high end thread as well as the full size headphones thread. I'm beginning to think I may need to take a step up to the higher end of the headphone world. I would appreciate any help or opinions from experienced head-fiers. I have loved my journey so far and have amassed quite a number of headphones over the last few years, many you can see in my signature and others listed in my profile. If I give a brief overview of what I already like and dislike about my present cans, I'm hoping some of you could steer me in the right direction as to where I might go next.
All my cans are being driven through an HRT Microstreamer either on its own, or through a Bravo Audio Ocean tube amp or Fiio E11 if they require more juice. I don't need to listen at excessively loud levels to enjoy my music either.
HD598 -
- Like - Soundstage, liquid smooth presentation, nice midrange bloom and warmth
- Dislike - slow attack makes some genres sound too polite. Slight lack of bass impact, slightly nasal/boxy midrange makes certain acoustic instruments sound a bit veiled and unnatural
HE400 -
- Like - speed and dynamics, textural quality to the sound, exciting presentation, great neutral but impactful bass. Dark but detailed.
- Dislike - treble spikes, midrange recession
K702 -
- Like - Great detail and clarity with the right recording, separation, midrange transparency
- Dislike - Overly bright, accents the upper treble at the expense of the body of sound, not enough bass impact
MA900 -
- Like - Speed of treble presentation presents a very dynamic and lively sound to me that just engages me. Some sort of slower decay makes everything sound with a bit more bloom. Great clarity and instrument separation.
- Dislike - could do with more bass impact. The midrange and treble are far enough from neutral as to make certain instruments sound in unnatural.
NAD HP50 -
- Like - all round neutrality, very balanced presentation that sounds just right most of the time. I hear the music, not the headphones. Great bass response and impact, lush and thick midrange. Slightly warm, rolled off treble but managing to retain great detail.
- Dislike - Slightly closed in feeling in soundstage (still great for closed back though). Slightly too polite at times, so can seem a little tame and unexciting, if accurate and pleasant.
GRADO SR80 -
- Like - speed and attack, especially treble. Openness and detail in mids and treble. Some recordings sound surprisingly life like in the mid range.
- Dislike - Lack of a full bass, lack of soundstage, slightly thin sounding at times.
Give those impressions, I'm hoping some of you may be able to deduce what I want. My ideal headphones would be fast, detailed (but not treble heavy), realistic and close to neutral midrage, great open soundstage, great dynamic ability to cope with the large scale orchestral stuff I listen to. Deep and detailed bass with impact. I know that the HD800s should be on the shortlist, but I worry they may be too analytical for my tastes and lack the warmth I want from certain music. From my present headphones, I wish I had a pair that had the midrange lushness of my NAD/598s, the speed and dynamics of my MA900s, bass detail of HE400 with the clout of the NADs (even maybe a little more). I am yet to be happy with the treble of any of my phones. I wish the HE400s didn't have those spikes and the NADs had a bit more extension and excitement at the top end. Am I asking for too much? T1s? HD700s? HE500? Any help appreciated!