inthere
Headphoneus Supremus
- Joined
- Apr 11, 2012
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Agree with everything said. I try to tell people i like Edition S better than Audeze Sine, but nobody believes me. I guess they just want to spend more money.
In the portable arena I have
I have the:
Hifiman edition S,
OPPO PM2 modded
I recently had the:
HEX
PM1
Ed8 modded
Ultrasone ED5
Audeze Sine
Amoungst countless other portables in my signature.
This edition "S" can match the level of transparency/realism, and Soundstage of ALL the others,
With exception of the HEX.
The Audeze Sine has a suction that can give you a bit more of low-level "oomph", but is a bit flat and tight so needs to be amped to sound best.
These edition "S" don't need anything being so efficient.
They don't look so expensive either.
They actually look a bit cheap with the emblem covers off, and don't look like expensive looking headphones, which I like.
Bottom line is:
These headphones are the underdog of headphones. ..
They are just open and airy, like an hd800.
The main difference compared to other headphones is how the Soundstage is presented.
Detailing is not forced upon you like other cans.
Everything is layered properly to me, having space.
It is the only can to match the ultradone ed5 in spacial separation of instruments.
In the beginning the bass changed from a little too much,
to too little to lean,
Then settling in just right.
The other issue is the signature.
At first in beginning, there seems to be a slight recession somewhere in the mids, to help or accentuate the presence of Soundstage.
With other headphones,
I have also noted in past that an increase in mids or lower mids also gives a perception of more proximity.
This is where Hifiman seems to have tailored the signature to enhance Soundstage.
With all Hifiman latest models (I owned the 3 latest), they try to maximize Soundstage, and this headphone does as well.
But after the break in period, the recession is more gentle and not noticeable at all once you start listening.
Just beautiful lively music.
So they are my favorite cans for now.
Perfect for my purpose of outside.
I use with the cups open even outside,
as they not totally open to outside.
When I need to close them, the sonic difference is minimal with bass being lessened and mids being more pronounced and closed , but still more open sounding than most others.
They simply look nice until you take the covers off.
Then they look like cheapo headphones.
This is why they are the underdog of headphones, looking like a very sturdy & cheap throw around unit, while having one of the absolute best 50mm drivers I have heard.
It is really top quality.
That's why I love these headphones.
I would say, for sound alone,
the two portables to beat so far, are these headphones and the Audeze Sine.
The only issue with the Sine, once you get used to the on ear suction& clamp,
Is that they look so luxurious and expensive,
that you worry about scratching the luxurious leather,
Not to mention they are a more expensive .
For an outside portable, these Hifiman edition "S" fit the purpose better, and are an "over-ear" for most users.
Big plus in comfort.
It is AWESOME to read that the Edition S stacks up so well against something as expensive as the Oppo PM-2! The Oppo PM-2 is $700 and a quite good headphone. . .for something costing only $250 to match it in transparency, is completely insane!
It is AWESOME to read that the Edition S stacks up so well against something as expensive as the Oppo PM-2! The Oppo PM-2 is $700 and a quite good headphone. . .for something costing only $250 to match it in transparency, is completely insane!
I still think the PM-1 is an awesome headphone because it tests completely flat, but for just sitting and listening unprofessionally I think you'll get more detail and soundstage out of the Edition S
Just placed my order for the Hifiman Edition S. Currently have a pair of Audeze Sines to compare them to anxious to see how these two stack up according to my ears. I am hoping these meet my expectations of a closed back PS500e, a little bright, airy and fast.
James
I also think part of the problem is they're not planar magnetic. A lot of guys are telling me dynamic headphones can't possibly compete with planar magnetic and I try to tell them these can but they're not listening, even when i tell them I've owned and compared both.
I'm with you! Focus on over-ear in the marketing!