Andrew_WOT
Headphoneus Supremus
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And it is, and not by a small margin.
Hifiman HE1000 Planar Dynamic Headphone
rwelles
1000+ Head-Fier
After hearing the above comments about the Stealth, I think I got the HEKv2 OG just in the nick of time. Now that I have 200+ hours on them, I'm *really* starting to enjoy. A LOT!!
Just wondering if other owners have a preferred upgrade cable?? Please share!!
Just wondering if other owners have a preferred upgrade cable?? Please share!!
Personally, pure silver > OCC copper > silver plated copper cable (stock).
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I like this pure silver one from AE:
https://m.aliexpress.us/item/325680...cjPVsfW&gatewayAdapt=glo2usa&_randl_shipto=US
Transparent and organic, not too expensive and good quality
Not sure what happened with the double post but I wanted to share some thoughts on the Stealth impressions. As someone who really enjoyed the Arya V3, I don't feel dissuaded from V2SE.
My primary guess on soundstage getting smaller but sharper is really an imaging thing if the tuning is the same. While I'm not technically capable of describing the difference, my guess is that there is an overall more diffuse sound for non stealth magnet designs that becomes more properly focussed by them. The diffuse sound gives you a bigger stage by virtue of being looser, which would explain why sharper imaging from the magnet change creates a smaller stage.
The lack of a relaxed sound I would really need to see measurements on. Majorly when getting this nitty gritty into comparing V2 v V3s it's likely to amplify differences we hear, it may still be quite relaxed overall.
My primary guess on soundstage getting smaller but sharper is really an imaging thing if the tuning is the same. While I'm not technically capable of describing the difference, my guess is that there is an overall more diffuse sound for non stealth magnet designs that becomes more properly focussed by them. The diffuse sound gives you a bigger stage by virtue of being looser, which would explain why sharper imaging from the magnet change creates a smaller stage.
The lack of a relaxed sound I would really need to see measurements on. Majorly when getting this nitty gritty into comparing V2 v V3s it's likely to amplify differences we hear, it may still be quite relaxed overall.
Andrew_WOT
Headphoneus Supremus
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Anything diamond encrusted.
BowWazoo
Member of the Trade: Cable Builder
@Xareh
Yes, that's exactly how I imagine it too.
Since the non-stealth magnets appear to produce more reflections, the sound propagation is more diffuse. In other words, a negative quality that is interpreted positively by our brain in some way.
Basically comparable to Vinyl, negative properties that are interpreted positively.
I just have to think of the Hifiman ef400.
The NOS mode sounded to me somehow, more spatial, more analog. Measurements by 7labs have clarified this: the device shows a phase shift between the left and right channels in nos mode. Regardless of this measurement, the NOS mode no longer sounded right to me after a while.
A Vinyl doesn't do that anymore either...
Yes, that's exactly how I imagine it too.
Since the non-stealth magnets appear to produce more reflections, the sound propagation is more diffuse. In other words, a negative quality that is interpreted positively by our brain in some way.
Basically comparable to Vinyl, negative properties that are interpreted positively.
I just have to think of the Hifiman ef400.
The NOS mode sounded to me somehow, more spatial, more analog. Measurements by 7labs have clarified this: the device shows a phase shift between the left and right channels in nos mode. Regardless of this measurement, the NOS mode no longer sounded right to me after a while.
A Vinyl doesn't do that anymore either...
Andrew_WOT
Headphoneus Supremus
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On a serious note, I can't recommend enough SkyAudioCables, the quality and customizations he provides for the price is just unbelievable. I have like 3 cables from him already.
You can check feedback from happy users and some pics of his creations in this thread.
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BowWazoo
Member of the Trade: Cable Builder
Fortunately, Hifiman seems to have said goodbye to condoms as a sleeve
CharlyBrown
1000+ Head-Fier
Well, you can always argue with me. Maybe It's just my limited knowledge and experience (which indeed _is_ very limited compared to many others around here), but for me there was never much competition soundstage-wise to the HD800. Why? Because none of the trusted reviewers mentioned it. That's why I still doubt it tbh.
Did I miss something? Please point me to a good review with comparison, thx.
At the end of the day, it doesn't matter too much to me. My take on the HEK Stealth: They have insane soundstage and it comes indeed close to the HD800s. Maybe it is even on the same level but - to me - not that prominent compared to the Sennheiser. Maybe because the HD800 has much less Bass and other differences in frequency response, thus soundstage seems to be more emphasized? I don't know + the Senn "feels more airy" (this is very subjective).
Like I said, doesn't matter and the Hifiman is the much better allrounder imo and the Senn is a great specialist. Best to have them both.
CharlyBrown
1000+ Head-Fier
Repeating myself. I doubt it until proven otherwise.
I don't doubt that
I also have 3 cables from Reece (2 sold with other headphones, makes 5 purchases for me), he is such a great seller making great cables, highly recommended!
BowWazoo
Member of the Trade: Cable Builder
How's is the imaging?
BowWazoo
Member of the Trade: Cable Builder
My stealth is right there. I am curious 
Sounds like review units are making their way out and we might see some in early 2023
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