I attended the event today at the NY Stereo Exchange, here is my unofficial "review", as I consider myself an enthusiast looking for the most bang for the buck. I did not spend more than five minutes listening to any product, and those that I did I used my iPhone 5's offline TIDAL content of Steely Dan's Aja album.
1. Master & Dynamic
Build quality and materials as nice as has been written. The leather makes a nice seal and passive isolation. However, almost immediately my ears began to perspire. I recall the frustration I had with the ATH-50's, so much so that I wrapped the pleather with cut-off socks, only to be replaced by a different set of headphones; Beyer DT-770 80 and their velour. I was surprised that the cabling does not go through the metal poles, and are wrapped in rubber, and not a tight mesh cloth. Very good dynamic range, not as tight of bass as I would expect, but definitely not anything near the Bose bloat. I have small ears, be warned that the ear cups are narrow and not very deep.
2. Peachtree Audio - DeepBlue2 (not at the show) Shift.
I learned that Darda is not at the company, Jeff Coates runs sales. I spent the most time talking to him as I am so pleased with the DeepBlue2, having purchased it via crowdfunding and wanted to personally express my satisfaction. I was surprised to hear that there is indeed organic wood material, medium-density fiberboard. This speaker, in my view, handles kick-drums, Jack Cassidy's bass, Frank Zappa's horns, marimba, guitar, and the Ojay's fast snare drum on "I Love Music." Soft , or Loud, its voicing adjusts.
I got to hold and hear the Shift. If you like "proud of ownership" and the tactile feel of holding something nice, the leather covering feels so luxurious. I was unable to listen to the DAC on my iPhone, as the data pins got bent having made the recent mistake of purchasing from Skiva a one-piece battery case. Do NOT buy a one-peice battery case, the angle of approach bends the pins way too far. The Mophie case's jacks have failed on me three times, so they are not viable.
As to SQ, wow. Admittedly, I was listening to a high-end Grado (forgot which model), but on Pearl Jam's "Jeremy" I heard things I never before heard. So, it may come down to this and Denon's DA-10...whose volume knob appeals to me, in addition to their reputation.
3. Audeze
I had never listened to one before; I played the entry level, 8's (IIRC) and one of their high-ends; can one judge a headphone by what one does NOT hear? Now I know what black background sounds like. My life is ruined.
4. Phonon SMB-02
These are described as neutral monitors. At first glance, I thought they were circumaural, but they are on-ears. For on-ears they are larger than typical, which I now realize makes a lot of sense; it disperses the force on the ears more broadly and therefore more comfortable, especially for an eye-glass wearer as myself. As on-ears, they sit flat on the ear, very tiny depth in the cup. Better dynamic range than the M&Ds; amazing treble...detailed and no pain at all. These are a possibility.
5. Beyer Custom Ones
I am not much for publicly wearing headphones, not into that fashion statement. These were surprisingly good without regard to their price. I need to listen to them again. Way different voicing than my DT-770s which are my home cans.
6. DUBS
These are acoustic filters that kinda look like IEMs, and are intended to protect one's ears during loud concerts, squeeching sound of trains, and the like. The saleswoman was very knowledge-able; I have been in sales, she really had conviction. I bought a set for $25, and did not suffer when the subway approached the 14th Street station, if you have been there... you know what i mean. I am buying a set for my teenage son.
7. David Solomon and NY Stereo Exchange.
So, I having a rapt, enthusiastic discussion with Jeff Coates from Peachtree Audio, and the co-owner of NY Stereo Exchange says, to me, "enough talking, get up front!"
"Huh?"
"Oh my G-d, I thought you were David Solomon?!"
So, I find the fellow.
"hey, anyone ever tell you how good looking you are?"
and he smiles.
Fortunately, he is a well-known and universally respected and liked person.
Phew !
