I want something... different

[Mansize_tissue]

Quote:

Originally Posted by wrecked_porsche /img/forum/go_quote.gif The Audio Technica ATH-ESW9 is really suitable for this job IMHO. If you want a cheaper alternative, give the ATH-ES7 a look.

You win! These look pretty damn good. However, I can't seem to find the ESW9s in the UK anywhere. Do they sell them over here?

 

[wrecked_porsche]

So I won a pair of ESW9 from you then? You're buying me a pair right?

Well, your best bet is to get it from Bluetin or Audiocubes online. These two sites are well trusted by head-fiers. I'm not sure if Pricejapan has them.

I have the ES7, awesome. From what I've read the ESW9 brings even more of the ES7's goodness to the table.
Man, I wish I had the money to get an ESW9 right now...

BTW, both the ES7 and ESW9 have nice punchy bass.

 

[IronStomach]

If you're still looking at some Grados, I use my SR60s as portable headphones, and they work great - because the earcups swivel around, they lie flat if you put them around your neck, so it doesn't feel like you're wearing a plastic scarf. The only disadvantage to them is that they don't isolate sound at all, so they're not as good as some in noisier environments like on the bus.

 

[Mansize_tissue]

Hmm, I think I've gone off the Grados now; they're not my sort of can. I guess I need to decide between the ES7, ESW9, HD25 and K81 now then.

Thank you for your help again guys, I really appreciate it.

I have pretty small ears, and I've read that other people like me have found the ESW9s uncomfortable because their ear fits partly inside the cup. This may cause problems. Also, will the same happen with the ES7s, d'ya think? I've also read that the ES7s can look pretty... funny when worn due to the headband. Now, my head is pretty small too, am I likely to have this problem? Does anybody have any pictures of the HD25s, ESW9s or ES7s being worn?

 

[wrecked_porsche]

Cross out the K81DJ from your list. Muddy bass in comparison to the ES7, not much details as well. I've heard it before and I hate it, didn't even last 5 minutes on my head. If you can afford it, at least get the ES7 or HD25.

So, there is ES7, ESW9, HD25 left. Now ES7 and HD25 are roughly equivalent in terms of performance, ES7 having a "fun" sound sig and HD25 being slightly more expensive. I choose to buy the ES7, I have no regrets. Basically its one or the other depending on each headphones pros or cons.

The headband of the ES7 has to be bent a little, improves look and comfort.

ESW9 trumps both of these, it has the best sound. So, if SQ is your main priority, then its a no brainier, ESW9 it is.

If you want comfort for long listening hours, I strongly suggest getting a circum-aural can. Supra aural is just gonna get painful after more than 3 hours. I can only use my ES7 at most for 3 hours, and even that is pushing it. YMMV depending on your ears shape.

For me, I ain't gonna buy a supra-aural can again, ever! I'd rather wear a full sized can outside.

PS: There are two types of the HD25 (ver I and ver II, IIRC), make sure you get the right one, people around here report that one version is sucky, the other is better. I'm not sure which version is which, do a search.

 

[wrecked_porsche]

Oh yeah, one more thing, if you buy the ES7 from Ebay, please be careful of fakes. Some head-fi members have been duped into buying crappy ES7 fakes on ebay these last few weeks.
Apparently they are such an awesome pair of headphones, so fakes are starting to pop up now.

Buy from audiocubes, jaben, bluetin or pricejapan to be safe.

Use the sponsor links on the right.

 

[Mansize_tissue]

Thanks again, Paul.

I'll forget about the K81s for now then. How would the HD25s, ES7s and ESW9s compare to HD595s, for example, or even the DT770 Pros which I have now?

I'd just like to know what to expect from a "portable" pair of 'phones.

I'd like to get the ESW9s, but there are a few things putting me off. I'd like something tough and durable if possible, and I'd be scared with cans which look as nice as those ATs that I'd mess them up or whatever. There's also the price, which is likely to be quite high with customs charges and what have you getting them into the UK.

What I don't like about the ES7s is headband which seems to get nothing but criticism. Unfortunately, I've never seen a pair being worn so I don't know what everyone's talking about regarding this. Would you mind explaining what the problem is exactly? There's also the fact that they're not as good, sound quality wise, as the ESW9s and the headband doesn't look so padded.

Then there's the HD25s. Am I right in thinking that these clamp quite tightly? This'll mean they'll almost close up completely when around my neck, right? However, this shouldn't cause a problem when moving my head around as the cups are quite small. Still, this may make them very uncomfortable to wear.

Which are easiest to drive straight from an iPod's headphone-out? Also, which do you think will be most comfortable for someone which a relatively small head and ears?

Oh, and thank you for the warning about possible fakes on Ebay, I'll make sure I order from a reputable retailer.

 

[wrecked_porsche]

Uh, I hope you didn't confuse me with Paul.

Happy reading! (Whoa! Wall of text coming up!

)

I haven't heard the HD25, sorry, I've no interest in them, you'll have to read up on that one. I have the ES7, and from what I've read about the ESW9, it brings more of the ES7 goodness to the table. I don't have the DT770, but I have Darth Beyers, so I'll compare the ES7 to that to give u a rough idea.

There is nothing wrong with the ES7 headband once you bend it. Initially, it just looks a little weird and ugly because the metal elbows of the headband stands outwards, that's all. Do a simple bending mod and everything will be fine. Read this:
http://www.head-fi.org/forums/f4/ath...dshots-228313/

The headband on the ES7 is not padded at all, its rubberized, kinda soft rubber. I have however modded it slightly. I don't know if you've seen it before, but if you go to most hypermarkets, and go to the kitchen appliances section, there is this cloth thingys for you to wrap on fridge door handles or stove handles. Its cloth and has Velcro on it. I bought a pair of those, wraps nicely around my ES7 headband as well as my Darth head band. It really increases comfort.

I'd post pics of it, but unfortunately there is some renovation going on in my house, I had to store my all my cameras, headphones and gadgets away safely in boxes to avoid dust and any damages to them. My preeeecioussssssss...

Easiest to drive, my guess would be both the Audio Technicas. Audio Technicas are well known on this forum to be very easy to drive. Just plug them into your ipod, no need an amp if you don't wanna spend a lot, it will sound fine, it would not sound underpowered and you will not have problems with volume being too low. There will be more than enough volume to make you go deaf. Trust me.

You don't have to worry about the SQ of the ES7. Before the ESW9 came along, many people considered the HD25 and ES7 to be among the best portable supra aural headphones available, ES7 was cheaper than the HD25 too! The HD25 was closer to $200 and the ES7 was closer to $100. I'm not sure about the prices now, it might have changed, go look them up.

Now that the ESW9 has come out, people are saying its the best supra aural portable headphone, and from reading the reviews, I'd have to agree although I think its a little overpriced since its new , made of wood and all that...

Right, now let's go on to the ES7. First up, the ES7 feels very light, and its tiny compared to the Darth/DT770. SQ wise, it has very nice mids and sparkly highs, very nice. I'd say the highs are nicer than the Darth and definitely better than the DT770. Vocals from females sound oh soo sweet on the ES7. Bass is tight and punchy compared to the Darths.
Taken on its own, not comparing it to Darths, it has slightly muddy bass. I noticed this when I was comparing the ES7 to my friend's HD580 with HD600 grills.

When compared to the Darths, the ES7 are not as dark or heavy sounding. I feel they are faster too. Isolation is better on the Beyers, understandable since one is supra aural and other is circum aural.

One thing to note though, the ES7 is not gonna sound neutral, natural or any of that BS. Its gonna sound fun. It WILL color the sound. So, be warned. Some have described AT as having slightly honky mids. I find it t be a good thing, vocals sound soo awesome with it. Its a hate it or love it kinda thing. But to me, I don't mind coloration as long as it makes the music fun and enjoyable. That's the reason why I listen to music anyway. For fun.

That's also one of the reasons I stayed away from the HD25. When I was reading up on the ES7 vs HD25 and doing my research, I read reviews and came to a conclusion that the HD25 was more neutral/sterile and dry. I did not want to have anything to do with it, plus I'd be paying more for that... So bye bye HD25, off it went from my list. I got the ES7 and have had no regrets at all.

Pls note though, that if you do get the ES7, when you first put it on, you will feel underwhelmed, the bass will be bloated and the mids will be missing. You MUST give it a couple of months of usage/burn in and then you'll be one happy person for sure. Also, if you aren't a believer of burn in, the ES7 will change your view, provided you give it a chance.

Here is the ES7 thread:
http://www.head-fi.org/forums/f4/off...thread-285697/

Pls remember that all this is IMO, and based on my experience and using MY ears. YMMV.

Regarding fakes, be careful okey? Read the ES7 fakes thread and learn how to spot em. If you wanna be safe, audiocubes is the answer, most people suggest going to audiocubes for Audio Technica products.

 

[wrecked_porsche]

Like these:

Refrigerator / Fridge / Oven Handle Cover - Beatle RED - (eBay.ca item 250089467168 end time 24-Jan-08 13:57:44 EST)

More to designs to choose from:
eBay Store - HousewearDepot: Fridge Oven handle covers: Refrigerator Fridge Oven Handle Cover -Teddybear Blue

LOL, these have bugs on em, for the record, mine don't!

You can stuff, cotton, tissue or cloth inside to adjust the comfort/padding to your liking.

 

[Mansize_tissue]

Thanks again, Paul. Haha, I'm afraid I did confuse you to, I'm sorry.

Thank you for the information regarding the ES7s headband and how to fix it, I may end up just getting these. I haven't ever seen those cloth handle covers before though, maybe we don't have this luxury over here in the UK. Either way, I don't think it'll do much for the looks of the 'phones, especially when these are going to be used in public!

Here's the pricing for all 3 sets of cans in the UK:
ES7 - £95 ($190) in the UK, £65-70 at Audiocubes, but I might get customs charges
ESW9 - £150 ($300) at Audio cubes, but I might get customs charges
HD25 - £140 ($280) in the UK.

I really don't know what to do. :S

 

[wrecked_porsche]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mansize_tissue Thanks again, Paul. Haha, I'm afraid I did confuse you to, I'm sorry.

I'll forgive you IF you get me a pair of ESW9s...

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mansize_tissue Thank you for the information regarding the ES7s headband and how to fix it, I may end up just getting these.

Your welcome!

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mansize_tissue I haven't ever seen those cloth handle covers before though, maybe we don't have this luxury over here in the UK. Either way, I don't think it'll do much for the looks of the 'phones, especially when these are going to be used in public!

Oh come on now, you KNOW you want to use it in public...

I dare you!

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mansize_tissue Here's the pricing for all 3 sets of cans in the UK: ES7 - £95 ($190) in the UK, £65-70 at Audiocubes, but I might get customs charges ESW9 - £150 ($300) at Audio cubes, but I might get customs charges HD25 - £140 ($280) in the UK.

Whoa! Now you see why I skipped the HD25? Not worth the $$$, IMO, me thinks its too expensive for what it has to offer. Just my 2 cents.
Anyways, did you check the prices at bluetin? I think its cheaper here in Malaysia/Singapore.


Quote:

Originally Posted by Mansize_tissue I really don't know what to do. :S

Buy all 3 and send them to me.

Yeah, that is exactly what you should do.

Here is a simple guide 4u:
1. Decide max $ you want to spend.
2. Decide if u want full sized, portable or IEM.
3. Find a few candidates that has the sound sig you're looking for.
4. Increase your budget slightly because... uh... just because!

5. Pick one from your list & enjoy it.
6. Start saving up for an upgrade.

Simple no?

 

[wrecked_porsche]

One thing I want to bring to your attention, when I was tlking about es7 bass, I did say:

Quote:

Bass is tight and punchy compared to the Darths.

Let me clarify this, in case you misunderstood.
The Darths/DT770 has bass, lots of it. Mostly is just flabbby boomy bass.
Bass is cleaner and punchier on the ES7 HOWEVER is lacks the IMPACT the Darths have. There is no thumping of your skull in the ES7.
Get what I mean? I'm not saying that the ES7 lacks impact or bass in anyway, there is plenty on the Es7, just that you can not expect the same amount you got from the bass monster DT770.

Don't expect the bass to thump your head like the DT770/Darths. When listening to my darths with bass heavy tracks, there are times when after about 1 hour or so of listening, my ears grow tired, I cant stand the thumping and have to take it off, or else i get a very mild headache kinda feeling...

The sound from the ES7 will not fatigue your ears, I have never had to take it out due to the sound fatiguing my ears. ES7 sounds very pleasant to my ears. Only the comfort issue will make you do so after about 3 hours. But my guess is that's true for ALL supra aural cans. Its a real bummer...

I'm on a quest(together with a few other head-fiers) to find a full sized can that sounds like the ES7. From what I've read, the AT AD2k might be the answer...

http://www.head-fi.org/forums/f4/cur...th-es7-285533/

 

[Mansize_tissue]

Thank you wrecked_porsche, I really appreciate your help!

I like your guide by the way, in fact I think I've been following that to the point during my time at head-fi. EP630s --> Beyerdynamic DT770 Pros --> Corda Move, and now another pair of 'phones.

Thank you for clarifying about the bass on the ES7s. I think it's a good thing anyway, that they won't have as much bass impact as my Beyers. I mean, at first I was happy with the bass on these but, now as they've burnt in and I've come to realise what good audio actually is, it seems a little too much. So tighter-sounding bass will definitely be welcomed!

Does the same go for the ESW9s, d'ya think?

Also, what other options do you--or indeed anybody--think I have? I'm pretty much set on a pair of supra-aural cans now.

 

[wrecked_porsche]

Your welcome! I'm glad to help.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mansize_tissue Does the same go for the ESW9s, d'ya think?

From what's being said about the ESW9 on these forums, yeah, i think its an awesome pair of cans, I'd get them within a heart beat if I had the $ and didn't already have the ES7.

If you can afford it, go for it. If you wanna save a little $, get the ES7, choice is up to you.

One thing I've learnt from this forum, get the best you can afford(don't go overboard), or else later you're gonna have the itch to upgrade.... But that's just IMHO though.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mansize_tissue Also, what other options do you--or indeed anybody--think I have? I'm pretty much set on a pair of supra-aural cans now.

Well, if you're set on supra aural, nothing else comes mind besides the 3 of them; HD25, ES7 and ESW9.
I'd rank them ESW9>ES7>HD25. But that's just what I think.

You might want to look into the Equation Audio RP21, but i think that one is circum aural/supra aural depending on your ear size.

Cheers!

 

[Mansize_tissue]

Hmm, the Equation Audio RP21; I hadn't considered those. I don't think I'll get those, though. They aren't different enough compared with my DT770s I don't think and I'd still be looking for something more portable if I get those.

However, I fear the same if I get the ESW9s. I might still want something more portable like the Sennheiser PX100s or something, so I might be better just to get something like that to begin with. Just out of interest, what's the best out of Sennheiser's portable range? There are so many, PX100, PX200, PXM100 PXC250... etc.

Alternatively, there's always the IEM route. What would the equivalent IEM of the ESW9s be do you think, quality wise not sound signature in particular?