IS the electro static headphone system the bEST??

Jul 10, 2005 at 9:30 PM Post #46 of 59
Quote:

Originally Posted by bangraman
Or an EQ. Zero problems with bass here, and after adjusting the flavour the O2 deals the HD650 a total smackdown. On a note separate from the flavour differences which most people seem to judge sound quality on, the techical superiority is never in doubt.


Do you still use the Behringer DEQ2496? I have been interested in trying one of these.
 
Jul 10, 2005 at 10:35 PM Post #47 of 59
Quote:

Originally Posted by mikeg
It's interesting that despite headphone listeners' supposedly being so few, fine electrostatic headphones for their day, such as the Koss ESP9, were widely available and purchased about 50 years ago. Also BTW, how come there is so little mention of Koss as a producer of electrostatic headphones. Have they been dismissed by the elites among us who consider themselves to be upper crust audiophiles? Or perhaps this group dismisses the Koss product because of its much lower price.


My dad has the Koss electrostat, and I did a brief comparison between it and the HD650 a few months ago. The conclusion? The reason nobody mentions Koss as a producer of electrostatic headphones is because their product is worse than cheaper and more accessible dynamic headphones. Note, too, that this comparison was done with the HD650 staight out of a CD player--no amp. The Koss simply isn't in the same league, IMO, even with that huge restraint placed on the HD650.

I'd have to take notes and things to give a better impression of the differences, but my overall reception of the Koss in the face of the HD650 was not very good.

They sound remarkably different, I will admit. I was quite fond of the Koss until I received my Senns. They still have some nice qualities, and I definately perceive that "electrostat clarity" that I see talked about all the time. However, in most regards the Koss just was technically inferior. Maybe some time soon I'll have to do a more detailed comparison, and perhaps a little write-up. Though I doubt people would be much interested to hear from a noob.
rolleyes.gif
 
Jul 10, 2005 at 10:58 PM Post #48 of 59
Although I have the K1000, listen to it a lot, and like it a lot, IMHO the R10 is considerably better. More resolution, more clarity, more intimacy, etc. etc. I do almost all of my serious listening on the R10, and not on the K1000.

Quote:

Originally Posted by fmplautus
Interesting that nobody mentions the AKG K-1000. I personally think it's the best dynamic headphone in the world, but is it disqualified because it technically is an "ear speaker?"


 
Jul 10, 2005 at 11:04 PM Post #49 of 59
As for my socks, I should have stuffed them into my mouth, instead of wearing them on my toes. Sorry for my confusion, but as you well know, such confusion increases with age.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Wmcmanus
Mike, unless you are not wearing socks today, I believe that distinction for this thread at least, belongs to nakedtoes!


 
Jul 10, 2005 at 11:23 PM Post #50 of 59
Quote:

Originally Posted by IstariAsuka
My dad has the Koss electrostat, and I did a brief comparison between it and the HD650 a few months ago. The conclusion? The reason nobody mentions Koss as a producer of electrostatic headphones is because their product is worse than cheaper and more accessible dynamic headphones. Note, too, that this comparison was done with the HD650 staight out of a CD player--no amp. The Koss simply isn't in the same league, IMO, even with that huge restraint placed on the HD650.

I'd have to take notes and things to give a better impression of the differences, but my overall reception of the Koss in the face of the HD650 was not very good.

They sound remarkably different, I will admit. I was quite fond of the Koss until I received my Senns. They still have some nice qualities, and I definately perceive that "electrostat clarity" that I see talked about all the time. However, in most regards the Koss just was technically inferior. Maybe some time soon I'll have to do a more detailed comparison, and perhaps a little write-up. Though I doubt people would be much interested to hear from a noob.
rolleyes.gif



Which Koss electrostat are you speaking about? THe ESP-9 or the ESP-950? Others might not, but noob or not, I'm interested in your opinions. I'm using the Koss ESP-950 and while I haven't compared them head to head with the Sennheiseren, I think that the comprehensively trounce my Grado SR-325s in almost every department, bass and immediacy included. What specifically about the ESP-950s (or ESP-9s) was lacking in comaprison to the HD650? I remember hearing the Senns at the NY meet 2 years ago and was completely unimpressed by them despite great amplification, so I'm agog to hear your opinions.
 
Jul 10, 2005 at 11:24 PM Post #51 of 59
Have you had a chance to compare it to some of usual electrostatic headphones that our Head-Fi cadre most often discuss; e.g., Stax, HE60, HE90, etc.? have you tried powering it with any electrostat amps other than that supplied by Koss with the ESP/950? Have you compared it to some of the leading dynamic headphones, such as the R10, Qualia 010, RS-1, DT 880, etc. etc.? Finally, have you heard any interesting rumors that Koss may market an electrostatic headphone that exceeds the performance of the HE90, and at a tremendously lower price? Just a reminder to others, Koss has been making electrostatic headphones for more than 50 years. As I mentioned previously, I bought their ESP-9 more that 40 years ago. I think that we should keep this company in mind, and give their electrostatic headphones (past, present, and future) a serious listen. We should evaluate their electrostatic headphones, such as the Koss ESP-950, with the various electrostatic amps that are now available (and which will be evaluated with the HE90), in order to compare the ESP-950 in a fair way to the Stax and Orpheus headphones. It's wonderful that this Koss headphone can be bought for approx. $500, which is 1/10 the cost that Jan Meier is charging for the HE90.

Quote:

Originally Posted by kartik
Being a proud owner of a Koss ESP-950, I shamelessly plug it at every opportunity I get! Audiophiles be damned, this is really nice and cheap to boot!


 
Jul 10, 2005 at 11:24 PM Post #52 of 59
Quote:

Originally Posted by Canman
Do you still use the Behringer DEQ2496? I have been interested in trying one of these.


I'm using the TC Electronic Finalizer 96K at the moment (Fireface > Finalizer via digital, Finalizer > 007t via balanced). And only when I feel like it. When I want undemanding listening out of the PC > the O2, I'll frequency switch the digital out of the Fireface to the fairly low-end (but rather nice sounding) Cambridge Audio DAC that I still have, out to the back of the 007t. The CA DAC has a low-end bloom which works nicely with the O2. I'm still toying with the idea of getting a Massive Passive, but really the cost is beyond what I'm willing to spend at the moment for the gains involved.


Say what you like about Behringer gear, the DEQ2496 is very effective for the money. And it's getting cheaper. In the UK at least, now it's like 70% of the price I originally bought mine for. Highly recommended even just as a sonic toying-around device. It's predecessor, while it sounded considerably worse, taught me a lot about how varying sonic flavour affects judgement but I didn't have it in-chain seriously. The 2496 got more regular use. Like most digital mastering processors, its not just an EQ either... there's more fun things you can do with it.
 
Jul 10, 2005 at 11:26 PM Post #53 of 59
Quote:

Originally Posted by bangraman
Or an EQ. Zero problems with bass here, and after adjusting the flavour the O2 deals the HD650 a total smackdown. On a note separate from the flavour differences which most people seem to judge sound quality on, the techical superiority is never in doubt.


I guess thats exactly what cross feed is! In balancing and redistributing sound its the bass that gets reinforced!
 
Jul 10, 2005 at 11:41 PM Post #54 of 59
Wearing a K1000 is an advantage when it's warm and muggy, such as during summer in Florida. Things get a bit warm when wearing enclosing headphones, such as the R10. Also, for those of us with a smaller head (no reflection on intelect intended), the K1000 is quite comfortable, especially when the pressure pads sliders are extended to their max positions.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Slow_aetk
What disqualifies it, at least form me, is its high level of discomfort. Not for large heads
600smile.gif



 
Jul 10, 2005 at 11:45 PM Post #55 of 59
Ludicrous? I hope not. I'm speaking solely about performance; i.e., performance dissociated from price. And, I think that it's taken as a given that the Stax headphones are second rate when compared to the HE90. So what's your beef?

Quote:

Originally Posted by jesse_w
Given the price discrepancy, your contention is ludicrous.

jesse


 
Jul 10, 2005 at 11:53 PM Post #56 of 59
Were you listening to the Koss ESP-9 or to their ESP-950? As for the ESP-9, I fully agree with your conclusion. But, I'd love to get some comparative info regarding the ESP-950, especially when powered by some of the various amps. that are intended to be evaluated for driving the HE90.

Quote:

Originally Posted by IstariAsuka
My dad has the Koss electrostat, and I did a brief comparison between it and the HD650 a few months ago. The conclusion? The reason nobody mentions Koss as a producer of electrostatic headphones is because their product is worse than cheaper and more accessible dynamic headphones. Note, too, that this comparison was done with the HD650 staight out of a CD player--no amp. The Koss simply isn't in the same league, IMO, even with that huge restraint placed on the HD650.

I'd have to take notes and things to give a better impression of the differences, but my overall reception of the Koss in the face of the HD650 was not very good.

They sound remarkably different, I will admit. I was quite fond of the Koss until I received my Senns. They still have some nice qualities, and I definately perceive that "electrostat clarity" that I see talked about all the time. However, in most regards the Koss just was technically inferior. Maybe some time soon I'll have to do a more detailed comparison, and perhaps a little write-up. Though I doubt people would be much interested to hear from a noob.
rolleyes.gif



 
Jul 11, 2005 at 12:14 AM Post #57 of 59
Quote:

Originally Posted by kartik
Which Koss electrostat are you speaking about? THe ESP-9 or the ESP-950? Others might not, but noob or not, I'm interested in your opinions. I'm using the Koss ESP-950 and while I haven't compared them head to head with the Sennheiseren, I think that the comprehensively trounce my Grado SR-325s in almost every department, bass and immediacy included. What specifically about the ESP-950s (or ESP-9s) was lacking in comaprison to the HD650? I remember hearing the Senns at the NY meet 2 years ago and was completely unimpressed by them despite great amplification, so I'm agog to hear your opinions.


I couldn't remember so I just checked, and it's the ESP-950.

Anyways, I'll see what I can do, perhaps tomorrow I can whip it out and take some notes with a variety of music, and post some more detailed impressions here. I suppose that's a good way to get some experience describing sound signatures, something which I don't have as of yet. Just don't expect too much, remember that I don't have experience with every can and his brother...
tongue.gif


Quote:

Originally Posted by mikeg
Were you listening to the Koss ESP-9 or to their ESP-950? As for the ESP-9, I fully agree with your conclusion. But, I'd love to get some comparative info regarding the ESP-950, especially when powered by some of the various amps. that are intended to be evaluated for driving the HE90.


ESP-950. I didn't know there were 2 models. I take it the ESP-9 is the inferior one, then.

Anyways, as a poor college student, I don't exactly have access to Blue Hawaiis, KGSSs, etc. So I can't be helpful in that regard--I'll only be able to use the amp that came with the cans. Now, if there was a meet in Phoenix or someplace, and someone had such an amp, I would surely take notes. But, there doesn't seem to be an abundance of AZ head-fiers...

Anyways, I'll try to post up some more detailed impressions here tomorrow or Tuesday, I hope they'll be at least somewhat useful for you guys. It doesn't seem too many people have heard the Koss electrostats.
 
Jul 11, 2005 at 1:33 AM Post #58 of 59
Quote:

Originally Posted by mikeg
Were you listening to the Koss ESP-9 or to their ESP-950? As for the ESP-9, I fully agree with your conclusion. But, I'd love to get some comparative info regarding the ESP-950, especially when powered by some of the various amps. that are intended to be evaluated for driving the HE90.


Kevin Gilmore actually has tried the ESP-950s out of both the stock and the Kevin Gilmore Solid State (KGSS). Maybe we should ask him to chime in. The last time he'd tried the combo he did seem to like it but he didn't really elaborate. KG, where art thou?
 
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