[Patswalker]

I would say the XTC2.5 is the most balanced closed back I've heard. Though, it still has a bit of the closed back sound to it. The GH50 JM50 or the Rognir would probably be the closest to sounding like an open back of the closed backs I've heard. they have artificially large sound stages on the cusp of being absurd, though, I haven't listened to them in a while.

In a couple weeks I’ve going to get a pair of 300ohm XTC2 built to specifically work we’ll with the time amps. Especially the otl.
I will say I prefer the 300ohm XTC2 open backs over the XTC 2.5 closed backs. Though John does say the 300ohm is the best driver he has.

 

[vikinguy]

Saw these things on Facebook.

 

[phoneslave86]

That is a nice looking 1.5 closed back, looks as good as the 2^5 to me

Got to love the adjustable sound with the ports. So many times it helps the sound get just right changing 2-4 ports, just takes a few seconds with puddy need to find black puddy

 

[eugene2]

I had Pine Tree Audio build me a custom amp designed around my favorite tube the RCA 5692 redbase tube. It's Basically a 6SN7 tube so the amp can also use any 6SN7. I just love the RCA 5692 redbase so much that I wanted to know what an amp that is built around it would do and now I know. It's wonderful. I also bought a single tube 6SN7 OTL amp from them but that was not custom for me, that was an amp the designer built for himself and sold it to me for cheap. I don't mean super high end when I mean end game. It's more along the idea of what I personally want that will end the exhausting game of hifi hunting. I love those amps so much. Super happy with them. I don't really like super expensive stuff. I have tried it in the past and yes of course it sounds nice and special but for me spending more than $1500 MAX on any part of hifi gear is not what I want to do. I don't want to have to baby my gear because it cost as much as a car.

https://tmraudio.com/personal-audio...iks-audio-elise-tube-headphone-amplifier-mki/

 

[Patswalker]

https://tmraudio.com/personal-audio...iks-audio-elise-tube-headphone-amplifier-mki/

I used to have one! Great amp. OTL though, that pigeonholes it only to one kind of headphone. It’s super good but I want more of a Swiss Army knife tube amp.

I’m 99% sure I’m going for the Woo WA7 Fireflies. Really nothing else close to that quality at that size profile.

 

[eugene2]

Nice amp I heard the original a few years back

 

[saxelrod92]

This is my pair currently being tuned. John said feel free to share this pic he sent me, so I am lol. They look amazing!

 

[alfonmart]

Nice looking pair of headphones!

 

[alfonmart]

JM Audio Edition XTC 2^5
Warm Tight Base Yet Detailed
Mahogany #3 of 10

3 days of cable break in tracks from Purist Audio Design and Tellurium Q have really transformed these headphones.

Thanks John!

Wow!! Amazing setup!

 

[subguy812]

Mad Scientist Massaria has done it again, and it feels like Christmas has come early to my place tonight. I just received the new carrying case, new headband, and the new Copperhead 2 cable. I sent my 2.5XTC set in for some tweaking, and once the scientist got a hold of them, he made sure I had the complete WOW experience. This is my original set of Brazilian Tiger Burl Wood. I'm blissfully listening to the 2.5 and Woo Tube mini/Base. The case has tons of space, easily fitting 2 cables, 2 sets of earpads, and your headphones. My tuning went from Wolfhawk to a touch more bass, and the ability to add more bass to my liking, but I will say I am in awe how they are tuned now.

Any questions feel free to hit me up!

Copperhead (L) Copperhead 2 (R)​

 

[Ace Bee]

Saw these things on Facebook.

Ayyyy that's my XTC 1.5!! Looks sweet, I bet will sound even sweeter! Currently on its way to me, halfway around the globe.

 

[running wild]

Just for your information.
If you want the new headband you have to send back the Headphone to John for changing.
It´s not only a simple change.
The cups have to be opened and they need to be recalibrated for perfect synergy matching and tested.

 

[Patswalker]

He’s a busy bee these days. For sure check in with him first to see a time frame. I’m going to do it after my next set is built.

 

[phoneslave86]

In regards to 2.0 giant open back, the new v3 headband is very comfortable for me big improvement for my size. It makes the 2.0 headphone feel like it’s a smaller headphone somehow and fit better than I thought it could, some nice leather as well. Easiest headband yet to adjust no need to lock down hex

I also got a new case, got to say love the new case too, record speed packing and unpacking. No longer have to unlock hex on band to make things fit when packing ect plus extra storage. Other version sits vertical this one is more stable than that on its side I feel safe to use it traveling it looks good and comes with keys

 

[Patswalker]

To those using XTC2.5 and or XTC2 on tube amps, especially OTL tube amps, I'm not a big closed back fan at all. Never have been. Tried many times but I'm an open back guy. That said, have you who use your XTC2.5 on OTL tube amps found any sort of special synergy or experience in the relationship between the closed back and tube amps over the open back and tube amps?

I've got the 64 ohm beryllium tuned to wolfhawk. I've got the biowool. I'm about to order the the 300 ohm XTC2 and just ask john to tune it how he would tune his ideal OTL tube amp headphone. But I did want to ask before I order, is there any special reason one would want to put a closed back on an OTL tube amp over an open back. Even though I am deeply in love with JM audio XTC2 headphones, the price of the XTC2.5 is steep for a genre of headphone I notoriously am not a fan of. There are just so many amazing reviews of them and I am so familiar with the XTC2 I figured I'd ask.