[Habib]

Just got them today, been listening to them for 3-4 hours now. A few thoughts:

*compared to HD-580

-wider soundstage
-more dynamic
-more clarity
-more resolution
-better separation of instrument (I can place them better)
-very very comfortable, feels like wearing a hat instead of headphone
-now I understand what transparent means, it's just letting the music through, doesn't not overpower or hide a certain range, everything is dependent on what you are listening to
-the whole package is sexy as hell, the nice storage case, cable, plug evertying is just very slick

Using the HD-580 and SR-225 as two ends of the scale, it's closer to HD-580 with a touch of SR-225 in terms of bass response and dynamic. But it's wide open and more neutral like the HD-580 overall but can get real exciting depending on the music you listen to (hiphop, pop, rock, etc). Now I realize what the Sennheiser "veil" is about. To me HD-580 is more about restraint/discipline. CD3000 feels more neutral, just play everything as the way they are.

As of right now I am very very satisfied with them. Will report back once they settle down after the burn in.

 

[joelongwood]

Quote:

compared to HD-580 -wider soundstage -more dynamic -more clarity -more resolution

You got that right! Congratulations, Habib.

 

[strohmie]

Glad you like them! Hope they're matching fine with the C541i you have...they're truly great phones.

 

[blessingx]

Congrats Habib, Now I'm really curious about the 3000's.

 

[scamper]

Same here. I just started using a pair of Ultrasone 650 trackmaster that I really like. The CD3K's sound like they would be even more up my alley.

Would be nice to have the Ultrasone for one the go and the CD3k's for sitting in the easy chair chillin.

 

[maler23]

Scamper, where did you get your Ultrasones from? I live in S.F(noticed your location) and there was a store that had a demo pair they were willing to part with for 190, but other than that, not much available.

The Ultrasones were my next headphone purchase due to their closed nature(for work) and reports of an open soundstage rivaling the Senn's. However once I started researching the Ultrasones, the CD3000's kept popping up too. I figured I might as well go all the way(I convinced my wallet it would be cheaper to just buy the Sony's rather than purchase something halfway and then have to turn around and buy them anyways..) Also, reports of sweaty ears from the Ultrasones pleather pads turned me off too. My ears are too small to lose any more weight

CD3000 purchase pending this week if I can find a good deal..

Also, Habib, what's your source ---> amp ?

 

[Habib]

From time to time, the HD580 and Head sound congested which is part of the reason why I went for the upgrade. The CD3000 probably will never sound congested. Only problem I have with CD3000 is that it's a little delicate. With the HD580 I can toss them around a little bit (not that I do, I take very good care of my gear). I wouldn't feel bad leaving them out on top of my NAD. But with the CD3000, I think they are going back to the case when I am not using them.

Electric guitar sounds very good on the CD3000. Better than all my other previous combo. Piano and violin solos also performed very well. So far I can't find one genre where the CD3000 is not up to par. It at least match or surpass what I've heard up to this point.

The CD3000 doing well with the NAD, I dont feel that they are too bright. The Grado I borrow from blessingx sounded brighter on the same setup. Now I really want to hear a tube amp with the CD3000. Really want that MPX3 now...

 

[Habib]

maler23: guess we posted at the same time. NAD C541i + Gilmore V2.

*note to self, add gear to sig...

 

[scamper]

I ordered my ultrasone through Jan Meier. So, far I really love them.

From what I have heard, I do not think I would take CD3K into an office situation. Sounds like they are way too big.

When you get those CD3K's, perhaps we should set up a mini-meet. I would love to hear them.

 

[mjg]

Habib, I think the best is in store for you when they break in!!

Don't worry so much about how delicate they are, you get over it after you get your first scratch on them : / Things happen, I leave them on my desk and put them away when they are crowding my work area. The cd3000 is my favorite, and now it can be yours too, enjoy man : ]

 

[lan]

Yeah I think they are a good HD580/600 replacement.

I don't think the HD580/600s are that neutral and find the CD3000s to be more so. This is all personal preference though.

 

[warubozu]

Congrats Habib upon your receiving of the CD3K. I also own a pair and couldn't agree with you more. They are comfortable and they are one of the best sounding headphones I've come across in this price range. May they bring you many hours of listening pleasure.

 

[ServinginEcuador]

Habib,

Glad to hear that the cans arrived and that you are enjoying them so much. They are truly incredible sounding cans with a soundstage that is quite expansive. I look forward to hearing what you think of them as you listen to them over the coming months. Enjoy!

 

[dsavitsk]

I may need to get some of these. I just got HD600s a few days ago, and after about 24hrs of break in I have to say that they are terrible on guitar heavy music -- everything sounds like mush. I feel like there is a layer of goo between the phones and my ears. I'll give 'em the ol' college try, but so far things are not good. Thank god for 30 day return policies.

-d

 

[Cherokee Mist]

If anyone is debating getting the CD3000's let me tell you that there are excellent! These are NOT fly by night or trend of the moment phones! I have not for one moment regretted buying them. They are durable as well. I leave them on top of my desk when not in use and have dropped them on the floor more than once without consequence. They are not phones that you want to be traveling with or seen in public with though... They are BIG, but not heavy. Did I mention that they sound amazing too?