We're all in this together! The fact that you got the SZ2000 implies that you were possibly influenced by our devoted worship of the divine beat, so of course we're kinda being defensive. The E17 is almost the same price as a pair of SZ1000, so that's why I'm with you in thinking thoroughly about getting an amp. I already have a Fiio E5, which makes me hesitate to get another, more powerful amp. Although since I returned my recent laptop for refund, and decided to just upgrade my desktop for much less, I have money to spend lol.
I'm actually using the ALC889, so yeah, in the Tom's Hardware article, they mentioned that the rated 2 ohms output impedance of the ALC889 is connected to a series of resistors in the output path amounting to 75 ohms, which I also don't get nor see anywhere in the datasheet. Your chips are a higher version than mine as well. I forgot to add in my previous post that since you're using the XB700, which has a low 24 ohm impedance, with the same source (your soundcard), then we can't discount your listening tests. So at least in my part, I'm really interested. I really regret not getting the XB500 before they disappeared, so you're really holding a legend with you. And the SZ2000 is relatively new and relatively unpopular and even more expensive. The thing is, Hawaii also tested the XB700 and compared them with the SZ, and had contradicting results to yours. Although Hawaii may not have used the problem tracks you mentioned. So it is possible that the XB700 excels in some songs where the SZ does not.
BTW, if you're adventurous and you don't mind uninstalling your current soundcard driver and reinstalling them later, here is a thread about getting an alternative compatible driver:
Add Sound Enhancements to Windows 8 (doesn't have to be 8). Specifically, the last post in that thread directs you to
this driver that works and opens up a complete set of enhancements. I don't know if the bass boost will be to your liking, but it works for my needs especially coupled with Equalizer APO, which you should also get since you're on your PC anyway. The weird thing about the Windows bass boost is that I could not reproduce the same effect using Equalizer APO to boost the same frequency--the latter is just too weak even when raising the level so high.
Anyway, thanks for being cool with everything, Subere!
I walk into stores with this around my neck. It looks like an explosive device.
I am not too concerned with outward appearances. I might actually be
trying to make folks uncomfortable.
I walk around with the intentions of offending...I'm pretty sure.
For a number of weeks I pitted the 77's against can after can after can after can. Private shops, Yamada Denki, EDION, Best Denki.
One goal.
The loudest undistorted bass hit I could find.
The fact that an ugly set of plastic JVC's were kicking the **** out of far far more expensive cans was a serious wake up for me. I was stunned. ******* floored. Price to performance ratio among bass cans is a joke. A sick joke draining the wallets of 100's of thousands of people annually.
Textured...blah...blah.......blaaaaaaaah
I'm from car audio and a 45Hz hit is a ******* 45Hz hit It does it loud and strong or it distorts. Black and white. No
texture. or any other word used to differentiate a 20-120Hz slopes progression.
It's all ********.
The loudest low/mid/upper bass hit was the 77's.
Freaky.
The closest I came to the 77 was the Yamaha Pro 500 series. The SZ2000 go louder than the 77's in the mid/low bass range.
The Ultrasone Pro 900 are the heavy hitters in the upper bass region by a little. (+4dB @ 90-120Hz??)
My favorite bass hits are often born sub audible and diminish/dissipate around 90-120Hz
The Pro 900 won't go low enough so the roll off is way too soon for me....me.
The xb 700 are outdone by their replacement the X10. That is pretty obvious when listened to side by side with the "rah" hit.
If either hit harder than the sz I would own them. They look like Princess leia (700) or endorsed by Simon Cowell.....man...I could not possible give a ****. None. It's more **** you for the dude who gets his expensive cans put to shame....
."You know Simon Cowell endorses these?...LOLZ at you mother ******!!" That's what I'd say
They don't. It's another level below.
I said these were the hardest hitting cans. They are. The "rah" hit is just a hit but I cannot sit and listen to lots of tracks with headphones.
That hit is the hardest of any can I have heard
The "
on my level" low freq hum should vibrate your upper neck if you have firm deep cups. The Ultrasone Pro 900 falls short right there. The SZ will go lower than your ears.
The
"maad city" hit is a layered high hit over a low bass hit.
I actually went out and heard the xb700 again and came away thinking...damn those X10 hit pretty good. They cost 100 bucks. I could buy em. They hit less than the 77's though (almost same price) and both hit below the sz2000. My Cowon BBE+10 mach3bass +8 and e12 must be unique?? I cannot explain why you guys are hearing what you hear.
I'm talking about sheer force of impact. I want that.
I wanna rub it in folks faces. I do. Every chance I get.
