tiga3mata
100+ Head-Fier
- Joined
- Apr 4, 2006
- Posts
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A Weekend of Indulgence
When my kids came along 3 years ago, I sold my high end stereo system and went cold turkey. However, the urge for music was always present. Sadly, the best that I could do was to vicariously indulge my interest as a lurker in this forum.
That is....until recently.... I took the plunge when a set of the K1000 became available for sale. Unfortunately, I did not have the amplification available so for the past fortnight, the closest I came to enjoy the music was fondling the headset after putting the kiddos to bed.
Well, with the missus away on holiday, I decided to maximize on a weekend of indulgence by putting money down on a set of Shanling MC-30. I realise this goes against the prevailing wisdom for amplification for the K1000, but considering my budget (the Shanling MC-30 can be had for a significant discount over US prices In Singapore) and the distinct lack of equipment options where I live, I felt it was worth a punt.
This not an attempt at an objective review! Prior to this, I have zilch experience in headphones. The opinions are based on comparisons with my stereo system and a studio audition against a 8wpc Melody 300b/se amplification.
In short, it was a night to remember. After putting the kiddos to bed, I lovingly set up the spanking new Shanling, hooked up the as yet unused K1000, move my easy chair into the bedroom, turned the air-con on and proceeded to rediscover my CD collection.
The MC-30 had enough juice to drive the K1000 to ear splitting levels without audible distortion. It was bright sounding at first but mellowed out after a couple of hours. It still lacks the weightiness of the Melody combo but not by much. It did not do so well with techno electronic (eg Tubular Bells by Michael Oldfield) type music where the sound was uninvolving. The opposite was true for orchestral music. Listening to track 3 of Symphonic Music of the Rolling Stones, Under My Thumb with Michael Hutchence was an immersive experience. The forward placement of his vocals contrasted nicely with the large and expansive orchestral backup that emerged from a very silent background. (I think that has to do with the K1000 strength at placement within a soundstage).
Other standout albums includes Tapestry Revisted and Anne Murray's Crooning where the vocals were well rounded and effortless. It is true that the quality of recording is ruthlessly revealed by the K1000 but the well documented brightness of the K1000 was not evident through the MC-30. Compared to the Melody, it perhaps could do with a bit more definition and control in the lower register. However, considering that it is 1/7th the costs, that is probably an unfair comparison. Live recordings were especially well rendered. The Eagles' Hell Freezes Over and James Taylor One Man Band concerts was protrayed with delightful clarity and enveloping ambience!
Would I recommend the K1000/Shanling MC-30? Without a doubt....especially cosidering the all-in costs. Most importantly, it made me smile. It makes a great uncomplicated system for enthusiasts with family and budgetry restrictions.
And I am one happy camper in the midst of a weekend of indulgance!
When my kids came along 3 years ago, I sold my high end stereo system and went cold turkey. However, the urge for music was always present. Sadly, the best that I could do was to vicariously indulge my interest as a lurker in this forum.
That is....until recently.... I took the plunge when a set of the K1000 became available for sale. Unfortunately, I did not have the amplification available so for the past fortnight, the closest I came to enjoy the music was fondling the headset after putting the kiddos to bed.
Well, with the missus away on holiday, I decided to maximize on a weekend of indulgence by putting money down on a set of Shanling MC-30. I realise this goes against the prevailing wisdom for amplification for the K1000, but considering my budget (the Shanling MC-30 can be had for a significant discount over US prices In Singapore) and the distinct lack of equipment options where I live, I felt it was worth a punt.
This not an attempt at an objective review! Prior to this, I have zilch experience in headphones. The opinions are based on comparisons with my stereo system and a studio audition against a 8wpc Melody 300b/se amplification.
In short, it was a night to remember. After putting the kiddos to bed, I lovingly set up the spanking new Shanling, hooked up the as yet unused K1000, move my easy chair into the bedroom, turned the air-con on and proceeded to rediscover my CD collection.
The MC-30 had enough juice to drive the K1000 to ear splitting levels without audible distortion. It was bright sounding at first but mellowed out after a couple of hours. It still lacks the weightiness of the Melody combo but not by much. It did not do so well with techno electronic (eg Tubular Bells by Michael Oldfield) type music where the sound was uninvolving. The opposite was true for orchestral music. Listening to track 3 of Symphonic Music of the Rolling Stones, Under My Thumb with Michael Hutchence was an immersive experience. The forward placement of his vocals contrasted nicely with the large and expansive orchestral backup that emerged from a very silent background. (I think that has to do with the K1000 strength at placement within a soundstage).
Other standout albums includes Tapestry Revisted and Anne Murray's Crooning where the vocals were well rounded and effortless. It is true that the quality of recording is ruthlessly revealed by the K1000 but the well documented brightness of the K1000 was not evident through the MC-30. Compared to the Melody, it perhaps could do with a bit more definition and control in the lower register. However, considering that it is 1/7th the costs, that is probably an unfair comparison. Live recordings were especially well rendered. The Eagles' Hell Freezes Over and James Taylor One Man Band concerts was protrayed with delightful clarity and enveloping ambience!
Would I recommend the K1000/Shanling MC-30? Without a doubt....especially cosidering the all-in costs. Most importantly, it made me smile. It makes a great uncomplicated system for enthusiasts with family and budgetry restrictions.
And I am one happy camper in the midst of a weekend of indulgance!
