KEF M500 vs Oppo PM-3

[DNADave]

Hi to all,
 
I currently use the KEF M500 both portably and at home and I like its neutral, detailed sound and its comfort. This being the crazy world of hi-fi, though, I am wondering if I can do better.  I have been reading about the Oppo PM-3 and I would be interested to know if any of you have had experience of both of these headphones.  Would the Oppos be a significant step up from my KEFs?
 
Just for info, portably I use an iPod Classic playing bog standard Apple 256kbps files but I link it to a Fiio E12A Mont Blanc headphone amp using a Fiio line out cable.  At home I play CDs on my Arcam player but I also use the E12A.  I feed it a signal from the Tape Out sockets of my home amp using a QED RCA phono to 3.5mm jack cable.
 
I am a glasses wearer so comfort is a big factor for me.  I have read conflicting comments about using the Oppos with glasses on; some say they are fine because of the soft ear pads, others say an effective seal cannot be achieved and bass is lacking.  Any comments on this issue from fellow visually-challenged listeners would also be very welcome!
 
Cheers.

 

[cel4145]

Difficult for anyone to tell you if the PM-3 will be a step up or not since that's such a subjective thing.

The PM-3 did make Innerfidelity's Wall of Fame: http://www.innerfidelity.com/content/innerfidelitys-wall-fame-full-size-sealed

Not much risk in ordering from OPPO. They have a good return policy. Might as well order and compare them yourself. Once you are buying headphones in this price range, the $10 to $15 return shipping seems like a worthwhile demo fee to me

 

[Beyakusenn]

  Hi to all,
 
I currently use the KEF M500 both portably and at home and I like its neutral, detailed sound and its comfort. This being the crazy world of hi-fi, though, I am wondering if I can do better.  I have been reading about the Oppo PM-3 and I would be interested to know if any of you have had experience of both of these headphones.  Would the Oppos be a significant step up from my KEFs?
 
Just for info, portably I use an iPod Classic playing bog standard Apple 256kbps files but I link it to a Fiio E12A Mont Blanc headphone amp using a Fiio line out cable.  At home I play CDs on my Arcam player but I also use the E12A.  I feed it a signal from the Tape Out sockets of my home amp using a QED RCA phono to 3.5mm jack cable.
 
I am a glasses wearer so comfort is a big factor for me.  I have read conflicting comments about using the Oppos with glasses on; some say they are fine because of the soft ear pads, others say an effective seal cannot be achieved and bass is lacking.  Any comments on this issue from fellow visually-challenged listeners would also be very welcome!
 
Cheers.

Hello and welcome to Head-fi.
 
The KEF M500 is certainly a very comfortable headphone, but I wouldn't call it neutral. Not at all. It has a recessed treble and a clearly elevated mid-bass. Of course everyone has different ears, but the M500 is just too far from what I would call neutral.
 
As cel4145 said, it's difficult to tell whether you will like the PM-3 more. I haven't heard the PM-3 myself, but with what I know from the M500 and considering the reviews I have read, I think the PM-3 will be clearly less bassy, more detailed, it will have better imaging and a larger soundstage.
 
You might want to consider the Denon AH-MM400. It's sound quality is considered to be on par with the PM-3 and, judging from comparisons, it seems to have a sound signature that better resembles the M500.

 

[DNADave]

I'm sure you are right about the KEF's sound signature! I am new to headphones and was just thinking about them in comparison to my previous pair, the AKG K451. Thanks as well for your reply and the information you gave me, much appreciated.