King Sound Emperor: New Electrostatic Headphones!
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El_Doug
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merged up into the high end section? why?
Quote:
But since the LCD-2s were moved to the regular forum, don't you suppose this one should too? I agree with El Doug.
![size]](http://files.head-fi.org/images/smilies/smile.gif[size=13px][/size])
But since the LCD-2s were moved to the regular forum, don't you suppose this one should too? I agree with El Doug.
Maxvla
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Well it has 2 things going for it to stay in Summit-Fi. Stats and ToTL of its manufacturer. The Koss ESP-950 thread is in Summit-Fi, I don't know why this wouldn't be.
SIGcollector
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I had the opportunity to spend about 15 minutes with the King Sound Headphone 1 and M-10 solid state amp this past weekend, and they were the biggest shocker of the meet for me. . .
+ Very detailed and accurate
+ Excellent low frequency response
+ Easy listening, laid-back sound signature
+ Very lightweight
+ Extremely comfortable to wear, with nice ear pads *
+ Outstanding performance for the money
- Non-detachable cords
- Finish / build quality seemed lacking, and gave the impression of a "cheap" product.
- Minor background noise. This may be no fault of the headphone/amp, as it was impossible to pinpoint the source, but the background wasn't completely black.
- Being brand new products, I would be concerned with reliability. (Although I'm not sure what King Sound's CS or warranty policies are like.)
- Aesthetics may not be for everyone
*The headband . . . Drew from Moon Audio made it clear that the headband was a makeshift prototype and not a production model, but I would still be apprehensive about the production headband. I say this because photos of the production model appear to show the same yoke/adjustment device as the prototype. The headphones were extremely comfortable to wear, but ONLY when you could convince the yokes to hold the drivers at the correct height. I regularly found myself readjusting the placement as they continually slid down my ears. Hopefully the production model will address this issue.
Overall, I found the performance of these headphones to easily be in the same ballpark as the HE-500 and LCD2. Considering they're in the same price range with basically a free amp, they do pose a huge value potential. Will I be in the first group to own them? Tough to say. Considering I already have a nice traditional amp and a good bit invested in tubes, I'll probably own the LCD2's first. That said, I do see myself owning a pair of these.
Prototype Headphone 1 and M-10 solid state amp ($800):
Production Headphone 1 (from KS's website):
+ Very detailed and accurate
+ Excellent low frequency response
+ Easy listening, laid-back sound signature
+ Very lightweight
+ Extremely comfortable to wear, with nice ear pads *
+ Outstanding performance for the money
- Non-detachable cords
- Finish / build quality seemed lacking, and gave the impression of a "cheap" product.
- Minor background noise. This may be no fault of the headphone/amp, as it was impossible to pinpoint the source, but the background wasn't completely black.
- Being brand new products, I would be concerned with reliability. (Although I'm not sure what King Sound's CS or warranty policies are like.)
- Aesthetics may not be for everyone
*The headband . . . Drew from Moon Audio made it clear that the headband was a makeshift prototype and not a production model, but I would still be apprehensive about the production headband. I say this because photos of the production model appear to show the same yoke/adjustment device as the prototype. The headphones were extremely comfortable to wear, but ONLY when you could convince the yokes to hold the drivers at the correct height. I regularly found myself readjusting the placement as they continually slid down my ears. Hopefully the production model will address this issue.
Overall, I found the performance of these headphones to easily be in the same ballpark as the HE-500 and LCD2. Considering they're in the same price range with basically a free amp, they do pose a huge value potential. Will I be in the first group to own them? Tough to say. Considering I already have a nice traditional amp and a good bit invested in tubes, I'll probably own the LCD2's first. That said, I do see myself owning a pair of these.
Prototype Headphone 1 and M-10 solid state amp ($800):
Production Headphone 1 (from KS's website):
Lil' Knight
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Not a good idea to expect a detachable cable for 'stats headphones.
SIGcollector
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Just noticed that the pre-order is now active . . .
http://www.moon-audio.com/headphones/kingsound-headphones/kingsound-electrostatic-headphone-1.html
http://www.moon-audio.com/headphones/kingsound-headphones/kingsound-electrostatic-headphone-1.html
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Hmmm... this has me VERY interested.
Anyone care to say if it has more bass than the ESP 950 or SR-407? Those are the only 'stats I've heard, and I love both, though I feel like the ESP950 could use a bit more bass body and impact. The SR-407 was tight and puchy, which was fine, but hated the comfort.
edit: The amp seems to have a built in bass boost? HMMM, ok. I might want these.
If these are near those two and more comfy (which I assume it is), I might have my next purchase planned.
Why does the pre-order not include the amp? If it was confirmed, I would have been a guinea pig and ordered it on the spot.
Anyone care to say if it has more bass than the ESP 950 or SR-407? Those are the only 'stats I've heard, and I love both, though I feel like the ESP950 could use a bit more bass body and impact. The SR-407 was tight and puchy, which was fine, but hated the comfort.
edit: The amp seems to have a built in bass boost? HMMM, ok. I might want these.
If these are near those two and more comfy (which I assume it is), I might have my next purchase planned.
Why does the pre-order not include the amp? If it was confirmed, I would have been a guinea pig and ordered it on the spot.
SIGcollector
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Quote:
I was also very curious why the choice of amp wasn't included. Drew confirmed that it would be $800 total with the SS and $1600 total with the tube. I believe he said he would be receiving 20 of each in the first shipment.
As far as bass, I felt that the KS stats produced bass equivalent to or perhaps even better than the LCD2.2's. Same source, but different DAC, and obviously amp. I know that's not the comparo you were looking for, but the LCD's bass prowess is well documented.
I was also very curious why the choice of amp wasn't included. Drew confirmed that it would be $800 total with the SS and $1600 total with the tube. I believe he said he would be receiving 20 of each in the first shipment.
As far as bass, I felt that the KS stats produced bass equivalent to or perhaps even better than the LCD2.2's. Same source, but different DAC, and obviously amp. I know that's not the comparo you were looking for, but the LCD's bass prowess is well documented.
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Actually, that sounds GREAT, as I happen to own the LCD2 and I love their bass. 
Just didn't expect an e-stat to compare to the LCD2 in bass. If it's true, then OMG, this is the one I want.
edit: Order placed. They better put up the amp soon, as I will obviously need it. Lol.
Just didn't expect an e-stat to compare to the LCD2 in bass. If it's true, then OMG, this is the one I want.
edit: Order placed. They better put up the amp soon, as I will obviously need it. Lol.
SIGcollector
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Quote:
Honestly, neither did I, but I listened to the LCD's and KS stat back to back and was blown away by their performance. My mouth was literally, no BS, hanging open after just a few minutes with them. If they're reliable and KS deals with the headband issue, I think they're bar none the best value out there.
If I had to guess, I think Drew is just using the $500 headphone charge as a place holding down payment, and then you'll get to choose your amp come ship time.
Actually, that sounds GREAT, as I happen to own the LCD2 and I love their bass.
Just didn't expect an e-stat to compare top the LCD2 in bass. If it's true, then OMG, this is the one I want.
edit: Order placed. They better put up the amp soon, as I will obviously need it. Lol.
Honestly, neither did I, but I listened to the LCD's and KS stat back to back and was blown away by their performance. My mouth was literally, no BS, hanging open after just a few minutes with them. If they're reliable and KS deals with the headband issue, I think they're bar none the best value out there.
If I had to guess, I think Drew is just using the $500 headphone charge as a place holding down payment, and then you'll get to choose your amp come ship time.
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Quote:
Congrats MLE. I know if you get this before the amp it will drive you nuts. LOL
Actually, that sounds GREAT, as I happen to own the LCD2 and I love their bass.
Just didn't expect an e-stat to compare to the LCD2 in bass. If it's true, then OMG, this is the one I want.
edit: Order placed. They better put up the amp soon, as I will obviously need it. Lol.
Congrats MLE. I know if you get this before the amp it will drive you nuts. LOL
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