[iFi audio]

After hearing this song, then watching the music video and realizing that audio-only is better...absolutely:

Thanks. I'll keep that in mind next time I hear HP-3s. It'll happen sooner or later

 

[pbui44]

Thanks. I'll keep that in mind next time I hear HP-3s. It'll happen sooner or later

The Klipsch Heritage HP-3 are like a cross between the Denon AH-D5000 and the Grado GS2000e. They rumble to the deepest bass root on various EDM genres, yet sparkle so generously on many rock albums. One thing that the HP-3 has over those two is the planar-like speed and attack throughout the entire soundstage. Of course, the mids-extension on the HP-3 is not as good as the GS2000e, but more neutral to the bass/treble and allows more air within the instrument separation. You would think that the HP-3 is another evolutionary culmination of the D5000 and GS2000e, but it is very much more than that. It is like Klipsch took many concepts that other speaker companies have in their sound signature, like Sonus Faber (thanks, RMAF ), but the concepts are even more deep-rooted...like they incorporated decades of trial-and-error into their product, like McIntosh.

What can I say? Missing those years experienced at several CanJams left me wondering where I was going with find something that brought back those memories and that is what the Klipsch Heritage HP-3 has. BTW, @xanlamin has several HP-3 models that are complete with display box for $850 shipped with paypal fees included, which is a total bargain, considering how heavy the display box is.

 

[theangelboy]

This might seem a out of left field and a bit disjointed, but I've been on a journey these past few days.

Because of my recent EQ success with the HP-3 and Advanced Alpha, I decided to take a crack at EQing my Nighthawk which I have always, to put simply, hated the sound of. After making a profile based of off my measurements, I found the Nighthawk driver very capable when it wasn't buried in all of the tuning weirdness, with shocking amounts of detail. It almost felt like I unburied an Ferrari in a dusty old barn, really surprised me. I then compared it EQ'd to measurements of my HP-3... and some parts of the frequency response looked similar. Did some reading on the specs and sure enough, the HP-3 and Nighthawk use a extremely similar driver. The only meaningful spec difference I could see is the HP-3 uses a 52mm and the Nighthawk uses a 50mm. And honestly, knowing how "accurate" spec sheets can be from manufacturers, it wouldn't surprise me at all if they were the exact same driver, just measuring it differently. The drivers certainly look the same to my eyes. complete with a similar metal mesh cover.

Anyhow, this got me thinking, could I mod my Nighthawk and tune it like a HP-3, or at the very least, improve the sound? So I did some experiments, some modding, and some pad rolling. Also, as an aside, even my super janky measurement rig makes these things so much easier. Don't think you need to spring for a GRAS to get a useful measurement rig for EQ and modding, I spent a total of $7 on mine and it has already saved me hours of subjective comparison hell, especially with pad rolling. I can tell at a glance what a pad does to the sound compared to stock and if it looks promising, then I spend time listening.... Anyway, back on topic.

After adding some cotton rounds behind the drivers and switching to knockoff Brainwavz microsuede oval pads (they measured slightly better than the real BW MS pads), the Nighthawk measures shocking similar to my HP-3! The frequency response is actually a dead match from 20hz-3.8khz. So little difference, in fact, that 3.8khz down looks closer than a L R measurement of the same headphone.

However, in practice, the Nighthawks don't sound the exact same as the HP-3. The treble deviates quite a bit, with the peaks/dips in different places, so the Nighthawk actually comes across brighter to my ears. Imaging and soundstage seem to be a little better on the HP-3, along with the bass sounding more "open." I suspect that has to do with the larger cup design. But I can't overstate what a HUGE improvement the sound is over the stock Nighthawk. Audioquest took such a capable driver and really bungled it. The fact that I paid $700 for my HP-3, felt like a got a good deal, and only paid $250 for my Nighthawk and have questioned that purchase until now, shows how good the driver can be when put in the right hands. Although, I can safely say AQ did a better job making it more comfortable. The Nighthawk really does float on my head, while my HP-3 before my suspension strap mod was downright painful to wear after only an hour.

Well, thanks for joining me on my journey of making a baby HP-3! Lol, hope you enjoyed my mad ramblings.

 

[iFi audio]

The Klipsch Heritage HP-3 are like a cross between the Denon AH-D5000 and the Grado GS2000e. They rumble to the deepest bass root on various EDM genres, yet sparkle so generously on many rock albums. One thing that the HP-3 has over those two is the planar-like speed and attack throughout the entire soundstage. Of course, the mids-extension on the HP-3 is not as good as the GS2000e, but more neutral to the bass/treble and allows more air within the instrument separation. You would think that the HP-3 is another evolutionary culmination of the D5000 and GS2000e, but it is very much more than that. It is like Klipsch took many concepts that other speaker companies have in their sound signature, like Sonus Faber (thanks, RMAF ), but the concepts are even more deep-rooted...like they incorporated decades of trial-and-error into their product, like McIntosh.

Thanks a lot, that's very useful. There are some Klipsch speakers I really enjoyed, and given that legacy I imagine that their cans have to be special in one way or another.

 

[pbui44]

Thanks a lot, that's very useful. There are some Klipsch speakers I really enjoyed, and given that legacy I imagine that their cans have to be special in one way or another.

Now that you mentioned it from one of your previous quotes, I have been listening to death metal for a while now and not only can I understand what vocals are saying more as I listen, but the sound signature can vary by the type and quality of recording done. Some songs will allow a more recessed v-shape, while others will let the vocals become more lush and allow the death ballad take place. I first heard death metal from an old friend that was a death metal fan and when I heard it, I could not understand what the lyrics were and woke up to tinnitus the next day. None of either of those now, which makes the HP-3 even more valuable to me!

 

[Jimmyblues1959]

This might seem a out of left field and a bit disjointed, but I've been on a journey these past few days.

Because of my recent EQ success with the HP-3 and Advanced Alpha, I decided to take a crack at EQing my Nighthawk which I have always, to put simply, hated the sound of. After making a profile based of off my measurements, I found the Nighthawk driver very capable when it wasn't buried in all of the tuning weirdness, with shocking amounts of detail. It almost felt like I unburied an Ferrari in a dusty old barn, really surprised me. I then compared it EQ'd to measurements of my HP-3... and some parts of the frequency response looked similar. Did some reading on the specs and sure enough, the HP-3 and Nighthawk use a extremely similar driver. The only meaningful spec difference I could see is the HP-3 uses a 52mm and the Nighthawk uses a 50mm. And honestly, knowing how "accurate" spec sheets can be from manufacturers, it wouldn't surprise me at all if they were the exact same driver, just measuring it differently. The drivers certainly look the same to my eyes. complete with a similar metal mesh cover.

Anyhow, this got me thinking, could I mod my Nighthawk and tune it like a HP-3, or at the very least, improve the sound? So I did some experiments, some modding, and some pad rolling. Also, as an aside, even my super janky measurement rig makes these things so much easier. Don't think you need to spring for a GRAS to get a useful measurement rig for EQ and modding, I spent a total of $7 on mine and it has already saved me hours of subjective comparison hell, especially with pad rolling. I can tell at a glance what a pad does to the sound compared to stock and if it looks promising, then I spend time listening.... Anyway, back on topic.

After adding some cotton rounds behind the drivers and switching to knockoff Brainwavz microsuede oval pads (they measured slightly better than the real BW MS pads), the Nighthawk measures shocking similar to my HP-3! The frequency response is actually a dead match from 20hz-3.8khz. So little difference, in fact, that 3.8khz down looks closer than a L R measurement of the same headphone.

However, in practice, the Nighthawks don't sound the exact same as the HP-3. The treble deviates quite a bit, with the peaks/dips in different places, so the Nighthawk actually comes across brighter to my ears. Imaging and soundstage seem to be a little better on the HP-3, along with the bass sounding more "open." I suspect that has to do with the larger cup design. But I can't overstate what a HUGE improvement the sound is over the stock Nighthawk. Audioquest took such a capable driver and really bungled it. The fact that I paid $700 for my HP-3, felt like a got a good deal, and only paid $250 for my Nighthawk and have questioned that purchase until now, shows how good the driver can be when put in the right hands. Although, I can safely say AQ did a better job making it more comfortable. The Nighthawk really does float on my head, while my HP-3 before my suspension strap mod was downright painful to wear after only an hour.

Well, thanks for joining me on my journey of making a baby HP-3! Lol, hope you enjoyed my mad ramblings.

It's amazing how useful the LOKI Mini is in helping to shape the sound of a headphone. I also have an Audioquest Nighthawk (Carbon version), and have noticed the benefits of using the LOKI with the Nighthawk to improve its sound. Stock, the Nighthawk 's midrange is sucked out. However, with equalization this problem improves considerably. The Nighthawk is also the most comfortable headphone I own.

 

[pbui44]

HP-3 in walnut with everything for $720 shipped in the US:

https://www.head-fi.org/classifieds...t-open-box-not-used-priced-to-sell-fast.7593/

 

[BubbaJay]

I don't use my HP-3 as much as I use to but I should because it's still a great sounding headphone for things like rock and edm.

I've said that my Z1R is my most "fun sounding" headphone but I think the HP-3 is right there with it in the fun zone. That's not to say it's not a technically good headphone because it is but it's just not on the same level as say my Heddphone or Arya. Since the driver they use is from the Foster TH line of headphones you know it's going to sound good.

 

[slowpickr]

I’m considering getting the HP3s. Has anything come out under $800 the past few years that tops them? Prefer a fun, musical HP with elevated bass over reference. Thanks.

 

[iFi audio]

Has anything come out under $800 the past few years that tops them?

Here it's fair to ask about areas where you'd like to see improvements. Anything specific on your mind? Or just in general a step above HP3?

 

[DaYooper]

I have several multi-thousand dollar headphones that do not top the HP-3, in my opinion. And I would sell any of those others but I actually bought a second pair of the Klipsch so I would always have a set.

 

[iFi audio]

I have several multi-thousand dollar headphones that do not top the HP-3, in my opinion. And I would sell any of those others but I actually bought a second pair of the Klipsch so I would always have a set.

You could try Susvara if you haven't yet

Or on the other end, I enjoy Fostex TH900 MK2 a lot, but I wouldn't rate them higher than HP-3 I think.

 

[godmax]

I’m considering getting the HP3s. Has anything come out under $800 the past few years that tops them? Prefer a fun, musical HP with elevated bass over reference. Thanks.

The HP-3 will fit very well your described demand, if you can get them for the targeted 800$!
Others worth mentioning, that could fit your liking and price target also: Campfire Cascade, E-MU Teak
There is a very good thread with reviews and comparisons: The Closed-Back Headphone Thread (Plus Comparisons & Reviews)
I just plugged in the HP-3 yesterday into my TT2 and it was a blast again!

I have several multi-thousand dollar headphones that do not top the HP-3, in my opinion. And I would sell any of those others but I actually bought a second pair of the Klipsch so I would always have a set.

Good decision, already thought about getting a backup-pair too

 

[Malevolent]

I’m considering getting the HP3s. Has anything come out under $800 the past few years that tops them? Prefer a fun, musical HP with elevated bass over reference. Thanks.

If you're searching for a headphone with similar characteristics, albeit one with better technicalities, I'd vote for the TH900 Mk2. It is just as musical and engaging, offering the best distillation of a "v-shaped" sound in the business, IMO.

 

[slowpickr]

Here it's fair to ask about areas where you'd like to see improvements. Anything specific on your mind? Or just in general a step above HP3?

Thanks for all the replies. Just a general step up for the aforementioned preferences. Doesn’t sound like there is anything in the neighborhood of $800.

I’m going to check out the EMU Teak. Have always heard good things about them. The HP3s are semi open so I would think they would have more of an airy sound.