Looking for a compliment for my PS-1

[wakeride74]

I have been using the PS-1 as my be all end all headphone at home. It does 95% of my music exactly how I like to hear it. Sometimes I feel like changing it up with a different flavor which brings me to my question.

What would be a nice compliment to the PS-1? Something still somewhat forward but with a bit larger soundstage, super detailed, not too lean in the bass, and not too dark (aka HD650)??

CD3k, SA5k, RS-1, K701??

 

[grawk]

ATH-W11JPN

 

[Coltrane]

"Looking for a compliment for my PS-1"


Ok. I think they are pretty and sound nice.


Or do you want a complEment?

 

[ilovesocks]

Your PS-1 has become an ambitious, strong, reliable, dependable young headphone that would defend its fellow can with all its power.

Okay I was thinking CD3K/SA5K (as you mentioned), or K501.

[edit]Dang, Coltrane beat me to it.[/edit]

 

[augustwest]

How about the AKG K1000? That would be a change of pace, and a real classic too, just like the PS1's.

- augustwest

 

[Audiofiler]

Maybe the HP1 or HP2??
RS-1's are not bad cans to have either, with our without the PS-1's..
Those PS-1's should be all over the bass and lower freq caps, so am thinking the K1000 or the RS-1's Balanced may also work for your binaural army there too as an alternate or second room can, who can have enough cans..?

 

[LFF]

Wakeride, may I suggest you give C-Pads a try. They will add a differemt flavor to your PS-1's and they are a cheap alternative to buying another headphone.

If you do want another headphone to complement your PS-1, then may I also suggest you get an HP-2 or an HD-600. They both do classical extremely well, however, keep in mind that the HP-2 shines with just about anything.

 

[mulveling]

Since you like the PS1's smooth, bass heavy flavor so much, why stray from it? I'd get something similar but different - like an L3000

The L3000 fits your requirements nicely but for one - it's darker than the HD650.

I'm in a similar situation - the L3000 is clearly my reference headphone, but I'd like something different once in a while. The RS1 is failing in that job; too harsh, aggressive, and unrefined even with flat pads (perhaps it will be better once the Melos arrives). Have heard the Omega II + KGSS, that headphone just can't get rock right (the SLAM is MIA). Heard the CD3000, and it's nice but not anything special when you're coming from cans at the level of the L3000/PS1. It's hard to be satisfied when you're used to the good stuff. Same with the SA5000 (heard that one - sort of), and it's too damn dry sounding anyways. Also own the HD600, K340, and HF1, those cans also aren't quite at a high enough level to satisfy. In the past I've owned the HD650, K1000, RS2, and HP2. The HP2 is the only one I miss. With flats (the way it should be used) it's got a fatigue free, almost slightly dark sound (but otherwise very neutral). One of the most grain-free headphones I've ever heard, including electrostats. It's got a very tight, snappy sound to it - like the John Grados try to do - except that the HP1000 gets it right. It gives a real weight and palpability to notes. Shouldn't have sold my first pair; I recently paid much more for my 2nd (soon to arrive) pair. I'd also love to nab the PS1 (haven't heard yet but sounds like it's up my alley) for a 2nd top headphone, but they're pretty hard to find these days.

In short, I'd recommend the HP1000 or L3000

Edit: I suppose the other high-end ATs may be worth looking into to. I don't feel the w10vtg is going to be at the level you (I'd) want. The w11jpn may be interesting; I haven't heard it yet (but will soon). The w2002 is awesome for pure vocals and acoustic, but amp matching is hard and it's pretty useless for pop/rock. The w5000 is a pretty polarizing headphone but possibly worth a shot. The hp1000 and l3000 are more of a general purpose, sound good with any album kinda headphones than the w10vtg, w2002, and w5000 IMO.

 

[wakeride74]

I really don't feel like hunting down any more high priced cans no longer in production. The HP-2 would be my first target if I did.

The k1000 is out because it just looks too odd and uncomfortable hanging on my head like that. I thought about a cpad mod but I really like the way the PS-1 sounds with flats and would prefer a more drastic change that would allow me to easily switch from one sound to the next (instead of pulling things apart).

grawk - something from AT might be nice... are the ATH-W11JPN on the "good luck finding those" list?

I considered a RS-1 with cpad and blackgold, CD3k, SA5k, and k701... everything sounds too far away and a bit too dark in the senns now that I've gotten so used to Grado

 

[grawk]

They're out of production, but there are a few people around that can assist you in locating one if you want. They found mine a few days after I decided I wanted them...

 

[mulveling]

The problem is that these days, ALL of the really good headphones (except Omega II) are OOP, $$$$, and hard to find

Someone needs to come out with a serious flagship headphone ASAP.

 

[wakeride74]

Quote:

Originally Posted by mulveling The problem is that these days, ALL of the really good headphones (except Omega II) are OOP, $$$$, and hard to find Someone needs to come out with a serious flagship headphone ASAP.

I know! You'd think the sings are in bold with all the people paying insane prices for these OOP cans.

 

[braillediver]

L3000


Mitch

 

[1911]

Quote:

Originally Posted by wakeride74 I have been using the PS-1 as my be all end all headphone at home. It does 95% of my music exactly how I like to hear it. Sometimes I feel like changing it up with a different flavor which brings me to my question. What would be a nice compliment to the PS-1? Something still somewhat forward but with a bit larger soundstage, super detailed, not too lean in the bass, and not too dark (aka HD650)?? CD3k, SA5k, RS-1, K701??

haha..wake....even when you find the perfect phone it is so human nature for the eyes to start roving again....the downfall of us all!

 

[grandenigma1]

I really think the K701s will fit that bill nicely. The have great soundstage and excellent bass but have a more forward crisper presentation then the 650s.

The RS1s are nice but I find them to be lacking in soundstage when not being run balanced.

As said the K1ks, HP2, L3k, and JPN would be nice but those are quite hard to find.

I vote K701s