[trix3072]

I've been using the AD700X, K712 pro, and Audeze LCD-3(with JDS Element 2). The problem with them is that the sound of the AD700X and K712 was too flat, and the LCD-3 was way too heavy... So I decided to sell them all and buy a new one. This one will mainly be for music. but I play FPS games as well so I want it to have good positional, directional audio. When it comes to music, I usually listen to Hip-Hop, R&B, Pop, EDM, Rock, and some TSFH songs. I hope it's as light as possible(maybe under 420g). I currently have Element 2, so I'm not worried about the power. Can I get some suggestions? There is an audio shop near my house, so please recommend me as many as possible so that I could listen to them one by one. Thanks again.

 

[ThanatosVI]

i recommend the Meze Empyrean
Fit your budget and to my ears those are the closest to perfect headphones.

 

[silent-circuit]

Other things to consider on the high end --

Audio Technica ATH-ADX5000 (~$2000)
Audio Technica ATH-AWK (~$1900)
HifiMan HE10000 v2 (~$3000)
Sony MDR-Z1R (~$1800)
Fostex TH-900/909 ($1600-1800)
Used STAX setup / HifiMan Jade II (~$2500+)
Sennheiser HD800S, plan to use EQ (~$1600)

 

[mrjaybird]

How about add $500 more to get used abyss 1266 phi tc and end headphone journey?

 

[silent-circuit]

How about add $500 more to get used abyss 1266 phi tc and end headphone journey?

That's definitely a thought, although I've heard they aren't particularly comfortable.

 

[trix3072]

i recommend the Meze Empyrean
Fit your budget and to my ears those are the closest to perfect headphones.

Won't it be too heavy...? I'm planning to use them for about 4-6hours per session...

 

[trix3072]

Other things to consider on the high end --

Audio Technica ATH-ADX5000 (~$2000)
Audio Technica ATH-AWK (~$1900)
HifiMan HE10000 v2 (~$3000)
Sony MDR-Z1R (~$1800)
Fostex TH-900/909 ($1600-1800)
Used STAX setup / HifiMan Jade II (~$2500+)
Sennheiser HD800S, plan to use EQ (~$1600)

I've always been curious, but what's the difference between the TH 900 and 909? Also is the HE1000 a previous version of the Arya?
BTW, which one do you think has the best directional/positional audio among them?

 

[ThanatosVI]

Won't it be too heavy...? I'm planning to use them for about 4-6hours per session...

I don't think so, the headband does a great job at distributing the weight.
I use them for hours on end and to me they are WAY more comfortable to wear than LCD-2 and Hifiman Arya for example.

 

[trix3072]

How about add $500 more to get used abyss 1266 phi tc and end headphone journey?

It's over 640g... I really can't use that...

 

[trix3072]

I don't think so, the headband does a great job at distributing the weight.
I use them for hours on end and to me they are WAY more comfortable to wear than LCD-2 and Hifiman Arya for example.

Really? Is it even better than Focal's headphones?

 

[silent-circuit]

I've always been curious, but what's the difference between the TH 900 and 909? Also is the HE1000 a previous version of the Arya?
BTW, which one do you think has the best directional/positional audio among them?

The 909 is an open version of the 900, basically.

Don't know about HE1000 vs. Arya, there.

ADX5000 or 800S are probably the best for positional, though I don't know how the HE1000 fares. Generally speaking open back tends to do better than closed for that sort of thing.

You will definitely have to EQ the 800S to get the sound you want out of it, but they're very popular for gaming on the super high end because they are very light and comfortable, and are really good with positional audio.

 

[ThanatosVI]

Really? Is it even better than Focal's headphones?

Way better. In terms of comfort it is Leagues above everything else.

I never cared much for comfort, but after getting used to the Empyrean it's hard to go back.
I only ever tried the Clear for comparison, so can't tell if the Utopia is any different.

 

[silent-circuit]

Way better. In terms of comfort it is Leagues above everything else.

I never cared much for comfort, but after getting used to the Empyrean it's hard to go back.
I only ever tried the Clear for comparison, so can't tell if the Utopia is any different.

Head shape clearly plays a role, then, as one of the reasons I don't get rid of the Elegia (I feel like the Denon AH-D7200 does everything as good or better sound-wise for 90% of what I listen to) is how comfortable they are. Like forget you're wearing them comfortable. In fact, they're probably right in line with the HD700, which I've seen regularly praised everywhere (here, numerous professional reviews, etc) as "the most comfortable full size headphone ever made" and similarly bold statements. If the Empyrean really is that good maybe I need to start saving up.

 

[trix3072]

Way better. In terms of comfort it is Leagues above everything else.

I never cared much for comfort, but after getting used to the Empyrean it's hard to go back.
I only ever tried the Clear for comparison, so can't tell if the Utopia is any different.

That's quite interesting.. Thanks!

 

[trix3072]

The 909 is an open version of the 900, basically.

Don't know about HE1000 vs. Arya, there.

ADX5000 or 800S are probably the best for positional, though I don't know how the HE1000 fares. Generally speaking open back tends to do better than closed for that sort of thing.

You will definitely have to EQ the 800S to get the sound you want out of it, but they're very popular for gaming on the super high end because they are very light and comfortable, and are really good with positional audio.

Thanks for the information! But I've been told that Sennheiser's audiophile heaphones don't have "sharp" imaging like Stax or HiFiMAN, is it true? Also, shall I use Eq APO for the Hd800s or buy the SBX MB3?