More photos from me! http://s928.photobucket.com/albums/ad121/brncao/ I didn't get the chance to check out the members setup on the first floor cuz I was so busy on the 2nd floor
My first audition was pure amazing. Tbh I didn't come just to enjoy music, I came to audition and compare (and enjoy music)!
The room I enjoyed the most and had the most time in was Headroom lmao because I had to audition 3 (AKG K701, K702, and Dt880 (250ohm)) headphones extensively as I was planning on buying the AKG K70x or DT880, which both fits my budget and use. Headroom seemed to be the only vendor where I could use my laptop. I auditioned other cans as well for the heck of it. My source was the Headroom Desktop Amp w/ PSU (see the pic with the laptop and headphones on top). I used Adobe Audition to
precisely playback the same section over and over to compare the differences and I've used different types of music (FLAC and 320kbps). I also used the quick swap method: One headphone on the ears, the other in hand. I would push the other headphone off my ears and let it fall around my neck as I put the other on lmao. I also take breaks in between. All these factors help lessen subjectivity imo.
Listening procedures: I've been transcribing music for several years now so my ears are more trained and developed so that's a plus. Frequency: I compare by starting from the low end and work my way up to the high end of the frequency response and as a whole. Instrument separation and detail: I select an instrument from within the music, and ask if it is clear and revealing or muddy and hidden.
Here's my first impressions!
AKG K701 vs AKG K702
They actually sound the same to me. I've done this for like 10 minutes, but could not discern any differences. That said, I will use "K70x" instead to compare it to other headphones.
Beyerdynamic DT880 (250ohms) vs AKG K70X
The difference is very noticeable. Some people say the AKG K70x is bass anemic. I don't think it is. The bass actually sounds the same or similar to the DT880 imo. The K70X is actually brighter or has more upper mids+ than the DT880. My theory for the "bass anemic" notion is due to the treble overpowering the bass giving you the impression that there's something wrong with the bass, when it's probably the treble that's masking it. The DT880 has more mids, or what I think correctly is less treble. Switching from a K70x to a DT880 will give you the impression as mellow sounding. On the contrary, switching from DT880 to K70x will give you the impression it's bright. However,the K70x was only slightly brighter over the DT880. In terms of instrument separation and detail, you can't go wrong with either. To prove it, I spent over an hour comparing the two and could not come to a conclusion lol. I was able to detect and discern every single instruments used on both phones (better than my crappy ones at home). I had to run through more and more songs. The AKG K70x did have a bigger soundstage. It was more airy, probably because the cup is bigger than the DT880. Listening to an orchestrated piece, I could hear where the instruments were placed and the distance.
Do note the material used inside these cups. The AKG K70x uses a soft wire-mesh like cloth and the DT880 uses foam. These two factors greatly affect the frequency response imo. I think the foam in the DT880 absorbs the high treble frequency giving it a mellow sounding headphone while the AKG K701 lets it all through giving it a brighter sounding headphone. Because the drivers in the K70x are more exposed, more sound gets through and therefore
slightly more detail and clarity is heard in the AKG K70X. In the end I favored the AKG K70x over the DT880 for transcribing purposes (and for listening and enjoyment).
For the rest, I didn't do any intensive listening so the impressions are rather short. I only took mental notes what stood out the most for me.
Denon D7000
The first thing I noticed after I finished comparing DT880 and AKG K70x was the bass. Now these are for those who like their bass! Kick drums
really stuck out. You know those tracks that are mixed a little too hot and the kick drums having no punch? Well if you want that punch back, Denon D7000 is the way to go. The bass is even bassier than T1 or HD800. But I really enjoyed hearing those punches in the kick drums and toms as I don't hear it too often. Is it something I want? No, it doesn't help me transcribe. The bass masks the upper frequency.
HD650
I didn't like these at all. It was too laid back. It sounded claustrophobic. I believe it's because of the vice grips on these cans. When you push the cups closer to your ears, things begin to sound awkward, which is represented by the vice grip.
T1 vs HD800
I like them both equally. They are truly above AKG K70x and DT880 and I would get either one, but alas I'm poor. It's really dependent on the type of music you listen. Ugh I forgot which music sounded better with which cans. But FWIR they both sounded very good to my ears. Oh you guys should hear it for yourselves (those who didn't audition these two are missing out!)
Grados
I never really liked the Grados. They're uncomfortable...
Outside Headroom I had the chance to audition all kinds of electrostats! However, without anything to compare to using my above methods, I can't really tell
No fun when you can't compare. The Stax omega 007t is truly comfortable. The headband self-adjusts and the cups are very comfortable around your ears.