[BANGPOD]

Head-Fi'ers --

Moderators, if this is not in the correct forum, do what you will.

I am simply not satisfied with my system (see my signature)...
There is so much more I want out of it -- I can't take it anymore...

If you would like to hear what I think of my setup, please ask.

I am looking to hear from the more experienced ears out there...
Please comment here if you own or have heard extensively:

Merdian 508.24 (or any higher Meridian)
Emmeline HR-2 (please state used op-amp's)
Sony R-10

Please also list the interconnects you have used/heard with this setup.

This is the setup I am looking to upgrade to. Cables come later.
I will be using Magwire Original's until I can find something better.
How do Cardas Neutral Reference interconnects fair in this setup?

How does the Meridan sound compared to...
The Cary sound... 308/300, 306/300, 303/300?
The Sony sound... SACDmods.com C555ES?

I would like to hear overall opinions of this setup... Anyone?
I am also hoping to hear this at the upcoming NYC meet.

Any other comments are welcome, I am seriously considering this.

usc goose, you thought I had upgraditis BEFORE? What about now?

BANGPOD

 

[usc goose]

(i mean you do realize that's easily 5 grand worth of gear right?)

 

[lan]

Have you listened to electrostatics or AKG K1000? I would do so before I commit to R10.

 

[BANGPOD]

Quote:

Originally posted by usc goose (i mean you do realize that's easily 5 grand worth of gear right?)

usc goose --

Note that I am taking your response with a grain of salt.
I do realize how much that set is worth... That's why I want it!

But, yes! I am fully aware of my clinical insanity. MWAHAHA!
Maybe some thumbscrews and water torture will help me.

Quote:

Originally posted by lan Have you listened to electrostatics or AKG K1000? I would do so before I commit to R10.

lan --

Why do you say so? I am not doubting you...
But I am wondering why you feel that way!

Enlighten me!

Scott

 

[usc goose]

Quote:

Originally posted by BANGPOD usc goose, you thought I had upgraditis BEFORE? What about now?

i can't believe i'm going to take the old fart role here but when i was 17 my car was worth about what that headphone setup would be worth.

man, growing old is a bitch. good luck with the quest for perfection though.

(closest thing i could find to an R10 smiley)

 

[Hajime]

I have listened to the R10's through the HR-2 and Meridian 508.24, though only for a short time at a meet. I enjoyed the sound. The R10's are probably the headphone that reproduce the best artificial soundstage.

 

[Canman]

Quote:

Originally posted by BANGPOD I am simply not satisfied with my system (see my signature)... There is so much more I want out of it -- I can't take it anymore...

Hmmm....what exactly are you looking for in your system? Have you listened to the R-10 before because I don't think its the ideal headphone for everyone (not for me at least).

 

[BANGPOD]

Quote:

Originally posted by Hajime The R10's are probably the headphone that reproduce the best artificial soundstage.

Hajime --

Could you please elaborate on this? Based on markl's review...
He said that the R10's soundstage was extremely natural, IIRC.
Again, I am waiting to hear the R10's at a NYC Head-Fi meeting.
This is only interest, but if I like the sound, I will buy them.

Quote:

Originally posted by Canman Hmmm....what exactly are you looking for in your system? Have you listened to the R-10 before because I don't think its the ideal headphone for everyone (not for me at least).

Canman --

You ALWAYS seem to answer my questions! Thanks a lot so far.

So I don't go off on a page long tangent, let me put it this way:
I read markl's review of the R10's and I liked his take on them.
A majority of what he said equated to what I look for in a 'phone.
More over, his opinions were right on line with what I wanted...
His review touched upon all of the faults I hear in current 'phones.

I feel that the R10 could be my "be all, end all" of dynamic 'phones.
I truly respect markl's ears, and his words alone are enough to try the R10.

Thanks,
SCOTT

 

[usc goose]

Quote:

Originally posted by BANGPOD Hajime -- Could you please elaborate on this? Based on markl's review... He said that the R10's soundstage was extremely natural, IIRC. Again, I am waiting to hear the R10's at a NYC Head-Fi meeting. This is only interest, but if I like the sound, I will buy them.

what he said threw me for a second too. then i figured out by "best artificial soundstage" he means best reproduction. you know, as opposed to being in a concert hall and judging the "actual soundstage" of a venue.

 

[lan]

It's best you listened to the R10 to see if it's to your liking (and even comfort). I do not like it in terms of either so it's not for me.

For the price of R10, you can have Omega II and AKG K1000.

In any case, if you like the headphone, you should build the rest of the system around it. It doesn't matter if somebody else has same philosophy as you have different ears.

 

[BANGPOD]

Quote:

Originally posted by usc goose what he said threw me for a second too. then i figured out by "best artificial soundstage" he means best reproduction. you know, as opposed to being in a concert hall and judging the "actual soundstage" of a venue.

usc goose --

Thank you for clarifying that, it makes sense to me now...

Now THAT sounds like quite an honor to give to a headphone.
Maybe there is good reason for it, and I can save money this way.
Buy this dream system and be set for the better part of a year.

Hajime --

Your assessment of the R10 was slightly vague.
Is that all you noticed when you heard the R10's?

Again, any others who have experience with this setup, please come forward!
My willingness to hold back is decreasing by the minute, help me!

SCOTT

 

[Hajime]

Scott,

Please remember I only heard the R10's for a few minutes under meet conditions, and I listened to them longer on the Stealth than the HR-2. Ray had a Norah Jones CD of his in when I was listening and the sound had beautiful vocals which is what I really focus on.

When I said the R10's are probably the headphones that reproduce the best artificial soundstage, I meant that they give me the illusion I was listening to the music in an environment that surrounded me. This was what stood out most to me when I was listening to them.

 

[Canman]

Quote:

Originally posted by BANGPOD You ALWAYS seem to answer my questions!

I do what I can, man.

I have heard the R10 at three different meets and on many different amplifiers. My appreciation for the R10's has increased with each chance I get to hold those wooden beauties. They are absolutely incredible at portraying the emotion and the texture in the music. If I had enough cash, I would have a pair for classical music and female vocals. I feel like the R10's don't have the dynamic drive for rock music though.

Although Markl is a fantastic reviewer, I don't seem to share his tastes in equipment. I don't love Sony cans and I'm not huge on Ray Samuels amplifiers. So take my advice as coming from the opposite camp as Markl. I want to hear exactly what is on the recording and that's why I chose the Omega II for my headphone instead of the R10. That and a new Omega II and KGSS amp is just about the same price as a new R10.

The last New York meet had three R10's! I'm sure you could find one to listen to at some point. If you can, check out the Omega II while you are at it.

 

[ServinginEcuador]

Scott,

I would second the reco to listen to the Omega II before making a decision. While they are not perfect, nor for everyone, they should be listened to to make sure they aren't for you first. Bozebuttons will have his KGSS and Weebl on hand soon, so why not sit down and take some time to listen to them the next chance open for a meet in NY with Bozebuttons' gear in attendance?

 

[Geek]

If the R10s sound anything like the CD3000 you should definitely definitely consider HD650s.

You should ideally spend some hours listening to this system, and regardless of your choice, whether it be R10s, HD650s, CD3000s, RS1s, or otherwise, you must like them over the other choices before buying.

Cheers,
Geek