[abirdie4me]

I tried the Noirs in the V281 single output. It did not sound good. Sounded better out of my phone. Better synergy I guess.

I tried so many combinations, don't love them out of my desktop rig but think they sound great out of Dragonfly Red / Oppo HA-2 SE, or LG V35. The do much better with a DAC that leans toward bright, in my opinion. I also drop 4db off of the 125 band on phone's eq, that evens out the bass on most songs and makes this headphone one of the best bargains in our hobby (again, in my opinion). See this post if you care about the stuff I've tried so far.

As for the cable, I bought the $50 Meze balanced off of Amazon. It's 2.5, but you can buy a $20 adapter to 4 pin XLR. This one on Drop.com seems popular:

https://drop.com/buy/massdrop-4-pin-xlr-to-2-5mm-trrs-adapter

 

[Lurk650]

I was gonna say that exact combo, Meze cable & adapter

 

[Ash Hayes]

Listening to Spotify, I find these a more enjoyable listen with EQ set to Bass Reducer.

I find the bass a little over powering otherwise.

 

[DeliriumCordia]

Just swapped the latest pads with Brainwavz sheepskin leather pads. The mid bass bloat is no more!

 

[eeagle]

In case anyone is interested, I'm using this cheap SE cable from Amazon on the Meze 99 Noir. I purchased it a long time ago for my Elear and wondered if it would fit the Meze, and it works like a champ. No audible difference from the stock cable, but I like it because it is about a foot shorter and it doesn't have the microphone on it.

https://www.amazon.com/NEOMUSICIA-Replacement-upgrade-AH-D600-Headphone/dp/B01LYS3MM8

Thanks, I too hate the microphone.

 

[Lurk650]

Just swapped the latest pads with Brainwavz sheepskin leather pads. The mid bass bloat is no more!

Yupp, but you lose subbass rumble

 

[DeliriumCordia]

Yupp, but you lose subbass rumble

I haven't noticed this yet as I've been listening to tight and fast music - - Kick drums still have that same punch. Where do you notice this most?

 

[Lurk650]

I haven't noticed this yet as I've been listening to tight and fast music - - Kick drums still have that same punch. Where do you notice this most?

Songs that require sub bass rumble like Rap music/EDM. You get a deeper rumble in the bass than just a bass punch.

 

[iFi audio]

I thought you might like a couple of those!

Indeed I do

Thanks for sharing!

 

[DeliriumCordia]

Songs that require sub bass rumble like Rap music/EDM. You get a deeper rumble in the bass than just a bass punch.

Sorry, I meant at which frequency do you notice this most?

 

[Lurk650]

Sorry, I meant at which frequency do you notice this most?

I consider anything sub 80hz as subbass. Deep rumbling IMO is more so 40hz and lower. Haven't listened to them in a while, Ill throw them on tonight with a hz tone generator. There is just a lot more sub bass extension with shallower pads but what you like is all on in preference. I enjoyed the BWSS pads for many months before switching to the Shure 1540 Alcantara pads.

 

[Ash Hayes]

To my ears these headphones sound much better played loud when paired with an iPhone 8+.

Would using a DAC Amplifier do much to improve the sound at lower volumes? (When still paired with an iPhone?)

 

[iFi audio]

Would using a DAC Amplifier do much to improve the sound at lower volumes? (When still paired with an iPhone?)

You mean a DAC-amp combo with your iPhone? It would.

 

[DeliriumCordia]

I consider anything sub 80hz as subbass. Deep rumbling IMO is more so 40hz and lower. Haven't listened to them in a while, Ill throw them on tonight with a hz tone generator. There is just a lot more sub bass extension with shallower pads but what you like is all on in preference. I enjoyed the BWSS pads for many months before switching to the Shure 1540 Alcantara pads.

I do notice a distinct lack of rumble compared to the other pads. I wouldn't classify this as a weakness however because you gain a bit of clarity and soundstage. For what it's worth, my ears have grown accustomed to the relatively flat signature of an Ety.

 

[cesarleeds]

I'll be receiving the small earpads from Meze by tomorrow.

So far, although still in burn in period, the 99 Classics sound a bit muddy when paired with the A&K Kann using the balanced output, and what is more surprising, I kind of miss some bass.

Let's see how they do after a few more days.