Modi2/magni2 Hd 650 clear but harsh.

[Me x3]

FR graphs can be quite tricky. Normally, there's plenty of information in them, but more often than not extracting that info is no piece of cake.

 

[Currawong]

You can only compare measurements made by the same person on the same set-up, with the same settings. Most graphs (headphone.com for example) are compensated using an average for roughly what people will hear. There are different arguments about how to do that. 
 
As well, most dynamic headphones (non-planar) will deliberately roll off in the deep bass as the distortion levels increase dramatically down that low. Adding to that, all but the very latest equipment can't measure reliably above 10 kHz, and isn't even considered reliable above 5kHz. Since instruments usually top out at about 12 kHz anyway (ignoring harmonics) it isn't such a big deal. However common measurements only use sweeps and tones. Complex multi-tone measurements, which are closer to what music is, doesn't have a testing standard and, as far as I know, is only used internally by manufacturers.
 
A better way is this: Find people who like the same music as you do who listen the same way (quiet, normal or loud) and see what they like. Most likely you'll find the same headphones as they have suit you as well. 

 

[IronStolf]

Thanks, that makes sense. The contort and fit of the HD650's are now very good and I have heard people listening to the same type of music with them. I prefer the 400i's for music but the 650's better for games. My PC also gets quite loud and the 400i's lets in a lot more sound.

I am currently struggling with some ear pain right now, (allergies or TMJ) so I am hoping that might be the cause of the sensitivity to the frequencies I described.

I may still give the Nighthawks a try but I'll wait for my ear to get better before anymore testing.

 

[IronStolf]

Happy Holidays,  
 
     I have tried everything I could to make the HD650 work for me, including the Valhalla 2;  Unfortunately, it didn't help.  For anyone new reading this thread, don't try to buy an amp to suite headphones that doesn't work for you.  If it doesn't sound good with say, a Magni 2. It is very likely it never will IMO.
    
     Besides the issue I had with the frequency, the shape and/or padding of the HD650 is not for me.  Even when it was loose enough to fall off my head, it would still cause some discomfort after long use.  I am a bit stubborn at times, especially when testing the number 1  ranked head-fi headphones.  I would have saved time and money if I would have listened to monsterzero.
 
     I have just ordered the Nighthawk and will be returning the HD650.  I still have an option to return any of my equipment, though the time for the Asgard 2 is running out.  With that said, my questions are:
 
Which amp do you guys think will be better for the Nighthawk or 400i, depending on which one I keep? 
 
It seems the Magni2 Uber would give more power to both those headphones than the Asgard2 at the listed ohms.  Is that even relevant?
 
Please consider the fact that I live in Houston, and it does get very hot.  Price is also a consideration with the return shipping and shipping paid for the amp, it is only a $70.00 difference between the two amps.
 
Above all, enjoyment and sound quality is first priority.
 
-Thanks again for all the help.

 

[theveterans]

If heat is a concern, definitely keep the M2U. Asgard in summer will leave a burn on your skin no kidding.

 

[ProtegeManiac]

 
Please consider the fact that I live in Houston, and it does get very hot.  Price is also a consideration with the return shipping and shipping paid for the amp, it is only a $70.00 difference between the two amps.

  Quote:

  If heat is a concern, definitely keep the M2U. Asgard in summer will leave a burn on your skin no kidding.

 
Regarding the Asgard2's heat, I personally wouldn't worry about it too much. If it's hot enough where you are that it can get that hot, your ears would be sweating once you get headphones on anyway, so chances are you'd have the A/C running anyway. Just don't leave it running at idle and it should be fine, and once it's being used, the A/C will lower the ambient temp in the room anyway. You can also arrange your things so that the fresh air from the A/C can blow some air towards the general direction of the amp.
 
In such a situation what I would worry about more is the added noise from the A/C, which will be easily audible through open headphones.

 

[IronStolf]

Thanks for the responses. Heat is not a huge concern as I do have central cooling. It would however add to the ongoing problem of balancing out room temperatures.

I just got the Nighthawk today and I am currently testing and enjoying it now. At this point I am deciding whether I should keep the Asgard 2 or buy a Magni 2 Uber(have Magni 2 but need preouts). I think the Magni may be a better compliment to the already warm/neutral Nighthawks and it also seems to be more suited for low impedance headphones. With everything recalculated it would only save me about $35.00 to go for the M2U. At this time, it's pretty much up to Sound quality/preference.

Any additional advice is always appreciated.