knivek
100+ Head-Fier
Is there any other pads that would work for the AFC that would improve bass response...?
Is $680 Canadian (bargained the price down a bit) for these headphones worth it? https://www.canuckaudiomart.com/det...s-aeon-flow-open-ends-may-2020-free-shipping/ I have the closed version but I really want to compare them side by side. Also I'd likely being buying the THX 789 from the same seller. He agreed to $1280 Canadian for both the AFO and THX 789.
That's a pretty good price. It's about $300 off the retail price for them new ($CAD).
I paid $650 for the close back version I have. Those do sound pretty good but to be honest (and call me crazy) but I still prefer the sound of my HD6XX and 58X over the AFC. Perhaps it will be different with the open back version. Also the close back version gave me a bit of a claustrophobic feeling. Perhaps I'm just not used to close back headphones anymore.
The HD650 is a difficult headphone to contend with, honestly. I prefered the Aeon Flow Open to it but I didn't find it to be in a different league or anything. The treble is a bit more detailed and the bass is a bit less bloated on the Aeons, but that's about it. I only found it to be a small improvement.
I haven't heard the Closed Aeons, but from the comparisons I've read I think the Opens are a bit more bassy and a bit smoother and more laid back in the treble. I don't think I'd expect to hear a vast improvement over the 650s, probably just a minor upgrade.
The ZMF Aeolus would be a better headphone to look at as an upgrade to the HD650, but it's significantly more expensive then the Aeons. It has a similar sound signature to the 650 but does almost everything better. I also found the Focal Elear to be an upgrade to the 650, it's a cheaper option (around the same price new as the Aeons used) but it's a different sound signature. It has a nice much more detailed treble but not overly bright. Also a much better bass then the 650, the 650 still has those unbeatable mids though.
So basically getting the AFO is pointless if it's a minor upgrade sound wise to the HD6XX (650). What about the Focal Elex from Massdrop? Just by looking at them I worry they would be too big for a smaller head like I have.
Whether something is an upgrade or not all depends on what you think when you hear them, you might love the Aeon Flow more then me.
The Focal Elex is basically a Focal Elear with different pads and a different look. It's a little less bassy then the Elear and has a bit more even treble. I think the Elear at its current price is a better option but the Elex is generally considered a bit better then the Elear.
Well I just stumbled across an ad for the Elear + JDS Atom and headphone stand for $750 Canadian. https://www.canuckaudiomart.com/det...-labs-atom-amp-and-monoprice-headphone-stand/ However the Elex seems better for me if it's as you described with a bit less bass and more even treble. I rarely listen to bass heavy music.
The Elear new is about what you can expect to pay for a used Elex, a used Elear can be had pretty cheap these days. The Atom is a great amp, 750.00 isn't a great deal though for used...I guess it's ok if everything is pristine.
Anyways, the Aeon Flow Open is still a great headphone and is a bit better in my opinion then the 650. You really have to spend a good chunk of change to find a real upgrade.
I was able to listen to the AFO and AFC, and Elear at a shop. I preferred the AFO - it was a bit warmer but not what I would call bassy. AFC seemed a bit thin to me. Both are pretty laid back and smooth sounding.
Elear was different - very punchy, very in-your-face. It demands your attention. It was fun but I think it would fatiguing long-term. The soundstage on the Elear was much better than either of the Aeons, if that sort of thing matters to you.
When listening to the AFC and AFO did you try them with and without the dampening pads inside the ear cups?
I paid $650 for the close back version I have. Those do sound pretty good but to be honest (and call me crazy) but I still prefer the sound of my HD6XX and 58X over the AFC. Perhaps it will be different with the open back version. Also the close back version gave me a bit of a claustrophobic feeling. Perhaps I'm just not used to close back headphones anymore.