warrior05
Headphoneus Supremus
- Joined
- Mar 16, 2006
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11-16-09 EDIT
I started this thread back in October when I made a trip down to the AES Convention and got a chance to spend some time with Shure's new DJ model. I received my pair today and thought I would turn this into an impressions thread.
My original posting is below. You can jump to the start of my thoughts on Shure's latest here.
__________________________________
I was down at the AES convention in NYC at Jacob Javits. I was curious if Shure would have their yet to be released DJ model at their booth and they did. The other nice thing was they had their headphone set up where the various models plugged into an external amp. Therefore, I could unplug them and try them with my music on my 2G iTouch.
Needless to say, the listening environment was not quite optimal.
They did offer a fair amount of isolation which helped and I made sure to keep my listening session to around 15 minutes since I had to jack up the volume. All that being said, I really liked what I heard. I can say this definitively, there are two things about them that I like better than the 840s: 1) lower impedance so easier to drive from my iTouch, and 2) highs are not as bright and harsh.
I have found that the 840s really require an amp to sound their best. Now this may be true with most mid to high end headphones but to my ears, the 840s really need help. That is fine for some but for my use, I was looking for a decent closed 'phone that is easy to drive. Something that would sound fine straight out of my iTouch and gain some refinement from my iMod/Pico combo. I think the new DJs sound markedly better straight from my iTouch than the 840s. Bass has nice presence and is tight. Mids are slightly recessed but I still enjoyed vocals better than on the 840s. And the highs - more palatable than the 840s for my sensitive ears but with nice sparkle and extension.
One real surprise with the DJs - the soundstage was much bigger than expected. No, I'm not talking K701 expansive but for a relatively small closed headphone, they sounded bigger than they have the right to sound.
They also are fast. Kept up with a Venetian Snares track I tried out very nicely indeed.
The build is nice and solid. Swivel action was easy and smooth and all the wiring was kept internal. Made for a nice clean look. The headphones are lighter than the 840s and were very comfy for me. The earpads looked to be the same size as Beyer's to give you all a sense of size.
Packaging will be the same as the SRH840 - extra earpads, carrying case and 1/8" to 1/4" screw on adapter. Yes, same proprietary locking sub-mini jack on the headphone end with a coiled cable. Note here: I tested it and a Neutrik 1/8" plug's casing does fit the cable opening on the 840. Since the DJs share the same cable, I'm assuming the opening is the same. My point is, one can mod these 'phones so you can use an 1/8" Neutrik thereby making an aftermarket cable a piece of cake. Keep in mind though, it is a sub-mini jack inside so that needs to be replaced with an 1/8". But I digress...
So I came away impressed and felt that the DJs fitted my bill quite nicely. They are due out next month. Yes - I am ordering up a pair for myself right away.
I started this thread back in October when I made a trip down to the AES Convention and got a chance to spend some time with Shure's new DJ model. I received my pair today and thought I would turn this into an impressions thread.
My original posting is below. You can jump to the start of my thoughts on Shure's latest here.
__________________________________
I was down at the AES convention in NYC at Jacob Javits. I was curious if Shure would have their yet to be released DJ model at their booth and they did. The other nice thing was they had their headphone set up where the various models plugged into an external amp. Therefore, I could unplug them and try them with my music on my 2G iTouch.
Needless to say, the listening environment was not quite optimal.
I have found that the 840s really require an amp to sound their best. Now this may be true with most mid to high end headphones but to my ears, the 840s really need help. That is fine for some but for my use, I was looking for a decent closed 'phone that is easy to drive. Something that would sound fine straight out of my iTouch and gain some refinement from my iMod/Pico combo. I think the new DJs sound markedly better straight from my iTouch than the 840s. Bass has nice presence and is tight. Mids are slightly recessed but I still enjoyed vocals better than on the 840s. And the highs - more palatable than the 840s for my sensitive ears but with nice sparkle and extension.
One real surprise with the DJs - the soundstage was much bigger than expected. No, I'm not talking K701 expansive but for a relatively small closed headphone, they sounded bigger than they have the right to sound.
They also are fast. Kept up with a Venetian Snares track I tried out very nicely indeed.
The build is nice and solid. Swivel action was easy and smooth and all the wiring was kept internal. Made for a nice clean look. The headphones are lighter than the 840s and were very comfy for me. The earpads looked to be the same size as Beyer's to give you all a sense of size.
Packaging will be the same as the SRH840 - extra earpads, carrying case and 1/8" to 1/4" screw on adapter. Yes, same proprietary locking sub-mini jack on the headphone end with a coiled cable. Note here: I tested it and a Neutrik 1/8" plug's casing does fit the cable opening on the 840. Since the DJs share the same cable, I'm assuming the opening is the same. My point is, one can mod these 'phones so you can use an 1/8" Neutrik thereby making an aftermarket cable a piece of cake. Keep in mind though, it is a sub-mini jack inside so that needs to be replaced with an 1/8". But I digress...
So I came away impressed and felt that the DJs fitted my bill quite nicely. They are due out next month. Yes - I am ordering up a pair for myself right away.