Thanks archosman for being a gracious host -- making my first head-fi meet an enjoyable / fruitful event. The NICE PEOPLE and having a chance to listen to a variety of notable gear made the two-hour drive all worthwhile.
Because this was my first exposure to most gear represented, I’ll leave critical review to others with more experience. But using broad and general strokes, here’s what I took away from the event:
1.)
K701s: I had the chance to listen to K701s on my Wadia (single-end), MPX3 / Denon TT, and Woo3 / NAD 541i. While they were certainly more forward than the Senns, IMO they fell short of my balanced 650s (with the biggest shortcoming IMO being a smaller soundstage). While not an apples-to-apples comparison, at least this short exposure provides comfort that my decision to forgo K701s in favor of 650s/balanced was the right call.
2.)
AKG K1000s via RKV / Philips 963: While the speaker-like experience immediately stood out as a benefit, based on my short listen, female vocals (Diana Krall, All For You) appeared to be sibilant and imaging a bit vague. But to be really honest, I would need more time with the K1000s to render a meaningful opinion.
3.)
MPX3 / Woo3: Ahhhh yes, tubes! I have always wanted a tube amp, and today’s experience only reinforces my impression for how lush and warm they can sound. Maybe if I’m a good citizen today, in my next life I’ll have a chance to be enveloped by the lush warmth that only tubes can provide
!
4.)
RS-1s: My first and admittedly brief exposure to Grados came compliments of Archosman’s RS-1s. If my Senns in balanced mode represent a Lexus or mid-size Mercedes, then RS-1s have to be the Porsche Boxter S. More dynamic, with a warmer and more aggresive presentation. They did however yield ground to the Senns in terms of soundstage and imaging. If I were to have a second pair of phones –- like that second (or third) car in the garage –- RS-1s would make for welcome breaks from the more reserved Senns.
5.)
Wadia 830 (balanced) sans headamp: I have
written extensively of my discovery that Wadia CDPs can drive headphones directly (bypassing a headamp), and my trusty 830 appeared to garner favorable praise from those who gave it a listen. IMO, without a doubt, this rig should get the gold star for expansive soundstage, which (IMO) was subjectively 1.5 to double the size of some other rigs I compared. I also had a chance to listen to 650s / Zu and 600s / Cardas in single-end from the 830. Both aforementioned combos were more forward and immediate, but again lacked in terms of soundstage. My conclusion: If you like an expansive soundstage, balanced mode greatly benefits the Senns.
Personally, I take away that my first foray into high-end cans (Wadia / 650 / BDv2 balanced) compared favorably to the other excellent and notable products I sampled at the event. I do however still crave more detail / resolution, and plan to try at least one more balanced cable prior to making a long-term commitment to the BDv2.
Thanks again Archosman and all that attended for making this a great day!
