[Kerry56]

Hey guys, it's been a long time since I last posted in these forums, so I'm out of touch with the latest headphones. Earlier this summer, my beloved CAL! broke for the last time. I repaired them many times over the years, but the headband broke in half and I can't fix that. Is there something similar to their sound under $150 or so? I know that I can still get the CAL!, and it is tempting, but I'd prefer headphones that aren't as fragile, and slightly larger earcups wouldn't hurt either.

I'd appreciate any suggestions. If you know the CAL!, you are aware that they have a slightly warm sound, and that has always been my preference.

 

[msing539]

Welcome back! Sivga SV021 maybe?

 

[Kerry56]

That one is new to me. Thanks for the recommendation. I'll do some research.

 

[Kerry56]

That dip in the lower mid-range is a no go for me with the Sivga SV021, I'm afraid.

Other suggestions are welcome.

 

[msing539]

That dip in the lower mid-range is a no go for me with the Sivga SV021, I'm afraid.

Other suggestions are welcome.

Meze 99 but it's over your budget unless you're willing to buy used. Bass is also boomy... I'd recommend trying the Sivga before writing them off. They're very cohesive for what they are and you can always return to Amazon.

 

[Kerry56]

Been a few days since I last posted. I've been looking through numerous threads, and it seems there is a dearth of good choices for a warm toned, quality headphone in the cheap seats. Interesting that the CAL!, which is well over a decade old, is still a top choice in this little subcategory. But it was never a durable set, and apparently, I'm hard on headphones. I've done an inventory, and I have exactly one headphone that I haven't repaired at some point or another, and it is a little used Porta Pro.

As for my CAL!, I've done yet another mod/repair to them. I found a forgotten JVC headphone squirreled away in a back corner, and I'm using the headband from it on the cups of my CAL!. Since that JVC probably cost $12, the headband sucks, but it will work until I inevitably break this set again.

At the moment, I'm using my oft-repaired Fidelio X2, hoping that it doesn't come apart once more.

Happy listening folks, and as I've said, other suggestions are welcome.

 

[pbui44]

If you just want a smaller X2, then check out this "Repackaged - Brand New" Philips Fidelio L2 and you can even get a headband cover to protect the pleather and HM5 leather ear pads for more room:

https://www.ebay.com/itm/195902366788

Also, if you don't mind using some EQ to reduce the bass:

https://www.amazon.com/HIFIMAN-Closed-Back-Over-Ear-Headphones-Diaphragm/dp/B09RJ49Z6T/

If you are still looking for portable studio over-ears for yourself or as stocking stuffers:

https://www.amazon.com/OneOdio-Hi-Res-Studio-Recording-Headphones/dp/B09D3MFSGJ/

 

[pbui44]

Also, if you need an EQ program:

https://www.softwaretestinghelp.com/best-equalizer-for-windows-10/amp/

https://sourceforge.net/projects/peace-equalizer-apo-extension/

 

[Kerry56]

I vaguely remember the L2's. They were around when I was active in the forums, but they never caught my eye. I guess, since I had the X2, it wasn't a headphone I was too excited about. I'll look through a few reviews.

Those Hifiman's are really odd looking, but their sound is interesting. I'd be far more likely to adjust their sound by modding the interior of the cups than by using EQ. I've already gone through a lot of reviews on them, and they seem like a polarizing set, though at this price, they may be worth a try.

Haven't seen anything on the OneOdio, so I'll do a bit of research.

Thanks for the recommendations. By the way, I'm a Linux user, so Windows EQ programs won't work for me. Right now I'm using Linux Mint Debian Edition 6 on my main computer and regular Mint on my backup system.

 

[pbui44]

I vaguely remember the L2's. They were around when I was active in the forums, but they never caught my eye. I guess, since I had the X2, it wasn't a headphone I was too excited about. I'll look through a few reviews.

Those Hifiman's are really odd looking, but their sound is interesting. I'd be far more likely to adjust their sound by modding the interior of the cups than by using EQ. I've already gone through a lot of reviews on them, and they seem like a polarizing set, though at this price, they may be worth a try.

Haven't seen anything on the OneOdio, so I'll do a bit of research.

Thanks for the recommendations. By the way, I'm a Linux user, so Windows EQ programs won't work for me. Right now I'm using Linux Mint Debian Edition 6 on my main computer and regular Mint on my backup system.

I forgot about many people using Dynamat to apply in their Denon AH-DXXX series ear cups, so you can check out that product to see how it could work with the HE-R9 here:

https://www.amazon.com/Dynamat-13100-Dynatape-1-1-30ft/dp/B002WP362U/?th=1

Also, since you mainly use Linux, check out these EQ program how-tos with and without a GUI;

https://unix.stackexchange.com/questions/485994/equalizer-apo-equivalent-for-linux

https://www.omgubuntu.co.uk/2017/06/install-pulse-effects-ubuntu-ppa

https://www.fosslinux.com/45308/install-room-eq-wizard-linux.htm

https://www.zdnet.com/article/how-to-vastly-improve-sound-on-linux-with-easyeffects/

https://www.baeldung.com/linux/sound-equalizers

 

[Kerry56]

Thanks again.

 

[pbui44]

I forgot that the roll of DynaTape that I linked above just seals the edges and crevices that the regular DynaMat does not cover, so here is the regular DynaMat material and do read all of the reviews and look over the ear cups designs before purchasing everything:

https://www.amazon.com/Dynamat-Xtreme-Extreme-Sheet-Roller/dp/B07H7W14SK/

However, you could just get the DynaTape and use it to seal up between the stock foam backing and bare parts of the ear cups and between the ear cup edges and driver baffle by creasing-and-rolling against the baffle, but YMMV on the sound signature: