New Beyerdynamic T5p 2nd generation

[wormcycle]

I read the review http://www.hifichoice.pl/beyerdynamic-t5p-v--2-test,101,15, but  I was born in Poland . Pretty standard review I would say with one exception: the author never reviewed or even heard t5p 1st gen. In my view it is a good thing, I like reviews based on merit not "improvements". Very positive as well focusing on SQ and bass in particular: very pronounced but controlled the same time. I got my t5p 2nd gen two days ago and I am comparing them to HD600. On my  stereo system with HA-Z1ES and Talisman T-3H headphone amp I can hear the difference in details, and instrument separation and positioning -  t5H.2g is better but not $500 better. When they really shine comparing to HD600 is when paired with my old iPod and JDS Lab c5. SQ almost unchanged, I have never heard the setup like that sounding so good. I listen mostly to classical music. 
I bought t5p 2g from amazon.ca for C$1,099. I think it was a pricing mistake - one unit only at this price. Taking into account the exchange rate, even with Canadian tax it was C$250 better than I would get in the US. I think I will keep them. 

 

[regit]

Got the T5p v2 today and am not impressed with it. Even driven from a muses02 Opamp (within Vc Vantam) the sound is lean and hollow. The high is also rather peaky. Otherwise, very detailed and balanced. How long you guys burned in the cans before they settled?

 

[glennkresge]

 I have many Beyerdynamics including the T-70p (My favorite) T-90. the earbuds and the 1350! Then, I purchased the T-5p second. I am really disappointed with them. I was told to use them for two weeks to get use to them-they don't do much for me after many hours of listening. I do like jazz and classical music on them-and steely Dan. I was going to order the t-1 first, but then I decided to buy the Senns D-800. I am glad I did! These are the cans I really like-and I find them really fun to listen to. I still may buy the T-1 first at some point. I really like the T-70p too. They are bright-but fun to listen to. I like the t-90 also-but its a little too bright. But I like them. The T-5p is dull sounding. And when I listen with an amp at higher volumes it sounds like they are distorting. Yes, they sound flat too.

 

[glennkresge]

I would keep them. I have them too. I did a small write-up on them posted on this site. I like the Senn HD 800 better. My favorites are the t-70p and the senn hd 800. I also like the T-90-they are a little bright-but fun. I like the t-5p second for jazz and classical music too. It seems to me they really shine with jazz and classical music. So enjoy them!

 

[batracom]

I have the HD800 too, and have been enjoying it for a year. Exceptional headphones, especially once you get the amp/DAC pairings right. But I wouldn't compare them straight to the T5p. They serve very different purposes, from the impedance to the closed/open back. I have the T5P on order and haven't listened to them yet, but the sheer leakage of the HD800 turns them into an entirely different beast. The T5p is what it is, a large headphone design to be driven by portable devices and listened in public spaces where you can get away with little leakage. The HD800 ticks none of these boxes. Which is actually a very good thing, because, wallet permitting, you can go for both, as they serve very different purposes. What keeps bugging me is why doesn't Sennheiser come up with a T5P competitor. Beyerdynamic's success with the series, clearly indicated by the decision to spend resources on building a 2nd generation, clearly indicates there is a market for it.

 

[regit]

I am probably the minority but I fine HD800 tuning not to my liking for the same reason I find with T5p now. End up with the HD650 then. When I heard that HD800s, T1 and T5p has "fuller" sound I got all excited once more. Got the T5p cause I don't have a closed-back. Does all reference class full size sound this way, lean and hollow? My experiences with iem is definitely different I must say.

 

[glennkresge]

I agree! However, I do compare them to the T70p which I have; and the T70p blow them away with the fun factor. The 70p are brighter and don't sound dull or flat. I like the t70p better than the t90. Now, everyone states you have to only listen to them. I have 10 plus cans-and I want to listen to all of them. I like the t-5p second, to me they sound on the flat side and more of an analytical sound. I hear the new t1 second sound the same too. I would for my next purchase buy the t-1 first gen.  Again, its the fun and brightness factor that is missing from them for me. But many like this too. I find for my hearing fun factor, I like more bright cans like the T-70p and t90 and those wonderful senns hd800. Again, I love these things.  I do appreciate your impute-please let me know what you think when you get them. They are made very well and come with a great carrying case. Anything will drive them. However, they sound better with some power behind them. Happy Listening!  Do you like the t-1 first?

 

[obsidyen]

I am probably the minority but I fine HD800 tuning not to my liking for the same reason I find with T5p now. End up with the HD650 then. When I heard that HD800s, T1 and T5p has "fuller" sound I got all excited once more. Got the T5p cause I don't have a closed-back. Does all reference class full size sound this way, lean and hollow? My experiences with iem is definitely different I must say.

I'm glad I cancelled my order when I did, I dislike lean presentation.
 
I would say HD650 is also reference class. You could also try Audeze LCD headphones. They sound full and warm.

 

[bflat]

I applaud all of you on standing by your own listening preferences rather than buying on specs and hype! There is something to consider though - Hi end Beyerdynamic tend to be neutral. This allows "purists" to enjoy but also gives a blank slate for others to EQ to their exact preferences. I think you would be surprised how well the sound alters with as little as 2-3 dB of adjustment.

 

[JerseyD]

  I agree! However, I do compare them to the T70p which I have; and the T70p blow them away with the fun factor. The 70p are brighter and don't sound dull or flat. I like the t70p better than the t90. Now, everyone states you have to only listen to them. I have 10 plus cans-and I want to listen to all of them. I like the t-5p second, to me they sound on the flat side and more of an analytical sound. I hear the new t1 second sound the same too. I would for my next purchase buy the t-1 first gen.  Again, its the fun and brightness factor that is missing from them for me. But many like this too. I find for my hearing fun factor, I like more bright cans like the T-70p and t90 and those wonderful senns hd800. Again, I love these things.  I do appreciate your impute-please let me know what you think when you get them. They are made very well and come with a great carrying case. Anything will drive them. However, they sound better with some power behind them. Happy Listening!  Do you like the t-1 first?

Everyone hears things their own way, I suppose. But this puzzles me. To me, the T5p.2 simply blows the T70p away. "Fun factor"? The T5p.2 has all that bass the T70p lacks. I urge anyone considering the T5p.2 to listen for themselves. They are one of the best closed-back headphones in the world. If you are strictly a rock/pop/EDM listener, you might also try the DT1770. But for classical/jazz/acoustic, I loves me some T5p.2!

 

[glennkresge]

I am glad you like the t-5p second gen. I find them dull and somewhat flat sounding and they distort at higher volume even with a good amp. They are far from bright. I am not a big bass fan-artificial bass especially. But you are right about hearing and personal selections of different headphones. I suppose that's why they have so many!  I again, like the T-70P; then my second choice is the T-90; however, I have not heard the T1- first generation or the t-1 second. I would image that the T-1 second sounds like the T-5 second with less sound-stage. I am liking my new Senns HD 800 more than the beyerdynamics at this point for most music. Again, it is still about the music and how well it is reproduced to the hearer. Thanks for your impute and enjoy your T-5's. Oh yes, I am sorry if I offended you.

 

[regit]

In headphones and IEMs comparison I often see "has wider soundstage" remarks, like now between T1 and T5p for example. I figure that to note a difference in soundstage width for example, one must at least see/feel at least a meter wider on both ends to be meaningful...

By this logic, wouldn't after say 50 comparisons (A is wider than B, C is wider than A, D is wider than C), there will be a discrepancy of at least of 50 meters on both end... If this is the case, surely at some point, the soundstage width becomes artificially created? No?

 

[Peridot]

In headphones and IEMs comparison I often see "has wider soundstage" remarks, like now between T1 and T5p for example. I figure that to note a difference in soundstage width for example, one must at least see/feel at least a meter wider on both ends to be meaningful...

By this logic, wouldn't after say 50 comparisons (A is wider than B, C is wider than A, D is wider than C), there will be a discrepancy of at least of 50 meters on both end... If this is the case, surely at some point, the soundstage width becomes artificially created? No?

 
Hmm, that could explain why with some of those 'wider soundstage' headphones it sounds like the bass player has toddled off to the bar to get a round of drinks in for the rest of the band 

 

[h8dk97]

 
Everyone hears things their own way, I suppose. But this puzzles me. To me, the T5p.2 simply blows the T70p away. "Fun factor"? The T5p.2 has all that bass the T70p lacks. I urge anyone considering the T5p.2 to listen for themselves. They are one of the best closed-back headphones in the world. If you are strictly a rock/pop/EDM listener, you might also try the DT1770. But for classical/jazz/acoustic, I loves me some T5p.2!

 
Agreed, T5p.2 and T70p are in different leagues. If anything I would actually prefer a little less midbass in T5p.2.

 

[regit]

Don't know the exact science behind this, could be the high 100ohm impedance, or higher voltage, etc... But tried playing the T5p through the A20 amp today, brillaint!

Overall note got thicker, smoother, and very refined. Contrary to the comment that sound stage got smaller when paired with A20, I found it to be no change, if not actually larger. Listening to Bach concerto for two violins, I can hear greater distance between the two violin when driven with the A20. I think since the soundstage is brought a little forward, more immersive, and it can be mistakenly perceived as smaller and lost of air but I found it to be not the case.

The gritty hollow sound is replaced with smooth weightier sound (listening to Patricia Kaas' live version of "Mademoiselle Chante Le Blues" is now really nice!!! ). Very close to what my initial expectation was! Very exciting.

Will listen more with this combo.