Neo Zuko
100+ Head-Fier
- Joined
- Jan 28, 2013
- Posts
- 414
- Likes
- 55
Sold my Oppo PM-3 and my Oppo HA-2 after a job layoff some time ago. Now I have a great job and I'm looking around thinking there has to be something better by now for sheer portability, iOS cable support with a good mic, and sound.
Much to my surprise I didn't find anything better in my research - a testament to the PM-3 but slightly disappointing. I love the PM-3 but I've always found it a bit lacking in excitement with it's polite but very, very excellent sound signature. The HA-2 DAC Headphone Amplifier helped a great deal with its sound signature as well, the PM-3 seemed to scale nicely.
I see that Oppo came out with a 2nd gen portable DAC headphone amplifier, the HA-2 SE. The original was so awesome with a very portable shape, a perfect set of features, and very good sound for the money. But I am currently suffering with Chord Mojo envy and I'll be trying that next with the PM-3.
Not to mention the PM-3 can make use of Vmoda's 3.5mm headset boom cable for gaming. It also helps that the PM-3 folds small into a very nice (included) travel case, looks great with decent build quality, and is travel friendly (comfortable, small, with good isolation). An awesome, included iOS cable with a good mic and controls seals the deal.
I would like a revision with better (I.E. more exciting) sound, perhaps another cool color choice, but I can't think of a better portable set of cans for any price. Sure I want Sony's latest flagship, or the Ether Flow C, but for 2 grand give or take I'm not toting those everywhere, I'd baby them as treasured purchases. And those cans lack iOS controls.
A quick question for the long term, are the PM-3 earpads replaceable and can you order them from Oppo?
Audeze Sine?
Don't want to buy on ear cans, I only like over ear.