The difference in treble between HD650s and X3s becomes more apparant when watching Youtube commentary videos. With speech the HD650s are clearly smoother and more natural, the X3s may pretty well get fatiguing after a while to some. Actually in some instances the X3s highs reminded me a bit of Denon D5000's treble. Not nearly as peaky, but it finally gave me an understanding why at the time some people felt the D5000s sounded like a closed-back HD650. With some Youtube commentary videos it felt like the X3s are the 2nd step in a metamorphosis from the HD650s into the D5000s. LOL
Compared to me, you have all the lingo explaining the sound of a set of headphones.
What kind of music do you listen to?
I agree, their sub bass isn't any better than that of the HD650s. I don't mind it though.Compared to me, you have all the lingo explaining the sound of a set of headphones.
I just have something less "expertly" to say: I would like more bass, especially sub-bass.
On certain music (like some hip hop), the sub bass make the X3 breathe and sound like a small bookshelf speaker
Maybe this is what you call "balanced sound", and "it's the way the music should sound like", but again... I miss a little depth, and a little more oomph
Mostly classical music and indie/alternative.
It could make you look pretentious, if you use them without knowing what you're talking about. In this case, it seems you are very knowledgable so you're good.I agree, their sub bass isn't any better than that of the HD650s. I don't mind it though.
You don't need the lingo to describe things, as long as you know what you like and dislike. Actually, all those words I use to describe them doesn't it make me look a bit pretentious anyways?
) compared to my BT headphones. I haven't had anything that's close to what voices sound like on the X3s for example. (Listen to the Kari Bremnes MQA recordings in Tidal Hifi... amazing)
Whow, please keep the pretense lowIt could make you look pretentious, if you use them without knowing what you're talking about. In this case, it seems you are very knowledgable so you're good.
Typically, it's very easy to just mention the negative expericences.
Mostly they sound very good, and I find myself laying back with my eyes closed and just enjoy the details and clarity. They are so wide/airy/open (pretentious?
Yes, they are pretty open and airy sounding. But not without warmth I must say.I don't even understand what you mean by "dynamic sounding", so I would appreciate an explanation!You don't need the lingo to describe things, as long as you know what you like and dislike. Actually, all those words I use to describe them doesn't it make me look a bit pretentious anyways?
Dang, if the X3's are lacking in dynamics then that's a deal breaker for me because dynamics and PRaT are what I value most in music playback equipment. The thing that I like most about the X2's is their dynamics, but like I've said their excess treble energy fatigues me after a while. Hopefully the Sivgas that I've got coming will be keepers.
Note that I mention this with mostly classical music as a reference. There it becomes more apparent. Bigger contrasts (orchestral crescendos) are handled decently, but they fail a bit in micro dynamics. Instruments do not 'pop' as much as with the HD650 and the Nightbirds.
You mean the 'micro details'?
This goes hand in hand. With classical music there's this real ebb and flow in the music. Over a long period but also in a single bar, like sudden instrumental attacks. An instrument group that underlines a thing by suddenly playing a bit louder or with more emphasis. With the HD650s and the Nightbirds this really pops, the X3s remain a bit observant. There is less contrast.
