[Benny-x]

Yeah, some stock cables are really bad and really hamper the sound. The stock cable on the SE-Master1 isn’t that bad, but I‘m wondering if anyone is using an aftermarket cable. I normally pair my headphones with silver cables because I like details and clarity. Based on what I’m hearing, I’m think that a good cooper cable might be a better choice. Interested in knowing what cable everyone is using.

I think back, just after they came out in 2014/2015, there were a couple custom cable shops that made SEM1 ones, but I haven't seen any in at least the past 3 years. They're so limited as well that I guess the sunset of owners that would also chase an aftermarket cable are small too.

I'm looking forward to trying out a few when I get my back in the coming months.

I'm also looking forward to that other driver replacement feedback vs. original. I'm praying there's no difference, I'm too OCD for that

 

[mrtim6]

Hi Benny the SEM1 cable hasn’t arrived yet the one that came with my repaired headphones was damage. They had to order from Japan, so I’m still waiting too. I’ll update the tread once I’ve given them some headtime.

 

[Benny-x]

That was terrible luck that your cable got damaged.

My headphones are on a very long treck across Northern China and I'm waiting for good news in the coming weeks.

 

[Benny-x]

Hi Benny the SEM1 cable hasn’t arrived yet the one that came with my repaired headphones was damage. They had to order from Japan, so I’m still waiting too. I’ll update the tread once I’ve given them some headtime.

Hey mrtim, any luck with the replacement cable yet? I'm still wondering what your impressions are with those new drivers

 

[mrtim6]

Hi Benny the cable has come back however I’m in the process of moving house so my impressions with my best gear will be delayed. I will update this thread as soon as I can.

 

[Dynamo5561]

Hey there, just joind the club:

First impressions:

• Very neutral with some treble energy, but nothing sibilant. Actually I prefer some treble energy. Was worried about it when I saw the FR chart but it is really moderate. In comparison to the TH900 it has less treble.
• Bass is present, but could be a tad more precise, bleeds a tiny bit into the mids
• Soundstage is really wide
• Due to the treble peak it does not have the most natural timbre
• Detail retrieval is good, but there is better out there
• Quite full sounding

Over all I think it is a really good headphone, especially considering what I have heared in the > 1K€ price range. A very good all rounder. No house sound or anything that someone can dislike, very agreeable sound presentation. Not sure if I will keep it, as my A1266 outperforms it in every aspect. But definitely a very honorable headphone. As someone stated here in the thead, maybe it did not get the most recognition as it is done by Pioneer and in a very limited number.

Cheers

 

[Slim1970]

Hey there, just joind the club:



First impressions:

• Very neutral with some treble energy, but nothing sibilant. Actually I prefer some treble energy. Was worried about it when I saw the FR chart but it is really moderate. In comparison to the TH900 it has less treble.
• Bass is present, but could be a tad more precise, bleeds a tiny bit into the mids
• Soundstage is really wide
• Due to the treble peak it does not have the most natural timbre
• Detail retrieval is good, but there is better out there
• Quite full sounding

Over all I think it is a really good headphone, especially considering what I have heared in the > 1K€ price range. A very good all rounder. No house sound or anything that someone can dislike, very agreeable sound presentation. Not sure if I will keep it, as my A1266 outperforms it in every aspect. But definitely a very honorable headphone. As someone stated here in the thead, maybe it did not get the most recognition as it is done by Pioneer and in a very limited number.

Cheers

Similar thoughts as mine about the SE-Master1’s being a great all around headphone. It flew under the radar when announced, but boy is it a good headphone. It really does nothing wrong and I think the sound is very balanced.

You should take advantage of the PEQ feature on the RME and fix the quibbles you find with the SE-Master1’s. I’m using a Loki and the RME has a much better EQ. I have the AB-1266 TC’s as well and the SE-Master1 is a great alternative to it. Not many headphones can compete with the TC’s. When you take that into account the SE-Master1’s are a lot better sounding that a good deal of headphones out right now.

 

[Dynamo5561]

Similar thoughts as mine about the SE-Master1’s being a great all around headphone. It flew under the radar when announced, but boy is it a good headphone. It really does nothing wrong and I think the sound is very balanced.

You should take advantage of the PEQ feature on the RME and fix the quibbles you find with the SE-Master1’s. I’m using a Loki and the RME has a much better EQ. I have the AB-1266 TC’s as well and the SE-Master1 is a great alternative to it. Not many headphones can compete with the TC’s. When you take that into account the SE-Master1’s are a lot better sounding that a good deal of headphones out right now.

Totally agree. I tested so many headphones, finally settled on the A1266. But the Era-1 and the SEM1 were for me really outstanding headphones in their respective price range which I would highly recommend to friends. They do everything right which I don't find on many other headphones. I see the Susvara as a very good complement to the A1266 therefore I will sell the SEM1 and save up for the Susvara

 

[Slim1970]

Totally agree. I tested so many headphones, finally settled on the A1266. But the Era-1 and the SEM1 were for me really outstanding headphones in their respective price range which I would highly recommend to friends. They do everything right which I don't find on many other headphones. I see the Susvara as a very good complement to the A1266 therefore I will sell the SEM1 and save up for the Susvara

I see in your signature you use to own the Susvara’s. You’re giving them another shot?

 

[musicday]

I want to buy the Pioneer SE Master 1
PM with your asking price and the condition.
Thank you.

 

[mrtim6]

Just a quick update guys, I’m listening to JRiver on Win 10 into RME ADI Pro FS2 (older generation). In balance mode. Wow these headphones have been missed. Just so well balanced for a dynamic driver. I replaced the headband, drivers & ear pads ( included with new drivers). Only my Utopias have more detail- not by much either. These phones are such a great all rounder. Decided to try a few old favourite. The drivers might be an small improvement on the initial drivers that came with the phones in 2015. Very happy I decided to have Pioneer do the maintenance In Japan.

 

[Slim1970]

Just a quick update guys, I’m listening to JRiver on Win 10 into RME ADI Pro FS2 (older generation). In balance mode. Wow these headphones have been missed. Just so well balanced for a dynamic driver. I replaced the headband, drivers & ear pads ( included with new drivers). Only my Utopias have more detail- not by much either. These phones are such a great all rounder. Decided to try a few old favourite. The drivers might be an small improvement on the initial drivers that came with the phones in 2015. Very happy I decided to have Pioneer do the maintenance In Japan.

Agreed, these are great all around headphones.

 

[mrtim6]

Listening to Cafe Blue UN-mastered version great test for any headphone. The Pioneers really shine with this album as the recording is awesome and really natural. No nasty compression here. “To Rich for my Blood” is a great drum test track. Vocals are rendered really well as PB is often dramatic with an amazing vocal range. I know this might sound like an audiophile cliche album - but really the music is really good too!

 

[Slim1970]

The Pioneer SE-Master1's are simply brilliant directly out of the Chord Dave.

 

[xingfei]

My Pioneer SE MASTER1 sound great out of my 20 year old CD player with built in Bass Boost.

I've never sought for a DAC because my CD Player does the Job.
The Music does the rest.