[SoundCzech]

Hello, fellow headphone lovers!

I am reaching out regarding my search for new headphones. While I am getting ready to visit Munich 2023 Hi-Fi expo, I would like to make sure I do not miss any brand/model you think might fit my needs.

Let me open by going over headphones I previously owned:

Creative Aurvana Live! AKA CAL1
These are the ones that were sporting the same Foster 40mm “biodynamic” driver used in way more expensive Denon headphones. I loved the, and I killed a bunch of them. The main flaw was the poor build and non-removable cables which I tried to address with DIA 2,5mm ports I installed in each ear cup but ended up killing that pair as well.
https://www.head-fi.org/showcase/creative-aurvana-live-headphones.6798/


Sund demo:
Do you know if this driver is still used in any headphones today? I would buy it just for the nostalgia reference.

Sennheiser Momentum In-Ear (Android version)
https://www.amazon.com/Sennheiser-Momentum-Ear-Android-version/dp/B013WQINNE?th=1
The sound was ok, a bit bassy, the cable could have been better, took me a while to dind the right tips to fit in my ear.

Meze 99 Classics
Great sound, easy to drive, good removable cables,… I took them everywhere with me and lost them under tragic circumstances. It still hurts.
https://www.head-fi.org/showcase/meze-99-classics-walnut-silver-headphones-silver-black.21809/


O2/Odac Combo
https://mayflowerelectronics.com/o2-odac-overview/


And at work - Sennheiser PC 8 USB
https://www.amazon.com/Sennheiser-PC-USB-Headset-line/dp/B005HWEZGG


I tried Drop Sennheiser HD 6xx . I liked the sound, but they are open and I rarely enjoy music in a completely silent environment. Also, I felt like these would benefit from the sound is a bit more colored, perhaps by using a tube amp!?
I also tested Sennheiser HD 800 - I did not like their sound. I am one of the people sensitive to pronounced highs and I do not like my ears bleeding when listening to music. Maybe something I could fix via EQ but I would prefer headphones I can enjoy without doing that.


I own a new Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra with 512 GB storage so hope to use that as my FLAC storage/player on the go.
At home it comes to iPad to play streamed music, FLAC (from NAS), and movies.
Neither has a headphone port anymore.


So what’s the plan?

• New closed, around-the-ear headphones, budget ideally under 500$ {900$ including any possible extra gear, new portable DACAMP, pads, cables).
• Ideally, easy to drive*

*I could get something harder to drive but that would require DACAMP on he go, attached to my phone (BTR7?)

• A sound signature like Meze 99 Classics. I was quite happy with the sound across different styles of music.
• I haven’t tried balanced sound. That would be something to test out and perhaps switch to going forward..

Can you share your recommendations and what brands/models I should listen to while I attend the HIGH END Munich 2023 next month?


Thank you!


Jiri

 

[msing539]

Probably no luck on a demo... but from what I've heard and what you seem to like, I'd suggest the Denon D7200.