[marone]

I know. This seems incongruous.

I want biggest soundstage regardless of other qualities.

I have several of the "giant killer" cans from back around 2012. KSC 75, Presonus HD7, Superlux 681, Takstar Pro 80.

I very much prefer the open back and soundstage of the Presonus/SL.

They have that accentuated "audiophile" upper midrange that MoFi equalised into their 80s remasters.

I like them for the big soundstage and instrument separation.

I have auditioned the Senn HD 600. The tonality and instrument body and realism are outstanding but soundstage is only adequate and just a bit smaller than SL Presonus Samson and clones to be honest.

So, for $500, what is an 'audiophile' headphone that has the very best soundstage *even at the expense of bass or other sq*.

I can tolerate light bass. Soundstage is first item, more the better. Midrange second.


I am looking for a soundstage king headphone.

Soundstage over everything.

$500 budget.

Thanks in advance.

 

[pbui44]

Probably this, which is the newest clone of the Jecklin Float Series (if you make an offer, then don't go under $250 USD):

https://www.ebay.com/itm/185535000869

Here is one new, provided that you don't mind paying for shipping from the EU or UK:

https://www.audiophonics.fr/en/audi...nd-hi-fi-hi-fi-dynamic-headphones-p-6198.html

https://www.audioaffair.co.uk/ergo-model-two-headphones

After finding where to place your head to have the driver diaphragms directly on your ears, you can buy a couple of these and take the cooling gel pads within a place parallel to the drivers with Velcro on the foam to catch the pad’s hook and loop :

https://www.amazon.com/VELCRO-Brand-Fasteners-Perfect-Squares/dp/B00006IC2K/ref=mp_s_a_1_18

https://www.amazon.com/Headband-Protector-Installation-Sennheíser-Headphones/dp/B094Y67C21/ref=pd_aw_fbt_img_sccl_1/139-8531215-9283310

If you are handy with the soldering iron, then you can re-terminate the 1/4" plug with a 4-xlr-plug, like this modded example:

https://www.ebay.com/itm/204073046742

Lastly, buying a Topping A30 Pro amp probably will not improve the mids, but probably will restore some bass and treble extension and maybe even add to the soundstage.

 

[pbui44]

If you go with the dual Geekria Gel hook-and-loop padding and Velcro combo that I suggested, then you can try to set them up like how the headband padding works on the Meze Lyric:

https://www.stereonet.com/uk/reviews/meze-liric-headphones-review