[bagwell359]

Well I disagree on the original R10:

* lacking bass under 100 Hz (faster drop than HD-600 on an SS amp)
* missing treble over 11 kHz (and somewhat rocky between 1 kHz and 11 kHz) - harmonics/delicacy/air missing.
* deep cups give an erratic amusical edge to the sound (I.E. the cancellation didn't always work and the fake reverb didn't comport with the recording.

In 2011 they might have been the cats meow, but the HD-600 (OTL amp please) from an earlier time was better than and better now.

Haven't heard the new HFM's, but the reviews are quite mixed. I guess I'll have to venture in and put them up against the Susvara.

 

[Ciggavelli]

TCs
Susvara
Sr1a
Nobel Audio Khan
LCD-4z
Th900mk2
ZMF VC
Koss esp9xx

 

[intronoise]

1. Hifiman Arya
2. Focal Clear
3. Focal Elex
4. Modhouse Argon MKIII
5. Sennheiser 650
6. Focal Elear

 

[kman1211]

Well I disagree on the original R10:

* lacking bass under 100 Hz (faster drop than HD-600 on an SS amp)
* missing treble over 11 kHz (and somewhat rocky between 1 kHz and 11 kHz) - harmonics/delicacy/air missing.
* deep cups give an erratic amusical edge to the sound (I.E. the cancellation didn't always work and the fake reverb didn't comport with the recording.

In 2011 they might have been the cats meow, but the HD-600 (OTL amp please) from an earlier time was better than and better now.

Haven't heard the new HFM's, but the reviews are quite mixed. I guess I'll have to venture in and put them up against the Susvara.

The Sony R10 is older than both the HD 580 and HD 600, so you can't say the HD 600 is from an earlier time. Have you heard the original R10? And if so, which version? The bass-light and bass-heavy measure and sound different.

 

[ciber]

Well I disagree on the original R10:

* lacking bass under 100 Hz (faster drop than HD-600 on an SS amp)
* missing treble over 11 kHz (and somewhat rocky between 1 kHz and 11 kHz) - harmonics/delicacy/air missing.
* deep cups give an erratic amusical edge to the sound (I.E. the cancellation didn't always work and the fake reverb didn't comport with the recording.

In 2011 they might have been the cats meow, but the HD-600 (OTL amp please) from an earlier time was better than and better now.

Haven't heard the new HFM's, but the reviews are quite mixed. I guess I'll have to venture in and put them up against the Susvara.

Lots of Mod options for Hifiman R10, having fun. The big wood cup is customizable, different wood and cup shape will have different sound.

 

[mobbaddict]

Well Bass was best, smaller then the HE-500, but quite capable. Mids were not up to HE-500 standards, but probably better than HE-400* variants, but the treble? HD-600 crushed it, I think even the HE-5se which is THE only HFM can I ever sold was better. Ugh. Gotta to get a Quad !! I like the Clear so I've imagined the Quad is somewere in the area.

Never heard the Clear but I'd imagine it to be on the same level as the Quad, with difference in timbre (smooth planar versus slightly metallic beryllium). Maybe try to audition the Quad if you can. It's a bit risky to buy it based on your feedback about the Alara. We all have different expectations after all

 

[bagwell359]

The Sony R10 is older than both the HD 580 and HD 600, so you can't say the HD 600 is from an earlier time. Have you heard the original R10? And if so, which version? The bass-light and bass-heavy measure and sound different.

OK, older than the HD-600. The version I heard must have been made before 2011, can't imagine that they were bass heavy.

 

[bagwell359]

Lots of Mod options for Hifiman R10, having fun. The big wood cup is customizable, different wood and cup shape will have different sound.

Can't disagree there. But that's a problem no? You end up tuning for preference and not accuracy. There must be a way to determine best shape/material/damping (if any) for accuracy. Sell it that way, then make a bass version, a warm version, etc. if sales dictate that way of doing it.

 

[sennfan83261]

Never heard the Clear but I'd imagine it to be on the same level as the Quad, with difference in timbre (smooth planar versus slightly metallic beryllium). Maybe try to audition the Quad if you can. It's a bit risky to buy it based on your feedback about the Alara. We all have different expectations after all

The drivers of the Clear are aluminum-magnesium. Out of Focal's lineup, only the Utopia and the Stella sport Be drivers.

 

[kman1211]

OK, older than the HD-600. The version I heard must have been made before 2011, can't imagine that they were bass heavy.

They were first introduced in 1989 and discontinued around 2003-2005 so yes definitely before 2011, but even the bass-heavy is still bass light. I’ve heard both both versions at length and honestly are headphones that have to be listened to at length to truly appreciate the nuances of its sound but they’re definitely not for everyone.

 

[bagwell359]

They were first introduced in 1989 and discontinued around 2003-2005 so yes definitely before 2011, but even the bass-heavy is still bass light. I’ve heard both both versions at length and honestly are headphones that have to be listened to at length to truly appreciate the nuances of its sound but they’re definitely not for everyone.

This friend of mine kept making me listen to them, and this was right after I got rid of my Stax 303's. So I remember them quite well, I wouldn't offer an opinion if not. Thankfully we then swung into his pair of ML CLS IIz (my former pair), or my pair of Verity Parsifal III - so I could steady my nerves.

 

[ruinedx]

Updated:
1. (Tie): HD800S 75th & HD820 - hd800s has more emotive mids, hd820 deeper bass, both good for different genres
3. HD700 but going up for sale due to being replaced by hd800s 75th
4. Grado Hemp, also will likely sell these later in year, treble too congested
5. GSP500
6. HD25

 

[zeromacro]

1. HE500
2. Clear
3. K701
4. Mobius
5. Momentum
6. UE6000
7. Bose 700
8. K167

 

[mobbaddict]

The drivers of the Clear are aluminum-magnesium. Out of Focal's lineup, only the Utopia and the Stella sport Be drivers.

Good to know, thanks. I need to audition the Clear someday then.

 

[sennfan83261]

Good to know, thanks. I need to audition the Clear someday then.

They certainly have their fans. I hope they meet your expectations.