Reviews + impressions thread: Final Audio Design Pandora Hope VI (interesting dynamic + BA full size headphones)

[ostewart]

I do agree that the sound is very good, and the comfort issues I had were overcome with the kitchen paper, also another headband pad could help. But they were on loan so no time to experiment.

Final audio design always come out with something different, I'm also keen to see what they bring out next.

 

[xanlamin]

What earpads would be compatible? I'm thinking of changing them with Stax earpads or alpha pads but I'm not very sure if they fits and how to remove the current earpads.

 

[ostewart]

I didn't manage to see how you get the pads off unfortunately. As they were a loaned sample I didn't want to pull them too much.

I have heard Final Audio Design may be developing new pads for the Pandora...

 

[xanlamin]

That would be an awesome thing to do! I have dropped them an email on this. Will report back if they reply. 

 

[akarise]

New pads is great news! I hope that they're not too expensive and/or that they'll send a free pair to those who bought the Pandora early.

 

[ostewart]

Yeah, that would be great for you guys!
 
They did pick up on this review, and I was told they may look at making different pads.

 

[davidmolliere]

I'll look up for those new pads as it would add to a product that is - other than that comfort issue - pure joy
 
PHVI are so easy to drive that you might overlook the source quality but just got a little FiiO E18 and it brings them to another level with a much fuller sound, classical sounds just downright amazing, so does blues oh my
 
Makes you want to get a proper amp for Home, in a few months probably
Anyone has a great match (given the low impedance of those headphones a low output impedance is needed) to recommend?

 

[ostewart]

See what I used for the review, iCan from iFi.

 

[xanlamin]

Anybody tried removing the ear pads? I wrote to FAD but nobody has responded yet.

 

[FeelThaBeat]

Very interesting design but I just can't see how a BA can produce enough volume to make a difference without it being inserted into the ear. If I take one of my IEM's and put it on blast just mm from my ear they don't sound very good but I guess FAD has found a way to give there's the volume and heft to be effective.  

 

[ostewart]

There are BA speakers around actually. So they can make a normal headphone BA driver. Not just for IEM's.

And the BA driver in the Pandora is great.

 

[f5t5s]

Went out with it today...
It didn't move much when I walked but tilting your neck up/down will move it because of the weight, but I guess you all know that already. Thicker pad might help, but it's 'good enough' as is (at least for me) for portable use.

The real issue may be isolation, since I don't particularly believe in advertising what I'm listening to.
Nobody gave me annoyed look in the subway, so it may not be that bad...

 

[ostewart]

They are closed back, so they shouldn't leak too much. Only at high volumes would you have a problem

 

[f5t5s]

I guess it wasn't anywhere as bad as I imagined, have been using them for awhile now and nobody seems to mind

 

[ostewart]

So they work well as portable cans?
 
Don't get many funny looks?