Impressions by "Oxe"
Good afternoon, ladies and gentlemen. Probably, some of you think that it's too official to address this way. However, I can't call quality sound lovers any other way. You surely value it if you're reading the review. However, don't be afraid. It was just a greeting. Next, I will write logically, very clearly, and in my own name.
It's known all along that so many men, so many minds. If some people like one thing, it's not necessary for you to like it too. It means that if you want to find something for you, you have to try as many as possible and then choose the one and only option that will make your heart beat. This refers to everything including Sound.
So, it began when I learned of a personal audio lovers meeting. Being a person who likes to listen to and enjoy music often and for hours, I couldn't resist temptation of this happy chance to listen to and evaluate a variety of solutions offered by producers in comfortable conditions. Of course, this might be done in Perovo, but you can rarely find this variety of devices there. Most of the models presented at the meeting are so popular that sold very soon and are not available in stores. I applied to be listed as a meeting participant. Honestly, it was the first time I'd visited such event. Thus, it was very interesting to know what would happen there and how. Later I received an email from Expert Doctorhead about the forthcoming event. Guests with big equipment were invited by 11 am, since they needed time to place it. All other participants were invited by 12 noon or later. The meeting was held in Holiday Inn that is located across the road from Sokolniki subway station.
Registration was required to get in the Sound Venue (rooms where equipment was placed). Thus, I came 20 minutes later to avoid the rush. The registration and later the lottery were held by a beautiful woman named Xeniya. No wander, it's known all along that a pretty girl is fundamental to success in any business. The registration process was simple: it was enough to tell them your last name. I don't know about other participants, but I wasn't required to produce my passport. Probably, they thought that if I wasn't in time to see the beginning, they could let in another person since he is interested in the meeting. I'm kidding, of course. So, I received a green badge with white letters on it: October 29, Meeting Fans of Personal Audio, Sokolniki 2011, the first and last names. Unlike other words, the sponsor's logo, Doctorhead personal audio store, was in black in the left upper corner.
By the way, it would be better if the nickname was bigger, all the more so that there was enough space for that. Black on green read worse than white. Another famous brand name also found its place. The badge laces were provided by Sennheiser. The Doctorhead representatives had blue badges. It was very comfortable. Everybody immediately knew who would help to solve any problems.
After visitors received their badges, they were required to attach paper markers with their initials to the equipment they brought with them. It was necessary to avoid any problems if somebody owned similar models. The last registration step was to put a bit of paper with your first and last names on it into a kinder-surprise egg (a yellow box). I wonder when did they eat the chocolate shells? Did it happen in my absence? I shouldn't be late then. Then Xeniya forwarded the box to a transparent drum to raffle at the end of the meeting.
Finally, the registration was finished, and all doors swung open to me... actually there were two doors. The first door hid a room with equipment by young companies Energy Audio from Tula and Purel from St. Petersburg as well as personal devices of some participants. Behind the second door there was a much bigger but not more spacious room with equipment provided by Doctorhead Company mounting the event. Sennheiser, AKG, Beyerdynamic, Ultrasone, Westone, Phiaton, FOSTEX, STAX, Denon, Grado, Audez'e, and Audio-technica (I'm sorry if I forgot someone). Manufacturers presented their devices too: Fischer Audio, Germany Maestro, Arkhipov's Laboratory, and Laconic. The space was too small, because all the devices must be connected to something, particularly to the Atoll CD players. Each player was connected to several amps. There were also two or three laptops to upload music to a couple of dozens Colorful Colorfly C4 PRO acting as portable sources. I must admit that it was arranged perfectly. All the players stood alone, were mobile and discharged by the end of the meeting only.
I, personally, was much interested in headphones represented at the show. Thus, I listened to them and am going to write about them as well. Well, let me start with earbuds. The show makers' idea was that those participants who was going to write some reviews about the meeting would take pictures of the interested devices. However, not surprisingly everybody was much more interested in listening rather than photographing. Therefore, unfortunately, some headphones were neglected by photographers. So, some pictures were taken from the Doctorhead's and munufacturers' websites. I hope next time this point will be thought out better.
AKG K3003 is probably the most interesting model. Austrian manufacturers contrived to range a dynamic driver, responsible for low frequencies, and a double balanced armature driver responsible for high and medium frequencies. The earphones are handmade of whole stainless steel. Moreover, it's possible to change filters and increase dominance of low, medium or high frequencies. They also have a passive noise reduction system. As a result, the sound is clear and light; at the same time the bass is deep and detailed. Good attack but not enough for me. Probably, I should try another filter. The only disadvantage I can remember is the width of acoustic line. Thanks to this replaceable filter, it will comfortably fit into average or wide ear canal.
Westone UM3X RC have already proved as Universal Monitors three-driver armature headphones with a removable cable. Quality detailed low frequencies, deep for armature headphones bass (mostly midbass and less lowbass), natural mids and detailed highs. Wide dynamic range, fast attack. Very comfortable ear fit, a reliable twisted cable. I would say they are universal and suitable for any music. However, other cans sound more intersting with some music styles.
Westone 4 are also know four-driver armature headphones of TrueFit Series: two drivers for low frequencies, one for mids, and one for highs. Despite two drivers for low frequencies, their bass is much more lighter than the UM3X have. However, it's quicker and more dynamic contributing the better attack. Thanks to this, heavy metal sounds more interesting with these earbuds. On the other hand, all other styles sounded better with the UM3X. The Westone 4 couldn't cope with powerful bass setting the pace for the whole composition. They sit the same way as the UM3X, however the cable is nonremovable.
Sennheiser ie8 is another popular model notable for its bass control. The bass was quite deep. However, I wanted to diminish it, but the regulator was in the minimum position already. Warm vocal was clear and detailed; the sound stage was wide, and the sound was integral. As for me, attack wasn't good enough. In heavy music styles, pressure was insufficient. A comfortable, not very deep fit behind the ears. However, it's also possible to put them into ears as usual if you reverse the buds.
Fischer Audio SBA-03 is a new model of the Master Series based on a wide-band armature radiator. They appear to be made of metal, however it's just glossy plastic. The bass is deep and quick; the mids are plain and fall a bit in the upper mid. This moves away the vocal and live instruments making the imaginary stage wider. The treble is not as good. It is friable and short of brightness, sharpness, and extension. The imaginary sound stage is perceived as wide and three dimensional. They perfectly reproduce electronic music. However, classical string instruments don't feature beautiful fading, airiness, and dynamism.
Fischer Audio 977 Jazz - have enlarged the Premium line. They stand out due to the combination of metal and wood and remind the Hi-Fi "golden age", the 1950s-1980s). The bass frequencies are warm, solid, and deep. The mids are rich and musical; the highs are tumbled a bit. I don't understand why they are called Jazz. The higher frequencies are not worked out enough for jazz music. Probably, they are called so because of their clear, warm, and non-aggressive sound.
Fischer Audio Consonance is another new model of the Fundamentals Series. It is produced in three different colors: standard white, black and... bright red. An interesting form, quality performance, a comfortable fit, and a cable with detailed low frequencies, even superfluous. However, mids are thick, and highs are resonant and soft simultaneously. Details are good, but attack is quite slow; the sound stage is wide but not deep enough.
The representative of Fischer Audio Company Vasily was present at the meeting. He was very kind to answer all questions regarding their headphones. Many thanks to him! It isn't often that you can talk to a representative of one of the biggest headphone companies face to face. By the way, all of the above three models and also FA-010 and FA-011 were raffled at the end of the meeting! Thanks to Fischer Audio for this chance!
Here is Vasily wearing the
FA-002W headphones, the Fischer Audio's pride. They are based on FA-002, but have cans handmade of different wood. Having enough low frequencies, well detailed midbass but lacking lower bass a bit, accented mids, no sibilants and lisp, detailed and bright high frequencies, wide sound stage, perfect sensitivity and balanced performance with plain common tonal balance, as well as replaceable cups, they can be adjusted for any person. Despite its closed design, you have great feeling of space, transparency and sound purity while listening to them.
So, we're smoothly passing from in-ear headphones to the piece de resistance.
Sennheiser HD800 are worth of saying about their amazing sound. But at the same time, their sound is highly dependent on the sitting manner as the sound is directed into the ear not straight, but at a slight angle, and is perceived just as a pair of speakers playing in the room. The bass sounds are powerful and deep, accurate and detailed, middle is better than in other headphones I have tried, and high-pitch sounds are crystal and clear. Generally HD800 prove to be very neutral headphones as they neither protrude nor give excess of high, or medium, or low frequencies. However, their sound does not seem to be flat and lifeless, but highly balanced and dynamic. They show excellent effect of presence in the room, wonderful sound and no stiffness at all. The sound image is perfect and balanced, there is no sensation of protrusion of any instrument or voice, and at the same time you can clearly hear each instrument and even determine its location on the stage, but eventually, all these separated in space parties are woven into a single symphony perceived by the ear. Naturalness, lightness, and brightness are the essence of them, the HD800 can transmit subtle nuances, air, and details of sound better than any other model. But to hear all this one should spend plenty of time to fit them correctly, as even a few millimeters to any side fundamentally change the whole picture. I would also note feeling comfortable in the headphones as they are light for their size, and the sound gets out more quietly compared to their closest competitors.
Audez'e LCD-2 – it was highly interesting to compare these headphones with Sennheiser HD800, trying them in turn. Being very linear, with a minimum of color in the upper frequencies, they have clear and soft sound details and a very good instrument separation. The bass sounds in them seem lower, but not exaggerated. At the same time, the sound in them seems darker than in the HD800, making heavy music sound more interesting, and other styles also sound nicer and richer, providing more expressiveness. I would say that the HD800 are for those who want to hear every touch and not miss anything, and the Audez'e LCD-2 are intended for those who just want to enjoy soft, warm and rhythmic sounds of favorite tracks for hours. The downside of these headphones is their weight as they are too heavy and anyone would hardly use such headphones in a trip. The headphones fit well and the sound heard outside is not very loud.
Sennheiser HD650 – I would say that their sound is of a monitor nature, taut bass, noble medium frequencies, clear alts and no embellished sounds; the bass is quite sufficient. The sound is precise and detailed, but quite dry, sometimes it can show a bit excessive aggression but it only adds positive impression. Acoustic music is not impressing in them as the scene seems to be too narrow, subtle nuances cannot be heard. The headphones fit the head, but at the same time they have fairly rigid earcups and are too tight so I could not bear more than 10 minutes in them.
Denon AH-D7000 – in general I would describe their sound as dynamic and impressive. The bass seems brutal; low frequencies have priority and perfectly reproduce singing. Closed headphones represent a stage as wide and large, and the sound is very rich so rock fans will be obviously fond of them.
Grado GS1000 – the sound is musical and clear, but at the same time too loud outside the headphones. Energetic, rhythmic bass, accurate and elaborated mid frequencies and open airy highs. The sound is smooth, detailed and deep, has a tremendous dynamics, but may seem a bit dryish compared to the HD800, but in reality it is just a little more realistic. To get the most interesting sounding I have to move headphones a little more forward, instead of positioning them in the center as usual. Rock and metal is not for these headphones; this is probably a destiny of the Audez'e LCD-2 and the Denon AH-D7000, but classical music, jazz and blues is a real pleasure. Yet they perfectly recreate the hall atmosphere, staying behind only the HD800, perhaps.
Beyerdynamic DT 990 PRO – expressive, dynamic and detailed sound, but compared to the
HD800 seems a bit muted. The rise is felt in low and high frequencies, but at times sibilants are protruded. The sound is energetic, but the drive lacks, it is fair, but obviously is not for those who like to doze off to music. They fit the head comfortably, neither too heavy, nor too loud outside.
Fostex T50RP – have a good volume and separation of instruments, they are not highly elaborating details but the sound is still pleasant. The bass seems to lack depth and the middle should be detailed a bit better. Sometimes they sound boomy and worsen detailing, and the highs lack, but the sound is still warm and cozy; it‘s interesting to try the headphones, but I think that really a few will fall in love with their sound, but at once and forever. This is the main merit of isodynamic drivers made using a row of patents.
German Maestro GMP 450 pleased with a very natural sound and exact playing: quite powerful and deep bass, smooth mids and inflated highs, good detailing, and instruments are clearly distinguished from each other even in complex compositions. The only drawback is that live recordings do not sound as airy as we would like, but this is a consequence of closed design. In general, any kind of music sounds very nice, but for listening to heavy music one should look for something giving more pressure, and live music requires headphones of open design.
By the way, these headphones were provided as one of the prizes by the sponsor German Maestro, and their representative was present at the meeting.
STAX – These headphones are professional and they work only via an amplifier with a special connector. I will not write much about them, except to say that they have clarity and precision unreachable by the rest models. Fans of acoustic instruments, classical music, jazz and blues will be incomparably delighted.
STAX SR-009 were everyone's favorite at the meeting. The sound is deep, tight, well-balanced and crystal clear, detailed, less bright than in the STAX 507, but it has a large energy and power. In general, I would describe their sound as pleasant and soft.
But these are well-known models and famous manufacturers. Wasn’t there anything new, not widely known hitherto? It was! At the meeting I first got acquainted with the headphones of Phiaton Company.
Phiaton 500 – at once come to the front thanks to unusual design, as the cups are covered with genuine leather imitating snake. A soft headband fits comfortable, the design is closed. I was comparing the sound with the long-established universal model M50 of Audio-technica. The lower bass was substituted mostly with mid bass, but it was elaborated so well that it kept the time and increased the sense of drive better than the M50, mid frequencies presented clear sound and no roughness in the highs. The headphones seemed to be very interesting, heavy music is the only thing they shouldn’t present as actual absence of lower bass makes creating proper pressure impossible. As for other styles, they may compete with the M50 quite well and which of them sound more exactly is of no importance as the main thing is which give more interesting sounding.
Phiaton 400 – A later model is standing out for a lot of red color in the headband and ear-cushions. A serious man is unlikely to go out with them on; this model may fit some eccentric individuals. They are to be a good present for a young girl though. As for its sound, this model obtains less deep voice, gives impression of a little embellished mid frequencies with little sibilance, and highs are a little less developed. I would say that sounding of these headphones is also more suitable for girls, as it is beautiful, without boomy bass and rough highs, and some young men may also be interested in them.
Phiaton 320 – This model doesn’t look catchy compared with older ones. But who would have thought of array of two dynamic drivers for the low and high frequencies respectively, working through a passive crossover in such small cups? Previously, that was used only in in-ear headphones, but certainly not in the headphones. The bass is taut, but lacks volume, the mids are soft, well elaborated, and the highs are over-emphasized. The scene is broad and large related to their closed design. They fit the head comfortable and tight, may be folded if necessary, and are quite light. I think they would be a good choice for fans of portable overhead headphones.
Another interesting device were headphones
Marshal Major – brought by one of the participants; they are distinguished for unusual shape of cups. They are square, and it causes unusual pressure in the upper part of the ear, but one gets used to it quickly thanks to very soft ear cushions. As a consequence, the one-way isolation allows hearing what is happening outside, but the music from the headphones is not heard to others. As for sound, high frequencies range seems to be protruded but the atmosphere, ambience and lively music are represented well. In general, the headphones are very interesting as a contrast to soft ones of AKG and Sennheiser.
I did not notice five hours to flow away while listening. It was a pity, because I would like to try more and more models. And besides that it was possible to exchange opinions with other participants of the meeting, as truth should be born in arguments, so the possibility of communication and discussion was even more important than long and hard trying alone. The following manufacturers and representatives of German Maestro, Fischer audio, Energy Audio, Archipov, s Laboratory, Laconic, Purel were present at the meeting. During the meeting there was a small table with drinks as coffee, tea, water or juice and snacks in the hall. I was so fascinated with the process of trying headphones that I didn’t have any snack.
I did not stay long in the second room with equipment of start-up companies and personal equipment of some of the participants.
The stand of Energetik (I always wanted to call him Electronic) was distinguished with atmosphere of calm and comfort, reigning around it; everything was arranged neatly, giving enough space for comfortable trying, neither obstructions nor piles around the place. Transparent acrylic cases of product range of Energy Audio also contributed to attractiveness. Technical aspects were not my forte; I wouldn’t try to describe them so you’d better ask Energetik about them at the following meeting.
Energy Audio HEAD AMP M3 mod A sounded neutral, in other words, the exact player’s stuff was heard. As for audio, I was affected by detail, clarity and depth of the stage, as if it were a live concert.
Electro… sorry, Energetik
My attention was attracted with small shiny metal boxes which turned out to be amplifiers of
Purel, issuing a very grown-up sound, unexpected from such little ones, especially performed by a new company. Keep it up! Hope to see ready samples instead of prototypes at the next meeting!
They are Purel representatives
I spent some time at Arkhipov’s stand.
DAC 1541 + Ultra Dual Keno pleased with vividness and terrific volume of sound, width of stage and precise positioning of instruments in space. Lower frequencies seemed somewhat enhanced compared to the rest of the band. In comparison with the
DAC56, the sound of the latter was more down to earth, so the relief and volume I liked were less noticeable.
Sergey Arkhipov was demonstrating the width of stage presented in the DAC 1541:
Laconic amplifiers were put here and there over the room: the Laconic Lunch BOX HA-06 PRO, the Laconic Night Blues and a new model based on the model EC-01, the manufacturer told us, that the company employees called it "Crazy Mouse" for its unusual design.
Laconic Lunch BOX HA-06 PRO – pleased with comfortable and expressive sound, energetic, but unobtrusive, resolution was slightly reduced in the highs, but it seemed to be a feature of soft tube limit and a feeling of a little blurred bass, but the entire picture was very good, detailing, depth was equally well with headphones of different impedance.
Laconic Night Blues – presented smooth tonal balance, highly detailed, very well elaborated bass and midbass, in particular, presentation of entire piece, and as a result, a great neutral amplifier, introducing no significant embellishments in music.
New Laconic EC-01 – The user Alexander noted in the Doctorhead forum, that a new device resembled the robot WALL-E a bit, didn’t it?
The representative of Laconic also attended the meeting, but concealed his presence from the public (see the badge in the photo).
At about 5:15 pm all-prize lottery started. Novel (aka Romanrex) was taking out sponsored prizes. Xenia was spinning the drum and getting out kinder-surprise eggs. The first lucky ones received special metal key chains from Sennheiser.
Being hung on the player bag, they improved the sound clarity, but only in brand headphones!
Then it was turn of caps of the same name wearing which you should hear the Sennheiser headphones sound even better! Do not believe me? Come next time, win and see for yourself!
Then bears were the next series of awards. White bears in blue T-shirts with the inscription Sennheiser were to be presented to wives or girlfriends to reach harmony and comfort in the family life.
Well, the headphones were the next. The first lucky winner got the aforementioned Fischer Audio Consonance.
The next winner received the Fischer Audio 977 Jazz
The next three winners got a new model of Fischer Audio and the already mentioned Fischer Audio SBA-03.
I was lucky to get the Fischer Audio 011, rather interesting headphones, I should admit, though after a little modification.
Then the Fischer Audio 010 were presented
The Sennheiser HD558 took the 3rd place…
The described above German Maestro 450 were the 2nd prize
Well, Victor Kronos was awarded the 1st place and Grand Prix for a correct answer to the question, „What other production is company Audio-technica going to become famous for?“ You can get the correct answer at their website. Frankly speaking, I did not expect it myself. The prize were wonderful headphones Audio-technica W5000. Thanks to sponsor Blade for such a valuable prize, and I hope that he would also take sponsorship at the next meeting.
And yet, besides the aforementioned prizes, all the guests got branded blue or black T-shirts with large inscription «around your head» on the back matching the size from the most active organizer, the store Doctorhead and 7% discount cards for all products.
Together with a clink of glasses of champagne it struck 7 p.m., and the participants slowly began to leave. The organizers and the participants who brought their equipment, started to collect and pack all the wonders of technology that until recently were in active use, borne admire, made the heart beat faster or, vice versa, sink into the depths of symphonies with closed eyes.
I am finishing my description of the meeting of personal audio lovers held on October 29, 2011. We again and again thank employees of the store Doctorhead for their titanic work on organizing that wonderful event, some of whom had come to the meeting even from the St. Petersburg branch, hope you were also interested to talk with us. Many thanks to all sponsors: Sennheiser, Fischer Audio, Germany Maestro, Blade and, of course, the store Doctorhead as thanks to all of them memories of the meeting would last long. I hope this is not the last meeting, because we always meet some new products, but at the same time old products do not vanish into thin air but stay with us.
The Sound world is filled with leisure
Headphones passing in chain of years,
They give us joy together with pleasure
And hope, it will be so forever
Do remember that even Putin likes personal audio!
Some notes for the following meeting:
1. Give more time for trying headphones as 7 hours are too short, and an hour and a half were spent for a competition and the lottery… There were a lot of interesting models I did not manage to try, nothing to say of interesting discussions and communication. What about a couple of days for the event next time?
2. It would be perfect if the audio developers of companies Sennheiser, AKG, Beyerdynamic, Ultrasone, Westone, Phiaton, FOSTEX, STAX, Denon, Grado, Audez'e, and Audio-technica would be present together with their products at the meeting to make it more effective.
3. There were paper badges on all the items and in some of them only the company name was written without the model so every now and then we had to ask the show organizers about the models. It was quite easy though.
4. Before opening the meeting make big pictures of all the given models, as many of the models were ignored by the photographers.
5. I would like to see and try middle-priced models.
6. Nicknames on the badges should be written in a larger font, maybe not black to read them easier.
