qafro
100+ Head-Fier
- Joined
- Jul 29, 2014
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How do I setup AK70 with KSE1500 because I've just got the Shure today?
Congratulations!How do I setup AK70 with KSE1500 because I've just got the Shure today?
Just tried KSE 1500 for the first time with my Metrum Acoustics Adagio (via line in).
Wooooooooooooooo ... absolutely unreal how much better this sounds in direct (and unfair) comparison to the built-in DAC. Width of soundstage (+++), definition of instruments (raise and decay of bass), timbre of voices, overall balance and cohesion, ...
The difference is bigger than using e.g. Shure 846 (which I still like) vs. KSE 1500.
Recommendation: Use the KSE 1500 with the best external DAC available - Hugo 2, AK SP1000, ... - the built-in KSE 1500 DAC is maybe an option when the alternative is "no sound", but in almost any other scenario I am now probably forever spoiled
FWIW, in this constellation (best available DAC), the KSE 1500 becomes a very serious competitor for TOTL full size over-ear headphones (including Focal Utopia), including bass quality (not quantity, obviously). I just plugged in the KSE 1500 as an experiment (otherwise have been using them mobile with NW-ZX2), in the last four hours have not felt any desire to switch to anything else, rather flipping through my library and listening to stuff that I hadn't touched in ages. No disappointments!
Nice~~~
Curious... how does sp1000 sound without the kse, compared to ak380 which I think I see in the picture behind the kse? Considering upgrading my ak380. Thanks in advance.
I can't imagine Shure redesigning the earpieces and cable of the KSE1500. But, I can imagine them redesigning the DAC/amp. Perhaps just offering the amp section in a slimmer style that can be physically attached to a cover of a smartphone or back of a DAP....
Did he really use an Iphone as source? Not that it's a horrible idea but not the source for absolute opinions on a device like this, even dig in. All reports are that the Shure is best analog in from a top player etc. I agree about the extra amp to haul around. It's the only reason I don't own these.Found a quite recent review of the KSE1500
I finally got to try the Utopia today, and... I actually preferred the KSE1500. Am I crazy?
I'm not saying the KSE are better, I'm just saying that's what I preferred. And I realize that it takes time to adjust to the sound of a new headphone, so that's maybe part of it.
I think I liked the sound of the LCD-4 more than the Utopia (didn't get to A/B them, but just going from recollection), so I guess I just prefer the electrostat or planar sound over dynamic -- even amazing dynamics like the Utopia. At any rate, listening to the Utopia did make me feel better about what I spent on the KSE1500.