[MrSushi]

I’m wanting to upgrade from my nighthawks, and want something nice and smooth with a good beefy low end. Any recommendations? Will be using an ifi zen dac to run it.

 

[pbui44]

E-MU Teak, preferably with removable cable to upgrade with the 4.4mm cable that is also linked below:

https://www.emu.com/order.html

https://www.amazon.com/NewFantasia-...52f47&pd_rd_wg=dacP0&pd_rd_i=B07JW8F16R&psc=1

 

[DenverW]

I would also recommend the emu teak, or possibly the ath wp-900.

 

[iFi audio]

I’m wanting to upgrade from my nighthawks, and want something nice and smooth with a good beefy low end. Any recommendations? Will be using an ifi zen dac to run it.

What's your budget?

 

[MrSushi]

What's your budget?

I know I said 600 in the title but I can actually stretch to 800$.

 

[MrSushi]

I have been eyeing the LSA hp 2 ultras. Are they good for what I’m looking for? Also how would they be if I ran it with a tube amp?

 

[Deolum]

Nightowl would be the most obvious choice if you want a closed back. Getting a real upgrade with a closed back is close to impossible imo. Best you'll get is a sidegrade.

 

[arielext]

I have been eyeing the LSA hp 2 ultras. Are they good for what I’m looking for? Also how would they be if I ran it with a tube amp?

HP-2 aren't "smooth" I'd say. Their low-end is amazing though, combined with quite sparkly highs. One might say V shaped.
The other suggestions have a similar frequency response.

 

[Dawgfish]

DCA Aeon Flow Closed X or RTs. I think you are going to need something with a little more current than the Zen however. Not knocking the Zen it is a very nice unit, the AFC X or RTs just need a good amount of current to open up and sound their best. You could always use the Zen until you get something with a little more current (doesn't have to be elaborate something like the Little Dot 1+ or Schiit Magni 3+ will more than do the job) and still use the Zen as your dac when you get a more powerful amp.

 

[MrSushi]

HP-2 aren't "smooth" I'd say. Their low-end is amazing though, combined with quite sparkly highs. One might say V shaped.
The other suggestions have a similar frequency response.

Have you tried em on a tube amp?

 

[MrSushi]

DCA Aeon Flow Closed X or RTs. I think you are going to need something with a little more current than the Zen however. Not knocking the Zen it is a very nice unit, the AFC X or RTs just need a good amount of current to open up and sound their best. You could always use the Zen until you get something with a little more current (doesn't have to be elaborate something like the Little Dot 1+ or Schiit Magni 3+ will more than do the job) and still use the Zen as your dac when you get a more powerful amp.

What about the aeon noires? I heard they’re pretty good.

 

[Dawgfish]

Yes the Aeon 2s or Noires would definitely be worth looking at. I believe both are within or very close to your $800 budget. If you pick them up used even better. I was just mentioning the AFC X and RTs because they met your original $600 budget. I'm not exactly sure how the AFC X/RTs compare to either the AFC 2 or Noire so that would be worth checking out.

 

[arielext]

Have you tried em on a tube amp?

Only have access to a hybrid, sorry.
I do have some experience with the aeon 2 noire. Love their sound! Sent them back after a day. My head is apparently enormous and the aeons cannot be adjusted. The hp-2's can be bent as you see fit. From memory I believe that the aeon 2 noire's are a bit more neutral but it's close. Both are excellent in their own regards. For me comfort was the deal-breaker.

 

[Dawgfish]

Only have access to a hybrid, sorry.
I do have some experience with the aeon 2 noire. Love their sound! Sent them back after a day. My head is apparently enormous and the aeons cannot be adjusted. The hp-2's can be bent as you see fit. From memory I believe that the aeon 2 noire's are a bit more neutral but it's close. Both are excellent in their own regards. For me comfort was the deal-breaker.

Just out of curiosity did you try raising the suspension strap hangers? I know on the AFO Xs you can slide the hangers up and down on the nitinol bands to change the ear cup height. Or was it a width issue? Again just curious because they are the most comfortable can I have by a very big margin.

 

[arielext]

Just out of curiosity did you try raising the suspension strap hangers? I know on the AFO Xs you can slide the hangers up and down on the nitinol bands to change the ear cup height. Or was it a width issue? Again just curious because they are the most comfortable can I have by a very big margin.

Width issue, got a headache from the side pressure after a few hours of use.
Their bigger brother (ether c flow) fitter way better.