So whats up with Ultrasone HFI-2200?

[ricthaman]

Hi guys,

I've been searching for my perfect headphone a few months ago and came to the conclusion (with the help of Contrastique and Head-fi) that the Ultrasone HFI-2200 would be my best bet.

Now I notice I can't get any info, reviews or feedback on these phones.
I have these phones now and pared with the Meier 2Move it;s such a great combo.

I mean, there are some things I'd like a bit different, but hey I guess I'm just a true audiophile; never satisfied

Now I'm looking for maybe another headphone. Now I've had the K701's but couldn't power them (i guess the meier wouldn't be able to drive them properly) but I'm not shure how some headphones compare to my HFI-2200 since I can't find any decent feedback on them.

I see the HFI-780 poppin' up everywhere on this forum lately, and as we all know the Prolines are discussed more then enough here.

So my question is what's up with the HFI-2200? Why doesn't it get any love around the net?

I've compared it to several cans that are very popular, and start to think the HFI-2200 are quite underestimated.

Greetz

 

[ricthaman]

anyone?

 

[GlendaleViper]

So far, my favourite Ultrasone, hands down. I've only heard them in meet conditions, but they have a wonderful warm signature and I preferred them to the ProLine 750 (never got to hear the open 2500) by a long shot. I presume more people are interested in the added clarity and detail the 750/2500 provides, but I much preferred the 2200's presentation.

Very speaker-like, almost vintage sounding without sounding old or muddy. I've never quite understood why more folks don't like them either, but the (dead sexy, IMO) brown and orange "70' shag rug" look might have a little something to do with it.

 

[goober-george]

I as well love the look of these headphones. However, I do have a few questions.

1) Do these need an amp to sound good?
2) Will an ipod nano or zune have enough power to drive them?
3) How different are they compared to Grados?
4) How are the soundstage on these?
5) Are they good for rock music?

 

[Cool_Torpedo]

Quote:

Originally Posted by goober-george /img/forum/go_quote.gif I as well love the look of these headphones. However, I do have a few questions. 1) Do these need an amp to sound good? 2) Will an ipod nano or zune have enough power to drive them? 3) How different are they compared to Grados? 4) How are the soundstage on these? 5) Are they good for rock music?

Hi,

I'm owning those for almost two years. They're not my most played cans, but they got over 500 hours of burn-in and I would say I know them quite well.

Regarding your questions:

1.- Not really. You can get better control over bass and richer midrange, but not much else. They show way more improvement with burn-in. These cans need "heavy" burn-in with lots of impulsive signal, at high levels. You'll know they're done because some weirdness they have on the image coherence, suddenly "pops" and gets right.
2.- Yep. Of course it depends on how loud you listen, but an iPod sounds pretty loud and good using them.
3.- IMHO most Grados are sibilant, bright and very upfront with little soundstage. HFI-2200 have a more relaxed sound. Once burnt-in aren't bright nor sibiliant, and they can recreate a wide stage with some depth.
4.- Already said. Quite wide and with some depth. Nothing "out of your head" as the S-Logic marketing suggests, but on pair with good soundstaging cans.
5.- It's all up on your taste, but IMHO quite good. Probably any Grado fan wouldn't agree hehehe.

Alike GlendaleViper I also prefer the HFI-2200 over the Pro Ultrasones. Never heard the HFI-780 or Ed9, but my guess is the 2200 are the warmer and more relaxed of the bunch. It's a pity they're not more resolving and more balanced, otherwise they'd be trully great cans with more appreciation here.

Rgrds

 

[ricthaman]

Hmmz.... very glad to see that they do get some love!!

I've powered them directly from iPods (Classic and touch), Sony's (NW-A805, NWZ-S516, MZ-RH1) and an iriver clix2 and can say that they are driven very good by all of these. Though not so good by the clix.

However, if I hook them up to my Meier Audio 2Move the sound becomes a fair degree better imho. Better clarity, Better bass response, better detail, more controlled, and even a bit ''wider'' or better imaging.

So I think amping the HFI-2200 is certainly worth it! Though I think that it also depends on the amp you're using. My Good'old and beloved GoVibe improved it a little bit but not much at all.

And if I use the USB DAC from the 2Move then it sounds even better. Though these credits go to the DAC for the most part.

I've compared (A-B) these to a few cans;
- Sennheiser HD595; just too boring, distant, not exciting, not engaging.
- Bose triport OE/AE; Where is the midrange and trebble?!
- Technics (dunno the type); Too focussed on bas, fake highs. Too recessed midrange.
- AKG K701; Where did the bass go? Amazing soundstage though sometimes too much, nice highs, clean mids, not as engaging overall, lack of ''musical sound''

this is what I think of several cans (AB-ed) to the Ultrasone HFI-2200

Maybe it's time for some kind of appreciation thread? I think they deserve it. See who else got these cans?

Greetz