PaganDL
Headphoneus Supremus
- Joined
- Feb 1, 2016
- Posts
- 2,466
- Likes
- 771
Hi @aldinho878, @Slim1970, @Rob49,
Comparing the PM 3 & 1AM2 is a tricky proposition, not only for the reasons @Rob49 already outlined but also due to both headphones using different drivers & technologies & they serve different purposes though I do use both as my reference headphones.
The PM 3 with its offical Oppo balanced 3.5 was my go to for 3 + years & is my still go on occasion though personally & subjectively, I lean towards the 1AM3 now as I feel I needed a break from the otherwise very good PM 3.
For those curious, PM 3 with the official Oppo balanced 3.5 is quite different to stock, tuning wise, as overall, cables do not change a headphone's base sound signature but just alter the sound to a certain degree for good or ill.
As a base line impression, subjectively & personally, Balanced vs Stock is as follows :
Stock - narrow, front facing sound
Balanced - much wider, rear facing, ambient, immersive sound
Keep in mind above impression also greatly depend on source synergy.
It is also important to note 1AM2 is based on the well known 7506, just a more techincally advanced version with greater frequency response, etc.
Overall comparative comparisons between the PM 3 with official Oppo Balanced 3.5 & 1AM2 4.4 adapted to 3.5 balanced (I don't have any Sony amps at present) are as follows :
All are fed component wise by RNHP with increased power PSU.
PM 3 with OB 3.5 Balanced - much wider, rear facing, ambient, immersive sound
1AM2 4.4 to 3.5 B - more ambient, immersive sound across all frequencies (not surprising as High Performance Dynamic over Balanced Reference style Planar) with more expansive & accurate bass response.
Isolation for both is above average.
Also depending on source &/or associated components can significantly affect synergy.
Hope this was helpful, feel free to ask me more if necessary.
For @stemplar,
I believe Brainwavz would be a good choice over 99 pads as I am not a fan of stock 99 pads which I swapped out for comfort reasons but didn't use Brainwavz.
As I don't feel the need to change the 1AM2 stock pads as I don't mind them overall, that may change at a later date but for now, no change is necessary.
For @Henry Hua,
Both 1000 X & 1AM2 are different headphones for different uses though as stated above, 1AM2 I use as my current 'reference' headphone.
I have the 1000 XM2 though I have demo extensively the M3, I will wait for the M4 if I consider an upgrade as aside from a few changes, I don't feel it is necessary.
@superuser1,
I would suggest trying veclan.com for your cable needs, they should be able to help or Null Audio has a nice range too.
Personally, I don't use 2.5 mm cables a whole lot, especially for headphones, IEMs are a different matter, especially when the stock 2.5 some come with are more than good enough for my needs, I rarely feel the need to use anything other than 3.5 or balanced 3.5
Hope everyone has a great day !
Comparing the PM 3 & 1AM2 is a tricky proposition, not only for the reasons @Rob49 already outlined but also due to both headphones using different drivers & technologies & they serve different purposes though I do use both as my reference headphones.
The PM 3 with its offical Oppo balanced 3.5 was my go to for 3 + years & is my still go on occasion though personally & subjectively, I lean towards the 1AM3 now as I feel I needed a break from the otherwise very good PM 3.
For those curious, PM 3 with the official Oppo balanced 3.5 is quite different to stock, tuning wise, as overall, cables do not change a headphone's base sound signature but just alter the sound to a certain degree for good or ill.
As a base line impression, subjectively & personally, Balanced vs Stock is as follows :
Stock - narrow, front facing sound
Balanced - much wider, rear facing, ambient, immersive sound
Keep in mind above impression also greatly depend on source synergy.
It is also important to note 1AM2 is based on the well known 7506, just a more techincally advanced version with greater frequency response, etc.
Overall comparative comparisons between the PM 3 with official Oppo Balanced 3.5 & 1AM2 4.4 adapted to 3.5 balanced (I don't have any Sony amps at present) are as follows :
All are fed component wise by RNHP with increased power PSU.
PM 3 with OB 3.5 Balanced - much wider, rear facing, ambient, immersive sound
1AM2 4.4 to 3.5 B - more ambient, immersive sound across all frequencies (not surprising as High Performance Dynamic over Balanced Reference style Planar) with more expansive & accurate bass response.
Isolation for both is above average.
Also depending on source &/or associated components can significantly affect synergy.
Hope this was helpful, feel free to ask me more if necessary.
For @stemplar,
I believe Brainwavz would be a good choice over 99 pads as I am not a fan of stock 99 pads which I swapped out for comfort reasons but didn't use Brainwavz.
As I don't feel the need to change the 1AM2 stock pads as I don't mind them overall, that may change at a later date but for now, no change is necessary.
For @Henry Hua,
Both 1000 X & 1AM2 are different headphones for different uses though as stated above, 1AM2 I use as my current 'reference' headphone.
I have the 1000 XM2 though I have demo extensively the M3, I will wait for the M4 if I consider an upgrade as aside from a few changes, I don't feel it is necessary.
@superuser1,
I would suggest trying veclan.com for your cable needs, they should be able to help or Null Audio has a nice range too.
Personally, I don't use 2.5 mm cables a whole lot, especially for headphones, IEMs are a different matter, especially when the stock 2.5 some come with are more than good enough for my needs, I rarely feel the need to use anything other than 3.5 or balanced 3.5
Hope everyone has a great day !