[Leetransform25]

What headphones in the $600-$800 range would pair well with the ZX300? Definitely not making any kind of purchase anytime soon, but I still like to plan out my upgrade path if anyone understands me. Currently looking at the Z7m2, Focal Elex, and (possibly, but not as likely) the LCD2C. I'd normally go with the Sonys since I'm a Sony fan, but the Elex seems much more popular and Zeos praises the hell out of them in his review while he doesn't seem to like the Sonys as much. I'm also curious as to how well the ZX300 can drive headphones around 70-80 ohms (Sony is 70 and Elex is 80). Any thoughts from you guys?

 

[Shane D]

What headphones in the $600-$800 range would pair well with the ZX300? Definitely not making any kind of purchase anytime soon, but I still like to plan out my upgrade path if anyone understands me. Currently looking at the Z7m2, Focal Elex, and (possibly, but not as likely) the LCD2C. I'd normally go with the Sonys since I'm a Sony fan, but the Elex seems much more popular and Zeos praises the hell out of them in his review while he doesn't seem to like the Sonys as much. I'm also curious as to how well the ZX300 can drive headphones around 70-80 ohms (Sony is 70 and Elex is 80). Any thoughts from you guys?

This is going to be SO personal. If you look at my signature, I have burned through many over the last four years. I love my Sony DAP, but was not impressed with Sony headphones. Through trial and error I found headphones that I really love.

Two on my wish list are the Focal Elex and the Campfire Cascades. All the research says a great all rounder and a great bass cannon. Of course I have made mistakes before and I'll make them again.

I can't test anything cool locally, so I have to wing it. I think though after four years I am getting the hang of it.

Perhaps my dream set up will be Grado's and Elex, open back and Beyers and Cascades for closed back.

Shane D

PS: in a TOTALLY unrelated development, I got my Loxjie P20 today! Pretty exited.

 

[Audiophile2019]

Does the zx300 have tone control? I know eq does a similar/same thing but would be curious.

Yes, it does...I sometimes prefer 3-tone control (rather old school, I must say) to 10-band EQ because it covers a broader bandwidth (low Q only adjustable in a parametric EQ) i. e.able to accentuate or attenuate a larger band of frequencies all at once... Just my opinion...

 

[Leetransform25]

Is it just me, or does Direct Source sound different compared to having all enhancements disabled manually? After briefly comparing the two I think I prefer just enabling Direct Source but honestly this could just be entirely placebo.

 

[Shane D]

And it will get you MAXIMUM battery life.

I did it for a test and it sounded fine to me. Of course after the test I put the other functions back on.

Shane D

 

[JoshG1217]

I personally prefer it with all the enhancements enabled. I have not really enjoyed direct sound by itself.

 

[mf15]

Is it just me, or does Direct Source sound different compared to having all enhancements disabled manually? After briefly comparing the two I think I prefer just enabling Direct Source but honestly this could just be entirely placebo.

It's not just you, it does sound different, i'd say less compressed/processed? wondering if battery life suffers a hit too.

 

[GreenBow]

@Rockwell75 Please can I ask, what balanced cable did you buy. (I am catching up on the thread, after not reading for a couple of weeks. On page 618, I see your new cable being mentioned.) I am still looking for a good balanced cable for the ZX300. I'd like one that doesn't alter the signature, in terms of bass and treble balance.

 

[kms108]

@Rockwell75 Please can I ask, what balanced cable did you buy. (I am catching up on the thread, after not reading for a couple of weeks. On page 618, I see your new cable being mentioned.) I am still looking for a good balanced cable for the ZX300. I'd like one that doesn't alter the signature, in terms of bass and treble balance.

If I'm guessing correctly, changing from 3.5 to balanced, with any cables, the sound sig will bound to change, if you don't want a change in sig, stick with the you cable.

 

[Tai1or Made]

Recently got one of these, loving it.

Time for a case though. What's the general consensus? Which is the best? I'm thinking leather, like the Miter or Sony cases.

 

[shady1991]

Guys, when listening with balanced output, toggling high gain of SE on and off clearly changes the sound (not on DSD though).

Did any of you notice it? I am very puzzled to explain why this happens.

 

[rutter]

How does the sound change?

 

[shady1991]

How does the sound change?

Kind of similar difference as high gain vs low gain, treble becomes harsher and bass becomes little bit more punchy. The difference is not huge but it is noticable.

 

[GreenBow]

If I'm guessing correctly, changing from 3.5 to balanced, with any cables, the sound sig will bound to change, if you don't want a change in sig, stick with the you cable.

I said that I don't want to change the bass treble signature. Some cables can be bright and some warm. I'd like a neutral balanced cable.

 

[Rockwell75]

https://www.amazon.com/Replacement-...ords=4.4+mmcx&qid=1555443688&s=gateway&sr=8-1

That's the cable I got. Pretty happy with it so far. There was a definite improvement in sound though I think that was more to do with the fact that, as is universally acknowledged, Sony puts a lot more into the balanced output on their devices than the regular output.