Takstar Pro 82/GM200 Review, impressions and discussion thread

[OscarPaz]

@Daize in theory, yes, you'd be right, just buy the 2 in 1 and be done with it. However...
https://tropicalprice.com/product/B00U1PQVWU

400€? No thanks... It'd be way cheaper for me to replace the DAC (losing maybe 10€ in the process if I sell my current one and buy the 9023) and buy the O2 (and pay 120-130€), it'd still be waaaaay cheaper than the Ha-2. Unless you know of some place, in Europe or China, where I wouldn't have to sell my kidneys and a lung to get it.

Be aware that I'm not a super-high-quality kind of guy. I'm a price/quality/performance one. I never paid anything close to what I'm currently paying for sound... So no one is going to see me pay those values in the next few years

@Miguelbazil: I have the Chord Mojo, which is excellent, but I have been also chasing for the Oppo HA-2 (mainly due to the high praises by @BenF). 400€ is a lot to pay for that device, I've found much better prices, especially in UK stores. Most of them, however, don't ship out of the UK (I don't know why, since there are no customs taxes within the EU or anything special they need to do), but some others do.

Here you have it in red color from Hifix seller at eBay:
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Oppo-HA-2-Portable-Headphone-Amplifier-DAC-Cherry-Red/222441857993
They also have it in black on their webpage (I don't know why it doesn't show up in their eBay site as well):
https://www.hifix.co.uk/oppo-ha-2-portable-headphone-amplifier-and-dac-black-display-model
It costs around 230£ at this moment, still over what you're willing to pay for a DAC/amp combo, but maybe worth it.

At this price point and despite having the Mojo, I tell you that I'm having hard times hesitating whether I should buy it or not...

 

[BenF]

@BenF Is this one also considered a good O2 amp?
http://www.headnhifi.com/amplifiers/objective2

They are supposed to be the same, but who knows...
They charge 5 euros extra for the 1/3.3x gain, so with shipping it will be over 120 euro anyway.

Alternatively, I've found that Headphoniaks also have the JDS O2 B stock for 120€, which might be a possible choice.

It has the wrong gain.
Plus it's not B-stock, it's "refurbished" - which means it probably was used before.
JDSlabs usually sends a flawless new O2 when you purchase the B-Stock, because they simply don't have enough ones with cosmetic imperfections.

 

[BenF]

@BenF, a bit out of the topic of this thread, but could you please elaborate a bit on this?
I guess that your take is that Hi-Res files versus standard Red Book resolution makes no difference at all, which I'm pretty confident about too. If there are any audible differences, they are indeed very minor and subtle; and if not, it's very likely due to a better mastering work of the Hi-Res product than to the format itself.
But after some testings, I can tell that I can feel differences between those MP3/AAC encodings not using the higher bitrate (i.e. below 320/256 kbps) and CD quality, the latter sounding more vivid and real, with noticeable improved dynamics and depth, more punchy, more layered, and with a better representation of lows and highs. Especially on the Pro 82, which are quite transparent to the audio source (and also quite revealing in the highs).
Of course, you need to be super-focused on the listening to hear any of these improvements. In a regular listening session, if you're in front of the computer typing or reading news, or just thinking about something else, you probably won't notice any change whatsoever.

I actually don't know what the average audio quality of YouTube is, if they always reencode (recompress) the source file you upload to the platform. A quick Google search says it's usually played at about 128 kbps AAC. I know there are some videos that can't be played on a mobile device because of their higher audio quality (sound demos from Zeos' reviews, for instance).

I meant that for comparing a good transparent DAC and a veiled one - Youtube is enough (depends on a specific video of course).
BTW, I have that exact "Midnight in Harlem" performance in 24/96 (4608kbps) WAV - it has the same dynamic range as the 128kbps AAC in Youtube - 8...
The WAV does sound a bit clearer, but the Youtube version has guitars a bit more forward - which is great for that amazing solo.

 

[Miguelbazil]

still over what you're willing to pay for a DAC/amp combo, but maybe worth it.

At this price point and despite having the Mojo, I tell you that I'm having hard times hesitating whether I should buy it or not...

Thanks a lot for the links, I'll still check them, but like you said there, way too much for me. But I'll keep them on my radar.

As for your purchase, well... Can you afford it comfortably? That's usually my take on that

They are supposed to be the same, but who knows...
They charge 5 euros extra for the 1/3.3x gain, so with shipping it will be over 120 euro anyway.

It has the wrong gain.
Plus it's not B-stock, it's "refurbished" - which means it probably was used before.
JDSlabs usually sends a flawless new O2 when you purchase the B-Stock, because they simply don't have enough ones with cosmetic imperfections.

Yeah, I was aware, but then again, there is a way for a new 120€ guaranteed one, so that might be possible, even if only on Christmas, so there's that.

which is great for that amazing solo.

I'm not the biggest blues fan, but the song is very good, but THAT GODDAMN SOLO! Seriously, it turns a cool song into an amazing song, it's... just... majestic!

 

[BenF]

...I'm not the biggest blues fan, but the song is very good, but THAT GODDAMN SOLO! Seriously, it turns a cool song into an amazing song, it's... just... majestic!

I'm not a blues fan AT ALL, but this song... And this guitar solo...
Interesting fact - The Allman Brothers Band was supposed to play at this festival (Crossroads 2010), but Greg Allman had an emergency transplant, and The Tedeschi Trucks Band stepped in, delivering this unforgettable performance.

BTW, if the other 2 videos didn't amaze you, this is a pretty good sign that your 9018 DAC is veiled. These 2 videos have great clarity (for Youtube), and they sound fantastic on Pro 82.
Here are some more tracks that you should enjoy despite the DAC:

 

[Miguelbazil]

@BenF Actually, I haven't given them a more proper listen, I've been using the 82 more to get used to his sound signature and to break it in a bit more, using it even with my mobile phone (Redmi Note 3 Pro, which actually has a rather good sound with Xiaomi's software) and I've started noticing some details on the sound that I'm really enjoying. During the weekend, I tried my father's AKG K518LE (unmoded of course), and it increased my love for the 82. The AKG had a stronger but murky bass, and the mids were eaten by that. The highs were nice though. It really is a completely different sound signature that made me happy with the 82. And more and more, I'm starting to get ready to abandon the bass boost for good, which I haven't still because I do kinda enjoy that slight pump in the bass, but it's a process

As for the songs, I haven't done a proper listen on them all, I was just completely blown away by Derek Trucks' solo. I'm a big guitar lover, and while I don't love all the song styles with a guitar, and won't list a lot to no-vocal songs, a good guitar solo simply mesmerizes me. And that solo has it all... First, it feels like it was actually thought and structured (which is amazing at telling his ability to create the solo on the fly), then it felt like the guitar was actually singing about something, it also has proper build up and stop, and it just sounds like it was completely inside the base song, but better.
So yeah, it was... just right.

On a side note, I'll probably get the song from youtube, and just do a cut to get only what I want, so I can add it to my spotify (as long as I can keep that more forward guitar, I'll be happy). But still, if you can provide the wav for comparison, I wouldn't refuse it

But I'll try today or tomorrow to have a proper listen, with attention to details, of all the songs you've provided, with and without the DAC. That way, I can have a more structured opinion on the 9018. I have been reading, though, that the 9018 (and the 9023 too) really benefit from amping, and that may be the cause as to why they don't really seem to be providing a big boost at first sight (or listen ). The O2 1x/3.3x is on the top of my wishlist, and I am considering, indeed, trying to buy it before deciding on the 9018. That way, I could then test the setup with the Amp on the 9018 and sound card, to see if I could feel the difference.

Another point, a guy I know that is also into the whole audiophile scene, actually has been mentioning how he feels the Schiit Magni 3 and Valli are better options. From what I read, Valli is warmer, and I'm not interested in it (or its price har har), but the Magni 3 does seem a rather interesting comparison to O2. I can only find the stack comparison from either, which makes them out to be extremely similar. Got any thoughts on amp vs amp?

(EDIT: I noticed the Magni 3 is 2x or 7x, so I might know why you're advising the O2 )

 

[Miguelbazil]

Damn, I really did enjoy those songs, great stuff. That Gary Moore video though, damn. That's some master level play right there!

 

[Sito Lupion]

Hello everyone, I just ordered a pair for the office, thanks for your comments, have helped me decide.

 

[skeletor_bass]

Hello everyone, I just ordered a pair for the office, thanks for your comments, have helped me decide.

Great, kindly share your impressions, once received
Try to compare bass with Meze 99 Classics

 

[BenF]

Hello everyone, I just ordered a pair for the office, thanks for your comments, have helped me decide.

FIIO E17 didn't sound too good with Pro 82, I hope you have better results with E17K. Using Coax input will probably net best results.
Still I'm betting on MF-V90 HPA sounding better with Pro 82.

Don't forget to buy the tuning foams:
Thin & Thick Inside Foam Disk Ear Pads For HD545 HD565 HD600 HD650 Headphones
Thin & Thick Inside Foam Disk Ear Pads For K240 K241 K270 K271 K272 Headphons
or
https://www.aliexpress.com/item/Thi...-HD565-HD600-HD650-Headphone/32601752052.html
https://www.aliexpress.com/store/pr...0-HE300-HE400-HE400i/2961104_32824443199.html

 

[r1sh]

Hello!

Can you compare Pro 82 or Pro 80 with HyperX Cloud Alpha or Hyperx Cloud Revoler S or Marantz MPH-2 with it's ali-clones isk MDH9000 and Freeboss MDH9000

 

[Sito Lupion]

Great, kindly share your impressions, once received
Try to compare bass with Meze 99 Classics

of course, I received yesterday and during this weekend I will compare the bass with my 99 Classics

FIIO E17 didn't sound too good with Pro 82, I hope you have better results with E17K. Using Coax input will probably net best results.
Still I'm betting on MF-V90 HPA sounding better with Pro 82.

Don't forget to buy the tuning foams:
Thin & Thick Inside Foam Disk Ear Pads For HD545 HD565 HD600 HD650 Headphones
Thin & Thick Inside Foam Disk Ear Pads For K240 K241 K270 K271 K272 Headphons
or
https://www.aliexpress.com/item/Thi...-HD565-HD600-HD650-Headphone/32601752052.html
https://www.aliexpress.com/store/pr...0-HE300-HE400-HE400i/2961104_32824443199.html

Well, so far I have only tried some songs from my phone, I will give my impressions in a few days.
thanks for the links, I take a look.

 

[OscarPaz]

Don't forget to buy the tuning foams:
Thin & Thick Inside Foam Disk Ear Pads For HD545 HD565 HD600 HD650 Headphones
Thin & Thick Inside Foam Disk Ear Pads For K240 K241 K270 K271 K272 Headphons

Yesterday I received one set of these foam disks. I guess it corresponds to the HD series (first entry in that list), since they are oval-shaped. This particular set comes with a couple of pretty dense 5mm foams and a couple of more permeable 3.5-4mm foams. Still waiting for the rounded, more porous ones.

First I tried with the denser foams in. I believe @BenF didn't comment too much about this configuration and the answer is pretty obvious. It reduces the amazing bass implementation in the Pro 82 down to a good but ordinary bass response, similar to some other headphones in this price range; here I mean about the bass quality, not quantity. The bass loses a lot of detail and fullness, it sounds hoarser, so to say. This mod makes the vocals a bit more forward than default, it helps in that respect, but IMO it also reduces too much the highs and the final outcome it a compressed sound. I tried it for just a few minutes and took it off.

Then I tried the thinner foams. With respect to what @BenF said about this easy mod:

First, I tried the "thin" (3mm) oval one.
WOW

Bass - Slightly less controlled, but still tight enough and with a longer decay
Mids - No longer recessed! Vocals sound so much better! Yet it doesn't have the small thin veil that B8 has. Timbre is perfect.
Treble - Slightly less accentuated, but just as clean and as well extended.
Soundstage - Due to a decrease in treble, a bit smaller
Clarity - It no longer has the same estat-like clarity, but still probably is the best closed headphone in that department.
Overall, It's not mid-forward as B8 yet, but it's no longer U-shaped either. "Neutral" and "Balanced" are the best ways to describe it.

I must admit he is right in about everything.
The bass is perceived of lower quality, but just a bit, and still very likely above average among closed headphones of even higher prices. After listening to the Pro 82's bass for so long, I confess that with this mod I am missing part of their precise default bass response. But the point here is evaluating the overall sound.
Vocals show a noticeable improvement, great improvement I would say, both in forward presence and in timbre. This comes at the cost of losing a bit of dynamic range (I do hear a light veil in it). There are some female vocals where some slight sibilances are still present, but I'm starting to think this very likely more due to production/mastering issues than to the Pro 82 itself.
Highs are a tad better for me, they sound less sharp. Not that the Pro 82 are harsh, but some high notes from the stock Pro 82 do sound a bit forward-shifted in frequency to me. This foam seems to have levelled some things up and partially corrected this issue. Obviously, at the expense of showing a narrower soundstage, but noting that imaging within that soundstage is still very good.
In summary, I also think the way to describe this modded sound is “balanced with a light veil”.

BTW, after inserting/removing this thinner foam into the cups just a couple of times, and because it is slightly larger than cavity, it started to develop a small cut in the foam (along the actual internal perimeter of the cup's size). This was caused by me finger-pressing the excess of foam along the perimeter; even doing it very gently, it broke the material a little bit. So, I would advise you to trim the foams a little bit even before inserting them for the first time.

So far, I think overall I like this configuration more than its default. Bass is a bit thicker, but vocals are improved (despite that thin veil) and highs are more precise.

I am now very eagerly waiting for the round foams on which @BenF commented they have a double-WoW effect. After this quick experiment, I believe they will probably be the perfect balance for the Pro 82.

 

[Miguelbazil]

I'm really considering whether to try to switch the foam disks or not. Mainly because I'm really happy with the current signature of the phones. How noticeable do you think the loss of bass quality would be, for someone less sensitive than you guys? I'm asking because I definitely can't really hear certain differences like you guys. Decisions, decisions.

Also, I found today an artist on Spotify called "South Pole", which produces Progressive Trance, and I'm rather curious to see how it will sound.

Slight note, I'm noticing that quite a number of artists I've discovered and liked lately seem to hail from Australia. What is everyone doing there to make all that interesting music?

 

[BenF]

After months of being sold out, a few hours ago the TakstarAudio store at Aliexpress listed Takstar Pro 82 as back in stock:
https://www.aliexpress.com/item/Ori...g-K-song-game-stereo-headset/32808454492.html
I have chatted with the store, and they assured me they they really have stock. Other stores often list Pro 82 just to draw attention, but they don't really have any stock.
They have 30, 2 are already gone.
It's unclear if/when they'll have more.

If you are looking for a headphone that can throw punches with Fostex TH-900MK2 (and even beat it sometimes), here is your chance.

Here is my updated comparison with TH-900Mk2:
Comparison with Fostex TH-900MK2

Here are other comparisons:
Comparison with CAL!
Comparison with Bosshifi B8
Comparison with ISK HP2011
Comparison with NVX XPT100/Brainwavz HM5/Yoga CD-990
Comparison with B&O H6
Comparison with Philips X2 (by OscarPaz)