pataburd
Headphoneus Supremus
Part (5)
Swapping cables on the 500(2).
Coin flip result: H=SR-L500Mk.2 cable
SR-L500 Mk.2 w/stock cable:
The last line of my listening notes probably sums it up best: "just enough of everything".
The least midrange-forward of the bunch (yet not lacking in the portrayal of vocal intimacy). The 500(2)'s general sense of speed and timing strikes me as the best of the three under review. The 500(2)'s overall frequency, tonal and dynamic balance is my favorite, too. Not the last word in detail, refinement, subtlety or resolution (that distinction belongs to the 700(2)), but there is something very engaging and at the same time relaxing/settling about the 500(2) that makes me to tend to keep them on longer than either the 300 or the 700. Bass is solid and present, mids are clear and detailed (though not as wet and smooth as the 700(2)), treble is detailed enough to allow me to easily hear sonic differences based on gear changes (most notably switching from single-ended to balanced with the Gustard). Nothing seems overly emphasized or unduly absent. The 500(2) are, to me, the best all-rounder of the three as well. While layering is excellent with the 500(2), the 700(2) do it better. However, when the recording allows, I can get a greater sense of spaciousness with the 500(2). Of the three, for my ears, the 500(2) seem to have the "Goldilocks" factor.
Part (6)
SR-L500 Mk.2 w/SR-L700 Mk.2 cable:
A sense of better imaging, separation/differentiation and focus. Quieter background. More detail. Greater sense of in-between air/space. Transients are better articulated.
Loss of transparency ("see-through" quality) and coherency with gains in tonal intensity/coloration. Everything seems a bit more buttoned down and tidy, perhaps a touch harder compared with the stock cable. Brass has more natural sheen and bite.
On less than adequate recordings, treble (more detailed but less forgiving) can become strident/piercing. Midrange gains detail and incisiveness. Bass definition and extension improve.
A worthwhile exchange/experiment. Not sure I would completely give up the overall balance, synergy and non-fatiguing ease that seem to come part-and-parcel with the stock cable, though. To my ears, the L500 + L700 cable do give the stock L700Mk.2 a (very) good run for the money.
Will be auditioning the L500Mk.2+L700Mk.2 cable for the rest of the evening. This combination seems to sound better and better the more run time they get.
Current Status:
Right now, it's a toss-up between the 500 and 700. For some reason or another, I find the 300 to be a bit uncomfortable and fatiguing. [Have not tried the SoCas CanMod on anything yet, either.]
Rank ordering--at the moment, from most favorite to least favorite:
(1) SR-L500Mk.2 w/L700Mk.2 cable*
(2) SR-L700Mk.2 w/stock cable*
(3) SR-L500Mk.2 w/stock cable
(4) SR-L300LE
*The #(1) and #(2) rankings could go either way at any given time.
UPDATE 1: May need a re-do. The Cardas Clear Light and XLO Signature 3.2 XLR cables have arrived, which means I can go balanced out of the Gustard X18 now. Just put in the Cardas XLR, and all I can say is: "Wow!" Truly transformative!
UPDATE 2: Will be taking a short hiatus from the Stax to give the cables time to settle down (and to spend some time with other headphones).
Swapping cables on the 500(2).
Coin flip result: H=SR-L500Mk.2 cable
SR-L500 Mk.2 w/stock cable:
The last line of my listening notes probably sums it up best: "just enough of everything".
The least midrange-forward of the bunch (yet not lacking in the portrayal of vocal intimacy). The 500(2)'s general sense of speed and timing strikes me as the best of the three under review. The 500(2)'s overall frequency, tonal and dynamic balance is my favorite, too. Not the last word in detail, refinement, subtlety or resolution (that distinction belongs to the 700(2)), but there is something very engaging and at the same time relaxing/settling about the 500(2) that makes me to tend to keep them on longer than either the 300 or the 700. Bass is solid and present, mids are clear and detailed (though not as wet and smooth as the 700(2)), treble is detailed enough to allow me to easily hear sonic differences based on gear changes (most notably switching from single-ended to balanced with the Gustard). Nothing seems overly emphasized or unduly absent. The 500(2) are, to me, the best all-rounder of the three as well. While layering is excellent with the 500(2), the 700(2) do it better. However, when the recording allows, I can get a greater sense of spaciousness with the 500(2). Of the three, for my ears, the 500(2) seem to have the "Goldilocks" factor.
Part (6)
SR-L500 Mk.2 w/SR-L700 Mk.2 cable:
A sense of better imaging, separation/differentiation and focus. Quieter background. More detail. Greater sense of in-between air/space. Transients are better articulated.
Loss of transparency ("see-through" quality) and coherency with gains in tonal intensity/coloration. Everything seems a bit more buttoned down and tidy, perhaps a touch harder compared with the stock cable. Brass has more natural sheen and bite.
On less than adequate recordings, treble (more detailed but less forgiving) can become strident/piercing. Midrange gains detail and incisiveness. Bass definition and extension improve.
A worthwhile exchange/experiment. Not sure I would completely give up the overall balance, synergy and non-fatiguing ease that seem to come part-and-parcel with the stock cable, though. To my ears, the L500 + L700 cable do give the stock L700Mk.2 a (very) good run for the money.
Will be auditioning the L500Mk.2+L700Mk.2 cable for the rest of the evening. This combination seems to sound better and better the more run time they get.
Current Status:
Right now, it's a toss-up between the 500 and 700. For some reason or another, I find the 300 to be a bit uncomfortable and fatiguing. [Have not tried the SoCas CanMod on anything yet, either.]
Rank ordering--at the moment, from most favorite to least favorite:
(1) SR-L500Mk.2 w/L700Mk.2 cable*
(2) SR-L700Mk.2 w/stock cable*
(3) SR-L500Mk.2 w/stock cable
(4) SR-L300LE
*The #(1) and #(2) rankings could go either way at any given time.
UPDATE 1: May need a re-do. The Cardas Clear Light and XLO Signature 3.2 XLR cables have arrived, which means I can go balanced out of the Gustard X18 now. Just put in the Cardas XLR, and all I can say is: "Wow!" Truly transformative!
UPDATE 2: Will be taking a short hiatus from the Stax to give the cables time to settle down (and to spend some time with other headphones).
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