TOTL HP Shootout: OPPO PM-1, HD800, LCD2.2, T1, HE500, Fostex TH900, HD650, HD600

[Carlsan]

   

What do you pair with your HD800's, what sonic issues did you find with their matching with the Lyr? Thanks!

Currently I go from the Questyle CMA800R dual in balanced which is just incredible with the HD800's, to the Bryston BHA-1, which is fine and does an excellent job.
 
The BHA-1 is more versatile with a variety of headphones.
 
The Lyr does a good job with lots of headphones, but it just didn't take the HD800's to the sonic level that they can go to. Thought the same was true with the T1's as well. Difference is between  a photograph taken on your phone and the same picture being taken with a high end DSL, first is acceptable but the later is amazing.

 

[Wildcatsare1]

Carlson, thank you! I am looking for an amp that will assist my transition from my 650's to LCD 2.2's/ HD800's.

Prior to the "Great Recession", I had (still have most of it) pretty good main system, SoundLab 845's, Krell FPB300c, Audible Illusions 3a, Music Hall MMF-7, Cambridge Audio Azur 650BD, Audioquest, Cardas cabling, Final power......so I know what I like, and not, but the "HP Evolution" is exciting and new (plus, relatively inexpensive) new Frontier. So far I am enjoying the plunge and look forward to learning more from folks such as you Carlson, and the Guys who started this interesting thread.

 

[bcschmerker4]

Thanks for a balanced review of some excellent models, two of which I am considering for my XONAR®-equipped Asus CM1630-06 (which also packs a 750W Antec® PSU to keep them and an EAH6850 DirectCU® fed).  What audio chip and/or headphone amplifier does the Apple® Mac Mini® pack?  My own rig's Texas Instruments® TPA6120A2 (Zs = 10.7Ω) has no anticipable problem driving orthos, most of which present purely resistive loads; but all the 'phones tested could very well rank differently from an internal amp originally meant for 120Ω headphones per IEC 61938-1996.

 

[goodvibes]

Good stuff. Perhaps you'll get more response if you can get it moved to the headphone forum.

 

[Barra]

  Good stuff. Perhaps you'll get more response if you can get it moved to the headphone forum.

Good point. 

 

[zenpunk]

Nice impressions. I am also having fun today...

 

 

 

[Barra]

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[Barra]

Nice impressions. I am also having fun today...

Nice, we would love for you to add your thoughts.

 

[zenpunk]

I need first to tell that both the HE-6 and LCD3 have been modded. The LCD3 isn't mine so I am not too sure what kind of mods except it has to do with damping. I also use a Bakoon, which is a current amp that is known to have great synergy with planars but that few people own.
I will say first that PM-1 has easily the best mids, very smooth and transparent. It also has the most bass quantity/impact but its mainly mid-bass and it doesn't reach as low or is as textured and detailed as the Hifiman or Audeze. I don't find the PM1 dark but the treble can't match the HE-6 or LCD3.
Some people have described the PM1 as muddy but I disagree and it is quite detailed but lacks air so can indeed sound stuffy.
I have mainly used the HE-6 for the past two years and I still absolutely love it.
I was rather underwhelmed by the LCD2 (Rev1) to say the least but the LCD3 is definitely the most fun and impressive out of the 3 headphones. The bass extension/quality is phenomenal, fantastic details and dynamics. Great mids and treble. Imaging isn't  too bad but headspace remains quite small and very slighlty congested for my taste, more a front row type of sound.
In contrast, the HE-6 sound more polite and slightly more laidback than the Audeze, so less impressive initially, but provide a much bigger headstage and better imaging with each instrument given more space.
The LCD3 is definitely more exciting and alive but can become fatiguing if listening to very energetic and bass heavy music styles such as techno -Alva Noto- or rock - Pulled Apart by Horses, Future of the Left. But gosh it is exhilarating...

 
I am slightly disappointed with the comfort of the PM-1, pretty good but not great. I actually prefer the HE6. Sadly the LCD3 like all Audezes is causing me pain at the top of my head and is troublesome after long sessions.
I think the PM1 is a very good headphone only letdown by a congested soundstage.
Sadly issues with comfort and price, mean I am unlikely to get an LCD3 despite being one of the most enjoyable and exciting headphones I have heard.

 

[SilverEars]

 

 
Nice review.  I had the HE-6 and I can see why you like it.  I think it's well balanced, and it provides close to enough details as the HD800 and unlike the HD800, has more realistic tones.  When I first put it on, with the right track, specifically vocals, I was like wow.  I never heard so much clarity and details before it.  Never tried the grill mod, but I'm sure it opens up the stage.  I'm not a fan of Audeze personally.

 

[whirlwind]

Very nice review.

 

[xaval]

I just stumbled on this thread. Great read and obviously you all had a good time. Is this the right forum for such awesome comparo?

 

[Barra]

  I just stumbled on this thread. Great read and obviously you all had a good time. Is this the right forum for such awesome comparo?

I think someone else mentioned that earlier. Now that I look, you are right, portable is probably not the right place. However, moving now looses the guts of the conversation unless you have an idea on how to move the whole thread intact. In terms of stumbling across threads, the way I find them is to do a search on topic or to see a thread in the recent discussions list. Out of curiosity, how would someone find it easier if it was placed correctly? Consider me a beginner in forum posting that cannot even get facebook right.