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Updated with a review of Lotoo PAW Pico: http://www.head-fi.org/products/lotoo-paw-pico/reviews/18079
Thanks for all your hardwork. Really appreciate and I enjoy reading your reviews. If I may ask, what is your top 3 IEM in this list.
@twister6
Hey, twister! I was hoping I could ask for a direct comparison between the Oppo PM-3 and the M70x. I've searched the internet high and low and can find zero direct comparison between the two. As you've heard both, I was hoping you might be able to lend some advice to my situation...
I'll be using these for professional gaming, therefore require a closed headphone for noisy LAN tournaments (and a noisy NYC apartment) as well as neutrality (a common misconception is that competitive headphones should be bass light, when actually a lot of the import positional cues in FPS games, such as footsteps, reside in the lower frequencies as well). So I'm looking for something that is completely uncolored (at least as much as possible for a closed headphone under $400). I'm not concerned with soundstage size whatsoever, as I'll be using HRTF and binaural processing for spatial awareness. Instead, I care more about detail retrieval and imaging. This is what concerns me about the PM-3. Although incredibly neutral, I wonder whether the slight treble roll-off will contain import imaging information, that maybe the M70x won't dismiss. I know the high frequencies in the M70x can be considered harsh by some, but for gaming this *may* not be too much of a concern? I'm honestly not sure. Regardless, if you're able to offer a direct comparison between these two (sound first! but isolation / comfort as well) then I would be incredibly grateful. Thank you in advance - it's much appreciated!
@twister6
Hey, twister! I was hoping I could ask for a direct comparison between the Oppo PM-3 and the M70x. I've searched the internet high and low and can find zero direct comparison between the two. As you've heard both, I was hoping you might be able to lend some advice to my situation...
I'll be using these for professional gaming, therefore require a closed headphone for noisy LAN tournaments (and a noisy NYC apartment) as well as neutrality (a common misconception is that competitive headphones should be bass light, when actually a lot of the import positional cues in FPS games, such as footsteps, reside in the lower frequencies as well). So I'm looking for something that is completely uncolored (at least as much as possible for a closed headphone under $400). I'm not concerned with soundstage size whatsoever, as I'll be using HRTF and binaural processing for spatial awareness. Instead, I care more about detail retrieval and imaging. This is what concerns me about the PM-3. Although incredibly neutral, I wonder whether the slight treble roll-off will contain import imaging information, that maybe the M70x won't dismiss. I know the high frequencies in the M70x can be considered harsh by some, but for gaming this *may* not be too much of a concern? I'm honestly not sure. Regardless, if you're able to offer a direct comparison between these two (sound first! but isolation / comfort as well) then I would be incredibly grateful. Thank you in advance - it's much appreciated!
As you can see from my review list, I focus more on IEMs/CIEMs, not as much full size cans, but if given a choice between PM-3 and M70x - I wouldn't even consider M70x. It's not just neutral it's flat and boring. It's good as another listening reference when mixing tracks while producing a song, but for what you are looking for it will be just flat. As a matter of fact, PM-3 might not be good either since it's tuned warmer and smoother and source picky (when it comes to retrieval of details) so you are not going to get the desired layering and separation of sound to get all those intimate details, and as you correctly pointed out - the treble roll off and lack of airiness will stand in the way of that. If you can try open back headphones, like R70x - you will hear a difference of a neutral natural sound, but that part about noisy NYC apartment might not work well with it. Maybe try MSR7, I still LOVE it and use quite often with my laptop and usb DAC/amp (Micro iDSD).
As you can see from my review list, I focus more on IEMs/CIEMs, not as much full size cans, but if given a choice between PM-3 and M70x - I wouldn't even consider M70x. It's not just neutral it's flat and boring. It's good as another listening reference when mixing tracks while producing a song, but for what you are looking for it will be just flat. As a matter of fact, PM-3 might not be good either since it's tuned warmer and smoother and source picky (when it comes to retrieval of details) so you are not going to get the desired layering and separation of sound to get all those intimate details, and as you correctly pointed out - the treble roll off and lack of airiness will stand in the way of that. If you can try open back headphones, like R70x - you will hear a difference of a neutral natural sound, but that part about noisy NYC apartment might not work well with it. Maybe try MSR7, I still LOVE it and use quite often with my laptop and usb DAC/amp (Micro iDSD).
Thank you for the helpful response! I would love to continue using my open headphones, but unfortunately my situation simply doesn't allow for it right now. As far as the M70x being "flat and boring"... isn't that kind of what I'm looking for? I really don't want the sound to be colored, as fine details throughout the entire frequency response are important to me. Ideally, I'm looking for the closed back portable version of an Etymotic ER4. I had considered the MSR7 heavily (as well as the Sony MDR-7520) because I read how those headphones just throw detail at you... but then I got caught up in wanting something ruler flat, in order for each in-game cue to carry equal importance. Maybe I'm missing the mark here, though? I was thinking extreme detail retrieval > soundstage, especially given the use of HRTF / binaural processing.
Something tells me you already have your mind set on M70x
Why not buy it on amazon and see if you like it? For me personally, they wouldn't be the first choice (soundstage is just average, lacks bass, and the comfort is not the same as M50x). I think in this case you will be the final judge if it fits your needs Good luck!
Whats your recommendation for a "powerful" portable amp for Onkyo DP-X1 with Oppo PM3? I think the PM3 benefit Significantly with more power. I had the Ifi DSD micro which sounded perfect but thought its always to big.