Livestock110
Head-Fier
Hi, so I've been loving my Elegia's (upgraded from DT 1990's), for 6 months. But they have some real flaws.
I love the soundstage - the "bubble around head" presentation. Great presence, it fires directly towards my head, and I'm surrounded by music. Layering, depth and separation are outstanding.
By contrast, the DT 1990 (and HD 599) have this "three rows behind" effect. It's never present or engaging enough. It sounds diffused or faded, despite the punchy dynamics.
However, the Elegia sounds artificial, with 'brittle' dynamics. Maybe it's a closed-back issue? It slams hard, but feels like plastic. The 1990's have an organic timbre + slam. Harmonics are full and rich too. The Elegias are missing that. Despite careful EQing. Not to mention the sharp, metallic treble.
Take "From Now On" by Supertramp. The bass guitar vibrates and resonates, the toms "thud", lots of rich harmonics. The DT 1990 does this perfectly, but the Elegias sound overly clean/stripped out.
So the Clear MG seems like a good upgrade. I'd EQ it too. But does it sound more organic? Is the treble less metallic than Elegia? I really miss the rich harmonics + timbre of the 1990.
The Arya V3 is my other option, but I've never heard a Hifiman set. I'm worried they won't feel present like Focals do. I don't really enjoy "three rows back" presentation. The HD 599 and DT 1990 are like that.
But, the Arya seems like a great headphone. I just need to know how it compares. How are the presence, timbre and dynamics on them?
Or the ZMF Auteur - I don't know much, but they've been compared a few times. Might be harder to find in the UK. Any advice is appreciated!
I love the soundstage - the "bubble around head" presentation. Great presence, it fires directly towards my head, and I'm surrounded by music. Layering, depth and separation are outstanding.
By contrast, the DT 1990 (and HD 599) have this "three rows behind" effect. It's never present or engaging enough. It sounds diffused or faded, despite the punchy dynamics.
However, the Elegia sounds artificial, with 'brittle' dynamics. Maybe it's a closed-back issue? It slams hard, but feels like plastic. The 1990's have an organic timbre + slam. Harmonics are full and rich too. The Elegias are missing that. Despite careful EQing. Not to mention the sharp, metallic treble.
Take "From Now On" by Supertramp. The bass guitar vibrates and resonates, the toms "thud", lots of rich harmonics. The DT 1990 does this perfectly, but the Elegias sound overly clean/stripped out.
So the Clear MG seems like a good upgrade. I'd EQ it too. But does it sound more organic? Is the treble less metallic than Elegia? I really miss the rich harmonics + timbre of the 1990.
The Arya V3 is my other option, but I've never heard a Hifiman set. I'm worried they won't feel present like Focals do. I don't really enjoy "three rows back" presentation. The HD 599 and DT 1990 are like that.
But, the Arya seems like a great headphone. I just need to know how it compares. How are the presence, timbre and dynamics on them?
Or the ZMF Auteur - I don't know much, but they've been compared a few times. Might be harder to find in the UK. Any advice is appreciated!
