rgoodnight
Head-Fier
- Joined
- Mar 12, 2006
- Posts
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I am lucky enough to own both a pair of K1000s and HD580s and several sources of amplification (McIntosh solid state, Bottlehead SET, PrimaLuna tube amp).
While I admire the design, sound, and craftsmanship of the K1000s, I find myself listening to the HD580s most of the time.
While there is no doubt that the K1000s have superior fidelity, range, dynamics, etc., I find that they are so unforgiving and revealing that if you are listening to anything less than perfectly recorded they are not the best choice.
The HD580s, on the other hand, by virtue of being warmer sounding and a bit "slower" are very tolerant of most source material.
While the K1000s bring attention to themselves, the HD580s disappear and let you focus on the music.
In terms of comfort, I also prefer the HD580s - except on very warm days when the K1000 design has a definite advantage.
There's no way I am selling my K1000s. But like many of the finer things in life, I find that they are best enjoyed in small doses and when I am listening to very well recorded material.
Randy
P.S. My current favorite system configuration is listed below. It's a very "warm" and non-fatiguing set-up with just the right amount of detail. And it sounds very good at low volume and with 90% of the material out there.
Sources:
Thorens TD125mkII, SME 3009II tonearm, Audiotechnica 440mla cartridge
Rega Apollo CD Player
Pre-Amp:
McIntosh C34V (the perfect pre for headphone lovers IMO)
Amp:
Bottlehead Single Ended eXperimenter
While I admire the design, sound, and craftsmanship of the K1000s, I find myself listening to the HD580s most of the time.
While there is no doubt that the K1000s have superior fidelity, range, dynamics, etc., I find that they are so unforgiving and revealing that if you are listening to anything less than perfectly recorded they are not the best choice.
The HD580s, on the other hand, by virtue of being warmer sounding and a bit "slower" are very tolerant of most source material.
While the K1000s bring attention to themselves, the HD580s disappear and let you focus on the music.
In terms of comfort, I also prefer the HD580s - except on very warm days when the K1000 design has a definite advantage.
There's no way I am selling my K1000s. But like many of the finer things in life, I find that they are best enjoyed in small doses and when I am listening to very well recorded material.
Randy
P.S. My current favorite system configuration is listed below. It's a very "warm" and non-fatiguing set-up with just the right amount of detail. And it sounds very good at low volume and with 90% of the material out there.
Sources:
Thorens TD125mkII, SME 3009II tonearm, Audiotechnica 440mla cartridge
Rega Apollo CD Player
Pre-Amp:
McIntosh C34V (the perfect pre for headphone lovers IMO)
Amp:
Bottlehead Single Ended eXperimenter
