[Nick-s-f]

I have one more curiosity.

 How does the Ori compare to the Blackwood (the cheaper model; specifically using Blackwood wood-type) in sub-bass presence? The Blackwood type of wood seems to be the way to go because of the mentioned ''most subwoofer effect''. I'm leaning toward the Blackwood because I prefer a more close/intimate presentation in a headphone vs the allegedly wider Ori. 

 I've read that the Ori (not taking wood type into account) is leaps and bounds better than the Blackwood at bass in general.


Thanks for your time, Zach.

 

[zach915m]

I have one more curiosity.


 How does the Ori compare to the Blackwood (the cheaper model; specifically using Blackwood wood-type) in sub-bass presence? The Blackwood type of wood seems to be the way to go because of the mentioned ''most subwoofer effect''. I'm leaning toward the Blackwood because I prefer a more close/intimate presentation in a headphone vs the allegedly wider Ori. 


 I've read that the Ori (not taking wood type into account) is leaps and bounds better than the Blackwood at bass in general.



Thanks for your time, Zach.

Well - I will not say that the ori is definitely a better headphone than the ori - as because they are two quite different signatures many prefer the blackwood just as much if not more than the ori due to its more neutral response with a sub bass boost. The ori on the other hand has more generally elevated bass but still in an even handed fashion, but it is a warmer headphone. The blackwood is also more closed than the ori if that plays a concern.

Generally, I would say if you want a more neutral headphone with slightly elevated sub bass feel the blackwood is the way to go, if you want a slightly more musical and lush headphone with more impact the ori is the way to go.

 

[Nick-s-f]

Well - I will not say that the ori is definitely a better headphone than the ori - as because they are two quite different signatures many prefer the blackwood just as much if not more than the ori due to its more neutral response with a sub bass boost. The ori on the other hand has more generally elevated bass but still in an even handed fashion, but it is a warmer headphone. The blackwood is also more closed than the ori if that plays a concern.

Generally, I would say if you want a more neutral headphone with slightly elevated sub bass feel the blackwood is the way to go, if you want a slightly more musical and lush headphone with more impact the ori is the way to go.

Thanks for the input, you have just sold another Ori 

 

[zach915m]

Thanks for the input, you have just sold another Ori 

Glad I could help! Will have the order sheet to you later today.

 

[axtran]

I own both the Blackwood and the Ori. They're indispensable for me in my collection. I could sell or trade the Vibro that I own, but the Blackwood and Ori are permanent fixtures.

 

[DruidxEFD]

New Blackwood owner here and newbie Head-fier here. Initial impressions are all over the place so bear with me.
 
My first real audiophile quality headphone was the HD650 which I used for years and loved. Then recently I bought the HE400i for a steal at $250. At first I just couldn't get used to the 400i, it was just so sharp compared to the HD650 that I found it hard to listen to. However, over time I was really surprised to find out that I preferred the clarity and better bass of the 400i, especially once they were fully burned-in and paired with a Project Ember with dual Zenith 6J5g tubes.
 
I'm finding myself having a similar experience with the Blackwoods in the sense that at first, I had this "OMG what did I just buy" reaction. The Blackwoods seemed muddy and almost like the music was recorded inside of a tunnel. However, after a few days and a little burn-in I can feel my opinion changing.
 
1. It's absolutely imperative that you get enough clamp to achieve a proper seal. Today I finally watched Zach's video on how to properly bend the headband to get the proper clamp and it makes a HUGE difference. Clarity in the mids and treble are finally at acceptable levels and a lot of the muddiness is gone.
 
2. There is definitely some brain burn-in necessary when going from a good open headphone to a good closed. I listened to nothing but the 400i for the entire time I was waiting for Zach to make these and ship them and I spent a lot of time finding the perfect tubes. I'm going to have to spend at least the same amount of time giving the Blackwoods the same courtesy.
 
That's it for now. I'll give final impressions once I've given these the 100-150 hours of burn in that are necessary.

 

[Kozic]

  New Blackwood owner here and newbie Head-fier here. Initial impressions are all over the place so bear with me.
 
My first real audiophile quality headphone was the HD650 which I used for years and loved. Then recently I bought the HE400i for a steal at $250. At first I just couldn't get used to the 400i, it was just so sharp compared to the HD650 that I found it hard to listen to. However, over time I was really surprised to find out that I preferred the clarity and better bass of the 400i, especially once they were fully burned-in and paired with a Project Ember with dual Zenith 6J5g tubes.
 
I'm finding myself having a similar experience with the Blackwoods in the sense that at first, I had this "OMG what did I just buy" reaction. The Blackwoods seemed muddy and almost like the music was recorded inside of a tunnel. However, after a few days and a little burn-in I can feel my opinion changing.
 
1. It's absolutely imperative that you get enough clamp to achieve a proper seal. Today I finally watched Zach's video on how to properly bend the headband to get the proper clamp and it makes a HUGE difference. Clarity in the mids and treble are finally at acceptable levels and a lot of the muddiness is gone.
 
2. There is definitely some brain burn-in necessary when going from a good open headphone to a good closed. I listened to nothing but the 400i for the entire time I was waiting for Zach to make these and ship them and I spent a lot of time finding the perfect tubes. I'm going to have to spend at least the same amount of time giving the Blackwoods the same courtesy.
 
That's it for now. I'll give final impressions once I've given these the 100-150 hours of burn in that are necessary.

I'm not sure what the wattage is on the Ember is but the blackwood love power 1 to 2 watts in the 50-100 ohm range seems to sweet spot.

 

[DruidxEFD]

The Ember puts 2.4 watts into 64 ohms at .1 output resistance, which is how I have mine set. So probably around 2 watts at 50 ohms.
 
I did have to change to high gain to get enough play on the volume knob. Before I did that I could turn it all the way up and still be at a listenable volume.

 

[Kozic]

The Ember puts 2.4 watts into 64 ohms at .1 output resistance, which is how I have mine set. So probably around 2 watts at 50 ohms.

I did have to change to high gain to get enough play on the volume knob. Before I did that I could turn it all the way up and still be at a listenable volume.

With that you should be good give them a little time. I find they have a sweet laid back sound with nice clarity when paired with the right Amp.

 

[DruidxEFD]

Thought I'd show off some photos of my new Blackwoods:
 

 

 

 

 

[zach915m]

  Thought I'd show off some photos of my new Blackwoods:
 
 
 

 

 
Those are awesome pics!!!
 
Also - based on your comments I do wonder if you'd like protein or lambskin pads more as they are brighter/clearer.  I use Cowhide as the default on the Blackwoods because but the protein is great and gives more treble response, it would be my second choice. 

 

[DruidxEFD]

N00b question coming so bear with me. I've got a few amps and have a used Violectric V200 that I got a good deal on coming as well, but as far as dedicated DACs go I just have a Peachtree Audio Dac iT. Is it worth it to upgrade to a better DAC for the Blackwoods or are the returns minimal? If it is worth it, what would you recommend in the $500-1000 price range?

 

[ProfFalkin]

N00b question coming so bear with me. I've got a few amps and have a used Violectric V200 that I got a good deal on coming as well, but as far as dedicated DACs go I just have a Peachtree Audio Dac iT. Is it worth it to upgrade to a better DAC for the Blackwoods or are the returns minimal? If it is worth it, what would you recommend in the $500-1000 price range?

I remember looking at that DAC a while ago, and stereophile.com had a review which said it had funky inputs that only worked with certain sample rates. It really put me off on getting it.

That said, if it's working for you, hang on to it. I'd imagine you aren't going to get massive improvements until you get into Gumby territory. The V200 should be a fantastic amp for the Blackwood.

If you're having those input issues, yes, find another DAC.

 

[DruidxEFD]

I haven't even finished fully burning these in but my opinion on the Blackwoods has gone full circle since I first listened to them. These are really detailed!! I think this is the first pair of headphones where I've really noticed differences that I can ascribe to burn-in. Whether that's actual burn-in or brain burn-in I'm not knowledgeable enough to tell you.
 
One disclaimer is that I changed tubes on my Project Ember from the dual Zenith 6J5G tubes to a single Ken-rad 6F8G tube. I could tell that the 6F8G was a more detailed tube right away without sacrificing soundstage, but the SQ has noticeably changed for the better since then. Of course maybe the tube was NOS and needed burn-in of it's own... Aww too many variables. 

 

[scott1]

I own a vibro ii that I bought here on head-fi second hand that I really enjoy. One quick question, the cups have movement, like you can twist them left and right and have some play up and down too. Is this normal or is there a way to tighten this up? They kinda move around my ears too much for comfort if I'm not sitting still.