[Vruksha]

If you like dark sounding headphones you can look into Audioquest Nightowl

Thanks for the recc, is not easy to find one and whatever I found on eBay used cost as much as getting a Bokeh used. Nothing around $600

 

[Vruksha]

Have you checked out Meze 99 Classics? I haven't heard them myself, but I know some people like them especially with harsh metal.

They went by my radar, the upper frequencies sure looks agreeable but the bass quality is what kept me away. Not sure if they can keep up with let’s say something like Ulcerate for example

 

[b510]

good day everyone please advise headphones for melodic death metal in the budget of 300-500 dollars. and if an amplifier is needed for them, then please advise the options in the same budget. for now, I only have the Shanling M6 Ultra player

 

[PapaIV]

Ok so I went to the local store to demo some sets! Ended up trying out the Clear MG, the Clear MG Pro, the Celestee, the LCD-XC and the 1990 Pro (yeah spent a good hour or so there). My main takeaways:

Overall I preferred the MG Pro by a lot! Everyone is saying that they should sound exactly the same as the MG but personally I preferred it! The MG Pro felt like the MG with added punch and a small bass shelf that seemed to be missing from the MG. All of the demos were fed by Naim Uniti Atom and the same cable was used. So I don’t know, maybe the pads on one of the two sets were more worn? The difference was beyond placebo and it was evident with all of my favourite music (Wintersun, Parkway Drive, Dream Theater, Soen etc).

I preferred both of the Clears over the Celestee, which to my ears sounded very weird and boxy. I actually liked the 1990 more than the Celestee (considering the price) for metal but it lacked the body and intimacy of the Focals - sounded pretty clinical with metal and a little distant but with great detail.

Now, listening to the XC after the Focals was super weird for me. As an owner of the LCD-2C I know Audezes really need EQ and sound weird without, but I expected a warm signature with elevated bass. I felt it completely lacked low end punch and the upper mids/lower treble were a little piercing (with snare drums for example). It does sound like it wasn’t getting enough power from the Naim but I haven’t checked the Atom’s headphone specs. The detail retrieval however rivalled and even surpassed the Clears for some tracks.

Now a few questions:

1. Can anyone compare the LCD-XC with the LCD-2CB for rock/metal? I have an opportunity to get the 2CB at a good price but no way to demo it. How is the stock sound for metal? I don’t want to use EQ (other than a bass shelf) since I want to listen to analog sources as well.

2. Am I completely crazy in considering the HD800S? I cannot audition it and I have read the horror stories when they are used with metal and generally music with cymbals etc. But something attracts me to the HD800S as a complimentary set. Maybe because I also listen to some prog rock or stuff like Heilung and Loreena Mckennit and a little bit of jazz and it seems that they would shine with such music. But then again I don’t want them to be completely useless with metal, which is 80% of my listening. So what is the consensus here? Can they be used with metal (maybe EQ’d when used with my RME)?

3. I totally love my Sundaras for metal, I love the detail, separation, the openness, the way the snare drums snap and the (just right) amount of controlled bass that makes kick drums hit sharp and cut through the mix. Would you say that the HD800S would provide a similar kick if EQed between 50-120hz or is it just not possible?

4. I was also considering the 650 and the 660s2 as a budget purchase. I’ve read through the replies in this thread and some people swear by them and others can’t stand the Sennheiser veil or the lack of sub bass. Which of the two models would be more suitable for metal?

So to conclude I’m trying to decide whether to upgrade from my beloved Sundaras to the Clear MG Pro, get a “complimentary set” with the HD800s/650/660s2 (maybe with a tube amp purchase) or add a closed set to the collection (I currently don’t own one) with the LCD-2CB!

Thanks for reading !

 

[Vruksha]

Ok so I went to the local store to demo some sets! Ended up trying out the Clear MG, the Clear MG Pro, the Celestee, the LCD-XC and the 1990 Pro (yeah spent a good hour or so there. My main takeaways:

Overall I preferred the MG Pro by a lot! Everyone is saying that they should sound exactly the same as the MG but personally I preferred it! The MG Pro felt like the MG with added punch and a small bass shelf that seemed to be missing from the MG. All of the demos were fed by Naim Uniti Atom and the same cable was used. So I don’t know, maybe the pads on one of the two sets were more worn? The difference was beyond placebo and it was evident with all of my favourite music (Wintersun, Parkway Drive, Dream Theater, Soen etc).

I preferred both of the Clears over the Celestee, which to my ears sounded very weird and boxy. I actually liked the 1990 more than the Celestee (considering the price) for metal but they lacked the body and intimacy of the Focals - sounded pretty clinical with metal and a little distant but with great detail.

Now, listening to the XC after the Focals was super weird for me. As an owner of the LCD-2C I know Audezes really need EQ and sound weird without, but I expected a warm signature with elevated bass. I felt it completely lacked low end punch and the upper mids/lower treble were a little piercing (with snare drums for example). It does sound like it wasn’t getting enough power from the Naim but I haven’t checked the Atom’s headphone specs.

Now a few questions:

1. Can anyone compare the LCD-XC with the LCD-2CB for rock/metal? I have an opportunity to get the 2CB at a good price but no way to demo it. How is the stock sound for metal? I don’t want to use EQ (other than a bass shelf) since I want to listen to analog sources as well.

2. Am I completely crazy in considering the HD800S? I cannot audition it and I have read the horror stories when they are used with metal and generally music with cymbals etc. But something attracts me to the HD800S as a complimentary set. Maybe because I also listen to some prog rock or stuff like Heilung and Loreena Mckennit and a little bit of jazz and it seems that they would shine with such music. But then again I don’t want them to be completely useless with metal, which is 80% of my listening. So what is the consensus here? Can they be used with metal (maybe EQ’d when used with my RME)?

3. I totally love my Sundaras for metal, I love the detail, separation, the openness, the way the snare drums snap and the (just right) amount of controlled bass that makes kick drums hit sharp and controlled. Would you say that the HD800S would provide a similar kick if EQed between 50-120hz or is it just not possible?

4. I was also considering the 650 and the 660s2 as a budget purchase. I’ve read through the replies in this thread and some people swear by them and others can’t stand the Sennheiser veil or the lack of sub bass. Which of the two models would be more suitable for metal?

So to conclude I’m trying to decide whether to upgrade from my beloved Sundaras to the Clear MG Pro, get a “complimentary set” with the HD800s/650/660s2 (maybe with a tube amp purchase) or add a closed set to the collection (I currently don’t own one) with the LCD-2CB!

Thanks for reading !

Can’t talk about the other mentioned models but 660S2 is better than 650’s for metal. I’ve owned both and preferred the S2 because it is clearly an upgrade if you want better definition/separation and slightly wider staging and impact.
It is not as precise and snappy like a planar but very easy and smooth in a good way. I’d highly recommend you give a demo and see if you like such sound. From my memory, Mids are better than Sundara for sure and better note weight as well. Sundara excellent with speed and technicalities but S2 ain’t no slouch, it is more analogue like while Sundara sounds digital in comparison. This is just what I hear so you have to try it out yourself.

 

[PapaIV]

Can’t talk about the other mentioned models but 660S2 is better than 650’s for metal. I’ve owned both and preferred the S2 because it is clearly an upgrade if you want better definition/separation and slightly wider staging and impact.
It is not as precise and snappy like a planar but very easy and smooth in a good way. I’d highly recommend you give a demo and see if you like such sound. From my memory, Mids are better than Sundara for sure and better note weight as well. Sundara excellent with speed and technicalities but S2 ain’t no slouch, it is more analogue like while Sundara sounds digital in comparison. This is just what I hear so you have to try it out yourself.

Thanks for the reply! Yeah actually note weight is the only thing I feel the Sundara is missing - especially rhythm sections usually tend to sound thin (but very precise). Seems like the S2 might be a good match with analog sources then! I’ve heard they sound great with tube amps as well - I only have solid state in my collection so maybe getting the S2 with say a Valhalla 2 would be a nice upgrade.

Ok seems like I need to decide between the Clear MG Pro, LCD-2CB and 660S2.

Or go nuclear, get the HD800S and eat microwave noodles for a couple of months

I hate that it’s so hard to demo Sennheisers in my country, how am I supposed to drop that amount of cash on such a divisive set as HD800S based off FR graphs and internet reports ?

 

[Vruksha]

Thanks for the reply! Yeah actually note weight is the only thing I feel the Sundara is missing - especially rhythm sections usually tend to sound thin (but very precise). Seems like the S2 might be a good match with analog sources then! I’ve heard they sound great with tube amps as well - I only have solid state in my collection so maybe getting the S2 with say a Valhalla 2 would be a nice upgrade.

Ok seems like I need to decide between the Clear MG Pro, LCD-2CB and 660S2.

Or go nuclear, get the HD800S and eat microwave noodles for a couple of months

I hate that it’s so hard to demo Sennheisers in my country, how am I supposed to drop that amount of cash on such a divisive set as HD800S based off FR graphs and internet reports ?

I have the S2 paired with Darkvoice tube amp, it is pretty much my end game open back setup. I know it kind of a cliche thing to say but there is nothing more I need sonically and they are pretty comfortable on my head.
S2 also works well with something as easily accessible as the ifi Zen Dac V2. The Xbass button does bring in some tasteful weight which I normally get from the tube amp.
The best pairing for HD6 series is of course tubes but it’s not the most convenient option compared to SS. I’ve heard good things about Nitsch x Schiit Magni Piety amps + HD6 series pairing.

 

[PapaIV]

I kind of bought the Arya Organic I was going around shops trying out some of the models in my shortlist and even though the Aryas weren’t on that list, it was love at first listen so I bought it on the spot. The stock sound works great with lots of the stuff I listen to which is great cause I was looking for something that doesn’t need EQing. I’m loving everything about the FR plus the awesome soundstage !
Edit: Forgot to mention, the shop had a great sale with the Organics at 1k euro!

 

[MindBreak]

I kind of bought the Arya Organic I was going around shops trying out some of the models in my shortlist and even though the Aryas weren’t on that list, it was love at first listen so I bought it on the spot. The stock sound works great with lots of the stuff I listen to which is great cause I was looking for something that doesn’t need EQing. I’m loving everything about the FR plus the awesome soundstage !
Edit: Forgot to mention, the shop had a great sale with the Organics at 1k euro!

I went from the Sundara to the Arya as well (V3) when I was looking for an upgrade. It is kind of the next logical step if you like Hifiman headphones. Congratz on your new cans! If you ever want to upgrade the cable I recommend Corpse Cable.

 

[Euph4life]

The clear MG and MG pro are definitely identical apart from colours and accessories

If they were demo headphones then the difference you heard will have been burn in. They definitely improve with more hours

 

[PapaIV]

I went from the Sundara to the Arya as well (V3) when I was looking for an upgrade. It is kind of the next logical step if you like Hifiman headphones. Congratz on your new cans! If you ever want to upgrade the cable I recommend Corpse Cable.

Thank you so much, I’ve been enjoying them a lot! Yeah I love my Sundaras and wanted to see what the step is within the Hifiman sound.

I will definitely be upgrading the cable in the near future but first I have my eyes set on the EF600, I feel like they’re not performing to their full potential through my ADI-2 DAC and the Schiit Magni 3 (I auditioned them balanced through an EF600). I posted on the Arya thread as well but I can get an open box EF600 for 700€ and wondering whether it’s a wise purchase for the Aryas!

The clear MG and MG pro are definitely identical apart from colours and accessories

If they were demo headphones then the difference you heard will have been burn in. They definitely improve with more hours

That makes sense! They were both wonderful but I was steered away from them after reading all the reports about clipping issues. I got the Aryas now but maybe in the future I’ll try some of the Focal closed backs again - maybe the new ones.

 

[MindBreak]

Thank you so much, I’ve been enjoying them a lot! Yeah I love my Sundaras and wanted to see what the step is within the Hifiman sound.

I will definitely be upgrading the cable in the near future but first I have my eyes set on the EF600, I feel like they’re not performing to their full potential through my ADI-2 DAC and the Schiit Magni 3 (I auditioned them balanced through an EF600). I posted on the Arya thread as well but I can get an open box EF600 for 700€ and wondering whether it’s a wise purchase for the Aryas!

That makes sense! They were both wonderful but I was steered away from them after reading all the reports about clipping issues. I got the Aryas now but maybe in the future I’ll try some of the Focal closed backs again - maybe the new ones.

I don't have experience with the EF600, but it seems like a capable unit. Right now I am powering my pair with a Mjolnir 3 paired with a Bifrost 2/64.

Edit: Currently listening to Call Me Little Sunshine on these though

 

[PapaIV]

I don't have experience with the EF600, but it seems like a capable unit. Right now I am powering my pair with a Mjolnir 3 paired with a Bifrost 2/64.

Edit: Currently listening to Call Me Little Sunshine on these though

Outstanding choice sir! Lovely bass on that album - Sunshine is probably my favourite track off Impera!

 

[LynxLynx]

Have you checked out Meze 99 Classics? I haven't heard them myself, but I know some people like them especially with harsh metal.

Came here looking for something else than my X2HR but now that I see your post, I can try and help out with your question.

The Meze are beautiful... BEAUTIFUL! I could look at them all day, touch that satin metal and that wood... ahem, sorry about that.
Sadly they are terrible. Awful bass pouring everywhere. I sold them to someone who loved them. Sometimes I regret it but then I remember that bass.
If you already have them, then please ignore me and enjoy

Back to the X2HR - sometimes they mesmerize me and sometimes I'm going "please make it stop". I'm curious about Sundaras but I don't have any way to test them.
I'm actually curious about more - these:
Sundara
Ananda
Dan Clark Aeon Closed X (when they get cheaper, once in a while)
Moondrop Para

Any of these good considerations for metal? Less ear bleed than X2HR?
Around that $400 budget. I'm only considering Ananda's because they go for $299 as refurbs...

All of these are planar, not entirely by coincidence. I've never had one and it sort of tempts me. I will consider dynamic drivers though.

 

[Angel III]

The Meze 99 have very dirty bass. If you equalize I recommend the Sony MDR-1AM2.