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Showing 1 of 399 conversations about:
noapp
16
Sep 28, 2018
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Since HD6XX just went live, I am now torn between this and a (semi-)good AMP + HD6XX. The price is more or less the same.
From my very limited experience, I have ER4P, PX200 and HD497. Oh I do own BOSE QC25 and QC35 too. What I am trying to get is a pair of cans that can satisfy my home needs (because I already have cans with NC feature), mostly watching TV and movies but also occasionally listening to music.
I do not want to continue burning money and was considering this as an end-game (at least for my needs). And I am so afraid that once I get HD6XX, I will continue along the path to HD8XX etc. Should I stick to this, or is HD6XX good enough for me to get out of this "upgrade cycle thing"? :P
GiantHeadphoneSquid
639
Sep 28, 2018
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noappThe ESP sound a lot like the classic ER4 profile: linear, highly detailed and amazing transients. If you want that sound spread over a huge monolith of energy on each ear, then these are for you.
The 6xx is an excellent dynamic open, it has wonderfully curated mids (although I prefer the extension on the 600), and is rolled off and non fatiguing. It doesn't sound as accurate as the ESP, but it is wonderful to listen to and has more flexibility in its source compared to an electrostat.
You will be very pleased regardless of your choice, these are two of the best open headphone values around. I'd personally go for the ESP myself, but I have no regrets having bought both (650 and ESP950, not massdrop versions).
The 6xx is an excellent dynamic open, it has wonderfully curated mids (although I prefer the extension on the 600), and is rolled off and non fatiguing. It doesn't sound as accurate as the ESP, but it is wonderful to listen to and has more flexibility in its source compared to an electrostat.
You will be very pleased regardless of your choice, these are two of the best open headphone values around. I'd personally go for the ESP myself, but I have no regrets having bought both (650 and ESP950, not massdrop versions).
noapp
16
Sep 28, 2018
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GiantHeadphoneSquidThank you for the comparison and opinion, especially when it comes from an owner of both pairs.
I imagine my pair will be used exclusively at home so the flexibility of source is not a concern here, if that is what you mean.
I do like the details of ER4 a lot, and guess I would just take your personal preference as mine. After all I have never listened to electrostatics before, and the price here is quite tempting. (I always had the impression that electrostatics are way out of my acceptable range.)
GiantHeadphoneSquid
639
Sep 28, 2018
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noappHappy to be of service, especially to a fellow Etyhead :) My current classic ER4 are the S, but I did use to roll with a PT. Beyond personal impression, I am struck by how similarly the pair measure, particularly if the new pads clean up some of the dips ~2K:
https://www.innerfidelity.com/images/KossESP950Sample2.pdf https://www.innerfidelity.com/images/EtymoticER4PT.pdf
The Koss do have a slightly more lush mid range than the ER4, but this is less pronounced than the (lovely) relentless mid focus of the Senn 6xx.
My first listen to the 950 I was honestly struck by the similarity to my then ER4PT, which is bizarre given the ESP are some of the biggest (area) headphones around and are airy fresh open. . .
Regarding source flexibility: part of the reason the Senn is so celebrated is because it benefits heavily from source pairing; it encourages the listener to experiment with different amps particularly. The resulting chain could be used to happily feed just about any other headphones you buy in the future, where as the Koss energizer is a one stop shop obviously.
It sounds like you are on a great track, and I do think you will be very happy either way :) They are both excellent headphones.
https://www.innerfidelity.com/images/KossESP950Sample2.pdf https://www.innerfidelity.com/images/EtymoticER4PT.pdf
The Koss do have a slightly more lush mid range than the ER4, but this is less pronounced than the (lovely) relentless mid focus of the Senn 6xx.
My first listen to the 950 I was honestly struck by the similarity to my then ER4PT, which is bizarre given the ESP are some of the biggest (area) headphones around and are airy fresh open. . .
Regarding source flexibility: part of the reason the Senn is so celebrated is because it benefits heavily from source pairing; it encourages the listener to experiment with different amps particularly. The resulting chain could be used to happily feed just about any other headphones you buy in the future, where as the Koss energizer is a one stop shop obviously.
It sounds like you are on a great track, and I do think you will be very happy either way :) They are both excellent headphones.
noapp
16
Sep 28, 2018
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GiantHeadphoneSquidA bit off the topic but one thing I am wondering is if I were to get a pair of HD6XX (yeah I know, I am now considering maybe buying both :P), will this DAC/AMP considered a capable and good one?
https://www.amazon.com/Q5-Bluetooth-DSD-Capable-Amplifier-Computers/dp/B077TRH39D/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1538172714&sr=8-1&keywords=fiio+q5
The reason I kind of like it is because it supports Bluetooth 5.0, and therefore I can still lie in my couch watching TV with it by wireless streaming. The shortened cable of HD6XX is just too short for TV watching. But of course, if it proves to be too "amateur" as a standalone DAC/AMP, I will not buy it simply for its Bluetooth support.
https://www.amazon.com/Q5-Bluetooth-DSD-Capable-Amplifier-Computers/dp/B077TRH39D/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1538172714&sr=8-1&keywords=fiio+q5
The reason I kind of like it is because it supports Bluetooth 5.0, and therefore I can still lie in my couch watching TV with it by wireless streaming. The shortened cable of HD6XX is just too short for TV watching. But of course, if it proves to be too "amateur" as a standalone DAC/AMP, I will not buy it simply for its Bluetooth support.
GiantHeadphoneSquid
639
Sep 28, 2018
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noappLol, you are in for so much velour open headphone goodness :)
I'm afraid I have no experience with FiiO unfortunately, but something like that might be a bit lean on power. That said, I do find the power requirements of the senn 6xx series is a bit overstated generally (compared to say 600 ohm beyers that really NEED amplification). It's relatively easy to drive them to satisfying levels, provided you aren't exclusively interested in high dynamic range classical etc (high volume!). That said, if you did decide to experiment with different amps, or tubes in the future, the Senns will benefit - their midrange focus makes them a favorite for euphonic fans.
The DAC on that wireless unit looks quite capable, but it seems pricey to me. You could get some serious Schiit with that kind of coin if you're not entirely set on bluetooth. Alternatively, I know MD periodically have BT capable DAC amps, that I am sure the community could offer more insight into.
Something to consider for the ESPs, it's great the energizer has independent L/R channel volume, but they are very loose. Something like this or similar could also serve as a nice pre amp, to have a single 'master' volume adjust to feed into the energizer.
I'm afraid I have no experience with FiiO unfortunately, but something like that might be a bit lean on power. That said, I do find the power requirements of the senn 6xx series is a bit overstated generally (compared to say 600 ohm beyers that really NEED amplification). It's relatively easy to drive them to satisfying levels, provided you aren't exclusively interested in high dynamic range classical etc (high volume!). That said, if you did decide to experiment with different amps, or tubes in the future, the Senns will benefit - their midrange focus makes them a favorite for euphonic fans.
The DAC on that wireless unit looks quite capable, but it seems pricey to me. You could get some serious Schiit with that kind of coin if you're not entirely set on bluetooth. Alternatively, I know MD periodically have BT capable DAC amps, that I am sure the community could offer more insight into.
Something to consider for the ESPs, it's great the energizer has independent L/R channel volume, but they are very loose. Something like this or similar could also serve as a nice pre amp, to have a single 'master' volume adjust to feed into the energizer.
Barondla
146
Sep 29, 2018
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noappI've owned the HD 600 for over 15 years. Nice headphones. Heard the Koss a few years ago at a Head-Fi meet. I'm signed up for this Koss ESP -950 drop. Same meet had the HD 800. I would take the Koss over them, but it would be a closer race.
Barondla
146
Sep 29, 2018
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noappHaven't tried Bluetooth headphones with tv. Wonder how well it would work? Some Bluetooth stuff has too much delay between sound and picture. A headphone extension cable might be a better choice.
noapp
16
Sep 29, 2018
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GiantHeadphoneSquidI took a brief look at Schiit and man, it is a whole new world! :P Guess I'll just take a pass on this drop of HD6XX and stick to ESP instead. After all the drop of HD6XX has already become a norm here and I can always pick a pair when needed. Thank you again for all these good suggestions and opinions. I am now looking forward to my first experience with electrostatics. :D
noapp
16
Sep 29, 2018
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BarondlaIt's 2:0 now for the ESP. I have made up my mind to stick to the ESP since I have already had a taste of dynamics but never electrostatics. Thank you for sharing your experience.
I bought some Bluetooth dongles about three years ago, one connected to my TV while the other to my headphone. As you said, it had big latency and basically made TV watching unbearable. Couple years later I bought a pair of Bose QC35 and it connects to my laptop through Bluetooth while the video is projected to my TV through HDMI. There is no perceivable latency at all. I believe it has something to do with Bluetooth 5.0 or at least 4.2, which supports AptX Low Latency etc. Electronics move fast and couple years make a big difference. Strictly speaking, the sound quality cannot compete with extension cables yet but for most cases, it is good enough especially considering the convenience of wireless.
I bought some Bluetooth dongles about three years ago, one connected to my TV while the other to my headphone. As you said, it had big latency and basically made TV watching unbearable. Couple years later I bought a pair of Bose QC35 and it connects to my laptop through Bluetooth while the video is projected to my TV through HDMI. There is no perceivable latency at all. I believe it has something to do with Bluetooth 5.0 or at least 4.2, which supports AptX Low Latency etc. Electronics move fast and couple years make a big difference. Strictly speaking, the sound quality cannot compete with extension cables yet but for most cases, it is good enough especially considering the convenience of wireless.
loadexfa
281
Oct 1, 2018
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noappIf you end up purchasing the HD-6XX later, the longer Sennheiser cables (3 meters) are less than $25 on Amazon. Probably a better option than a Bluetooth amp and keeping your amp options open is part of the fun. :)
Chick_White
7
Oct 1, 2018
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BarondlaDelay is not a problem with Bluetooth 4.2 or later devices. I have the Ear Studio ES100 which works well with my HD800, HD600 and HD6xx phones(in either unbalanced or balanced modes).. i also have Audeze Mobius phone which have fantasic range. The ES100 and the Bluewave Get have a 25 to 30 foot range (from an iPad Pro 2 while the Mobius phones get a range of over 100 feet. All the older Bluetooth had range and latency problems.
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