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kimdeug
430
Mar 15, 2019
Very hard to choose one:((( Probably Focal Elex or Mr Speakers Ether C Flow. BTW this is my setup, and I love them all
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Nemeios
45
Mar 16, 2019
kimdeugthat is an impressive collection sir!
Megazine
544
Mar 16, 2019
kimdeugFirst which sound characteristics do you prefer: wide soundstage or narrow, v-shape, bright, bass heavy etc.? Then followed with, which are your favorite top 3 to 5 cans and why? Great photo and I would like to know more.
kimdeug
430
Mar 17, 2019
MegazineThanks for asking. Mainly I use headphones for 3 purposes. Mastering, relax listening and copy other guitar players (as Leonardo Guzman from Youtube, his Ibanez competition version is my favorite:)) For each tasks I prefer different sets. For Mastering: Audeze LCDX, Beyer DT 1990 pro (prefer as flat as possible) For Listening: these my 3 favorite now (not on the main picture, BTW just follow the rule of discussion). For Vocals Blues, Jazz (the most of my listening) I like Sennh 660S, 6XX, 58X. For instrumental music slightly V shaped (very slightly) mostly planars ( 1060C, 560, T60, Argon Mk3, LCD2C). For Bad quality records - Sony MDR7 For copy other guitar players: more detailed and analytical/brighter: HD800S, AKG 701Q (heavily modded). When I play Bass guitar -AKG 7XX Not a basshead lover, more analytical listener, but some bass is always welcome unless it does not interact to the mids. Personally, I prefer neutral/flat signatures. Regarding to soundstage: I have found it is less fatiguing for long sessions and more natural in delivery. HD800S and Elex are the best. AKGs not bad too. The problem is: with wider soundstage you are loosing resolution and not too many headphones can do both at the same time. But again. Recently have got these three cans and burning in them now. BTW almost all my cans modified with different earpads, wiring and tuning foams. Some of them too far from the original sound. Even Argon MK3 has been modified to my preference (Ryan will be proud what I have done :))) Regards, Kim
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Megazine
544
Mar 17, 2019
kimdeugWow, thank you for response and new photos. Im highly debating getting the Elex, but from what I hear, they are super HD-6XX. If true, then I would have no usage for my 58X/6XX lol. I'm curious how much you will like that new Mr Speakers you got there. I also enjoy the 58X for jazz, but for some reason my LCD-2C sound so much more enjoyable when listing to Macy Gray Stripped album (Jazz). The sound stage really separates the jazz instruments and it just feels more live like; have you giving this a try? Those pads on the Fostex what are they? ZMF? I'm debating getting some pads for my TR-X00, but I already find them bright, so they would have to be thinner pads.
kimdeug
430
Mar 17, 2019
MegazineYes Megazine It is very accurate definition that Elex is upgraded version of 6XX. Elex is outperforming in instrumental Jazz, but for vocal Jazz I still prefer Sennh 6 XX series. Mr Speakers Ether CX is the culmination of all my ''wishes'' what I tried to achieve in the modding of Fostex T50. One of the best well tuned cans. Yes TH-00X ebony with Ori ZMF pads and Pilot headband, but the secret is : you need to use Dekony actenuation rings to bring all the sounds back:)) Regards, Kim
Tragique
712
Mar 17, 2019
kimdeugThat's a great photograph to have handy for people to show their spouses/partners that are complaining about buying too much gear!
EcchiWhale
110
Mar 19, 2019
kimdeugSo Ether CX is worth it? Should I invest when it comes around?
kimdeug
430
Mar 19, 2019
EcchiWhaleHard to say. Depends of your expectations and where you are now with you current gears.
EcchiWhale
110
Mar 20, 2019
kimdeugIt would become my most expensive pair of headphones. Next would be Verum 1. Running smsl su-8 with el amp and loxjie p20, with plans to purchase thx aaa 789 and maybe either an emotiva or aune amp.
kimdeug
430
Mar 20, 2019
EcchiWhaleOk I can see now. CX is available only on MD for 899$ exclusively. C Flow around 1300-1500$ and can be listened in any demo shops, which I suggest to do for get some idea about CX version. The difference (apart of flow vs non flow) audibly is not significant, but noticeable in a good way. Does it cost 400$ extra? Will be doubt-able. Looks like C Flow has 10% better resolution on highs and slightly more trebles. Which can be achieved on CX by installing the angular ear pads from C Flow. I like sounds with angular pads, so already have ordered them from MrSpeakers CX is slightly warmer sounding, the mids are: how to say?? Smoother. And the total delivery of sound is more polished on CX, The angle pads bring more accentuation of sounds and reduce the smoothness. So. Firstly I really like the Ether C Flow, but price was too steep for me, Luckily, have got Ether CX which try to bring closer to C Flow now. Again difference may be 5-10% in trebles, bass and mids for me are the same. By other words: I really like C flow more, but price is better on CX. Regards, Kim PS: Small update. Have got today the angular earpads from MrSpeakers. But they are not the same as from C Flow. They are more stiff and harder, as result the back side of earpads (thicker side) is pressing too much. Summary: the original ear pads from CX are better in comfort (softer). Regards, Kim
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EcchiWhale
110
Mar 21, 2019
kimdeugAmazing response. Thank you for such a detailed description, I couldn't have asked for better. I'll be getting the CX when it next drops and pair them with their angular pads. Thanks again.
raansire7
1506
Mar 26, 2019
kimdeugIf I didn't have a self-preservation mechanism I call Willy (short for willpower), I'd have a roomful of gear just like that, hah. I love it! Enjoy, friend. God bless!
sobaka770
3
Mar 27, 2019
kimdeugThat's a great collection! I'm not a big audiophile but would you say the CX are worth it as an upgrade over Fostex TR-X00? I really enjoy the Fostex but they are getting perilously worn out at his moment so I'm really salivating at either the Mahogany model or getting the CX instead for a price premium.
kimdeug
430
Mar 27, 2019
sobaka770Thanks sobaka770 (lubitel sobak? Ya bolshe koshek) Pardon for my bad France;)) There are two different concepts between TR/TH X00 and CX. Dynamic drivers VS planars. THX00(Ebony) is more extended in bass and trebles and more dynamic/energetic. CX is more polished in delivery with smooth very well balanced and relax listening. Less energetic, but better control in mids and bass. Some people will find Ether CX ''Too Neutral'' The earpads and headband cover for TR/TH X00 could been replaced with ZMF Ori pads and Pilot headband. There is a small difference in mids and bass between TR X00 ebony and mahogany models. Focal Elex is more clear in details, not so much in trebles, but very nice in lows. Very nice and controlled bass. Elex for me is closer to Sennh HD800s with better bass. And it is not fatiguing for long session as you are feeling like you are listening speakers. Regards, Kim
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sobaka770
3
Mar 27, 2019
kimdeugDogs for life! Thanks for info!
kimdeugWow, that’s a pretty sweet earth you might say. Amazing space.
Megazine
544
Apr 4, 2019
kimdeugLooking forward to hear an update after you give them more of a listen. I'm curious which of the three you like and enjoy most, and why. I'm also curious which one of the three is actually the best performing ones from your opinion.
kimdeug
430
Apr 4, 2019
Megazine
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Hi. Thanks for asking. I have realized that recently I am using Elex more often than others. But, this is again because of my vocal blues and jazz preference. IMHO, for better visualization I will place Elex in Sennheiser line instead of HD700, as better bass extended version. By gradation it looks like: 58X, 6XX, 660S, Elex, 800S. ( I dont have 600 and 650) Have compared 58x vs LCD2C, and yes you are correct. The stage and instrumental separation is better on LCD, but this is a typical advantage of all planars. Still prefer to listen female vocals with Sennh 6 series or now with Elex. But again, in my case, the choice of taking one headphone instead of another is very narrow, and mostly depends of my mood, tasks or recording quality (sometimes even length of the cable). My current setup allows me to use 8 headphone amplifiers simultaneously (Schiit Jotunheim on the desk) . So, I am always using 8 headphones. (will be 11 soon, as two AAA 789 and La Figaro 339 are coming) , so will be similar setup as Zeos has. Regards, Kim
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kimdeug
430
Apr 12, 2019
EcchiWhaleSmall update. Have got today the angular earpads from MrSpeakers. But they are not the same as from C Flow. They are more stiff and harder, as result the back side of earpads (thicker side) is pressing too much. Summary: the original ear pads from CX are better in comfort (softer). Regards, Kim
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EcchiWhale
110
Apr 13, 2019
kimdeugThanks for the update , much appreciated.
Brawlman
2
Apr 21, 2019
kimdeugKimdeug I would like to get some feedback and knowledge in the matter of DAC and headphones. I'm looking to buy a set of headphones for movie watching on my home theater for after hours and occasional hi-def music listening in the near future (see what I've been missing). 1) what is a go to headphone and is there any merit to surround sound headphones vs a quality headphone that covers range well and adds warmth to sound to make them stand out and be noticed? I would lean towards closed-back but have done well with the Grado SR125(left side intermittently going in/out and looking to replace) 2) I have a good quality AVR (Denon AVR-X4300h) but after all these yrs of assuming the headphone had a decent amp I find it is only 32ohm Max :( Is there a recommendation for 250ohm DAC or am I better off sticking to a 80ohm or lower DAC? Massdrop O2 + SDAC DAC/Amp $150 3) currently looking at the Massdrop x Sennheiser HD 58X Jubilee Headphones $160 Massdrop x Meze 99 Noir Closed-Back Headphones $200
Megazine
544
Apr 22, 2019
Brawlman Hi, I can help with your question #1 with a short story. I went out and bought the most expensive video game headphone (thinking price mattered at the time) and landed with a flagship Turtle Beach ($400). Wow, just wow were they horrendous in terms of sound. It just sounded grainy, and low quality in every department. I would say that the only area where they did fine was in surround sound (sound stage). I just couldn't believe it. This was before I even got into headphones and just to my ears they were a shock in disappointment -- I was coming from IEM (Shure 535). I just cold not believe that gamers play with them and fall for the marketing -- super misleading. Ok so what did I do next you may ask? I did research. I wanted to know of an entry level headphone with great price-to-performance and landed with Sennheiser HD-598. My god was it night and day. The sound quality coming from the Turtle Beach was far out performed by my HD-598 for $130. On a side note, I do hear that the Audeze Mobius are supposed to be good for gaming. OMG I still have these photos in my phone. Highlight of the day, deleting these photos.
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kimdeug
430
Apr 22, 2019
BrawlmanHi Brawlman I can see your dilemma and also absolutely agree what Megazine has said above. As I understand, you are looking for replacement of Grado SR125, and after that looking for headphone amplifier which depends of power requirement of new headphone. Until this moment it is clear and make sense. But next you have mentioned that you want to watch movies and occasional hi res music??? This is confusing. As the audio for movies absolutely different from audiophiles listening. If you are interested in surround headphone for movies - it is a gaming headphone. As result not good sound quality. The integrated surround DAC splits 192/24bit into 6 channels (the simplest surround 5.1) with 32/16bit , and treats each channel separately. After synchronizes all to the Right and Left channels and delivers to your headphone drivers. Meanwhile the Hi Res starts from 44.1/16 bit. So, actually you receive the 32/16bit and mostly 24/8bit signal in surround headphones. Most of manufactures don't bother to install the superior driver exceeding this resolution quality. That is why all gaming/surround headphones are not good for music listening (even Audeze mobius!) For the same reason the Hi End surround does not exist, and the most of Hi End Audio are Stereo only (Right and Left). In 2.1 setup the bass is mono. In audiophiles headphones the closest things we know are sound-stage and image. Sound stage can be wide and narrow, and image shows precisely the position, where the instrument is located in 360 degree. Sennheiser 58x, 6xx, 600, 650, 660S are claustrophobically narrow. Looks like sound creates inside your head. it is very nice for vocal songs but not for movies. In opposite: Sennheiser HD800 and 800S have the widest sound stage, looks like sound comes from outside (from the street). In your price range AKG 7XX can do it too (very popular for gaming) Between 58X and Meze99 Noir I will prefer sennh 58x, but if you have extra 50$, better to go with 6xx, but it is 300ohms , so needs the dedicated amplifier. 6xx is more detailed in sound. Hi impedance headphones are more resistant to the parasitic interference occurred in cable or between the radio components. As result cleaner sound. And from my experience, more power never been excessive. My recommendation for amp is THX AAA 789, but hard to get it as 15000 people are requested it on Massdrop. There are plenty of budget headphone's amplifiers, but I can only say about what I have. (the picture is somewhere above) Regards, Kim
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Brawlman
2
Apr 22, 2019
MegazineDo the Senn HD6xx offer anything over the HD598? Coming from the Grado sr125 I don't need surround sound headphones but was inquiring whether anyone knew if there were any with having? With that being said, I'd rather have headphones that had good full range and accuracy than a gimmicky surround sound and not accurate...
Brawlman
2
Apr 22, 2019
kimdeugThank you for the input. I replied to megazine and might lean towards Senn HD6xx or perhaps the HD598 would suffice... I'll look closer on the impedance and either way would be nice to have a DAC to help bring better sound out. Is there a way to use a DAC work an AVR as in eating something and having the DAC boost the power for the headphones while watching the source through the AVR?
Megazine
544
Apr 23, 2019
BrawlmanFrom critical listeners and measurements, it seems to point towards the 6XX being slightly better. If I remember correctly I think the mids perform better. IMO I prefer the 58X over my 6XX simply because I enjoy the more bass presence. The 58X seems slightly darker but its marginal. You can't go wrong with either one. I really don't understand when people say the 6XX are a lot better than the 58X, to me they sound very similar but maybe this weekend I'll put them to the test. One thing I would like to point out is that they sound great for certain games like God of War and Persona 5 on PS4 -- games that are linear and surround sound isn't critical.
kimdeug
430
Apr 23, 2019
BrawlmanI think Sennh 58x is good headphone to start. You can not be wrong with this price/sound ratio. And also it is easy to drive. I think you can do it from your Denon AVR.
Brawlman
2
Apr 24, 2019
kimdeugDo you or megazine know the differences between the hd598cs, Sr or se editions?
kimdeug
430
Apr 24, 2019
BrawlmanSorry. From Sennheiser I only have these cans. Better to ask Megazine. Regards, Kim
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Megazine
544
Apr 25, 2019
erickongGreat video! I own the 598SR and even though all my other cans are superior they are still special to me. I use them for Nintendo Switch/3DS since they are so easy to drive.
JoeBi
May 12, 2019
Brawlman6xx is better than 598 is you like bass at all. But as someone mentioned, you _need_ an amp. I got a Magni 3 and didn't like it, but now there's a few other choices at the same price, and more if you want to spend more. I found the Cavelli Tube Hybrid amp made the 6xx sound much better than the cheaper Schiit. So, the 58x is a good option, close and $150 less because you don't need an amp.
Zildon
3
May 13, 2019
kimdeugJust showed my partner who could not believe I needed 5 various IEMs and headphones, your picture. I think she may let me buy some more cans now !
kimdeug
430
May 13, 2019
ZildonThanks Zildon This is a link to my IEMs: https://drop.com/buy/tin-t2-iem/talk/2372653 Yes. It is very fun to get all of those sounding differences. Regards, Kim
Megazine
544
Jul 7, 2019
kimdeugI didn't see it until now. What do you think of the LCD-XC? I feel they are the best looking can on the market. But I hear they are very heavy.
kimdeug
430
Jul 7, 2019
MegazineHi my friend. Defenitely LCDXc is very attractive peace of art. I had listened LCD2C closed long time ago. But as I remember, my expectation was little bit higher. So, it did not trigg me to buy it, even I was looking for closed back cans. And after Mr speakers CX came on drop, which I am very happy with. Seems like LCD took LCD2C model and made closed back without any tunning, while MrSpeakers CX is accomplished product with the best tunning results. If LCD will do the tunning to LCD XC it will be interesting, if not - it will be another LCD2C closed. Now, 2 days ago I have got Pathos Aurium amplifier and ZMF Auterus cocowood Limited edition. Seems like I have another favorite brand now. Really looking for ZMF Verite. Both Items I have bought from my good friend as 1/3 of real price. And both are only around 20 hours used, when 3 hours from that it was me in his house :)) My friend has international business and hardly at home, that's why only 20 hours. And I am mostly looking after his gears when he is off. So excited. He is upgrating for Cayien HA 300 and ZMF Verite. Hope I will get the chance to listen them both soon. Regards, Kim
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Megazine
544
Jul 8, 2019
kimdeugThanks for reply. I don't own any pairs of ZMF but they just seem too complicated on which pair to own. Each pair has multiple wood materials which all change the sound signature. I do feel they probably make the best looking headphones with best wood designs.
nick_t
186
Sep 24, 2019
kimdeugOf course not, because you spent so much money on headphones.
nick_t
186
Apr 13, 2020
NemeiosCollection which he does not have time to listen to every cans. No real value for each $$$ spent on cans for each every month/hour on value listening with his cans.
Odassyn
16
Apr 25, 2020
kimdeugStrange to see the DT1990Pro as a flat headphone. Maybe detailed because of the megaboosted highs, but flat...
kimdeug
430
Apr 26, 2020
OdassynYou are correct. I was meaning flat at the bass and midrange region. And boosted on highs for microdetails. But I had extra tuning with thick felt from Mr speakers as I had swapped the pads from Mr speakers CX flow (angular one) too. On top had installed dual mini XLR connectors. And now it is more linear flat for me with small sparkls in high. Useing DT 1990 pro 7 hours a day is quite harsh for me because of trebbles and sibilans. Now, I can do 7 hours non stop. But more often start use Mr Speakers CX massdrop version as more lighter and convenient for me. But again it is not for pleasure listening music, it is more for work to see all details and mistakes.(looking Sendy Aiva for that now). At home I prefer warmer / dark and relaxed sound as ZMF Auterus or Audeze 2C. Also at home I am using AKG 701 and 7XX a lot (both are heavily modified with balanced 4 pin mini XLR, some dumping isolation, internal tuning for more bass, 3D printed brackets for ZMF sedue Verite earpads, ). Regards, Kim
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