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  #21  
Old 10-14-2015, 10:30 AM
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4N6 4N6 is offline
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Closed headphones? I have owned and auditioned the Audeze LCD-XC, Fostex TH900, Denon D5000 and D7000, McIntosh MHP1000, JVC DX1000, Ultrasone Edition 7 and 8, Audio Technica W5000, and the Sony CD3000 and MDR-R10. You could say that I prefer closed headphones!

The R10 (discontinued) is in a league all to its own. Never heard anything quite like them.

The MHP1000's ($2000) are very easy to drive. A good amp will make them sound better, but not absolutely needed. Wonderful sound, detail-oriented. My current reference.

The LCD-XC's ($1795) are best with a good amp. Also very nice sound, warmth-oriented.

The CD3000's (discontinued) are my all-time fave rock headphone. Warmer sound signature, GREAT bass. Sort-of like a poor man's R10.

The JVC's are around $725. Also terrific bass and very efficient, so no dedicated amp needed. A bit colored in the midrange...after a while you get used to the coloration and the headphone is quite addictive.

Audio Technica makes a few different closed headphones. All more detail oriented. Bass was a bit lightweight on all that I tried or owned. Easy to drive. Some are quite beautiful with very nice wooden ear cups. Also very comfortable.

The Fostex ($1050) was nice, easy to drive, and looked good. Very comfortable. A little bright for my tastes, but I can see why they are popular as they are a "fun" headphone.

There are many more out there so I am only scratching the surface. Really depends upon your price range, where you will be using them and the style of music you enjoy.

BTW, I have also dealt with a lot of dealers, and TTVJ Audio has a number of headphones in stock that Todd could send to you to audition before you buy. Also can be said for The Cable Company and their headphone library. Something to consider.
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  #22  
Old 10-22-2015, 12:35 AM
Randy Myers Randy Myers is offline
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I absolutely love my McIntosh MHP1000. I listen to them through a McIntosh MXA70 which has a very good headphone amp, however reviewers say they work very well with or without a headphone amp.

McIntosh includes both a 1/4" and mini plugged cord and a pouch to carry the headphones. (Also an amazing stand to display them when not in use.)

At $2000 they are not cheap, but they are nice and worthy the McIntosh name.
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  #23  
Old 10-22-2015, 02:38 AM
Clad 7 Clad 7 is offline
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Focal Spirit Classic 330 $. Excellent Q/P ratio
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  #24  
Old 10-24-2015, 07:13 PM
thesaint519 thesaint519 is offline
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Eisener Bart View Post
I received Oppo PM-3 today for personal test.
SWEET!! How do they sound?
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  #25  
Old 10-25-2015, 07:48 AM
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SWEET!! How do they sound?
I didn't like it. My ears are perverted by sound of top models cans.
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  #26  
Old 10-25-2015, 10:24 AM
thesaint519 thesaint519 is offline
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I didn't like it. My ears are perverted by sound of top models cans.
What, the, will you replace them with? I'm strongly considering the Audeze El8 Fazor for its performance & portability.
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  #27  
Old 10-25-2015, 10:26 AM
thesaint519 thesaint519 is offline
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Quote:
Originally Posted by 4N6 View Post
Closed headphones? I have owned and auditioned the Audeze LCD-XC, Fostex TH900, Denon D5000 and D7000, McIntosh MHP1000, JVC DX1000, Ultrasone Edition 7 and 8, Audio Technica W5000, and the Sony CD3000 and MDR-R10. You could say that I prefer closed headphones! The R10 (discontinued) is in a league all to its own. Never heard anything quite like them. The MHP1000's ($2000) are very easy to drive. A good amp will make them sound better, but not absolutely needed. Wonderful sound, detail-oriented. My current reference. The LCD-XC's ($1795) are best with a good amp. Also very nice sound, warmth-oriented. The CD3000's (discontinued) are my all-time fave rock headphone. Warmer sound signature, GREAT bass. Sort-of like a poor man's R10. The JVC's are around $725. Also terrific bass and very efficient, so no dedicated amp needed. A bit colored in the midrange...after a while you get used to the coloration and the headphone is quite addictive. Audio Technica makes a few different closed headphones. All more detail oriented. Bass was a bit lightweight on all that I tried or owned. Easy to drive. Some are quite beautiful with very nice wooden ear cups. Also very comfortable. The Fostex ($1050) was nice, easy to drive, and looked good. Very comfortable. A little bright for my tastes, but I can see why they are popular as they are a "fun" headphone. There are many more out there so I am only scratching the surface. Really depends upon your price range, where you will be using them and the style of music you enjoy. BTW, I have also dealt with a lot of dealers, and TTVJ Audio has a number of headphones in stock that Todd could send to you to audition before you buy. Also can be said for The Cable Company and their headphone library. Something to consider.
Thanks for your input. I was looking for a hi-end performer that could travel. The Audeze El8s were the strongest consideration to date, as the mrspeakers alpha dogs seem to be better suited for home only use. Not sure if open back or closed quite yet, but the El8s offer both options.
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  #28  
Old 10-25-2015, 11:08 AM
ngc4900 ngc4900 is offline
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Kevin
Nice post, great information. Are you aware of any reviews on the MAC?
Best
Joe
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  #29  
Old 10-25-2015, 11:11 AM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by thesaint519 View Post
Thanks for your input. I was looking for a hi-end performer that could travel. The Audeze El8s were the strongest consideration to date, as the mrspeakers alpha dogs seem to be better suited for home only use. Not sure if open back or closed quite yet, but the El8s offer both options.
I own the el-8 (closed). They are wonderful. Bear in mind however, they are still kinda heavy for a portable set. Also, they do collapse flat very neatly, but do not fold in. For travel I would suggest looking at something else.

Cheers!
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  #30  
Old 10-25-2015, 12:15 PM
thesaint519 thesaint519 is offline
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I own the el-8 (closed). They are wonderful. Bear in mind however, they are still kinda heavy for a portable set. Also, they do collapse flat very neatly, but do not fold in. For travel I would suggest looking at something else. Cheers!
Thanks. What light/portable phones would you suggest?
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