I demo'ed Focal Utopia & Clear MG,I didn't like the sound.Here’s your cans.ABSOLUTELY TOTL sound for no brainer price! Search head-fi.org for "HE6SE Adorama" & read page after page of glowing reviews/opinions..Even if you break them in & don’t like them you can resell & lose NO $... Another great choice would be the iBasso SR-1 Limited Edition or SR-2 production version..They use Bio-Cellulose drivers with a unique & patented silicon driver surround & powerful Tesla magnate array..If EVER they turned a 300B SET amplifier into a set of headphones these are it! http://https//www.head-fi.org/threads/hifiman-he6-v2-adorama.959021/post-16590648... If the link isn’t working,search head-fi.org for "HE6SE Adorama"go to page 7,scroll about 2/3 of the way down you will find a reply with the link... PS:Also look at HiFiMan "Sundara",a true reference at the price an absolute steal... |
@freediver:
Thanks for your response.
I've never heard of iBasso.
The Sundaras are indeed widely praised but reviews have said they are bass-shy. That is the only thing that's kept me from buying them.
I'm curious-- what didn't you like about the Clears?
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iBasso is a world wide & highly regarded personal audio electronics maker..The SR-1 was the first foray into headphones & a grand slam on the first pitch..
Yes Sundara are bass light.The HE6SE,when driven by enough clean power are not.The HE6SE is everything the Sundara are(I have both)on steroids..
The Focals(driven by Burson Audio) to my ears/brain/prefered SQ,like every speaker I've ever demo'd with metal drivers,simply didn't have a soul.Technically excellent but cold & clinical IMO..They were driven by Chord Dave but neither Focal pulled me in.. |
Do not overlook the Audeze LCD2 Fazors. Enjoy the music
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If by chance the Audeze LCD2s are a little to much for you presentation wise just look at the Hifiman Edition Xv2s and forget about it. The Edition Xv2s retail for $1,300.00 but can be had new below $1,000.00. And as always, enjoy the music |
@freediver:
Thanks for your comments.
RE: Focals, Chord is not a brand I'd ever use in a main system or with headphones, so that pairing wouldn't figure into my decision.
I have a Jotunheim, which is why I worded my original post as I did.
The HE6SE is above my budget, for now, at least.
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@tooblue:
I'm sorry, but I don't know what you mean by "presentation wise". Do you mean physical appearance? |
The musical presentation.
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@tooblue:
Do you mean too analytical? |
I apologize for NOT telling you the link goes to a special offer from Adorama @ $599.00!!!!!!!! |
@freediver:
Looking back, you did.
I just somehow missed that! |
I don't think analytical and Audeze LCD2s would ever be used in the same sentence unless there was a not in there somewhere. |
"...I have a very limiting room so there's not much I can do to upgrade my main system at this point...."
Said no one ever! LOL. |
@russ69:
You mean because audiophiles can always justify buying something new... or ... ?????? |
@tooblue:
OK, but I still don't know what you meant by "too much", regarding their presentation.
If not "too analytical", then "too much", what, exactly???? |
@russ69:
One speaker is partially blocked by a couch. Also, furniture placement precludes me from pulling speakers as far out from the wall as would be optimal. There's nothing I can do about this situation.
In our next abode, I'll have a dedicated audio room. Until then, upgrading components is not going to address the fundamental issues.
Not sure what's intrinsically humorous about this situation. |
"....One speaker is partially blocked by a couch. Also, furniture placement precludes me from pulling speakers as far out from the wall as would be optimal. There's nothing I can do about this situation...."
New spouse? You have to think outside the box.
"...Not sure what's intrinsically humorous about this situation..."
Life is humorous, you just have to look at it the right way. Hope you get a dedicated room sometime in the future and you can start a new journey. |
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@russ69:
"Hope you get a dedicated room sometime in the future and you can start a new journey."
Thanks! |
@fuzztone:
I've never heard of these... from the review, they seem worth checking out. Thanks! |
your prices are too high. |
i Phone 6s+, AQ-Cobalt, Senn 560s, Modi 3+, Asgard3, Sundara, Bifrost2, Jot2, Arya...
I'm one of the 3 blind men describing the elephant, narrow experience; but after old Koss4s, 2 decades of Etymotic various models I bought the first planars I'd heard, the Sundara @ $350...blown away, still a steal! Then the 560s, nice inexpensive dynamic drivers, light, comfortable warm, resolving, but no Sundara, Then an open box + discount sale day deal on the Arya from HiFiMan $1200. Already had upgraded the Schiit stack and gone balanced with Hart cables...wow, reference end game for me. Careful, it's a slippery slope into the deep blue. It's all music.
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@old_ears:
Headphones are just a way to get a temporary reprieve from frustration over the room-related shortcomings of my main system.
I will keep an eye out for some used Aryas. Thanks for the suggestion. |
^^^ I was in the same boat(forced)when new neighbors moved in next door(apartment)w/new baby..First the HFM HE400i,WOW!Then moved to the Sundara,which has been stated is a steal & IMO,though lacking deep bass, are a true reference for neutrality under $1000.00..Added the iBasso SR-1 to supp the Sundara & OMFG,I swallowed the hook,line & sinker..Now with an end game headphone amplifier,the SR-1’s & HE6SE I have no problem at all shutting down the amp/speakers & going to cans...If you approach this as an opportunity it may be easier to accept & enjoy..BOL.. |
@freediver:
"
If you approach this as an opportunity it may be easier to accept & enjoy."
"Sound" advice, indeed! Thanks. |
