Headphone input

Lek

Member
ok...background...i prefer headphones these days more so because i have lost 50% hearing , maybe a bit less, in my right ear and have tinnitus in it (not major but there). The close proximity of the music output seemingly works much better than speakers as 12-18'.....though speakers are ok, just there is a bit of wankiness with reception in that ear at times.... (of note live concerts seemingly i have no issues with wankiness).

Also prefer cans as most of my listening is late night and well, the lady of the house is sleeping and it is a small house and some of what i listen too can drive her a bit mad during daytime hours, lol.

So...looking to take a good step up, as i can...but not looking to go insane....only because i can not....ok, more so i should not.

Currently have Sennheiser HD600. They are very nice. Came in at a money figure I was willing to spend two years ago and basically got the best write ups and i am not disappointed in any way past maybe a little light on low end clarity at times (i do not EQ anyting).

So looking to move up. Have it to the Sennheiser 800S...and the Hifiman HE1000V4 - 800S seems to get write ups of a l;ight bottom end which i really am looking to improce, so leaning towards the HE1000's. HE100's get some issues on review of high end, but i have a high tolerance on that side.

Thought i would see if any here any input or thoughts on these, or other recomendations in this price range that you all may have as you all were so helpful when i was looking at ultrasonic cleaners.
 
I don’t have experience with the 800S or HE1000s. I like the Hifiman sound, but have had build quality issues with the Hifiman headphones I’ve owned in the past and now stay away from the brand.

My 2 favorite headphones to listen to at the moment are the Meze 109 Pro and Audeze LCD-X. Both are very easy to drive and confortable to wear. The Meze headphones are the most comfortable I’ve ever worn and built very well. They also sound great. They are not a neutral headphone but I find their V shaped sound signature pleasing.

The LCD-X are very neutral and respond well to EQ. The bass is tight and over all sound very detailed. They are a bit heavy, but comfortable to wear and built very well.
 
I don’t have experience with the 800S or HE1000s. I like the Hifiman sound, but have had build quality issues with the Hifiman headphones I’ve owned in the past and now stay away from the brand.

My 2 favorite headphones to listen to at the moment are the Meze 109 Pro and Audeze LCD-X. Both are very easy to drive and confortable to wear. The Meze headphones are the most comfortable I’ve ever worn and built very well. They also sound great. They are not a neutral headphone but I find their V shaped sound signature pleasing.

The LCD-X are very neutral and respond well to EQ. The bass is tight and over all sound very detailed. They are a bit heavy, but comfortable to wear and built very well.
The Meze are stunning looking....but never had a V shaped sound before so not sure if it is something i would like, or not but will explore a bit more.

I have looked a bit into the LCD 2 and X but not planning on EQ, or not much of it. Had a 5 band Loki on the system but it has been off for a good while.

Concerned when you mention build quality on the Hifiman .... i like what i see and read with the sound. Will look into more there as well.

As much as i want to go out and buy, figure best to take as much time as needed.
 
The Meze are stunning looking....but never had a V shaped sound before so not sure if it is something i would like, or not but will explore a bit more.

I have looked a bit into the LCD 2 and X but not planning on EQ, or not much of it. Had a 5 band Loki on the system but it has been off for a good while.

Concerned when you mention build quality on the Hifiman .... i like what i see and read with the sound. Will look into more there as well.

As much as i want to go out and buy, figure best to take as much time as needed.
When I say the Meze have a V-shaped sound I should clarify that it's not extreme. There is a slight emphasis in the lows and highs, but they are not bass cannons or treble monsters (Beyerdynamic). My perception is probably skewed form going between the 109 and LCD-X.

As for Hifiman build quality, it may have improved but I had 2 pairs break on me 5 or so years ago. It was the headband both times on a set of 400i and the Massdrop 4XX. You can read about what I did to salvage the 4XX here. During that time period there were also many reports of drivers failing. To be honest after the headband broke on the 4xx I swore off Hifiman headphones, but as I said before I liked how they sound. Plannar bass is addictive.

Take your time making a decision. You should also check out Headphones.com they can give you advice and have a generous return policy.
 
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Went with the Audeze MM-500. Had a place i could try these. The only had the Focal Clear MG and Stellia as well as the LCD-X in the ballpark.

Neither of the Focals came close to what the MM-550's were doing and not nearly as comfortable. The LCD-X were solid, but still the MM-500 outperformed them by a good bit.

They have a little weight to them (as compared to the HD600's i have been using), but lighter then the X and really once you put them on...you do not feel it. Actually muchmore comftable that the HD600's.

They are breaking in nicely. Highly recommend. Worth every penny.
 
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