Balanced headphone suggestions
I have KEF M500 headphones which are very comfortable and neutral sounding. Very nice to use portable with my Pono.
I am just starting to think about a step up headphone. I have used the McIntosh, but found them a little uncomfortable and I was not particularly fond of the total closed back design. I also had a pair of Audeze EL-8, but again felt they were not real comfortable for long time listening, a couple hours or more.
I am thinking about a balanced design (if I do get something fairly sure I want to use a balanced cable), with comfort as a very important criteria. Obviously sound quality is important. Thinking about Christmas suggestions for my wife :). Therefore I would say max budget would in the $2k range, hopefully a little less.
Any suggestions on some good cans to consider?
Re: Balanced headphone suggwstions
Randy - The MrSpeakers Ether line is right in your price range and have been getting universally great reviews. Might be worth your consideration if you can hear them.
Re: Balanced headphone suggwstions
Focal has some wonderful new headphone. The Elear is in your budget.
http://www.focal.com/headphones/#elear
Re: Balanced headphone suggwstions
Thanks for both suggestions! Have either of you had the chance to listen to either the MrSpeakers or Focal line?
Does the Focal offer a Balanced cable. I don't see anything mentioned on their web-sight.
The Ether line also looks interesting.... looks like the Balanced cable is an option.
Wondering how either of these compare against the Sennheiser HD800S?
Re: Balanced headphone suggwstions
I've heard the MrSpeakers Ether and Ether-C and found them stunningly good, they made a lasting impression on me but I'm not really a headphone listener. I didn't have a chance to compare them to the HD800S but I recall reading a review that found the Ethers a definite step ahead. Good luck with your search!
Re: Balanced headphone suggwstions
Thank you Bill.... It is the very initial stages (unlike most other things I have bought :) )... I know I want an upgrade and three major criteria for are; balanced cabling, comfort, and sound quality.
Re: Balanced headphone suggwstions
I should have also mentioned that I found the MrSpeakers headphones to be some of the most comfortable I've ever tried, but of course YMMV definitely applies.
Re: Balanced headphone suggestions
Re: Balanced headphone suggestions
Nice, but those are a tad out of my range Mike :). Maybe I missed it, but I did not see anything about balanced connection???
Re: Balanced headphone suggestions
Quote:
Originally Posted by
Randy Myers
I have KEF M500 headphones which are very comfortable and neutral sounding. Very nice to use portable with my Pono.
I am just starting to think about a step up headphone. I have used the McIntosh, but found them a little uncomfortable and I was not particularly fond of the total closed back design. I also had a pair of Audeze EL-8, but again felt they were not real comfortable for long time listening, a couple hours or more.
I am thinking about a balanced design (if I do get something fairly sure I want to use a balanced cable), with comfort as a very important criteria. Obviously sound quality is important. Thinking about Christmas suggestions for my wife :). Therefore I would say max budget would in the $2k range, hopefully a little less.
Any suggestions on some good cans to consider?
The best I've heard recently were the Hifiman HE-1000, but they are rather pricey. There is now however also a slightly more affordable version, which I however have not heard.
For lesser money the open PM-1 and closed PM-3 are worth their money. I have the latter ones for travelling and telcos.
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