Thread: Need help with headphone purchase.

I was wondering if anyone could give me some advise on a headphone purchase i've been thinking about for a while now.
I currently use Audeze LCD-2's...but i have a love/hate relationship with these. I love the quality of sound but am beginning to hate the
discomfort (over long periods of listening) that they cause me.
Is there anything available that would come close to the sound I love? I was looking at the newest AKG K812, Audio Technica or maybe something from Fostex?
I would pair any potential purchase with a Meier Audio Corda Classic headphone amp.

Thanks for any advise that could point me in the right direction, its much appreciated.
Gene

Hi Gene,

I recently purchased the Sennheiser HD800 headphones. Extremely comfortable, and just as importantly, amazing sounding if you like the neutral, balanced sound. I've read people find them bright but I don't find that at all. Highly recommended!

Gene, you mentioned something from Fostex... Mr. Speakers (Dan Clark) has been modifying Fostex T50rp phones for a few years but has recently developed his own Ether. Go to Head-fi.org and read about it. They are just shipping now but are apparently very
comfortable with awesome sound, excellent construction. Not inexpensive, but less than HD800's, $1500. Good luck!

Gene.......I have had my Sennheiser HD800 headphone and Sennheiser HDVA 600 headphone amplifier for over a year now. I an extremely pleased with the sound of this headphone rig. I use an Oppo BDP-83 as a transport that feeds the digital output to a Wyred 4 Sound DAC2 that feeds an analog signal to the Sennheiser HDVA 600 headphone amp. I could not be more pleased with the total performance. I have the headphone rig set up in my office right by my computer monitor so it is easy to enjoy music while I enjoy the web. My banana holder turned headphone stand works like a champ.

As for comfort, the Sennheiser HD800 is comfortable to wear for hours. In fact I often have them on for hours without any discomfort at all. The ear cups fit entirely around the ear without touching the ear. The HD800 driver is located slightly forward of the ear canal and angled back toward the ear. I find this arrangement to help in creating an excellent sound stage that seems more like listening to speakers than headphones. I can easily recommend the HD800 to anyone.

Thanks everyone for your insights and experiences....looks like the Sennheiser HD800 has quite the loyal following here.
It's certainly one to put on my short list...although i've read that the HD800 can be a bit fickle about the amplification needed to get them to work well
and that they seem a bit bright sounding to some. (as has been mentioned). I think that probably has more to do with the quality of the individuals hearing.
Still....i dont feel the need to have absolute accuracy or neutrality (the LCD-2's certainly aren't)... to have an enjoyable musical experience.
I'll admit it...i'm a romantic...so a bit of bloom is ok with me. That's what attracted me to the Audeze in the first place.
If i could only find the "Sonus Faber" of headphones, and they were comfortable to wear for long stretches... i would be in heaven!

Something else I like about my headphone setup in my office is I have all my high-res downloads and JRiver Media Center installed on my desktop. A quick USB cable connection from the Wyred 4 Sound DAC2 to my desktop computer allows me to enjoy my high-res catalog with the Sennheiser headphone rig. It is excellent.

From what I have read the Audeze EL-8 are a ton more comfortable than their previous models. I have a pair on order so I guess I will find out .

The EL-8 are very comfortable. They also sound fantastic. I think they are a tad more comfortable than the McIntosh headphones that I had. Sound wise... between the Audeze EL-8 and the McIntosh MHP1000... I got to say it is close.... I might have a slight preference for the Audeze.

The only small issue I am having is that the cord on the Audeze is shorter than the one that came with the McIntosh. Getting a longer one for the Audeze is a bit of an issue since they use a proprietary connector so you can't just replace the cable.

Originally Posted by Randy Myers

The EL-8 are very comfortable. They also sound fantastic. I think they are a tad more comfortable than the McIntosh headphones that I had. Sound wise... between the Audeze EL-8 and the McIntosh MHP1000... I got to say it is close.... I might have a slight preference for the Audeze.

The only small issue I am having is that the cord on the Audeze is shorter than the one that came with the McIntosh. Getting a longer one for the Audeze is a bit of an issue since they use a proprietary connector so you can't just replace the cable.

Randy depending on your budget Cardis makes one, but it cost darn near the price of the headphones, but there are alternatives http://www.c3audio.com/store/p99/Aud...--_Canare.html

Yea, I had seen these guys. Has anyone ever heard of or dealt with C3 Audio? They seem to be the only ones that currently are offering replacement cables for the EL-8 headphones. I do not like dealing with a company blindly, especially when they are unique in that there are not a ton of others offering the same product.

It also appears as if they offer three levels of cables. Are their "basic" cable as good as or better than the Audeze? Their mid and high level cable really make no sense in that when are are talking half the price of the headphone, or more, for a replacement cable.... The original Audeze cable can be had for somewhere about $40-$50.... too bad it is just a little short... they need to offer a longer cable.

Originally Posted by Randy Myers

Yea, I had seen these guys. Has anyone ever heard of or dealt with C3 Audio? They seem to be the only ones that currently are offering replacement cables for the EL-8 headphones. I do not like dealing with a company blindly, especially when they are unique in that there are not a ton of others offering the same product.

It also appears as if they offer three levels of cables. Are their "basic" cable as good as or better than the Audeze? Their mid and high level cable really make no sense in that when are are talking half the price of the headphone, or more, for a replacement cable.... The original Audeze cable can be had for somewhere about $40-$50.... too bad it is just a little short... they need to offer a longer cable.

Never bought from them as of yet until I found their site. I just might order me some new headphone cables for my HD600's.

They are based in the US of A.

I would say give them a call. 843-882-5365

Mount Pleasant, SC 29464
United States

Yes, I owned the McIntosh... real nice headphone. I just did not use them enough for that price. I had an opportunity to trade them for a real nice DSD DAC and Audeze EL-8. The Audeze are a tad more comfortable to me (maybe because the ones I got are open back versus the mc close back). Sound wise, both outstanding.... I really like the Audeze... probably as much as the Mc. The McIntosh cable is definitely better, but sound wise is a toss up. The EL-8 are surprisingly good.

Originally Posted by CPP

Never bought from them as of yet until I found their site. I just might order me some new headphone cables for my HD600's.

They are based in the US of A.

I would say give them a call. 843-882-5365

Mount Pleasant, SC 29464
United States

I spoke with Chris at C3 a little earlier today. He was surprised that other cable shops, such as Moon-Audio are saying that they do not have EL-8 connectors. Chris said that any Audeze dealers can get the connectors so long as they are willing to sign their non-disclosure since it is a proprietary connector. He also said that many cable companies wait for generic connectors. He prefers the factory originals in this type of situation.

I might grab a cable from him. It sounds like the EL-8 cables are popular for them!

Originally Posted by Randy Myers

I spoke with Chris at C3 a little earlier today. He was surprised that other cable shops, such as Moon-Audio are saying that they do not have EL-8 connectors. Chris said that any Audeze dealers can get the connectors so long as they are willing to sign their non-disclosure since it is a proprietary connector. He also said that many cable companies wait for generic connectors. He prefers the factory originals in this type of situation.

I might grab a cable from him. It sounds like the EL-8 cables are popular for them!

Glad you checked, I just might get myself a longer cable as well. I have the HD600 and a Audeze LCD-2 and a the wife needs a longer cable. I actually prefer my old HD600 to the LCD-2 so they are the wifes headphones when she rocks out to Elvis.

I order a cable from them. Already received an e-mail from Chris that he sent the cable.... I should have it with a couple days. He assures me the cable is better than the factory cable, much more solid and thicker (and better sounding because of the materials they use). They also have higher level cables if your taste goes that way. For the EL-8 they use factory original connectors to assure a proper fit!

Originally Posted by Randy Myers

I order a cable from them. Already received an e-mail from Chris that he sent the cable.... I should have it with a couple days. He assures me the cable is better than the factory cable, much more solid and thicker (and better sounding because of the materials they use). They also have higher level cables if your taste goes that way. For the EL-8 they use factory original connectors to assure a proper fit!

" For the EL-8 they use factory original connectors to assure a proper fit" , good information thanks.

Thanks.... I will let you know when then cable arrives and how it looks and sounds to me. He said I should have it in 2-3 days.