Headphone Recommendation

Audiophilehi

Audiophilehi

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Joined
Apr 5, 2013
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706
Location
Staten Island, New York
Hi All,

I'm looking to upgrade my Sennheiser HD 650 headphones. I have a Schiit Jotunheim 2 Headphone Amp on the way. My budget is $1,500 but would like to keep it around $1,200. The below is what is currently in the running with MSRP and not what is currently on sale.




Hifiman Arya Organic $1,299
Focal Clear MG $1,499
Sennheiser HD 800 S $1,795
Audeze LCD-2 $995
Audeze LCD-X $1,199
 
I have tried various versions of all of the above brands, including some of these models. Of these I prefer the Focal and HiFiMan. I have never liked the feel of the Audeze (I have had a couple models including higher ones). They are good headphones, but to me they are bulky, uncomfortable and there are other models at the same price that I prefer.

I prefer Planar Magnetic headphones (which Audeze are), however the Focal using a more conventional design are very superior. One that I would suggest is Dan Clark's MrSpeakers headphones which are fantastic. Of course, the Abyss are by far my favorites, however they start at a higher price level. And yes, your Schiit Jotunheim 2 will be able to power any of these. I recently tried one (powering my difficult to drive Abyss) and thought it was great (compared to many much higher priced amplifiers). In fact, I thought it was so good that I purchased their higher model, the Mjolnir 3! To me it is a forever amplifier even compared to several that I have owned, some of which were twice the price.
 
I've listened to those brands but not for long periods. I second having a look at Dan Clark to see if any models in your price. I love Hifiman and Audeze sound. These would be the 3 top on my list.

I don't do much headphone listening, I have Sennheiser HD600 & 580, a set of Hifiman. The Hifiman were less expensive, I bought them on sale just to have a set. The Senn's have a larger soundstage with more of a full or blooming bass, the Hifiman has a tight punchy bass and things seem to be better defined, I actually prefer the Hifiman personally.

I thought I was a diehard Hifiman/Audeze fan, always my favorites at the Headfi area but last visit I got to try Dan Clark both open and closed back, electrostatic and traditional, all were impressive. I find the amp being used makes a big difference as well. I didn't want to get up when listening to a Chord Hugo driving DC closed back dynamic drivers.
 
The most important consideration in headphone voicing is the diaphragm material. The next most important thing is open vs. closed back. After that it’s the flavor each manufacturer brings along with the fit and finish.

The list you have covers a large swath of what’s out there today.

Focal Clear - one of the finest dynamic driver headphones out there. Also consider the Drop Elex which uses the same magnesium drivers and is half the price.
HD 800 - another outstanding dynamic driver headphone.
In general dynamic headphones lack the bass drive of planar magnetic headphones so if you are a bass-head these will not be for you. They are low distortion and have exceptional
midrange clarity. Sometimes subjectively bright, these headphones pair well with warmer amps and electronics.

Hifiman Arya Organic $1,299
Audeze LCD-2 $995
Audeze LCD-X $1,199
All these are planar-magnetic drivers and will exhibit the characteristics of those drivers. Low overall distortion, response down below 20 Hz, good staging. They tend to be heavy due to the need for big magnets. I have not heard these specific models so can’t comment on them.

Best to find a place where you can demo them to see what you like.

I started out with. LCD-4’s, then got Drop Elex’s, then ZMF Atrium’s, then ZMF Veritie Closed. They are all excellent but slightly different in a fun way. I listened to them at a Can-Jam overt multiple years before buying.
 
I own Focal Clear’s and use them with a Feliks Audio Euphoria Evo tube amp and love it! Not at the same level as the very best out there but not at that cost either!

George
 
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