New here....still wandering around. Came across this thread.
I listen a lot with headphones as i listen mostly when all is quiet in the house (as in sleeping peeps). Just is when i have time among other things. Also not having the size for a dedicated listeneing room there had to be compromises that make a good set of phones a better overall options these days.
Of note, prefer a flatter response curve and something more reference sided. I do not EQ unless the recording itself is wanky and that happens rarely.
So, recently did a lot of research as what i could afford three years back got me a nice set of Senheiser HD 600’s that i have liked. Look, these are great phones for the money, comfortable enough and overall the sound is solid, though a bit soft on the lower end.
So in upgrading, looked at a lot (on line as no really place to listen to too many). I narrowed things down and then looked to see where i could (if i could) listen to them.
Had it down to
HiFIMan - HE100 SE & V4
Senheiser - HD800S
Focal - Clear MG
Audeze - LCDx & MM-500
Having Sens and reading reviews i was not thrilled that too many times the low end on the 800’s seems to be like what i had which i wanted to upgrade. I am sure they are great. Just not what i wanted to by blind....or maybe that should be deaf.
HiFiMan’s - loved what i saw about sound but.....too many times build quality came up...so decided to keep looking
Heard good things about Meze Pro...but not flat enough.
Looked at the Focals, but was never really in the running based on revues and other users
Got to Audeze.....like what i saw.
So...found a place i could try them (both models)...and went. Only comparable they had at the time were Focal Clear and Stellia
Tried them all and was blown away by the MM500’s - fantastic overall sound top to bottom, acoustic to electric, clear, precise, yet warm. Sound stage is perfect, think Goldilox - the story not the song. Depth was solid and while they have a bit of wieght to them (especially as compared to the HD600’s, they are super comfortable.
Now, the LCDx are close, but there is definitely a discernible difference.
The Focal Clear - a disappointment, not comfortable and in comparison, muddy.
The Focal Stellis - which is a step up from all - did not come close to eh MM-500 in sound or comfort.
Have had them two weeks and are breaking in nicely.
At this price point...not going to get better unless you are looking for a closed set and thumping bass. If you are looking for an amazing sound where the recording sounds just as it was intended....theses are your phones.
