solderdude
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Post by solderdude on Jul 8, 2015 20:57:08 GMT
@ Matt
How do these compare to the HD800 (judging from the CS HD800 mod list you may have had one)
Personally would go for the ETHER over the HD800.
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Post by matttcg on Jul 8, 2015 22:47:39 GMT
I would put these two in the same category, but in the end I favor the Ether. I might go as far to call the Ether a more musical version of the hd800...sort of.
The hd800 has a wider sound stage and the treble extends forever. On the right amp the hd800 is beautiful. But you've got to be willing to spend what it takes to get the he800 to the promised land.
The Ether is way easier to amp, but does scale pretty damn well with better amps. Ether is every bit as comfy as the 800. I'm not crazy about the DUM cable ergonomics so I bought a Norne Audio custom cable. The Ether connects and engages me to the music as easy as breathing. The hd800 can do the same but is more often than not much more difficult to get to that same place.
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Post by ronzo56 on Jul 9, 2015 0:56:12 GMT
Hey Matt, I can't remember. Did you ever do any mods to the HD800 or did you go with stock?
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z3d
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Post by z3d on Jul 9, 2015 11:19:02 GMT
Hi Matt, nice to see you there One week ago I sent a detailed email through Mr.Speaker website form to Dan but I still didn't received any answer. Do you have a direct mail to contact them or it's possible to ask Dan to look maybe in the junk folder of the email?
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Post by matttcg on Jul 9, 2015 23:41:54 GMT
Hey Matt, I can't remember. Did you ever do any mods to the HD800 or did you go with stock? I've had it stock and with Anax 2.0 mods.
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Post by matttcg on Jul 9, 2015 23:44:10 GMT
Hey Matt, I can't remember. Did you ever do any mods to the HD800 or did you go with stock? I've had it stock and with Anax 2.0 mods. PM me and I'll see if I can help.
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z3d
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Post by z3d on Jul 18, 2015 12:49:27 GMT
I've had it stock and with Anax 2.0 mods. PM me and I'll see if I can help. Done. Thank you
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solderdude
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Post by solderdude on Aug 18, 2015 5:19:46 GMT
Auditioning one on Wednesday at the European representative of mr. Speakers (just a few km away from me).
Taking my Kameleon + HD650 along for a comparison. IF it sounds so much better I can rationalise the price difference (a factor 4 - 5) I may end up taking it home if it is worth it to me.
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oldson
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Post by oldson on Aug 18, 2015 18:25:40 GMT
Auditioning one on Wednesday at the European representative of mr. Speakers (just a few km away from me). Taking my Kameleon + HD650 along for a comparison. IF it sounds so much better I can rationalise the price difference (a factor 4 - 5) I may end up taking it home if it is worth it to me. nice looking headphones. will look forward to reading your opinion on them Frans
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Post by c61746961 on Aug 18, 2015 20:09:29 GMT
Taking my Kameleon + HD650 along for a comparison. IF it sounds so much better I can rationalise the price difference (a factor 4 - 5) I may end up taking it home if it is worth it to me. , I'm sorry, Frans, but I don't see that happening. Have you considered a second hand HD800 + mods instead?
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solderdude
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Post by solderdude on Aug 18, 2015 21:15:24 GMT
I am going in with 'blank' thoughts on this. Don't think it will be better than 'kameleonised' HD650 but who knows .... Was torn between auditioning in a shop and simply ordering it, listen and measure and perhaps having to return it BUT have some measurements.
I think it is already closer to 'flat' than the HD800. The 'treble plateau' is difficult to passively EQ and some drawerliner alone can't cure it, perhaps lower it just slightly. It will always be an 'edgy' HP I guess and as soon as it is EQ'ed as flat as the HD650 can it will most likely sound very much the same. The 'stereo image' and 'hyper detail' will probably be gone at that stage ... but I might be wrong. Still the HD650 driver is still one of the best (relatively inexpensive) out there.
The few times I heard it the HD800 wasn't convincing enough and the treble (overly detailed) simply too much, even with more than decent amps in high-end stores. Maybe if I can find one for E 600.- or so, I might buy one though.
Tomorrow I'll know more about the Ether which seems sound in engineering and is lightweight as well.
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Post by c61746961 on Aug 18, 2015 21:28:27 GMT
Well, good luck to you!
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Post by matttcg on Aug 18, 2015 22:28:26 GMT
Looking forward to your finding Frans. It was a win for me.
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Post by skyline on Aug 19, 2015 17:10:36 GMT
I don't want to go too far off-topic, but "kameleonised" HD650? You're just talking about the portable amp?
As for the Ether, I'll echo Matt's sentiments. It's a good headphone, and worthy to be mentioned alongside some of the other top-end giants out there at the moment. Not as resolving as the HD800, perhaps, but it can hold its own and is easy to listen to. It's an analytical headphone, but not to the point that it took away from my enjoyment of the music. I enjoyed it the most with classical music. It wouldn't be my go-to for rock, but it doesn't embarrass itself on that front either. I just prefer a little more warmth and bass than what it offers for that genre. Comfort is also top-notch.
The sticking point for me is price, but that's a subjective thing for everyone. Is it 4-5 times better than the HD650? Absolutely not. But, this true of pretty much all high-end gear as far as I can tell.
I'll happily stick with my $3-500 headphones and call it a day.
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solderdude
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Post by solderdude on Aug 19, 2015 18:05:27 GMT
I don't want to go too far off-topic, but "kameleonised" HD650? You're just talking about the portable amp? The HD650 on the Kameleon with HD650 filter = close to 'The Sennator' and will be equal to the Garage 1217 filter that someday will see the light of day (don't know when though) The sticking point for me is price, but that's a subjective thing for everyone. Is it 4-5 times better than the HD650? Absolutely not. But, this true of pretty much all high-end gear as far as I can tell. I'll happily stick with my $3-500 headphones and call it a day. Amen .... and IF the bass quality had been better I would have paid the $ 1800.- it costs over here though and would have easily found it worth its price. Dan is doing a LOT right ... if only that bass would have been better.
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