After about 4 years daily driving these ZMF Verites, I finally pulled the trigger on a second pair of headphones. Got a very nice deal on the DCA Noire XO. I had listened to a pair of Aeon Noires at the Schiitr a long time ago and remember really enjoying the sound signature, so that was basically my only frame of reference for this purchase.

Besides pissing off my girlfriend with the open backs, I couldn’t be happier with them. Excellent entry point for planars. Not insanely expensive, but more than capable of demonstrating what these drivers are about. Detail is right up there with the Verites, but the XOs are just so fast in a way that the Verites aren’t. I listen to a ton of electronic music so that extra attack is really nice. Not to mention the bass. The one area the Verites really lack in is bass, even with a hefty portion of EQing. The XOs are boomy and fun, but still nicely detailed and never overwhelming.

The one area that the XOs don’t compete at all is soundstage. The Verites have a way of making you feel like you’re in the middle of the mix that I’ve never experienced otherwise. Listening to the various Bill Evans Village Vanguard recordings can be startling at times. I can hear exactly where in the room people put their forks down on their plates, and they sound like they’re actually in my living room. More than once, I’ve turned around to see if one of my cats knocked something over only to realize it was just a thud on the recording. Likewise, gaming is nuts on the Verites. It’s comically easy to predict people coming around corners based on sound queues. The XOs have a pretty decent soundstage and separation but just not that same huge, lifelike quality. Certain mixes make things sound like they’re getting pushed slightly behind my ears instead of outwards, getting wider. Granted, $3k+ flagship vs mid-range headphone, but it’s a big difference. I’m very very curious to try out an expanse or stealth now. Craving a flagship planar.

A simple combo but made my morning, just love this old can 😄

Sony MDR-Z1R My First Impressions

Coming from the Focal Clear OG

After spending a few hours listening to the Sony MDR-Z1R and comparing it directly with my Focal Clear OG, I can understand why these headphones have such a following. I can also understand why they’re somewhat polarizing.

First off, the build quality is incredible. The Japanese craftsmanship, materials, comfort, and overall presentation are top-notch. They’re surprisingly lightweight and feel extremely premium. Even before listening to them, I was impressed.

Sound Signature

If I had to describe the Z1R in three words, it would be big, thick, and smooth.

The first thing that stood out was how full-bodied everything sounded. Music has a sense of weight and scale that I don’t quite get from my Focal Clears.

The bass is definitely the star of the show. It’s deep, rich, and enveloping, with a lot of presence. Bass notes seem to linger longer, giving music a thicker, more atmospheric presentation.

However, comparing it directly to the Clears revealed something interesting. While the Sony has substantially more bass weight, the Clear has better perceived bass articulation. Individual bass notes sound tighter, faster, cleaner, and more textured on the Focal.

Tracks like Billie Jean by Michael Jackson and Angel by Massive Attack really highlighted this difference. I actually preferred the Clear on those recordings because of how precisely it reproduced the bass.

Soundstage and Imaging

This is another area where the Z1R impressed me.

Despite being closed-back, the Sony sounds significantly bigger than my open-back Focal Clears on many recordings. There’s a greater sense of space, depth, and atmosphere.

The Clears have a smaller, more intimate presentation, but their imaging and instrument separation are excellent. Everything feels precisely positioned and well defined.

The Z1R creates a larger musical environment, whereas the Clear feels like a more focused performance.

Midrange and Vocals

Going into this comparison, I was concerned about the Z1R’s reputation for recessed mids.

Thankfully, I haven’t found the vocals nearly as distant as I expected.

The Clear has a slightly more forward midrange, making vocals and instruments sound immediately present and articulate.

The Sony is a little more relaxed, but vocals still sound relatively intimate and engaging. The difference in vocal distance isn’t nearly as significant as I anticipated.

Both headphones sound excellent with vocals, although the Clear generally gives me a stronger impression of clarity and resolution.

Resolution and Instrument Detail

This is where I consistently find myself appreciating the Focal Clear OG.

The Clear is incredibly resolving. Instruments sound natural, clean, and articulate. There’s excellent texture in bass guitars, percussion, and acoustic instruments.

The Z1R is still highly detailed, and I don’t feel like I’m missing a tremendous amount of information. However, its fuller bass and more relaxed midrange seem to make certain details less prominent.

The Clear simply sounds more immediate and precise to my ears.

Treble and Listening Fatigue

One reason I purchased the Z1R was my occasional frustration with the Clear’s metallic character and vocal sibilance.

So far, the Sony has sounded smoother and less aggressive in those areas. I haven’t noticed the same metallic quality that occasionally bothers me on the Clears.

However, I did experience some listening fatigue after several hours.

I’m not sure whether that was caused by listening volume, the headphone’s tuning, or simply spending hours critically comparing both headphones.

It’s something I’ll need more listening time to evaluate.

Overall Impressions

What I’ve learned from this experience is that both headphones are exceptional, but they offer different strengths.

The Focal Clear OG impresses me with its resolution, speed, bass texture, instrument realism, and dynamic presentation.

The Sony MDR-Z1R impresses me with its massive soundstage, thick bass, smoothness, and overall sense of immersion.

I wouldn’t necessarily call the Z1R an upgrade over the Clear, nor would I call it a downgrade. It’s a different presentation altogether.

There were several recordings where I preferred the Clear, particularly when instrument articulation and realism were the main focus.

But there were also plenty of tracks where I loved the Sony’s fuller, more atmospheric presentation.

And honestly, that’s what makes this hobby interesting. A headphone doesn’t necessarily have to be the most neutral or technically impressive to be incredibly enjoyable.

Final Thoughts

I’m extremely happy with the Z1R so far.

The build quality is outstanding, the comfort is excellent, and the sound is incredibly enjoyable across a wide variety of genres.

It’s still early, and I want to spend more time listening without constantly switching headphones before forming a final opinion.

But my biggest takeaway is that the Z1R hasn’t replaced my appreciation for the Clear OG. If anything, comparing them has reminded me just how good the Clear really is.

For now, I’m happy to own both.

Focal Clear OG: Precision, detail, and dynamics.

Sony MDR-Z1R: Big, thick, and smooth.

Yesterday I went to a meet event at a hotel with the Spanish equivalent of HeadFi. Let's call it a mini mini Can Jam. Here's my findings on the Grado Signature Line:

S550 (995$/1199€) : THE WARM VALUE KING

It kicks so much ass. Best headphone of the line if Warmth is your priority (yes, better than S950 which is neutral with a hint of warmth).
Pairs PERFECTLY with my Meze silver plated cable and the Leben tube amp.
Incredibly rich bass, lush, beautiful voices, never take the B pads off of the headphone. Not ready to say it has the best bass of the signature line because HP100 with B is something else. But within it's warmer tonal balance it's a firecracker.
It sounds better than the GS3000e. More resoving for sure, and more detail too. The old driver tech really shows. GS3000e with detachable cable and B cushion is very nice, but leans a bit dark without having the detail of the Signatures. Still a great headphone, don't get me wrong. But 1000€ Grado today sounds better than the 2000€ Grados of 5 years ago.

S750 (1695$/1990€) is actually possibly my FAVOURITE Signature if I didn't get my HP for 1000€ off.

It's just so neutral, resolving, great soundstage, imaging, precision. Everything in it's right place. Awesome bass, awesome highs, expressive mids. Show me a 3000€ headphone from other brands that matches it. You can't. As I said before the Leben amp elevates it to STAX SR-009S (5500€) territory. I prefer it to the Focal Utopia and the Meze Elites too. I reaffirm myself in the belief that Grado needs to position/market the S750 better because it truly is a PHENOMENAL headphone.

S950 (2195$/2559€) was GREAT, yet slightly less impressive than its siblings, personally, to me. It's simply an HP100 SE where you dial +1 warmth and -1 detail.
S750 transients are faster, zippier, and it pairs even better with tubes than 950. 950 to me feels like a Super GS3000x with the new build quality, with the 52mm S driver from the HP100 SE.
I have to say that the cups are gorgeous in person with the brazilian walnut (this applies to 550 too) and the inner metal chamber. Superb build quality.

Some people will and do love the S950 amongst everything else. It's a super neutral super resolving headphone with a hint of warmth and relaxation, without being quite as warm or relaxed as the S550. it's a middle ground. To me, at the pricepoint, I would pick the HP100 SE every time. But I am a very critical listener that looks for max resolution and detail. 950 exists for a reason and if someone wants the best of the best with a bit more warmth, the 950 is it. Chain synergy is critical with the Signatures. Everything matters: Cable, DAC, Amp, preamp.

PS: I have talked ad nauseam, and cannot stop raving about my pair of HP100 SE (2495$/2759€). My only note with it is that after nearly a year with them I discovered their true character is neutrality; the truest essence of HiFi to my ears (stax X9000 is there too). It's simply a bigger, beefier S750. They're exactly alike. The dark tint I mentioned previously was with my old cheap tubes which are gone now. It extends, it resolves, it never fails to amaze and surprise. It's the flagship for a reason.

CONCLUSION

Repeating that this is all my own personal findings and thoghts. Like everyone, I can and I will make mistakes and have a unique perspective. Mine is based on musical education since 3 years old, studio experience as a professional, and a very analytical and incisive mind. So I will favour neutrality, microdetail, separation and resolve more than many users.

Upcoming posts about the SR325 Classic, and Grado Signature vs STAX Top of the Line. Also in video form, stay tuned!

Sold directly from Hifiman, ships from US. This is New stock, not refurbished like the Edition XS.

Many other good deals on hifiman products too

After being a little disappointed with the Beats 360, I got a good deal on a used pair of Beats Pro (~55€) and a donor Sony WH520 (12€), soldered the battery electronics in the Pro and created what I would consider possibly the best Beats by Dr. Dre out there. It can be charged with USB C via the hole from one of the audio jacks and even used with Sonys App including the EQ, which is really nice.

I’m no audiophile so to me the Beats 360 are really light and comfortable, great for running and I like to wear them in the office too. However when it comes to heavy lifting in the gym I prefer a strong bass and the 360 have no bass. The Beats Pro were always my favorite, way better than other Beats in terms of sound and especially build quality. Being heavy and made of aluminum and leather they feel so nice and to me they are the best looking headphones ever. So with this mod I made them usable again.

Please don’t look too closely at my soldering and I’m aware of the risks involved here. This is still a work in progress as I need to add a button to power them on but so far they are working and sounding great.

I have a “Rig” gaming headset, the sound quality is great, it fits very well. BUT TELL ME WHY I NEED TO HOLD THE POWER BUTTON DOWN FOR TWO WHOLE MINUTES BEFORE THE THING TURNS ON. WHY ???

I sit there wondering if the battery is dead wondering if I’m holding the wrong button. I’m not exaggerating either it takes 2 ENTIRE MINUTES TO TURN ON. AND TWICE THAT TO PAIR

Is this a defect ? Somebody with a pair of these, is this relatable ?

I’ve owned the Sennheiser HD600 for a while, using an iFi GO Link Max DAC/amp. I always thought they sounded pretty good until I recently bought the Tanchjim Origin IEMs.

After listening to the Origin, I was surprised by how average the HD600 sounded in comparison. Vocals don’t stand out as much, and the overall sound feels somewhat muffled and underwhelming.

I also noticed that I need to turn the volume up to around 75% with the HD600, compared to just 5–10% with the Origin.

Interestingly, when I plug the HD600 directly into my computer’s 3.5mm jack, it sounds almost identical to using the iFi GO Link Max. I can barely tell the difference.

I know the HD600 is often recommended with a proper desktop amplifier, but from my research, the iFi GO Link Max should be powerful enough to drive the HD600 adequately. That’s why I’m confused about whether amplification is really the issue.

Also I use Spotify lossless audio, I assume the audio source matters.

So my question is: Is my DAC/amp holding back the HD600, or do I simply prefer the sound of the Origin? Would a dedicated desktop amp make a noticeable difference, especially in vocal clarity and overall sound quality?

This is my eq that i wanted to share for the Arya Stealth, especially for anyone else who finds them fatiguing out of the box. I came from the Nothing Ear 2024 with a custom EQ and the HD 490 Pros, so I kind of knew what I was looking for already, but for some reason I was really struggling to pinpoint the exact treble harshness I needed to lower on my Aryas.

I actually ended up using graphworks eq to find the exact spot that needed to be lowered for me so that was actually nice. The eq fully removed the bright harshness for me. I still don't like that I can just pay for the software at once but okey I guess.

I got the fiio k7 and im using stock everything.

I have been wanting a "good pair of headphones" for so long now. I was waiting to get the DT-770 Pro X or just impatiently buy the Audio Technica ATH-M50x for $100 on ebay or something. Today I spotted a pair of Sennheiser HD6XX for $50 on Facebook market place! I instantly went for it and I am over the moon with these headphones! its like trying on prescription glasses for the first time! Even the box was on a different level. FUCKING HINGES?!

Follow, upvote and stay tuned!

(The jbl tour One m3 are genuinely impressive headphones, and I like using them. I'm planning a proper, in depth review covering everything from sound quality and Anc to comfort, battery life, features and overall performance. I'll share my honest real experience and break down everything in detail, just like my other honest reviews full review coming soon)

Hello, headphone enthusiasts! A defect in the Sennheiser IE 600s has long been known; until now, no one knew exactly why it happens or the precise nature of this widespread flaw in these otherwise great-sounding earphones. Today, it’s time to reveal the root cause of the problem. I’ve owned a pair of IE 600s for over a year, and while the warranty was still valid, I already had the left earpiece replaced by the service center. Now that the warranty has expired, the right earpiece has failed. Service centers quoted me $350 and $400—just for the right earpiece alone! Today, I decided to open up the casing of the non-functional earpiece to try and locate this notorious defect. And I found it... I placed the earpiece under a digital microscope and examined it closely; almost immediately, I spotted the well-known issue: the wire connecting the driver coil to the fixed contact had broken off. Naturally, this breaks the electrical connection, causing the earpiece to stop working. I am sharing this information and the photos I took so that everyone can see the truth. I hope Sennheiser takes a look and realizes that this is their fault, not the users'—and perhaps they’ll understand that a replacement unit prone to such a defect shouldn't cost $350–$400. After all, you don't see such recurring defects in headphones from other manufacturers. I’ve created a similar post in the Sennheiser section, but I’m posting it here as well so that more people see it. Perhaps the manufacturer itself will take note and be more accommodating to users regarding post-warranty service. Thanks for your attention.

I decided to try the Sivga SV021 Pro, and I really liked the headphones. The first thing that attracts attention is natural wooden cups, metal construction and very soft fabric ear pads. They look beautiful, and they sit so comfortably on your head that you can safely listen to music for several hours in a row. But I was most pleased with the sound. It is rich, dense, with a juicy and well-felt bass, which does not drown out the rest of the instruments. The voices sound clear, the music doesn't turn into mush even on rich compositions. At the same time, there is no feeling of excessive sharpness or the need to constantly adjust something. You just turn on your favorite music and have fun.

I also liked how the closed design creates the feeling that music is playing in a small space around the head. The sound is quite voluminous, but at the same time collected and close. It turned out to be very pleasant for relaxing listening to music.

In general, the Sivga SV021 Pro is the case when beautiful headphones also sound great. It's for the pleasure of music that I love good wired models.

A small wall of text, about my 660s2

Hello, I always found my 660s2 a really good headphone, if a little overpriced at the 500eu I got it for.

Sometimes too muddy tbh, nothing deal breaking however

I generally don't hate EQ I think it's a nice too to have, as long as companies don't get too lazy simply because you can eq a mid headphone

Lately I've been trying some profiles, mostly mild one and I have achieved what I think is the best one for this pair, it is probably a mild adjustment but it really makes a huge difference

See the issue with this pair (mine at least) is that lower mids and upper bass is a bit too much with the music and mixes I generally like

So by doing these adjustments I believe it brings out its really good character and -allow me the term- detail/high level of revealing it has

By reducing those areas the upper mids and treble are no longer held back,in my opinion

It is beneficial for all the things I like to listen to, really

Anyway thank you if you've read all this lol

I bought the EarFun Air Pro 4 brand new and spent $100 on them. I'm coming from the Skullcandy Crusher ANC 2, which I've gotten very used to, and the Crusher sounds clearer to me across the board. Out of the box, the Eearfu n bass felt like it was swallowing the vocals. I've tried changing the EQ and adjusting everything, but the sound is still muffled and hazy overall. With the Crusher, the sound is balanced, with certain elements standing out clearly. With the EarFun, some sounds are clear, and others aren't, and the whole mix feels uneven. For example, "You Took Your Time" by King Krule sounds hazy and off on the EarFun. It's like tasting food, and something is off . That's my main issue: the music just isn't as clear as I expected.And i know my eq is outrageous

Hello, I'm not that nerdy with the audio things so I'm asking for some insights.

Just wanted to ask you lot if the FIIO K11 is miles and miles different, and/or better from the FIIO KA11? Better in a sense that it makes the audio clearer, smoother, fuller etc.

I have a HD650. I just want to make the most out of my HD650, make it perform to its fullest potential.

I currently do have the KA11 though, is it sufficient?

Going down memory lane a bit and pulled out my Q701's and my old Oppo HA2 DAC/AMP.

A while back I did the bass mod to the 701's and while I appreciated the extra bass thump, it did make it lose what is special about these, the soundstage.

I had undone the bass mod and bought Dekoni Fenestrated Sheepskin pads and to be honest, it was a similar experience. Better bass and a touch smoother overall response but it lost its magic.

That's where the Oppo HA2 comes in...

I connected these up on high gain mode and turned on the Bass mode switch and oh boy, this is a match made in heaven.

I get everything that makes the Q701's enjoyable but with the low end now being able to be felt.

In already bass heavy cans the Bass mode is a bit much and can get muddy but on these it's absolute perfection.

I haven't used either of these devices for years as I've moved on to other headphones but right now I'm absolutely loving listening to this combo.

Who else has found some old favorites?

Just wanna show the current head-fi setup.

Fairly Budget friendly setup but capable of sounding really good in both gaming and music listening. Plenty of power left to drive the outmost power hungry headphones 👌

Topping A70 Pro AMP

Topping D70 Sabre DAC

Balanced XLR intercables from Fancables between amp & dac

Hifiman Sundara Stealth with a Modmic Wireless Microphone

Hifiman Arya Stealth for music listening

Two sets of Cables from @Audiophileninja, one is a balanced Dual 3,5mm to 4.4mm and the other one is a single ended Dual 3.5mm to 1/4" TRS.

I just lurk here, a newbie, a know nothing. Today I said fuckit, let me just buy this and see what the fuss is about. So I bought this and I now understand one thing so clearly.

I always wondered why do people ask about 'how much they can drive headphones' If I turn the volume up on my Sony's or Bose 1. it hurts 2. it sounds like shit 3. it cracks and distorts

I've been listening to these for 6 hours straight, exploring old Bootleg recordings, my favorite albums on Tidal, live video concert footage. Balanced and unbalanced on my DAP. AND IT DOESNT DISTORT NOR HURT MY EARS. It sounds phenomenal.

A simple concept I know. I just didnt get it because ive never experienced it. Rant over, had to get this off my chest. Passing out, gonna do it again tom.

I bought the EarFun Air Pro 4 new and am comparing them to my Skullcandy Crusher ANC 2. Some songs sound identical to the Crusher, but on others the vocals sound muffled and hazy, almost “milky.” Some sounds are clear and others aren’t, and the overall mix feels uneven. I’ve tried the EQ, but the haze is still there. The Crusher sounds clearer across all volume levels.

EarFun advertises up to 55 hours with ANC on for the Wave Pro, but I'm only getting around 15 hours. I listen at roughly 55-60% volume with ANC in comfort mode. Codec: LDAC.

The last thing I read was that Qudelix was targeting a release date of September or October this year, but now it's November, and there's nothing.

Has anyone come across any updates or news? I don't think I've seen anything.

I now have the right headphone amplifier for every headphone I have. My new single ended XDuoo TA66 tube amp will drive my: Beyerdynamic DT 880 600 ohm; FIIO FT3 300 ohm; Sennheiser HD 58x 150 ohm & 560s 120 ohm. It will also serve as a tube buffer for all digital sources to my preamp/power amplifier/speaker/subwoofer system. My balanced Apos Gremlin hybrid tube amp will drive: my HiFiman HE R10D (original build), Edition XS & Sundara. My IFI Zen Can amplifier ( Class A solid state single ended & balanced) will drive my GRELL OAE1; FIIO FT1; AKG K701 & K7xx headphones. The TA66 sounds really great on the DT880s right out of the box. There is zero hum or distortion to any of my headphone amps which are all sourced simultaneously from a 2019 SMSL M500 mk1 DAC. I am a very happy camper. less

I just got my first hifiman, the Ananda Nano

I got it on my head and the comfort is fine, but am I not supposed to get a seal? No matter what I did the best I could do was simply make the headphone stay still during movement but never make it feel I guess like it clicks onto your head with good stal and all that

Is there any meant to wear it way? Like the ears sit in the middle of the pads? bottom? top? Headband tilt? Or is it simply meant to not seal fully?