Drop + MrSpeakers Ether CX Closed Headphones Reviews | Drop

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Drop + MrSpeakers Ether CX Closed Headphones

Audiophile

FULL DISCUSSION

devolutionary

Jul 3, 2019

Verified Buyer

Surprisingly comfortable; balanced frequency response.

Massdrop X MrSpeakers Ether CX: I've owned these for a few months. I may elaborate later on when I'm comfortable weighing the pros and cons. It does require a bit of a burn-in even though I was initially a skeptic to it. Did a very minimal initial listening test and some frequencies sounded off to my ears. After doing a 100-hr pink noise burn-in I haven't noticed anything odd since. In the end, I've preferred the default sound with just the original black pads inserted in. Not a headphone that will appeal to everyone. Definitely not extremely lively or musical but deceptively good detail retrieval in the high treble. If the price was even $100-200 less, this would be a safe pick for Planar all-rounder. It handles most music seamlessly but certain genres will sound better than others. The even response means that even poorly recorded music won't sound offensive or abrasive. Something like the Sennheiser 58X Jubilee or 6XX will sound sweeter and more engaging in the mids for vocals and certain other planars or dynamics may sound more engaging in the mid-bass. But the Ether CX still relays all of that accurately to my ears. However, it will definitely expose poorly recorded or heavily compressed music. Imaging is quite good but you may not notice that unless you listen to a quality source. The sound-stage is surprisingly not bad for a closed-back planar. Nothing amazing, but at least the music feels like it's coming from the edge of the cups and not against your head. The excellent imaging complements this however. Probably the closest thing to a studio reference headphone I've heard in the closed-back planar category. Impact isn't the greatest in the sub/mid-bass but extension is still quite good (easily hear below 50 Hz). However, I haven't heard anything uncomfortable related to sibilance or higher treble frequencies. So at least this won't be a bad choice for those who are treble-sensitive. The only question is whether this is worth $900 + customs/shipping etc. Obviously the presentation is lacking with a packing box that resembles a shoebox or B-Stock product. The balanced cable adapter is a nice touch but I wish Dan had at least provided the balanced version of the DUM cable. The DUMMER cable will suffice but it's very microphonic and while made of good quality, has a very janky feel to shape retention. I bought a Periapt cable which has done the trick as a quality replacement. I'm sure the audio quality is of no difference though. The felt bag is a nice storage bonus but I probably wouldn't travel with it. Feels like an amenity rather than a necessity. While the nitinol bands obviously make the Ether line extremely flexible and deceptively durable, they are a bit awkward to place on your head. But, once you get the cups on, they're extremely comfortable and the only inconvenience is the protein leather pads get a bit warm after awhile. Otherwise, they are surprisingly light with well distributed weight across the cups. You could probably listen to them for hours on end. Testing: I mostly listened in tandem with the THX AAA 789/SMSL-SU-8 DAC, Aune X7S/X1S and XDuoo X20 DAP for mobile use. Not the easiest to drive, but not the hardest either. Review: I would dock a point (4/5) if price is a concern.

(Edited)

Recommends this product? Yes

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BigEdMustapha

221

Jul 5, 2019

devolutionaryHow does it compare directly to the 1990pro? I have those and have some interest in these. I just wish my 1990s had a bit more umph on the low end for EDM and such

Jul 5, 2019

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devolutionary

Jul 5, 2019

BigEdMustaphaThat's a very interesting comparison. I have not sampled the 1990s yet but do have alot of experience with the Beyerdynamic DT770/880/990 line. Obviously a different price point but I feel like if the DT880 is the conventional cost-effective studio-grade dynamic reference, the Ether CX would be the closed-back planar equivalent. That actually came to mind while testing. Where dynamics typically shine and enhance in the mid-bass, vocals, and lower-treble, the CX planars provide a much more even response across most frequencies. Pretty good sub-bass extension but lacking the impact of a dynamic. I bet the Ether Flows shine better. Very consistent, fluid, enjoyable bass but even non-bass heads might not be impressed unless you crank the music. Part of that comes from the fact that nothing feels too enhanced but they do scale well with equipment. The MD Frequency Response graph "mostly" lines up with my feelings. I often setup software EQ (APO) profiles for my headphones but these are so balanced that I didn't bother. That actually says something to me. From what I've researched, the DT1990's detail is among the best but really pushes those frequencies into your ears while the Ether CX is much more subtle and laid-back. Everything is there but you could easily ignore it if you're not concentrating. While closed, I don't think these are ideal for sound isolation either.

Jul 5, 2019

BigEdMustapha

221

Jul 5, 2019

devolutionaryCool, thanks for shedding some light on that a bit. Coincidently, the Ether C Flows and Aeon Closed are on my radar as well, but with all these fancy (Mass)Drop collaborations like these Ether CXs, I was getting too many choices to pick from.

Jul 5, 2019

devolutionary

Jul 5, 2019

BigEdMustaphaI hear ya. Been taking a break from purchases lately.

Jul 5, 2019

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