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Showing 1 of 185 reviews about:
Drop + MrSpeakers Ether CX Closed Headphones
NoelSibs
41
Aug 13, 2019
checkVerified Buyer
Great set of cans period. This is quickly gonna become my all around headphone
I’m about 120 hours into burn in. Right out of the box these things are very very comfortable. So, off on the right foot there. Pad material is quite smooth and plush. It helps the cans disappear which is typical for my limited experience with Mr. Speakers headphones. I’ve tried the Aeon closed and have an Aeon Open. The weight seems just about right and have made this pair really really comfortable to wear.
Listening impressions: Detail is quite good and not sibilant. It is quite forward and reminds me of a more laid back Senn HD650 in that sense. But it’s not as “in your face” as the HD650. It has opened up as it’s been burned in but at this point, it still has a forward presence. Imaging is really good. Precise. I think that is a good word for these headphones... Precise. I don’t tend to like extremely detailed cans because they tend to be fatuiging but these don’t seem to do that. They are enjoyable and precise.
I haven’t used the tuning pads yet, I’ll try them out when burn in is complete. I’m hoping that it will bring the bass out more because at the moment, the bass is there, but it’s JUST there. It is present and it has good bass detail but it seems to be just an appropriate amount of bass. Not at all boomy which is good for the bass detail. It just feels like something is still missing in the lower frequencies that I can’t put my finger on. It’s not quantity... neither is it quality. In fact it has good very good bass quality. I was worried for a bit during burn in. At around 50 hours, I gave it a listen and there was no bass at all! Kept the burn in going now and there it is. There is the bass but theres still kindo of a gap between midbass and sub bass somewhere. Perhaps further burn- in will improve it. If not, I’ll EQ it in. It’s kinda scary when the sound changes like that because you don’t know exactly how it’s gonna change and if you’ll like the end result. I’ll update this review when this set has settled into it’s groove.
To eliminate the “placebo” effect of having new cans, I alternate with other headphones while I’m taking the Ether Cx’s for a spin. Of the headphones I’ve used, the LCD-X seem to be pretty similar to the CX. Sometimes I think that the CX’s have better space and imaging! That’s really cool considering these are closed back. The big difference is that the Ether CX seem more relaxed and easy than the Audeze cans. The timbre and tonal balance are somehow both relaxed yet not lacking in micro detail. Both the LCD-X and the CX resolve quite well and both sound great!
So far, in listening, I’ve grooved to Jill Scott, gotten lost in a little Trjnjte Oosterhuis tribute to Burt Bacharach, floated away in a Lionel Richie song and had a really intense Adele and Sam Smith session. In short, a great sounding headphone so far and is light enough to carry around and seems durable enough to travel with. It’s my new all around... a home run headphone for sure... Great job Dan Clark, Mr. Speakers & Drop! Thanks
Edit...
I’ve gone way past the burn in period and decided to bring these along on a long haul trip. (Over 12 hours flying without my kids.) These are a great set of cans. I brought a big back pack beacuse they’re bulky and not ideal to travel with but I thoroughly enjoyed them on my long haul flight and now that I’m at our destination for a few weeks, I’m loving “ coming home” to them everyday. I didn’t pack an amp, just some DAPS and my phone. I’m running it off of an Onkyo DPx-1, a Hiby R6 and I brought along my well used and loved Opus #1 Dap as well. All of the above have no issues powering the headphones and I’ve been running the headphones out of their balanced outputs with no issues for the volumes I listen at. So, its not difficult to drive with todays more modern gear I’m sure.
The sound has fully opened up and developed. It’s good with movies (on the plane) and the bass is finally all there with the tuning pads. I’ve decided on the 2notch white filters like most and I’ve added the black foam inserts as well. I’m quite impressed with the depth and separation without losing detail. Normally, you get a compromise edging towards detail OR depth but I really like the “compromise” that these headphones have reached. In my opinion, it’s just enough detail and just enough depth plus a really pleasant timbre.
A great set of all around headphones. I am very happy with my purchase.
(Edited)
Recommends this product? Yes
PrismaticOrb
50
Aug 21, 2019
NoelSibsI also have a pair of lcdx and had the same personal experience. I tend to grab the cx more often.
Sheller
0
Feb 22, 2021
NoelSibsI am currently debating buying these...or the LCD-X's. Especially since I want to connect them via balanced cables, it seems like these might be the better way to go.
NoelSibs
41
Feb 22, 2021
ShellerPicked up cables for the LCD X balanced. I figured, I have the outputs, let's put them to good use! I don't think you'll be disappointed with these headphones if you like natural, laid back sound. The LCD X are more "in your face". These are more subtle, but everything you want to hear is there... Enjoy!
Papptona
37
Mar 3, 2021
NoelSibsHow would you compare the aeon open v. Closed? Which do you prefer?
NoelSibs
41
Mar 4, 2021
PapptonaFrom memory, I love my aeon open v the closed. The closed had a bit better mid bass, Bit oddly, I found the open had better bass overall. I'm talking about quality not quantity of course. They are both not for bass heads. Another unconventional thing was, the Aeon closed had great space and imaging! It seemed that the Open, didn't fully benefit from being open! Not that it's congested or anything. On the contrary, it has more than sufficient space and imaging. It's just surprising how open and airy, the closed sound. I prefer the open's sound... I love the comfort on both as well.
(Edited)
Papptona
37
Mar 4, 2021
NoelSibsVery helpful, thank you!
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