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Showing 1 of 1320 conversations about:
Will
8470
Chief Product Officer
Jan 23, 2020
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Pre-Production (review sample) measurements from Jude
TheHeadphone
0
Jan 24, 2020
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WillAlthough bass extension is excellent, I would prefer to see less warmth; looks like the mids will get drowned out.
tz0531
51
Jan 24, 2020
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WillNeeds 1-2 dB less midbass to upper bass (100-250 Hz), 2-3 dB bump from 80 Hz down, Pinna gain area (2-4 kHz) could use 3 dB of lift. The current tuning appeals to hi-fi guys who listen to way too much jazz; would highly recommend the above changes for a better all-rounder, especially as a portable set of wireless cans. As is, the measurements suggest a super-safe, slightly sleepy and muted signature that favors male vocals, and as a travel set, would need more subbass in general
tz0531
51
Jan 24, 2020
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WillAlso, since these are based on the PM-3 drivers, you better do some heavy QC and strict driver matching, because the PM-3s had significant issues with unit-to-unit variation (see InnerFidelity measurements of multiple samples).
My main issues with the PM-3 were the small internal volume of the earcups (both in circumference and depth), bass that was too low relative to the upper mids, and recessed low-to-mid treble along with early high end rolloff. Address all the above issues I mentioned and this could be a real winner.
Artismo
461
Jan 25, 2020
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tz0531Agreed, the Oppo PM-3 was such a wonderful hp in many respects. I luckily, to my ears, had no discernible volume imbalances and I’m pretty sensitive to any unevenness of volume or frequencies between drivers. It simply drives me crazy, no pun intended. Though, I’m not saying it isn’t true, I’m sure it is and I’ve heard it with other hps which turned me off before purchase or went straight back for a return (looking at you, Quad Era-1, Blue Stella, the used PM-3 at Fujiya Avic). The PM-3 had a clinical and more neutral sound, which is perfect for me. I took them on the go often and would have wanted a touch more sub-bass to combat the low hum of the bus or trains around Japan. I mention this because unlike many other Western countries, I only have to compete with the sound of engines- people are generally quiet in public. In fact, it’s dead silent on public transit, so it makes listening to music easier when it comes to isolation. As for the PM-3, it’s treble graininess was a turn off, BUT I loved the sound signature so much that unlike the LCD2C (equally noticeable) or HD58X (not as bad), I didn’t relegate them to bench duty or resale. As for the bass, the complete opposite end of the spectrum would be the 99 Classics, loud and loose bass- I love those hps. I usually don’t prefer bass performance along those lines, and yet I bought them and loved them. Deep, tight, and punchy is what I enjoy, something I can use in the studio sometimes too. I liked the warmth and body of vocals from the on-ear Audeze Sine, just like Tyll. The on-ear killed it for me, and the extra durable cable was a bear, but it made sense. The Sine was a more pleasurable listen and I moved the PM-3 back to studio-use for a while.
But, the spiritual successor to the PM-3 has returned, is wireless, will have an honorable warranty and return policy, plus (I’m hoping) replaceable ear pads that keep the sonic character, and (comparing IF and Jude’s measurements) a bit more air past 10k, I put my money down looking for Christmas in July.
Artismo
461
Jan 25, 2020
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Eddie_VanjoviTo be fair, you may or may not hear it. I remember when I brought up grainy treble regarding the HD58X here and in other forums, a lot of other people didn’t hear it and refused to accept my impressions. However, there are a few out there that conceded hearing such grain with a reviewer also reporting hearing it too, Metal571. I don’t have golden ears, but, again, I’m sensitive to anomalies in sound. I won’t cancel because I generally love the performance of the original PM-3 and this spiritual successor ticks all the boxes of what I want in a closed back that could be used universally on-the-go or at home. The final production might prove to address issues of fans and consumers in terms of -possible- grain in the Panda (inferentially based on the PM-3 and not guaranteed), boosting/cutting frequencies, ergonomics, etc. prior to official release. I’m sure if you’re not satisfied when you receive them that they will honor a return. But until I hear more people with official impressions reporting problems I am concerned with, I will wait, read, and listen once I get them.
(Edited)
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