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PopZeus
386
Jun 2, 2017
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Jump on this if you can afford them, guys. They're fantastic headphones. Great soundstage for being semi-open/closed. Brilliant when paired with the Grace m9xx (or m900).
Jun 2, 2017
Scimo
14
Jun 2, 2017
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PopZeusCant agree more. I have a concero HP and these two are perfect match. Excellent headphones with rich sound. Even better if u invest in a better cable. Definitely a bargain at $499......
Jun 2, 2017
Uzuzu
1431
Jun 3, 2017
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ScimoThese headphones are just okay. The same goes for every th series headphone. For closed they are decent for soundstage but are easily beaten by some others in terms of clarity. I would say the biggest merit these headphones have is in their sheer lightweight. Any open headphone destroys these in soundstage and clarity, whilst any closed is better for isolation. I used to really enjoy these types of headphones but I can stand them less and less after more and more listening. Even the k7xx sounds much better than these, IMHO.
Jun 3, 2017
Scimo
14
Jun 3, 2017
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UzuzuThese are valid points uzuzu. Switching from noble iems (savant) i wanted more clarity out of this hp initially. Then i did a cable upgrade (check out those oppo pm2 compatible occ cables), things start to improve drastically. I also bought the detomi sheepskin pads and mod the ring inside the original pads with some foam sheet available in dollar store. So the total cost for me is closer to $599 instead of $499. I listen to a lot of jazz and i found it a very good fit with the teak. I also listen to quite a bit of metal and rock. I do find teak perform the best with jazz. I wonder what dac/amp combo you use? The concero hp and the grace mxx are relatively detailed dac which help the clarity. I also tried the teak with my other dac, dx80, which is no where as good . So i guess the dac you use matters a lot too.
Jun 3, 2017
Scimo
14
Jun 3, 2017
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UzuzuFor comparison, i have the philips x2 and the m50x. The x2 is a neutral hp, and i found the teak way more musical and impactful compare to the x2. M50x is not in the same league imo. Of course the x2 costs only $299 and the m50x is under $200.
Jun 3, 2017
PopZeus
386
Jun 3, 2017
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Uzuzu"Just okay" seems reductive. If clarity and soundstage is all you're looking for, then you should look for a different solution. Instead go with a set of open-back planars or the k7XX (which I've never heard so I can't say). Some also seem to rank their HD6XX a higher than the TH-X variants, but only when properly apmed of course. For people like me who love their (classic, punk, hard and metallic) rock, some pop and a good chunk of hip-hop, this tuning might be more satisfying. Tuning preference is really a subjective calculation, and no one can really say how much it matters to the listener except themselves.
Jun 3, 2017
Yakov
1420
Jun 3, 2017
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PopZeusNothing is good enough for Uzuzu.
Jun 3, 2017
Uzuzu
1431
Jun 3, 2017
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YakovOf course it isn't. That is why there are new headphones always being released and people out their pioneering new technologies and innovations. I currently own 10 full size headphones and am constantly swapping them. It's a curse, but each has their flaw.
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Jun 3, 2017
Uzuzu
1431
Jun 3, 2017
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PopZeusOf course listening is subjective, these headphones sound good I never said they didn't. Objectively speaking however they aren't an end-all if you're an audiophile.
Jun 3, 2017
amoeba1126
460
Jun 3, 2017
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UzuzuNot trying to ruffle feathers, but my honest reaction to this statement is...
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As for the previous statement you made, of course they are going to sound "just okay" to someone who prefers more laid back and neutral headphones. Every headphones, even those in the high end spectrum have strengths and weaknesses and when the focus is on their weaknesses, even top tier headphones are “just okay” in comparison. That’s like saying there are headphones that:
- Destroy the HD800 in bass - Destroy the LCD-2 in treble accuracy and soundstage
The E-MU Teak (and all related variants) is what it is; a nice looking efficient "closed" headphones that are exciting to listen to and can actually be used in an office environment, unlike say the K7XX or HD6XX. Hell, you don't even need an amp like you would with both those headphones. Personally, I think the K7XX sounds like crap in comparison when it comes to actually enjoying music. Then again, I also hate the HD800, so there is that.
Personally, I just switch between the HD650 and TH-X00 depending on what song I am listening to.
Jun 3, 2017
PopZeus
386
Jun 3, 2017
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UzuzuYou're essentially arguing (or it sounds like you're saying) that the gap between "just okay" and "totl" is as wide as the difference between "utter crap" and "just okay" and I don't agree, mostly because I don't think of these cans as just okay. At least that's how you sound with your words. To me, they sound great because I think this tuning is exceptional, response is liquid smooth and I have little use for more clarity.
Also, I feel like I'm catching weird elitist overtones in how you talk about this stuff. Like, somehow I'm not a "real audiophile" if I'm not interested in something more/else than the E-MU Teak. How is that productive to the hobby? I'd rather be inclusive so that more people get into it and not turn my nose down at people's enthusiasm. Given the laws of diminishing returns, the difference between an old beater pair of Sony MDR V6 and the Teaks are much greater than Teaks and whatever $1500 totl headset is the current industry darling, what's the point of erring on the side of exclusivity?
Jun 3, 2017
Uzuzu
1431
Jun 4, 2017
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amoeba1126That's basically what I said to you.
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Jun 4, 2017
Uzuzu
1431
Jun 4, 2017
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PopZeus I never compared these headphones to TOTL headphones. I just said they aren't an end-all for audiophiles. End-all doesn't necessarily mean TOTL and I for one am someone who advocates that mid-fi is all you need. And I also believe that non-neutral headphones are not audiophile headphones. Doesn't mean there is anything wrong with them. In fact I enjoy warm, "fun" signatures. Enjoying the music is all that matters. I never once said anything about top tier headphones, though... an hd600 amped right is a good end-all in the audiophile because it's true to the source and great to listen to. Anything you can essentially monitor with is going to work as an end-all, for its respective price range. But let me clarify my words' meaning to you. For a mid-fi headphone this headphone is outclassed in terms of functionality and performance by tons of other mid-fi headphones, including several that are fractions of the cost. Even if you like a neutral sound, or a v shaped sound or a mid centric pair of cans, it doesn't matter. There's something out there better for the same or less money. I have nothing against this headphone in fact I own one from the first batch, but why defend it to such an extent?
Jun 4, 2017
mattris
1260
Keyboard Club Member
Jun 4, 2017
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Uzuzu"Any open headphone destroys these in soundstage and clarity"
I'm not sure what you mean by "clarity", but that statement is not accurate in the slightest. Some open headphones have uneven, unrealistic, narrow, or too-wide of a soundstage.
And considering peoples' varying expectations, experiences, knowledge, and priorities regarding headphones, the definition of what "better" is will vary substantially.
I'm curious to see your list of "tons of other mid-fi headphones" that outclass the Teak "in terms of functionality and performance... including several that are fractions of the cost".
Jun 4, 2017
DeathValleyCow
28
Jun 4, 2017
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mattrisLadies, ladies, please put the panties back there's no need to fight over preferences
Jun 4, 2017
PopZeus
386
Jun 4, 2017
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UzuzuI was just using TOTL as an example. The point being the last bit of refinement at the upper end of this hobby is fighting over 5% of the territory. As far as your notion that true audiophiles demand purely neutral tuning? Again, tuning preferences are subjective. Even prioritizing "detail" or "clarity" over other sound qualities can be a sign of treble tuning preference. And basing any elitist standard on agreement with one's purely subjective opinion, well I have no use for that kind of thinking. Also I want a streamlined chain without having to deal with amps and tubes. Happy to NOT be a true audiophile in your eyes!
Jun 4, 2017
DJAT
299
Jun 5, 2017
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PopZeusFor Electro, EMU. Second choice as Senn HD6XX is not bad either, though EMU more comfy for me (Senn to clampy). I have both, and the He400i too. I think I love em all for different moods and purposes.
I WILL though say that for an EDM listener like myself, the Fostex/Denon/EMU are very close to End-game in closed/semi-closed backs. The bass they deliver, nothing else does. Texture, speed, quantity, quality...
WHY? Cuz the TH900 trumps all: http://earphiles.org/2017/04/totl-closed-headphone-shoot-out/
AND
An industry pro likes these EMU over the TH900: https://www.innerfidelity.com/content/survey-foster-443742-variants-subjective-listening-tests-denon-ah-d5000-massdrop-fostex-th
Knock yourselves out.
Jun 5, 2017
Quimet93
51
Jun 5, 2017
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DJATI also have He400i and DT770. I'm getting E-MU teak to have a better "Closed" set to enjoy music and games.
Jun 5, 2017
DJAT
299
Jun 5, 2017
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Quimet93Good. The best part about these is... I often confuse sounds... it feels like they coming from outside lol. For an almost closed can (cuz it's not 100% closed anyhow), the soundstage is stunning.
Jun 5, 2017
Uzuzu
1431
Jun 6, 2017
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Quimet93they are semi-opens not closed. they have ports, bro. The he400i has better bass than the teaks with the right pads. the treble from the teaks are still shrill at times as well. It's midrange might be closer but its the same th-600 driver afterall.
Jun 6, 2017
Quimet93
51
Jun 6, 2017
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UzuzuThat's why i said "Closed".
Jun 6, 2017
DJAT
299
Jun 7, 2017
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UzuzuUhhhhh I dont think so. I've tried all kinds of pads on the He400i. The Teaks can't be beat. I tried angled Hm5 leather, Hifiman's own pleather, and there's something else I use as the best pads for the Hifiman. Bass... is still best on the EMU.
Infact, Bass= EMU>HD6XX>He400i.
Yeah, even with the velour pads, HD6XX has more bass, and even more texture than He400i.
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Jun 7, 2017
Uzuzu
1431
Jun 8, 2017
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DJAThd650 bass sounds more fun to me than the Teaks. Actually all the headphones in your picture do lol. Try th600/900 pads on the he400is. Stock th600/900 pads, no other pads work. Suddenly the 400i has subbass that can be felt, nice highs and a lush midrange. Seriously it's probably my favorite thing.
Jun 8, 2017
DJAT
299
Jun 8, 2017
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UzuzuYes I am using pleather pads now, although not Fostex yet. The x00/610/emu pads failed on the Hifiman. They mess with the sound to its detriment. The Hifiman pleather pads were too tight... I actually gave my emu those for now. The only pads i find resolving are... drum roll please... Steelseries Siberia pleather pads lol. $6 pads... and they worked the best for me. Yes that subbass you talk about, appears.
Are you suggesting open inner circle pads by Fostex? The original pads? Cuz the oval inside are meh.
Jun 8, 2017
Uzuzu
1431
Jun 9, 2017
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DJATYes as I said Stock 600/900 pads. Not the x00 pads, those suck on a hifiman. Nothing changes except bass impact is better and you can better feel the subbass as well. it's nice. Still sounds well balanced too. Also not as tight as the hifiman pads and aren't too loose either.
Jun 9, 2017
PopZeus
386
Jun 9, 2017
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DJATI owned the 400i as well and sold them almost immediately. No pad swap is going to give me the increase in bass quantity that I was looking for. One might get better sub-bass extension with new pads but it's nothing like the E-MU Teak no matter how many times anyone says so. That's a non-starter of an argument from Uzuzu and proves how subjective this hobby is.
Jun 9, 2017
DJAT
299
Jun 9, 2017
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PopZeusYes. Nothing will do bass like E-MU/Fostex X00/Denon X000/Fostex T50RP clan. Even STAX fail there. Even Focal Utopia/Elear or anything at that high a price tier. Maybe ZMF Eikon but from what I've heard, they don't have that layering or quantity. Indeed, though I love what my He400i have become, I don't have them for the bass slam. It's simply something they can't do. I don't think it's even subjective PopZeus... you're right. It's not what the Hifiman will do compared to these bass bangers.
Jun 9, 2017
Uzuzu
1431
Jun 10, 2017
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PopZeusDunno man. The teaks aren't even all the bassy. They have the least bass of any of the fostex X00 family and were tuned for balance... There isn't great layering as the separation is just above average... I don't know. I really can't believe anyone would say the teaks have much quantity of bass. I mean it's just a bit more than neutral and most moderately coherent closed sets have that quantity at least. The headphone just doesn't sound coherent enough for me though with it's sharp highs and slightly recessed midrange. But I'm into mid-centric headphones for the most part (that still do bass), or headphones that are neutral with extreme detail. For example I like the Ether Cs despite their midrange and believe me they are in every way superior to the teaks... but I can't deal with the weight. Please somebody buy my teaks, I'll even clean mod 2.5mm japanese disconnects on them for extra
Jun 10, 2017
jrjr
29
Jun 10, 2017
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UzuzuEther Cs are 3 times the price of these...not a fair comparison
Jun 10, 2017
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