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Showing 1 of 317 reviews about:
adeadcrab
258
Dec 12, 2019
checkVerified Buyer
Unique + A Good Deal
Some might call the build 'flmisy' or 'cheap'. I would call it aerodynamic and lightweight. Space age.
I wanted some time with these headphones before giving them a review, and I'm glad I did. Initially I thought they were decent, but not reference quality as they have a tonally dark sound signature. While it sounds phenomenal out of the box with older recordings and acoustic guitar-dominated records, it doesn't have neither the slam in the low-end, nor the tizzying highs (there is a headphone currently on Drop that does those things in spades. I'll let you guess which one).
The real magic, I found, came after watching a youtube review by Metal571 where they extolled the virtues of EQ on the 95x. I have been a lifelong skeptic of EQ, partly due to a warped pride in refusing software to 'fix' my headphones, partly laziness, and partly a sense of being overwhelmed by the choices presented to me through the EQ panel. Luckily, there is someone called 'Oratory' who has done most of the legwork. Here is their EQ settings -
https://www.dropbox.com/s/vpktmiuj5ogw67p/Koss%20ESP%3A95X.pdf?dl=0
This fixes much of what was lacking, although I've adjusted these numbers to lessen the big valleys between the midrange and the rest of the audio spectrum.
So, with that out of the way -
The 95x being electrostatic has unique staging and imaging qualities, thanks to the massive drivers and earcups. Compared to other headphones, it almost 'stretches' the image vertically. You get used to it quickly, and is probably my favourite headphone for live recordings where it replicates the space of a concert with ease.
The soundstage is quite good, doubly so with a Linear Power Supply to replace the stock wall wart, and doubly again using a preamp to feed the signal to the energizer. Speaking of the energizer, I have had to channel match with a sound level meter, only to find one of the channels has increased in volume on its own! I have them turned up nearly to the max on the energizer, using digital attenuation, so your mileage may vary. This is the main negative I've experienced.
Oh, you may experience some crackling noises from time to time. This was plaguing me for weeks, I even asked for a replacement unit (which Drop so kindly sent out before even receiving the defective unit) only to have the crackling persist. Eventually, I tried turning off both the energizer and the LPS at night, giving them a rest before the next day of listening to the 95x. This has worked for many months so I think that was the issue.
I also experienced ground loop hum, the energizer is susceptible to electrical intereference and turning off the motor in my motorized desk fixed this.
With these EQ tweaks and details to keep in mind I am now enjoying a reference-level electrostatic system. I may get some new earpads from Vesper down the line for a more premium fit and feel.
Thanks Koss and Drop for collaborating and giving members of the community this opportunity!
Recommends this product? Yes
adeadcrab
258
Dec 15, 2019
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gaurangpatkar23http://www.audio-gd.com/Pro/Headphoneamp/FUN/FUNEN.htm
Before their high distortion R2R days this was their flagship (2009). Good design and good sound. I've used it as headphone amp / preamp for years, with the AAA 789 it's relegated to preamp only. Upgraded its opamp to the burson V6 series, usually the neutral-sounding Burson Vivid.
unrealol
25
Dec 29, 2019
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adeadcrabI have tried oratorys EQ settings with several headphones so far and always steered back to using them stock.
The ESP 95X is the first one which takes the EQ like a champ!!! It sounds sooooo good, a lot better than stock (and I did use them stock for the first 30 hours or so and they sound great stock)
I agree all should try oratorys EQ settings with these. I cant imagine a better sounding headphone (for now atleast, dont wanna jinx it :D).
(Edited)
ManofTaste
4
Apr 9, 2020
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adeadcrabWhich linear power supply did you purchase? Inquiring minds want to know!
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