Click to view our Accessibility Statement or contact us with accessibility-related questions
An audiophile becomes an engineer - and why you wind up with more than one headphone
(..and possibly speakers and components)
I recently considered selling a couple of my headphones since they were collecting a bit of dust and not seeing as much action. As much as I like most of my headphones, I was sticking with a couple based on the genre or how the music is presented. For jazz, classical and music that have a common emphasis across the spectrum, I wind up using the Hifiman HE1000se. For music with more dynamics or vocals, I tend to use the Utopia.
During one of my previous post about needing to invest in complementary DAC/AMP combo, @Paullieb213 commented about compatibility and that resonated with me. Being an audiophile is experiential but takes on multiple dimension when you become a perfectionist, looking for more appealing sound and arguably emotional responses. That is, you wind up looking at the entire setup as a whole from the audio source to individual components, cabling, and testing the variations.
To take it a step further, and infinitely more complicated, each of our individual tastes can be vastly different than the next.
My Denafrips Ares DAC arrived today, and it accentuated the analog and fluidity of my tube amp, a Woo WA22 with Tung-Sol 5998 power tubes, Tung-Sol 6sn7GTB drivers, and Sophia Princess rectifier. I'm using Mogami XLRs, WAudio power cords and a Furman power conditioner. The Utopia is using silver plated XLR cable. The combination is heavenly as I play Ritual (Tiesto/Jonas Blue/Rita Ora), Hurricanes (Dido), and Find U Again (Mark Ronson/Camila). Completely lost in the cosmic soup of vibrations.
The Denafrips replaced the Gustard X22, which has been my workhorse with the WA22. While warmer in sound, the Denafrips soon won me over with the transparent openness and linear dynamic rendition. I suspected the HE1000se and the HD820, which are clinical and can edge on sibilance with certain tracks, would pair well with the Denafrips. I was right and the warmer and more fluid presentation from the DAC made the headphones more pleasant and enjoyable.
There isn't a perfect headphone for me. The more neutral sounding headphones allow me to fish/look for the music in it's rendition, such as the HE1000, LCD-X, and the Ether CX. The Utopia and the LCD4 just want to give it to me whether i wanted or not; perfect for tracks with more edgy dynamics.
In the end, I don't consider myself an analytical listener and certainly don't prefer headphones that are too clinical. While I'm sticking to my headphone preference, I found new appreciation for tinkering my setup, from hypothesis to actual listening, to find incremental and improved experience. (Or simply just new ones)
I am a audiophilic engineer.. or something like that
(Edited)
search
close
Sort by: Newest
keyboard_arrow_downLet’s get the conversation started!
Be the first to comment.
Related Posts
storyboardtech
Finding your groove: getting into vinyl with Audio-Technica
I’d like to think that I could’ve been friends with the late Hideo Matsushita, founder of Japanese Hi-Fi powerhouse Audio-Technica. If I could, I’d travel back in time to 1960’s Tokyo, where a young Matsushita curated “vinyl listening sessions” at the Bridgestone Museum of Arts, exposing visitors to the sounds and possibilities of high end audio and the warmth of vinyl records. I imagine sitting with him in a mod coffee shop, listening to the stories of what he witnessed in those sessions, the conversations he had with visitors, and what ultimately motivated him to head back to his small apartment above a ramen restaurant and start an audio company of his own. In the histories I’ve read regarding AT’s humble beginnings, Matsushita’s motives seem clear. Produce high end audio at affordable prices, bringing audio excellence into spaces and to customers that simply didn’t have access to it before. His first two products, the AT-1 and AT-3 phono cartridges did exactly that, and...
Dec 6, 2023
bill.davies
BMR2 discounts for BMR1 owners
How about providing a BMR2 discount for BMR1 owners? Most of the "improvements" in the next gen should really have been there in the first which was a pretty big disappointment for most of us.
Dec 3, 2024
Trending Posts in Audiophile
drPOGI
DROP BMR1 Broken?
Can anyone help me with this? Went away for dinner and came back home to my speakers making this static sound(Video Link). Its like this both in Line In and Bluetooth mode. These speakers were super super hot but I was told that it was normal for it to be this way. Sucks that literally I am just about two months out of the 1 year warranty :/ If anyone can help me that'd be great.
Dec 3, 2024
Thecricbet9
Experience Real Thrills with Cricbet99 Live Cricket Bets
Cricket, often called the "gentleman's game," has evolved into one of the most exciting sports globally, captivating millions of fans. With the rise of online sports betting, fans now have the opportunity to elevate their passion for cricket to new heights. Cricbet99 offers a thrilling and immersive live cricket betting experience, making it the ultimate platform for sports enthusiasts who want to combine their love for cricket with the excitement of live wagering. At Cricbet99, the thrill of cricket betting goes beyond just placing a bet; it’s about feeling the adrenaline rush as the game unfolds in real-time. Whether you’re a seasoned bettor or a newcomer, Cricbet99 provides a user-friendly interface designed to cater to all levels of experience. The platform’s live betting feature allows you to place wagers as the action happens on the field, bringing you closer to the game than ever before. Every ball bowled, every run scored, and every wicket taken creates a new opportunity to...
Nov 28, 2024
UlaUla
How to customize a Samsung ringtone for each contact
Personalizing your phone with Samsung ringtones for each contact is a great way to make your mobile experience more enjoyable and functional. Whether it's to distinguish an important call from a banal call or to give a personal touch to each interaction, customizing Samsung ringtones allows you to organize and better manage your calls. In this article, we will explain how to easily customize a ringtone for each contact on your Android and iPhone phone, using Samsung ringtones. Download the list of free phone ringtones samsung from the website: https://sonnerie.tel/samsung/ Why customize Samsung ringtones for each contact? 1. Save time and productivity Knowing immediately who is calling you thanks to a specific ringtone for each contact allows you to react more quickly. This is particularly useful in a professional setting or to efficiently manage your schedule. 2. Improve personal organization Assigning specific ringtones to groups of contacts (friends, family, colleagues)...
Nov 27, 2024
discoverymart
What is a headphone in a computer?
A headphone in a computer is an audio device used for private sound output, often with a built-in microphone for communication. It connects via wired or wireless methods and is commonly used for listening to audio, gaming, or online calls. https://discoverymart.net/
Nov 26, 2024
Goach
I had a good experience with Drop. Thank you Drop.
Impressive warranty service. Real quick. I needed to return my 6xx for a buzzing in the right speaker. I inquired with the manufacturer regarding the two year warranty and was batted around a couple of times before being directed back to Drop. Drop then covered the warranty even though it was a couple of days past the purchase date of the warranty’s terms. I’m not stating you will have the same results. I initiated the claim prior to expiration. I was issued an rma, I returned my unit and had a new unit two weeks later. Thank you Drop. Another happy customer. I’m not a bot. Send me any puzzle and I’ll complete it.
Nov 24, 2024
Drop Refurbished
Like-new products you can trustDrop Rewards
Get $5 for every 500 points you earn! Learn more
Drop Keyboard Club
Become a member and expand your keycap collectionFollow Drop