Non-detachable cable version, which I actually prefer. | So as far as the...

Mar 30, 2022

rbivgq1734Actually now that I think back, I haven't try the detachable cable version of E-Mu Teak yet. But the TR-X00 Ebony that I had the detachable plug is somewhat stiff, and it pokes out a lot also it's super microphonic. What that means is that when it rubs against your shirt you can hear the wires. The non-detachable version doesn't have this issue at all. Also I thought the E-Mu Teak plug was a bit ugly......... LOL. I hope they have updated since. Though right now I'm using D5200 which come with detachable cable stock anyway. So maybe my opinion have changed a bit since then lol.

Mar 30, 2022

Mar 30, 2022

HydeI was just curious as I have always been keen on being able to upgrade or remove the cable, go with different length etc. Thanks for getting back to me I was looking at getting a pair of these but alas it must wait I really do want the Dan Clark Aeon closed I really want to try some planars.

Mar 30, 2022

Mar 30, 2022

rbivgq1734If you want detachable cable version you can contact E-Mu directly and order from them. I've ordered from them in the past and it's same price. Though if you want Aeon closed then you can either wait for the Drop Aeon X Closed to go on sale or buy directly from DCA and order Aeon RT Closed which is exactly the same thing as Aeon X Closed. Though if you want Aeon 2 Closed or Aeon Noir then you can buy from many places LOL.

Mar 30, 2022

Mar 30, 2022

HydeOh my I am new to this honestly and was looking at the DROP + DAN CLARK AUDIO AEON CLOSED X HEADPHONES which are 479 right now. I started with some open backs and my wife cant stand them so I am now pretty much seeking closed backs. I get a small bonus this week and was going to get some Focal Elegias for 482 from amazon and the Dan Clarks here for 479. I was thinking this would be a nice spend of 1000 and I would get some nice cans. I appreciate your responses this hobby is very overwhelming and I am married with kids on a budget lol.

Mar 30, 2022

Mar 30, 2022

rbivgq1734LOL no problem, even though I've been in this hobby for a while the choices are still overwhelming LOL. But yes the DROP + DAN CLARK AUDIO AEON CLOSED X do go on sale from time to time so you could wait for that, and if you're impatient then Aeon RT which is exactly the same thing but cost a bit more but available all the time: https://danclarkaudio.com/aeon-rt-new-1.html Also don't buy Elegia from Amazon, get it from Adorama: https://www.adorama.com/fofelegia.html?sdtid=15462298&emailprice=t&sterm=QFPWCH11oxyIT5FR3iTg1UrOUkG2Nr2Jryxh3Q0&utm_source=rflaid62905 Problem with Elegia is that people complain it's bass lite, so it's highly recommended to order this with Elegia, except it add another $100. https://dekoniaudio.com/product/dekoni-audio-custom-series-replacement-ear-pads-for-focal-headphones/ Otherwise this is best ear pad for Elegia. And yes I am also married with kids so I don't even bother looking at open backs LOL.

Mar 30, 2022

Mar 30, 2022

HydeThe 6XX that are on here for 240 seem to be a pretty sweet deal, tons of praise from what I have read. Brother you just saved me 100 on the Focals so I can get the earpads now, you the man thank you. I tried my buddys clears out and just loved the build and design so the Elegias seemed like a good start since I cannot drop 1000 on some clears and never be able to listen to them. I don't mind doing some EQ'ing if they end up seeming light on bass. I started out with an Astell and Kern AK70 mkii and some HD599SEs and have a few players now and these 2 sets of headphones will be a sweet addition.

Mar 30, 2022

Mar 30, 2022

HydeI was looking at some Meze 99 classics but the reviews are so mixed I may end up trying the neos for 199 as research indicates they are the same besides walnut cups.

Mar 30, 2022

Mar 30, 2022

rbivgq1734Funny how I'm telling you to get Elegia but I actually haven't try it yet LOL. So when you do get it please let me know your impressions! HD6XX would've been amazing deal but too bad it's open back. We need closed back, so I end up buying Hifiman R7DX just to try for fun (I have big head lol). Meze 99 I heard it has very good timbre and bass just not as detailed as the other headphones you have listed. As for Neo (plastic cup) vs Noir (Walnut), personally I know from TH-X00 and E-Mu Teak that changing wood cup changes the sound a lot so I wouldn't be surprised if Neo and Noir sounded different. But Elegia and Aeon X Closed are probably a tier above so I think you might be good with just those 2 headphones first. Good luck and let me know how it goes! :)

Mar 30, 2022

Mar 31, 2022

HydeThank you I am going to place the order for the Elegias and new pads tomorrow and also pay for a new player I got the AK SA700. I will let you know how the Elegias work out. I read a lot of people who said the same thing about the 99s the wood shells and plastic having unique sound signatures just due to the shell. I still may get a pair later as they look very nicely built and a little bass can be fun for certain genres.

Mar 31, 2022

Apr 2, 2022

HydeOK they just arrived and initial impressions with stock pads is OH MY GOD there is no bass at all. I am hoping with the new pads it will help. The stock cable is not the best so I wanted to ask if you knew of a good upgrade cable, I am looking for it to terminate to a 2.5mm balanced so I can use the extra power of the output. Hopefully you know of a good one, thus far you have been invaluable. The pads are on the way odd both items came from Jersey but the pads are coming much slower.

Apr 2, 2022

Apr 2, 2022

rbivgq1734LOL yeah I heard the seal is pretty sensitive for Elegia, try re-position it on your head see if you can mange to get better seal for better bass. If not then uh....... might have to wait for your earpad LOL. As for balanced cable I got something like this: https://www.amazon.com/99-Series-2-5-Balanced-Cable/dp/B07FQ2BCK5/ref=sr_1_4?crid=E7V1Q8YNNB20&keywords=meze+balanced+cable&qid=1648931033&sprefix=meze+balanced+cable%2Caps%2C57&sr=8-4 Except I got the 4.4 mm version but it's same thing otherwise. Just make sure you select 2.5 mm on the option. Alternatively this also seems popular: https://www.amazon.com/NewFantasia-Balanced-Compatible-AH-D9200-Headphone/dp/B09TPFN3Q4/ref=sr_1_1_sspa?crid=E7V1Q8YNNB20&keywords=meze+balanced+cable&qid=1648931033&sprefix=meze+balanced+cable%2Caps%2C57&sr=8-1-spons&psc=1&spLa=ZW5jcnlwdGVkUXVhbGlmaWVyPUEzMzdFMjBVOE1CVkVGJmVuY3J5cHRlZElkPUEwMTE5OTU3M0gwV01VM045MFNMJmVuY3J5cHRlZEFkSWQ9QTA5NDc5MDUzQ0JIWUxaOU00RVlGJndpZGdldE5hbWU9c3BfYXRmJmFjdGlvbj1jbGlja1JlZGlyZWN0JmRvTm90TG9nQ2xpY2s9dHJ1ZQ== But I went with Meze only because it's a more known brand. Otherwise hopefully you'll get all the pieces soon then you can use it to its full potential LOL. Again keep me updated, thanks!

Apr 2, 2022

Apr 3, 2022

HydeI have another new fantasia cable and I like it so I think I may get that one, thank you very much. I have listened to them for an hour now and although the bass is lacking the staging and separation are great they sound very nice indeed.

Apr 3, 2022

Apr 4, 2022

HydeNew Fantasia balanced cable and the Dekoni pads arrive tomorrow, I will keep you posted.

Apr 4, 2022

Apr 4, 2022

rbivgq1734OHHHHHH looking forward to it, that sounds exciting lol. Oh which amp are you using by the way just out of curiosity?

Apr 4, 2022

Apr 4, 2022

HydeI have not got a DAC yet so far I am using DAPs primarily. I move around a lot and really love being able to just pick the player up and move. I have 3 Astell and Kern players, I am biased as my wife is Korean and I lived there a while. Plus If I say spend 500 I feel like my wife is just a little less pissed because Im boosting the GDP for her back home lol. All that being said I would like to get a DAC for my desk, but I am very scared. With just cans and DAPs I have been plenty confused. Do you have a recommendation? I would like to spend like 200 or so and get something with a different sound like a tube etc. The AK players tend to have a very analytical sound I would love something nice and warm. Look forward to your reply, Happy Monday I just realized the kids are home all week.

Apr 4, 2022

Apr 4, 2022

HydeOK the pads and cable came in and It did not take but a moment to notice the huge difference. I tried the pads first with the stock cable and you do get a nice push in the sub bass dept with them, a much better seal. Then the balanced cable and boom now I have bass and lots of head room. With the stock cable I was listening at like 135 - 140 out of 150 volume, now using the balanced 2.5 output and its 120 - 125 now, I really like to have extra headroom. So that's a pic of my cans in the closet nice and high away from kids and cats and sun. I found a pair of Meze Neos on eBay dirt cheap those arrive tomorrow, I really want to give them a try. The wireless cans I use for work and audiobooks aside from that I prefer wired. Anything with a battery will be junk in 10 years. Part of the reason I stick with AK players Is I know my wife can get them all serviced for me quiet easy. Two screws hold the screen enclosure nice and serviceable like old phones. I really do want a pair of the Dan Clark Aeon X closed, I am also eager to see what planars are all about. Looking forward to your reply my friend, I don't know anyone else that appreciates hifi like I do wife especially. LOL those were how much money? You know whats funny, she was all like what a waste of money. She plays piano and I gave her some Phillips Fidelio X2-HR for her digital and she was just fine. I let her hear my Lolas and the Focals and she was like oh my god these sound way better and also each have a unique sound and I was like yeah do you get it now. One pair is not enough and 400 bucks is cheap actually.

Sennheiser - HD599SE Wired
Sennheiser - PXC550-II Wireless
Master & Dynamic - MH40 Wired (Blue)
Master & Dynamic - MH40 Wired (Olive)
Master & Dynamic - MH40 Wireless (Blue)
Focal - Elegia Wired
Blue - Lola Wired
Blue - Sadie Wired
Fiio - FD1 - IEM

Apr 4, 2022

Apr 4, 2022

rbivgq1734LOL totally understand, anything to get the wife acceptance factor. I also try to sell the idea to my wife by telling her some of the gadget has nice design and look pretty LOL. I live in Canada but I'm from Taiwan actually, too bad audio wise there isn't too many cool things coming out of Taiwan maybe only the generic Realtek chips LOL. Though very good to hear the ear pad fixed the bass on your Elegia. And Astell and Kern makes good DAP so it's all good. By the way have you ever consider dongle dac? It can be used for phone or PC. If you want something different you could try Cayin RU6, it's R2R dac which is different than your typical AKM or ESS based chips. I was using it on my PC for a while as a desktop unit. But if you want something that's a desktop unit, then I've been told iFi Zen Dac V2 is pretty good, has balanced out too. You might actually be able to drive your Elegia directly from it. It has a 3V amp built in, which isn't very high but good enough for most easy to drive headphones. If you don't want to spend too much then they have iFi Zen Air Dac which is basically a stripped down version of the same thing so it doesn't have balanced, but single ended sound identical to the iFi Zen Dac V2. Just make sure you updated to newest firmware. I find it funny I'm recommending you all those gear I want to try but haven't buy yet LOL. And I see you have a nice collection there! Haha I wanted to buy Master and Dynamic MH40 before but it doesn't fit my head. The hinge doesn't rotate much. As for your wife, I think Elegia would be perfect for her piano. X2-HR is v shaped so it won't have much mids. Elegia is mid centric headphone so would be great for piano lol. So to recap, maybe read into these first: Cayin RU6 - R2R dongle dac, will work on phone and desktop iFi Zen Dac V2 - dac with built in amp (only 3V but should be ok to start, you can get another amp later) iFi Zen Air Dac - same as the above but strip out balanced stuff, only single ended Tubes..... will get back to you on those later LOL. I had some experience in tubes but not expert in it. You can read into Garage 1217 tube amps, their starter amp is Project Starlight, flagship is Project Ember, somewhere in between Project Solstice is like mini Ember. Website is not their strong suit but their amps are actually good. http://garage1217.com/ I tried Schiit Vali 2+ before while it's a good amp but doesn't sound too "tubey" in my opinion. Drop CTH seems popular too but also not very "tubey" I think..... Will get back to you on those later lol.

(Edited)

Apr 4, 2022

Apr 4, 2022

HydeYou dodged a bullet on the Master and Dynamics, I love them but got them cheap. They are bass heavy but not to bad but the wired ones are super heavy. I bought them because I love all metal stuff but I cannot wear them more than a few hours. I have to admit my vanity I wear them when I'm out as I think they look super cool. I got a blue and silver Dignis case from Korea and it matches perfectly.

Apr 4, 2022

Apr 5, 2022

HydeLet me recommend something for you. These are closed back they are very comfortable and sound great. For 99 you can't beat it you can tell it's just overstock. BLUE Lola Sealed Over-Ear Headphones Black https://www.amazon.com/dp/B016A8OUUQ/ref=cm_sw_r_apan_i_528ATP3K3WDHXMMGRXRC?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1

Apr 5, 2022

Apr 6, 2022

rbivgq1734Damn it does look really nice also the matching case too! It's ok just wear it for style lol. Talk about comfort, I got Hifiman R7DX recently and surprisingly......... I thought it's very loose clamp but maybe my head is simply too big. I find it a bit clampy and not super comfortable. Will check out Blue Lola but is it big head friendly? Though definitely find comfort is a very important factor these days. Also how do you like Elegia for comfort so far? Does it have a strong clamp force? Do you think it will be big head friendly? Thanks!

Apr 6, 2022

Apr 6, 2022

HydeSo as far as the Lolas go they will fit the head of a giant. It was really hard to get a photo of but trust me they get huge and articulate so well and in a few more directions than a normal headphone. For 100 you can't beat them, you have to trust me I bought the Focals and Dekonis because of you LOL. As far as the Focals go they are very large and honestly for my head a little loose. I was thinking about trying to bend the head band inward a bit but am super reticent. I am not sure if the headband is one contiguous piece of metal or what and do not want to break these. They are now my flagship cans if in price only. I feel like if they were just a tiny bit tighter as far as clamping I could get the perfect seal. Next for me will be the Dan Clark Aeon X closed and I would like a DAP from another company. I have that AK SA700 arriving tomorrow from Japan and that will be 4 AK players now. Wait my Activo CT-10 which is made by iRiver so its an AK same UI even so 5 really. Thinking of a few odd balls. I also had to get some more stands as I was out of space so the boxes have all been moved. I got some more Omega stands but a new company I will send a pic later of the setup. Just so you know I am actually usually quite poor lol but you caught me at an odd time. I got a bonus, sold 3 hand guns and a bunch of watch parts so I was quite flush. The money is gone what I was allowed to keep lol. Its back to saving away to try and get some new cans or player now. Oh snap the Mezes arrived yesterday and first impressions, they are gorgeous they are very light, very comfortable and really bass heavy. Cool thing is the cable I got from New Fantasia for the Focals works on the Mezes also. I am just sitting down at my work pc now and am going to give them some tome with Tidal and my SR25 and really check them out. Cayin - N3 Pro - it has tubes Questyle - QP2R Luxury & Precision L3 Pro Hiby - New R6 Fiio - M11

Apr 6, 2022

Apr 6, 2022

rbivgq1734Damn I think you know your DAPs better than me haha. And nice now you have a sizeable AK collection lol. Is your Meze the regular one (Meze 99 Classic) or is it the one from Drop (Meze 99 Noir)? I think the Drop version come with extra ear pads that's said to be better balanced (less bass heavy). If I remember correctly my head max out Meze's headband LOL. As for Blue Lola I think the sale only applies to US Amazon (I'm in Canada), I'll check to see later to see how much shipping and import tax will be. Though between Elegia and Lola how would you rate the sound quality between the 2? I didn't know anything about Blue Lola until I talk to you so I need to read into it a bit LOL. Otherwise sounds like you're building a nice collection very fast! :D

Apr 6, 2022

Apr 6, 2022

HydeIt is actually the Meze 99 Neo so they are not wood cups and only one set of pads like the normal 99 classics. They were open box 150 and I wanted to try Meze out as I watch Dank Pods on you tube and he loves Meze but I have also heard bad things. I like them very much so I may get a pair of the Walnut and Gold classics one day. Oh man Canada I forgot well at least look into them and maybe I could ship you a pair I mean I can drive to Windsor in 20 minutes lol. I would like to see you be able to try them as I think they fell under the radar as Blue makes microphones. The Elegia is upper echelon for sure and they are more neutral as well. let me say this though i have a buddy at work with a pair of Focal clears and I had him bring them in. My first thought was these don't sound 900 dollars better than my HD599SE's they sounded better and were made better but 900 umm not so sure. Me I am a variety is the spice of life kinda guy so I love to have options and have each be a little different. That being said I really think the Blues may be a sweet spot for you if we can get them for you at 99. They are closed they are very nice and they are huge.

Apr 6, 2022

Apr 6, 2022

HydeOh God what is wrong with me. Funny thing is all I can think is man the top shelf still has space.

Apr 6, 2022

Apr 7, 2022

rbivgq1734LOL totally understand, I think with headphone the sweet spot is around $300-400 then after that diminishing return hits hard. What I mean is that after that you'll be paying 2-3x more just to get 5%-10% better. Don't worry I get it that's also why I buy and sell a lot of try different things. As for Meze, I'd actually recommend you to buy the Noir 99 from Drop since it has extra ear pad that's said to be better than the current ear pad. So what happened is that the company that make ear pad for Meze back in the days either closed or doesn't make it anymore or something, so they had to switch to new manufacture and redesigned the ear pad. But the new pad doesn't sound as good as the old pad. So when they did the Drop collaboration it was asked to replicate an extra set of pads that's based on the original pad dimension. So Noir 99 come with original pad and new designed pad. The original pad is the smaller pad while the new designed pad is the bigger pad. lol don't worry I think the American Amazon (Blue Lola) still ship to Canada I just need to see if it's still worth it when factor in other costs. Though now I'm also eyeing the SIVGA SV021 that's also said to be very good for the price. https://drop.com/buy/sivga-sv021-headphones You can buy it else where too, but now we're getting more and more "cheap and good" options. I also got the Hifiman R7DX recently for $150 (Zeos has coupon to -$50) which is also VERY GOOD for the price. It rivals my D5200 which cost 3 times more. https://drop.com/buy/drop-hifiman-he-r7dx-closed-back-headphones I think it's a good thing now, more and more cheap and good options now, just...... too many choices LOL.

Apr 7, 2022

Vote

Apr 7, 2022

rbivgq1734At the back it's the Denon D5200 which is about equal to Focal Elegia's level.

Apr 7, 2022

Apr 7, 2022

rbivgq1734Oh forgot to say, yes I knew about Blue being microphone company. Rode (another microphone company) just recently released their first headphone the Rode NTH-100, which is suppose to be VERY GOOD also. Should check it out hahah. Basically the new recommended cheap and good list now composed of: Hifiman HE-R7DX Blon B60 SIVGA SV021 Rode NTH-100

Apr 7, 2022

Apr 7, 2022

HydeYou know I have the Sivgas in my cart they look beautiful and have great reviews and for the price they seem sweet. As for Blon and Rode I have not heard of either so I will have to look them up.

Apr 7, 2022

Apr 7, 2022

HydeThe Sivgas are the same price on amazon well for me and if you have prime that free one day shipping.

Apr 7, 2022

Apr 7, 2022

rbivgq1734Yeah too many choices..... But I think I *might* have to get Elegia first so my friend won't yell at me LOL. He's more "do the right thing, stop trying random brands" kind of guy. But SIVGA is very tempting lol.

(Edited)

Apr 7, 2022

Apr 8, 2022

HydeI was looking at those Hifimans but I had read a few bad things about the build, how do they feel? Ok the Noirs sound much better are they still here on Drop? Ooh those Denons look very nice I have never even looked into Denon as when I see a pair they are always north of 1000. You are very right about the diminishing returns I think you haver it spot on and in fact as a watch collector also I feel that logic applies to most luxury type accessories.

Apr 8, 2022

Apr 8, 2022

rbivgq1734Yeah 99 Noir is from Drop, currently out of stock hopefully they'll bring it back soon. The Hifiman to be honest I thought build was fine, I didn't have any issue and it's pretty solid. Only thing is that some people find it only fit people with big head, so you might need to bend the headband inward a bit to make it tighter. But I have big head so this is not a problem LOL. Denon I got the lowest model (D5200) so it's cheaper, the higher models (D7200, D9200) will cost more lol. 2 Black Friday ago or so there was a sale on D5200 and many have bought it. If you look around you might still be able to find people selling off their D5200 from that sale. But yeah definitely too many choices at this point lol.

Apr 8, 2022

Apr 8, 2022

HydeUsed cans ahh I don't know that's such a gamble. I got these Mezes open box from a stereo store. Open box can be sweet but straight used can be tricky. Maybe the Denons will go on sale again. I really like having the box to for some reason, my HD599 SEs came in amazons frustration free package so I am missing a box for my Sennheiser's. Hmm I need to look for a pair of the noirs you have me curious and honestly these Mezes are just a fun listen. They are so light and sound great to me. All my life I have been a collector of handguns and watches, coins all kinds of stuff but I have always hated snobs. I feel like either I am too humble or just lack the refinement that is necessary lol. That being said there is this dude from Singapore on YouTube and he really dislikes Meze. I feel like half of the headphone guys I follow are firmly planted in the snob category. After listening for 5 or so hours I do not think these cans deserve most of the flack I have seen them get.

Apr 8, 2022

Apr 8, 2022

rbivgq1734Uh I find if you buy used then when selling back you won't lose too much money. That way you can keep buying and selling without too much loss. If you buy new all the time you'll lose more money. Most of my headphones are used but they come with box and original packaging, just make sure the previous owner took good care of them. But yeah the big thing about Noir is the extra pair of ear pad. I mean it's still preference so you might still like the other pad. But from what I've read most seems to like the original pad, so it's good to have both to compare. And youtube...... lol yeah really need to pick and choose. I realize not everyone have same taste as me so their opinion will be different. There has been headphones that's so hyped and I thought was disappointing and also headphones people don't like which I thought was quite good. After sometime you'll get a better idea of who to trust also what your preference are. :D

Apr 8, 2022

Apr 8, 2022

HydeWhats really crazy are the uber expensive IEMs like A&K make a bunch that are all crazy expensive. I only have one pair of IEMs, I just like cans better. But I just don't get how some tiny little IEMs can cost like 1000 or 2000 or even more. I am more of a collector so I don't plan on selling any, maybe a pair of MH40s as I have 2 of the wired. I am going to save a search for the Noir I really like my Mezes.

Apr 8, 2022

Apr 9, 2022

rbivgq1734lol yeah I mean...... headphones can go up to $5000 or more, so I wouldn't be surprised. But yes maybe look for a Noir first lol. And yes you probably don't need that many MH40s LOL.

Apr 9, 2022

Apr 20, 2022

rbivgq1734Oh I don't know if you ordered Aeon Closed X yet but it's back on Drop at a sale price. https://drop.com/buy/drop-dan-clark-audio-aeon-closed-x-headphones If you want to snag one now is the time LOL.

Apr 20, 2022

Apr 20, 2022

HydeDayum bro 400 now wow, thank you brother. Just got my first crown and it was not cheap, it will have to wait but I still want these in a very bad way.

Apr 20, 2022

Apr 20, 2022

HydeOk bro the Sivgas came in and these are a steal for 150 they sound great and are oh so comfortable. I have reason to believe they will fit a big head as they fit me without any extension of the headband. LOL the first pair of cans I have gotten where the stock cable is great as well wish Focal was like that lol. These are so nice for 150, worth every penny for sure. Next I am shooting for the Dan Clarks. That AK player I bought was defective it just kept crashing and freezing so I had to send it back which really sucks as It was very nice otherwise but just a paperweight if it cant play reliably.

Apr 20, 2022

Apr 23, 2022

rbivgq1734LOL damn now the SIVGA is looking more and more appealing. I think slowly my preference has shift from sound to more focus on comfort. This will sound crazy but....... I find R7DX clamp a bit high LOL. So I started looking for headphone with very low spring weight. I even wonder if I should just pick up Koss KPH40. But SIVGA is looking very good too. Though I should really sell my Mojo 2 first, been spending too much money need to recoup some back. Too bad about the AK player but hopefully you get to have your money back or could they fix it for you? Or you just returned it? I've also ordered xDuoo Link2 Bal, wanted to see what the hype is all about. Too many purchases the collection is adding up fast LOL. Also now "cheap and good" is more readily available so it's so easy to buy more things LOL.

Apr 23, 2022

Apr 25, 2022

HydeOut of the pairs I have the Mezes and the Sivgas seem to have the lowest clamping force but I would describe both as not the most balanced or technical headphones they are more fun I would say. The Elegias are great but I tend to be using them for strings and classical which I don't listen to a ton. For pop and prog rock and the like I tend to like more fun headphones with a little more warmth and bass. I will also say the Elegias are not my favorite in terms of comfort the feel heavy and big and the headband is not contiguous so I cannot bend them inward at all. The cord was so awful for them as well I took it and wrapped around a coke can and hit it with the heat gun and now it isn't stuck full of 90 degree bends lol. I think for 150 you could not go too wrong with the Sivgas or for 300 the Mezes which do feel that much more premium and I don't even have the Walnut cups. So you have a Chord Mojo, those are pricey. You don't use it anymore? What was your primary use case for it? So this xDuoo Link2 Bal you will use from your pc or phone as the DAC and amp and then to your cans? I guess since I use a DAP I have never needed one of these however the I was looking at a Fiio BTR5 but I guess I really have no use for something like this I have just heard great things about it. I have returned the AK700 to Japan I will get 650 back and will get one state side for 1000 but its new and has a warranty. I know It is an older unit but I like the build a lot and I cannot afford an Ultima and the only other player I would want is the SR25 mkii but I have the mki and well all I would get is a 4.4 and I have no cans that terminate to that. I guess for 1000 I could get a Fiio M1 Pro or something else, hmm... Hope all is well and Happy Monday.

Apr 25, 2022

Vote

Apr 25, 2022

rbivgq1734Yeah I think I like fun signature more, so in this case maybe SIVGA is more to my taste. Meze I demoed it once and it sounded good but doesn't fit my head (the band extension doesn't go far enough). So at this rate maybe I can abandon buying Elegia and just get SIVGA later. As for dac, I've sold the Mojo 2 already and xDuoo Link2 Bal is on the way. I mainly use it on my PC as desktop dac but I like the convenience of auto turn on when my computer is on (usb powered) and also volume control from PC keyboard (source volume). Kind of why I stuck to dongle even though I could've used a desktop unit. Just like the convenience of it lol. Also it's ok I've come to realize sometimes newer is not better, it's really just what your preference / taste is. So as long the unit fits your needs then it's the right one for you. :D

Apr 25, 2022

May 10, 2022

rbivgq1734https://drop.com/buy/massdrop-x-meze-99-noir-closed-back-headphones Oh Drop Noir is back too, LOL it's like they just keep coming.

May 10, 2022

May 10, 2022

HydeOh man I saw this morning and I just bought some hifiman r9ds for 599 lol. I really want these so I'll have to make something happen. What's funny are the losers on eBay selling there crusty pairs for 260 tisk tisk. Thank you for the heads up my friend.

May 10, 2022

May 10, 2022

rbivgq1734Ohhhhh let me know how it goes. I am really enjoying the R7DX, R9 is said to be similar technology but better. But yes I really want Noir too but too bad they don't fit my head (tried 99 Classic at store, didn't work LOL). Lots of fun ahead of you. :D EDIT: I impulse bought E-Mu Walnut, will let you know later how it goes lol.

(Edited)

May 10, 2022

May 10, 2022

HydeLol I was looking at those or the R9D or the Denon AH-D5200 Headphones for 699. I went with the R9Ds as I have the Deva Pros and can use the bluetooth module on the R9Ds also.

May 10, 2022

May 10, 2022

rbivgq1734Just realized you have the Denons lol. You compared them to the Elegias right so maybe better I got the R9Ds, I am very excited I have heard great things.

May 10, 2022

Vote

May 10, 2022

rbivgq1734lol good choice, I have the D5200 and in comparison feels very "closed headphone". R7DX feels more like "open headphone". Again I expect R9 to be an upgrade from R7DX. So based on this I'm assuming R9 > R7DX > D5200. And this is coming from a long term Denon/Fostex fan that have tried almost all of their lineup lol.

May 10, 2022

May 10, 2022

HydeI will let you know once I give them a good trial, I don't believe in burn in myself so after a few hours of listening to different tracks I will have an opinion.

May 10, 2022

May 10, 2022

HydeThose D5200s look really good to me though with the brown and silver they just look great.

May 10, 2022

May 10, 2022

rbivgq1734lol looking forward to your impression! And yes if you're talking strictly about design / build quality.....etc. Then Denon wins no contest LOL.

May 10, 2022

May 11, 2022

HydeJust ordered the Mezes I am selling a pocket watch I restored to recoup some of the costs. The Hifimans and the Mezes is almost 1000 what is wrong with me lol.

May 11, 2022

May 11, 2022

rbivgq1734LOL you've been bit by the audiophile bug. :P On the other hand I'm going cheaper and cheaper....... LOL. After $150 R7DX now I'm buying the $79 E-Mu Walnut....... LOL.

May 11, 2022

May 13, 2022

HydeThey arrived today and first impressions are they are enormous like the cups are just huge. I have a small head so they look comical on me. Looks mean nothing to me really and I like the red although they are finger print magnets for sure. They are extremely light and ultra comfortable for sure. I need a few hours with you as far as sound but they are on par with the Elegia so far although a different sound signature.

May 13, 2022

May 13, 2022

rbivgq1734LOL yeah the pads are huge even for me, I realize it's just the hinge is designed on R7DX so the more I extend it the closer it clamps (although it gets longer band at top). But yeah R7DX benefit from burn in so I'd assume R9 is the same, let it run for a few hours before critical listen lol. Let me know how it goes later haha.

May 13, 2022

May 13, 2022

HydeI am pretty new so I am no expert. I had believed burn in was kinda bs but you think its legit? Does it matter what is played does it have to be a sweeping sine wave or something or just music for a few hours, oh what volume also? So far my impressions are good but they sound a bit dark to me so let get them burned in.

May 13, 2022

May 13, 2022

HydeLol these are never leaving the house, my wife let out an audible laugh when I first donned them. What I find most surprising is these as well as the Deva Pros with the R2R sound almost exactly as good when I am running the balanced cable which is awesome like the volume output and everything. I was attracted to the fact that these can be run with stereo on each connection or balanced from the left or with bluetooth its nice.

May 13, 2022