Edit: Apparently you are not looking to buy a tube amp but rather a conceptual discussion of why people >buy different products. You can ignore this post then.
Correct, I already have tube amps, OTL, hybrid, etc and solid state amps fed by expensive DACs, Hugo2 and so on that feed expensive headphones. Trust me, I am not living my life by a value judgement ledger sheet. The question of where the costs lie was in response to seeing a guy produce $400 works of art in his garage vs. multi-thousand dollar tube units. Given these are analog circuits, I was simply curious if there is a technical reason for the cost difference or if it is more of audio and sound reproduction as an art form. And that is all fine. If I had the money I’d add a Veyron to my already crowded garage of unnecessary vehicles. But that is a different thread.
For anyone interested, check our Mr. Carlson’s look at a Bogen tube amp, complete with schematics review, for a deeper dive into tube amp construction → https://youtu.be/sFixQdPw1Xk
-Cheers
I don’t know the exact post you are referring to but the one about the custom built Bottlehead Crack had about $400 just for his labor cost. The cost of the amp itself was additional.
I read a while back where one of the high-end equipment manufacturers said that 1/3 the cost of his units was in cosmetics. If I remember correctly he said that when you get to a certain price point people expect equipment to “look like high end equipment” and if you try to save cost and use plain cosmetics the units just don’t sell.
So $1,000 of that $3,000 unit could just be fancy metalwork.
Of course there are always exceptions. Some of the darling units here look to me like they are made of scavenged parts but sometimes people will buy just for performance.
I do not own multi thousand dollar tube amplifiers. However, of my headphone amplifier collection, nine are hybrid headphone amplifiers, and three are tube headphone amplifiers, none of them costing more than $1,200.
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The one that brings me the most joy out of all twelve of these amplifiers is the Darkvoice 336SE once I got past it’s quirks like extra long tube burn in to remove buzzing. The Darkvoice 336SE only cost me $200 priced matched to the Massdrop price at the time. My best tube amp is the $1,200 Ray Samuels Emmeline II The Raptor, with no quirks and works out of the box with no buzzing. The Raptor definitely sounds higher end and sometimes I prefer it’s sounds but at other times I am VERY content and enjoy the Darkvoice. The Darkvoice is my favorite value headphone amplifier that I have purchased that contains a tube. I am really having a difficult time understanding that I only paid two bills for it.
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So, I think I am indirectly adding information that applies to your question partly by sharing my experience with an inexpensive tube headphone amplifier that creates so much joy.
Do many around here use different headphones for different genres? If so, what are the differentiating factors? What is your favorite classical headphone vs. rock music headphone? Assuming they’re different, of course.
The genesis here is I am trying to figure out what would be the ultimate (yes, loaded and impossible but whatever) headphones for classical music. Same for Jazz?
I have a combination of specialist and all-rounder headphones. The all-rounders are the Focal Clear and the HD 600.
For classical, jazz, and other music with acoustic instruments, I typically use my HD 800 SDR. The resolution and the vast, open, and airy soundstage - for headphones - make these ideal for orchestral works, in particular. Even though the HD 800 (S) are routinely seen as being good for classical music, they can work well with other genres, depending on the track, your preferences, and what it is you’re looking for in the sound. There are several rock songs that I love out of these headphones.
I sometimes prefer the timbre of the HD 600 for certain kinds of acoustic music, including vocals and strings.
I use the LCD2-Classic for some electronic music - I think the Clear are better here, typically - but these Audeze headphones are great for fatigue-free, end-of-long-day listening to rock music, especially those genres like hardcore or punk or grunge that are a little rougher around the edges. The textures of distorted, screaming, growling, booming, and crunchy electric guitars come across magnificently with the LCD2-C.
Finally, I have a pair of Massdrop Fostex TH-X00 Ebony headphones that are perfect for those moments when I have to give in to my guilty-secret basshead pleasures. These are just incredibly fun headphones, with a nice v-shaped sound that doesn’t have too much midrange recession.
In case you’re not aware of it, the SDR refers to a modification applied to the original HD 800. The HD 800 S is the version produced by Sennheiser that incorporates a similar mod - a kind of heimholtz resonator - and some other changes. My understanding, second-hand, is that the bass on the HD 800 S is slightly bloomier than it is on the HD 800 SDR.
If you opt for an HD 800 S, please be aware that its brightness often prompts owners to pair it with a warmer tube amp.
We’re still waiting for more impressions of the newly-released Drop HD 8XX, but its sound signature is supposedly a long way from that of the HD 800 (S)/SDR.
Absolutely, Audeze headphones offer something distinctive and, for many of us, something very appealing. Here again, though, you should beware: the original line of Audezes are famous for their darker tonality; by contrast, the LCD-XC and the LCD-5 are brighter, it seems, from early impressions. Audeze may well be going in a new direction with respect to tuning.
The LCD2-Classic is a divisive headphone; it has its fans but also its many detractors (and they have legitimate complaints), and these headphones are surprisingly picky about amplification (you also need to use Audeze’s Reveal plug-in for a better sound signature, at least for my preferences - the Reveal plug-in is essentially a set of EQ adjustments Audeze offers for many of its headphones).
The LCD-X 2021 version seems to be highly regarded. Finally, the LCD-4 makes for either a wonderful listening experience or a strikingly distinctive one, depending on one’s tastes…
I see so many comments related to the Audeze line suggesting a near requirement for EQ. I have heard the LCD-X is a food bet and am certainly tempted by the new 5. I can’t say I have a ‘flagship’ level planar… think that would check the box if all the early talk holds.
In love with my VC and still getting a feel for the Stealth Arya. Clears hopefully this month once the next shipment comes to the lovely folks at headphones.com.
Yes, it’s certainly a widespread opinion, and Audeze makes no bones about the benefits of its plugins. I could well be wrong but I’m not familiar with another manufacturer that places such an emphasis on selling headphones that also benefit from EQ profiles made available by that same company - I wonder if it’s something to do with the different uses to which the headphones are put, with the headphones being popular at once among audiophiles and studio folks (Audeze makes a big deal of marketing its gear with producers in mind).
Other brands offer tuning options. Dan Clark Audio has its foam filters. ZMF Headphones has the pads. But Audeze, by focusing on EQ software, seems distinctive.
Going back to your earlier query about headphones for specific genres, I could see myself having just a trio of headphones, the HD 600, ZMF Vérité, and the Raal Requisite SR1a (I’d sell the Clear, HD 800 SDR, and LCD-2C to fund partially this last one). This trinity would probably cover me for all of my musical genres and tastes. But a planar headphone probably ought to be in there, too…
Yes, I know what you mean. I found them to be quite attractive in person, though - for what it’s worth. The headband looks a bit janky but it’s apparently very rugged; I’ve seen people putting ZMF Pilot pads on to it to make it more comfy, and this also arguably adds to the aesthetics.
What appeals to me, in part, is that it’s a modular design, so you can buy a used pair and switch out parts, if they’re worn. I gather that replacement ribbons are quite affordable as well, just in the off-chance something were to go wrong (to be clear, I’ve not seen any suggestion that there have been problems with longevity or reliability).
Hello, I am new here and seeking advice for headphones/acccessories under $500 that will hwlp my father and I communicate better. He is 80 with failing hearing aids and always complains that he cannot heaar me.
I have chronic migraines which are excerbated by his yelling. We are both frustrated.
I am willing to make a substantial investment in order to communicate but I know very little.
Any recommendations would be appreciations, including links to reviews.
He basically needs to hear my voice louder and I need to turn his down.
This is tough because I don’t think many of us have experience with this situation.
What came to my mind were hunting electric ear muffs. These are meant to (1) block loud noises, but also (2) amplify speech and lower volume noises. This brand has been around for many decades, but I don’t have personal experience.
Sample product, but they sell small in-ear products too.
Some travel headphones such as the Sony below can be configured to block or manage the level of outside noise. I don’t know if they’d amplify enough for your father’s needs, but would likely meet yours. [They sell cheaper models too.]
@gothamgirl Are you asking for something that will help you and your father communicate over the phone (or electronic equivalent like face time) or in person?
I currently am enjoying my Focal Clear’s which I picked up this spring. I love everything about them with the exception that they sometimes feel a bit heavy. …but if I ever really want lightweight can’s I always have my Meze Classics.
I’m now at a crossroads as to my next bit of gear to pick up.
Currently, I have a Schiit Heresy amp and Modi DAC, the Focal Clears, some older Audio Technica ATH models, Meze Classic 99’s. All Dynamic Driver headphones.
I’m trying to decide on purchasing the RME ADI 2 DAC/Amp or to pick up a pair of Audeze LCD-X to finally add a pair of Planar Magnetic headphones to my collection.
I was going to see about holding out for a Chord Mojo or Qutest but I just don’t think they’re going to be shipping product again this year at least to the states. Aside from that, not looking for alternatives to the above.
What am I listening to? Lately, a lot of Stereolab and a varied set of artists; Arcade Fire, Luke Doucet, Colter Wall, Gary Clark Jr., Charley Crocket, Cinematic Orchestra, FSOL, Massive Attack, Ladytron… I’m a bit all over the place.
My elex balanced cable is history. Left channel is out. What replacement cable do you recommend at a reasonable price? I do not want to compromise sound quality.
Thx
I have several Hart Audio cables. In fact, a lot of stuff from them so all my headphones can plug in and plug out quite quick and easy. Think this is what you’d be looking for:
ALSO - more than a few people have said Blue Jeans makes lovely cables. Just don’t have any yet.
My two cents, though I will preface with saying I am far from the most experienced here. Far closer to the other side of the rope.
That said, it may be a double-edged sword. Planars, from what I understand, are typically harder to power, which, depending on which you choose, could make the Heresy struggle. Would defer to others, but that could be something to consider.
Do you want a different take on music? Pick the different headphone.
Do you want to get the most out of your Clears? Pick the amp (they do respond well to quality gear).
That being said, I would not recommend getting the RME for pure sound quality alone. They certainly don’t pair well with the Clears in my experience (both as a DAC and an amp). So, if you’re willing to share what your overall strategy is in what you’re trying to achieve (audio-wise) then you’ll get more recommendations and advice, along with providing more details such as budget and necessities.