hello Torq,
thank you for your answer. do you have any idea how i can turn off the headphone processing on the cx-a 5100, because i can’t find anything about it in the manual ?
best regards,
frans callebaut
Select “2 Ch.” as the “Sound Program”, then hit the “Straight” button on the remote.
1 Like
The type of headphone I am looking for is (Closed-back, open-back, in-ear, wireless, etc):
Open-back
My price range is:
$500
I like to listen to:
Most genres with the exception of heavy metal.
I will be using them for: (Travel, commuting, home, gym, etc…):
All-day listening, calls, media consumption (Movies, gaming etc).
Hey folks. My beloved LCD-GX bit the bullet. I have no clue what happened. They worked, then they didn’t. Like seriously, that’s it.
I’ve watched a couple of reviews for the Aeon open, namely the one where @Resolve revisits the AO and doesn’t seem to want to sell it lol. So I’m thinking of snagging the X version from drop. My biggest asks are comfort and a decent soundstage. I know they won’t approach Arya levels, but hopefully better than 6xx. Anyone have any feedback on these cans for these uses? Something else you’d consider “better” in this price range? Thanks!!
Edit: the GX did not die. It’s perfectly fine and I’m filing this under “unsolved mysteries” aka probably user error.
More mobile?:
2 Likes
I own the very similar AEON Flow Closed (pre-Drop edition), and don’t think this is the right product for all of your needs. It can serve some, but you need other items to do it all.
The biggest issue is that the AEON family draws massive current per their 13 ohm impedance. I hate my AFCs on mobile devices, phones, laptops. The sound can be very rough and congested. They become good on a Schiit Magni 3+ (desktop amp), and really, really good on Schiit Lyr 3 (very powerful desktop amp). As such, I’d never choose them for commuting, travel, or the gym. I’d also never choose them for the gym or physical activity because the headband is a bit fiddly and it can slide around (hint: put blue threadlocker fluid on the set screws).
For your listed uses I’d consider:
-
Bluetooth IEMs for the gym (sweat resistant and compact), brand not important because of background noise. Jaybird, Bose, Sony, Beats, etc. will probably be okay with the many distractions and physical changes.
-
Travel and commuting call for noise canceling headphones. Bose, Sony, etc. These often have mediocre sound quality, but rechargeable batteries and cutting the rumble of a train or airplane is worth it.
-
All-day listening in a stationary environment: AEON Open X, Sennheiser HD6XX, etc. are solid choices. However, performance can be highly dependent on the amplifier. I no longer recommend HiFiMan per reliability issues.
4 Likes
I did sell it, but it’s way better than the Aeon 2 Open (with default pads).
2 Likes
Thank you @Lothar_Wolf for recommendations.
The iBasso looks great and is on order. I don’t get along with round cups in general. So I’m not sure this one will work out.
Hifiman does great sound, but I can’t excuse the corner cutting. The SR2 further proves the low-quality build of Hifiman is inexcusable. Also had a Sundara and pads were a mess just two months or so in.
Thanks for the info!
I should have mentioned, I plan on using these either at desk with BF2/Lyr3 or from a Qudelix K5 portable bluetooth amp (rarely). The other uses cases are usually assigned to the airpod pros.
How would you describe imaging and soundstage on these? I know they aren’t huge, but I’ve read/watched reviews saying their intimate and other saying they are large.
Yeah I gathered the AO2 were not very impressive, especially for the price increase. If you had to narrow it down to one all-rounder at this price point, what would you choose? I have a 6XX and a dt990. so hopefully something to complement those. I’ve tried and disliked dt1990 (comfort, treble), Sundara (comfort,qc), Elex (long story).
I have the closed model, and it’s like listening in a black hole or anechoic chamber. I personally want a neutral soundstage (“narrow” or medium), and feel the AFC delivers medium. I don’t want wide myself, as it can never be narrow.
1 Like
Sundara is probably the best headphone under $700, but ya if the comfort doesn’t work for you and you’re not a fan of the brand reputation then the Aeon X might be a decent choice.
3 Likes
I’m sorry to hear this. Any chance you could send the GX in to Audeze to see if they can identify the problem? I assume you’re not within warranty but they might give you a quote and, if it’s not expensive, you might be able to end up having it fixed even as you get a new pair of headphones, as recommended here, that tickle your fancy. [assuming also that you’re in the US]
1 Like
Thank you for the thoughts and concerns! I’m actually returning these to the vendor. I found out about 5 minutes ago they are within the extended holiday return period. So luckily I’m not losing anything on these.
1 Like
Oh, good, that’s a relief, I’m glad you’re not ending up being out of pocket with the failure.
It’s a bit surprising that there aren’t more options at the $500 level. I wonder if there are any good used deals on devbrada.com/classifieds/ by folks who picked up Black Friday headphones and didn’t get along with them?
What of the HD 600?
1 Like
I have the 6xx and they are great for music. Movies/games, not so much. I may break down and buy used. I’m normally not a buy used kinda guy, but at this point I think I’ve spend enough on the rabbit hole lol.
1 Like
If you are like most of the people in this forum, you’ll eventually graduate to the $1,000+ tier. Many are at the $2K+ tier too. Your amp and DAC call out for more than a $500 headphone, IMO. I like the Focal Clear, and many here like ZMF products.
4 Likes
I can certainly appreciate that and see a ZMF Autuer or Aeolus in my future. I tried Focal at a local audio shop (one of the only audiophile headphones I could demo) and was not a fan. But then, I’m weird 
. I know I overbought on the amp/dac, but I wanted a tube to enjoy the 6xx more and something that would remain compatible and capapble for the future.
1 Like
You already know that I think it would be more prudent to buy something cheaper, so let’s get past that. If you really want to spend that kind of money, then I’d suggest going back to the Schittr and listening to the Bifrost 2 and the new Jotunheim 2. The Jot is so cheap that I think the combo would still fall within your budget.
The Jot has enough power for any headphones you want to buy. They both have a 5 year warranty (which I think is important, because you’re probably going to be paying for Hifiman repairs over the next few years, so at least your amp and DAC are covered), and if you did buy them and decided that you didn’t like them after all, you can just drive back a week or 2 later, rather than having to pay not just for delivery but also insurance.
And most important, you’d be auditioning the gear rather than buying blind. I’m not going to tell you that the BF2 and V2 are better than anything else on your list, I’m just suggesting that you trust your own ears over all of our opinions. If you love the sound, just buy them and spend your free time listening to music, with no more worries about what to buy. That’s a wonderful position to be in. If you hate them, let us know why you hate them, and someone can then give you some suggestions on what else to try. You have such an advantage that many of us don’t have, by living in LA and being able to audition stuff.
3 Likes
Love the photo effects, any chance for a clearer pic? My not so old eyes had to squint to see the equipment names, besides the obvious BHC 
Hmmm well the thing with Schitt is not everything is available. Currently there’s no demos or in store in LA county.
I already purchased the flux labs FA-10, cause I want to make sure I can get to that 7 wpc or more threshold, @50 ohms they are 10.5 W. It’s pretty foolish, but you’re not going to find an amp with 7 wpc @ 50 ohms for a decent price.
So far I’m not in any debt, but the dac is going to be purchasing something that I currently don’t have money for, I can use the Nano, but that unit only has the 3.5 mm out. Probably even less vrms than your average rca. Possibly?
I was going to get the Modius since it got balanced outs, but it’s not producing 4vrms.
Currently unaware if or how much decrease in power would occur with rca output from the dac. But I would have to assume at 10.5 wpc I don’t have too much to worry about.
Seems like the AKM works well, I may just take Falkins advice and go with the Saga+.
But still have no definite answer on what dac to choose. Pairing wise at least