Recent changes with my headphone setup has caused a re-think of priorities. Up until recently, I thought spending more on the headphone would get to better overall sound. Recently, a number of changes has me re-thinking what is most important with headphone playback. I’ve gone through a lot of headphones over the years, including well respected high end headphones from Audeze, Abyss, Focal, Grado, and Ultrasone. Also had high end electronics from Chord, PS Audio,Aurouasound Schitt. Wound up learning the hard way that synergy is very important. Just throwing together high end gear does not mean you will get to where you want to go.
The transformation stated when I got a pair of Grado HP100 SE. They are great headphones, BUT, they literally hurt to listen to them with the stock G pads. Changing over to the F pads sounded much better, but comfort was a non starter. The Grado PS 1000e was even worse with comfort. Already had tried planar headphones, and whilst they had a lot of wow factor, one thing they did not have was a neutral midrange. The Focal headphones all sounded a bit metallic to me. Was beginning to get frustrated with headphones in general. Fow whatever reason, I had never tried Sennheiser headphones, as I kept reading about them sounding veiled. I decided to try the HD 650 as a last resort. I was floored. I compared them to the Grado HP100SE, and was shocked to hear how similar they sounded with the F pads. The Grados had more bass, but the 650 actually had better midrange. I instantly became a fan of Sennheiser 600 series, as I realized I value midrange and clarity above all other aspects.
During this time, I had discovered PGGB-RT, which is amazing software. The fact that you can apply convolution EQ is a serious game changer. Now the HD 600/650 can really hold its own against mega $$$ headphones. The PGGB now exposed the limitations of the DAC/headphone amp setup. Although my primary DAC/Amp setup is very well regarded, and sounds very good, wound up getting a Topping D900/A900 combination. This improved the entire playback chain by an order of magnitude. The A900 headphone amp was revelation, as all the headphones sounded like they were upgraded. The most noticeable item that jumps out is the total lack of distortion. It’s readily noticeable, as is the soundstage, instrument placement, and separation.
I’ve learned to keep an open mind, and don’t be afraid to try out new ideas. The PGGB software is amazing, and the ability to add quality EQ at 705/768 KHz is a game changer, especially if your hardware can support. it.