I think ‘maximizers’ may be more prone to that, but there is also some interesting research that ‘owner’ bias occurs at a deep unconscious level… One study shows that people with short term memory loss, who dont/can’t remember owning something (a print in this case) show a higher preference for that print in the future - even though they don’t know they own it.
It is also interesting that we humans are very poor at predicting what will make us happy.
I have a very simple setup in regards to headphones. I currently only own KSC75 with a PortaPro headband on it, and that’s often used on my PC with an Apple dongle. The technical chomps of KSC75 aren’t good, but the tone and comfort are fantastic.
a couple of questions how did the upgrade effect the sound. I have a 15yr old hd650 that have seen better days (i use them alot) and very much like to have them freshened.
The dynamics are much improved and became a highlight of this modified headphone. A stronger magnetic force is always welcomed but needed additional back and as I’ve learned later front damping.
Low end is closer to a focal elex with actual impact. Just for good measure this also has the early black screen from the early 580, 600 series for extra airiness. Slow and veiled no more.
As a pro/con:
punchier and deeper low end
increased sensitivity makes it perfect for DAPs
extended high end and airier
explosive dynamics
fixes the mid bass bump, mudiness on lower setups and veil
Con:
less forgiving for bad recordings
limited scaling on high end amp
less liquid mid range, not by much but enough to be a different beast than the original.
pickier of desktop amps
Goes without saying a magnet enhancement is dangerous but so worth it for a on the go sennheiser sound. That is before I got the Neuman NDH20.
I’m glad you made this post as it validates my feelings about my current setup: Atom Stack and Sundaras. I love the sound this setup produces and every time I think about getting the Anandas I listen to a new song or album that amazes me to the point where I have to ask myself: do I really NEED anything more at this point? I know there are improvements to be had but weighing those possible improvements against their relative cost has me hesitant to spend any more money.
In fact, I am relatively certain that I will sell off the rest of my cans as I don’t really use them anymore. This includes the K712 Pros I have, the Audeze LCD-1s, and the HD600. When I want something portable and/or to listen in bed, I use my Hifiman RE-600s or 400s along with either the Sonata HD Pro dongle or a cheap no name (but still decent sounding) dac/amp dongle I got from Amazon that allows me to charge my phone at the same time. Again, I could spend more on “better” IEMs but then I put on another album and am very satisfied all over again at the fidelity I’m getting.
I have other obligations eating up my paychecks right now and I need to curb some of my hobby spending for now.
I was very happy to see this subject this morning because I’m sort at that fork in the road that many of you all are discussing (so thanks for starting this thread). I started this hobby in April 2020 and while I can’t recall the specific reason I’m certain that the pandemic and the fact that I’m retired had much to do with it. Since then I have purchased nine headphones, primarily in order of ascending price, with my last three being the Ibasso SR2, the Grado RS 2e and the Ananda, all of which I very much enjoy. I have also purchased the Schiit Fulla 2, the Asgard 3 (thank you bcarb), the Modius, the xduoo ta 05 tube amp and a Linsoul dongle for walking with my IPhone. Finally I also purchased the Sony NW ZX 507 dap (btw I should mention that I selected this dap and a few of the other devices based on the recommendations I received in this Forum and they have all been excellent for me). I plan to slow down the acquisitions for now as I am still digesting some of what I have. But by coincidence I was just last week thinking that not only should I slow down but perhaps I should go in a different direction - simpler. What I mean is that like most of us - and me likely more than others - I am seduced by the siren song of articles and Utube reviews about the various components of the hobby. The discussions of the more expensive solid state and tube amplifiers, dacs, etc. are so seductive. I have the benefit (?) of being older and having had the opportunity to save some money so the expenditures are not the issue, and since I live in New York City but also have a country place I can rationalize buying twice as many components. But here comes the confessional part: while I have always enjoyed music (vocals, mostly female ballads), opera, folk, some classical), I am truly a layman when it comes to music. The question also arises whether it makes sense to continue buying better and more expensive equipment when I’m not even sure my somewhat aged hearing can tell the difference. So where my thinking was last week before seeing this thread was to slow down and simplify: I want to eventually get another amplifier set up for NY but instead of getting separate amp and dac components I think I’ll get a combo (Element 2 or maybe spring for a Mojo,or research some more). Playing around with fewer cables, etc., probably makes sense for me. I might (?) be sacrificing some sound but will I even know the difference? So generally in the future if I do buy more maybe I’ll go in a less expensive direction, at least for now. This is all a long-winded way of saying that reading this thread has reinforced, almost given me permission, to go in the simpler, less expensive direction. Interesting. But all this aside, it sure is a fun and enjoyable hobby.
If you’re looking for simple, and haven’t picked up a pair of Koss Porta-Pro you should blow $40 immediately. Add YAXI pads right away. For maximum utility, if you are on iPhone, get an Apple Dongle, and a Dragonfly DAC - I started with the black/jitterbug combo, but go for the Cobalt - it has more power and includes the jitterbug. You’ll need the Apple “camera card” - forget what they call that now, or a Droid “To Go” cable to connect.
This setup will provide great comfort and enjoyment. There are, of course alternatives, but that DFC can adequately power many headphones. I think it’s interesting that you bought a DAP. I have yet to find my use case, since the iPhone works fine. But you also might consider a Scott-E-Vest shirt (or perhaps their boxer shorts) with pockets and thoughtful design to manage wiring.
Another thing to do is try something like the Ultimate Ears true wireless earbuds that mold themselves to your ears. Their app lets you tune them and for under 2 Franklins, you have a nice quick setup.
Thanks for your response. I didn’t mention in my original comment that not only do I have the Koss Porta Pro withYaxi Pads for myself, I also bought them, with the pads, for my wife, two of my grandchildren and my neighbor who has been listening to my headphones. You are exactly right that for the price the sound is remarkable and because the cost is so low they make great gifts. I use them for taking walks. As for the dap, I am not exactly sure why I got it other than it was supposed to have good sound (recommended by someone on the Forum), and it does. It is also easy to operate, although I don’t give it much of a test at this stage as all I do is stream Amazon Music HD and Spotify. I had been thinking about one of the dragonflies and thanks for suggesting the Cobalt for added power.
Lothar - if I changed course and wanted to buy a desktop rather than a portable combination amplifier and dac, again with the focus on sound and simplicity, is it one of those in the pictures you posted that you would recommend? And let me apologize in advance for asking the eternal, unanswerable question of whether the more expensive, say $500-$1000, is worth the additional cost. Thanks.
The only one of the amp’s that I have shown that should also be used as a desktop amplifier is the Ifi iDSD Signature.
With this piece of technology, you get the highest flexibility, and of course, you pay for it.
With the ifi you are able to operate ultra sensitive in-ears like the CA Andromeda & effortlessly bring a Hifiman Arya to maximum performance.
You can operate it on cable all day or use it on the go with a battery.
xBass & 3D switches, makes it possible to quickly and easily intervene in the reproduction of the music playback, or to switch it back again, if necessary.
You cannot handle all of this with most desktop amps, for this reason alone the iDSD is absolutely worth the money to me personally!
Apart from that, it actually improves the sound of a large part of my headphone portfolio.
I see that the last sentence of my original reply to you was inadvertently cut off. The last sentence was going to be “And let me apologize in advance for asking the eternal, unanswerable question of whether the enhanced sound is worth it to buy a more expansive amp/dac combo for, say, $500-$1000”. I know it is unanswerable because it is such an individualized decision. But in any event I think you’ve answered it with your response anyway. Thanks again.
