wrigglycheese
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Pretty much the title.
Cheers.
Cheers.
They are different of course, I would see them as superior.
The Beyer are likely more durable though.
HD560S, HD650, DT880 (250 or 600), HD660S, Deva wired, Sundara (new pads), Fidelio X2HR, HE400i (2020) with Focus pads.
Each of them have their own 'sound', strengths and weaknesses and I would consider them side-grades with a different tonal balance.
Since you have EQ APO, you might consider the HFM HE400i if decently priced in UK. Here in US about $170. Using EQ APO, boost the bass a bit, shave off the 7k peak..
DROP has just come out with the HFM $220 HE5XX. Perhaps you have followed the controversy that it may (or may not) be the wired DEVA at the same $220. (If HE5xx not available in UK).
Thanks so much you're a gentleman giving me so much help and advice, again. Might I ask you Sir, would I be right to feel a little bit frustrated that I have the DT990 which are a £140 HP and the Sundara at over double the price, £300, you are saying are considred a 'side grade' ?
I currently also have the HD560s as well as the T50rp, just for information purposes.
Still playing around mostly with the DT990 600OHM, Fostex and EQ APO, more than the 560s. I'll be sneding the 560s back as I just don;t feel they are worth £170, if I am gonna spend, I want a bigger 'jump' in quality.
Hope this makes sense.
Potential key note, pun intended, I am VERY sensitive to treble and sibilance, I almost always roll off the top end, I used to do the same even with a high end home theatre system prefering a smooth, warm sound with defined low end (hence, the Paradigm Siganture Sub 1 with room correction - long time a go)
I am saying I consider them a side grade.
When you are treble sensitive you can dismiss all Beyers and even X2HR ... perhaps even the HE400i and in a lesser degree the Sundara has this.
Most people are not bothered by it and may even like it.
There are passive ways to remove the sharp treble and also in digital domain.
When you are using EQ and still don't like the DT990 then you are not using the right EQ.
The HD560S also needs some EQ but not in the treble area.
Consider the Meze 99, warm, smooth somewhat subdued but present highs. Sidegrade as well.
Also look into the AudioQuest ones. Very warm/bassy (some say bloated) lows and subdued highs. Think DT990 with all treble removed.
It takes getting used to and not switching between headphones but it can grow on you.
To really make an upgrade you will have to draw the wallet and even then the differences can be small.
Audio Technica ATH-R70X, neutral tuning. An amp is needed though.
Denon 5*** or 7**** series probably.
I have heard both, currently own the Sundara, I am sensitive to treble and it took me a bit to get used to these, where I could never get use to Beyers.
Sundara has less treble peaks but still sparkly.
Sundara has more present mids
Sundara has faster and punchier bass, not as boomy, but not as much of it.
Sundara has less soundstage.
Overall, its going to depend on the music you listen to. Imo, the Sundrara is more balanced and less V shaped like Solderdude mentioned. Let us know when you get them, I am curious to see if you agree.
I would consider them side-grades with a different tonal balance.