Hifiman options

[ianovic69]

Wow, loads of deals on the website. They seem like a decent maker but I know almost nothing about them.
They seem popular here generally so I thought I would ask for your opinions on this selection, all of which are affordable for me.
I currently use Beyerdynamic DT 990 Pro 250 Black Edition, which I quite like but I know they aren't the best.
Cheers
Ian

Deva Pro-wired

Deva Pro-wired

uk.hifiman.com

Edition XV (open-box)

Edition XV

uk.hifiman.com

Arya-Stealth-openbox

Arya-Stealth-openbox

uk.hifiman.com

Edition XS

Edition XS

uk.hifiman.com

SUNDARA

SUNDARA

uk.hifiman.com

 

[solderdude]

What do you not like about the DT990/250 BSE ?

Is the the treble peak ?
Is it the overly warm lower mids/bass ?
Is it the sensitivity ?
Is it the comfort ?

All of the hifiman have, much, much less bass/warmth so you would have to EQ that in IF you like the tonal balance of the DT990 PRO BSE.
Aside from the XV most hifiman have treble peaks but very different from the Beyers.

 

[ianovic69]

What do you not like about the DT990/250 BSE ?

Is the the treble peak ?
Is it the overly warm lower mids/bass ?
Is it the sensitivity ?
Is it the comfort ?

All of the hifiman have, much, much less bass/warmth so you would have to EQ that in IF you like the tonal balance of the DT990 PRO BSE.
Aside from the XV most hifiman have treble peaks but very different from the Beyers.

That's a very good set of questions, just what I was looking for really.
Equally so with the info. The DT are fine, nothing really wrong other than they aren't particularly flat. I can EQ them fairly easily, but what I'm after is something much closer to flat without EQ.
From your info, I'm not sure the Hifiman are flat, possibly even almost opposite to Beyerdynamic.
Any suggestions for different brands I could consider?

 

[Rayman30]

I have owned 3 of those, the Arya Stealth is what I have now and I love it.

Additional context:

Sundara - Bright and slightly brittle sound, very fun after EQ, sparkly and good bass authority.

Ananda (Original) Not as bright as Sundara, but weaker bass authority, the bass is a bit diffuse likes its coming from far away. Very airy overall and has a euphoric sense of space.

Edition XS - Shrill and shouty in the lower treble, better after EQ but I could never love it. It has qualities that are hard to get in a headphone for its price, but its timbre was difficult to deal with.

Arya Stealth - Slightly bright tuning, more cohesive and well rounded than the others. Same big sense of soundstage as Ananda OG, but much more coherent. After EQ (Either Amir’s or Oratory) becomes quite the step up from the others. These are my favorite HiFiMan so far. Dare I say I may prefer them to my Audeze LCD-X, I don’t think it gets better for $600

 

[Selkirks]

Get the Edition XS if you are looking to dip your toes and not go too deep. Add a Capra comfort strap and it will be the most comfortable Hifiman headphone.

Hifiman Comfort Strap

Upgrade Your Listening Experience Enhance the comfort of your headphones with the Capra Audio Comfort Strap. Scientifically designed for optimal support, this professional-grade strap provides a secure and comfortable fit. Say goodbye to discomfort and hello to long-lasting listening enjoyment...

capraaudio.com

Minus the Deva I've had all the models you listed. The XS is the best value IMO.

 

[solderdude]

Any suggestions for different brands I could consider?

Jade Audio (FiiO) JT7 if you have a half decent headphone amplifier and are allergic to treble peaks.
Sennheiser HD 550 or HD 560S are also options as is the HD 490 PRO
OLLO X1 or HEDD D1 or NDH30 are also options.

 

[ianovic69]

Great stuff, thanks guys!

 

[Apples]

These pads make them seem good.

 

[solderdude]

This is not the Black Special Edition version though which has more midbass.
There is no 'DT 990' there are several DT 990 and there are substantial tonal differences between some DT 990's.

 

[ianovic69]

Yeah @solderdude is right but thanks anyway @Apples

 

[Apples]

This is not the Black Special Edition version though which has more midbass.
There is no 'DT 990' there are several DT 990 and there are substantial tonal differences between some DT 990's.

Are you sure its not dt880 black edition you're thinking of? Most think dt990 black edition is the same

 

[solderdude]

BSE versions use the same black pads which have more midbass compared to 'stock' pads.
In the DT880 this is far more obvious than in the DT990 as these are already elevated in that area.

 

[Apples]

BSE versions use the same black pads which have more midbass compared to 'stock' pads.
In the DT880 this is far more obvious than in the DT990 as these are already elevated in that area.

can you measure these pads? they sound really good. I think you'd be surprised. I need measurements to confirm. Increases dt990 bass and smooths treble highs while still sounding well extended and transparent.

SOULWIT Earpads Replacement for Beyerdynamic DT990​

 

[solderdude]

can you measure these pads? they sound really good. I think you'd be surprised. I need measurements to confirm. Increases dt990 bass and smooths treble highs while still sounding well extended and transparent.

SOULWIT Earpads Replacement for Beyerdynamic DT990​

Currently don't have any DT880/990/1990 lying around.

 

[gzost]

Sennheiser HD480 Pro are also worth checking out. Very competent tuning out of the box, easy to drive and built to last.

 

[ianovic69]

Sennheiser HD480 Pro are also worth checking out. Very competent tuning out of the box, easy to drive and built to last.

Thanks but I don't use closed back. I know the 480 are very good but for some reason I just can't use closed cans.

 

[SkyRocker]

Wow, loads of deals on the website. They seem like a decent maker but I know almost nothing about them.
They seem popular here generally so I thought I would ask for your opinions on this selection, all of which are affordable for me.
I currently use Beyerdynamic DT 990 Pro 250 Black Edition, which I quite like but I know they aren't the best.
Cheers
Ian

Deva Pro-wired

Deva Pro-wired

uk.hifiman.com

Edition XV (open-box)

Edition XV

uk.hifiman.com

Arya-Stealth-openbox

Arya-Stealth-openbox

uk.hifiman.com

Edition XS

Edition XS

uk.hifiman.com

SUNDARA

SUNDARA

uk.hifiman.com

Out of the headphones listed the Edition XS or Sundara are the best value and both sound really good. Sundara headband is more comfortable but XS will have a bit better soundstage and little more detail resolution. Can't go wrong with either one. I own the XS and used tried the Sundara. If you are open to a different brand of planars take a look at the Fiio FT1 Pro. I also own the FT1 Pro and prefer it over the Hifiman options I mentioned.

 

[SkyRocker]

I have owned 3 of those, the Arya Stealth is what I have now and I love it.

Additional context:

Sundara - Bright and slightly brittle sound, very fun after EQ, sparkly and good bass authority.

Ananda (Original) Not as bright as Sundara, but weaker bass authority, the bass is a bit diffuse likes its coming from far away. Very airy overall and has a euphoric sense of space.

Edition XS - Shrill and shouty in the lower treble, better after EQ but I could never love it. It has qualities that are hard to get in a headphone for its price, but its timbre was difficult to deal with.

Arya Stealth - Slightly bright tuning, more cohesive and well rounded than the others. Same big sense of soundstage as Ananda OG, but much more coherent. After EQ (Either Amir’s or Oratory) becomes quite the step up from the others. These are my favorite HiFiMan so far. Dare I say I may prefer them to my Audeze LCD-X, I don’t think it gets better for $600

I have always been curious about the Arya Stealth but the price delta between the XS made me pause. If they are that good I may take a look at those if they drop low enough in price to . Damn I have too many headphones Lol. This hobby is like crack. All it takes is one hit and your hooked. FML Lol

 

[SilentChannel]

Jade Audio (FiiO) JT7 if you have a half decent headphone amplifier and are allergic to treble peaks.
Sennheiser HD 550 or HD 560S are also options as is the HD 490 PRO
OLLO X1 or HEDD D1 or NDH30 are also options.

Hey man, I am pretty new to the hobby and it seems like you're very knowledgeable and have a lot of experience, I was wondering if you could help me choose where to start? I have been researching for a few days now and I feel a little overwhelmed with all of the information and potential options :/

From what I've seen these are the headphones that should be on my radar and their pricing (let me know if I'm missing any):
- Sennheiser HD560s (refurbished) £80
- Hifiman HE400se £100
- Fiio JT7 £100
- RODE NTH-100 £100
- Hifiman Sundara (open box) £120
- AKG K371 £125
- Hifiman Edition XS (open box) £140
- Audio-Technica ATH-R50x £140
- Fiio FT1 £140
Ideally I would like to buy a headphone from the ^above^ price range, although there are a few below that are more expensive that could potentially be better value?
-Sennheiser HD550 (refurbished) £180
-Fiio FT1 Pro £180
-Sennheiser HD600 (refurbished) £190
-Audeze Maxwell £200

Does anything stand out? Sorry if this wasn't useful. The headphone I currently use and have used for many years now is the Sennheiser HD58x Jubilee, but they are pretty beat up now and I would like to try something new, if I'm being honest the Hifiman Sundara or Edition XS is what I was leaning towards, especially considering the slash in price, and also because I would like to experience a *larger exciting* sound in contrast to the warm and intimate HD58X.

Thanks for taking the time to read

 

[solderdude]

From what I've seen these are the headphones that should be on my radar and their pricing (let me know if I'm missing any):
- Sennheiser HD560s (refurbished) £80
- Hifiman HE400se £100
- Fiio JT7 £100 (some seem to have issues)
- RODE NTH-100 £100
- Hifiman Sundara (open box) £120
- AKG K371 £125
- Hifiman Edition XS (open box) £140
- Audio-Technica ATH-R50x £140 (requires modifications)
- Fiio FT1 £140
Ideally I would like to buy a headphone from the ^above^ price range, although there are a few below that are more expensive that could potentially be better value?
-Sennheiser HD550 (refurbished) £180
-Fiio FT1 Pro £180
-Sennheiser HD600 (refurbished) £190 (could be a bit 'boring')
-Audeze Maxwell £200

Does anything stand out? Sorry if this wasn't useful. The headphone I currently use and have used for many years now is the Sennheiser HD58x Jubilee, but they are pretty beat up now and I would like to try something new, if I'm being honest the Hifiman Sundara or Edition XS is what I was leaning towards, especially considering the slash in price, and also because I would like to experience a *larger exciting* sound in contrast to the warm and intimate HD58X.