Hi all! Short-time lurker, first time poster here.
For a while I've been enjoying my Sennheiser HD 660s for streaming hi-fi through Qobuz. Adding the Oratory EQ profile to it was a world-changer.
I recently bought a pair of Dan Clark Audio x Drop Aeon Closed X headphones, though, and they're hands down the best headphones I've ever heard. The imaging and clarity is unlike anything I've ever experienced with headphones, and it feels like I'm hearing favorite albums for the first time again.
I'm totally bought into planar magnetic drivers now, and I'm wondering on whether I should look for an upgrade for my HD 660s for some planar magnetic open-backs. So a couple of questions:
1.) In your opinion, what would the benefits be of having open-back planars in addition to closed-back planars? Right now the main thing I can think of is it'd be nice to be able to better hear if something is happening while I'm in my home office (e.g. doorbell rings).
2.) What would be a good upgrade from the 660s for an open-back planar magnetic headphone if it's worth getting one (other than maybe the obvious answer of open-back Aeons)?
For reference, I've got a Hidizs S9 Pro for streaming off USB Audio Player Pro (Qobuz) on my Android, and an ifi hip DAC for streaming through Qobuz + Peace EQ on my computer (soon to be upgraded to a Monoprice Monolith 887 + SMSL SU-8s, just waiting for the SU-8s to ship). I also added a bit more bass to the Oratory EQ for the DCA Aeon Closed Xs since I like a bit more bass than Oratory's EQ provided.
Thanks!
For a while I've been enjoying my Sennheiser HD 660s for streaming hi-fi through Qobuz. Adding the Oratory EQ profile to it was a world-changer.
I recently bought a pair of Dan Clark Audio x Drop Aeon Closed X headphones, though, and they're hands down the best headphones I've ever heard. The imaging and clarity is unlike anything I've ever experienced with headphones, and it feels like I'm hearing favorite albums for the first time again.
I'm totally bought into planar magnetic drivers now, and I'm wondering on whether I should look for an upgrade for my HD 660s for some planar magnetic open-backs. So a couple of questions:
1.) In your opinion, what would the benefits be of having open-back planars in addition to closed-back planars? Right now the main thing I can think of is it'd be nice to be able to better hear if something is happening while I'm in my home office (e.g. doorbell rings).
2.) What would be a good upgrade from the 660s for an open-back planar magnetic headphone if it's worth getting one (other than maybe the obvious answer of open-back Aeons)?
For reference, I've got a Hidizs S9 Pro for streaming off USB Audio Player Pro (Qobuz) on my Android, and an ifi hip DAC for streaming through Qobuz + Peace EQ on my computer (soon to be upgraded to a Monoprice Monolith 887 + SMSL SU-8s, just waiting for the SU-8s to ship). I also added a bit more bass to the Oratory EQ for the DCA Aeon Closed Xs since I like a bit more bass than Oratory's EQ provided.
Thanks!