My local hi-fi store allows testing of some popular headphones and other audio gear. Such an opportunity is a feature differentiating them from online competition. I visited the store this week. This post is focused on interactions with the employee in the store. One side of the coin is that he suggested checking HD660s that won my ears as opposed to headphones from my initial list that failed to perform. He had some valid remarks, and all recommended pieces of equipment he named, measure exceptionally well. Here is what I consider the other side of the coin:
1. My Topping D10 + JDS Labs Atom are "toys".
2. I need to be careful not to damage the expensive piece of equipment next to me (Matrix Audio Element X).
3. EQ should never be used. It destroys the sound of headphones.
4. I read too much.
5. My impression of cellos on Sundara sounding poorly comes from my stack not being able to drive it properly.
6. My impression of cellos on HD660s sounding correct comes from these cans being easier to drive than Sundara.
7. The soundstage in the old HD600 is good.
8. Never heard of bass traps (still, I appreciate honesty).
9. Trying to add subwoofers to a stereo system is a grave mistake. It's better to save for much better speakers if more bass is needed.
10. It's not worth looking for pricier headphones or speakers with my current stack, as they would be bottlenecked.
1. My Topping D10 + JDS Labs Atom are "toys".
2. I need to be careful not to damage the expensive piece of equipment next to me (Matrix Audio Element X).
3. EQ should never be used. It destroys the sound of headphones.
4. I read too much.
5. My impression of cellos on Sundara sounding poorly comes from my stack not being able to drive it properly.
6. My impression of cellos on HD660s sounding correct comes from these cans being easier to drive than Sundara.
7. The soundstage in the old HD600 is good.
8. Never heard of bass traps (still, I appreciate honesty).
9. Trying to add subwoofers to a stereo system is a grave mistake. It's better to save for much better speakers if more bass is needed.
10. It's not worth looking for pricier headphones or speakers with my current stack, as they would be bottlenecked.