Trying out way too many headphones to find a companion to my HD600

[FTB]

TIm more of a collector than a user of just a couple of headphones, but I recently swapped out my ifi zen stack for a topping DX5ii and noticed my headphones sounded different and the soundstage increased on the ones 'at hand'.

My 'go to' reference would be my Beloved Arya followed by the Ananda that I think would be worth a punt. Sound devine without EQ, but since I have the new amp have been playing with my collection and adding EQ to find the 'sweet spot'.

My daily drivers for comfort are the K612pro and K712pro ... which came as a surprise as they are the only AKG in my collection as the rest I have used are a horrible shouty mess. My HD600 are nice, I have them just because I wanted them and they do sound nice ... but I think like you I always felt they were just too nice and dont have that magic I crave.

I think it depends on what music you listen to, im not a metal or heavy rock fan. I often listen to synth, Vangelis, Jarre and then cann swing to modern tracks from the charts like Raye.

There are no headphones made for a specific musical style or not, it's a myth.
Headphones sound good for every music or they don't.

 

[Laika2]

There are no headphones made for a specific musical style or not, it's a myth.
Headphones sound good for every music or they don't.

I agree somewhat, I have had buds that sound great on classical and bad on rock, also the opposite. Mainly due to lack of bass for rock or too much for classical. So I would say their are certain buds or headphones that only sound good on a type of music. Where we agree is they are crap if they can't play all types of music and they have a major flaw in overall accuracy.

 

[FTB]

I agree somewhat, I have had buds that sound great on classical and bad on rock, also the opposite. Mainly due to lack of bass for rock or too much for classical. So I would say their are certain buds or headphones that only sound good on a type of music. Where we agree is they are crap if they can't play all types of music and they have a major flaw in overall accuracy.

Yeah

 

[Redacted]

"Trying out way too many headphones to find a companion to my HD600"

I can't add much, but it's refreshing to see someone prepared to actually try out lots of headphones.

Most people seem to buy based on brand names (but usually made in China anyway, which is a good thing), or based on subjective views that may not be right for the shape of your ears.

I use cheap Austrian Audio headphones for general use with my PC or guitar, but when I want a music session, I switch to either my Truthear Gates or Crinacle Zero2 - both have good bass and clarity. And under £20 when bought. In other forums though, it is obvious to me that some IEM users have no idea of the importance of fit ("ooh they sound thin/wispy/distant" ! ) - basically getting the buds fully in, but comfy, is the way to get the best sound. And all the bass!