luapnodyl Posted October 29, 2024 Posted October 29, 2024 I've been both curious about tempted by planers for a while now and wondered if anyone out there had an opinion on them vs non-planars (?). Currently I have some Focal Clears which I run through a Mojo and also one of Clay's headphone amps and am very happy overall. But there's that itch and have one of those rare windows of spending opportunity. Unfortunately I've got no easy access to any hifi shops so can't try out so I'd be grateful of anyone had any views either way and also any recommendations. .
Batty Posted October 29, 2024 Posted October 29, 2024 I have the Focal Clear and a pair of Drop/HiFiMan 4xx planars. The Focals are way better for clarity and upper bass and higher, but Planars are really good at Bass. 1
luapnodyl Posted October 29, 2024 Author Posted October 29, 2024 15 minutes ago, Batty said: I have the Focal Clear and a pair of Drop/HiFiMan 4xx planars. The Focals are way better for clarity and upper bass and higher, but Planars are really good at Bass. That does seem to fit in with what I've read. I was looking at some HiFiManEdition XS that are on sale at A2A but they are huge!
padde23 Posted October 29, 2024 Posted October 29, 2024 I don't have much experience with headphones generally but for what it's worth I auditioned HD600, Focal Clear, Hifiman Sundara and Edition XS at A2A a couple of years ago and bought the Edition XS. From memory what stood out to me with the XS vs the others was the width of the soundstage. 1
luapnodyl Posted October 29, 2024 Author Posted October 29, 2024 11 hours ago, padde23 said: I don't have much experience with headphones generally but for what it's worth I auditioned HD600, Focal Clear, Hifiman Sundara and Edition XS at A2A a couple of years ago and bought the Edition XS. From memory what stood out to me with the XS vs the others was the width of the soundstage. Do you find the size of the XS manageable?
padde23 Posted October 29, 2024 Posted October 29, 2024 31 minutes ago, luapnodyl said: Do you find the size of the XS manageable? It's fine for desktop use, if you are concerned about comfort I did find after long periods there was some pressure at the top so I added a cheap headband (https://amzn.asia/d/f3wPoj1) which helps. I guess it is big (although many of the headphones I saw at the show were similar) but I only use it at home so it doesn't bother me. 1
padde23 Posted October 30, 2024 Posted October 30, 2024 https://www.stereonet.com/forums/classifieds/item/9334-hifiman-arya-stealth-headphones-headphones-overon-ear/ 1
luapnodyl Posted October 30, 2024 Author Posted October 30, 2024 44 minutes ago, padde23 said: https://www.stereonet.com/forums/classifieds/item/9334-hifiman-arya-stealth-headphones-headphones-overon-ear/ Very nice - ever so tempting
Cacofonix Posted November 14, 2024 Posted November 14, 2024 On 30/10/2024 at 4:03 PM, luapnodyl said: Very nice - ever so tempting Did you buy them?
luapnodyl Posted November 14, 2024 Author Posted November 14, 2024 (edited) 10 hours ago, Cacofonix said: Did you buy them? No I didn't. Other (apparent) financial priorities got in the way Edited November 14, 2024 by luapnodyl
Cacofonix Posted November 15, 2024 Posted November 15, 2024 (edited) 8 hours ago, luapnodyl said: No I didn't. Other (apparent) financial priorities got in the way I know that feeling! In the planar field HiFiMan is very good value from a sound quality/$$ ratio. I've owned three, both Sundaras and the HE6se - which is a keeper. I had a lengthy in-store audition of the Edition XS and thought it was more entertaining than the Sundara (bigger bass). I did place an order (XS was on backorder at the time) but didn't go through with the purchase due to an expensive car repair bill blindsiding me. That cursed financial priority thing! I should add that A2A in Perth were very accomodating with the length of time I took to audition the HFM XS and also with refunding my money when I cancelled my order. I've since auditioned and purchased a Grado 325x and they snipped a little bit off the sticker price without me having to ask. Edited November 15, 2024 by Cacofonix
luapnodyl Posted November 15, 2024 Author Posted November 15, 2024 3 hours ago, Cacofonix said: I know that feeling! In the planar field HiFiMan is very good value from a sound quality/$$ ratio. I've owned three, both Sundaras and the HE6se - which is a keeper. I had a lengthy in-store audition of the Edition XS and thought it was more entertaining than the Sundara (bigger bass). I did place an order (XS was on backorder at the time) but didn't go through with the purchase due to an expensive car repair bill blindsiding me. That cursed financial priority thing! I should add that A2A in Perth were very accomodating with the length of time I took to audition the HFM XS and also with refunding my money when I cancelled my order. I've since auditioned and purchased a Grado 325x and they snipped a little bit off the sticker price without me having to ask. I had some Grado 325x a while back and so wanted to love them. I found them just a bit too bright for my preferences. Saying that when they were good they were wonderful. I still hanker after them and regret selling them although the 'phones they funded I much prefer.
Cacofonix Posted November 15, 2024 Posted November 15, 2024 8 minutes ago, luapnodyl said: I had some Grado 325x a while back and so wanted to love them. I found them just a bit too bright for my preferences. Saying that when they were good they were wonderful. I still hanker after them and regret selling them although the 'phones they funded I much prefer. Probably best not to buy any HiFiMan ovals without listening to them first then. Neutral-bright is a common descriptor. I'm not finding the 325x bright. In fact I didn't relist my Topping amp in the classifieds because the Grado were a bit congested with my Aune S17 Pro amp but are just right with the Topping. 1
frankn Posted November 16, 2024 Posted November 16, 2024 I use the Quad ERA-1 planar headphones and find them very nice to listen through. Good bass, clear mid and highs. Female vocals are very nice. They are a bit large but very comfortable. I haven’t compared them to other planar HP so wouldn’t know how they compare. The reviews of the ERA-1 are positive.
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