Hi folks;

It’s been a while since I played in the Headfi space.

I am hunting a pair of headphones in the 2-3k price range. Something that sounds great, but particularly something that does well with soundstage and detail, without sounding too bright.

I have owned a few of the totl models from 5 years ago, focal, Sennheiser etc. but it never really stuck with me tbh.

Are electrostats an option at this budget ?

Has anyone heard the Hedd Heddphone Two and recommend it ?

Is the Modhouse Tungsten worth pursuing ?

I’m not sure of the amp yet, but class a or valves are of interest.

Source is a DCS Bartok.

Any advice is much appreciated.

Edited January 25Jan 25 by Ray H

Is it a better to decide on the amp first. For $2-3k you should be able to get some good phones.

Thanks,

I understand that thought, but want to know what headphones people recommend in this price range.

Regards,

Not in the price range you're wanting (much cheaper) but I recently added the Verum II to my headphone choices and cannot fault them.

There is a thread here on SnA for them (just search Verum). A few of us bought themnat Kickstarter stage, now you can get them via the Verum website. Both version 1 and 2 available on there.

Many YouTube reviews around as well you can watch that discuss them in detail.

I have gravitated to the Hifiman Arya Organics that are about the most even balanced sound of them all - there is a newer version out now but I found getting a really good aftermarket cable gives a better result and found the "Ultimate" from the UK people called Custom Cables to produce a surprising improivement but perhaps best if you audition any of the intended cans at a retailer. I use a couple of headamps with these cans like the Ayre Codex, the rather musical Auralic G1 streamer, the Whammy (diyAudio kit amp), etc - they like valve amps too ...

26 minutes ago, HdB said:

I have gravitated to the Hifiman Arya Organics that are about the most even balanced sound of them all - there is a newer version out now but I found getting a really good aftermarket cable gives a better result and found the "Ultimate" from the UK people called Custom Cables to produce a surprising improivement but perhaps best if you audition any of the intended cans at a retailer. I use a couple of headamps with these cans like the Ayre Codex, the rather musical Auralic G1 streamer, the Whammy (diyAudio kit amp), etc - they like valve amps too ...

I’m starting to think the Hifiman HE1000 stealth might be a good option at less than 2k. Have not heard a Hifiman as yet though.

10 hours ago, Ray H said:

I’m starting to think the Hifiman HE1000 stealth might be a good option at less than 2k. Have not heard a Hifiman as yet though.

I've had Hifiman before, beautiful balanced sound and I found them very comfortable for long listening, but they only lasted a few years and then basically fell apart. I loved their sound and comfort, but not their QC. Stick with open cans for best sound stage (but it looks like you already know this!). I'd be inclined to look at Audeze LCD-3's if you want to avoid brightness. Quite heavy in weight for what they are, but a wonderful full sound. Your music choice would have a large influence in what would suit you best.

If you're interested in second hand I have a Woo Audio WA22 and Audeze LCD-3 (fazor) available for sale.

Thanks @Kaynin i have owned the lcd3f before.

I agree it’s a nice headphone from a sound quality perspective. But it was never comfortable enough to live with for me (too heavy and unwieldy iirc).

I do like the look of the new generations of Audeze, which are much lighter I believe. But apart from the mm500, there isn’t really an lcd3 replacement/upgrade yet.

Thanks for the info on the Hifiman qc, I have heard that about them more than once.. Definitely a consideration, I agree.

One of the rather surprising things about the 'Organics' is that they seem to produce the different sound/combination of the amps really well without overlaying their own distinct characteristics - the 1000 seemed to be a bit more distinct in the upper mids so .... - mind you, we're listening to a rather good quality of reproduction here so can expect some effort for that 'best' match.

Upgrade cable choices seems to be quite daunting and haven't much idea how to short check this

If it's of interest, I can offer you/other folks to check out some of the aftermarket cables I have here to save buying new ones - these have the usual 3.5mm jack plugs (cans) and most use the 1/4" stereo jack for the amps

I have a few aftermarket cables here from my previous headfi setups, Aurealis etc. I agree they can easily outperform most cables that come with the headphones.

Ray,

I would recommend you search for a set of Rosson Audio Design RAD-O Planar Magnetic Headphones from the USA. For sonic performance and extraordinary design these headphones are exceptional. They recommend using one of the Rupert Neve Design headhone amps but not sure that is mandatory. They are very comfortable to wear for prolonged listening sessions and spare parts from Rosson Audio Design are very easy to order if necessary. More info at www.rossonaudiodesign.com. Each set of RAD-O is quite unique and stunning to look at.

Mick

Another option to audition is the Neumann NDH 20 Closed-back Headphones. Superb build-quality....RRP $999 and one of the most comfortable set of headphones you will find. Lots of info and reviews online.

I have the Focal radiance as closed, pretty happy with it.

Looking for an open back model to enhance soundstage etc.

The Verum Headphones from the Ukraine are open backed planars that are very similar in design to the Rosson Audio Rad-O......but at around $500 about one quarter of the price. Lots of good reviews.

Mick

21 hours ago, Ray H said:

I have the Focal radiance as closed, pretty happy with it.

Looking for an open back model to enhance soundstage etc.

I too have the Focal Radiance and the Focal Clear, I grabbed the Verum II based on the reviews and wanting something additional to my Clear as open back but curiosity of wanting to experience planar drivers and the positive reviews helped me pull the trigger. No regrets. I actually just received the magnetic caps for them so I can easily switch them to a closed back (if I choose to do so)

Might be worth posting a question in the Verum thread, there are few here that bought them, you could ask questions and receive SnA member user responses there

Verum 2 - upcoming planars from Ukraine - Page 7 - Head-Fi, Portable & Desktop Audio, Hearables - StereoNET

2 hours ago, 08Boss302 said:

I too have the Focal Radiance and the Focal Clear, I grabbed the Verum II based on the reviews and wanting something additional to my Clear as open back but curiosity of wanting to experience planar drivers and the positive reviews helped me pull the trigger. No regrets. I actually just received the magnetic caps for them so I can easily switch them to a closed back (if I choose to do so)

Might be worth posting a question in the Verum thread, there are few here that bought them, you could ask questions and receive SnA member user responses there

Verum 2 - upcoming planars from Ukraine - Page 7 - Head-Fi, Portable & Desktop Audio, Hearables - StereoNET

Thankyou;

First question, aligned to my soundstage query; how is the soundstage of these compared to your other headphones ?

Although I know this isn’t a focal strength per se.

you could also look at Grado from the States. They have quite a range and reputation

14 hours ago, Ray H said:

Thankyou;

First question, aligned to my soundstage query; how is the soundstage of these compared to your other headphones ?

Although I know this isn’t a focal strength per se.

They are great. Super comfortable, great bass depth but not flabby and a nice smooth treble. I'd say deeper bass than Radiance and smoother treble. Soundstage is as always album dependent, I don't always listen to the best produced music, but when I do put on something that is well produced the instrument placement is staging is excellent, they provide a real live type experience is maybe how I would put it. My wife put them on, I played Billy Joel Innocent Man and she absolutely loved them, and she is not at all interested in audio, so that to me said something.

As mentioned above, pop over to the actual Verum Thread, a few of us have left our impressions and if you ask in that thread you'll get Verum users from SnA thoughts and compared to their other headphone. Passion for Sound and many others also have YouTube reviews that are well worth watching if you haven't already.

Cheers.

In my experience, you have to try headphones for yourself if at all possible. It seems to me that there are so many unique factors to each individual (head shape, ear shape, comfort, fit) that if you’re going to spend ~$3k you should ideally see if they work for you.

Speaking for my experience, I prefer open back and planar type headphones for their spaciousness. But I’ve never really got any kind of speaker-like soundstage from any headphones. That doesn’t bother me but it is important to some.

Thankyou;

Yes I plan on re-visiting the Sydney Headfi shops to demo the options once I nail down which headphones are on the shortlist. Comfort as well as the sound characteristics I’m after are definitely easier to confirm on demo.

The headphones I’m considering are;

The Verum 2

Hifiman HE1000 stealth

Meze - ?

Abyss Joal (over budget, but likely good I suspect).

Hi Ray.

I used to own the he1000se.

I found them to have exceptional wide :Sound Stage and precision with respect to instrument placement however some might find them a bit bright. They are also very easily driven off anything as they are very easy to drive. Personally I find their RRP a great price. They used to retail for US$3500 and they have significantly been reduced since.

The only issue is if you do find them a bit too bright for your tastes.

The focal utopias are also very detailed however what they lack a wide sound stage. They have a sound that is quite punchy and dynamic and the sound has a bit more weight than the he1000se.

As a side thing, I am actually selling my OG utopias for $3000 at the moment (headfi) if that’s of any interest. In very good quality as the susvaras have been my main driver.

All the best

peter t

Thanks Peter @Ccollins

I owned the utopias a while back. They are as you say.

Regards the HE1000’s, all the comparison reviews I’ve read so far indicate the HE1000 stealth has more body and is not as bright as the se, most say stealth is the best of the variants (not including unveiled of course). But it is also harder to drive and largely requires a desktop amp, which I’m fine with. I won’t know of course until I demo it. The issue for me is though, the stealth is currently being sold direct from Hifiman for around $1400 aud, which from what I have read of its performance, is truly excellent value.

From what i have heard and read I agree with you however as I had no issue with the treble of the se that’s where i stopped (until i moved to the susvaras). However early on, particularly, it did walk a fine line on the treble side for me.

Although there has not been an official update some people on headfi do believe that later versions of the SE have had their treble brought back a little, but that’s just here-say for me.

Minidisc in Sydney has a lot of the headphones you are considering but will probably not have much hifiman.

I believe it’s not an attractive brand for retailers to stock due to the hifiman website pricing.

Not sure what addicted to audio have as demo models.

On the other hand when I ordered the Hifiman ananda direct from hifiman it was very easy to return that for a full refund so they do have a good and easy return policy.

But if you’ve paid sales tax to get that into the country, which you may or may not, you obviously won’t get that portion refunded.

Hope that helps a bit.

I had the Arya Organic (too bright), HE1000v3 stealth.. both not to my liking. I have the HE1000 Unveiled partnered with my Cayin HA-6A MK II amp and it brings a holographic soundstage that is wide and deep beyond anything I've heard. The Unveiled doesn't have any of the harshness issues the HE1000SE had, goes super low when needed.

The unveiled is roughly 2k over my referenced budget, glad you are enjoying it.