Quick Meet Impressions



Oppo PM-1

First thing I listened to at the meet. Keeping in mind that the last thing I listened to was the Abyss the night before, my immediate impression of the Oppo PM-1 was very smooth tonally, good FR balance although maybe laid back and rolled, but otherwise a POS. Too slow sounding, kind of a mush and veil in the fundamental region, and way too closed in without any sense of openness or depth. After additional headtime, and avoiding anything else in the room, I grew to feel that the PM-1 was OKAY. That is OKAY when taken by itself not comparing to anything else in the room. Of course, not comparing it to anything else is nonsense considering its ~$1200 price.

With direct comparison to other headphones on the AGD M7 / 4-45 setup, I ultimately felt the PM-1 was the second worst headphone in the room. Only the $23 Tascam sounded worse, and even then the Tascam had certain traits which were better. The PM-1 was easily bettered by the $350 HD600 and HE-560 (more on this later.)

Still scratching my head on this one because good smooth tonal response is a priority of mine, and the PM-1 does do the FR right. However in all other aspects, the PM-1 is fail. Usually, it's the other way around. It just goes to say that good FR is not everything.


HiFiMan HE-560

The new HFM HE-560 is awesome. I was shocked a little bit at the new price tag, but this is a really really good sounding headphone which is worth the price.  A bit more resolving and much cleaner bass than the HE-500. A very minor treble bump when turned up (just nitpicking). Think of the HE-560 as the Abyss lite. I'm dead serious about this. Anaxilus felt the same way. I know quite a few people here are not fans of the HFM brand for various reasons, but HFM has put out a great headphone here.

Ultimately the question is: do I like there better than the LCD2r2? It comes down to which individual LCD2. I'd still take Craig's uber LCD2r2 other the HE-560, even at a few hundred more; but the the fact is, not all LCD2r2's sound the same. In fact, I'd have to say that I'd take the HE-560 over 90% of the LCD2r2s I've heard. A good LCD2r2 sample has better technicalities in terms of speed and delineation which outweigh its IMO less desirable / too rolled FR.

BTW, very comfortable. Feels light with the suspension headband. The new headband is light years better than the old assembly which tended to snap into several pieces.


That's me with the bunch being truly impressed with the HE-560. Doesn't happen much.

My impressions from Head-Fi:

Got a good chance to compare the HE560 to my own HD600 today. Level matched but on different amps.

I found that the HE560 still had a bit of that treble tizz that gets to me when listening at high levels. Not too different from what I remember the HE500 actually. In direct comparison, the HD600 had a much softer treble texture while maintaining equal (if not better/cleaner) attack. I would speculate that the HE560 does show to have a minor treble spike somewhere. Was ultimately hoping it might be more controlled and refined in the treble though.

Most of us agreed that the HE560 was superior at reproducing bass. On first listen, I actually didn't think it was significantly better. But part of it might be me preferring dynamic bass to ortho bass.

Regardless, I agree that the HE560 is an excellent headphone. Quite neutral and open-sounding which suits my two biggest priorities. But probably not good enough to pull me away from an eventual HD800 upgrade.

Thanks to everyone who showed up and brought gear to share! I enjoyed seeing the usual face and some new ones, after all this time, that's what I enjoy the most about this community.


HIGHLIGHTS:


1) Hanging out with you guys!
The day goes by fast every single time we have one of these events. Here's hoping the next one isn't too far away...


2) Noble FR


I haven't really made up my mind with this...I'd love to have more head time with it to give it an honest opinion and impression. That said, the switch idea is really novel and a cool idea.


3) HE-560


The HE-560 is light and very comfy. Sound quality-wise, I was taken aback by how much they DID NOT suck. After hearing too many FAIL orthos, it was nice to see that HiFiMan continues to provide great, quality products. Kudos to Fang! I just hope all HE-560's sound like that.


4) Cavalli DIY amp


There is something special about Cavalli's house sound. This tiny little amp packed quite the punch. I want one!




LET DOWNS:
PM-1....


Seriously though, and I don't criticize headphones openly for various reasons now, but this headphone is utter crap. Both PM-1's there were pure and utter . It really is a testament to the venerable HD600 that it can beat out a new, "top-tier" headphone at that price point.  The PM-1 would make an awesome $200 headphone, but at $1200...well....yeah....not good.

yay for more testimonials of the HE-560, I'm so eager to try these out now.

thanks a lot for sharing, lots of awesome stuff. seems like the coolest meet.

What Cavalli DIY amp was there?

Cavalli-Kan Kumisa III

http://www.amb.org/audio/ck2/