CHANGSTAR: Audiophile Headphone Reviews and Early 90s Style BBS
Lobby => Headphone Measurements => Topic started by: ultrabike on April 11, 2015, 07:15:33 AM
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A friend dropped these for a listen. They came in a custom, tasteful and practical case with foam cut to the shape of the cans. Inside is a 1/4" adapter, a "Limited Warranty Statement" (3 year), and a letter which I did not dare open since I don't own these cans.
Looking into the Kennerton's website, there is a brief about the technology behind these phones (http://www.kennerton.com/magister.htm (http://www.kennerton.com/magister.htm)). Basically a 42 mm mylar driver coated with titanium. The cup internals seem to be shaped to perform some sort of anechoic duties. They are made with >2040 year old bog oak wood. Cushions are made of lamb skin. In person they look legit. Indeed, some lambs and tree parts seemed to have ended up in these cans. The construction of these coconuts is top notch.
(http://kennerton.com/image/cache/data/product/headphones/Magister/magister-900x900.jpg)
The cable is detachable and fat. Not very maneuverable, but definitively feels pretty sturdy. I would recommend a different mechanism to secure the detachable cable (to avoid it from getting loose).
Given construction, these are on the heavier side of things. But not bad. Most planars in general are heavier going by memory. One thing about these cans is that they are face hugging tight. That may or may not be a problem for some. There is ample ear space inside the coconuts.
Sound wise these are IMO pretty resolving in the bass area, but not that much in the mids to treble area relative to the HD600s. This may be an unfair comparison given the HD600 are open cans. Relative to other closed cans (say M50s or CAL!) these may be a little more resolving overall. I would say these are neither bass nor treble monsters and the mids are decent. Listening to Daft Punk "Get Lucky" for the hundredth time was not offensive. Bass indeed sounded detailed, but plankton might have been sacrificed (EDIT: in other frequency ranges and relative to reference level open cans).
Overall these are not bad sounding, but not necessarily spectacular. They are about $900, and IMO one is paying for the craftsmanship which seems impeccable. These also did not seem to require tons of power to drive.
So measurements...
Frequency Response
(http://www.changstar.com/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=2288.0;attach=9221;image)
Distortion Right
(http://www.changstar.com/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=2288.0;attach=9223;image)
Distortion Left
(http://www.changstar.com/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=2288.0;attach=9225;image)
CSD Right
(http://www.changstar.com/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=2288.0;attach=9227;image)
CSD Left
(http://www.changstar.com/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=2288.0;attach=9229;image)
Comparo with CAL!
(http://www.changstar.com/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=2288.0;attach=9239;image)
Comparo with Ultrasone 880
(http://www.changstar.com/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=2288.0;attach=9241;image)
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Thks.
It seems this Magister is a luxury version of the FA-003TI :
(http://fischer-products.eu/image/cache/data/headphones/master%20series/FA-003%20Ti/FA-003-Ti_2-600x600.jpg)
and with Wood cups :
(http://fischer-products.eu/image/cache/data/headphones/master%20series/FA-003Ti-W/FA-003Ti-W-600x600.jpg)
Would be very interesting to see if there's any difference in SQ. :money:
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Ultra, any comparison to the Slants or Enigmas?
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All things considered those are reasonably clean CSDs, though the right looks a bit rougher.
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Don't like that ridge at 3.5kHz ...
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Ultra, any comparison to the Slants or Enigmas?
Sure. Slants might be a bit darker and less edgy, also much more comfy. Enigmas are closer sounding going by memory. Here are some frequency response comparos:
Vs Enigmas
(http://www.changstar.com/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=2288.0;attach=9235;image)
Vs Slants
(http://www.changstar.com/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=2288.0;attach=9237;image)
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Properly aligned at 1kHz for CAL! and Ultrasone comparos in first post.
Thks.
It seems this Magister is a luxury version of the FA-003TI.
Would be very interesting to see if there's any difference in SQ. :money:
Indeed. The carrying bag is also very similar. $200 too!
http://www.amazon.com/Fischer-Audio-FA-003Ti-Isloation-Headphones/dp/B00DS8RQK8 (http://www.amazon.com/Fischer-Audio-FA-003Ti-Isloation-Headphones/dp/B00DS8RQK8)
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I spent a few days listening to a Magister and found them to sound differently to the FA-002W which I own.
While both share certain similarities, the Magister does have a unique mylar dynamic driver which contributes to the difference in sound.
If you're questioning the nearly $1000 price tag - well - you need to feel these in your hands and see them. The money is definitely being spent on the premium build quality. These things ooze pure luxury. Not everyone will have the pleasure to listen or own one of these so you're essentially paying for the luxury and bragging rights.
That said - soundwise, I'd give these a 9/10. Very nice sounding to me with very dynamic and detailed bass.
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Yes. Build quality of these is quite high. Sort of a luxury item.
Agree that bass is also top notch in terms of resolution and dynamics.
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Good to know this Magister is not poo.
But if the FA003 TI gives the same sound for a much lower price ... :wheel:
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I spent a few days listening to a Magister and found them to sound differently to the FA-002W which I own.
While both share certain similarities, the Magister does have a unique mylar dynamic driver which contributes to the difference in sound.
If you're questioning the nearly $1000 price tag - well - you need to feel these in your hands and see them. The money is definitely being spent on the premium build quality. These things ooze pure luxury. Not everyone will have the pleasure to listen or own one of these so you're essentially paying for the luxury and bragging rights.
That said - soundwise, I'd give these a 9/10. Very nice sounding to me with very dynamic and detailed bass.
Luis.. how does the Mag's mids and treble compare to the 002w's mids/treble (I'm assuming you're referencing the High Edition variant.. yes?). Matched with the right amp (i.e. a good OTL), I remember the 002w-HE sounded terrific (to my ears). very detailed mids and delicate treble (but it was pretty ruthless). I still miss my pair (regret selling it way back when). I wish FA would release a open, high impedance DD flagship.
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Luis.. how does the Mag's mids and treble compare to the 002w's mids/treble (I'm assuming you're referencing the High Edition variant.. yes?). Matched with the right amp (i.e. a good OTL), I remember the 002w-HE sounded terrific (to my ears). very detailed mids and delicate treble (but it was pretty ruthless). I still miss my pair (regret selling it way back when). I wish FA would release a open, high impedance DD flagship.
IMHO, the Mag's mids are similar to the 002W. The treble is more like the 002W NON-HE edition, which I actually prefer. Where it definitely bests the 002W is in the bass response. It sounds VERY nice out of a tube amp.
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BTW guys. Adding impedance plot:
(http://www.changstar.com/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=2288.0;attach=9362;image)
Kennerton claims 64 ohms, so pretty close.
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Holy crap...
I clicked through to the website and it really does say they're made out >2000 year old bog wood. I was assuming you were just throwing in a joke.
Also found this on the site too...
These unique headphones are hand assembled in Russia, by joint efforts of Kennerton and Fischer Audio teams.
Also, the name is totally badass.
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In case any pirate is interested...
http://www.head-fi.org/t/765443/magister-40-promotion-price
40% off for a review sounds Ok to me. I'd probably jump in if they weren't so huge! (already have my Spider Moonlight headphones to cover that particular base LOL). Would probably send you that one next G!
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These are ok sonically, but it's too colored in the midrange for me to recommend. A very "hype-y" sound. I'm also experiencing listening fatigue after 30 minutes or so...must be that lower treble plateau.
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Yup. Is not as hype-y as other stuffs I heard. Let's say is a quality hype-y can. Gelocks will like! :)p1
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That's a good probability!!! :p
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Keep in mind that everything I say here is based on a day (and night) of listening. I’ve avoided directly comparing the Magister to any of the other headphones on hand. I’ll post direct comparisons later. It takes time for me to form worthwhile and trustworthy opinions about how headphone A compares to headphone B. My current reference is the LCD-2.2; I also have the HE-500 with me. When I get home next week, I’ll be able to compare it against the HD800. I’m a streamer, so Tidal or Spotify are feeding my GO450. UHA-6S MkII takes care of the amping. I have an EF-6 with me, but it’s all packed up and ready to sell. I don’t feel like digging it out, especially since I prefer the Leck (although the HE-500 might pair better with the EF-6).
Some non-sound related impressions. First, clamping pressure is a bit much for me. This is the closest to Xenia Onatopp I’ve come in a headphone. And I’ve had the HD650. If I owned the Magister, I’d try to stretch it out a bit as the current pressure level make long listening sessions unpleasant. Second, I’d prefer a less microphonic, more pliable cable. Initially, I had a channel-balance problem with the 1/8” terminator. Plugging it directly into my UHA-6S MkII, the left channel came in at a lower volume than the right. Sometimes the left channel didn’t come in at all. This was remedied, however, by twisting the terminator while plugged into the jack. I’ve heard about this problem before. Interestingly enough, the terminator doesn’t exhibit the same behavior when plugged into the ¼” adapter – which is then plugged into a Grado ¼” to 1/8” adapter. Finally, the build on these sumbitches is top shelf. Looks-wise, at least. I feel like a goddamn landowner when I put these on.
A few remarks on tonality. Others have praised the quality of the Magister’s bass. I agree with them. The following tracks by Auditory Canvas were enjoyable:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JWl0HCBb_LU&list=PLuIVrfYyDssfPX2wLntbNrFK2-Cj5PBQu&index=4
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ozw76uGfVXs&index=2&list=PLuIVrfYyDsscK8ROQGmbPK-PTJjR7KYAk.
I think I’ve previously posted “A Dream Nuclei” to one of the “currently listening to” threads. On each track the bassline is prominent; it provides the primary melody on “A Dream Nuclei”. The Magister manages to present this prominence without disrupting the other frequencies. The percussion in “Solace of Remembrance” as rendered by the Magister is on the cusp of being fatiguing. I have not found it to be fatiguing with other headphones. Take another track. Something about the attack in the percussion here bothers me:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iA5-bZzMrOE.
This track hasn't bothered me before. That makes me think the high midrange is coming on a bit too strong for me with the Magister. Take final example. A track that that demonstrates both the positive and the negative qualities of the Magister is “Cuntpressor” by Vaetxh:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=efRPJ3vocn8.
Through the Magister, the bass hits hard; it’s articulate and quick; it stays where it’s supposed to. But the shit happening in the high midrange is way too sharp. Overwhelming, even. I typically listen at roughly 80dB to 90dB. Peaks above 90dB are generally uncomfortable, painful sometimes with the right frequency. I find it difficult to listen at my preferred SPLs with the Magister. Sorry, two final beloved tracks I’m finding to be fatiguing with the Magister:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XisOVzJ32_g&index=2&list=PLTUosQXPKO0Lo8aUvW4alXHaa7B2qmoh3
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=viHUV33l-Ho&list=PLTUosQXPKO0Lo8aUvW4alXHaa7B2qmoh3&index=7.
There are a number of things I love about the Magister + Clark. The maracas on “Winter Linn” and the weird hisses on “Snowbird” aren’t among them. Overall, early impression is that this isn’t my tonality.
What about technicalities? I said that the high midrange was “sharp”. This headphone seems to attack quickly across the frequencies. With some frequencies, it’s too quick for my taste, especially if I perceive those frequencies as boosted above my preference. Hence the perceived sharpness in high midrange transients. If “sharp” or “sharpness” aren’t the right words for describing phenomena in the high midrange, substitute the appropriate terms. Don’t know whether I perceive any grain in the sound. Soundstage seems respectable for a closed headphone. Like I said, these are preliminary impressions. So I’ll try to say more about technicalities when I compare the Magister to another headphone. It’s late. And I’m fatigued as hell after listening to these all day and into the night. Though I took a break to see the new Mission Impossible. Highly recommended. The movie, that is.
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:)p13 Yes, the cans are a bit of a torture device when it comes to ergonomics.
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:)p13 Yes, the cans are a bit of a torture device when it comes to ergonomics.
Seriously. I have a vaguely large head, so it might not be as much of a problem for others. If the headphones didn't clamp so hard, they wouldn't be that bad. Weight seems fine. Cavities seem large and deep enough. I think the backs of my ears touch the inside of the pad very lightly; not bothersome for extended listening.
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How vague is your head? Nice and ethereal without any clearly defined boundaries?
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It's like a cloud. A fog.
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Did some comparative listening tonight v. the LCD-2.2. Will try to write some stuff up over the next few days. I should have noted in the earlier post that most of my listening was done with the low gain setting on the UHA-6S MkII. The high gain setting's increased dynamics doesn't suit my taste when listening to the Magister. I could run high gain in short bursts. Hell, it can sound great in short bursts - especially the bass. But the high mid to treble energy is too much for me.
I also need to post some impressions of the Algiz to the relevant thread.
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The Magister has gone to Hans, so I’ll post my final impressions. I said previously that the tonality wasn’t for me. That was borne out by further listening. I want a headphone I can listen to for 2+ hours. I know people who can listen to, say, the HD800 for 2+ hours. I can’t. I find the HD800 too bright at 80+dB for extended listening. The same is true of the Magister. I consider the HD800 excellent for forensics, i.e. for subjecting a stretch of music to intense scrutiny for a brief interval of time. It’s also good for low volume casual listening. I wouldn’t classify the Magister as a forensic headphone. Neither did I like it for low volume casual listening.
Resolution isn't greater than the LCD-2.2’s. I’d say it’s less than. Easily obscured high midrange and treble information may have been – in some cases – more readily perceptible on the Magister than it was on the LCD-2.2. However, whenever I switched from the Magister to the LCD-2.2, I could hear the relevant information. The LCD-2.2 is less obvious with its riches. That makes it easier to relax when listening to it, I think. You can zoom in if you want to. Or you can keep your distance and enjoy top shelf macrodynamics.
It certainly seems like you’re paying for luxury with the Magister. And that’s fine. The Magister is a very fine thing; I admire the craftsmanship. From a purely acoustic perspective, however, I don’t know why I should choose it over an HD650, say, which is roughly half the price, or an LCD-2.2, which is more or less equally priced. Of course, both of those headphones are open. It’s slim pickings for a high-end closed headphone, so the Magister might recommend itself on that point. Still, among the closed headphones I’ve heard, I would rank it below the Slants and ADs in terms of my preferences (viz. tonality and timbre). But I’m an orthohead. YMMV.
Thanks to ultra for putting this loaner tour together. The Magister was a headphone I was, at the time, very interested in. I’m not sure the interest would’ve been sufficient to inspire an exploratory purchase that I now know would’ve been regretted. It’s good not to have to learn the hard way.