[theiratepirate]

Hi all,

I'm new to this hobby, having yet to acquire the technical language to meaningfully talk about preference, but will instead describe what I'm hoping to find in terms of an IEM or pair of headphones. Live, the sound of the toms on a drum set reverberate and produce sound such that each note in a drum roll can be differentiated by sound and how the instruments are tuned rather than position. In testing a pair of LCD-Xs and AFOs/AFCs, I've found that each note in a drum roll on the toms sounds no different than the last. Further, the duration and reverberation of notes is far shorter and less pronounced than what the artist seems to have been going for. In a genre such as metal, the kick drum and toms are heavily used, as demonstrated here. Further, I prefer accurate reproduction with cymbals, even if it feels like an ice pick is being taken to my ears, as is the case here and here. CA Andromedas were closer to preference, but unfortunately, I found these too uncomfortable. Regarding price, I'm hoping to stick around $1k for an IEM or pair of headphones and around $1k total for a dac and amp.

Any advice or recommendations would be greatly appreciated!

 

[pbui44]

Well, it sounds like you need dead-neutral stuff for professional use, so you don’t need expensive stuff, but specialized stuff, like the Topping DX7s (it has been scientifically tested to have extremely little THD in one googled review) and Shure SRH-1840, which has been known to have a dead-neutral presentation. You can find both items, as well as an XLR cable for the SRH-1840, here:

https://www.amazon.com/Balanced-Headphone-Amplifier-Topping-2ES9038Q2M/dp/B07B4VFS21

https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B0073A4FM4/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1527042343&sr=8-1&pi=AC_SX236_SY340_QL65&keywords=srh1840&dpPl=1&dpID=51-KWB-w+lL&ref=plSrch

https://www.surfcables.com/products/shure-srh-1540-cables

Now that I remember it, one of the female vocalists from the show “Nashville” wore either the SRH-1440 or SRH-1840, while she was singing in the recording booth. I know it’s just a fictional show, but apparently, Shure open-backs work very well with banjos (heh-heh).

 

[serman005]

Have you checked out a Vega? It might be more suitable given your concern about tom/kick drum reproduction and their respective harmonic decay and layering when played. You would have to see if the cymbals are to your liking or not. I find the treble very solid, personally. Nothing sacrificed, IMO. I would characterize the overall signature of the Vega as impactful. You might want to check it out.

 

[theiratepirate]

Have you checked out a Vega? It might be more suitable given your concern about tom/kick drum reproduction and their respective harmonic decay and layering when played. You would have to see if the cymbals are to your liking or not. I find the treble very solid, personally. Nothing sacrificed, IMO. I would characterize the overall signature of the Vega as impactful. You might want to check it out.

Thank you for the suggestion! I didn't like the Vega as much as the Andromeda, despite it being more comfortable.

 

[theiratepirate]

Well, it sounds like you need dead-neutral stuff for professional use, so you don’t need expensive stuff, but specialized stuff, like the Topping DX7s (it has been scientifically tested to have extremely little THD in one googled review) and Shure SRH-1840, which has been known to have a dead-neutral presentation. You can find both items, as well as an XLR cable for the SRH-1840, here:

https://www.amazon.com/Balanced-Headphone-Amplifier-Topping-2ES9038Q2M/dp/B07B4VFS21

https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B0073A4FM4/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1527042343&sr=8-1&pi=AC_SX236_SY340_QL65&keywords=srh1840&dpPl=1&dpID=51-KWB-w+lL&ref=plSrch

https://www.surfcables.com/products/shure-srh-1540-cables

Now that I remember it, one of the female vocalists from the show “Nashville” wore either the SRH-1440 or SRH-1840, while she was singing in the recording booth. I know it’s just a fictional show, but apparently, Shure open-backs work very well with banjos (heh-heh).

Thanks for the input - I'll check these out!