[VandyMan]

AR is of course not the AR of old. It is just one of many brands owned by Voxx. The old Massachusetts offices have been closed for decades. I wonder who actually developed these headphones...

 

[Andrew Rieger]

Bottom line:
For $1200 - I would personally not buy them! There are better (and cheaper) alternatives IMHO for open back warm headphones.

Alternatives such as?

 

[phthora]

* Echo box

Headphones prototype called Vanguard.
Very comfy open back. Handled bass and sub bass very well. No harshness at all. Very fun listen.
Expected in 5-6 months for $349. I would very seriously consider adding them to my collection at that price!

That looks an awful lot like the Sivga SV005....

 

[AlwaysForward]

Wow there’s apparently a massive sub-$1k open planar competition after RMAF

Audeze
MrSpeakers
HiFiMan
Advanced
Acoustic Research

Appear to have all debuted something between $500-$1000!

 

[mandrake50]

It is about time. I guess it was apparent to all that there was a bit of a hole in the market in this price range.

 

[Cagin]

Hmmm.... That is like asking a mom (or dad) who is their favorite kid
OK, here is my best and honest answer - if I had to choose only 1 headphone:
* If you want an open back - Mr. Speakers AEON open. That is an easy one!
* For closed, it is super hard for me to choose between Mr. Speakers AEON closed and ZMF Atticus. Honestly, they're both amazing! If you want it closer to neutral - AEON Closed. If you want it much warmer than neutral - ZMF!

Hope that helps

That's very reassuring Zachik. I admit I'd been having second doubts about jumping on the AFO 2days ago after reading show impressions

 

[Allanmarcus]

That looks an awful lot like the Sivga SV005....

It's not. They are just using the same shell for the prototype.

 

[Presto]

Am I the only one who noticed Echobox's headphones look exactly like these https://smile.amazon.com/dp/B075K431XP/_encoding=UTF8?coliid=I2C5RG5LKCT8NX&colid=165BUO38Y4D7J&th=1 Also, the black tape is covering exactly where the logo is... Pretty sketchy

Edit: looks like people are talking about it, nvm

 

[phthora]

Oh, man! Didn't notice the black tape. They are definitely using the Sivga shells for the prototype.

Usually the approach for a prototype is to make something so horrendous looking no would want to steal the design.

 

[Zachik]

Thank you! That does help narrow it down. What's surprising to me is that you chose AEON open instead of Ether flow open! I have a business trip to LA this Thursday, so I'm hoping to go to Source AV and audition each of the headphones you recommended and then let my ears decide.... I definitely appreciate you pointing me in the right direction.

Let me know which you chose!

As for AEON open over Ether Flow open:
I believe the Ether Flow open is technically superior. It is a little more detailed, and more neutral. However, I tend to gravitate towards headphones that are slightly (or more than slightly) warmer! Also, a $1000 price difference is very hard to ignore
Honestly, I would be very happy with either, but a little happier with the one that leaves $1000 in my wallet (or more likely, let me buy more stuff).

 

[Zachik]

Alternatives such as?

Mr. Speakers AEON Open. List at $799 and are superior in every way!
HiFiMAN Edition X v2

I hope 2 alternatives are sufficient...

 

[Zachik]

That's very reassuring Zachik. I admit I'd been having second doubts about jumping on the AFO 2days ago after reading show impressions

You should not have any 2nd thoughts! Dan has done it again!!

 

[czy6412]

Mr. Speakers AEON Open. List at $799 and are superior in every way!
HiFiMAN Edition X v2

I hope 2 alternatives are sufficient...

Interesting as I thought HP-3 is superior to Aeon Open in every way

 

[Andrew Rieger]

Mr. Speakers AEON Open. List at $799 and are superior in every way!
HiFiMAN Edition X v2

I hope 2 alternatives are sufficient...

I see. I think our tuning preferences are way different. The Aeons were disappointing for me. Edition X wasn't bad but it lacked attack and felt a bit thin to me. I think the HP3 will be more my speed since I'm a closet bass head who prefers warmer headphones. It sounds like the HP3 has fantastic bass with a smooth midrange and above average treble extension.

 

[Presto]

Interesting as I thought HP-3 is superior to Aeon Open in every way

I thought they were both very good in their own way. It just seems to be a matter of personal preference.