[AleksanderWWA89]

Hi,

I have dan clark noire 2 closed and am looking for open-back headphones.

Budget: under 1500 dollars

Dac/amp: FiiO k9 pro ess.

I thought about focal clear mg / hifeman Arya v3/ ultrasone edition 11.

I am not in a hurry. I want to focus on the process and spend even a couple of months finding the best ones.

I am open to suggestions. It would also be nice to understand why you propose some headphones instead of others.

 

[XMarsX]

What is your preferred sound signature?

 

[AleksanderWWA89]

I prefer a natural and neutral sound, but I am open to explore.

 

[XMarsX]

If you’re open to EQ’ing I would recommend the 2021 revision of the Audeze LCD-X.

 

[TWerk]

I'd just grab a HE6SE V2 (you have a good amp already) and pocket a large amount of the money.

To me and others - those compete way outside their price point.

I had Ultrasone Edition 11 and Clear MG (sold them both) and I'd put the 6SE above either.

 

[Terco]

Focal Clear
Hifiman Arya
Audeze LCD X
Sennheiser 800s

You can't go wrong with any of these 4 imo.

 

[Metalingus]

I wouldn’t buy Clear MG, sold mine due to bright and thin sounding. Arya is worse. I’d rate Sennheiser HD 800 S above both, especially with EQ. If you need some bass presence than LCD-X, all day any day.

 

[AleksanderWWA89]

Focal recommends a minimum 24 hours burn-in. 50 hours seem to be right.
Did you do it?

 

[Metalingus]

Focal recommends a minimum 24 hours burn-in. 50 hours seem to be right.
Did you do it?

Yes, with quite heavy sounding tracks. I’m not believer in burn-in. Btw i’ve heard Utopia after my purchase and those are freaking amazing sounding cans and best i’ve heard to day no doubt. Heard OG clear and Elex measures similar to Utopia. MG is rather bright, unnatural. So if you live in US, with some coupons and warranty Elex will be a no brainer.



And to be honest, it is as good as a headphone can get. Next you’ll be venturing into loudspeakers.

 

[AleksanderWWA89]

I Live in Poland.
So sometimes prices are really crazy when you calculate dollars into Polish zloties and add custodies on top of that.
For example Arya costs 7500 PLN.
C.A 1650 dollars which, is a lot.
On the other hand, I can buy Clear mg for around 1350 dollars or Ultrasone edition eleven 900 dollars, and Meze 109 pro, for 800 dollars.
Btw Does it make sense to consider
Hifeman he 1000 (2022). Increase the budget for added value? If that is the case

 

[jonathan c]

Hi,

I have dan clark noire 2 closed and am looking for open-back headphones.

Budget: under 1500 dollars

Dac/amp: FiiO k9 pro ess.

I thought about focal clear mg / hifeman Arya v3/ ultrasone edition 11.

I am not in a hurry. I want to focus on the process and spend even a couple of months finding the best ones.

I am open to suggestions. It would also be nice to understand why you propose some headphones instead of others.

You cannot afford to ignore these! My absolute recommendation for a first purchase / new to the brand.

[ ZMF headphones. I own several: refer to ‘signature’. ]

 

[pbui44]

Look, an HD800S and ZMF Aeolus at different Polish retailer sites:

https://mp3store.pl/sluchawki/hi-end/sennheiser/2016370287001190404/4044155209280/sennheiser-hd800s

https://www.audiomagic.eu/en/headphones/headphones/przewodowe/otwarte/zmf-aeolus

 

[Thomasr]

https://www.head-fi.org/threads/sash-deux-tres-impressive-planars-from-ukraine.909992/

 

[Strayngs]

Look up JM Audio Editions. John Massaria is the maker. He is the guy who tuned the Kennerton Gjallarhorn so well that Kennerton adopted the tuning and now offers the Gjallarhorn only in the JM edition. He has been modifying headphones for a while and now he has his own 100% in house designed XTC which is made in closed or open back. He actually tunes the headphone exactly to your preferences and he ships world wide. This will come in under your budget.

 

[AleksanderWWA89]

Last question
What about audeze mm500?

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