Headphone Reviews for All

Update

2009-02-08T02:31:00.003-05:00

I have not posted in a while but I think that a quick update is in order.
First, I recently tried the S700 again. By now they have been used for countless hours. From a brief three minute listen, I felt that they actually did open up a bit. To my ears, they sounded much better than I remembered them.

Second, I sold my ATH-ESW10JPN after about three weeks. I just thought I was crazy for spending so much on headphones when I was perfectly happy with the ESW9. Makes sense, right? I agree but within a month I had another set of ESW10JPNs in my hand. Honestly, I just couldn't bear to be apart from them. They are head and shoulders above any other portable headphone I have ever tried. I felt that my best bet to save money in the long run would be to buy one pair that left me so satisfied that I would not have to keep wasting money on new headphones.

Having said that, while the ESW10JPN is amazing, I think that the ATH-ESW9 or ATH-ESW9A (the US version) really hits the sweet spot in the line-up. The ES7 sounded very good for a $100 headphone but I felt that the ESW9 was so much better that to me it justified the $150 price jump above the ES7. However, no matter how amazing the ESW10 sound and looks (and don't get me wrong - it's AWESOME) I see absolutely NO WAY that it justifies its price being $250+ more than the ESW9. It sounds better but not nearly that much better. Having said that I would never give mine up again. Also, as of this writing, the ES7 costs about $110, the ESW9 about $265 and the ESW10JPN about $530.

Audio Technica ATH-ESW10JPN

2008-10-22T20:43:00.003-04:00

Yay! My new limited edition Audio Technica ATH-ESW10JPN is on its way from Tokyo! I'll be sure to post pictures and impressions as soon as they arrive. Stay tuned! They should be here within the next few days.

HA-S700 Update (sort of)

2008-10-20T13:29:00.002-04:00

I sort of gave up on the HA-S700. I let them burn if with pink noise for another 10 hours or so but they did not get any better. So, for the benefit of anyone who reads this, I gave them to my sister since she listens to books on tape day and night. I think I'll give them another shot when they have a few hundred hours of use but for now I can not recommend them to anyone looking for sound quality. If you don't really care about great sound but want something that sounds decent and is really comfortable, looks nice (read: familiar), and is well built consider them recommended.

New Cans: JVC HA-S700 - Initial Impressions

2008-08-25T18:03:00.007-04:00

I recently bought JVC's (Victor) new HA-S700 headphones at Circuit City. I bought them since they seemed like a direct knockoff of the Bose Triport - but at a much better price. The decent Triport is vastly overpriced at $130 so I figured that I'd try the JVC "version" which cost only $50. ($35 w/ free shipping on buy.com is the best price I could find but it is currently sold out as of 8/25/2008.)

I will write a review eventually but I figure that I should let them burn in for some more time before passing judgment.

First, I will discuss comfort and style. The S700 has a very clean look and fits comfortably over my ears. They clamp my head a bit but that can be expected from new headphones. I think it is great that the ear pads are padded with memory foam. This is beneficial for both comfort and sealing purposes. The headband's extension system is also similar to that in the Triport. The HA-S700 folds inward and flat but it does not have a dual hinge for true portability.

Someone on Amazon gave these a 5 star review and said: I just bought these headphone for a trip to China. I wanted something lightweight that sounded great and the JVC hits on both items. They fold flat to make storage easy and come with a pouch. They compare very well to Bose Tri-port at half the price. Don't buy in to Bose hype !! Buy the JVC !

In my limited experience with these headphones I think that the reviewer is on the right track but may not know of other competing headphones that offer better value. Please keep in mind that my HA-S700's sound may not have truly opened up yet after 5 hours of pink noise. So far, I find the HA-S700 to have a very clean midrange presence but they lack bass definition and impact and the treble can be sibilant. (Once again I tested with an iRiver H120 and .flac music files.

Even now, if you factor in excellent comfort, sound build quality quality, decent portability and the thus unspectacular sound quality, these represent a wonderful value at ~$35. At the price range, if your primary focus is SQ, then you may want to look at the excellent sounding Panasonic RP-HTX7. However, the HTX7 is not as comfortable and does not fold. If you can spend some more I highly recommend the Denon AH-D1001 for ~$100. They are very very comfortable and sound wonderful but they do not fold like the HA-S700.

In conclusion, the JVC HA-S700 is a good looking headphone at a great price. However, if sound quality is your number one concern, there are other options.

AT-HPP5 - Audio Technica Headphone Case

2008-01-23T00:14:00.000-05:00

Yesterday I stopped in at AC Gears in NYC to pick up a case for my ATH-ESW9 - the AT-HPP5. It is really nicely made and has room for my IRiver too (as you can see). Now I don't need to worry about tossing my headphones into my backpack.

Here is a link to Audiocubes:

And here are some pictures I took. You can click to see the full pictures.

2008-01-22T09:32:00.000-05:00

Here is a link to the ESW9 at Audiocubes. They don't carry them in their NY store any more but they are a trustworthy source of a nice selection of headphones.

2008-01-21T11:43:00.000-05:00

ATH-ESW9 Update (with ATH-ES7 Comparison)

2008-01-14T11:31:00.000-05:00

I find that I use the ATH-ESW9 more than any of my other headphones. Even though I often listen to music in bed, I'll lay on my back with the ESW9 rather than on my side with the ATH-CK7 as I normally would.

The ESW9 is simply a stunning headphone and it is hard to imagine a classier design. They were a bit clampy when I bought them but the grew more comfortable very quickly. Some people (including me at first) have a hard time justifying the purchase ($275 USD for me) but they sound so much better than any other headphones I've heard in the past that my constantly nagging feeling that I need to upgrade has been quenched. The consensus on head-fi.org seems to be that they are the best closed portable headphone on the market and from my experience I am inclined to agree. Whether they are worth more than twice the price of the ATH-ES7 is a matter of personal opinion. The ESW9 certainly sounds much much better than the ES7 but the ES7 is a competent portable headphone and is waaaay cheaper at about $110 USD. I'll get to sound soon but as a matter of comfort the ESW9 easily beats the ES7 which is much clampier. The ESW9's lambskin earpads are a huge improvement over the pleather pads on the ES7 since they are more plush and less sweat inducing. The ESW9 also looks better on the head than the ES7 since the headband does not stick out at a funny angle. (This can be fixed on the ES7 as can be seen here. (Thanks 3X0) The ES7 also can get scuffed very easily in day-to-day use. They are both very solidly built and can easily stand portable use. They both come with carrying pouches and are both made in Japan. I don't have it yet but I think I'm going to buy this case for my ESW9 so I can toss them into my knapsack.

Alright. I've got to go so I'll save my sound impressions for later. (They are amazing ;) )

Stay tuned!

Audio Technica ATH-CK7 Review

2008-01-01T15:14:00.000-05:00

This post is based on a review I did for Amazon a few months ago. I have updated it slightly for the blog.

I have owned the CK7 (which is made in Japan!) for about a year now and I am still blown away each time I use them. I have owned about 20-30 other canalphones and the CK7 is my absolute favorite. The highs are sparkly and beautiful, the midrange presence is fantastic, and the bass has great impact without being "boomy" or overwhelming. The attack is excellent and these are great for rock or metal since they can keep up with a double bass. I also use them to listen to Jazz and classical music. On a high quality recording you can even make out the impact of the piano keys or the fingers strumming the guitar strings. Wind instruments have a fantastic airy quality, usually only found on more expensive headphones or speakers. They do not have a warm sound but are better for it since they are precise and technical.

The CK7 comes in a beautiful titanium housing that looks great and really protects the delicate drivers inside. I take good care of my electronics but they still tend to get tossed around since I use them almost every day. My CK7 has held up extremely well and looks as good as new.

Also of note is that the CK7 has a "Y" shaped cord unlike the "J" cord which is popular with manufacturers these days but generally not with consumers. Included in the package are 3 sizes of tips and a thin leatherette pouch.

All in all anyone looking for an amazing pair of earphones with fantastic sound and decent isolation should check these out. You will not be disappointed.

Just note that directly out of the box the CK7 can sound a bit harsh or shrill. Give them some time. The drivers need to be burned in, and after a few days of use they will really come into their own. You may want to let them play overnight before using them the first time.

Headphone List

2007-12-20T03:49:00.000-05:00

Here's a mostly up to date list of headphones I own or have owned. If anyone wants a quick review on any of them just post it in the comments.

Current:
JVC HA-FX33
JVC HA-FX55
JVC HA-FX66
Audio Technica ATH-ESW9
Audio Technica ATH-CK7
Koss KSC75
Accura SR660
Sony MDR-D777lp
Sony MDR-E828
Altec Lansing im716

Past:
Etymotic ER4P
Altec Lansing iM616
Amadana PE-117
Denon AH-D550
Denon AH-D1000
Panasonic RP-HTX7
Panasonic RP-HJE300
Panasonic RP-HJE500
JVC HA-F120
JVC HA-F130
JVC HA-S350
JVC HP-FX77
JVC HP-AL1000
Sony MDR-EX71
Sony E-11 (Knockoff)
Sony MDR-E888 (Knockoff)
Audio Technica ATH-CK5 (Knockoff)
Audio Technina ATH-P9
Audio Technica ATH-ES7
Audio Technica ATH-CK9
Razer m100
Razer m250
Koss KEB/24
Zune Isophones
OVC T25 (Same as Vmoda Vibe)
Futuresonics Xtrememac FS1
Coby CV-E31
Grado SR60
Skullcandy Smokin' Buds
E-Che MYM603-SL
Sennheiser CX300
Shure E2C

Canalphone Comparison

2007-12-18T13:45:00.000-05:00

I recently posted this comparison of some popular canalphones on head-fi.org. I figured I'd post it here too. There are a few updates in this version.

Hey everyone. I've been getting some PMs today about my comparison between the new JVC HA-FX66 to the HA-FX33 Marshmallow, HA-FX55, and HP-FX77 so I figured I'd do some listening and write up a mini comparison. I no longer own the FX77 so I will limit myself to a few comments just for reference. I will also include a bit on the Panasonic RP-HJE300. Even though I no longer own them I was pretty impressed so I figure I'll bring them in from memory.

The canalphones in this comparison range in price from $20-$75 but I figured I'd include them all and then anyone interested can choose the best option within their price range.

My test rig is an iRiver H120 with Rockbox. I listened to mostly .flac files but mixed in some 320kbps mp3s. I did not use an amp although if there is any interest I can try specific earphones with my T2. For this review I listened exclusively to Porcupine Tree. I listened to studio albums and the XMII album to mix things up a bit.

Here goes. I'll start with the Marshmallows and work my way from there.

I found the FX33 to be a very comfortable earphone. They are also very solidly built and provide decent isolation. Their downside becomes apparent, however, when you start to listen to them. The first thing you notice is the bass. These little canalphones sure pack a large sound for the money. Unfortunately, while the low end is there in quantity it lacks impact - which detracts from the music. The midrange has decent presence but lacks purity. There is little treble to speak of. The FX33 is a good earphone for use in bed since they are comfortable, strong, and don't stick out of your ear. Plus, even if they break it is not much of a loss. Other than when falling asleep I really don't get much use out of them.

Parallel to the FX33 in JVC's lineup is the FX55. They also cost about $20 and are the polar opposite in terms of sound. The FX55 is the only 'phone in this comparison for which I did not use the stock tips. For anyone who tried these and dismissed them, do yourself a favor and try 'em again with the tips from nearly any other canalphone. (CX300, EX71, etc) The difference is just night and day. The FX55 was my primary earphone for over a year and survived some rough treatment including a trip to China.
Directly out of the package they are not much to look at and don't sound all that great. The treble has a nice airiness but the midrange is recessed and there is very little bass presence or impact. After a fair amount of burn in and a switch away from the stock tips these really open up. The high frequency presentation remains their best aspect but the FX55 also has a very clean midrange sound. While bass is not their strongest suit, it has just enough emphasis and feeling. Of the four JVC earphones in this comparison the FX55 is my definite favorite.

The HA-FX66 falls right between the FX33 and FX55 in terms of sound. They do not have an emphasis on any particular area but are pleasant overall. I personally feel that they lack flavor and fail to involve me in the music since there is a lack of feeling in the treble and bass. They are certainly a decent at about $35 but I feel that a cheap earphone should be a bit more fun. They are very comfortable and the "air cushion" is a big plus. The build quality feels nice and I like the wide variety of tips and the included hard case. Cable length is a bit of an issue since it is a bit too short to use on its own but too long to be perfect for a standard extension when used with a DAP in your pocket.

Next comes the FX77, which I no longer own. I really don't have much to say about these. I found them fatiguing and their sound was really subpar considering that they cost almost double the price of the FX33 or 55. The only possibly decent aspect of their sound is the bass which had a fuller sound than any of JVC's other offerings. Otherwise, I felt they were really nothing special and passed them on after about a week.

I'll keep going with canalphones I no longer own and move on to the Panasonic RP-HJE300. I picked these up on a whim in J&R this summer for $20 and was quite impressed. They reminded me of the FX55 in terms of sound and are a very good value. Their design is more akin to the Sony EX90 and FX66 and I found that they fit comfortably in my ears. They sounded good right out of the box and did not need much burn in. They provide the least isolation of all the canalphones in this writeup and you will have to turn up the volume in noisy areas. They also come with a fuzzy carrying pouch and an extension cord.
My only problem with the HJE300 is that I felt my first pair sounded better than the second pair I bought. (This is probably all just in my head.)

This leads to the Panasonic RP-HJE500 - my second favorite canalphone in this comparison and also second to most expensive at ~$60. The HJE500 takes everything I like about the HJE300 and improves on it. They really have a very similar sound signature but the 500's treble just has more extension and purity. The low end has more "oomph" without becoming overbearing. Overall they just have a more natural sound. The only problems I have with them is a slightly veiled midrange. They are much better sounding than any other canalphone mentioned thus far in this comparison but I am not sure if I feel they are worth the asking price.
The housing is constructed of aluminum and looks really, really nice. I have not put them through any harsh use or bedtime listening but they seem as if they would hold up nicely.

And now - finally - on to the Audio Technica ATH-CK7. These are the most expensive canalphones in this group (~$75) but also my favorites by far. There is just something special about the CK7 and a well burned in pair must be heard to be believed. They excel in areas usually reserved for far more expensive iems such as bass impact, sparkling treble and instrument separation. Listening to rock or metal is a real treat on the CK7 since heavy bass does not detract from the airy treble and vise versa. Guitars also have a nice Grado-like sound and with surprising presence and a forward presentation. The soundstage is nothing special but you can still place instruments very well. The CK7 is often compared to the Etymotic er6i thanks to its purity but in my opinion the CK7 excels above the er6i in every aspect but isolation. The sound just has so much more feeling.
They are the most solid feeling canalphone I have ever tried and the titanium housing is akin to a little tank.

There is really much more to be said about the CK7 but I've already written lots of descriptions all over the forum and I'm getting tired so I'll wrap things up here.

Thanks for listening!

Audio Technica ATH-CK7

Audio Technica ATH-ESW9

2007-12-17T23:25:00.000-05:00

Here are some pics of my new ATH-ESW9. A review should be coming soon.

2007-11-11T17:32:00.000-05:00

Here are the promised pics of the JVC Victor HP-AL1000.

JVC Victor HP-AL1000

2007-11-07T18:37:00.000-05:00

I recently traded for a JVC / Victor HP-AL1000 clip on headphone. When they arrived I was extremely disappointed at the lack of bass or really any sort of aural presence other than piercing highs. I actually had them up for sale last night on head-fi for about twenty minutes.

And then... I tried them with my iBasso T2 amp. I've always kind of liked the T2 but I did not feel that it added much to my Etymotic ER4-P or Audio Technica ATH-CK7. However, with the AL1000 it is a completely different story. Suffice it to say: I now love these headphones. They just have a pure and beautiful sound that is now much more well rounded than it was before. The instrument separation is great, the soundstage is surprisingly wide, the bass has depth and impact, the highs are more restrained, etc. I have never used the T2's "bass mode" before but it fits the AL1000 perfectly .

I also like that these beautiful headphones are made in Taiwan.

All in all, they are prohibitively expensive for clip-ons at $79 from AC but if you like clip on headphones, use an amp, and want a definite step up from the Koss KSC75 these are a great option. If you do not have an amp I would suggest holding off on these since they did not sound very good out of my iRiver H120 or Meizu M6. However, if you do have a headphone amp, consider these highly recommended.

The housing is a fantastic brushed aluminum that looks really nifty. I'll get some of my own pictures up soon. These deserve better pics online than the bland results from google image search.

It Begins

2007-11-01T13:36:00.000-04:00

Hey everyone! I've been meaning to set out on a headphone review blog for a while but I've always been too lazy to really get around to it. Until today (obviously). I am currently sitting in a two hour international law class and I lost my train of thought about an hour ago so I figured why not just finally get around to it?

Here's my background. I own or have owned about 40 pairs of headphones and all styles of in-ear phones over the past two years when my hobby/addiction started. They have ranged in price from $10-$200 dollars and suit many tastes and listening styles. Of all the headphones I've owned, I really find myself listening two pairs more than any of the others and I am really happy with them but I just keep on buying more.

I don't currently have anything fantastically expensive or elite but I guess I am simply looking for the ultimate cheap and portable setup. I have two DAPs (digital audio players) and two headphone amps as well. This blog will not be limited to headphone reviews - although that will definitely be the focus - but I will try to comment about all of the audio gear that passes through my life.

The reviews on this blog will be written for the common reader who likes to enjoy his or her music. Some "audiophile" terms will be used but they will be translated and explained. I'd like for this blog to be an enjoyable read for everyone from an audio newb to a seasoned listener.

I'd also like to point out that the upcoming reviews are nothing but opinions. My opinions. My very very smart and probably close to The Absolute Truth opinions. But they are still naught but opinions and I am sure many readers will disagree to some extent with my reviews and comments. So please use that comment button beneath my posts. Let me know you are out there and be heard by the multitude of readers in the blog-o-sphere. Think I'm a jerk and so wrong that I should lose my right to free speech? (You may have serious issues [these are HEADPHONE reviews we are talking about]) Post! Let the world know. Like what I have to say and want to give me a pat on the back or shower me with gifts? Then I definitely encourage you to post. Either way, please enjoy!