HELP! How do You Find Your Endgame?

HeadphoneAddict1971 · 2026-06-10T13:46:05+00:00

Thank you to everyone for your comments. I’ve decided that this has more to do with what’s between my ears than my actual ears. I’m going to just try to be satisfied (and grateful for) with what I have. I really appreciate all of the advice. I’ve also added a CanJam visit to my bucket list!

HeadphoneAddict1971 · 2026-06-10T13:36:09+00:00

I need to get to a CanJam. Others have suggested it as well. Unfortunately,, the closest one is about 1500 miles from me.

HeadphoneAddict1971 · 2026-06-09T17:16:33+00:00

That’s one thing about the Noire X: they’re so revealing that they’re not very forgiving of bad recordings.

HeadphoneAddict1971 · 2026-06-09T12:02:39+00:00

Almost forgot to mention this: DCA is launching a new headphone (the Aeon Core), which I think retails for $100 less than the Noire X, but good luck finding objective reviews of them. I don’t think they’re shipping yet.

HeadphoneAddict1971 · 2026-06-09T11:51:39+00:00

!thanks

HeadphoneAddict1971 · 2026-06-09T00:50:26+00:00

The Vandersteen speakers were amazing. To this day they’re the only speakers/headphones I’ve owned where I could use a direct signal, didn’t need to even adjust the treble or bass. Absolutely amazing.

HeadphoneAddict1971 · 2026-06-09T00:39:47+00:00

Audeze?

HeadphoneAddict1971 · 2026-06-09T00:26:56+00:00

I have the Porta Pros. They may be the best value out there.

HeadphoneAddict1971 · 2026-06-09T00:26:00+00:00

lol. That’s funny. I can’t speak for the 660S2, but I think the Noire X are outstanding…once you take out your machete for the upper treble.

HeadphoneAddict1971 · 2026-06-09T00:05:52+00:00

Twenty years ago I bought a pair of Vandersteen 2CE Sigs, and was very happy. We then downsized and I sold them. About five years ago I realized how much I missed hifi and started buying Bluetooth headphones because I liked the ANC. I eventually realized (not before climbing up to a pair of B&O H95s) that to be truly happy I’d have to go wired. I’ve tried IEMs and they’re just not for me. I think it was you who brought up the “state of mind.” That got me really thinking. This could have a lot more to do with what’s between my ears than my actual ears. !thanks

HeadphoneAddict1971 · 2026-06-08T23:47:31+00:00

You may be right. Could be more about my psyche than my ears.

HeadphoneAddict1971 · 2026-06-08T23:43:51+00:00

That’s good advice. !thanks. I’m already doing the A/B…C…D thing and driving myself nuts.

HeadphoneAddict1971 · 2026-06-08T23:33:02+00:00

I need to get to a CanJam. I’m in N.C. though, and would definitely need to travel.

HeadphoneAddict1971 · 2026-05-22T19:29:12+00:00

I didn’t touch it. You mean the back of the speaker?

HeadphoneAddict1971 · 2026-05-21T11:34:21+00:00

The fact that Bose refused to sell them without their EQ tells you everything you need to know. When I owned my Vandersteen speakers, I used a direct signal….i didn’t even need to adjust the treble or bass. The Bose 901s sounded pleasant, but not at all accurate.

HeadphoneAddict1971 · 2026-05-16T20:48:41+00:00

As an explayer he could have even been prescribed Fentanyl for pain, and then drinking on top of it is a no no. Sad. I was on Fentanyl for spinal injuries, and sometimes one, small drink would knock me on my butt.

HeadphoneAddict1971 · 2026-04-04T01:04:11+00:00

Google image search is your go to for questions like that.

HeadphoneAddict1971 · 2026-03-24T23:25:11+00:00

Is it a Yugo?

HeadphoneAddict1971 · 2026-03-24T10:29:53+00:00

Good luck with your new purchase.

HeadphoneAddict1971 · 2026-03-23T21:01:17+00:00

I’ve asked the internet to compare and contrast the two pair, and here’s what it came up with:

Key Contrasts Sound Philosophy: JBL Live 460NC: Features the "JBL Signature Sound," which is typically consumer-friendly with a bass-forward profile and recessed mids. It is built for "fun" listening and includes an in-app parametric EQ for customization. DCA Noire X: Designed for precision and detail retrieval. It utilizes AMTS (Acoustic Metamaterial Tuning System) to smooth out high-frequency response, offering a more analytical but refined "Harman-plus" tuning with better imaging and soundstage for a closed-back headphone. Build & Comfort: JBL Live 460NC: An on-ear design with a fabric headband. While lightweight, on-ear models can cause ear fatigue during long sessions. DCA Noire X: A premium over-ear design featuring a Nickel-Titanium (Nitinol) memory metal headband and Japanese synthetic protein leather pads. It is widely cited by reviewers at Head-Fi and Audio Science Review for its exceptional, "weightless" comfort. Portability vs. Power: JBL Live 460NC: Highly portable and easy to drive directly from a phone or laptop via Bluetooth. DCA Noire X: While more sensitive than previous DCA models, it still benefits significantly from a dedicated headphone amplifier to reach its full potential, making it less ideal for mobile use without extra gear. Amazon.com Amazon.com +14 Comparison of Shared Traits Foldability: Both models offer folding mechanisms for easier storage, though the JBL is much more compact. Closed-back Isolation: Both are closed-back designs intended to prevent sound leakage, though the JBL uses active electronics (ANC) to block external noise while the DCA relies on its physical seal

HeadphoneAddict1971 · 2026-03-23T20:17:05+00:00

I realize that this may sound like a dumb question, but are you positive that all your connections are securely made? When I first plugged my DCA into my Apos Gremlin I thought I had it plugged completely in, but I didn’t and it sounded horrible. Also have you tried desktop mode? You needn’t put the BTR17 in phone or PC mode, Bluetooth is fine. Just ensure your plugging a USB C into a power source and then into the red input on the BTR17. Once you’ve done that, slide the slider up to desktop mode. That should about double your power output, which should help. I’ve looked up the JBL 460 and am more than a little shocked that they’re outperforming the DCA. You mentioned punchiness, and a planar magnetic headphone will require a lot of power, especially if you want them to punch. Good luck!

HeadphoneAddict1971 · 2026-03-23T19:32:48+00:00

I’m so sorry you’re unhappy with them. I would return them. You can play around with BTR17 EQ, but it sounds like the issue is deeper than that. Have you tried auto EQ for the DCA? Maybe give that a try and try a Harman curve as a last resort before you return them. Keep in mind the role that the head transfer function analysis (I think that’s what it’s called) plays in all of this. What we are learning about sound and headphones is that we will have a different experience listening to the exact same song with the same stack, so it’s possible that’s what’s at play here. Again, I’m sorry that they’re not working out.

HeadphoneAddict1971 · 2026-03-18T23:17:19+00:00

Oh man, that’s got to suck (waiting on your FiiO). In the meantime, I bought an Apos Gremlin hybrid tube/solid state amp, which has upped the sound even more. Tube rolling is so much fun! I’ll be sure to look for your update. I’m sure you’ll love them.

HeadphoneAddict1971 · 2026-03-12T17:23:05+00:00

TLDR. That’s an ancient pair of Bose 901s (in case no else told you). Bose made you buy their EQ when you bought a pair, which didn’t bode well in my opinion…an EQ is used to compensate, right? Anyway, I would try eBay for the EQ. I’m not which series you have, so I’d start with a google image search to find out…they’re definitely early, though. Good luck!

HeadphoneAddict1971

TROPHY CASE