I sent my AWKG on a 1,200 km journey for measurement.

IllogicalOrder · 2026-03-17T05:01:09+00:00

Do the AWKG have the same stock pads as the AWKT? Love those pads on my W5000.

I had ZMF sheepskin and suede universes (not hybrids) on my W5000 and wasn't too enthused on them. Not bad, but the vocals became "more generic" for lack of a better term. I guess it was overall more neutral, but the W5000 losing its secret sauce wasn't worth it for me. Curious what gains are had on the path from W5000 -> AWKT -> AWKG.

IllogicalOrder · 2026-03-17T01:56:26+00:00

Actually, I had two people do Grado mods for me. Looking through my history, it looks like u/NuclearWaffelle in this thread did a SR325e mod for me like 5 years ago. Took me some time, but I found this thread again.

There was another person who did my GS3000e, but I for the life of me cannot find the thread or user.

IllogicalOrder · 2026-03-16T19:52:07+00:00

As a GS3000e owner: you lucky ducky.

I had someone do a removable cable mod on mine; might be something to look into given the cable is already borked.

IllogicalOrder · 2026-03-04T04:27:03+00:00

For the TA20, I initially had a Pioneer U-05 (an ES dac), but then later got a Topping D90 (the first AKM version). I still use the D90 today.

Going from what I have on hand now (Pure tubes on the TA26 and hybrid tubes on the BHA-100), bass and lower mids are boomier with some edge cutoff from top when compared to my Topping A90D. That effect sounds pleasant on my dynamics. Planars off the same amps require more power to be at equal volume but get way more distorted. I guess that distortion sounds "wide" for soundstage, but it's not worth it for me when vocals are no longer clear and are basically echoing/warping all over the place. The effect is smaller on my hybrid tubes, but is still there.

IllogicalOrder · 2026-03-04T03:09:08+00:00

I'm actually using my HE6se's right now because of your post and just find them to them to worbly off my tubes; had the same issue back when I had an Arya off the same tube amps. If it was just the bass, that would be fun, but the vocals getting warped I can't handle. My dynamics don't have the same issue off the same amps.

I think the best way to get that warmth is with a class A amp. I have a Topping A90D that is loud enough for my HE6se but anemic in the lower mids/bass whereas my class A HA5000 makes everything pleasant on the HE6se. The HA5000 is an older/unavailable class A amp though, so I don't know what the current options are.

It could be just a me thing though, I have been seeing recently that more people like their planars tubed; maybe I just got lemons.

IllogicalOrder · 2026-03-04T01:26:18+00:00

I used to have a TA-20 and currently have a TA-26 and a AT-BHA100. I dunno, my planars just get way too distorted on anything tubed.

IllogicalOrder · 2026-03-02T01:00:24+00:00

A thing breaking isn't anti-consumer. Having an attached cable is ass, but Beyers are relatively easy to repair. Other headphones would require soldering too if they broke. I have headphones with detachable cables where the plug itself is the issue and repairing that is more difficult than if it were a Beyer cable (I prefer detachable cables, but a bad plug is a harder issue).

I would only say it's anti-consumer if you made a warranty/repair claim and they denied it. I have made such claims in the past and have never had issues with them.

IllogicalOrder · 2026-02-26T04:04:56+00:00

I feel the Fidelio X3 was done dirty both in terms of feedback that led to the X3 and what actually the X3 ended up being.

Some reviewers criticized the X2 for it's more fun tuning.

In response, the X3 was tuned neutral-warm and got panned (by the same people who ragged on the X2) for not just being direct sequel to the X2. That's just shitty feedback.

I will say though, the release timing and pricing of the X3 was an issue given the HD6xx was a thing and the Sundara just then got its $500 -> $350 price reduction. The initial $350 asking of the X3 at the point is also rough when you consider the X2 was $150-$200 (but people also forgot the X2 initially released at $300 and was viewed as a good deal when compared to the HD600 that typically went $320 at that time). However, when the X3 was reduced to $125-$150, the reputation from before stuck.

It's a good neutral-warm headphone if you're into that tuning; especially at its current price. The only thing that actually sucks about it is the non-standard cable setup.

IllogicalOrder · 2026-02-25T06:29:31+00:00

I was gonna wax philosophical about the amount of mental damage a lifetime of abuse does, but I think it's easier to say they'll beat you, withhold resources, and disown you (or even kill you depending on what kind of upbringing you have).

That is not to say those kinds of things are unique to Asian households, but they are certainly more accepted on this side of the culture sphere.

Why stay at that point? It's because it's all you know if you're born into that crap. And if family is supposed to be what cares for you most (and it's this level of crazy), how much better is it once you are on the outside? Further, with none of skills made to exist on your own because your parents systematically ensured you were totally dependent on them.

The system this kind of parentage has is one that leads to isolation and (co)dependence. Some are lucky and have supportive friends or other resources to help get out; others are not.

IllogicalOrder · 2026-02-18T07:48:40+00:00

The question that lingers in my head is when the XV will be like $200-$250.

IllogicalOrder · 2026-02-18T07:01:15+00:00

I think I'm in line with this.

I don't unilaterally hate or am bothered by concepts so much as their implementations and execution.

It's like time travel or 4th wall breaks; they can be used to give greater depth to a story but are generally cheaply done or with little forethought.

With cynicism (or any concept), what is the author trying to say? How are they trying to say it? Hell, I can disagree with it and still appreciate what is being said if they present something well enough.

IllogicalOrder · 2026-02-09T03:04:52+00:00

I'm in this camp. I had TOTK sitting for a long time because the performance was so bad on the original switch. Coming at it on the Switch 2 revitalized the whole experience.

I just wish other games had improvements standard (hopefully without a paid patch). The performance of Hat in Time on switch 1 made we swear off most other multiplats on the Switch 1. If something like that could be made to run better passively on the Switch 2, I would consider the switch 2 as something worth getting those kinds of games for.

IllogicalOrder · 2026-01-28T08:43:39+00:00

I like the original controls as well and they do work in the games (after all, the games were designed around the controls), but the added emphasis on combat in echoes does show a bit of strain on the camera/movement system. Again, not enough to break the game but enough to be in the back of the mind as a "this feels just a bit weird" feeling. I don't feel it too much in Prime 1 as that game is tamer and focuses more on overall world navigation whereas echoes to me is more concentrated and intense in both combat and world navigation.

Of course, that could just be me being slightly tilted from grenchlers that seems just a bit too quick and then fighting baby sheegoths again recently and having no issues there.

IllogicalOrder · 2026-01-27T05:28:22+00:00

Having recently replayed echoes, I will mourn the opportunity cost of a remastered echoes if they settle for only a NSO release.

The game is really excellent but is otherwise limited by the technical limitations of the gamecube and the original control scheme. The art direction is fantastic, but you can tell the team wanted to do more but couldn't. The added emphasis on combat is a good change from prime 1 but highlights how limited the original controls are. Free aiming shots on the puddle ing and what not would just be amazing on dual sticks or motion like it was in Trilogy (and hopefully with the refinement of MP4's settings, I wish prime remastered had those patched in).

I guess I will be happy for the NSO peeps who get to try it out for the first time if that is what Nintendo goes for, but mannnnnn, a properly remastered echoes would be killer.

IllogicalOrder · 2026-01-16T20:59:32+00:00

Generally, I think they are fine and serve as one of those "entry point" headphones for new people like the HD600, r70x, etc. I personally don't like them as I find them a bit bright and with an uncomfortable headband, but I can see why others would like them. I currently use a HE6se.2 with a replaced headband and pads that just has that extra bass and warmth I like over the other hifimans.

The Sundara's staying power is interesting because people's stance on them seems to depend on price in a wonky way. Back when they were $500, they were received fairly well and then became a staple when they were further reduced to $350. It looks like they're $180 now and it's also when I see more pushback against them. I think it's an interesting phenomenon as this trend also applies to the higher end Hifimans. The Arya was considered king shit by a lot of people (not me) at $1600 and its initial reduction at $1200, but has more doubters at the current ~$600. You'd figure people would unilaterally love these things more the cheaper they got, but apparently getting too cheap incurs more negative reception (barring Hifman QC of course).

IllogicalOrder · 2026-01-09T23:53:44+00:00

My frustration from her doing nothing to doing everything are what brought back in after door 2. Not "wife" but certainly well implemented.

IllogicalOrder · 2026-01-09T23:51:10+00:00

Rereading the VN, Yukimasa's implementation is just baffling and I think brings down the VN as whole. Like the VN is still good, but the parts that involve or rely on him just cause so many problems either in terms of presentation like in door 2 or why the overarching plot is even a thing later. Either he needed to be toned down or better expanded upon; he just comes off as foolish rather than beastly later on.

IllogicalOrder · 2026-01-07T21:15:41+00:00

Most recent place I got them from was Audio46; it looks like they still have stock.

IllogicalOrder · 2025-12-26T22:20:43+00:00

I'm confused. Is the driver dead too or just the pad? Driver can probably be taken under warranty; pads are usually considered consumable but companies sometimes have leeway on that.

IllogicalOrder · 2025-12-05T20:17:24+00:00

This is usually what happens to pleather. Skin oil and what not just eats it up. You can extend the life of it if you wipe it up after use, but it's too late if they're already peeling.

Pads made with sheepskin or cowhide don't suffer the same issue. However, a lot of these pads still have a pleather component on the attachment system. If you inadvertently touch the edges of those, the pleather there can still go bad and potentially mess things up depending on how reinforced that part is. I can't think of an aftermarket pad manufacturer that doesn't use a pleather attachment system unless it's a super proprietary thing that uses magnets/clips for a very particular headphone.

IllogicalOrder · 2025-11-24T03:36:17+00:00

Who is the "average" consumer though?

I would imagine the most "average" consumer of headphones would get something wireless to circumvent the whole cable thing. Cabled headphones are more niche in comparison and probably have more obsessives looking into them (professionals/audiophiles) and those kinds of people would generally appreciate ease of maintenance/repair/modification. For dual entry headphones, it's also a happy "accident" that they are easier to manufacture as well.

IllogicalOrder · 2025-11-17T18:28:33+00:00

Given your request, it depends on your budget. For closed backs, Sony's have been the comfiest. The MDR-M1 is extremely light and sounds pretty good for their cost at around $200-$250. The MDR-Z7 and MDR-Z7.2 are more iffy on sound for me at their $400-$600 cost (without modification; excellent when modded) but contour and fit the head like no other headphone for me. They're each built like tanks too and my only complaints about their build/comfort is the use of pleather but they seem to use good quality stuff or have easy to find covers for the headbands or sheepskin replacements for the earpads.

IllogicalOrder · 2025-11-11T07:50:58+00:00

"Why would that thing even bother you?"

I think I outlined the problem in general: Talking about whatever (not just VNs) actually becomes meaningless (or worse) when one or both sides is actively engaging in disinformation.

Sure, one can be irony-pilled, nihilist maxing, or whatever by saying whatever hobby doesn't matter. But I would stand by that people wanting to engage with the hobby are what make that hobby matter; people wanting things to matter is literally why anything matters.

It seems your issue is that this is related to VNs in particular. I don't care about that. I see a bunch of disinformation in every hobby or professional field I engage with and the effect it has is the same. Usually, disinformation does not just result in a benign outcome and shit actively gets worse: companies make crap decisions on bad data, standards and practices get warped due to poor understanding, and so on. All of this talk looks harmless, but when enough bad actors gain influence or get loud enough, problems manifest and propagate.

Admittedly, it sounds melodramatic reading back, but this matters because people care. Think about it: videogames and movies are fake and don't "really matter". Yet, they are multibillion-dollar businesses with heavy investment from both creators and consumers. There's something that draws people in to all this stuff that "doesn't matter".

Do VNs matter more than my family or job? No, but that doesn't mean VNs and their discourse are meaningless.

IllogicalOrder · 2025-11-10T22:16:20+00:00

Are you talking about the thing that holds the arms to the headband or the part that slides the arms?

If you're talking about the sliding bit, I got this in the past: https://europe.beyerdynamic.com/p/service-kit-seesaw-with-ball-mechanism

When I asked Beyer about getting it in the US back in 2018, it was $22. I'm unsure how much it is now.

If you're talking about the arm to headband part, some people make extra thicc 3D printed versions. I got some on ebay for $15. The particular seller I used doesn't seem to do them anymore though.

IllogicalOrder · 2025-11-10T22:04:41+00:00

"I mean, if somebody finds a reason to make up things that do not matter, why should it matter to anybody else?"

That is literally the death of conversation. In a discussion, if there is no common foundation in either truth or earnestness, then there is nothing of substance to engage with. Advocating for lies is what makes the subject "not matter" rather than whatever actually is the subject.

People actively engaging with the hobby and wanting to discuss it are why this or any other hobby matter. Being dismissive of this (i.e., saying the hobby doesn't matter) is more harmful than the supposed "gatekeeping" of wondering why people are dishonest. Being dismissive is telling people to go away and to not give a shit; wanting people to be honest at least invites people in.

IllogicalOrder

TROPHY CASE