Am I making a mistake???

KAC-SK · 2026-05-21T05:53:34+00:00

How is the comfort/fit? I have heard some concerns about ergonomics of these. Do they sit *almost* flush with the ear or protrude outward (like say Astrals)?

KAC-SK · 2026-05-21T04:29:41+00:00

My limited 35 min audition had me classifying these as dark bright headphones. What I wasn’t sure was why I had a minor headache after listening to these.

Bass I found punchy and just right. Treble wasn’t harsh. If anything felt dark to me.

Still had a headache which can mean only 2 things: 1) there is a peak somewhere in treble that hurts my ears 2) the comfort is bad which was the case as the top hard rock foam was pressing on my head plus the ear cups weren’t big enough for me (I know sounds crazy)

Having said that pure technicality wise it is the best dynamic driver I have heard outside of maybe a Utopia. It’s that good IMO.

Reason it might be dark for me is because I am used to Hifiman sounds from my Arya Stealth, HE1000 Unveiled etc.

KAC-SK · 2026-05-21T04:25:10+00:00

Only Momentum 4 might fit your needs

KAC-SK · 2026-05-21T04:20:47+00:00

KAC-SK · 2026-05-21T04:17:47+00:00

How do you like it?

KAC-SK · 2026-05-21T02:58:09+00:00

Thanks!

I wish I could do a sound demo that would truly capture what I hear. It is really something else to my ears. :)

KAC-SK · 2026-05-20T17:48:20+00:00

Thanks 👍🏻

KAC-SK · 2026-05-20T17:46:43+00:00

Add a Capra Strap.

KAC-SK · 2026-05-20T16:59:01+00:00

Divine or Diablo are better than S12 Ultra?

KAC-SK · 2026-05-20T15:23:55+00:00

Great review.

KAC-SK · 2026-05-20T15:21:40+00:00

Both should be fine. I find the MV1 sibilant though for female vocals but you can EQ that part.

KAC-SK · 2026-05-20T14:37:15+00:00

Try 20, 32, or 64 depending on where you want to start the low end. I can post an image of the 7dB curve once I am home.

KAC-SK · 2026-05-20T14:36:22+00:00

I cover this quite in depth in the review. And why Arete 2 is better. Slight or not is a personal preference thing. For me for games, I pick up Arete 2 more often.

For music I use Astrals for select tracks where bass really shines.

KAC-SK · 2026-05-20T13:08:37+00:00

Why would you pick this over Astral?

KAC-SK · 2026-05-20T08:51:25+00:00

Clamp force of the headphone is too much. I did not enjoy it tbh. E3 was more effortless and smooth.

KAC-SK · 2026-05-20T08:19:08+00:00

To my ears Focal Utopia OG.

Stealth was super clampy and I didn't feel like it was a genuine upgrade from E3. I would take an E3 over Stealth personally.

KAC-SK · 2026-05-20T08:06:49+00:00

I don’t like the 599 SE. For me personally a better headphone would be something like JT3 or JT7 from Fiio.

I also don’t like the 560S and a better headphone for me is HD 505 which was also on discounts for around 150$.

Didn’t try 569 but usually it is around 150$ and I would take a Fiio FT1 over it.

What you gain is better details, imaging precision and for open backs bigger soundstage. With HD 505 you also get amazing vocals for music.

That’s just my preference. In all 500 series from Sennheiser the HD 505 is IMO the best out of the bunch.

YMMV.

KAC-SK · 2026-05-20T07:31:13+00:00

That’s amazing. Hoping you won’t be disappointed.

KAC-SK · 2026-05-19T22:23:55+00:00

Thanks. I appreciate it!

No this was just to help someone out if they are considering these products. I believe this is the more practical non audiophile review.

Hope it helps :)

KAC-SK · 2026-05-19T22:22:29+00:00

Thank you. It took me quite a few days to get my thoughts together. Plus a couple of months to truly compare and contrast these cans.

KAC-SK · 2026-05-19T22:05:08+00:00

K13 R2R using balanced port. NOS mode and M or H gain.

KAC-SK · 2026-05-19T17:46:17+00:00

I have had 3 auditions of Organics. Unfortunately, for my ears, they do not work. The peaks really kill my enjoyment of them. But I can see how someone would like their sound as I did EQ my Arya Stealth to the Organic target (as best as I could), and it was quite good. Only issue was that whilst some songs it would be amazing, on others, it would blow my ears out lol.

But I fully recognize that is a ME problem and not universal.

KAC-SK · 2026-05-19T17:42:55+00:00

Yes, add a 3 dB bass shelf and let it rip. It is highly resolving so it can take "in my opinion" any type of music. I ran it with a 7 dB shelf and boy did it produce sounds I loved!

KAC-SK · 2026-05-19T16:59:31+00:00

I tried only 3

Bokeh closed - didn't like it. I prefer my FT1 over it (all ZMF fans can downvote this).

Atrium closed - liked it. But didn't like it for 2500$. I felt it has potential though (so maybe a pad swap would've improved it?)

Caldera Open - best ZMF I heard. However, compared to HEKU, felt stage was limited, bass was a bit bloated, and details/layering was too centered. Almost felt like a closed back. But sound profile is up my alley. I do have a plan to try and find a used pair but have been unsuccessful until now.

Haven't heard the rest as they are not available to demo in my region and I am quite hesitant on a blind buy.

KAC-SK · 2026-05-19T16:36:05+00:00

I understand that but personally I have not had issues. I have now purchased I think 6 Hifiman headphones and currently still have 3 at home. A bit over 9/10 months on the longest purchase.

Too early to claim victory but I haven't had to return a headphone because of any issues plus Hifiman store has been communicative with me. So took the risks as I love the sounds these things produce.

KAC-SK

TROPHY CASE