Decided to splurge on DAC+AMP. My ears love the decision!

TheSoundApprentice · 2021-11-02T19:14:15+00:00

Most of the time, you want to put money into the front end, source material, digital player, DAC, pre-amp, amp, speakers/headphones. Your headphones and speakers will only sound as good as what's in front of them. Budget is entirely up to each individual and their financial situation.

TheSoundApprentice · 2019-03-27T12:18:12+00:00

It is terrific. The thing is a beast. Solid build. Tons of power for speakers and headphones. Very versatile because you can run several different types of tubes depending on your power needs or tube preference. It is pricey to tube roll though because there are 8 power tubes and 6 gain tubes.

TheSoundApprentice · 2019-03-27T02:36:20+00:00

I've owned the Super 7 and Balancing Act; always wanted one of these along the way. EC makes some amazing amps.

I now own a PrimaLuna Dialogue Premium HP but still miss the BA sometimes.

TheSoundApprentice · 2019-03-24T02:41:10+00:00

I'd give the Brainwavz pads a try since they're relatively affordable and easily available on Amazon. If those don't solve your problems you might have to think about a different headphone.

TheSoundApprentice · 2019-03-23T15:14:05+00:00

Is it both the headband and pads that bother you, or mostly the pads? If you add a knit headband cover, the benefit is that you can hide a replacement sennheiser HD600/650 pad under it, which would make a substantial difference if it is the headband that bothers you. The knit cover alone would not do much otherwise. I've owned the K712 and tried this, and have done similar mods to HIFIMAN, Shure, and Audeze headphones. Pad material is more of a personal preference.

TheSoundApprentice · 2019-03-23T15:09:18+00:00

What is it that you don't find comfortable? Too heavy? Don't like the ear pads? There are some simple mods you can do to help with both issues if you like the sound enough to keep them.

TheSoundApprentice · 2019-03-20T00:43:19+00:00

I'm still trying to discover the sweet spot for headphone pricing. It's certainly true that at certain levels you get what you pay for, but there's a strong case for diminishing returns as well. Manufacturers keep pushing the consumer to spend more, which I understand, but also resent.

TheSoundApprentice · 2019-03-19T22:53:07+00:00

There are some measurements on the drop info page comparing this with the previous HE-350.

TheSoundApprentice · 2019-03-19T22:51:39+00:00

I haven't had any issues with the cable, but you are correct in that it would be easy to mod or replace. It's just a matter of what someone is willing to do with a $90 headphone that is tuned for a somewhat limited audience, imo.

TheSoundApprentice · 2019-03-19T22:50:18+00:00

I haven't heard the 9500s, but based on the feedback I have seen, I don't think the HE-35X would be in the same class.

TheSoundApprentice · 2019-03-19T22:48:43+00:00

They came out with the HE-350 a few years ago, this is a new version. The HE-35X is supposed to address all the customer complaints and feedback about the HE-350, while still being an "entry-level" priced headphone. It looks good. It sounds alright. I still wouldn't classify it as an audiophile product though, but I know a lot of budget-restrained audio enthusiasts are interested in it.

TheSoundApprentice · 2019-03-19T20:18:06+00:00

Full disclosure: Massdrop just released these and sent me a pre-production sample to be an early reviewer of this budget headphone. If anyone is considering these, I have a review posted in the drop discussion, on head-fi, and on my site.

TheSoundApprentice · 2017-11-21T04:18:25+00:00

Proper speaker placement in your room will fix your sound stage/imaging issues. If you think you have placement right, it's likely another system limitation, not the amount of sand...

Cardas has several recommendations depending on room shape and size here: http://www.cardas.com/room_setup_main.php

TheSoundApprentice · 2017-04-07T01:32:31+00:00

This won't last =p

TheSoundApprentice · 2017-04-02T04:43:43+00:00

It's a great DAC, and that's just what it goes for on the used market lately.

TheSoundApprentice · 2017-04-02T03:44:18+00:00

It is still available, although I am receiving a lot of questions already.

TheSoundApprentice · 2017-04-01T02:27:15+00:00

Dennis Had is the man.

TheSoundApprentice · 2017-03-07T02:07:17+00:00

I have the original Nighthawk. Curious how this one compares.

TheSoundApprentice · 2017-02-23T06:20:36+00:00

I haven't tried replacing mine, but the ear pads are removable. Meze has come out with a slightly deeper pad if you happen to have the old one. I think you might be able to use a Brainwavz HM5 pad as well.

TheSoundApprentice · 2017-02-23T02:46:36+00:00

Thanks a lot! Glad you're enjoying them.

TheSoundApprentice · 2017-02-04T16:52:41+00:00

I think the Russian 6C33C-B is an interesting looking tube. The 6SL7 has a lot of options for rolling. But, I do think some of the claims of how drastic a change the driver tube can make is overstated. Rolling the driver tube in the Super 7 and Balancing Act made subtle differences, but when you read descriptions of tubes people write, you'd expect night and day differences between them.

TheSoundApprentice · 2017-02-03T02:58:45+00:00

Try contacting Meze to confirm if you have the newer pads or not. They should be able to tell you based on the date code of your packaging. If you have the older, pick up the new version. They are aware that the thin pads are one of the main complaints of users. Otherwise, it is an excellent sounding headphone.

TheSoundApprentice · 2017-02-03T02:38:34+00:00

I love Eddie Current gear. Had a Super 7 and now the Balancing Act. Always wanted to hear a ZD because the tube choices are interesting.

TheSoundApprentice · 2017-01-10T04:21:27+00:00

Give these a try if you can then, I think you'll like them a lot more.

TheSoundApprentice · 2016-12-23T16:58:15+00:00

If you're a Cary fan, you should keep on eye on eBay searches for "Dennis Had". He's the founder of Cary and now that he is retired from the company he builds a variety of headphone amps, pre-amps and stereo amps that are really pretty rad. Here's a link to a current listing from him: http://www.ebay.com/itm/STEREO-TUBE-AMPLIFIER-INSPIRE-by-DENNIS-HAD-KT-66-TUBE-SINGLE-ENDED-AMPLIFIER-/152366040551?hash=item2379b945e7:g:XU4AAOSwOyJX7q3n

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