[JohnR]

When I asked what you meant by a "little less whole" I did so because I've never read the term before and genuinely didn't understand your meaning.

Sorry Dave. It was very late and I was still working. Should have turned the lights out hours earlier. I'll try again here, and see if I can do some more listening/comparos later this evening.

Can you explain what you mean when you say the O2 is a "little less whole" than the Slee?

Bearing in mind that these are initial impressions, it's a bit like the difference between "hearing everything" and "hearing instruments." The O2 tends to the former, the Slee to the latter. At some cost though, at least with the 650.

I'm keen to measure both of the amps. I'm assuming that the Slee will not show the subjective drop I perceive in treble response in the measurements. In which case, one could then legitimately ask if we are measuring the right things. Or enough of them anyway. One reason I bought an O2 was because of the extensive measurements provided by NwAvGuy, so I would have a reference for my lesser/cheaper gear.

I've never heard the HD650, but long ago I heard the HD600, which I passed on because it had a kind of veiled or muffled sound to me. Does the HD650, in your view, suffer from this?

I don't think so, but it doesn't have an exaggerated treble either, which many high end 'phones seem to. I have not heard a lot of high end phones, but I am wary of those that are claimed to be "detailed." As with speakers, "detail" is not necessarily real, like over-sharpening of a photograph. I am finding the 650s to be a little bit finicky, but I bought them knowing that. For me, they excel with acoustic/classical music. I read that Sennheiser also deliberately put a dip in the presence region, which will affect one's perception depending on what you listen to and what it is that you expect headphones to sound like.
 

[DaveNote]

Sorry Dave. It was very late and I was still working. Should have turned the lights out hours earlier. I'll try again here, and see if I can do some more listening/comparos later this evening.

Bearing in mind that these are initial impressions, it's a bit like the difference between "hearing everything" and "hearing instruments." The O2 tends to the former, the Slee to the latter. At some cost though, at least with the 650.

I'm keen to measure both of the amps. I'm assuming that the Slee will not show the subjective drop I perceive in treble response in the measurements. In which case, one could then legitimately ask if we are measuring the right things. Or enough of them anyway. One reason I bought an O2 was because of the extensive measurements provided by NwAvGuy, so I would have a reference for my lesser/cheaper gear.

I don't think so, but it doesn't have an exaggerated treble either, which many high end 'phones seem to. I have not heard a lot of high end phones, but I am wary of those that are claimed to be "detailed." As with speakers, "detail" is not necessarily real, like over-sharpening of a photograph. I am finding the 650s to be a little bit finicky, but I bought them knowing that. For me, they excel with acoustic/classical music. I read that Sennheiser also deliberately put a dip in the presence region, which will affect one's perception depending on what you listen to and what it is that you expect headphones to sound like.

Thanks, John, for helping me with an explanation of terms as well as comments on the HD650.

Dave

[JohnR]

I'm listening with a different source today. Problem with computer-based audio, there are so many variables. I think next I'll try something nice and simple with nothing to fiddle with - a CD player. At this point, I'd be willing to accept that that the O2 is accurate while the Slee tends to romanticize the sound a bit.

[DaveNote]

I'm listening with a different source today. Problem with computer-based audio, there are so many variables. I think next I'll try something nice and simple with nothing to fiddle with - a CD player. At this point, I'd be willing to accept that that the O2 is accurate while the Slee tends to romanticize the sound a bit.

I've never heard the Slee, but my impression, too, is that the O2 is accurate, which it was reputed to be and why I like it after having had a number of headphone amps none of which satisfied me.

Dave

[fenderf4i]

Tyll at Innerfidelity has begun doing measurements of amps, and has confirmed many of NwAvGuy's own measurements on the O2.

[DaveNote]

Tyll at Innerfidelity has begun doing measurements of amps, and has confirmed many of NwAvGuy's own measurements on the O2.

I'm not surprised to learn this. Is this a recent Innerfidelity piece?

Dave

[fenderf4i]

It was from July, shouldn't be too hard to find. I'm not sure if we're allowed to post links to other sites here?

Edit: find Tyll's blog there, it's not too far down the blog page.

[DaveNote]

It was from July, shouldn't be too hard to find. I'm not sure if we're allowed to post links to other sites here?

Edit: find Tyll's blog there, it's not too far down the blog page.

Thanks, I'll look it up.

Dave

[JohnR]

I'm not sure if we're allowed to post links to other sites here?

There's never been a problem with that (as long as its information and not advertising).

[JohnR]

This would be it:

http://www.innerfidelity.com/content/innerfidelity-headphone-amp-measurement-program-update-july-2012

 

[DaveNote]

This would be it:

http://www.innerfidelity.com/content/innerfidelity-headphone-amp-measurement-program-update-july-2012

 

Thanks, John. I read some of the comments. Interesting backgrond story there about how reviewers should comment on test results.

Dave

[adydula]

fender....

Thanks for that link....its seems like the 02 amp is as good as the specs state and now at least verified by someone else analytically..

Should be good to see someone actually measuring stuff instead of stating it just sounds good...

At least we can correlate how the specs relate to what we think we here and call good or not so good.

My O2 swtich is out for delivery via the UPS man......be able to test tonight!!

All the best
Alex