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Tyll isn't the Moses of audio, bringing down the tablets from on high (and neither is any other reviewer). But I like to read him for several reasons. One, he's open about his preferences (for warmer signatures, for example), which IMO gives the reader a baseline to judge a headphone to an extent if they've had a chance to hear other things he's reviewed. Two, he provides measurements, which of course aren't the whole story, but are useful. And lastly, unlike most reviewers, he isn't afraid to give a 'meh' review when he thinks a product deserves it- as he did with the AR planars recently, as well as the flagship AKG K812, the HD660S, the big-buck LCD4, and others. Most audio reviewers IMO are afraid to do the same, and have their supply of free audio equipment to nerd out on cut off.
Thoughts on this list?
Heh, the Bose Soundwear is #2, almost got #1!I think the Clear at #1 is interesting. For one thing, it's a dynamic. Also, Tyll's statement "From now on I expect tonal balance from a $1000+ headphone." (Here.) I suppose one might first wonder why that wasn't always the case.
I continue to be surprised by the popularity of headphones with little bass and/or high bass distortion. I guess this is what happens when you get used to planars... but there's no reason for this to be inherent in dynamics either, as proven by some dynamics. So moving forward, it seems that the best of dynamics and planars are where the bar is.
I also think (you asked for thoughts ) that it's good there's a wide range of prices in these lists. I haven't been as impressed as Tyll with some of his low-cost picks (<= 300) in the past but then again, I don't review headphones comparative to price, just to what I like and can afford.Thanks for the link
...mine is the original HE400 and its hurts the head after 1 hour, I suppose the new versions are better, on the positive side its great w/analogue recordings.
This shows how much individual preferences can vary. To me, any headphone that 'hurts the head after one hour' is disqualified. It's disqualified because there are plenty of examples (even at moderate price points) to prove that it isn't necessary. I've been listening to my Beyers for two hours as I write this and am finding it necessary to make myself take them off and go to sleep so I'm rested for work tomorrow. I don't care how a headphone sounds if I can't even get through one CD with it. (To be fair, though, one hour beats my tolerance for most Grados by about 57 minutes.) You pays your money, you makes your choice, I guess...
Heh, the Bose Soundwear is #2, almost got #1!I think the Clear at #1 is interesting. For one thing, it's a dynamic. Also, Tyll's statement "From now on I expect tonal balance from a $1000+ headphone." (Here.) I suppose one might first wonder why that wasn't always the case. I continue to be surprised by the popularity of headphones with little bass and/or high bass distortion. I guess this is what happens when you get used to planars... but there's no reason for this to be inherent in dynamics either, as proven by some dynamics. So moving forward, it seems that the best of dynamics and planars are where the bar is.I also think (you asked for thoughts ) that it's good there's a wide range of prices in these lists. I haven't been as impressed as Tyll with some of his low-cost picks (<= 300) in the past but then again, I don't review headphones comparative to price, just to what I like and can afford.Thanks for the link
I enjoy reading the Inner Fidelity website. The insights provided by Tyll are informative, and I have learned a fair bit from reading his evaluations. Once you work out the reviewer's preferences, it makes it easier to apply your preferences regarding the evaluation. Actually, I'm finding that evaluating headphones is a lot more involved than it appears on the surface. Headphone performance is very much influenced by the source driving them. I've auditioned quite a number of phones that get positive reviews that didn't sound all that great when using one's own source to drive them. Yet, with the right source, they can sound as good as the reviewer implied.
Had the same issue re the HE400. Since it's an in-house can only I made this mod. Poor on the aesthetic side, most excellent on the comfort side. Hours go by, quite transparent. It's just foam padding sewn into super soft fabric.
