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Headphone Heights

RE: I need headphone help!

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In Reply to: RE: I need headphone help! posted by Pat D on April 26, 2012 at 14:23:35

I don't have much to compare them to now except my 650's. They strike me as being not as extended in either direction as the 650's. For example in my Woo I have to be very careful with tube selection or the 650's get a little sharp in the highs and the bass gets a bit boomy, a bit disconcerting I must admit. With the 598's there is no issue what so ever and they do not get in the way of the music at all. The 650's work well with my Fournier and I don't have the issues above. Different design and tubes. Some might think the 650's are move revealing, some might think they are too revealing but they are never sterile, nor are the 598's which are really easy to live with headphones.

If I have a nit to pick with the 598's it is that they are not built as well, for my head at least. The 598's headband is different. It is a bit broader than the 650's which fits my head perfectly - the pressure from the 650's ear cups is well distributed over the ear. Snug but even. The 598's not so much and the cup pressure is not even on my ears and can be fatuging (not the sound). If you have a medium to small head you might not like the fit I think.

If you have any specific questions I'll try to answer.

Chuck

Follow Ups:

RE: I need headphone help! - Pat D 15:30:33 05/05/12 (0)
Thanks Chuck. Your comments were very succinct and tell me what I wanted to know.

Some around here think I have a very big head. But if I get the HD 598, I will have to see for myself how they fit.

I don't like boomy bass, especially in headphones, and I don't like tipped up highs, so your description of the balance seems very good to me, as does easy to live with.

"With the 598's there is no issue what so ever and they do not get in the way of the music at all."

That's what I want!

I've read what the staff at Head Room think, and also some customer reviews there and at Amazon. Most seem to like them a lot.

I would rather have a 1/8 inch headphone connector than the 1/4 inch one supplied as I listen a lot on my computer.

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"A fool and his money are soon parted." --- Thomas Tusser
RE: I need headphone help! - Travis 15:33:22 04/27/12 (4)
Which Woo, please?

"If people don't want to come, nothing will stop them" - Sol Hurok
- WA3. nt - Chuck Y 16:03:12 04/27/12 (3)
  .
  - RE: WA3. nt - Travis 16:47:35 04/27/12 (2)
    Thanks. I've been considering the WA6 for my two Grados. What's your opinion on the WA3?
    
    "If people don't want to come, nothing will stop them" - Sol Hurok
    - RE: WA3. nt - Chuck Y 08:41:55 04/28/12 (1)
      It is a well built 'tube' headphone amp - it sure has a typical tube tone. A bit full in the bass I think, but that will depend on tubes. It is, compared to a SS headphone amp I have, a sonic blessing. The only problem I had with the Woo3 was getting tubes that were quiet. The tubes that came with it were not so. The upgrade of the tubes to tubes recommended by Woo, at least the power tube, was essential. I tried to save a buck by trying to buy it else where. I shouldn't have wasted my time. I succeeded but with shipping and everything (excessive) I didn't save a nickle. Replacing the small tubes was a different matter. I have lots of NOS and current production tubes that I've never had a noise problem with. Not so with the Woo. Probably only meant that I needed to buy a higher grade of tube, but I did get some JJ 6922's to sound dead quiet and sonically rich. Perhaps that particular tube adds to the fullness of the bass I was hearing and warmth in mids and highs. That would be consistent with my use of it in other stuff.
      
      In any event the Woo is a high quality product and I do not regret its purchase. I don't know how essential headphone listening is for you but if looks is not important, don't overlook that little Fournier amp. Its powered by 2 6922's (JJ's) and SS output replacing the tube of the Woo. It has the tubes sound with out emphasis (bloom) that you can get from tubes. If I didn't have the Woo it would be in my main system with my 650's and I wouldn't look back! :-)
      - RE: WA3. nt - Travis 10:55:52 04/28/12 (0)
        
        In Reply to: RE: WA3. nt posted by Chuck Y on April 28, 2012 at 08:41:55
        
        Thanks for the detailed reply.
        I admit that I can definitely be influenced by audio eye candy. I saw the WA6 at a meet recently and was mesmerized by the Sophia 274B mesh plate rectifier tube. I currently use the Peachtree Audio Nova for my headphone listening. Headphone listening is becoming my go-to mode.
        Eye candy.
        I'm so shallow.
        
        "If people don't want to come, nothing will stop them" - Sol Hurok
        
        Edits: 04/28/12

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