These videos have been quite helpful in encouraging me to firmly decide on my own priorities. For my use case in mixing, I decided neutrality was top priority so that I can confidently sculpt the desired frequency balance. Detail is lower priority because I isolate individual tracks and turn them up to listen for issues. I realized that long listening comfort isn't even the top priority I thought it was. Frequent short breaks allow my "brain's EQ" to reset and I should be more disciplined in that regard.
Excited for these. I bought them a couple of days ago. It's indeed refreshing to know a company investing on a product of high quality construction. In regards to sound I've owned and enjoyed: DT770 80 Ohm (I liked the bass and treble), DT880 Pro 250 Ohm (not very musical, but provided lots of detail for me), DT990 600 Ohm (bass was maybe the best I've heard on a dynamic but treble is something was an acquired taste), HD600 (these being the most musical of them all), ER4XR and ER2XR (very similar both, even when one is balanced armature and the other is dynamic, the fastest in town, and tonality is almost perfect, to my ears similar to the HD600). If I had to choose based only on the sound department, the ER2XR would be the winners by far, the only thing is that comfort was never good nor consistent (I have weird shaped ear canals). I know that you may have not tried all of those, and that remembering how they sounded is hard, but certainly would love to know how you FEEL the Hi-X55 compares to the ones we've both experienced. I like analythical signatures and enjoy accurate sound, part of the fun for me is to try and tell all the tiny details on a track, while preserving natural and consistent tone across the spectrum, that produces me excitement, will the X55 deliver on such regards. Thanks in advance.
AA Xi-55 great headphones! Thank you for your explicit series on them!.Now I can confirm that all your findings on Xi-55 are very truthful. The headphones are great build, have crisp replay, unique and pleasant sound signature, are very detailed. Music reproduction is immersive and its finesse is not captured in the frequency response graph.
Thank you for this comparison. I was looking for this. Now I am happy owner of X55 for mixing. I choose them because of design and build quality over S4R. I know now that sound was "better" for me as well. I use them for music production, mixing and mastering.
@@NoThemeReviews Enhancing low level signals and using adaptive filters to remove unwanted noice..and using adaptive filters to make voices and background signals clearer. Its way different from a good recording studio or perfect voices etc..Its more often distirted voices or voices hiding behind noice..honking car horns..music in a bar etc etc. So good headphones is a must to be able to identify and remove noice. I clear up music also..just for fun. Hope that answered your question.
Great review man! Please keep this work going, we need people like you! One question though; a headphone with relatively ''flat'' freq response, neutral and detailed and being suitable for mixing and mastering, such as x55, mean they are not fun? I dont do mixing or mastering, I just enjoy high res, good imaging, decently staged and separated music (as much as it gets) so does that mean these might sound dull?
I can't say what you'll like or dislike. Everyone is different. The x55 is NOT neutral. It provides overwhelming detail, but the mids sound thin and somewhat unnatural, and the bass is rolled off. It takes some time to acclimate to this headphone since it sounds very different from most in the market.
When you connect a dac output to an amp, the power pushing headphones will depend only on the power of the amp you connected or It plays a role also the power of the dac?? In my example(nx4 to xd 5 plus) NX4's power will be added to the power the xduoo (as an amp) will give??
Generally amplifiers want what is called "line voltage" something around 2-5 volts. I don't think the circuitry is designed to take more output than what was intended. someone could correct me if i was wrong
I'm in the market for some headphones for Music Production and Mixing. I've had my eye on the Ollo S4, but now that I've heard you describe their relative lack of clarity I'm having second thoughts. I'm also considering the Focal + Massdrop Elex as well as the Mr. Speakers Ether CX. Do you have any other suggestions or advice regarding headphones that are a good mix of neutrality & clarity? Thanks
The S4 is the old model. It's been replaced by the newer, more expensive S4X. Look around at places for information on them. I'm inching towards grabbing a pair.
It's really hard to find headphones that are both neutral and provide detail. I don't know if it's a problem with engineering or lack of interest by companies to provide such a combination. The Elex is not neutral at all. It's got a bass roll-off and a treble spike--which can be pretty harsh with some types of music and amp pairings. The Ether CX is essentially the old Ether's. I have the Ether C Flow 1.1, and it's pretty neutral, though the mids sound a little thin. I wouldn't say it has a lot more detail than your typical headphone. There's some misunderstanding among people about this subject. Details sometimes are so minute that the original artist didn't intend to highlight them. For example, maybe an artist would prefer to have her voice sound smooth, and does not want to emphasize sharp intakes of breath or small fluctuations in how she says certain consonants. They mix and master their music in a way that they think best flatters their style. Then you go and find a headphone that is mids-forward, and is capable of separating instruments. Now all of a sudden you can hear more of the detail that the original artist wanted pushed into the background. But in doing so, you haven't actually purchased a "neutral" headphone--since a neutral headphone would have simply kept the music as it was recorded. Instead, you've found a headphone that accentuates some small portions of the frequency range, which then helps promote the details. I have yet to find a headphone that does both neutral and detail at once. It's one or the other. So, my question is what are you looking for? Detail or neutrality?
@@NoThemeReviews Wow. Thanks for the detailed response. I guess I'm looking for two sets now. One with high resolution in the 40hz-10khz range while not being too fatiguing for production and the other neutral for mixing.
@@LOLCoolJ I think the x55 probably fits your first requirement. Compared to the DT770, 1770, Audexe LCD-XC, it's the smoothest and still the most detailed. As for neutral, as the other commenter said, Ollo has the S4X now...but whether it's worth the hike in price is questionable. I don't have that headphone yet, but I'm a bit leery about spending so much money for potentially minor differences.
Sure you can use it for gaming. But if you enjoy bass, you’ll be very unhappy. The x55 excels in comfort and sound placement and clarity, but whether it will perform well with the games you play is something only you can determine
Hello I saw in your equipment list you have Fostex T60rp .Also I saw Guttenberg's review and he likes them a lot more that the 6xx and the lcd1 .What is your opinion on them,do you like them ?
Yes, I think the T60rp are a very good set of headphones. They are exceedingly comfortable. I think the treble is smoothed out on the T60, the bass impact is still as good as on the T50, but mids sound just a tiny bit lean--that is, they are not presented thick or in a "lush" manner. The T60 has more detail and clarity than the LCD-1, HD6xx/660s, and T50 Argon (which isn't hard to do). There's a crispness to the sound on the T60 that is rather hard to find in alternative headphones. Details are more precise and transience of all instruments is fairly quick. For example, plucking of strings is typically crystal clear (of course that also depends heavily on the recording itself), and minor perturbations in vocals is noticeable, though not elevated. That's what I mean by "crisp", eg., certain sounds stand out. The T60 is not neutral, but is probably a little closer to that mark than the LCD-1, HD600 series, NDH20, and a few others. I like the T60 for orchestral and soundtrack music. I know Zeos uploaded a T60 Argon review. I haven't watched it, and probably won't. I have to be honest--I don't think the T50 Argon are all that great. The bloated bass, recessed mids, peaky treble all makes for a very fatiguing experience. Maybe the T60 Argon addresses those problems--but it's a hefty price to pay to find out.
Hi! You forgott in all your Comparisons and the Review about the AA Hi - X 55 how good the Isolation ( passive Noise Cancellation is)! For me its,s worth at least extra 50$ -70$ . For other,s maybee nothing and for some professional Users maybee even much more! Greetings!
I don’t have the 4x. The open back is remarkably similar to the closed back. The differences are minor: slightly better detail in the bass, and a little wider soundstage on the open back. The drivers are exactly the same on the open back.
I can't tell you what's "better" for you. Both are generally a balanced sound signature, but the Phoenix does provide some notable differences. The Phoenix has a more elevated sub-bass, thicker mids, and greater treble extension. The Phoenix is a little clearer and has more crisp vocals. The Sundara's vocals are a little recessed in comparison, the bass is rolled-off, the treble is gentler. The Sundara is more comfortable, but the overall build quality seems a little better on the Phoenix. Hifiman keeps fluctuating the Sundara's price, and currently it's around $350...which is a tough sell, IMO. But for the Phoenix's earpads, I'd say the Phoenix is probably the sound most people would prefer of the two...but if the headphones aren't comfortable, then you won't listen to them. I think the Phoenix is comfortable enough; after a few days the clamping force lessened, and I'm not bothered by the on-ear design. I've heard that Sivga is going to release another version of the Phoenix, same tuning and materials, but larger earpads.
I don't make recommendations like that, since I cannot guess what you would prefer to use in your particular scenario. The Ollo is definitely more neutral, and if neutrality is key to you, the X55 won't provide that. If, however, you want the type of detail the X55 has, then I cannot think of any other headphone in this price category that would come close.
@@NoThemeReviews Sounds to me as though the X55 would be a highly enjoyable listening experience. I purchased AA's microphones and am eagerly excited to receive them - but for mixing I'm gonna say neutrality is king. Thanks for the great review! Going to look into the Ollo more.
I would had I that much money. STAX really are not my cup of tea. Their cumbersome design, very limited amp choices, and expense does not entice me to think of them as something I want to buy.
The Phoenix sounds dramatically different from the AA headphones--but, frankly, the AA headphones sound different from everything else. The Phoenix is not neutral, and it doesn't sound like the S4x. The Phoenix is probably as clear as the S4x, and provides about as much detail, but there is a noticeable bass emphasis on the Phoenix.
I bought a pair because of NDR. I can back most of the things that he said in the first video with them. The only thing I've noticed that some treble can be a touch spikey at times, it's been a bit jarring. But do note this might be limited to my LG V30 and it's only been a few songs that do it. So take me with a grain of salt.
@@nap8187 It could be the LG but I think it,s more in the Recording of that specifical Songs! I noticed that also. But I see that as a good Sign, because they show you the Lack of Quality in the Recordings! What bothers me a little, is that they push some Simbilance ( off course also in specific Songs) a little bit too much for my Taste. But Overall I Love these Headphones! And if I would Test all the Headphones in the World, I can Imagine that I would find a few that I Like even more, but for what Price would they Retail? And how far would the X 55 away from my Personal Best? 5%? 8%? 12%? I mean I am not willing to by an 1000$ Headphone that I Love maybee 3-5 % more! It,s like with the HD 660S. Almost everybody say,s that they perform over their Pricetag of 450$. ( Or they are one of the Best under 500$) But the HD 58X ( which I own) cost,s 150$ and almost everybody say,s that they Perform about 95% as good as the HD 660S? ( Especially if you take out the Back Foams). So what would you buy? I am happy with them but the 100% more for the X 55 I pay with a smile in my Face. By the way: Because I am from Europe I payed for my HD 58X 182€ and for my B- Stock X55 257€. Nice Greetings!
@@NoThemeReviews Nice! But I think the X 50 is far away from Profesional and Studio Quality. Well let,s see but I think it will fit the "On the go", Portable, Mainstream Market much better, which is a good thing!
The only use I found for the X55's was to protect my headphone stand from dust. The worst sounding pair I can name and further so for studio monitoring.
@@NoThemeReviews I switched out the op-amp in my X8 magic dac, from the burson vivid, to an OPA, and it is already more musical, im giving the hiX another chance
The way you do it, so technical, i love you more than i ever will my own children.
Lol.
Too far dude
Idiotic comment
These videos have been quite helpful in encouraging me to firmly decide on my own priorities. For my use case in mixing, I decided neutrality was top priority so that I can confidently sculpt the desired frequency balance. Detail is lower priority because I isolate individual tracks and turn them up to listen for issues. I realized that long listening comfort isn't even the top priority I thought it was. Frequent short breaks allow my "brain's EQ" to reset and I should be more disciplined in that regard.
Excited for these. I bought them a couple of days ago. It's indeed refreshing to know a company investing on a product of high quality construction. In regards to sound I've owned and enjoyed: DT770 80 Ohm (I liked the bass and treble), DT880 Pro 250 Ohm (not very musical, but provided lots of detail for me), DT990 600 Ohm (bass was maybe the best I've heard on a dynamic but treble is something was an acquired taste), HD600 (these being the most musical of them all), ER4XR and ER2XR (very similar both, even when one is balanced armature and the other is dynamic, the fastest in town, and tonality is almost perfect, to my ears similar to the HD600). If I had to choose based only on the sound department, the ER2XR would be the winners by far, the only thing is that comfort was never good nor consistent (I have weird shaped ear canals). I know that you may have not tried all of those, and that remembering how they sounded is hard, but certainly would love to know how you FEEL the Hi-X55 compares to the ones we've both experienced. I like analythical signatures and enjoy accurate sound, part of the fun for me is to try and tell all the tiny details on a track, while preserving natural and consistent tone across the spectrum, that produces me excitement, will the X55 deliver on such regards. Thanks in advance.
AA Xi-55 great headphones! Thank you for your explicit series on them!.Now I can confirm that all your findings on Xi-55 are very truthful. The headphones are great build, have crisp replay, unique and pleasant sound signature, are very detailed. Music reproduction is immersive and its finesse is not captured in the frequency response graph.
Thank you for this comparison. I was looking for this. Now I am happy owner of X55 for mixing. I choose them because of design and build quality over S4R. I know now that sound was "better" for me as well. I use them for music production, mixing and mastering.
Glad you enjoy them!
I use them for Forensic Audio enhancement..they are great headphones..so clear..
@@MATTETRUEFACT What's Forensic Audio enhancement?
@@NoThemeReviews Enhancing low level signals and using adaptive filters to remove unwanted noice..and using adaptive filters to make voices and background signals clearer. Its way different from a good recording studio or perfect voices etc..Its more often distirted voices or voices hiding behind noice..honking car horns..music in a bar etc etc. So good headphones is a must to be able to identify and remove noice. I clear up music also..just for fun. Hope that answered your question.
Great review man! Please keep this work going, we need people like you!
One question though; a headphone with relatively ''flat'' freq response, neutral and detailed and being suitable for mixing and mastering, such as x55, mean they are not fun?
I dont do mixing or mastering, I just enjoy high res, good imaging, decently staged and separated music (as much as it gets) so does that mean these might sound dull?
I can't say what you'll like or dislike. Everyone is different. The x55 is NOT neutral. It provides overwhelming detail, but the mids sound thin and somewhat unnatural, and the bass is rolled off. It takes some time to acclimate to this headphone since it sounds very different from most in the market.
Great review!
Please review the Beyerdynamic Tygr 300 R from an audiophile point of view. :-)
When you connect a dac output to an amp, the power pushing headphones will depend only on the power of the amp you connected or It plays a role also the power of the dac?? In my example(nx4 to xd 5 plus) NX4's power will be added to the power the xduoo (as an amp) will give??
Generally amplifiers want what is called "line voltage" something around 2-5 volts. I don't think the circuitry is designed to take more output than what was intended. someone could correct me if i was wrong
I'm in the market for some headphones for Music Production and Mixing. I've had my eye on the Ollo S4, but now that I've heard you describe their relative lack of clarity I'm having second thoughts. I'm also considering the Focal + Massdrop Elex as well as the Mr. Speakers Ether CX. Do you have any other suggestions or advice regarding headphones that are a good mix of neutrality & clarity?
Thanks
The S4 is the old model. It's been replaced by the newer, more expensive S4X. Look around at places for information on them. I'm inching towards grabbing a pair.
It's really hard to find headphones that are both neutral and provide detail. I don't know if it's a problem with engineering or lack of interest by companies to provide such a combination. The Elex is not neutral at all. It's got a bass roll-off and a treble spike--which can be pretty harsh with some types of music and amp pairings. The Ether CX is essentially the old Ether's. I have the Ether C Flow 1.1, and it's pretty neutral, though the mids sound a little thin. I wouldn't say it has a lot more detail than your typical headphone.
There's some misunderstanding among people about this subject. Details sometimes are so minute that the original artist didn't intend to highlight them. For example, maybe an artist would prefer to have her voice sound smooth, and does not want to emphasize sharp intakes of breath or small fluctuations in how she says certain consonants. They mix and master their music in a way that they think best flatters their style.
Then you go and find a headphone that is mids-forward, and is capable of separating instruments. Now all of a sudden you can hear more of the detail that the original artist wanted pushed into the background.
But in doing so, you haven't actually purchased a "neutral" headphone--since a neutral headphone would have simply kept the music as it was recorded. Instead, you've found a headphone that accentuates some small portions of the frequency range, which then helps promote the details.
I have yet to find a headphone that does both neutral and detail at once. It's one or the other.
So, my question is what are you looking for? Detail or neutrality?
@@NoThemeReviews Wow. Thanks for the detailed response.
I guess I'm looking for two sets now. One with high resolution in the 40hz-10khz range while not being too fatiguing for production and the other neutral for mixing.
@@LOLCoolJ I think the x55 probably fits your first requirement. Compared to the DT770, 1770, Audexe LCD-XC, it's the smoothest and still the most detailed. As for neutral, as the other commenter said, Ollo has the S4X now...but whether it's worth the hike in price is questionable. I don't have that headphone yet, but I'm a bit leery about spending so much money for potentially minor differences.
@@NoThemeReviews Thank you very much!
how does S4R compares to Yamaha HPH-MT8? Would be awesome if you can weigh in your honest opinion. Trying to decide between them.
Could the hi-x55’s be used for gaming? And would they be good for it?
Sure you can use it for gaming. But if you enjoy bass, you’ll be very unhappy. The x55 excels in comfort and sound placement and clarity, but whether it will perform well with the games you play is something only you can determine
@@NoThemeReviews I get what you mean, thank you very much
Hello I saw in your equipment list you have Fostex T60rp .Also I saw Guttenberg's review and he likes them a lot more that the 6xx and the lcd1 .What is your opinion on them,do you like them ?
Yes, I think the T60rp are a very good set of headphones. They are exceedingly comfortable. I think the treble is smoothed out on the T60, the bass impact is still as good as on the T50, but mids sound just a tiny bit lean--that is, they are not presented thick or in a "lush" manner. The T60 has more detail and clarity than the LCD-1, HD6xx/660s, and T50 Argon (which isn't hard to do). There's a crispness to the sound on the T60 that is rather hard to find in alternative headphones. Details are more precise and transience of all instruments is fairly quick. For example, plucking of strings is typically crystal clear (of course that also depends heavily on the recording itself), and minor perturbations in vocals is noticeable, though not elevated. That's what I mean by "crisp", eg., certain sounds stand out.
The T60 is not neutral, but is probably a little closer to that mark than the LCD-1, HD600 series, NDH20, and a few others.
I like the T60 for orchestral and soundtrack music.
I know Zeos uploaded a T60 Argon review. I haven't watched it, and probably won't. I have to be honest--I don't think the T50 Argon are all that great. The bloated bass, recessed mids, peaky treble all makes for a very fatiguing experience. Maybe the T60 Argon addresses those problems--but it's a hefty price to pay to find out.
@@NoThemeReviews Thank you very much for your response ! Yeah T60 Argon are indeed expensive and I don't like their appearance with these giant pads.
Any change notes regarding the S4R "1.1" vs Hi-x55?
What do you mean?
Beyerdynamic is probably the best company for spare parts IMO. At least in Germany
Hi! You forgott in all your Comparisons and the Review about the AA Hi - X 55 how good the Isolation ( passive Noise Cancellation is)! For me its,s worth at least extra 50$ -70$ . For other,s maybee nothing and for some professional Users maybee even much more! Greetings!
Very true. I forgot about that. It's good isolation; not the best I've ever heard (or not heard), but decent.
You seem to have the open back version as well the s4 or s4x, how are those?
I don’t have the 4x. The open back is remarkably similar to the closed back. The differences are minor: slightly better detail in the bass, and a little wider soundstage on the open back. The drivers are exactly the same on the open back.
Singapore Phoenix or hifiman Sundara which is overall better buy ??
I can't tell you what's "better" for you. Both are generally a balanced sound signature, but the Phoenix does provide some notable differences. The Phoenix has a more elevated sub-bass, thicker mids, and greater treble extension. The Phoenix is a little clearer and has more crisp vocals. The Sundara's vocals are a little recessed in comparison, the bass is rolled-off, the treble is gentler. The Sundara is more comfortable, but the overall build quality seems a little better on the Phoenix. Hifiman keeps fluctuating the Sundara's price, and currently it's around $350...which is a tough sell, IMO. But for the Phoenix's earpads, I'd say the Phoenix is probably the sound most people would prefer of the two...but if the headphones aren't comfortable, then you won't listen to them.
I think the Phoenix is comfortable enough; after a few days the clamping force lessened, and I'm not bothered by the on-ear design. I've heard that Sivga is going to release another version of the Phoenix, same tuning and materials, but larger earpads.
So which one would you suggest for mixing music recordings?
I don't make recommendations like that, since I cannot guess what you would prefer to use in your particular scenario. The Ollo is definitely more neutral, and if neutrality is key to you, the X55 won't provide that. If, however, you want the type of detail the X55 has, then I cannot think of any other headphone in this price category that would come close.
@@NoThemeReviews Sounds to me as though the X55 would be a highly enjoyable listening experience. I purchased AA's microphones and am eagerly excited to receive them - but for mixing I'm gonna say neutrality is king. Thanks for the great review! Going to look into the Ollo more.
@@mavao3875 how are the AA’s
please do a STAX review 👍
I would had I that much money. STAX really are not my cup of tea. Their cumbersome design, very limited amp choices, and expense does not entice me to think of them as something I want to buy.
@@NoThemeReviews Yep! I absolutely agree with you!
I wonder how the sivga phoenix overall sound is against these two or head to head with Australian. Would be a good challange
The Phoenix sounds dramatically different from the AA headphones--but, frankly, the AA headphones sound different from everything else. The Phoenix is not neutral, and it doesn't sound like the S4x. The Phoenix is probably as clear as the S4x, and provides about as much detail, but there is a noticeable bass emphasis on the Phoenix.
@@NoThemeReviews thanks for the info No themes
Austrian not Australian
I think you will keep posting these videos until I buy an x55
Lol. Well...
I bought a pair because of NDR. I can back most of the things that he said in the first video with them. The only thing I've noticed that some treble can be a touch spikey at times, it's been a bit jarring. But do note this might be limited to my LG V30 and it's only been a few songs that do it. So take me with a grain of salt.
@@NoThemeReviews done. Now you can stop reviewing the x55. Do the x50 now. 😄 I still paid 290 euro
@@pascaljean2333 And your Impressions? Nice Greetings!
@@nap8187 It could be the LG but I think it,s more in the Recording of that specifical Songs! I noticed that also. But I see that as a good Sign, because they show you the Lack of Quality in the Recordings! What bothers me a little, is that they push some Simbilance ( off course also in specific Songs) a little bit too much for my Taste. But Overall I Love these Headphones! And if I would Test all the Headphones in the World, I can Imagine that I would find a few that I Like even more, but for what Price would they Retail? And how far would the X 55 away from my Personal Best? 5%? 8%? 12%? I mean I am not willing to by an 1000$ Headphone that I Love maybee 3-5 % more! It,s like with the HD 660S. Almost everybody say,s that they perform over their Pricetag of 450$. ( Or they are one of the Best under 500$) But the HD 58X ( which I own) cost,s 150$ and almost everybody say,s that they Perform about 95% as good as the HD 660S? ( Especially if you take out the Back Foams). So what would you buy? I am happy with them but the 100% more for the X 55 I pay with a smile in my Face. By the way: Because I am from Europe I payed for my HD 58X 182€ and for my B- Stock X55 257€. Nice Greetings!
Btw the hi-x50 has more bass than x55. Tuned slightly differently
Yeah, Austrian Audio said something similar to me. They sent the x50 for review, so I'll have a chance to compare.
@@NoThemeReviews Nice! But I think the X 50 is far away from Profesional and Studio Quality. Well let,s see but I think it will fit the "On the go", Portable, Mainstream Market much better, which is a good thing!
The only use I found for the X55's was to protect my headphone stand from dust. The worst sounding pair I can name and further so for studio monitoring.
Doesn't have detailed mids?
@@ChrisKeyman Maybe the parts that are audible. Literally instruments disappear with them.
So I bought them. Now they are going back. In simple words, they take all the fun out of listening to music.
Yeah, they're not exactly a musical headphone--definitely not for casual listening for most people.
@@NoThemeReviews I switched out the op-amp in my X8 magic dac, from the burson vivid, to an OPA, and it is already more musical, im giving the hiX another chance
Yup, the x55 does scale well in that regard. It takes EQ easily-of course moderation is the rule.