I've tried these in a high end audio store and these are one of the best headphones I have ever heard in my life. Doesn't need any eq imo, with amazing bass response and great clarity, no uncomfortable treble peaks, just overall amazing. I've tried other high end headphones like LCD-4, LCD-X, HD800S, HD800, ADX5000, Meze Empyrean etc and the final came out on top every single time. My daily driver is the ZMF Auteur since well, the D8000 is just too expensive. But if you can afford it, and if you have a chance to try them out, I think every headphone enthusiast owes themselves to have a listen to these cans at some point.
Coming from the HE1000se, I initially thought the D8000 Pro was was dull. I’m glad I gave my ears a chance to adjust because the D8000 Pro is the best overall headphone I’ve ever heard. Using the ADi-2 DAC and AAA 789. Also listen with the Mojo and DX200. Great review btw!
Interesting fact which Final revelaled on a head-fi thread: Final tuned the cheap E3000 IEM to sound similar as D8000, and they consider E3000 as reference tuning to their IEM lineup because of this. :) Obviously they won't sound the same but the tuning is similar according to them :)
Great review Amos! Coming from lower tier Focals I realized that great dynamics they have plays big role in my music enjoyment and realism, how does Final stack against Utopia with dynamics and punchiness?
I have a respectable system, but not to this degree by any means. After hearing your take on the nuances of the slight FR changes, I can't help but feel that a bit of software EQ would go a long way. I know that is heresy to some, but for those who cannot afford multiple $3-4k flagships, getting your favorite of the bunch in regards to comfort that is close enough to the tonality desired mixed with a tasteful amount of Equalizer APO would give you the variations while eliminating the need for multiple pair. Turn on the warmer preset, brighter preset, or just off depending on what you want that day. In my experience, the higher end cans take to EQ even better especially in regards to planar. Of course this only affects the FR; Staging is another matter. Also this isn't applicable to analogue setups. Let's be real though. We get new pair of cans because it's fun and we like having a wall of high end headphones. :D Thank you for sharing your experience and opinion. Always a class act.
Other than "Are You Shpongled?" I like Botanical Dimensions from Nothing Lasts... But Nothing is Lost and a couple of the tracks from Ineffable Mysteries. Have you heard Simon Posford's new album though? He produced it during lockdown and it's very good.
@@Currawong Oh man that is my favourite too. The Spanish Guitar when it transitions into Outer Shpongolia into the euphoric Levitation Nation. Sublime!! I've been listening to Posfords collab all day on my HE-560s :)
Out of curiosity which Amps and DACs are most ideal for the Final D8000 Pro? I heard these headphones are very amp dependent and would like to know how to fully take advantage of these. My current set up is the RME ADI-2 DAC FS Amp/DAC combo
Hello Amos, you mention having your own HP cables. Have you detailed this already or could you tell us more about what you find please? I enjoy your such sensible reviews, thank you.
Very nice Amos. Do you have any experience comparing these to what you may have remembered of the Abyss 1266 PHY TC, assuming you have heard those at some point? You also don't make too many direct comparisons with the Susvara and say the D8000 falls in between the Empyrean and Utopia, but where would you put it against the Susvara? Thanks!
@@Currawong Absolutely! I trust your opinion. DMS, if you are reading other's headphone reviews, as I imagine you would be, tell the boys to spend a few extra bucks and send these to Japan. ;)
I still wonder how the new limited edition D8000 compares to these. I also have their Sonorous X which is phenomenal in my setup... and always wondered how a Planar would compare to those incredible dynamics.
Hi man great review as always. I’m starting to really trust and understand your reviews with the more videos I watch and comparisons you draw. I’m curious to your thoughts on the heddphones. Due to their competitive pricing I’m hoping they could be a cheaper gateway to that yummy detail I’ve only heard about.
Any new high end iems lately? The d8000 description sounds like how I would describe the custom 64 audio A12t though not to the level of detail and with bigger bass. Something like a dark but detailed sound with huge bass. Then again there’s the new a18s
Hi mate, I was wondering if you could clear a doubt I've got: I listen to different types of music, from orchestral to heavy compressed. Right now I have a Duet (Apogee) which to my ears sounds way better than my Schiit combo Modi 2 USB + Heresy. My Duet uses I think an ESS Sabre 32 DAC chip. Sounds pretty decent (if it wasn't for the highs I would just keep it as is). Has great bass, defined, warm if you will. But the Schiit Combo even though it sounds anemic to me, has more detail or so I think. Also I feel it respects the timbre more. Timbre for me is number 1 priority plus a lively quality. (Full of energy). (I try to focus on Vocals, Snares, Kick, Electric guitars //their timbre, bass //as in defined). Guitars (electric) sound like azz on the Schiit combo, and on the Duet sound great, very good timber, not harsh, but somehow vocals get like a 2nd place, depth wise. Right now I am using more the Duet Line outs into the Heresy, it kinda tames the highs, but it doesn't sound hi fi. So, right now I have my eye on the THX 789, should I pull the trigger? Is it really better than the Heresy? I plan on pairing it with the Modi 2 USB (when I first got it I was so content, lots of details, timbre is good, highs still sounded harsh). I really hope you could answer. (Also, looking for simplicity, no tubes since I read you have to leave it on for 12 hours (paraphrasing here) so it finally gives you the tube thingy). (Also, I am looking for silky smooth highs, not harsh). I am using HD650 headphones (bought 2 since I found some bargains online). So I feel the headphones are not an issue right now. Have DT900 and HD599, don't like at all the DT900, like bright and thin, bass undefined. HD599 has way more detail, but sounds harsh. I even bought an ifi Silencer, and it seems it's doing something good, don't know exactly what, but it works. Still I don't feel content in my situation right now. And ofc I don't want to spend a fortune. Main goal is to have bliss in my ears. :P
Of course, they should sound even better after break in. I’m curious as to what you think of the HEDD headphones. Not that familiar with your channel, but I am getting to like it more. It’s hard to do what you are doing giving my present circumstances, but that notwithstanding, I am curious what you think about the HEDDs. Maybe you’ve already done it. If so, you can link it. Cheers!
@@Currawong Yeah, I have done that yesterday, waiting for the further respond from Trevor. I got my empyrean 2 days ago(comfort is my first priority), currently I even prefer my final a8000 rather than empys. Right now Im trying to improve empys' sound with better cable and vegan pads to my liking. A8000 is truly an astonishing IEM, after 3 months of usage, it still sounds bright but very neutral and realistic, treble is not too hot and not fatiguing but smooth and fluid. For my personal taste, this IEM is 100% perfect. Final is really a great company. Not hearing the comfort issue of d8000 series, I will definitely buy one instead of buying empyrean.
How do these generally compare to the Ether Flow 1.1 Open, I saw you had previously reviewed them. I see that they stack up quite favorably even against summit-fi (Utopia and Empyrean) but wondering how much bigger the gap is for the Ether...
I wanted to get one of the flagships, but ive been wondering if it needs a lot of technical knowledge to run, like, what amp is good for them? would they run on tube? what if they wont sound good with what i have? would the stuff that i have now would be able to perfectly run these flagship? what if i buy some other amp and it doesnt sound good? I dont have that many audio gears, but i would want to get a ~$3000 headphone. was considering the abyss diana, but turns out it has a specific perfect combination of power system to get the best out of it. My current gear is just hifiman sundara, final audio e5000 for portability, and a beyerdynamics a2 for my amp.
The amount you have to spend to get that extra performance goes shooting up when you want to move higher than the sound quality you'd be getting out of your system, as the Sundaras are already quite good.
Goodbye Pork Pie Hat - Jeff Beck Hollow Talk - Choir Of Young Believers Oye Como Va - Santana Angel (2006 Digital Remaster) - Massive Attack Hey Lion - Sofi Tukker When I Get My Hands On You - The New Basement Tapes Old Man (2009 Remaster) - Neil Young Arlington - The Wailin' Jennys Beirut - Ibrahim Maalouf
Thanks for the review. I am a bit interested on the D8000/P but I think the price is on the salty side, and the weight and discomfort won’t do for me. Oh well.
Hi Amos. I’m really considering buying the D-8000’s, but not the pro edition. I was wondering if you could give me your feelings of the pros and cons of the original v.s the pro. :) Do you like one more than the other and if so, why? Thank you so much. You’ve always been very helpful and have appreciated you over the many years i have followed you on RUclips and head fi. :) -Nicholas
Japan's top open headphone the d8000 pro. Japan's top closed headphone the z1r. Although me personally I like the mdr z1r more than the d8000 pro. Cause it's a little bit bright for my ideal listening preference, nothing major or anything of the likes. I would suggest the hedd audio headphone, cause it's just effortless and so transparent that it can get scary sometimes. I use rme adi dac, thx 789, or woo audio wa22.
@@hayesjohnny it's the best dac I ever heard. Plus it has an extensive set of features. Price wise I feel like it's a bargain for what it delivers. I was considering a hugo 2 and mytek Brooklyn dac, at the same time, but ended up buying the rme dac. It's a chameleon dac as it takes the character of what filter type you choose or what frequency response modifications you apply to it. I use it to feed all of my high power amplifiers.
@@esben8470 it sounded great. The headphone is very very capable and I agree with currawong's review. But I was able to find headphones that are super resolving too and agree with my preferences. As for the sound it seems the wa22 gave it more sound stage, it did cut the highs slightly, and add a bit more mid bass. Other observations would be that I think they sounded a bit slower on tubes if that makes any sense, and the only reason I was able to catch that is because they are fast, especially on solid states. I do feel like they were as fast as my stax l700, but as I mentioned earlier I love my headphones to sound different. And that's why I grabbed the hedd audio headphone instead. But from sound quality perspective the d800 pro is an endgame headphone without a doubt. As for the general sound characteristics it's a bit bright, and mids depending on the track can sound close or far away, sometimes too far especially with tubes.
I think the SUS answer from Japan is a good apt description for these, currently in the process of reviewing these. Using the chord Dave, M Skaler, 8HB2, may KTE, TT2, It’s kind of ridiculous how they scale, and yet you can drive them to a fantastic level of technical ability on portable equipment, my words those cables are awful, the weight can be an issue As much overhead as you can give it in regards to your source equipment, is my opinion, but they are a lot more rounded than a lot of the other true flagship headphones I have SUS here obviously it’s my own, and I don’t think they’re quite there yet, but it’s close and on very high and equipment it can be quite close surprisingly so When comparing them with a utopia, LCD5, solitaire P, S 9000, 009S, I found them to be a little bit more polite and a little bit more easy-going with a multitude of genres, their smooth sound signature does a lot to help, yet you lose none of the detail which is great
Japan made headphones are so specific in looks and sound, I personally own other Japan champion ADX5000. First time I met headphones with that high level of details, it can show exactly if music is well mastered or piece of crap lol
Love your reviews always very informative and detailed. None headphone question if I may, are hairdressers open in Japan? as I think you have a new hair cut? Oh I liked your none headphone video on covid impact in Japan, it is nice to have neutral views (none news media ones) from people from different parts of the world. Just like your headphone reviews a niece mix of objective & subjective views.
At least where I am in Fukuoka, a lot of stuff is still open. Malls are shut, as are large businesses, at least until next month. I could happily get a hair cut.
I have one question, but before I get to it I must thank you for your videos, I am a senior citizen and waited till now to up grade my musical system and with you're help I know I've missed some pit falls.Now for the question, I'm thinking of Rupert Neve's headphone Amplifier because it was made just for that reason, and I've been learning, that would be the way to go( a device made just for that purpose) if there is a better way to go( for my limited funds) please, let me know if I'm on the right track( I'm not sure if you've tried the RNHP amplifier or not, I hope so, I rely on your input on everything audio, thanks in advance. Will
Hi Will. I haven't tried the RNHP, but I've heard enough good about it from people I know that I don't see it being at all a problem to take a chance on it. Audio gear tends to be pretty good these days, so the the biggest difficulty comes down to choosing a pair of headphones that suits your listening tastes.
Money in short supply? Google Headroom Headphone Amp For Sale. There are several on eBay and other places. Get what you can afford (like a Max or Maxed Out Home or Blockhead). Tyll Hertsens designed and sold them. I still use my max as a spare and it gives modern amps at any price a run for the money. A real classic line of amps. There is one on ebay fo $400 and another for $1200 (a Home Balanced). I have owned mine for 20 years and cannot part with it. Read the Stereophile reviews from 18 to 20 years ago (by the late Wes Phillips).
@@Currawong so do you think that adding an amp to chord dacs produces coloration, like Rob Watts suggests? Im asking because i have a hugo 2 and im thinking of either getting a HP amp or getting a tt2 that can drive any HP cause it has 18Wats @ 8 ohms through the balanced outs behind the unit Thanx!
Bismillah Great review. What I like about your reviews is that you are a independent thinker and not tied to some of the other reviewers that dominate RUclips. Also you compare headphones regardless of whether they are dynamic, planar or electrostatic. Interested to know if you see stark differences in how the different technologies compare? For example, do you think at the flagship level that Planars have clearer bass definition over a planar or do dynamics have more impactful bass? Thanks
A lot of it comes down to design, but without using something like Sony's 70mm driver, or the Sennheiser HD800 driver, it is harder for a regular dynamic driver to deliver low bass without distortion. This is something planar/orthodynamic headphones are good at.
Currawong Bismillah What about the Focal and biodynamics like Denon headphones? Do you think difficulties with bass applies to them? Thanks for your response and all your content.
The Focal headphones should definitely be mentioned alongside the Sony and HD800 drivers. Basically, the limitations seem to be with typical mylar drivers.
I put a Lazuli Reference on my Empyrean and never looked back. Just superb. Tight bass, bigger/rounder images, great atmospherics, more organic vocals and tonality in general, and nice sweetness.
I've tried these in a high end audio store and these are one of the best headphones I have ever heard in my life. Doesn't need any eq imo, with amazing bass response and great clarity, no uncomfortable treble peaks, just overall amazing. I've tried other high end headphones like LCD-4, LCD-X, HD800S, HD800, ADX5000, Meze Empyrean etc and the final came out on top every single time.
My daily driver is the ZMF Auteur since well, the D8000 is just too expensive. But if you can afford it, and if you have a chance to try them out, I think every headphone enthusiast owes themselves to have a listen to these cans at some point.
are they good for any music genre?
@@nataliezementbeisser1492 Zementbeisser lol.
Coming from the HE1000se, I initially thought the D8000 Pro was was dull. I’m glad I gave my ears a chance to adjust because the D8000 Pro is the best overall headphone I’ve ever heard. Using the ADi-2 DAC and AAA 789. Also listen with the Mojo and DX200. Great review btw!
I gotta have them. I think 2022 is my year to experience some of the best of Japan’s HIFI.
Great review Amos!! Interesting, balanced and makes me really want to listen to a pair of D8000/pro!
Fantastic and informative as always Amos🙏🏻
Wonder how these compare to abyss 1266
Judging only from the aesthetics those are absolutely stunning.
agree
Amos...Just ordered a pair!
I have Hedds, Empys, Focal Clear MG's and HD650's....this will be interesting.
Let us know how they go!
What are your thoughts after comparing those with the D8000 pro?
Thanks.
Impression?
Interesting fact which Final revelaled on a head-fi thread: Final tuned the cheap E3000 IEM to sound similar as D8000, and they consider E3000 as reference tuning to their IEM lineup because of this. :) Obviously they won't sound the same but the tuning is similar according to them :)
Trying to decide between these and the Empyrean... Kinda leaning towards these at this point.
Looks like those tube dampers are from Herbie's Audio Lab.
Thanks for the review(s) ... curious as to your mentioned TIDAL Playlist of songs...is the playlist available to share ....
One of the best easy-driving TOTL headphones.
Have you been able to listen to the ZMF Verite?
Great review Amos!
Coming from lower tier Focals I realized that great dynamics they have plays big role in my music enjoyment and realism, how does Final stack against Utopia with dynamics and punchiness?
Okay this sounds literally perfect for mixing and mastering
I have a respectable system, but not to this degree by any means. After hearing your take on the nuances of the slight FR changes, I can't help but feel that a bit of software EQ would go a long way. I know that is heresy to some, but for those who cannot afford multiple $3-4k flagships, getting your favorite of the bunch in regards to comfort that is close enough to the tonality desired mixed with a tasteful amount of Equalizer APO would give you the variations while eliminating the need for multiple pair. Turn on the warmer preset, brighter preset, or just off depending on what you want that day. In my experience, the higher end cans take to EQ even better especially in regards to planar. Of course this only affects the FR; Staging is another matter. Also this isn't applicable to analogue setups. Let's be real though. We get new pair of cans because it's fun and we like having a wall of high end headphones. :D
Thank you for sharing your experience and opinion. Always a class act.
Outside my price range, but interesting to hear about.
sell your car for it
Looks like I found a suitable upgrade from my HD800S, if only they were less heavy and expensive :p
That wide accurate sound stage stage is a feature that i would have over any headphone. Only a few does this
It is so accurate that you really feel you are in the place the music is playing, god tier headphone for orchestras and live music
What's your favourite Shpongle track? :)
I have the Empyrean's arriving in the next few days, I'm so excited!
Other than "Are You Shpongled?" I like Botanical Dimensions from Nothing Lasts... But Nothing is Lost and a couple of the tracks from Ineffable Mysteries. Have you heard Simon Posford's new album though? He produced it during lockdown and it's very good.
@@Currawong Oh man that is my favourite too. The Spanish Guitar when it transitions into Outer Shpongolia into the euphoric Levitation Nation. Sublime!!
I've been listening to Posfords collab all day on my HE-560s :)
Out of curiosity which Amps and DACs are most ideal for the Final D8000 Pro? I heard these headphones are very amp dependent and would like to know how to fully take advantage of these. My current set up is the RME ADI-2 DAC FS Amp/DAC combo
In my experience, they aren't very amp dependant. Who said that they were?
@@Currawong When I asked on Reddit about these headphones for more information one user warned that the sound quality was very amp dependent .
Hello Amos, you mention having your own HP cables.
Have you detailed this already or could you tell us more about what you find please?
I enjoy your such sensible reviews, thank you.
It will be really interesting to compare D8000 pro with Abyss Diana Phi.
something refreshing about an unscripted one take chat. thanks.
Very nice Amos. Do you have any experience comparing these to what you may have remembered of the Abyss 1266 PHY TC, assuming you have heard those at some point? You also don't make too many direct comparisons with the Susvara and say the D8000 falls in between the Empyrean and Utopia, but where would you put it against the Susvara? Thanks!
I need to get a pair of Abyss in for review.
@@Currawong Absolutely! I trust your opinion. DMS, if you are reading other's headphone reviews, as I imagine you would be, tell the boys to spend a few extra bucks and send these to Japan. ;)
I still wonder how the new limited edition D8000 compares to these. I also have their Sonorous X which is phenomenal in my setup... and always wondered how a Planar would compare to those incredible dynamics.
i remember walking into yodobashi camera and staring at these through the glass. they arent pretty but they have a very distinctive look
Bismillah
Great review thanks. How do they compare to susvara and Abyss 1266 especially in speed and detail? Thanks again
What is your take on the Final Audio Piano Forte? I guess you used the pic of version iV ?
At 3:21, you mention Utopia is part Focal and part other? I thought it was pure Focal (driver, housing)? Who is the other?
The headphones were made by another company, not Focal. I'm not sure how much of the technology, beyond the drivers, was actually Focal's design.
@@Currawong Thanks! Enjoyed the video!
Nice review! Good info and to the poin.👍🏾
Will you review the 2go in the background?
and compare with cable digital transport maybe ;)
thank you
Yes, that's coming.
Hi man great review as always. I’m starting to really trust and understand your reviews with the more videos I watch and comparisons you draw. I’m curious to your thoughts on the heddphones. Due to their competitive pricing I’m hoping they could be a cheaper gateway to that yummy detail I’ve only heard about.
Any new high end iems lately? The d8000 description sounds like how I would describe the custom 64 audio A12t though not to the level of detail and with bigger bass. Something like a dark but detailed sound with huge bass. Then again there’s the new a18s
How does the Bass compare between the pro and non pro models?
would these work well with the DCS Bartok headphone amp, or wold the Focal Utopia be the better choice?
That's something I'd like to find out.
Hi mate, I was wondering if you could clear a doubt I've got: I listen to different types of music, from orchestral to heavy compressed.
Right now I have a Duet (Apogee) which to my ears sounds way better than my Schiit combo Modi 2 USB + Heresy.
My Duet uses I think an ESS Sabre 32 DAC chip. Sounds pretty decent (if it wasn't for the highs I would just keep it as is). Has great bass, defined, warm if you will.
But the Schiit Combo even though it sounds anemic to me, has more detail or so I think.
Also I feel it respects the timbre more.
Timbre for me is number 1 priority plus a lively quality. (Full of energy). (I try to focus on Vocals, Snares, Kick, Electric guitars //their timbre, bass //as in defined).
Guitars (electric) sound like azz on the Schiit combo, and on the Duet sound great, very good timber, not harsh, but somehow vocals get like a 2nd place, depth wise.
Right now I am using more the Duet Line outs into the Heresy, it kinda tames the highs, but it doesn't sound hi fi.
So, right now I have my eye on the THX 789, should I pull the trigger?
Is it really better than the Heresy? I plan on pairing it with the Modi 2 USB (when I first got it I was so content, lots of details, timbre is good, highs still sounded harsh).
I really hope you could answer.
(Also, looking for simplicity, no tubes since I read you have to leave it on for 12 hours (paraphrasing here) so it finally gives you the tube thingy).
(Also, I am looking for silky smooth highs, not harsh).
I am using HD650 headphones (bought 2 since I found some bargains online). So I feel the headphones are not an issue right now.
Have DT900 and HD599, don't like at all the DT900, like bright and thin, bass undefined.
HD599 has way more detail, but sounds harsh.
I even bought an ifi Silencer, and it seems it's doing something good, don't know exactly what, but it works.
Still I don't feel content in my situation right now.
And ofc I don't want to spend a fortune.
Main goal is to have bliss in my ears. :P
Still use my Sonorous 6 sometimes but the headband don't last.
Of course, they should sound even better after break in. I’m curious as to what you think of the HEDD headphones. Not that familiar with your channel, but I am getting to like it more. It’s hard to do what you are doing giving my present circumstances, but that notwithstanding, I am curious what you think about the HEDDs. Maybe you’ve already done it. If so, you can link it. Cheers!
Hi, Amos, could you share what upgrade cable are you using with empyrean?
I'm using a Norne Silvergarde.
@@Currawong Thanks. I found 2 types of silvergarde, is the one you are using s3-c or s3 textile? Any better suggestion of cables?
I suggest contacting Norne and talking to the owner if you have questions. Likewise any other company you're interested in buying from.
@@Currawong Yeah, I have done that yesterday, waiting for the further respond from Trevor. I got my empyrean 2 days ago(comfort is my first priority), currently I even prefer my final a8000 rather than empys. Right now Im trying to improve empys' sound with better cable and vegan pads to my liking. A8000 is truly an astonishing IEM, after 3 months of usage, it still sounds bright but very neutral and realistic, treble is not too hot and not fatiguing but smooth and fluid. For my personal taste, this IEM is 100% perfect. Final is really a great company. Not hearing the comfort issue of d8000 series, I will definitely buy one instead of buying empyrean.
See my Empyrean review: ruclips.net/video/rRpElKxalfk/видео.html I'm using the covered original, not the clear one.
How do these generally compare to the Ether Flow 1.1 Open, I saw you had previously reviewed them. I see that they stack up quite favorably even against summit-fi (Utopia and Empyrean) but wondering how much bigger the gap is for the Ether...
The $3000+ flagships are a significant step above the Ether Flow IMO.
I wanted to get one of the flagships, but ive been wondering if it needs a lot of technical knowledge to run, like, what amp is good for them? would they run on tube? what if they wont sound good with what i have? would the stuff that i have now would be able to perfectly run these flagship? what if i buy some other amp and it doesnt sound good?
I dont have that many audio gears, but i would want to get a ~$3000 headphone. was considering the abyss diana, but turns out it has a specific perfect combination of power system to get the best out of it. My current gear is just hifiman sundara, final audio e5000 for portability, and a beyerdynamics a2 for my amp.
The amount you have to spend to get that extra performance goes shooting up when you want to move higher than the sound quality you'd be getting out of your system, as the Sundaras are already quite good.
@@Currawong would a dcs bartok bring out the best in these final d8000 pros?
Hi. Is the old trusty Playlist No. 82 a secret? I would be interested to hear what's in it... Regards..
Goodbye Pork Pie Hat - Jeff Beck
Hollow Talk - Choir Of Young Believers
Oye Como Va - Santana
Angel (2006 Digital Remaster) - Massive Attack
Hey Lion - Sofi Tukker
When I Get My Hands On You - The New Basement Tapes
Old Man (2009 Remaster) - Neil Young
Arlington - The Wailin' Jennys
Beirut - Ibrahim Maalouf
Thanks for the review. I am a bit interested on the D8000/P but I think the price is on the salty side, and the weight and discomfort won’t do for me. Oh well.
Hi Amos. I’m really considering buying the D-8000’s, but not the pro edition. I was wondering if you could give me your feelings of the pros and cons of the original v.s the pro. :)
Do you like one more than the other and if so, why?
Thank you so much. You’ve always been very helpful and have appreciated you over the many years i have followed you on RUclips and head fi. :)
-Nicholas
Hey, I remember you. Did you see my D8000 review? I did compare them in that: ruclips.net/video/vHA6bSVNwQY/видео.html
Hey just curious what's the tube amp on top of your audio gd? Looks interesting and would like to look more into it
xDuoo TA-30. I'll be reviewing it once I get some tubes in to compare to the stock ones.
It looks like an XDUOO TA-30.
Japan's top open headphone the d8000 pro.
Japan's top closed headphone the z1r.
Although me personally I like the mdr z1r more than the d8000 pro.
Cause it's a little bit bright for my ideal listening preference, nothing major or anything of the likes.
I would suggest the hedd audio headphone, cause it's just effortless and so transparent that it can get scary sometimes.
I use rme adi dac, thx 789, or woo audio wa22.
How do you like the rme adi 2 dac?
@@hayesjohnny it's the best dac I ever heard.
Plus it has an extensive set of features.
Price wise I feel like it's a bargain for what it delivers.
I was considering a hugo 2 and mytek Brooklyn dac, at the same time, but ended up buying the rme dac.
It's a chameleon dac as it takes the character of what filter type you choose or what frequency response modifications you apply to it.
I use it to feed all of my high power amplifiers.
Mohamed Sonic thanks so much!
Have you used your WA22 with the D8000 Pro? How did it do?
@@esben8470 it sounded great.
The headphone is very very capable and I agree with currawong's review.
But I was able to find headphones that are super resolving too and agree with my preferences.
As for the sound it seems the wa22 gave it more sound stage, it did cut the highs slightly, and add a bit more mid bass.
Other observations would be that I think they sounded a bit slower on tubes if that makes any sense, and the only reason I was able to catch that is because they are fast, especially on solid states.
I do feel like they were as fast as my stax l700, but as I mentioned earlier I love my headphones to sound different.
And that's why I grabbed the hedd audio headphone instead.
But from sound quality perspective the d800 pro is an endgame headphone without a doubt.
As for the general sound characteristics it's a bit bright, and mids depending on the track can sound close or far away, sometimes too far especially with tubes.
I think the SUS answer from Japan is a good apt description for these, currently in the process of reviewing these.
Using the chord Dave, M Skaler, 8HB2, may KTE, TT2,
It’s kind of ridiculous how they scale, and yet you can drive them to a fantastic level of technical ability on portable equipment, my words those cables are awful, the weight can be an issue
As much overhead as you can give it in regards to your source equipment, is my opinion, but they are a lot more rounded than a lot of the other true flagship headphones I have SUS here obviously it’s my own, and I don’t think they’re quite there yet, but it’s close and on very high and equipment it can be quite close surprisingly so
When comparing them with a utopia, LCD5, solitaire P, S 9000, 009S,
I found them to be a little bit more polite and a little bit more easy-going with a multitude of genres, their smooth sound signature does a lot to help, yet you lose none of the detail which is great
Japan made headphones are so specific in looks and sound, I personally own other Japan champion ADX5000. First time I met headphones with that high level of details, it can show exactly if music is well mastered or piece of crap lol
Love your reviews always very informative and detailed. None headphone question if I may, are hairdressers open in Japan? as I think you have a new hair cut?
Oh I liked your none headphone video on covid impact in Japan, it is nice to have neutral views (none news media ones) from people from different parts of the world. Just like your headphone reviews a niece mix of objective & subjective views.
At least where I am in Fukuoka, a lot of stuff is still open. Malls are shut, as are large businesses, at least until next month. I could happily get a hair cut.
In Engalnd hairdressers are all shut, I had to buy some clippers from amazon and go for a grade 2 all over :(
That's what I do during summer! Much easier for dealing with the heat.
I have one question, but before I get to it I must thank you for your videos, I am a senior citizen and waited till now to up grade my musical system and with you're help I know I've missed some pit falls.Now for the question, I'm thinking of Rupert Neve's headphone Amplifier because it was made just for that reason, and I've been learning, that would be the way to go( a device made just for that purpose) if there is a better way to go( for my limited funds) please, let me know if I'm on the right track( I'm not sure if you've tried the RNHP amplifier or not, I hope so, I rely on your input on everything audio, thanks in advance. Will
Hi Will. I haven't tried the RNHP, but I've heard enough good about it from people I know that I don't see it being at all a problem to take a chance on it. Audio gear tends to be pretty good these days, so the the biggest difficulty comes down to choosing a pair of headphones that suits your listening tastes.
Thanks for your response, like I've said"You're the best!" Take care.
Money in short supply? Google Headroom Headphone Amp For Sale. There are several on eBay and other places. Get what you can afford (like a Max or Maxed Out Home or Blockhead). Tyll Hertsens designed and sold them. I still use my max as a spare and it gives modern amps at any price a run for the money. A real classic line of amps. There is one on ebay fo $400 and another for $1200 (a Home Balanced). I have owned mine for 20 years and cannot part with it. Read the Stereophile reviews from 18 to 20 years ago (by the late Wes Phillips).
What about the Final Audio Sonorous X closed back headphones?
I wasn't very impressed with them. They were, as I understand it, the result of ideas from their old, late owner and the tuning was odd.
@@Currawong Thanks for that info. Best to you.
Did u try them from the hugo 2 output?
Yes. I get more detail than through my main system. Given the weather lately that's how I usually listen.
@@Currawong so do you think that adding an amp to chord dacs produces coloration, like Rob Watts suggests?
Im asking because i have a hugo 2 and im thinking of either getting a HP amp or getting a tt2 that can drive any HP cause it has 18Wats @ 8 ohms through the balanced outs behind the unit
Thanx!
Great review!
Hope you get your hands on the HEDDphones in he future.
Bismillah
Great review. What I like about your reviews is that you are a independent thinker and not tied to some of the other reviewers that dominate RUclips. Also you compare headphones regardless of whether they are dynamic, planar or electrostatic. Interested to know if you see stark differences in how the different technologies compare? For example, do you think at the flagship level that Planars have clearer bass definition over a planar or do dynamics have more impactful bass? Thanks
A lot of it comes down to design, but without using something like Sony's 70mm driver, or the Sennheiser HD800 driver, it is harder for a regular dynamic driver to deliver low bass without distortion. This is something planar/orthodynamic headphones are good at.
Currawong
Bismillah
What about the Focal and biodynamics like Denon headphones? Do you think difficulties with bass applies to them? Thanks for your response and all your content.
The Focal headphones should definitely be mentioned alongside the Sony and HD800 drivers. Basically, the limitations seem to be with typical mylar drivers.
still no ADX5000?
2:45 sus 😳
great review
may I ask what is the cable on the empyrean specifically
It's a Norne Silvergarde.
@@Currawong yes but which model?
Not the clear one. See my Empyrean review for pictures. ruclips.net/video/rRpElKxalfk/видео.html
@@Currawong thank you
I put a Lazuli Reference on my Empyrean and never looked back. Just superb. Tight bass, bigger/rounder images, great atmospherics, more organic vocals and tonality in general, and nice sweetness.
How will these compete with my tin HI-Fi T2 ? Just kidding 😂
100% more sound quality for 10000% more price.
Still not better than my porta pro
SOFI TUKKER - Purple Hat
there he have audio gear worth a good looking house xD life is brutal
Test real headphones like the Orpheus headset. Oops, I missed the JK part.
Do you know someone who can lend me a set, including paying for shipping both ways to Japan?
Pray for me that I can afford them
Got a lot of my own shit to pray for!!!
E5000
Kitty
Still not as good as my adidas rpt-01
I could never afford these, but boy these sounded wounderful when I tried them at the store...