funk1969
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Some things are so easily overlooked...
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Post by funk1969 on Aug 23, 2011 12:29:22 GMT
Hmmm...
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Post by Deleted on Aug 23, 2011 16:33:44 GMT
Sounds promising, Frans. Slightly more balanced than the 681. I wonder if it's closer to 681b. I use that one because for me, it's a touch more balanced.
Also, do the pads fit the same way as 681? Just wondering about velour pads.
Sounds like the 'look' is improved as well. Mike was right about the name, 'Superlux' and a name change would be beneficial IMO for image conscious people.
It doesn't bother me what they're called but I've always wondered whether they would have sold even more with a different name.
If these look nice, they'll stand a better chance.
The top edge seems to be a common thing with 'Eastern' headphones as opposed to 'Western' types such as Sennheiser.
Perhaps closer to Beyer?
Looking forward to comparing them with 681 and Sonys. I couldn't live with the Sony sound- however, I think Mike has sorted his out. However if Superlux are comparing the sound with a stock Sony, then I guess it would have a strong top because the Sonys could cut cheese with their treble.
When you think about it, Superlux have a really good lineup. The three 'flavours' of open sound and now a closed headphone. Good for them.
At £60 for 3 open sounds plus whatever these retail at makes a damned good set up for very little money.
I think that the idea of changing headphones depending on what you're listening to is pretty essential for good listening and Superlux make that aspect of listening really possible.
IMO, it's a good selling point and they could sell the open headphones in packs of 3!!!! (offering 3 types of sound)
Personally, I would have bought all 3 in one go!!!
Ian
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Post by PinkFloyd on Aug 23, 2011 18:26:33 GMT
Frans.... how on earth have you deduced all that after only just having the 'phones for a few hours? MOST 'phones sound "toppy" straight out of the box.... you are already talking about a "filter" and the 'phones haven't even had a chance to bed in yet! At least give them a good thrashing for 24 hours before deciding
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Post by Deleted on Aug 23, 2011 19:06:04 GMT
Couldn't wait anymore... Filter modded it and put some anti-reflection selfadhesive felt in the cup. Filter installed on the driver Headphone itself with red bag Bent the rods a bit but need some more bending to make the clamping force lower. I think Ian will like the level this way. The shrill-ness is gone with the filter mod. Sound sig AFTER mods: It still has a bright character with good extension to both ends. I have to mention this is from a LOW Ohmic amplifier. The behaviour is MUCH less toppy and bright on 120 Ohm and a nice in between on about 30 Ohm. Higher output resistances tame the highs substantially but the rsisk of sibilance remains. It also becomes somewhat less 'alive' though. Without filter direct from a Sansa Fuze it is way too bright IMO, even more so than standard HD681 as the HD661 is 'flatter' it is more evident. On an amp with high output resistance it is very listenable already without a filter. More balanced yet reaching equally deep (subwoofer type) yet far from exaggerated bass like HD681 and pretty well controlled, not flabby. have to say it lacks 'warmth' as the midlows are not as emphasized as with Senheisers. Will compare it to other headphones and a stock one when I have lived with it for a while. Impressive sound with Carla Lother, Eric Bibb and such. Gets a bit 'shouty' with 'violent' rock music at medium levels already. Given these features IMO it is very suited as a monitor. I am going to live with it this way and see if I filter even more (probably won't). The filter IMO is an absolute must unless your hearing is crappy already. Don't know if it will change much in sound while playing in. How will I know ? Straight out of the box all 3 sound VERY similar. Can't notice one of them being brighter or more or less bassier than the other ones. A perfect chance to have a 'control group' (like I did with HD681 and SR850). This one is modded and will give an unmodded one equally amount of hours and 1 of them 0 hours and see how they compare after some time. I have owned a LOT of headphones from new and aside from some HD681's acting weird in the lows I have never experienced the highs changing much. Having 3 here will give me a very good chance to see IF and how it reacts. The frequency graphs and Ian's description of the Sony highs lead me to believe the filter is needed anyway and my ears told me the exact same thing. Sweaty ears, but it isn't exactly cool in here ... the pads are smaller than HD681 and oval but much softer than the original HD681 pads.
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Post by Deleted on Aug 23, 2011 20:11:19 GMT
The Sony has one particular area in the treble that juts out a mile, Frans. It's a difficult listen for me unless it's turned right down, but once I have compared it to 661 I may do what Mike has done or give them away. Find them very hard on the ears and prefer the M50 by miles.
I am a bit puzzled why Superlux aspire to sound like the Sonys tbh. Maybe Eastern hearing is totally different to ours? If you look at many Eastern products, they seem to be built from the treble down. (like a treble-led sound)
It's the kind of sound that some people would called 'detailed' but not really the case IMO. (unless you have a load of wax in your ears) I prefer a little more volume and less edge to bring you more 'into' the mix. These toppy sounds tend to make you listen as though you're 'outside' the music listening in.
To some extent, the K701 makes me feel like an outside listener and it doesn't involve me with the music like the DT990 or even the DT770!!
The 681 has that edge, but it's bass is its saviour IMO. Take that bass away, and you wouldn't have that involvement any longer.
I envisaged the 661 to have more weight, being closed and for some reason, I felt that top might have been a little more in control.
You never know - a week on music might calm them, or warm the bass even more so giving the impression that the treble as reduced a bit. I sometimes warm the cones to make them 'looser' - that can give a temporary 'broken in' sound until they cool off and tighten again. (I wrap them up or stick them in an airing cupboard)
If the bass changes like my newer 681b, that treble may seem a lot less.
Ian
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Post by PinkFloyd on Aug 24, 2011 9:33:47 GMT
Hey Frans, Sorry for getting a bit annoyed last night, I should have discussed it with you.... I didn't realise that Andrew was aware you were going to mod them and just thought it quite strange that you have modded them before they have bedded in. Please forgive me for over reacting, you know I can be a bit "random" sometimes All the best, Mike.
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Post by Deleted on Aug 24, 2011 10:01:09 GMT
It does seem a little premature to me, to be talking about modifications to these headphones before the other recipients on the list have had a chance to listen to them. Reports like this are likely to influence the way that the others hear them. Frans may very well be correct in his initial evaluation, but the headphones were sent here to be evaluated by the members in their present form. I feel that communications between Frans and the manufacturer should have been kept private at this early stage. Alex
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mrarroyo
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Post by mrarroyo on Aug 24, 2011 10:31:37 GMT
^ I agree, plus the headphone should have been fully burnt before being modified. I mean to learn what it sounded like untouched.
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Post by Deleted on Aug 24, 2011 12:19:50 GMT
^ I agree, plus the headphone should have been fully burnt before being modified. I mean to learn what it sounded like untouched. Don't worry. It'll get lots of comments once it's had a good run in. The HD681 has a good reputation on RG and it is without doubt one of the best (if not THE best) value for money headphone around. Not only good value, but it takes a brave company with no doubts at all about their gear to dish out 10 for appraisal by anyone that Mike sends them to. The 'truth will out' given the fact that many will get to hear it. Not many makers would do that and I really respect them for that. Negatives are not always a bad thing and they're not always negatives for everyone either. I really like the 681 and have used it without a filter for the past 6 months. (I lost it in my move) It's fine. Yes, it's bright but it's a lovely headphone. I will give them a good run before writing. At least 24 hours solid at first and then as I usually do, leave them running when I'm not listening. The overall picture will appear once a few of us have tried them - and how cool would it be if filtering helped that the manufacturer modified the design and ..... Yes, up the price to pay so that there were once again, more than one version like the 681 series which is a major selling idea! 3 versions of the same headphone was a brilliant move and it would also be lovely to see two versions of the 661 if it were necessary. Personally, this is a headphone that I'm really looking forward to hearing. Ian
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Post by Deleted on Aug 24, 2011 13:42:56 GMT
x2
I have to admit that I really want these to be good! The only half decent closed 'phones I have heard (under a ton) is the other Superlux model HD662B!
Form a Franky memorial sing along circle and..
"But he's got high hopes, he's got high hopes He's got apple pie, in the sky hopes"
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Post by Deleted on Aug 24, 2011 15:11:17 GMT
Actually, the closed headphones available around say, the Senn hd25 all seem to have little 'quirks' in their sound.
For me, the hd25 and dt770 stand out but there's not much below. The M50 is another one but the bass of that one and the DT770 can become over powering. The Senn's ok but I can only keep them on for a short while, so if the 661 is somewhere near the 681, then I'll be a happy bunny. Especially at that Superlux price.
We also tend to forget the amazingly low selling price of these headphones.
Ian
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Post by Deleted on Aug 24, 2011 16:43:13 GMT
We also tend to forget the amazingly low selling price of these headphones. Ian X2 Totally agree - probably because the SQ is so damn good! Jeff
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Post by Deleted on Aug 24, 2011 17:35:54 GMT
That's exactly it Jeff. We're comparing them with much more expensive headphones so it really does show what a good job Superlux are doing.
We need to keep that price in mind when listening. If you do, then it becomes a fairer comparison with other headphones.
In my mind there are three ways of approaching the sound;
a) just as pure sound and analyse them. (as Frans has done) b) comparing to other similar priced models c) a combo of the above two.
As enthusiasts, we tend to focus on pure sound, regardless of price.
However, to be fair, we need to consider other factors as well - price/comfort/sound and compare first with direct competition at the same price and then (in the case of these) reference them against pricier models including the Sonys, since Superlux have them in their sites as far as sound goes.
I have a feeling they've done a good job in all of those areas. The willingness to put them out as they have shows what an open policy they have and also, their own confidence in them.
You most definitely wouldn't see that level of transparency in most other well known brands.
Ian
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Post by PinkFloyd on Aug 25, 2011 19:42:27 GMT
OK guys..... they arrived this afternoon! I will go into town tomorrow and buy a load of brown wrapping paper and wrap each box over the weekend with a view to shipping them all out next Tuesday. UK boxes will be £5 for shipping (recorded delivery). I will contact everybody here who has expressed interest and will ask for the following: A: your shipping details B: My paypal address where you should send the P&P amount to. Please send as a "personal payment" with the subject "for postage". The first "wave" will be sent out on Tuesday and I want each reviewer to spend good time with them. I will start a seperate "Superlux HD-661 first impressions / reviews" type thread and feel free to appraise the HD-661 there..... things like cosmetics, packaging, overall feel, sound quality, value for money and include references to ANY headphones you already own,,,, the more info the better and REMEMBER to be totally honest with your review, don't feel that you "have" to like them, if they are not for you then say so but if they are your cup of tea then say so too. From my own experience with Superlux 'phones, the first 24 hours can be a bit up and down so please don't unbox them, have a quick 5 minute listen and declare them good or not so good or bad (as the case may be) let them bed in overnight before you start evaluating them. Sure, if you want to go into great detail, then the "straight out of the box" type review will be great but as long as it is followed up with the "100 hours in" type of thing...... most of us here agree that "most" headphones require quite a bit of bedding in before they reach their full potential which is why I want the first wave of reviewers to hold onto them for a few months.... get to know them, try them with a variety of amps (if you have more than one)..... don't feel that you only have them for a few days.... use them and enjoy them. I will be in touch via PM over the weekend. Mike.
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Post by Deleted on Aug 25, 2011 19:59:04 GMT
Hi Mike, Great news!! BTW I like your floor tiles - very similar to some we have in our kitchen but your's appear to have a more pronounced colour variation though . Just thought you'd like to know that ;D . Dave.
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Post by PinkFloyd on Aug 25, 2011 20:06:50 GMT
Hi Mike, Great news!! BTW I like your floor tiles - very similar to some we have in our kitchen but your's appear to have a more pronounced colour variation though . Just thought you'd like to know that ;D . Dave. Hi Dave, They will be getting lifted in a couple of weeks! Last part of the kitchen to be done, they have been down for over 20 years (Amtico) and just don't go with the new kitchen...... they are being replaced with much lighter (colour) tiles. Mike.
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funk1969
250+
Some things are so easily overlooked...
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Post by funk1969 on Aug 25, 2011 20:17:27 GMT
Understood...
So I do not have to PM Frans?
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Post by Deleted on Aug 25, 2011 20:31:23 GMT
I've pm'd you Mike since, as you know, I'm away, but I'm not always sure that pm's have gone from where I am because I have a poor signal. We also have a 'sea storm' blowing around the island which has affected my signal and I'm chucking up.
At least when I post here I see it and so know that it's got out!!!
Hopefully you've got it.
Ian
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Post by PinkFloyd on Aug 25, 2011 20:33:48 GMT
Understood... So I do not have to PM Frans? Whoops, sorry, yes...... you are in Amsterdam so PM Frans.... I am just working my way through the list ( starting with the first person to express interest and working my way through)..... OK, I will remove you and that will make room for someone else..... you contact Frans. All the best, Mike.
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Post by PinkFloyd on Aug 25, 2011 21:04:41 GMT
OK.... I have got to page "2" of this thread and already have 11 people..... I was sent 12 pairs so that's the first "wave" (obviously I will get the 12th pair ) I have sent the first eleven members to express interest a PM requesting their shipping details and if ALL respond then the first wave will be shipped to the following members next Tuesday: Rabbit CJ ekbluesboy Javier hifidez davek Miguel Pcourtney1 Helliharris Greenstiles Natospec I would like these guys to have a couple of months with the HD-661 so the next people in the queue are looking at October / November / December.... all dependant on whether or not the first wave of reviewers have reached a conclusion..... this is not a race, I want to give everybody a chance to live with these 'phones and get to know them..... Andrew was good enough to send me these samples and I'd like to give him "honest" and "informed" feedback, I think that is only possible with prolonged / intimate exposure and not a "what Hi-Fi" (had it for 5 minutes) type gig. This is a serious review and not an "arse licking" fest..... Please be brutally honest, this is not "Head-Fi" and there is no financial gain agenda / no sponsors to satisfy..... if you don't like the SQ then say so! Let the games commence and have fun Mike.
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Post by Deleted on Aug 25, 2011 21:27:04 GMT
Hi Mike, Great news!! BTW I like your floor tiles - very similar to some we have in our kitchen but your's appear to have a more pronounced colour variation though . Just thought you'd like to know that ;D . Dave. Hi Dave, They will be getting lifted in a couple of weeks! Last part of the kitchen to be done, they have been down for over 20 years (Amtico) and just don't go with the new kitchen...... they are being replaced with much lighter (colour) tiles. Mike. Mike, Very interesting - ours are slate type ceramic tyles, about the same age and we've covered ours up with some nice Huega carpet tyles on the same ocassion and for the same reason. Also I've found that dropped pots bounce better on Huega ;D . Cheers, Dave BTW I've sent my payment but forgot to identify it as 'HD661' - sorry .
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Post by PinkFloyd on Aug 25, 2011 22:10:14 GMT
I haven't "cracked" a pair open yet..... the big "box of twelve" is sitting "resting" from it's journey in my main music (loudspeaker) room.... I hope to have the "desire" to break into one of them over the weekend
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mrarroyo
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Post by mrarroyo on Aug 25, 2011 22:53:16 GMT
Mike, you did not write what those "across the pond" are to remit for S&H, please advise. Thanks for doing this.
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Post by PinkFloyd on Aug 29, 2011 21:16:57 GMT
They will all be shipped tomorrow folks.... use them, abuse them, sit on them, bend them, chew them, do whatever you normally do type of thing.... this is a real life review so don't pamper them and worry about keeping them in good nick.... these are intended to be road tested PROPERLY, in real life situations If you sit on them and they snap in half, then say so! If you spill a pint of beer on them and they still work then say so! Don't worry about a thing, just use them as you normally would. There is ZERO agenda here, I don't give a toss whether you think they sound crap or fantastic.... this is not an arse lick fest / flavour of the month / keep the sponsor happy type thing...... I would ask you all to be TOTALLY honest (and brutal if the case may be).... Superlux have asked us for honest feedback so let's give it to them All ready to go:
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Post by PinkFloyd on Aug 29, 2011 21:24:16 GMT
The packaging mainly consists of a plastic wrap and some tape so run a sharp blade over the bottom of the package and take it from there to open it up.... shipped in stock HD-661 boxes with a thin wrapping...... I am sure you all know how to open a parcel
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