Is it worth it? (Help requested chasing "end-game")

Headphones Headphone Discussion / Help
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Currently using my HE1000v2. Listening to beck morning phase.

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They are good heavy and a lot of clamp that counters the weight effect. My 3 favorite are Rad-0 Empryean and Hekv2. I find a lot resolution in the rad-0 great lows mids and highs.

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I actually did check your profile before I posted this topic and was really pleased you responded. I knew from your profile you have heard and owned a lot of different (and higher end) headphones.

The Phantoms are close to end-game for me. If the sound was a little more full and the vocals were a little further away (sometimes I feel they are right on top of me and I don’t like it) and just a little bit more detail, I think that would be perfect. Or so I think. :slightly_smiling_face:

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I can’t really pick a favorite out of my collection tbh. I’ll have to look into the rad

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I was initially not going to respond to this post because it was with higher level items lol. At the higher end price point, it pretty much comes down to preference, and I wouldn’t really want to steer anyone in a specific direction. But the DAC discussion pulled me in lol

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Well I do appreciate it. I understand a lot is preference. This has been useful, so I do thank you.

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If your looking for 1000 $ headphone used I’d look at ZMF Aeolus if you can find them. I was the only one on ebay that had set for sale. People get those and keep them. Me I really liked them but I want ZMF Verite. Check Z’s review on Aeolus and look at Resolve Reviews review of Verite you can see where I’m headed. You could always save an extra 200 $ and get brand new set but it takes 4 to 6 weeks being they build them by hand.

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I’ll do that for sure. Thanks again for the responses.

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Getting back to your original question…“is it worth it”

I think if you’re an audiophile and you love the music, the kit and paraphernalia that goes along with it then there’s no way I’d liquidate a quiver of good low/midfi headphones to buy a top tier one.

Here is my reasoning for this…
The first time you put on your new $3k purchase you’d be ‘holy fuck this’s amazing’ and rightfully so, but a few months down the line using it as your daily driver you’ll be like I wonder what this jazz would sound like through a pair of SR-009s and a TSRM T-8000 or that D 'n B on a pair of HE1000se?. I think the itch just gets more expensive to scratch, better sound? most definitely but your expectations also rise along with your audio curiosity so it’s a kind of never ending spiral.
I can’t believe any audiophile sold all their can collection, scarped and saved for 2 years to buy high end and never bought another headphone?

Maybe like cars no one saved all their lives, sold a kidney and their mum into the slave trade to buy a Bugatti, Bugatti owners probably have 10+ hypercars.

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Well I was not expecting that lol

I do know people that are perfectly content with just one high end headphone they use daily. They spend time figuring out what their ideal can was, and then got the closest thing to it. I would agree for some people it just escalates into collecting the higher end, but you just kinda have to know yourself to figure out what you would be happiest with

Edit: I know someone who has heard the totl and beyond and has the means to own whatever he wants, but he only owns and uses his hd650 every day. He is just perfectly satisfied

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Edit: I know someone who has heard the totl and beyond and has the means to own whatever he wants, but he only owns and uses his hd650 every day. He is just perfectly satisfied

Probably sold his Gucci boxers and now wears sackcloth too? lol…no disrespect to the Senns though love 'em :smiley:

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Good. Don’t think about this. Through lots ABX testing, DACs are nearly impossible to distinguish from each other. There are lots of articles out there on it. Also, most solid-state amps are nearly impossible to distinguish from each other when doing a proper ABX test. The only time amps really sound different is when you ignore the output impedance on them and have a bad match (I believe Zeos does this a lot and that’s why he sometimes hears completely different things on solid state amps).

Headphones will almost always be the distinguishing factor in sound. Your DX3 Pro has 1 ohm of output impedance, which is very good and will be able to drive any headphone just fine.

I truly believe there is a lot of junk science in the hobby. Baseless claims based on placebo and not proper testing. You could buy an expensive DAC on Amazon and compare it with your current system. Return it after a week of your testing. I would be willing to bet you would fail an ABX test with DACs.

Here’s some reading material on the subject:

Advice: Buy headphones. The rest of your system is perfectly fine.

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I think this is what it boils down to.

I have elements of both in my personality. For example, I sold my 58x to fund the Phantom purchase, but there’s part of me that wants them back just because.

On the other hand, since I purchased the Phantom instead of enjoying both the Argons and Phantoms for how different and for what they are, I’m finding I keep reaching for the Phantom, so I have this urge to “get rid of” the Argons.

So I have to think a little more and decide which person I am and want to be. Now I see why I’ve read posts on reddit of people saying “I tormented myself”, or “I decided and I’m exhausted.” I get it now!

I’m going to take all of this great feedback and make a decision over the week-end. Everyone has made great suggestions and I even have a short list of headphones I’d consider if I decide to go in the “sell multiple pearls for one giant pearl” direction.

Thanks again to everyone. I value people’s time and I think all who have given suggestions and guidance.

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Thanks for the advice!

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Also, you can find a used ZMF Auteur for around your price. It has more detail and a wider sound stage than the Aeolus, which is a warmer and more “fun” sounding headphone.

Plus, the woodwork and love that Zach puts into his headphones at ZMF is truly something special. They are a work of art that sounds incredible!

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That’s one I had been targeting for sure. Listening to sound demos and reading reviews. Would love to get a listen.

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Yeah, from going off of other people’s experiences, the zmf cans might be the sound you are looking for

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cans might be the sound you are looking for

That’s the thing…what sound does anyone look for?.. Been to Ronnie Scotts and seen some great Jazz, been to raves, folk festivals, Classical quartets, Stonehenge festival, and more, I don’t have the high end headphone experience but I can’t believe one headphone (money no object) could satisfy all my personal audio criteria on an everyday, might be wrong?..I change like the wind lol

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I’d keep the Argons. Aren’t they hard to get(wait time and all)?

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Yes, they take about 12 weeks to get mine, but that means you can sell them for a great price used

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