Thanks again for all the help. The Amazon one Z linked in the unboxing vid was not available. Iāve ordered what looks to be an equivalent from eBay. Will update when it arrives.
Update: eBay cable arrived (kind that fits Sennheiser HD6 Mix etc.) and it works as expected. The connection to the headphone locks in place just like the stock cable only slightly more recessed (which Iām a fan of). The cable runs dead straight and translates far less cable noise to the headphones than either of the stock cables. All in all, $15 well spent 
3 Likes
Hello,
Happy camper here with my NDH20.
Iām looking for a open back headphone with a complementary sound signature.
I listen to all kinds of music and my budget is max 300 USD.
If it helps, I have a tube amplifier (APPJ PA1502A) and solid state (NuForce Icon HD).
So far in my research, I have the hd6xx, Monoprice M750, ATH AD1000x and DT880 600ohm in mind.
What would you guys suggest?
Thanks!
1 Like
If you wanted a more studio oriented open back sound, the audio Technica r70x might be something to consider
1 Like
So I have a suggestion for anyone trying these out for the first time. Load up Spotify and listen to Yo-Yo Ma āSix Evolutions - Bach: Cello Suitesā. Even if you donāt really listen to classical (I donāt)ā¦
Itās the most Iāve personally been impressed with the sound of these headphones to this point.
5 Likes
Speaking of Bach Cello Suites, Mstislav Rostropovich - Prelude. No 5 - C Minor
It isā¦ crushing.
4 Likes
Nice tip - sounds great!
One album that sounds good on just about every set but particularly great on the NDH 20 is Agnes Obelās Aventine.
Wts my ndh20s with extra cable barely used. Looking for 400 dollars shipped
Feel like I should have kept notes when I started looking for closed back headphonesā¦ but I always seem to end back here 
Iām currently considering these as my office dailies. I think more than a few are in the same steps as me!
I was thinking about the Ćon or Ether Cx, but they are pretty difficult to get to where I live and these are probably the nicest ones on my shortlist before ordering from abroad.
Howās the more-than-a-week of listening to these looking right now? Everyone still happy? Also, has anyone compared them to an Elegia?
So compared to the elegia, I think the ndh20 is more portable, but not as comfortable imo. The nhd20 is warmer sounding and a bit relaxed. The elegia are more even/neutral sounding with better detail imo. Both isolate fairly well but the ndh20 does isolate a bit better but they still block out a fair amount of noise. The elegia are also easier to drive for me. Personally I prefer the elegia
1 Like
They do just smash your ears, but comfort isnāt bad, IMO. The clamp force is about even, without being too over the top. They donāt really have any āhotspotsā on any part of my ears, but that may vary. Iāve worn mine while working for a while without much issue. They breath reasonably well, thanks to the material being used for the ear-cups, they donāt get hot and sweaty. They isolate very well and donāt leak much.
I have not tried the Elegia, personally, but I do own the Focal Clears. The Clears are my favorite headphone, currentlyā¦ that being said, the Neumannās come up second in that regard and I still prefer them over the Focals for certain genres and types of music. As an example, playing āWachet auf, ruft uns die Stimmeā by J.S. Bachā¦ the amount of debt and body I get from the orchestra and singer is more impressive on the Neumanns by a pretty large degree. It sounds extremely natural and realistic, and itās very impressive. It sounds great and natural on the Focal as well, but itās comparatively distant and thin (comparatively!). For that type of music, it is the difference between sounding great and being emotionally moving for me, personally.
Anything with heavy string instruments or mid-bass body are very enjoyable on the Neumanns.
I obviously cannot say for certain how the Elegia stacks up in that regardā¦ On just about everything else, the Focal Clears are better and overall a more balanced headphone that are great with everything.
3 Likes
The elegia has a signature more inline with the clear, but is not as proficient technicality wise. The elegia also has better soundstage and imaging imo compared to the ndh20 if that matters a ton. I think itās really down to if you like a warmer thicker sound or something more balanced. Also the stock cable on the elegia is kinda bad so in the future you might want to consider an aftermarket one (Iām not a huge fan of the ndh20 cable either but itās much more flexible and not janky than the elegia cable, but the elegia cable is more portable oriented)
The coiled cable on the NDH 20 is alrightā¦ heavy though. The long straight cable is pretty badā¦ very janky. But you can get Sennheisher HD 8 DJ cables to replace it. I use a cable with an inline microphone with the NDH 20. Also, Iād imagine, the Elegia is probably far more comfortable, if anything like the other Focals
1 Like
I think itās pretty comfy, but are a bit large feeling at times. Pretty much same fit as the clear and elex
That is absolutely true! Songs with classical guitars and male vocals, Nils Lofgren for example, sound amazing.
2 Likes
Hey man, was wondering what sort of headband pad that is? Is it the ZMF Pilot Pad?
Thanks!
Great price! I just snagged one on ebay as well but for $290, which is pretty decent IMO.
2 Likes
I just picked up a pair of these for $299. Iām a little concerned about the fit/comfort, but weāll see. Fit is different for everyone. Has anybody noticed a change in fit after long term break-in?
What I also find interesting is that there seems to be a total lack of agreement regarding how these sound. Some say too much bass, some say not. Iām less concerned about the bass and more interested in the treble of these. They frequency response graph seems to show a very slight U shape, which is my preferred sound signature. Iām curious though if anybody had any issues with the treble being too bright for them?