Which is exactly why I am stopping right where I am. This hobby is nothing but a money pit and I will not get sucked in any further. At least for now. I am going to just sit back, save some money and enjoy what I have. But I will be generating notes and a hit list of things to look at for future. These HP2’s could well get on the list.
Then, when things start to wear down I will attempt to start replacing with the next level. And I am definitely keeping the 660’s, for the very reason you are getting rid of them! I love the fact that they are neutral.
The only complaint i have with the HP-2 is comfort. I had to bend the headband to get the bass response to where i like it and that causes the pads to really press against my jaw.
Which version of the Ori pads did you get? Also, how those pads affect the sound?
I don’t have ori, I have universe. But, in my case, I think the other aspects were effected. Even more open sound, clarity, etc. But I think the stock still held the slam. And I think the reason for that is volume of space. All the pads I have tried ultimately have more space inside the pad (larger ear holes).
I think it’s worth a shot, just be warned, that could be a thing.
@LANDWALKER000 You try it specifically looking at slam? I do think that is why I come back to stock.
I wished more people would be open minded enough to try the HP-2, i have tried to convince a few of my audiophile friends to get a HP-2 and they just won’t do it! lol
I think people in general are afraid to try something from a less known brand, or something not a lot of people talk about which is a shame because this set is a total game changer.
@Dynamic had to insist like 4 times for me to get a pair so i understand their hesitancy, but it is still a shame more people don’t get to know the unique experience which is the HP-2…
It’s honestly a bit weird that I went for it. That day I was considering pulling the trigger on a stabilized ZMF VC. And normally I will only take risks on trying stuff when it’s from amazon (but I love to try stuff, I just don’t love the risk of trying stuff).
Timeless was the same way. Once I heard about it, I was in. And both paid off.
I think we as audiophile should try to find more economical ways to try lots of stuff. A lending library program for example. I know several exist, but they all have a lot of risk to the equipment. I wish we could find a way that makes more sense. There is so much stuff I want to hear.
The GH50 is much louder, i did not expect that since they are supposed to use the same drivers;
The GH50 has TONS more bass and i did not have to bend the headband at all;
I have the GH50 for 10 minutes and i can tell they are VERY different, for now not better, i love the HP-2 and i find it hard to fault, but they sure are different…
Super Nice, I too also would love to A/B those two. I didn’t have to bend the headband on the HP-2’, perfect fit. I’ve been wanting to get the JM version and probably will someday, when funds are available. Having the HP-2’, I thoroughly enjoy them but sooo curious about the Gjallarhorn… But at about double the price, (I got the HP-2’ for about $600, and bought these before I sold my ATH-WP900). That is holding me back. Looking forward to more impressions between the two…And on top of that I just bought a Cayin N3Pro, which is an excellent pairing with the HPs…
Cheers
All I’m saying is if this headphone was called the Audeze HP-2, Hifiman HP-2 or Focal HP-2, all the big name reviewers would be gushing over it’s price for it’s power efficiency, comfort, build and sound quality. But it’s a Kennerton, not an American or French boutique darling, so the buddy-buddy Youtube algorithm review bros won’t give it the time of day.
The leather bag it comes in is much nicer and has more usability than a butt shell, bulky pelican case or cardboard box. Andrew from The Headphone Show called this headphone non-competitive. If that’s the case, then all of the headphones he praised which are close to it’s price that have worse build, sound, comfort and power efficiency are non-competitive as well.
I was just discussing EXACTLY this with a friend of mine, i had a Focal Clear and i sold it, he still has his Focal Clear and now that i have introduced him to stuff like the Hifiman HE6 and the Kennerton GH50 he has decided to sell his Focal as well.
I would take the HP-2 or the GH50 over the Focal Clear any day! The Focal Clear in comparison lacks macro dynamics, bass detail and texture, soundstage and comfort. Yet people praise the hell out of it!
I tried to convince some of my audiophile friends to try the HP-2 a few months ago to no avail, these really are hidden gems and i wish more people got a chance to listen to them. Hell i even tried to convince Chris (BGGA) to review these for some visibility, also with no luck…
I also wonder if it would be more popular there if it was billed as more chifi like Blon HP-2, Thieaudio HP-2, Sivga HP-2 or something like that, would be an interesting experiment lol
I think reviewers and customers are just put off by how you buy the LSA headphones. You can’t just click buy on their website but have to call or email them to order them. It also seems that the Hp-2 Ultra is the best of the bunch but it’s not the unit that LSA is sending out to reviewers for some reason.
