Upgrading DT1990?

Headphones Headphone Discussion / Help
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Can I fix it with this?: Amazon.de

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No, that is for a different use case if you get hiss or impedance mismatch with iems

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Have you decided on a headphone yet?

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Im thinking about the Focal Elex, because it’s the cheaper version of the Focal Clear. It’s like HD58X, which is the cheaper version of the HD 660S. But I dont know if that is correct.

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Well its a slightly more W shape. but its one of the greats. definitely a reference headphone. one of my favorites.

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Is that just me? Underneath the treble spike, the DT1990 is actually a warm sounding headphone ??
My setup:
PC -> Aune X1s -> SMSL SP200 -> Passive filter (-7dB at 8khz) -> DT 1990.
With this setup I experience the sound like this:
Medium soundstage, no piercing treble, bassy, mids are not forwarded.
It feels very warm, but not very laidback like HD58X or HD6XX.
Actually, the DT1990 isn’t a very technical impressive headphone
and lies somewhere at the better mid tier.
I hope my upgrade to the Focal Elex would bring me to high tier??
Because you classify it as reference headphone.
EDIT:
I also think the DT1990 isn’t very detailed??
I think it actually just boosts the mediocre treble to give the illusion of detail???
EDIT2:
Spotify freakin sucks.
Giorgio by Daft Punk sounds more open and bright on flac.
On Spotify it sounds closed and warm… wth…

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I dont know the DT1990 so i cant tell you. But your running it through a passive filter from DIY. Isnt that the same thing as running it through a EQ? It could be the filter thats making it sound warm. From what ive heard about the Beyer’s is they are more brighter headphones than warm.

I dont know if the Elex is a upgrade from the DT1990. I once saw Joshua Valor do a review comparing the DT1990 to the Elex. Their close in price. Or used to be. I assumed the Elex was on the same tier as the DT1990. Maybe @M0N can comment.

Oh dude dont use Spotify lol. I used to use it and ts sounds dull and lifeless compared to Amazon HD or Qobuz.

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I kinda think your passive filter might be really affecting fidelity, when you put something like that in line, it will tend to reduce the quality of the headphones overall more often than not. I think instead just use eq instead of the filter.

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Yeah the passive filter changed too much. I just use EQ and it sounds more clear now.
I checked the “too good for the price” thread and the DT1990 are not in there. Is it worth the effort selling the DT1990 and get the Sundara instead? Also is it worth the hassle getting the RNHP over the SMSL SP200 for the DT1990/Sundara?

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I thought you wanted to upgrade, the Sundara would be a slight downgrade. I guess if you wanted to make some money you could sell the DT1990 and buy a used Sundara for some slight profit. As for the RNHP, I think for this tier of headphones the amp isn’t as critical so I would recommend something like the Archel 2.5 or the SP200.

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Im waiting for a good opportunity to get a fantastic focal clear deal on eBay. Just thought the DT1990 is overpriced since it’s not in that too good for the price thread.

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It’s not an absolute steal like some people would say about the Sundara and other cans but I wouldn’t say it’s terribly priced either. I personally think 500 would be a better retail price for it but it does go for a fair price used. That being said, I would recommend to get most things used anyways for better value.

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If you get the clear I’d also get something like the RNHP.
Or if you don’t wanna spend too much on an amp, then stay with something like the archel/under $500 range and get an elex. Or keep the sp200 until you’re ready for an upgrade.

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I too agree that the Sundara might be a step down. though it does punch above its price point. maybe a sidegrade? The RNHP would help control the treble a little better. Joshua Valor loves these headphones and he uses the analytical pads and a foam filter. I hear the Sennhieser foam is really good for these.

The too good for the price thread i woudnt worry about. I think that thread was more for IEM’s and Koss headphones lol

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75

Well it’s not really what other people rate as ‘good value’, it’s more what value they are to you?..:moneybag: doesn’t always = audio bliss.

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altho some people do prefer the sundara, can’t say how many but more treble sensetive people like the guy from resolve reviews prefers the sundara in most ways

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if you want an absolute steal just get the koss ksc75. if you care more about price to performance ratio than the sound you are ultimately getting i suggest you sell all your gear and use the ksc 75 on your phone

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Jose is right…there are three Koss headphones that every music lover should have. the PortaPro’s, the KSC75’s and the KPH30’s. in fact, Koss has learned this and has a kit on their site you can buy all three for just $99.

of course, there is one mod you MUST do to them…install Yaxi pads over their stock earfoam. another popular mod is for the KSC75’s as not everyone likes wearing them with the ear loops. there’s a cheap headband you can get off Amazon for about $5.

DOOO EEET!!!

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Yeah I heard that’s good price to performance. But it’s not better in sound quality than DT1990.

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but according to other people neither is the sundara, and yet you seem to be interested in them