NZtechfreak: The HE560 are pretty close to the HD800 in terms of performance, only with better bass. For the asking price they're probably the biggest value proposition in the higher end. I'd rate then ahead of the T1, although I've not heard the new improved T1 V2.

networkn:

NZtechfreak: The HE560 are pretty close to the HD800 in terms of performance, only with better bass. For the asking price they're probably the biggest value proposition in the higher end. I'd rate then ahead of the T1, although I've not heard the new improved T1 V2.

ugh there is a Generation 2 T1? I feel my wallet aching. 

I might go have a listen to the HE560 though I can't really justify another set of cans right now. 

NZtechfreak: I'm probably selling my PM-3 though... And my HA-2 as well, other purchases to fund!

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NZtechfreak: I'm probably selling my PM-3 though... And my HA-2 as well, other purchases to fund!

The oppo's have now piqued my interest.

Concern with PM3 is the closed back sound - I like a wide, airy soundstage - and the PM2s are on the pricey side and would likely require a better amp/dac than I have (?)...which makes the, pricier still!

NZtechfreak:

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NZtechfreak: I'm probably selling my PM-3 though... And my HA-2 as well, other purchases to fund!

The oppo's have now piqued my interest.

Concern with PM3 is the closed back sound - I like a wide, airy soundstage - and the PM2s are on the pricey side and would likely require a better amp/dac than I have (?)...which makes the, pricier still!

Unless you going for the modified PM-2 sold by Audio Zenith PM-X, I would steer clear of the Oppo higher-end cans - they are dark and smooth and the soundstage is not a strong point. They will not suit your tastes from what you have said so far.

The PM-3 is a different beast than their higher-end offerings, very even tonality and I would be surprised if you didn't like them, although coming from the Grado 325 the change-up may take some adjustment as they are certainly different than the 325. I enjoyed the 325 when I heard it, but they're amongst the most strident of the Grado's, so I can well imagine them unsuitable for longer listening sessions.

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NZtechfreak:

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NZtechfreak: I'm probably selling my PM-3 though... And my HA-2 as well, other purchases to fund!

The oppo's have now piqued my interest.

Concern with PM3 is the closed back sound - I like a wide, airy soundstage - and the PM2s are on the pricey side and would likely require a better amp/dac than I have (?)...which makes the, pricier still!

Unless you going for the modified PM-2 sold by Audio Zenith PM-X, I would steer clear of the Oppo higher-end cans - they are dark and smooth and the soundstage is not a strong point. They will not suit your tastes from what you have said so far.

The PM-3 is a different beast than their higher-end offerings, very even tonality and I would be surprised if you didn't like them, although coming from the Grado 325 the change-up may take some adjustment as they are certainly different than the 325. I enjoyed the 325 when I heard it, but they're amongst the most strident of the Grado's, so I can well imagine them unsuitable for longer listening sessions.

Thanks - useful info!

Given that you seem to know your stuff, if you had between NZ$600 to $1000 to spend on a new set of cans which would work well on my DacPOrt until I can afford an upgrade...what would you buy? Or at least recommend I audition!

As I said, I love the detail and the treble on the Grados but:

Uncomfortable physically on longer sessions
Harsh and fatiguing on some music types and recordings
Would like a bit more bass depth/resonance, but not a bass-head by any means.

NZtechfreak: For that money you should get the HE560. Better headphone and the signature will suit you if you're you're looking for something on the brighter side of neutral without the harshness of the Grado. Addicted to Audio has an open box pair for around the cost of the Shures. Seriously, much better headphone.

networkn:

NZtechfreak: For that money you should get the HE560. Better headphone and the signature will suit you if you're you're looking for something on the brighter side of neutral without the harshness of the Grado. Addicted to Audio has an open box pair for around the cost of the Shures. Seriously, much better headphone.

Is that Addicted Audio in NZ? I'd imagine freight and Import duty would make it still pretty expensive. 

networkn: I didn't enjoy wearing my HE400's I felt the clamp was too strong, and the cups were too big. Is it similar to wearing the HE560?

joker97: Audeze lcd2s work for most music if not all. Accurate bass, lush bodied mids and sweet highs. But very uncomfortable on long sessions.

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joker97: Audeze lcd2s work for most music if not all. Accurate bass, lush bodied mids and sweet highs. But very uncomfortable on long sessions.

Would love a pair - or at least to listen - but understand them to be challenging to drive and will be a few hundred bucks over my budget ceiling at best!