Elephas

As I mentioned before, the AD2000 was one of my early favorites, and then it was superceded by the L3000 and W5000. The W2002 is good, but I don't think it matches the L3000 or W5000. The W11JPN was a more recent purchase, and I also like it very much. In order of preference, I would rank them: 1. L3000 w/APureSound V3 cable 2. W5000 w/Enigma Oracle cable 3. W5000 4. L3000 5. AD2000 6. W11JPN and W2002 The main reason the two W5000's rank between the L3000's is that I value details, soundstage, air, separation and imaging precision very highly, more than tonal accuracy, bass quantity, bass quality and fullness of body. The APureSound cable improves and makes up enough deficiencies of the L3000 to vault over both W5000's. I do think the stock L3000 is more refined than either W5000, but it is too closed-in and congested. As good as these AT's are, none of them rank in the top 5 of all headphones. Disappointing for a Team AT thread, I know. I prefer the R10, O2, 4070, HE60 and K1000 over all the AT's. I would assume the HE90 would be in the top 5, making it a top 6 list. One reason for the two sets of L3000 and W5000 is that I'm waiting for a SinglePower Supra XLR amp. I'm hoping it will improve the performance of the balanced L3000 and W5000, and making Team AT competitive vs. Teams Sony, Stax, Sennheiser and AKG.

Do the administrators of this site know anything about headphones? Where's postjack's forum?

Is it more powerful than the puny Dared MP-5?

I'm a computer-source user and have been curious about Wavelength and Empirical Audio products for some time. They both seem very expensive to me and maybe over-priced. I currently use an RME HDSP 9632 > Chord DAC64. It sounds good, roughly equivalent to the Accuphase DP-500 or an Esoteric SA60 I heard recently. I think an upgrade would require a large sum of money (DP-700, DP-800/DC-801, P-05/D-05, etc.) One DAC I've heard that I think is better than the DAC64 or DP-500 is the Lavry Gold. I tried a Cary CAD-300SEI recently with the K1000 and the R10/L3000 out of the headphone output and it sounded good. 3x generic 6SN7 and 2x Cetron 300B.

I like the stock SA5000 driven by the AT-HA5000. It reminds me a bit of the electrostatic sound of the Airbow SR-SC1 (a modified SR-404). Excellent details and clarity. I use the SA5000 exclusively with fast-paced electronica, trance and remixes. I expect it to benefit greatly from a recable.

You ain't seen nothin' yet! I haven't listened to the PFR-V1 since a few days ago. It is still burning-in. My SA5000 is still stock, but I'm planning to recable it with a balanced Enigma Oracle cable. I hate you.

Oh, too bad I was thinking of doing a Raptor giveway specifically for "people with dual personalities on two forums." I remember when I started this headphone craziness two years ago that ayt999 and overlunge were my inspirations. And I ask why would anyone need three? C'mon, there's a reason headphones are called "a pair" of headphones, you know. The AD2000 was either my first love or completely evil, dragging me into the abyss, depending on perspective. It is still one of my favorites. I'm planning to recable it with a balanced Enigma Oracle cable, it is facing stiff competition from the L3000, W5000, W11JPN. Mamma! I'm glad you approve. When's Mother's Day, I always forget.

Please, I really don't want or need and can't afford any more headphones, please... well, maybe the Qualia 010.

Actually, I already think Icarium is completely bonkers. Me, I'm well-grounded and practical, with good judgement.

Now that... is the best reason to do something. It might become dangerous if I follow your lead and you follow mine. Mix in some guys who are completely bonkers, like purk, and we'll all be in trouble.

I thought the D5000 (a brand-new, unburned-in pair) was OK, but nothing to get excited about. I didn't think it was as good as the HD650+Corda Opera. I'll give it another listen next time at the audio shop.

Yeah, did yours come with foam cut-outs for each of the connectors? I've decided to send an R10 to APureSound and have it recabled with the same balanced V3 cable with Furutech connectors. Can't have the Furutechs on the L3000 and not on the R10. Oh, man, the ol' wallet is taking a beating with all this recabling. Ed, that's good info on the stock cable, thanks.

I got the A950LTD when it was released and sold it soon afterwards. It was a special edition for the Asia market ex. Japan. Here it is in battle vs. other ATs. The A950LTD is the upper-right headphone.

Hi, welcome to Head-Case. (Can I say this? I'm practically a newbie myself.) If you're interested in a closed, full-size headphone, the Audio-Technica A Series is a good option. I don't currently have one, I used to own the A950LTD. They recently announced the A900Ti, the latest iteration of the A900 range. I would assume it sounds similar to the A900LTD and A950LTD. The A1000 was discontinued and not readily available. If you can find one, it might be a good collector's piece.

Thanks, purk. I don't expect to receive the Supra XLR anytime soon. It's OK, I don't mind waiting. I really like the feel and usage of the APureSound V3 cable. It is not too stiff, keeps its shape well without being difficult to handle, and is flexible and lightweight enough to keep out of the way. The stock R10 cable has to be one of the softest, most flexible, and easiest to handle headphone cables. The stock L3000 cable isn't as easy to handle. I don't recommend using the velcro-closure cord storage bag that comes with the L3000. The velcro can damage the cloth cover of the cable and cause fraying.

Here's the L3000 with the balanced APureSound cable, and a buddy.

Er, my impression is that they have the same kind of posting style. Mamma will protect me!

I'm not scared! Mamma will protect me from all you lions, leopards and ugly hyenas! :'( I haven't eaten my peanuts today, where's my peanut, whaaaaaaa, boooooohoooooo, Maaaammaaaa! (Don't worry, just a temporary glitch causing a "bhd812/trose49 typing-style" simulation)

Whoa, check out that "Disturbing Trends" thread. Mamma's really getting up a head of steam, everybody be careful of getting stomped on! Sonny-boy hasn't touched a portable amp in months, his portable amps don't sound so good (Hornet, Tomahawk, SuperMacro-3).

What's the forum policy regarding custom titles? They just appear and change suddenly? Who are the authorities here, anyway? I'm under the impression there's someone called Reks who acts a bit bossy, but several other members seem pushy and bossy as well. Is there anyone I can bribe in order to get a better title? I might be willing to cough up a NOS W11JPN or somesuch. A PFR-V1 is doable.

Haha, another newbie. I take back the thread title. The HE60 sounds better than good, it is amazingly excellent! It my favorite headphone along with the O2, R10 and K1000, which are followed by the L3000, W5000, and 4070. I still haven't heard the HE90. I sometimes think the O2 can be a bit dark-sounding, and the HE60 is the perfect cure for that. Brighter than the O2 and very fast. Details are superb. Plenty of bass impact and quantity. Alex, thanks for the refurb and Stax plug.

I've heard some small nearfield speakers, Dynaudio and some others, K-something? I forget the brands. I dont think the PFR-V1's soundstage is as good as those nearfield speakers. The speakers had much more depth and width.

PFR-V1 summary of impressions, driven by AT-HA5000, source = DP-500 (not using battery pack): 1. Decent clarity and details. Leans toward a bright and thin type of sound (for my type of ears). There's some treble emphasis. Lacks refinement compared to most quality full-size headphones. 2. Bass quantity and impact are OK, but lacking compared to HD650, RS-1, SA5000, AD2000. Lacking in bass details and textures. 3. Unique soundstage presentation with a sense of 3D imaging. Not necessarily better than regular headphones, just different. And definitely not better than the K1000's soundstage or imaging. 4. Bass tube hooks that sit on the outside of ear canals can become irritating after wearing for some time. The unit is lightweight, but the hooks are hard plastic and not exactly shaped for comfort. 5. Ear size and shape is probably a significant determinant of sound quality. Pulling my ears outward, simulating Mickey Mouse-type ears, the sound becomes fuller-bodied, bassier and louder. 6. I paid about US$390, the Japan street price. Not a great value at this price, but it does offer a different listening experience. 7. Might be good for movies and gaming. 8. Requires a quiet environment, leaks sound.