El Scorcho

N@Z, I was wrong about you: you're more dangerous than I thought. Oh, and before I forget: stay away from my girl. I don't want to lose my 'finger.'

Lucky I not that old .... or else have to vote again ... insult to injury

I put 1 hr 'cause it's closer to the real amount of quality time that I spend with my headphones on a normal workday at home. Doesn't include time on the road, and on weekends, I still take a break every 1 hour or so. Too much of a good thing can result in bad things.

Chill pill time: take two tablets, three times daily. Before / after meals is fine. And be sure to complete the course. Result?

And yet another infatuation ends in tragedy ... If you want, I can pull this guy's fingernail out one by one for a special price: USD$50 for each finger, plus you pay the airfare and accommodation. Even hitmen are hit by the hard times.

Rameish, Hmm ... from the tone - and to a large extent, length - of your reply, I gather that I have once again unwittingly stepped on your toes. As usual, I was just offering my worthless opinions about the 4.5v TAH in a short, superficial reply, in which I stated a personal preference in a comparison, but did not make any disparaging remarks about the either of the products. I explicitly mentioned "to my ears" to ensure that no one would read it and mistake it for gospel truth; it's only one of El Scorcho's damned mutterings. I trust you didn't feel that I was out to hurt the reputation of one of your products. It was a sincere opinion from a listener's point of view. But I guess I forgot my lesson from our last 'clash' on this board: a seller is somehow 'tainted' by the lure of economic profit and is no longer qualified to offer a 'pure' point of view as an amateur listener. Perhaps I should opt for a 'return to innocence' by relinquishing my dealership. Or is the stain of greed permanent? You don't have to apologize for the long ramble: ramblings require sympathy and tolerance, not contrition. However, in order not to rock this boat which is on apparently volatile waters, I hereby retract my earlier opinions about the TAH and the PC. No reply is required as this is merely a public retraction of opinion. I never noticed the size of my feet until I kicked you in the shins. Will you ever forgive me for the shape I'm in? - The Police

I used to own a 4.5V TAH myself; matter of fact, it was my very first amp. I must say that I was very satisfied with it and used it at home and on the road till I decided on a home META42 and go amp-less on the road. It's quite a satisfactory performer - could be because I use mainly Grados - and to my ears it sounded slightly better than the Porta Corda (first generation). I paid abt SGD$330 for mine, just to give you a rough idea of how much you should pay for a secondhand unit.

Hi everybody, Another update from Aural Focus. We've decided that we're no longer going to directly retail Ultrasones. Rather, we now have appointed a sole retailer: Royale Computer at Funan Center #05-03. Those who wish to get a first hand look and listen of the HFI650 will be able to do so there. However, due to our arrangements with the owner, we're no longer able to offer special pricing for SG Headphones members. But wait ... there's more ... We know how GST is a major slap in the face: you see something you like, you look at the price tag it's fair, you're at the cashier and BAM! We gotcha! Major bummer, right? So, to avoid any unforeseen bummers, we have worked out with the owner that we will absorb the 4% GST (that he charges on top of our listed selling price) for our products, i.e. when you check out, you'll be paying the price you see on our website, not a cent more. Insist on it: it's a right we have given to our customers. I suppose it all sort of balances out. Do the math; you'll see what I mean Also, please take note that we're currently out of DVD Editions, and Ultrasone will only be able to replenish us sometime in August. We're currently trying to procure a small shipment for us Singaporeans. We'll update everyone here as soon as possible. You can still send an email to us for the Philips cans. No changes there. In the meantime, happy listening.

Hi Xenium, I think it's wiser to give your ears sometime to get used to the HP890; I used to think my cheap Sony earbuds were much better than any headphone! The HP890 is one of those headphones that doesn't seem to yield to burn-in. Jan Meier himself agreed that burn really makes a difference on some headphones only; HP890 is not one of them. Try your new toy with different sources, e.g. PC soundcard, MP3 / portable CD or MD player player, power amp, headphone amp. Never use the jack on your home CD component player (i.e. standalone, not hooked up to a power amp). Mini compos are ok 'cause the amplification is in-built. You'll see what I mean. As for starter amps, a couple of options: the Total Airhead (I like it, but very pricey!), the Porta Corda (get the second version), or get someone to build the META 42 for you (good and cheap, but you gotta find a builder). Happy Listening!

Just in case anybody here wants to try their luck, you can try and follow the instruction given in this Head-Fi thread: http://www4.head-fi.org/forums/showthread....&threadid=31909 If it works, spread the good news around.

It all depends on your budget, and also your listening taste. Personally, I'd take the Grado SR60 over the other cans in your list (what the hell am I thinking, crapping on my own merchandise!! ). One word of caution though: there are ppl out there who simply cannot accept the Grado sound; kind of a love-it-or-hate-it kinda thing. It's best for you to personally listen to it first. It's also pricier than the HP890. Grados render rock and acoustic music like no other headphone can. The HP890 comes in second for me, but this really depends on your taste. Many like the more distant, laid back sound of the HP890. It's definitely a charmer for classical, jazz and yes, electronica and dance (in this genre it outperforms even the Grados). Great bass that's not boomy at all, plus it's probably the least expensive can on your list. Not so hot for rock and hip-hop. It's average for movie watching. Sorry, no opinions about the Senns 'cause I haven't heard it yet. But this is a closed headphone, and most good closed headphones are also good for movie watching; gives you that auditorium feel. Senns are also generally more laid back. Hope you find your first headphone soon. Happy listening.

Hi Xenium, Aural Focus does not have a physical store, but yes, we're located in Singapore. You can view our stuff and buying conditions at www.auralfocus.com. My email is currectly down, but my associate's email is still functional. You can also pm me right here at SG Headphones. If you're located in a neighboring country, you still qualify for our SGD pricing if the transaction and delivery is carried out in Singapore, e.g. you're dropping by for a visit. I'm sorry, but we do not currently carry Sennheiser products. You can check the prices in the "sticky" on the Main Forum. As for reviews, just post a query. Trust me: you'll get a ton of answers. Hope I've answered your queries to your satisfaction. Let me know if you need any more info.

is it coupon code 418? really, confirm free even to sg? have they charged your card? Yep, that's the coupon code. Unfortunately, I think Koss has retracted the sale. After I placed my order sometime last week, I started noticing that a lot of Head-Fiers were not able to get the coupon code to work. Yes, I checked and they really gave me free shipping. Boy oh boy, I'm really looking forward to getting my cheap and good KSC 35s. One regret: I should've ordered more.

I guess you guys already know, but just to chip in... ER is introducing a shorter, (supposedly) less microphonic cable in a couple months time. Should be out by July or August this year. Don Wilson from ER says present ER-4 owners can send in their phones for a cable upgrade for USD$50. Sucks, huh? Anyway, it's about time the ppl at ER addressed this prob. I think they're only doing this 'cause a lot of users are claiming that Shure's E Series earphones have no problems with the cable, and the E5c sounds as good or even better than the ER-4.

.Just ordered mine: Koss brought in some extra stock and sold it at USD$29.95 + free shipping anywhere in the world. Such a good can and they were real desperate to get rid of it. Dumb, dumb, dumb...

Rameish, I don't think you are obliged to do any reviews at all. Some people just like to listen, not talk about their equipment. Being a dealer should not force you to have to talk about the headphones; you should be free to just listen and be happy. It's my opinion that we should always treat dealers like regular fellas, 'cause that's what they are. I think reviews are useful for people who are looking to get their first serious headphone but simply have no idea given the dizzying no. of recs and choices. Having said that, however, I think lengthy - about 1000-1500 words - reviews are also a little extreme. I usually just scan for the parts where the reviewer expresses his opinion: like / don't like, and then I scan for a summary of his reasons (usually at the end). Hence, reviews about Grados or any other established headphones should still keep coming, if only for the benefit of those just joined the community. I definitely remember how I relied strongly on reviews from Headroom and Head-Fi before I got my SR60s. Happy listening, y'all.

Glad to be of service, Rameish. The Grado site is not exactly the easiest site to navigate; I don't think I've covered all the pages either. I always believe that we're all too young to stop learning, among other things.

I'm not really into DJ cans, but the Ultrasone HFI-650 (Trackmaster/DVD Edition) is a possible consideration if you are looking for good isolation. But do note that these cans are rather heavy and the cord is pretty long (3m); they give 'Panic' by The Smiths a new meaning.

Stuff only a Bo Liao Person Would Know Hmm... looks like things are getting a bit hot and heavy here. Well, nothing like a fun fact to lighten things up! For all true Grado fans out there (and dealers as well), Grado driver housings are made from Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS), an easily machined, tough, low cost rigid thermoplastic material with high impact strength, ideal for turning, drilling, milling, sawing, die-cutting, shearing. It has good chemical and stress cracking resistance to inorganic salt solutions, alkalis, acids, and some oils. ABS has excellent abrasion resistance; electrical properties, moisture and creep resistance. General Applications: * Machine parts * Prototypes * Tote bins and trays * Automotive parts * Business machine housing and parts * Aircraft interior trim * Industrial enclosures The ABS housings for SR60-SR225 are molded by Grado Labs itself. To verify if I'm s**tting you or telling you the truth, please follow this link: http://www.gradolabs.com/frameset_accessories.htm I think one of the Grado mods discussed in Headwize involves replacing the housings with cut sections from a plastic pipe (although I'm not so sure John Grado would approve). I know this is gonna get me flamed, but I just wanna say that despite his harsh tones, Blackadder did indeed touch on relevant issues between consumer wants and dealership, love or lack of love aside. He sure made me think about myself being a dealer: do I know what the hell I'm selling, or am I just smoking ppl out with a lot of useless facts and specs to make a buck? And as a consumer, am I not as anxious as Blackadder to know everything there is to know about a product I'm about to buy, and the dealer that I'm buying from? Needless to say, I grill the Ultrasone sales department the same way I expect to be grilled by my customers. I think they're gonna fire me soon. Chill, y'all.

NB: Although I am writing purely as a consumer, I am compelled to highlight the fact that I am a retailer of Ultrasone headphones. OK, on to the review! My Ultrasone HFI-650 DVD Edition (DE) came this Friday, and I just finished running it in. The very first time I put it on, I found the press release to be very true: this thing really packs in more where the lower frequencies are concerned, but I found it too boomy for comfort. 24 hours later: The detail and soundstage have opened up quite a bit, but still boomy. I'm getting worried. 48 hours later: Most of the boominess is gone, and the sound seems to have settled nicely into the same level of performance as the HFI-650 Trackmaster ( TM ), except that the bass response is better. Despite Jan Meier's opinion that the gain in bass response results in a lsight loss in detail, I find the same level of detail in both versions of the HFI-650. 72 hours later: The verdict? The difference between the TM and the DE can be likened to the difference between the Grado SR60 and the SR80. Between the two, I like the DE more. The TM is still a very good sounding headphone, but I'd definitely trade it up for the increased bass response from the DE. The boominess is now gone; the bass is perceptibly more pronounced, but tight and controlled. That's not all. The DE also provides a better deal: it comes fixed with a 1/4" jack (more covenient for home users compared to the fixed 1/8" jack for the TM) but a 1/8" adaptor is also provided, together with a 4m long extension cord. And all this for a slight increase in price (compared to the bigger price jump from SR60 to SR80). Also, the light gold hue to the driver housing gives it a slight edge to the gray TM in terms of esthetics. Other than what I have mentioned, both the TM and DE have the same build quality and features. OK, that's it. Happy listening, ya'll. PS: The TM has a flatter, more analytical sound compared to the DE. Those who are drawn to the sound of AKG K501s and Sennheiser 590 will probably still prefer the TM to the DE.

Just noticed no price for PX100. At Hung Bros.: PX100 - $79.90 (bargainable, down to abt $75)

Could also be referring to the PMX 60 (local price and availability unknown).

Hmm... to me cutting edge style and great sound hardly ever come together, and to throw pocket portability into the mix... phew, tall order! I second the Sony Eggos - though I have yet to hear them, people whose tastes I trust do recommend it and Sony's style and design are pretty much the tops. Thumbs down for the PX200; thin, hollow (I think you need to have a certain outer ear shape to get it to fit and sound properly); ZERO isolation. Hated it so much I gave it to a friend. The PX100 sounds totally different from the 200; similar to the Portapro, but with more recessed mids.

Thanks for the encouraging comments, N@Z. Watermark coming up...

The Philips cans will be on soon, together with two other new Ultrasone headphones. I know website is a terrible sight to behold; still a work in progress. Even the prices are wrong. (AAAHHH!!!) BUt I'll get it fixed asap. Thanks for the heads-up.