What do you guys/gals think of SONY CD3000?

[Gouki 0]

I'm enjoying the CD3000s so much, that I try to leave work early just to put them on when I get home :-)

 

However, I have also fallen into the trap of searching for something different.

 

What do you guys think of the CD3000?

 

And what advice can you offer for headphone or normal amps?

 

In Japan there are several AMPs that were recommended for the SONYs. Will list them later, gotta do something now ;-)

[Mackie 0]

I believe we have spoken a lot about CD3K previously. A search thru this forum will reap results.

 

IMHO, CD3K is very well designed, well packaged, unavailable in this part of Asia and thus, pricey. Sonically, it's very appealing and presents all musical aspects well except for one; transients and dynamics. CD3K tends to err towards the elegant, refined and smooth side of presentation but this so-called weakness (subjective, really) is also its forte that makes one stick to the cans. Thus the fanfare and following.

 

In my opinion, avoid amps that are slow and too laid back sounding with CD3K for "plus & plus" equals "minus". I would prefer to partner CD3K with an exciting and yet refined amp.

Edited January 7, 2004 by Mackie

[headphonecrazy 0]

The best way find the "amp" is to come to the meet on the 17 with your favorite disc and of course the CD3K.

[Mackie 0]

Well, Gouki is based in Japan and I think it's gonna be difficult for him to attend this meet. If he plans to be in town, I'm sure powerbuy of CD3K will spring to some minds.

[Blues 0]

cd3k ah?

nice and nice.. that's the only way to describe them

[lengcm 0]

Nice cans but only with the right amp

[N@Z 0]

I can't wait! Mackie I'm surprised you find them smooth & refined. From memory on HPC's Cyrus/RKV setup it sounded fairly exciting to me. Well, I'll soon find out.

[Gouki 0]

I believe we have spoken a lot about CD3K previously. A search thru this forum will reap results.

 

IMHO, CD3K is very well designed, well packaged, unavailable in this part of Asia and thus, pricey. Sonically, it's very appealing and presents all musical aspects well except for one; transients and dynamics. CD3K tends to err towards the elegant, refined and smooth side of presentation but this so-called weakness (subjective, really) is also its forte that makes one stick to the cans. Thus the fanfare and following.

 

In my opinion, avoid amps that are slow and too laid back sounding with CD3K for "plus & plus" equals "minus". I would prefer to partner CD3K with an exciting and yet refined amp.

Yeah I know the CD3000 may have been mentioned quite frequently on this forum (but probably nothing compared to HEAD-FI where they talk about it every week).

 

I guess less people own this pair on this forum hence the limited feedback.

 

An AMP is definitely on the cards, but I need to spend some time looking. Currently, the following has been recommended for the CD3000 :

 

- Luxman P-1 (http://www.luxman.co.jp/)

- Sugden Headmaster (http://www.jesugden.co.uk/bijou.htm)

- C.E.C. HD-51 (http://www.cec-web.co.jp/products/hd51.html)

- Porta CORDA II (http://home.t-online.de/home/meier-audio/portacorda.htm)

 

I have no idea about these or any AMPs. The Porta CORDA II seems interesting because its small and compact (which I like). Though anything is OK with me if I can get the best out the SONYs. Does someone have a summary or references of HOW AMPs WORK and HOW THEY CAN IMPROVE THE SOUNDS FROM YOUR HEADPHONES.

 

Meanwhile, the prices have gone up for this particular headphone and I don't think Japan will be cheaper than other countries. I am coming to Singapore in March/April so if people are really interested I can try to help (but if there are like 4 or more people then my bag is not going to be big enough and I feel like a thief )

 

PS. I'm in Japan BTW. Too many headphones to choose from :-p

[N@Z 0]

Oooo... I'd like to reserve a pair of L3000 instead please! But seriously, how much do they actually cost over there?

[Mackie 0]

I can't wait! Mackie I'm surprised you find them smooth & refined. From memory on HPC's Cyrus/RKV setup it sounded fairly exciting to me. Well, I'll soon find out.

Naz: Different benchmarks I guess. I'm comparing the transient/dynamics issue to DT880/150. In no way am I implying CD3K is a lazy nor bass shy pair of cans. I just find the snap on the upper spectrum is somewhat gradual than instantaneous.

 

For your sake, I will audition CD3K on my Cayin instead of RKV then. :

Edited January 8, 2004 by Mackie

[Mackie 0]

An AMP is definitely on the cards, but I need to spend some time looking. Currently, the following has been recommended for the CD3000 :

 

- Luxman P-1 (http://www.luxman.co.jp/)

- Sugden Headmaster (http://www.jesugden.co.uk/bijou.htm)

- C.E.C. HD-51 (http://www.cec-web.co.jp/products/hd51.html)

- Porta CORDA II (http://home.t-online.de/home/meier-audio/portacorda.htm)

 

I have no idea about these or any AMPs. The Porta CORDA II seems interesting because its small and compact (which I like). Though anything is OK with me if I can get the best out the SONYs. Does someone have a summary or references of HOW AMPs WORK and HOW THEY CAN IMPROVE THE SOUNDS FROM YOUR HEADPHONES.

 

Meanwhile, the prices have gone up for this particular headphone and I don't think Japan will be cheaper than other countries. I am coming to Singapore in March/April so if people are really interested I can try to help (but if there are like 4 or more people then my bag is not going to be big enough and I feel like a thief  )

 

I've tried CD3K with Porta Coda II and be amazed that the amp is more than capable of driving it to pretty decent loudness. It sounded real good and if one forgets the size of the cans, U'll probably think the amp is bigger in stature than its mini-portable build.

 

Porta CordaII is the cheapest of the lot U'd mentioned and I recommend a buy. As and when your budget and demand rises drastically, U could always get a desk-top amp to complement the PCII.

 

If my budget or bonus turns out to be decent, I will need your help to get me a pair of CD3K, Gouki. Thanks in advance.

[Gouki 0]

Oooo... I'd like to reserve a pair of L3000 instead please! But seriously, how much do they actually cost over there?

Is the L3000 the limited edition with the leather ear covers?

 

If so, then it is a total rip off if you ask me.

 

Price is about $3000 or something like that.

 

Better to get STAX or R10.

[Gouki 0]

An AMP is definitely on the cards, but I need to spend some time looking. Currently, the following has been recommended for the CD3000 :

 

- Luxman P-1 (http://www.luxman.co.jp/)

- Sugden Headmaster (http://www.jesugden.co.uk/bijou.htm)

- C.E.C. HD-51 (http://www.cec-web.co.jp/products/hd51.html)

- Porta CORDA II (http://home.t-online.de/home/meier-audio/portacorda.htm)

 

I have no idea about these or any AMPs. The Porta CORDA II seems interesting because its small and compact (which I like). Though anything is OK with me if I can get the best out the SONYs. Does someone have a summary or references of HOW AMPs WORK and HOW THEY CAN IMPROVE THE SOUNDS FROM YOUR HEADPHONES.

 

Meanwhile, the prices have gone up for this particular headphone and I don't think Japan will be cheaper than other countries. I am coming to Singapore in March/April so if people are really interested I can try to help (but if there are like 4 or more people then my bag is not going to be big enough and I feel like a thief  )

 

I've tried CD3K with Porta Coda II and be amazed that the amp is more than capable of driving it to pretty decent loudness. It sounded real good and if one forgets the size of the cans, U'll probably think the amp is bigger in stature than its mini-portable build.

 

Porta CordaII is the cheapest of the lot U'd mentioned and I recommend a buy. As and when your budget and demand rises drastically, U could always get a desk-top amp to complement the PCII.

 

If my budget or bonus turns out to be decent, I will need your help to get me a pair of CD3K, Gouki. Thanks in advance.

The PC II looks very convenient to have, I don't have the luxury of a transport van in case I move from place to place so can't really carry big and heavy things (but what am I talking about? My Sonys take up half the room! ;-p )

 

I think its better for me to take the phones to the shop, plug it into the amps for a trial run. May take all day but the shop owner recommended the CEC and the headmaster LOOKS good. Right now, they work so well with the computer, handphone, PDA that it isn't really necessary for me to get an AMP actually, just want to waste some money on something :-)

 

As for getting a pair of Sonys for you, have you tried them and are you sure that you want it? I remember one of the guys on this forum was selling a pair, has that been sold yet?

 

Can you guys hold a mini meet when I come down to Singapore? ;-)

[Mackie 0]

As for getting a pair of Sonys for you, have you tried them and are you sure that you want it? I remember one of the guys on this forum was selling a pair, has that been sold yet?

 

For the price, I prefer it new. I've never gotten any used cans except for Eggos. Call me picky. Oh yes, I've heard CD3K. How else could I give an impression of the cans? I don't pluck comments from the air and feed them to this forum or I will get

 

I will let U know Gouki if my finances allow me to commit on a buy. Thanks dude.

[headphonecrazy 0]

I can host you when you come to town, just remember to bring of those nice n tasty japanese pastries with the red beans to share with all.