Audiophile headphones above $200
When we sent out our sourcing mails to
various manufacturers and distributors we didn’t specify a lower or higher
limit. Expectedly, we got some really awesome gear. In this first price based
category we got some very interesting entrants. From the top of the line
Sennheiser HD 700 to some interesting cans from the stables of Logic3 with
their Ferrari branding and noise cancelling features. There were also some
unexpected and almost serendipitous packages that found their way to our
doorsteps. The first was the Martin Logan Mikros-90, which is perhaps the first
headphone from a brand famous for electrostatic speakers. The second came as a
result of a rather well timed press event arranged by Blaupunkt. After the
entire testing was done we got hold of two rather interesting headphones from
the German audio manufacturer. After a night of overnight testing we managed to
squeeze them both into this test. If you’ve got the magazine late this time you
know who to thank. Of course we kid, but on that note here’s a quick and dry
run down of this category:
Logic3 Ferrari T350
Logic3
Ferrari T350
This was initially the only active noise
cancelling piece in the entire test until it was joined by the Blaupunkt CN-112
Comfort. The ANC works well enough to cut out ambient hum but strangely adds
its own buzz; though barely noticeable, can get very annoying if you’re not
used to it. As with some of the ANC headphones nowadays they don’t work without
the ANC on. Often you forget to switch off the ANC and in this case the
headphone. We ran through two sets of AAA Duracell batteries during the course
of this test. Apart from actual play time, a lot of it was just simply because
the headphones were left “on”. With a nominal impedance rated at 32 ohms and
being highly sensitive, their easy to drive and loud as hell. Unlike the HD700,
which manages to create a perfect false mono right in front of you, the sound
on the T350 spatially appears to be originating from where the transducers are
placed – right next to your ears. The mid-range is not quite as open as the HD
700 and the overpowering bass obscures other details. But before you think
we’re bashing these cans understand this – they’re extremely detailed, and just
the fact that we can compare them to the HD 700 is testament to their aural
finesse. Anyone looking for great audio along with a bit of brand fuelled
panache should seriously consider them.
Sennheiser HD 700
Sennheiser
HD 700
By now you must surely be curious about
these cans considering the very high pedestal we’ve already raised them to.
Well your curiosity is justified and the HD 700 will not disappoint. From the
moment you hold them in your hand you know right away you’re going to be privy
to something great. The ear cups are open and the grille mesh on the outside is
specifically designed to direct control the flow of air and reduce harmonic
distortion. Of course they provide virtually no isolation but the sound quality
is superlative. The overall sound is almost sparkly and so open; you get a
brilliant wide soundstage. Vocal performance does not take a beating even when
the instrument density is high. They are neutral and that for most people means
bass shy. Which is why they work for most genres of music except perhaps
hip-hop and dub step? But well if you’re the prospective owner of an HD 700
you’re probably someone who steers clear of those genres anyway. Calm down all
you gangstas, we kid, we kid. As for the performance the headphones deliver
brilliant dynamic range – you’ll hear everything from the quietest clink of an
idiophone instrument, to the loudest scream of a wailing guitar. We heard a
rendition of Moonlight Sonata by E.S. Posthumous on these and the experience
was ethereal. This might seem exaggerated but there’s no other word for it.
They’re so good one of the reviewers swore to have experienced synesthesia.
Obviously, the HD 700 wins our Best Performer award.
Blaupunkt Style
Blaupunkt
Style
With a funky design and tons of features up
its sleeves, this headphone is definitely a conversation piece. It goes head to
head with the Ferrari R200 in terms of form factor and cupping design – both
are supra aural. The moment you put it on you are hit by the sharp sound
signature. The vocals sound recessed almost like they’re echoing from a large
hall. While the Blaupunkt renders highs better, the R200 is more refined. Plus
this one is a little too bass heavy for our taste but we’re pretty sure it’s
going to be a hit with bass junkies. Though the headphone is not free of flaws.
We can’t exactly pin point which frequencies this headphone messes with, but
the vocals sound a bit strange. While the headphone scored very well on our
guitar test track (While My Guitar Gently Weeps – Santana feat. India Arie) the
vocals went for a toss, sounding flat. Certainly India Arie isn’t nasal? So
despite the score, it takes away from the overall experience. Sonically, it
sounds very similar to the Martin Logan, but the Micros 90 is more balanced
towards the neutral side. Its design, performance, features (like daisy
chaining other headphones, colorful bundled changeable ear pads) and overall
score make it our Best Buy for this category.
The others
The
only wireless headphone to feature in this Audiophile category was the
Sennheiser RS 220
Next up, we have the beautiful sound piece
from Martin Logan, the Micros 90. Covered in black leather and with nice chrome
accents this one is certainly a looker. And in the case of these over-the-ear
cans we can’t even say beauty is skin deep. The sound is balanced, bright and
the bass is tight and accurate. But placing it perfectly over the ear for a
good seal is very important in getting the best sound from this device. Another
major complaint is the clamping pressure. The tight seal that we spoke of
necessitates extreme clamping pressure. If Skullcandy hadn’t taken the
Skullcrusher brand name, Martin Logan could’ve easily taken it. Aurally the
Ferrari R200 and the Micros 90 are in the same league. What the R200 lacks
slightly in detail it makes up with a well-rounded sound signature that is
decidedly bass heavy. Other than that both cans have on wire three-button
controls and cables that aren’t really up to the mark. The only wireless
headphone to feature in this Audiophile category was the Sennheiser RS 220. The
headphone performed so badly that we’re in a quandary whether it was a damaged
unit that was shipped to us. The entire midrange was muddled and the bass was
distorting badly. Sadly the show must go on and it shows in the results.
Perhaps we’ll call for another unit to double check.
