SUG: B&W P9 Vs Focal ELEAR Vs Final SONORUS VI Vs NAD Visio HP50

[electroboye]

Hello friends,

Hope you are doing well !

I am planning to upgrade my existing Bose AE2 headphone. And I am looking at the below models.

- B&W P9
- FOCAL ELEAR
- FINAL SONORUS VI
- NAD VISIO HP50

My key expectations are
- Performance and the next is style and comfort
- My budget is upto 1000 USD max
- Color is not key
- Back Open/Closed is not key
- I mostly listen to POP, EDM, Indie Rock, Nu Disco

My POV:-
NAD VISIO HP50($249):- It is not fair to have included NAD VISIO PH50 in here because it is comparatively cheaper than the other models, so we have to set the expectations appropriately. The reason I have included NAD is I had very good experiences with NAD AMP in the past, however I'd never tried their headphones.So including them purely based on their overall reputation.

Final SONOROUS VI($699):- I own Final Heaven 6 and Adagio 3 IEM and I love them very much. Anyday final would be my top choice. Also at the same time, like many of you aspire, I would like to try my hands on as many best products possible.So keeping my option open

Focal ELEAR($999):- Do not have experience with this brand, but I heard a lot of good review about the best speakers they make.so I am interested to explore

B&W P9($899):- Do not have experience with this brand too, but their product line up are impressive.Out of all the models in here, I particularly love B&W P9.

I am seeking experts advise on the below pointers :-

- Out of the models above, what is your order of preference?
- Is there any other brand(s) & model(s) would you suggest and why?

Note:-With your help, Once I create my final list of models, then I will go for audition for the final pick :licklips:

My sincere thanks and appreciation in advance :clapping:

 

[electroboye]

Just to add:-
- I like bass/ throw/punch , with decent mid and high
- Not specific about wireless

Hello friends,

Hope you are doing well !

I am planning to upgrade my existing Bose AE2 headphone. And I am looking at the below models.

- B&W P9
- FOCAL ELEAR
- FINAL SONORUS VI
- NAD VISIO HP50

My key expectations are
- Performance and the next is style and comfort
- My budget is upto 1000 USD max
- Color is not key
- Back Open/Closed is not key
- I mostly listen to POP, EDM, Indie Rock, Nu Disco

My POV:-
NAD VISIO HP50($249):- It is not fair to have included NAD VISIO PH50 in here because it is comparatively cheaper than the other models, so we have to set the expectations appropriately. The reason I have included NAD is I had very good experiences with NAD AMP in the past, however I'd never tried their headphones.So including them purely based on their overall reputation.

Final SONOROUS VI($699):- I own Final Heaven 6 and Adagio 3 IEM and I love them very much. Anyday final would be my top choice. Also at the same time, like many of you aspire, I would like to try my hands on as many best products possible.So keeping my option open

Focal ELEAR($999):- Do not have experience with this brand, but I heard a lot of good review about the best speakers they make.so I am interested to explore

B&W P9($899):- Do not have experience with this brand too, but their product line up are impressive.Out of all the models in here, I particularly love B&W P9.

I am seeking experts advise on the below pointers :-

- Out of the models above, what is your order of preference?
- Is there any other brand(s) & model(s) would you suggest and why?

Note:-With your help, Once I create my final list of models, then I will go for audition for the final pick :licklips:

My sincere thanks and appreciation in advance :clapping:

 

[music4mhell]

Consider Focal Elear as 1st choice.. but if you like laid back sound.. and also that's good for long listening sessions, then go for AQ Nighthawk..

If you have good source and AMP, then you can go for HD650

 

[square_wave]

Focal elear is the best of the lot. But beyond a point, choice of music dictates what you should buy. Try and audition with your music and choose what sounds best.

I know someone who is into classical and acoustic music who swears by Focal Elear. He moved from a high end sennheiser. Also from what I know, at these price points, the kind of dac and headphone amp you use can tilt things either ways. While playing the headphone game, all these things need to be seen as a package.

 

[kartikay]

What DAC/Amp are you planning to use? As square_wave mentioned, with headphones (esp. high-end) sound-signature is very much dependent on Amp/HP combo. I have seen people upgrading to Amps costing manifolds with HD650.

 

[electroboye]

Thanks music4mhell. Did not know about AQ headphone lines but I think it is the same company that is behind dragonfly portable DAC/Amp if I am not mistaken.I will check out the model you suggested.
Between I am not a SH fan and in general "I also make companies" like Sony, Denon.. which mass produces .Nothing against their products just my preference hyeah:

Thanks Mate !:clapping:

Consider Focal Elear as 1st choice.. but if you like laid back sound.. and also that's good for long listening sessions, then go for AQ Nighthawk..

If you have good source and AMP, then you can go for HD650

 

[electroboye]

Thanks Square Wave and Kartikay Based on the feedback so far Focal leads. What would your next best choice be?

I have been pondering to buy an all in all device(portable player, DAC & Amp) or just DAC/Amp , so I have not done enough homework yet, but looking at but not limited to : Naim, Music fidelity, Astell & kern, and Oppo . I think can fork out another 100-250$ max, so need to see what fits. Do you guys have any suggestion? Thanks much Bros

 

[jls001]

If it catches your fancy, I know someone who impulsively bought a Sennheiser HD 700 only to realize that he also needs a good head amp to drive it. He didn't use it even once (he doesn't have any source where he can plug in 1/4" jack) and wants to dispose it off for a very attractive price.

I think he also bought an Astell&Kern AK70 and wants to sell that as well. This is lightly used.

 

[electroboye]

Thanks for the lead Jls001 . Pre owned does not catch up my fancy hyeah:

If it catches your fancy, I know someone who impulsively bought a Sennheiser HD 700 only to realize that he also needs a good head amp to drive it. He didn't use it even once (he doesn't have any source where he can plug in 1/4" jack) and wants to dispose it off for a very attractive price.

I think he also bought an Astell&Kern AK70 and wants to sell that as well. This is lightly used.

 

[music4mhell]

Thanks Square Wave and Kartikay Based on the feedback so far Focal leads. What would your next best choice be?

I have been pondering to buy an all in all device(portable player, DAC & Amp) or just DAC/Amp , so I have not done enough homework yet, but looking at but not limited to : Naim, Music fidelity, Astell & kern, and Oppo . I think can fork out another 100-250$ max, so need to see what fits. Do you guys have any suggestion? Thanks much Bros

Come and visit my place once.. you will get clear idea which all to buy

 

[Naturelover]

Thanks for the lead Jls001 . Pre owned does not catch up my fancy hyeah:

Well, it's not been used even once. Maybe you could give it a thought. Provided, of course, it fits your other requirements.

 

[electroboye]

Roger that ! Will do sir hyeah:

If it catches your fancy, I know someone who impulsively bought a Sennheiser HD 700 only to realize that he also needs a good head amp to drive it. He didn't use it even once (he doesn't have any source where he can plug in 1/4" jack) and wants to dispose it off for a very attractive price.

I think he also bought an Astell&Kern AK70 and wants to sell that as well. This is lightly used.

Come and visit my place once.. you will get clear idea which all to buy

 

[kartikay]

I am using HD6xx/Grado PS500 with Matrix Audio Mstage, if you want to demo let me know.
For $1200 budget, I would recommend atleast set aside $400-500 for Amp/Dac (Schiit Jotunheim seems to be a good option). Without a good source, high end HP may not perform at their potential.

 

[electroboye]

Agreed !
hyeah:

I am using HD6xx/Grado PS500 with Matrix Audio Mstage, if you want to demo let me know.
For $1200 budget, I would recommend atleast set aside $400-500 for Amp/Dac (Schiit Jotunheim seems to be a good option). Without a good source, high end HP may not perform at their potential.

 

[bdelsop]

Agreed !
hyeah:

I agree with kartikay! Need to have a good dac/amp to get the best out of these high end HPs. Chord mojo is reviewed as best under 1000 dollars

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