Hi everyone. I've been doing a bunch of research and I believe I have finally come down to two high end headphones for my ultimate end game value search.
HIFIMAN HE1000 V2 & Dan Clark Audio Expanse
It looks like I can purchase the HIFIMAN for $2,000 new and the Dan Clark Audio Expanse used for about $3,000.
Current Audio Gear:
JDS Labs Element 3
Ascend Acoustics LX Bookshelf Speakers
Sennheiser HD 560S
Truthear Crinacle Zero IEM
What I am looking for:
A headphone that's true to the source as much as possible with little to no coloration. I would like a pair of headphones that sound as if I'm either there at the recording studio or at a live concert depending on the audio recording.
My Dilemma:
I'm not sure which one to purchase. I do take Amir's input and recommendations very seriously since he's able to provide extensive data to support his claims. If I'm not mistaken, I have not seen Amir mention any audio headphone or IEM that has given him "one of the most transformative experiences” with the exception of the Dan Clark Stealth headphone, giving his “highest praise and recommendation.” From the various reviews and online posts I've read so far, it seems like the Expanse is a minor improvement over the Stealth?
However, Amir has not reviewed the HIFIMAN HE1000 V2 headphones. I am concerned about putting down $2,000 for the HIFIMAN and then have Amir review the headphone and say that he doesn't like it or the headphone performance is mediocre for the price.
On the other hand, if the Dan Clark Expanse is marginally better than the HIFIMAN HE1000 V2, objectively and subjectively, I don't want to pay the extra $1,000.
My Humble Request:
Amir (@amirm) and anyone else here at Audio Science Review, please help me make the most informed decision regarding these two headphones. I've read and watched so many different reviews and I can't seem to pinpoint which headphone would be the ultimate end game value.
My Questions:
1) Someone mentioned that the Dan Clark Audio Expanse measurements are close or even better than the $60,000 Sennheiser HE-1. If that's the case, then the Dan Clark Audio Expanse should sound very similar to the HE-1?
2) Audio reviewer Crinacle gave the HIFIMAN HE1000 V2 an S- grade. His headphone list can be found here. Do you guys think that Crinacle's rating would be a good indicator that the HIFIMAN is a good headphone in comparison to the Dan Clark Expanse?
3) I've heard that the Dan Clark Audio customer support is great during warranty and out of warranty, even when someone bought their products used from another source. However, the reviews were about a couple of years ago. Does Dan Clark Audio (@Dan Clark) still provide great customer support to this day, in and out of warranty?
4) Are there other great alternatives that I missed that can be compared very close to the HE1000 V2 or Expanse, objectively and subjectively?
5) Anyone interested in selling their used Dan Clark Audio Expanse headphones?
HIFIMAN HE1000 V2 & Dan Clark Audio Expanse
It looks like I can purchase the HIFIMAN for $2,000 new and the Dan Clark Audio Expanse used for about $3,000.
Current Audio Gear:
JDS Labs Element 3
Ascend Acoustics LX Bookshelf Speakers
Sennheiser HD 560S
Truthear Crinacle Zero IEM
What I am looking for:
A headphone that's true to the source as much as possible with little to no coloration. I would like a pair of headphones that sound as if I'm either there at the recording studio or at a live concert depending on the audio recording.
My Dilemma:
I'm not sure which one to purchase. I do take Amir's input and recommendations very seriously since he's able to provide extensive data to support his claims. If I'm not mistaken, I have not seen Amir mention any audio headphone or IEM that has given him "one of the most transformative experiences” with the exception of the Dan Clark Stealth headphone, giving his “highest praise and recommendation.” From the various reviews and online posts I've read so far, it seems like the Expanse is a minor improvement over the Stealth?
However, Amir has not reviewed the HIFIMAN HE1000 V2 headphones. I am concerned about putting down $2,000 for the HIFIMAN and then have Amir review the headphone and say that he doesn't like it or the headphone performance is mediocre for the price.
On the other hand, if the Dan Clark Expanse is marginally better than the HIFIMAN HE1000 V2, objectively and subjectively, I don't want to pay the extra $1,000.
My Humble Request:
Amir (@amirm) and anyone else here at Audio Science Review, please help me make the most informed decision regarding these two headphones. I've read and watched so many different reviews and I can't seem to pinpoint which headphone would be the ultimate end game value.
My Questions:
1) Someone mentioned that the Dan Clark Audio Expanse measurements are close or even better than the $60,000 Sennheiser HE-1. If that's the case, then the Dan Clark Audio Expanse should sound very similar to the HE-1?
2) Audio reviewer Crinacle gave the HIFIMAN HE1000 V2 an S- grade. His headphone list can be found here. Do you guys think that Crinacle's rating would be a good indicator that the HIFIMAN is a good headphone in comparison to the Dan Clark Expanse?
3) I've heard that the Dan Clark Audio customer support is great during warranty and out of warranty, even when someone bought their products used from another source. However, the reviews were about a couple of years ago. Does Dan Clark Audio (@Dan Clark) still provide great customer support to this day, in and out of warranty?
4) Are there other great alternatives that I missed that can be compared very close to the HE1000 V2 or Expanse, objectively and subjectively?
5) Anyone interested in selling their used Dan Clark Audio Expanse headphones?