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Thread: Highend Headphones - All Our Latest News & Reviews!

  1. #11
    Join Date: Aug 2014

    Location: Bedfordshire, UK

    Posts: 1,003
    I'm Paul.

    Default New Astell&Kern AK100 II and AK120 II Portable Players on Demo!

    Hi All,

    I just wanted to mention that we now have the 2 new models on demo from Astell&Kern, the AK100 II and AK120 II, these are 2nd generation players that now replace the outgoing AK100 and AK120.

    It looks like Astell&Kern learnt a lot when developing their top of the range AK240 and have now put a lot of that into the new models like MQS streaming, which I find really useful when listening at home as it gives the user the ability to access all their music stored on a NAS drive or computer and stream it wirelessly to any of the new A&K players and if you want you can then download directly to the player to take out and about with you. Also once connected to your home network you can now upgrade the firmware wirelessly which makes it all very easy.

    Also now all 3 models share the same Cirrus Logic DAC’s with one in the AK100 II and 2 DACs in both the AK120 II and AK240 which allow playback of DSD files across the range, with only the AK240 playing it natively though, the 2 new players convert to PCM first.

    The other main improvement other than increased storage is the new larger screens and a much improved user interface in my opinion which is now the same as the AK240, it is very clear and very intuitive to use.

    Finally in a month or so Qobuz will be added as a firmware upgrade which will allow you to stream CD quality music from Qobuz’s servers directly to your Astell&Kern player, as a user of Qobuz this is something I am personally looking forward to.

    So now the Astell&Kern range feels complete with all 3 models now sharing the same features and user interface, we have all 3 on demo so if you’d like to experience the ultimate portable systems please feel free to get in touch to arrange a demo.

    Please find some more information below + a few pictures -

    http://www.highendheadphones.co.uk/astell-and-kern

    AK100 II

    • Single Dac
    • DSD Playback (DSD to PCM)
    • Balanced Output
    • Wi-FI MQS Streaming
    • 64GB Internal Storage (Expandable to 192GB)
    • Optical Output

    Price - £799.99

    http://www.highendheadphones.co.uk/a...2nd-generation

    AK120 II

    • Dual DAC
    • DSD Playback (DSD to PCM)
    • Balanced Output
    • Wi-FI MQS Streaming
    • 128GB Internal Storage (Expandable to 256GB)
    • Optical Output

    Price - £1499.99

    http://www.highendheadphones.co.uk/a...2nd-generation

    AK100 II & AK120 II



    AK100 II









    AK120 II









    The Full Astell&Kern Family







    Cheers,

    Paul.
    Specialists In The Brands We Believe In, Set in the Beautiful Bedfordshire Countryside, Just off The A1M, Loads Of Free Parking, Relaxed Environment, No Pressure Sales!
    PMC, Naim, Bryston, Devialet, Rega, Martin Logan, Musical Fidelity, Sonus Faber, Heed, Spendor, Koetsu, Dynavector, Michell Engineering, JVC Projectors, OPPO, REL, Atlas Cables.
    For All The Best Headphones, Amps and DACs All Under One Roof Then Please Visit Highend Headphones.
    www.hifilounge.co.uk / www.highendheadphones.co.uk / 01767 448121 / paul@hifilounge.co.uk

  2. #12
    Join Date: Aug 2014

    Location: Bedfordshire, UK

    Posts: 1,003
    I'm Paul.

    Default Latest News On Our New Headphone Shop!

    Hi Everyone,

    I just thought I would post a quick update regarding how we are getting on with the refurbishment of the old stable building that we are turning into a Headphone Demo facility, basically we have had the decorators in, yesterday the floor went down and next week the CCTV and Alarm systems are being fitted, once this has been done we can start with the fun part of getting all the Headphones / Amps and DACs up and running.

    A date for everyones diary, We are having our official launch event on September 27th which should be a fun event with many representatives coming along from the headphone brands, we will also have special offers for the event, more info to come shortly regarding this.

    Also Highend Headphones is going to be this years title sponsor for the ‘Headzone’ at this years National Audio Show at Whittlebury Hall over the weekend of September 20th/21st, basically we are taking over most of the area showing a selection of the best headphones and amps currently available in the world today, should be another great event.

    Anyway I have been taking a few pictures of the work done so far, not the most exciting to be honest but all part of creating what we hope will become the premier place to visit within the UK for everyones serious headphone needs -

    Its getting serious, we now have a sign :-)



    Time to do some decorating!









    Then the turn to get the floor laid!











    So it really is starting to take shape now, over the next couple of weeks we should get all the furniture in place and it should start to look how we’ve imagined it for the last few months, I’ll post some more pictures once done.

    Please keep an eye on our website also for new products and news -

    http://www.highendheadphones.co.uk/

    Cheers,

    Paul.
    Specialists In The Brands We Believe In, Set in the Beautiful Bedfordshire Countryside, Just off The A1M, Loads Of Free Parking, Relaxed Environment, No Pressure Sales!
    PMC, Naim, Bryston, Devialet, Rega, Martin Logan, Musical Fidelity, Sonus Faber, Heed, Spendor, Koetsu, Dynavector, Michell Engineering, JVC Projectors, OPPO, REL, Atlas Cables.
    For All The Best Headphones, Amps and DACs All Under One Roof Then Please Visit Highend Headphones.
    www.hifilounge.co.uk / www.highendheadphones.co.uk / 01767 448121 / paul@hifilounge.co.uk

  3. #13
    Join Date: Aug 2014

    Location: Bedfordshire, UK

    Posts: 1,003
    I'm Paul.

    Default HiFiMan HE-560 Headphones Now On Demo!

    Hi All,

    We seem to have been waiting for ages to get our hands on HiFiMan’s new HE-560 headphones, I heard them first at the Munich Highend Show back in May and was instantly impressed so I was really pleased when a HiFiMan labelled box arrived yesterday.

    These headphones are entering a very competitive area of the higher end headphone market and being the direct replacement for the excellent HE-500’s they certainly have big shoes to fill. HiFiman are probably best known for making pretty much the hardest headphone to drive on the planet with the excellent HE-6’s, the HE-560’s are still use a planar driver like the HE-6’s but are much easier to drive.

    HiFiMan have also started again with the ergonomics of their headphones so we now have a redesigned headband, very reminiscent of the Stax SR-009’s if i’m honest, but they are considered one of the most comfortable headphones around so not a bad idea to copy that. The HE-560’s are also quite a bit lighter than their previous offerings and with the new ear cup design they are much more comfortable for longer listening sessions.

    I have only just un-boxed them and will be running them in for the next few days but obviously I couldn’t resist a quick listen, and straight away they impress with a very open mid, a detailed but smooth’ish treble with a tight and punchy bottom end, I can really see that once these are run in they will be unbeatable at their price point.

    They come in at £650, you can see more info below on our website, also please find a few pictures below, if you’d like to come in for a listen then please feel free.

    http://www.highendheadphones.co.uk/h...560-headphones





























    Cheers,
    Paul.
    Specialists In The Brands We Believe In, Set in the Beautiful Bedfordshire Countryside, Just off The A1M, Loads Of Free Parking, Relaxed Environment, No Pressure Sales!
    PMC, Naim, Bryston, Devialet, Rega, Martin Logan, Musical Fidelity, Sonus Faber, Heed, Spendor, Koetsu, Dynavector, Michell Engineering, JVC Projectors, OPPO, REL, Atlas Cables.
    For All The Best Headphones, Amps and DACs All Under One Roof Then Please Visit Highend Headphones.
    www.hifilounge.co.uk / www.highendheadphones.co.uk / 01767 448121 / paul@hifilounge.co.uk

  4. #14
    Join Date: Aug 2014

    Location: Bedfordshire, UK

    Posts: 1,003
    I'm Paul.

    Default Stax Earspeakers Now On Demo!

    Hi Everyone,

    I am really excited to announce that Highend Headphones have Stax Headphones, or Earspeakers as they are better known, on demonstration in our headphone room, which to be honest is filling up quite nicely now with most of the best headphones available today.

    Before starting HiFi Lounge last year I had always dreamt of owning a Stax headphone rig so it really does give me great pleasure to now be a dealer for what many consider to be the best headphone experience around.

    With Stax being an electrostatic headphone, they really do offer something very different compared to the normal dynamic headphones, there is a level of detail and transparency that really is quite captivating, being an electrostatic headphone they need their own amp, or energiser as it is known, to supply to correct power to drive them, making a Stax setup the complete solution, just add a source and you’re good to go.

    At the moment we have 3 systems on demo, the SRS-2170 starter system, which at £745 for the earspeakers and energiser unit really are great value, then we have the mid level SRS-4170 system with the valve SRM-006ts energiser then we have the big one, the SR-007 MK2 Omega Reference Kimik edition, which contains the reference SR-007 earspeakers and Stax’s best energiser which is modded for even greater performance. Now all I need to do is save my pennies and get in the SR-009 earspeakers, which at £3695 certainly are not cheap but in terms of high end headphone audio they are apparently unbeatable, can’t wait to find out for myself :-)

    As is the norm here are far too many pictures of the un-boxing of the 3 different Stax systems we have on display, I have been running them 24/7 for the last week so they are run in nicely and ready for action so please do pop in to listen to what Stax headphones have to offer, here is the link to the range on our website -

    http://www.highendheadphones.co.uk/stax

    The SRS-2170 Starter System.









    The Stax Headphone Stand.







    The SRS-4170 System









    The SR-007 Omega Reference Kimik Edition





















    Everything in place ready for action









    Thanks for looking and hope to see you soon at Highend Headphones.

    Cheers,

    Paul.
    Specialists In The Brands We Believe In, Set in the Beautiful Bedfordshire Countryside, Just off The A1M, Loads Of Free Parking, Relaxed Environment, No Pressure Sales!
    PMC, Naim, Bryston, Devialet, Rega, Martin Logan, Musical Fidelity, Sonus Faber, Heed, Spendor, Koetsu, Dynavector, Michell Engineering, JVC Projectors, OPPO, REL, Atlas Cables.
    For All The Best Headphones, Amps and DACs All Under One Roof Then Please Visit Highend Headphones.
    www.hifilounge.co.uk / www.highendheadphones.co.uk / 01767 448121 / paul@hifilounge.co.uk

  5. #15
    Join Date: Aug 2014

    Location: Bedfordshire, UK

    Posts: 1,003
    I'm Paul.

    Default Fostex Headphones On Demo!

    Hi All,

    This will be the last addition to the headphone room for a while, it dawned on me the other day that nearly all my headphones are open back, so after a little research to find the best closed back headphones, one brand name kept coming up, Fostex. Now that I have run them in for the last week and spent some time listening to both models I can see why, they almost don’t sound like a closed back.

    Fostex are a Japanese company founded in 1973 and are best known in the world of Pro audio, they were also the first to pioneer affordable multitrack recording equipment. More recently though they have entered the market of High End Headphones and have jumped straight to the top with their closed back designs offering what are considered the best closed back headphones available today. Until recently they used to build the much respected Denon AH-D7000 headphones but Fostex have improved upon them in all areas with their own headphones. With the TH-900 I would say there is no better looking headphone with its red Urushi lacquer which really has to be seen to be appreciated.

    There are many different designs of headphone technology out there today, dynamic, electrostatic and Planar Magnetic to name a few but the 2 most common kinds of headphones are closed and open back, Fostex are considered to be the reference company when it comes to closed back headphones, coming from the Pro market they understand what makes a headphone sound great, offering a full bodied, fast bass but also plenty of detail and a touch or warmth they really are quite special, not to mention how stunning the TH-900’s look. We have the TH-600 and TH-900 on demo so please come in to experience the ultimate in closed back headphones.

    Please see more information here and a few pics -

    Fostex Headphones and Headphone Amplifier


    The TH-900 Unboxing




    They come with a rather handy stand.








    OOoohh, Very Nice :-)



    The Fostex TH-600 Unboxing.








    The Darth Vadar Of Headphones.



    So I now think we have got a pretty special collection of headphones on demo, hopefully something for everyone.

    Cheers,

    Paul.
    Specialists In The Brands We Believe In, Set in the Beautiful Bedfordshire Countryside, Just off The A1M, Loads Of Free Parking, Relaxed Environment, No Pressure Sales!
    PMC, Naim, Bryston, Devialet, Rega, Martin Logan, Musical Fidelity, Sonus Faber, Heed, Spendor, Koetsu, Dynavector, Michell Engineering, JVC Projectors, OPPO, REL, Atlas Cables.
    For All The Best Headphones, Amps and DACs All Under One Roof Then Please Visit Highend Headphones.
    www.hifilounge.co.uk / www.highendheadphones.co.uk / 01767 448121 / paul@hifilounge.co.uk

  6. #16
    Join Date: Aug 2014

    Location: Bedfordshire, UK

    Posts: 1,003
    I'm Paul.

    Default Stax SR-009, The Worlds Greatest Headphones (probably) Now On Demo!

    Hi Everyone,

    This is really difficult to write as I really want to be upstairs in the headphone room listening to our latest addition, roll on 5.30pm when I can lock the doors and loose myself in headphone nirvana

    The reason for all the excitement? Well we have just taken delivery of the much respected Stax SR-009 headphones for permanent demo in our headphone room, I have long craved to own a pair of SR-009’s so this really is a big day. They are not cheap at £3695 + Energiser at £2295 for the Kimik Modified SRM-007tII, so a £5990 package, but these really are considered by everyone who has heard them to be the ultimate headphone.

    They really need a minimum of 100 hours running in but I couldn’t resist to have a quick listen as soon as they arrived, the first thing you notice is how light and comfortable they are plus they really do look beautiful. After listening to couple of my favourite demo tracks it is evident straight away that the SR-009’s are something quite special, yes they have amazing clarity, offering a very open sound with very good bass weight, but it is how agile and delicate they make music sound that really struck me, I can see these getting quite addictive as I explore my music collection once again.

    As I said this is almost a £6000 set up, but I shudder to think how much you would have to spend on a pair of speakers that can get close to what the SR-009’s offer, I would guess you would be into the 10’s of thousands, if not more, this is the great thing with headphones, you can get the best on the planet for what in high end hifi terms isn’t silly money.

    Obviously it is early days and I will be running them 24/7 for the next few days to get them sounding their best but in the meantime if you’d like to hear what a truly reference headphone system sounds like please feel free to pop in, alternatively we will be having a general headphone open day sometime in November so the SR-009’s will be well and truly run in by then.

    5.30 can’t come quick enough

    Here is some more info on the SR-009’s -

    http://www.highendheadphones.co.uk/s...ic-earspeakers

    And a few pictures -












    Busy Running Them In.



    Cheers,
    Paul.
    Specialists In The Brands We Believe In, Set in the Beautiful Bedfordshire Countryside, Just off The A1M, Loads Of Free Parking, Relaxed Environment, No Pressure Sales!
    PMC, Naim, Bryston, Devialet, Rega, Martin Logan, Musical Fidelity, Sonus Faber, Heed, Spendor, Koetsu, Dynavector, Michell Engineering, JVC Projectors, OPPO, REL, Atlas Cables.
    For All The Best Headphones, Amps and DACs All Under One Roof Then Please Visit Highend Headphones.
    www.hifilounge.co.uk / www.highendheadphones.co.uk / 01767 448121 / paul@hifilounge.co.uk

  7. #17
    Join Date: Aug 2014

    Location: Bedfordshire, UK

    Posts: 1,003
    I'm Paul.

    Default Audeze LCD-X and LCD-XC Now On Demo!

    Hi all,

    There has been a lot of interest in these new headphones and a real buzz on Head-Fi so I can’t wait to settle down later for a good listen but they certainly look the part, especially the closed back LCD-XC’s in their Bubinga finish, they really are quite stunning and give the Fostex TH-900’s a run for their money in the looks department.

    Both these new headphones use Audeze’s new Fazor drivers which to quote Audeze give the following ‘The result is improved phase response, greater frequency extension, smoother frequency response, and remarkable 3D holographic imaging.’ From everything I have read the LCD-X’s are more neutral than the LCD-2 and 3’s and that the LCD-X’s really don’t sound like a closed back also offering a very neutral sound with a little warmth, can’t wait to find out for my self

    They both come in the Audeze travel case and are both supplied with the single ended and balanced cable to use depending on the kind of amp you are planning to use, they also both use the same soft leather of the LCD-3 ear cups making them extremely comfortable and are also both easier to drive than the LCD-2’s and 3’s so I look forward to trying both on our demo Astell & Kern portable players. The LCD-3 is still Audeze’s flagship headphone but the new X’s and XC’s definitely offer something really different that helps fill out the Audeze range.

    If you’d like to come in for a demo please feel free, for prices and more info please see the Audeze page on our website, at this present time there is quite a shortage of the Gunmetal rings that are used on both these models, the LCD-X has been hardest hit with quite a longer lead time, they are available with black rings though if you are not willing to wait but please enquire for any updates on this situtation -

    http://hifilounge.co.uk/audeze

    Here are a few pictures -







    Auseze LCD-X’s





    Audeze LCD-XC’s





    What a Lovely pair.





    The Full Audeze Range.





    How many more high-end headphones can we really squeeze in this room!



    Ok, time to go and have a listen

    Cheers,

    Paul.
    Specialists In The Brands We Believe In, Set in the Beautiful Bedfordshire Countryside, Just off The A1M, Loads Of Free Parking, Relaxed Environment, No Pressure Sales!
    PMC, Naim, Bryston, Devialet, Rega, Martin Logan, Musical Fidelity, Sonus Faber, Heed, Spendor, Koetsu, Dynavector, Michell Engineering, JVC Projectors, OPPO, REL, Atlas Cables.
    For All The Best Headphones, Amps and DACs All Under One Roof Then Please Visit Highend Headphones.
    www.hifilounge.co.uk / www.highendheadphones.co.uk / 01767 448121 / paul@hifilounge.co.uk

  8. #18
    Join Date: Aug 2014

    Location: Bedfordshire, UK

    Posts: 1,003
    I'm Paul.

    Default

    Hi Guys,

    I think that gets everything up to date on most of the latest headphone news, there are quite a lot of new additions that I would like to add so please check back regularly and please feel free to come to our new headphones shop launch on September 27th, more news to follow.

    Thanks,
    Paul.
    Specialists In The Brands We Believe In, Set in the Beautiful Bedfordshire Countryside, Just off The A1M, Loads Of Free Parking, Relaxed Environment, No Pressure Sales!
    PMC, Naim, Bryston, Devialet, Rega, Martin Logan, Musical Fidelity, Sonus Faber, Heed, Spendor, Koetsu, Dynavector, Michell Engineering, JVC Projectors, OPPO, REL, Atlas Cables.
    For All The Best Headphones, Amps and DACs All Under One Roof Then Please Visit Highend Headphones.
    www.hifilounge.co.uk / www.highendheadphones.co.uk / 01767 448121 / paul@hifilounge.co.uk

  9. #19
    Join Date: Aug 2014

    Location: Bedfordshire, UK

    Posts: 1,003
    I'm Paul.

    Default Full Audeze Headphone Range Reduced In Price!



    Hi Everyone,

    This is just a quick message to let everyone know that we have just been notified that to keep everything in line with the US Dollar that the UK pricing for all Audeze headphones has just been reduced by around £100 for each model, some by more.

    Please see below for the new pricing, it goes without saying that we are huge Audeze fans at Highend Headphones so it is great news that they monitor this situation and act accordingly.

    We have the full range of Audeze on permanent demonstration with a selection of the best headphone amps currently available in the UK to help get the best out of the Audeze range.

    Please see the below link for the full range available and please feel free to come in anytime to try these fantastic planar headphones out -

    http://www.highendheadphones.co.uk/audeze

    New Pricing -

    • Audeze LCD-2 Bamboo Headphones - Were £899 Now £799
    • Audeze LCD-2 Rosewood Headphones - Were £1025 Now £899
    • Audeze LCD-X Headphones - Were £1525 Now £1399
    • Audeze LCD-XC Headphones - Were £1600 Now £1499
    • Audeze LCD-3 Headphones - Were £1725 Now £1599


    Any questions please don’t hesitate to get in touch.

    Thanks,

    Paul.
    Specialists In The Brands We Believe In, Set in the Beautiful Bedfordshire Countryside, Just off The A1M, Loads Of Free Parking, Relaxed Environment, No Pressure Sales!
    PMC, Naim, Bryston, Devialet, Rega, Martin Logan, Musical Fidelity, Sonus Faber, Heed, Spendor, Koetsu, Dynavector, Michell Engineering, JVC Projectors, OPPO, REL, Atlas Cables.
    For All The Best Headphones, Amps and DACs All Under One Roof Then Please Visit Highend Headphones.
    www.hifilounge.co.uk / www.highendheadphones.co.uk / 01767 448121 / paul@hifilounge.co.uk

  10. #20
    Join Date: Aug 2014

    Location: Bedfordshire, UK

    Posts: 1,003
    I'm Paul.

    Default Ultrasone Edition 5 Headphones - The Worlds Best Closed Back Cans!

    Hi All,

    Yesterday I was lucky enough to spend some time listening to the very special Ultrasone Edition 5 Headphones, these are special for so many reasons, which I will go through shortly.

    I did listen to these briefly at Munich back in May and was instantly impressed so when the Ultrasone guys offered to pop over for an extended listen, well I wasn’t going to say no.

    Firstly there are only 555 pairs of Ultrasone Edition 5’s available worldwide with only 20 pairs coming into the UK making them a true collectors piece and an instant classic, also they are made from only premium organic materials so they have aluminium cups and headband, the earcups are made from bog oak meaning that they are 100’s of years old which give them a beautiful rich colour and unique grain, then the headband and earcups are lined with Ethiopian sheepskin, used for isolation, breathing ability and true comfort, it is obvious to see that Ultrasone have chosen these material very carefully which all helps to create a truly unique headphone.

    As well as the very special materials used they also include an enhanced version of Ultrasone’s patented S-Logic technology called S-Logic EX, which helps give their headphones a more spatial, natural and open sound and it really does work, again making Ultrasone sound like no other headphone and closer to a highend pair of speakers.

    Anyway that is all the spec, most importantly how do they sound? well firstly you can’t fail but to be impressed by their build quality and just how light and comfortable they are, these easily rival the Stax SR-009’s for being the most comfortable headphones I have ever tried, you just don’t know you are wearing them, listening for hours just wouldn’t be a problem.

    As for sound quality, well I knew they would be good but listening to music I actually know rather than show music really amazed me just how good these are, totally effortless, smooth, detailed, great bass weight, big soundstage but mostly just so musical, natural and listenable, so when you put this together with the comfort factor you end up with most definitely the best closed back headphones that I have listened to by some margin and to be fair one of the top 3 headphones I have ever heard regardless of closed or open back, they really are that good.

    My only complaint is that they are only making 555 pairs, this is a real shame as even at their retail price of £3000 they are worth every penny, to get close to this performance from a pair of speakers you really would need to spend well over 10K or 20K, hopefully once they have all sold Ultrasone will bring out a full retail pair using the same technology.

    Due to the fact that there is only 20 pairs coming into the UK we don’t have the Edition 5’s on permanent demo, which is a shame, but with a days notice we can get the UK demo pair in so please feel free to get in touch to make an appointment to hear what I consider to be a stunning pair of cans that I am actually considering buying a pair for myself.

    We will also have these on demo at the National Audio Show at Whittlebury Hall this coming September 21st/22nd as Highend Headphones will be running this years ‘Headzone’ more news to follow shortly.

    Please find more info below and a few pictures -

    http://www.highendheadphones.co.uk/u...n-5-headphones





















    Cheers,
    Paul.
    Specialists In The Brands We Believe In, Set in the Beautiful Bedfordshire Countryside, Just off The A1M, Loads Of Free Parking, Relaxed Environment, No Pressure Sales!
    PMC, Naim, Bryston, Devialet, Rega, Martin Logan, Musical Fidelity, Sonus Faber, Heed, Spendor, Koetsu, Dynavector, Michell Engineering, JVC Projectors, OPPO, REL, Atlas Cables.
    For All The Best Headphones, Amps and DACs All Under One Roof Then Please Visit Highend Headphones.
    www.hifilounge.co.uk / www.highendheadphones.co.uk / 01767 448121 / paul@hifilounge.co.uk

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