On the Oppo PM-3: "Never discount the effects of physiology"

Headfier, Armaegis, has just published the newest review of Oppo's fantastic PM-3 headphone, with a heavy proviso: 

“There’s something in the sound that bugs me. The sound is smooth and clean, but lacks clarity? no that’s the wrong word. Everything sounds... a bit wet. String and metallic percussive sounds lack shimmer and air (probably that treble dip). I guess I could say it sounds polite, but this changes when I use it on the go.

I really like it as a portable; seal and comfort improves a lot with slight movement and the PM-3 settles in without that puckering feeling. In this state the sound is really good. The midrange is still nice and clean, but bass has more energy, and that top end no longer has the wet feeling. Never discount the effects of physiology guys, especially with sealed headphones.”

Armaegis's PM-3 review is well-worth the read, especially as the PM-3's pads aren't easily user-replaceable, and may, or may not, fit your physiological needs.

Inner Fidelity's measurements of the Oppo PM-3

Speaking of hans030390, his measurements track well enough with Inner Fidelity's results. When I joined headfi in 2006, objective-slanted reviews were few and far between. Today, they are on the rise. This is good news.

Inner Fidelity: Oppo PM-3 Headphone Measurements (PDF)
Headfi: OPPO PM-3 - Great Closed, On-The-Go Planar

OPPO PM-3 - Great Closed, On-The-Go Planar

Headfi user, hans030390's review of the Oppo PM-3 is the best review I've seen of the headphone. Neither my review, nor John Darko's review-and-factory-tour, is even close. Reviews of this calibre hitting headfi in the last few days are true triumphs of our community. 

Hans030390's review is as richly illustrated with subjective listening impressions as it is with objective measurements. Bravo.

“In fact, the PM-3 actually has some improvements over the PM-1 and 2 to my ears regardless of having a more “fun” sound or not. For one, it seems to have more clarity across the frequency spectrum than its predecessors do. Transients seem faster and cleaner. Low-level details aren’t quite as masked. The PM-1 and 2 just have an inherently slower sound in comparison. No doubt, the PM-3’s frequency response plays into this perception, but I think it has some genuine improvements outside of that. For one, distortion seems better on the PM-3, but I’ll get into this in a bit. The PM-3 just seems to sound a bit cleaner and clearer in most ways than the PM-1 or 2. Snappier, if you will. Simple as that.

All in all, I think OPPO came close to nailing what they were aiming for. The PM-3 is not inherently meant to be the most neutral headphone ever, and that’s fine. It has a really engaging sound and seems to make some technical strides over the PM-1 and 2. Ideally, I think the treble response could be evened out a bit more so it’s not quite as bright sounding, and the mids could sound a bit thicker and better integrated, but I’m really nitpicking and don’t have much room to complain when you’re already getting so much at $400.”

Especially interesting to me is the fact that Hans uses an in-ear microphone rather than a dummy head or other simulative measurement device. 

Read the entire review, it's worth it: OPPO PM-3 - Great Closed, On-The-Go Planar

Reference Home Theater loves the Oppo PM-3

Concise and well-put, Stephen Hornbrook's review of the awesome Oppo PM-3 is well worth the read.

“We recently gave another Oppo product, the HA-2, perfect marks, so to do so again seems odd. Yet I feel even stronger about the Oppo PM-3’s perfect score than I do about the excellent HA-2. The Oppo PM-3 planar magnetic headphones are scary good. Previously my go-to recommendations for closed back headphones were the PSB M4U, NAD HP50, and Sennheiser Momentum. The Oppo PM-3 outshines them all and will be one of the most confident product recommendations I have ever offered. They are versatile as they can be driven directly from a smartphone, but will benefit from quality amplification so users can squeeze every bit of performance from these amazing headphones. If you don’t need a closed-back headphone, the Hifiman HE-400i delivers better sonic performance but only with better amplification. If looking for more flexibility with sources and listening environments, the Oppo PM-3 is the clear winner. Very highly recommended.”

Source: Oppo PM-3 Headphones Review

For reference, my review of the PM-3 can be read at Headfonia.

Headfonia: Oppo HA-2 - 2007 All Over Again

Well, after long last, I've finished my review of the Oppo HA-2 for Headfonia. It's a great DAC/amp that has the following quirks:

- AK100-level output noise
- confusing in/out for DAC users on the run

But those are mere niggles. The HA-2 is an amazing piece of portable equipment with a great DAC. It should challenge the status quo on both ends of the price spectrum. It should leave an iPhone-like mark on the industry.