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.

Master & Dynamic headphones coming to Japan!

Finally.

Aiuto will be distributing them. Prices/release dates expected soon. More at Aiuto.

Of course, if you're looking for my thoughts:

ohm image: Master & Dynamic MH40
headfonia: Master & Dynamic MH40: Boxing Your HD600s
headfonia: Master & Dynamic MH30 – Goldilocks

And by all means, check out the interview I did with the Master & Dynamic team last year: An interview with Master & Dynamic – The Price Of 8 Bothans

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.

Substance or style? Master & Dynamic MH40 headphones

Johnny Darko's latest review is a good one of a good headphone- of a headphone that is one of my favourites. The MH40 is lush, comfy, and full of innovative tech. John says sums up with the following:

“Right out of the gate, this New York headphone company shows how righteous headphone dynamics are possible from a sealed design, even with an iPod touch as source. That Master & Dynamic manage all of this AND have their headphones look so handsome is one heck of an achievement - the MH40 prove beyond reasonable doubt that substance and style don’t have to be mutually exclusive.”

Source: Master & Dynamic MH40 headphones review

And by all means, read my thoughts on the MH40, both at OHM and at headfonia, and if you have the time, read Master & Dynamic's vision for the headphones. 

Philips's NC1L noise-cancelling headphones work sans-batteries

Whilst only compatible with Apple devices, the NC1L's noise-cancelling circuit receives power from an iDevice itself, not from an external battery pack. We should be seeing more and more, lightning used to great, and unique effect.

The Fidelio X2 changed my mind about Philips. My eyes (and ears) are now peeled.

Source: Philips’ noise-canceling Lightning headphones don’t need batteries

MacRumors readers up in arms about headphones

Apple offering Master & Dynamic headphones on their online shop is taking a beat. Nothing draws the ire of headphone audiophiles more than the mention of any brand not AKG, Sennheiser, Grado, or any myriad quality earphone producer. 

Anyway, as a bloke that loves Master & Dynamic's MH40, I feel proud that one of my favourite headphones can now be snagged from one of the world's largest online retailers.

Here's where to find them:

MH30: Master & Dynamic MH30 On-Ear Headphones
MH40: Master & Dynamic MH40 Over-Ear Headphones

Source: Apple Adds 'Anti-Beats' Master & Dynamic Headphones to its Online Store, Proves Open to Competition

Flare Audio and the meaning of 'open'

Has Flare Audio's use of 'open' in their R1 headphone copy been keeping you up? Headfonia fan, Brandon Peterek, answers it below Lieven's cryptic Facebook post:

“I think they are implying that the cups are actually part of the driver assembly.”

Nighty night.