All New Budget Closed Back Headphone! Game Changer? Drop/Hifiman HE-R7DX Review
Вставка
- Опубліковано 4 жов 2024
- Drop/Hifiman HE-R7DX massdrop.7eer....
CAM Store (New Products!) bit.ly/30Lgu4K
Crutchfield Holiday Deals shop-links.co/...
Best Buy Holiday Deals shop-links.co/...
apos.audio?sca_ref=552340.TY98BPcZ6P
massdrop.7eer....
Amazon Music and Disney Plus Free Trial amzn.to/3DRAVj9
www.patreon.com/cheapaudioman
High Res Music Streaming for FREE!!!!
Amazon Music Unlimited Free Trial amzn.to/3fiiMPC
Test Track Playlist:
music.amazon.c...
Satanic Panic Playlist:
music.amazon.c...
Leg Warmers Playlist
music.amazon.c...
cheapaudioman
If you click on this link and sign up for a free trial I will receive a small referral fee.
If you use any of my links to purchase products I will receive a small commission on the sale of that item. Won’t cost you any more to purchase with the link.
Recommended Speaker List
Around $100 (These prices will fluctuate between $75 - $150)
Sony SSCS5 - Lively amzn.to/3pZNnGk
Pioneer AJ First Gen - Laid Back
Neumi BS5 -Neutral amzn.to/3q0SR3B
Around $200
Emotiva Airmotiv B1+ - Crystal Clear and Punchy emotiva.com?aff=9
Elac Debut b5.2 - Neutral amzn.to/2WPNQxw
Wharfedale Diamond 11.2 (In and Out of Stock) - Laid Back/Bassy/Detailed amzn.to/37W8hPA
JBL Stage A130 - Neutral/Great All Arounder at $179 the best value amzn.to/3t7gOHe
Around $400
Klipsch RP600M - Neutral amzn.to/3pBoXCf (This speaker’s price can fluctuate between $440-630 which is really dumb)
Jamo C93ii Bit - Boosted on Top amzn.to/3beIG6F (Can also be found cheaper at Crutchfield)
Q Acoustics 3030i - Neutral with Punch - amzn.to/2OQkpLo
Around $500
SVS Prime bit.ly/2LozJgF
Wharfedale Diamond 12.2 bit.ly/2ZckoD9
Around $600
Elac Uni-Fi UB5.2 - Neutral amzn.to/3s3srPG
Elac Debut Reference - Buttery but Detailed amzn.to/39bt6WC
Polk Reserve R100 - Neutral
Aperion Novus - Neutral and probably the best desktop speaker one can get $599 bit.ly/2Q1H9rW
Aperion Novus Open Box $449 bit.ly/3us8zGx
Wharfedale Diamonds Lush and Detailed amzn.to/3aBAso0 Come as singles
Recommended Amp List
Under $100
Aiyima A07 - Neutral and Full amzn.to/3g9YLNf
Around $130
SMSL AD18 - DAC/Amp Lively on top but solid tone controls amzn.to/3rVZxkN
SMSL SA300 $140 amzn.to/3u83oLs
Around $250
SMSL DA-9 Balanced Amp amzn.to/34SdbLs
Around $400
Emotiva TA-100 - DAC, Phono Stage, Pre Outs - Balanced and Tasty emotiva.com?aff=9
Vista Audio Spark www.vista-audio...
Recommended DACs
Ifi Zen DAC amzn.to/2T3wuyY
FX D01 amzn.to/3d9GY6U
SMSL SU8s amzn.to/2SWTGiw
Denafrips Ares 2 www.denafrips....
Subs
Emotiva SE8 emotiva.com?aff=9
Emotiva SE12 emotiva.com?aff=9
SVS SB1000 Pro bit.ly/3scmwsc
Drop/Hifiman HE-R7DX massdrop.7eer.net/rn03q5
----CAM Store (New Products!) bit.ly/30Lgu4K
------Crutchfield Holiday Deals shop-links.co/cf9yFEPeMyS
-------Best Buy Holiday Deals shop-links.co/cf9yDZeYtUH
--------apos.audio?sca_ref=552340.TY98BPcZ6P
----------massdrop.7eer.net/qnOye5
------------Amazon Music and Disney Plus Free Trial amzn.to/3DRAVj9
--------------www.patreon.com/cheapaudioman
Use code: ZEOSR7DX for 50 Dollars off on Drop! Lasts till the end of April 2022.
I like you Randy, you’re quickly becoming one of my fav audio YT creators
Agreed
thanks, man
Hear hear - my go-to. From my FX-D01 to my Wiim and emotiva pre-amp to my c93s, SSCS5s and S803s, my first year and a half has been awesome thanks to Randy. And I’ve had some good laughs along the way. Thank you!
From a new audiophile just two months into it..., I received these today (on sale for $79 on Drop), and regardless of whether you believe in burn-in or not, they sound GREAT right out of the box to me. I'm experiencing many of the observations in your review. This is another lesson in learning which reviewers have sound preferences that complement mine.
Do you still like them? And are they holding up build quality-wise? I ordered a set yesterday and really looking forward to trying them out
@@TheHulksMistress since posting this I’ve sold them and purchased the modified variant Dekoni X HiFiman Cobalt. Same build quality overall that is holding up well to regular use.
@@TheHulksMistress they're 49 rn and with a new drop customer $10 off code...
39
@@-Noble yep. I have a set arriving on Monday.
....and I'm away for a week tomorrow. Didn't expect Drop to deliver so quickly so I've ordered a set just for them to have to be returned. Bummer
Timing is everything. I was able to watch this video just a few minutes after you published it, and went "D'OH!". Because just twelve hours earlier, I placed an order to Crutchfield for a pair of the ubiquitous Audio-Technica ATH-M40x headphones, and the ONLY reason I ordered them is because they have a reputation of being the best closed-backs for $100 new-in-the-box. Had I known about these new Drop/Hifiman closed-backs, I might have waited.
I am an absolute fan of open back headphones, and they provide a FAR superior listening experience in my book. Just one problem: THEY LEAK. If there's someone else in the room, you might as well just be using speakers. So even though I have a small stable of open backs that I love, including Grado's and Hifiman, it was time to get something to where I could just keep the music mostly to myself.
I applaud Drop & Hifiman for doing a boring old dynamic driver closed backed headphone, there is CERTAINLY a place and need for these, and I hope they sell a million of them.
And yes, they do look like something my helicopter pilot would wear.
I think the sound quality of any headphone, closed or open, matters so much more than how they look or the case that they come in. All the cases that my headphones came in are sitting in a closet, and the only one that has to look at the headphones is me. I'm not trying to impress anyone with my purchases, just as long as I'm the one the gets to enjoy it!
Sure sound quality matters a lot but if you show up into the office with some clown sized headphones you’ll never hear the end of it
I remember when Drop was called Massdrop
I also remember being able to vote and the platform serving it's intended purpose
Right? They're basically a glorified drop-shipper now... Oh wait...lol
To be fair they still base repeat drops off of user requests.
(I still have Massdrop branded 4xx and I hate change so I'm with you tbh)
@@truthxbl had the 4xx as well
but despite good materials they just felt fragile and like they were going to break in my hands at any time.
Sold it for 100 eur and upgraded to Sundara vastly better headphone both Sonically and build
I haven't heard anything else from Hifiman than those two but from their sub 200 USD lineup I personally would save up and try to get a Sundara b-stock or used
@@N3ukenInD3K3uken Lol I mean I have a buncha cans.... 4xx is fine. They're not going to win awards for their range or appointments, but the build quality thing is greatly exaggerated (after the first run at least) I have a huge head, and frankly they feel more substantial in my hands than any of my beyers or Senns.
With that said, I would partially agree about the sub 200 lineup (the 400se is the exception... they're excellent). I would also say sundara is super overrated. Go for he 560's (any is fine, but having tried all 4 I think the best bang for buck is the v4... sundaras with less sibilance and better bass extension) or arya's (or maybe xs's)
Thanks Randy, I don’t think any of my current headphones really sound stage, been looking for something that I know does. We will see. Great review as always
Thank you so much sir I ordered your high EM headphones and although I didn’t use them my friend is using them and loves them so looks like I will be ordering these as well thank you so much for a great review
Man you’re the first one out the gate that I’ve seen 2/2 now on new Hifimans I’m interested in
How do they compare to AKG K361 in terms of tonality? Is it overall close ?
these have more detail and more of a natural tone in the midrange. the aka's have a nice midrange but the drop has a more natural tone. akg's probably have a slight edge in the bass
I love it when companies try something different, supper curious to hear these and see what Mr. HiFi Man has been cookin up.
Tried these out based on the recommendation.
First thing - the headband is designed for giants. If I center my ears in the ear cups and make the headband as small as it goes the band is still sitting an inch off my head. My head isn't small, I have Sennheisers, Grados and Sony headphones and they all fit fine. I'm going to have to glue some foam under the headband.
The sound? They are bright and need some EQ love. Just listening to 'Last To Die' from Bruce Springsteen...yeah pretty darn good sound stage. The tone and roll-off of the snare drum is sweet AF. If I can keep them on my head I think I'm really going to like these :-)
Cheers cheapaudioman.
I LOVE my Sundara’s but I also need closed backs for when the missus is sleeping. These might do the trick!
Great Review 👍. These are on my list! Thanks Randy.
Shootout between these, the Sivga Robin, and the Blon B60.
Drop has them on sale at this time. Screaming deal. Thank you for the review.
Hey Randog, just subbed a couple days ago and I just got a set of these and I could not agree more with your review. These are my 1st set of “legit” cans, 1st Drop/HiFiMan cans. I say legit Bc there’s no onboard controls, just phones. And after 2 days of breaking them in, all I can say is wow. I know exactly what you’re talking about by turning your head to look, thinking something is going on around you Bc there’s things in songs I’ve listened to for years that I’ve never heard before that are popping out so bright and clear, idk what to say lol.
If it gets better than this, imma needa 3rd job lol
oh my god dude i just found you... you are freaking hysterical dude i love you...
Sounds great for the price but I use my AT’s as reference for sound mixing and will have to wait to upgrade to a higher level Armor. This is the Way!
Excellent, thank you sir!
Just wow. I got lucky. For a while in early october 2022, these fell to 79 bucks so I snatched them up. Sure enough, they went back to 99 dollars less than a week later. But that's not really my point here.
I have the Ifi Zen Dac and when I use them with bass boost, it turns these headphones into 99 dollar miracles. I fell down the headphone rabbithole a while back and dug myself out eventually but still retaineed a couple sets, one my daily driver Airmotive GR1s and the other my Focal Elex. I'm here to tell you that these sound every bit as good as my GR1s. And compared to my focals, maybe they are better around the margins, but not by much. Surely not any where near 600 dollars better. These R7Dx are an anomoly within the hobby.
The Expanse, best Sci-Fi series ever, surpasses Fire Fly, what?! I am that Guy! bam bam bam! Great review, been looking for a closed back. How do these compare to your Monoprice Monolith planar closed-backs (1070C, 1570C?)
I've never heard Sundara, but I have heard these. If these sound anything like Sundara, then I've learned two things: 1. Sundara sounds awesome. 2. R7DX is the best bargain in headphones. I bought mine for $64 open box. Unbelievable sound. Insanely good for the price if they fit your head well enough.
Subscribed, love your videos
I just hope they Isolate somewhat, the attenuation doesent have to be super special, but it needs to lower, and dampen sounds correctley.
Just got mine a couple days ago and switched out the pads for an angled sheepskin and the bass is significantly better but doesn't kill the detail retrieval.
where did you get the pads at?
been trying to find some that fit.
Saw them go back down to 80 and had to scoop it up!
Edit: I just hope it fits well
Great review Randy. Good to see headphones in the $150 range that sound good to someone that has so much experience with headphones. I am a real beginner in headphones and want to stay lower budget, worth looking at.
I always wonder what kind of headphones Frankenstein would use !! Lol 🤣
Frankenstein or his monster?
I have owned the venerable Sony MDR-7506 as well as their big brother 50mm DJ version. And neither could hold a candle to the Monoprice Retro's which sell for under $30.00. Have you tried these, Randy? They are pretty darned impressive.
Oy beltaloada! diehard expanse fan, but i never thought to try phones instead of the 5.1.
Wanted to learn more about the earstudio mk2s so I checked out your review from Nov 2020...when you had 30 subs and were begging for 100, hahaha
Cool vid, but could you please put the playlist in the description as tidal and Spotify as well as Amazon music as people use different services and it'll make it easier for people to listen.
If I watch 7 or 8 of your videos in a row, that 8th cup of coffee really isn't necessary, but I believe it helps me stay focused.
yeah. it does. keep up the intake. the irony of that statement is that I drink one cup from the bottom of my wife's pot she made and then make 8 cups for myself on round two and I almost always drink the whole thing
Oh hey, those earpads are the sivga system! It even looks like the pads might be swappable between the two
Sounds like a good headphone at the price, thanks Randy.
DROP website indicate estimated shipping date 19 Jan 2032.... LOL
Lol. Taking orders, then they will make them
Love the video, been looking for a decent closed back headphone for less then $200. These or akg k361 or something else? I have the sundara for open back and I love them, thank you. And thanks for recommending something and all you your great videos.
the aka's are really good. I don't think you can go wrong either way. 361's have a bit more bass but the drop's have more space
I'd like to find an audio setup that works with my Apple TV 4K and smart TV. I currently have a powered sub connected to the TV's fixed output and Bestisan Powered 2.0 Stereo 50W Home Audio Bookshelf Speakers connected via the same output using an audio splitter. Problem is that the sub volume is fixed while I can control the speaker volume via my remote. I've watched a number of your reviews for 2.x amps and most have DACs (which I don't need with Apple TV 4K). I don't need Bluetooth speakers either as Apple has that. I'd like to see your ideas for an old-school 2.1 amplifier setup with speakers and support for a subwoofer. Or, powered speakers that support a subwoofer. And the Apple TV 4K.
There is only ONE good solution for a 2.1 "Apple TV" solution that I know of: the Denon DRA-800H 2.1 channel audio-video receiver that retails for around $600 USD. It is a very popular option, as the amount of versatility it give you is amazing, as well as being able to use high quality passive speakers. (You do NOT use powered stereo speakers with the DRA-800H). But a powered sub, if you want one, is easily doable.
Take it from a person who has an Apple TV and an Apple 4K TV in his house, and uses them everyday. But my receiver for the 4K is the Denon AVR-S560H 5.2 channel. (Denon has recently updated it to the AVR-S660H model, a very capable $500 USD unit.) But I'm using it only as a 5.1 system, and have no current plans to add a second sub.
If you want powered speakers that support a subwoofer, there is also only one right solution: The "Klipsch The FIVES" which retail around $1000 USD. They are AMAZINGLY powerful speakers, and you may find a subwoofer unneeded, surprisingly. Hook 'em up right, and they are easily controlled using your TV's remote, including any sub you want to add to them. Speaker stands aren't necessary, but they are so powerful that stands are HIGHLY recommended to get the best sound, and they will make a big difference.
Hope that helps!
@@ronzack4572 Ron, thank you for your detailed response!
They're not toys! They're action figures!😁
Between this and the Audiotechnica ATH-M40X, which one should I get for travelling?
Hope this does not seem out of line. Congratulations Randy on being picked to review a product before it’s official launch. (if you have done this before then oops my bad) That seems like the first big step in being recognized as a well respected reviewer. I am going to miss the Stith Audio shill though.
it's coming back. just not on every video. and thank you. I was lucky enough to do a polk reserve review on opening day...
Great review. How would you compare them to the AKG371’s and Meze 99 Neo’s? Sorry if this is a repeat question (I didn’t read the others first).
Great review! Any insight on how it compares to the Beyer DT770 32 Ohm? Seems like the natural competitor at the price range and drivability. DT770 also soundstages quite well.
I haven’t heard the 770. I did have the 177x and that had a bit more of an emphasis on the bass. The R7 has a much better midrange
@@cheapaudioman it would be cool it you could get a pair of DT770 and talk about them. Btw, nice video. I am looking for a pair of open backs for ~100€, and these might be the ones
The 770 doesn't quite compare on a technical level to the 177x. Also classic piercing treble from Beyer. Might be better on build materials but that's it
I have been watching for a while, and I really like your budget friendly reviews in the hifi audio world. Thank you for that. I am very much an amateur here, and looking for some advice.
At work I have a good desktop computer, and a pair of old "Dell" speakers. My budget is $100 out the door, and I am trying to decide between IEMs, headphones, and speakers. Also if I should put some of that towards a DAC or just use the integrated sound card. I work in an office, so power output is very limited. If you had $100 to get a ready-to-listen sound system together streaming Spotify from a computer, how would you spend that money?
Any input or suggestions are very much appreciated.
Thanks for putting this content out there. It gives me hope that I can get good sound without spending thousands of dollars!
No thump check? The day and the video that CAM sold his soul to hock audio kit…
I remember the halcyon days when the S in Syth Audio stood for Standards.
That's funny. I was just looking for some closed backs....
What do you think about the Monolith M1070C?
oh look you have a picture of will farrell and john C. Reilly 5:44
Never been a fan of over the ear, closed back phones... either I want compact, lightweight, and portable, or I want open back. My favorites are HiFiMan's HE400i's.
Hands down open back are superior they have more openness to the sound making music and anything sound more real. Also perfect for videogames because it almost sounds 3d and you can tell where sounds come from which is a must have in online games when you need to pin point a players location.
I am curious if there are good pad swap options for these, maybe something bigger might give it some more clamp and give it a little more bass
I previously bought the DT 177X based on your review of it. I'm also now interested in this! Is it worth getting this to pair with the 177x? How would you compare the detail and the imaging/soundstage between the two?
Hey man, would you recommend these R7DX to use specifically with a digital piano for playing acustic pianos, Rhodes and more...? Will they sound clear and roomy with good spacing and sound stage...? I'm not producing or mixing so I'm not exactly looking for a super flat boring sound, more like something in-between without much color. Any suggestions? Thank you! Great video!
HEADPHONES AND MOVING COIL CARTRIDGES.
The main usefulness of headphones is not disturbing others with high decibels of sound and their revealing nature. Think your speakers have a lot of detail? Try a pair of high resolution headphones. Your speakers detail will likely pale by comparison, and by a lot. If you vinyl guys want new headphones to hear more detailed renditions of your lp's, why not buy the headphones and then follow that up with a change to a moving coil phono cartridge. You will likely get another leap in detailing and resolution. Most cartridges nowadays are moving magnet. Moving coil cartridges are almost always more detailed and transparent and more open sounding, with better depth and height sensation. I think even a bad moving coil cartridge is likely to be clearer than a moving magnet. I don't know of any bad moving coil cartridges on the market now. There used to be lots of moving coil cartridges with a rising high end, which some people considered bad, while others considered them exciting. Moving coil isn't just clearer, it presents the music differently. Instruments themselves sound more 3D as does depth. Ability to hear instruments behind instruments abound. Did I mention transient response? It's way faster and more effortless sounding.. Some are low output, some are high output. If your amp/preamp doesn't have a MC phono input, get a high output one. Hana makes both and could be the best brand choice under $1000. Well under. Their budget model is $400, last I looked.
Randy, how do you rate these against the AKG Pro Audio K361, which you also love?
They're aren't priced as a premium headphone either. They are made to compete with mid market pro audio studio monitor headphones such as the lower end of the Audio Technica M--x series. Their use case is tracking and recording. They sound ok for casual music listening but that isn't their thing.
How do they compare to the Rode?
How do they compared with Sennheiser hd58x, 6xx in sound quality??
P.S. The Expanse is the best
I thought you were getting rid of your Klipsch RP600Ms?
A closed back headphone under $200 that images well and leans cool? This might be the new go-to gaming recommendation.
@@SchuylerBatdorf Uhh I mean I kinda get what you are saying. Every single one of my gaming recs are open back besides IEMs. But that's solely because there really isn't a closed-back back option. You want bright, you want good imaging, and you want detail to a smaller extent and that severely limits your options in the closed back space.
I say this is a new go-to gaming rec because there's a clear hole for those who need isolation. You live in a busy environment, with other people, are going to LANs (I still recommend IEMs for this), etc... I want to always give my top recommendations, but sometimes I understand people need closed-back a lot of the time. And you lose all competitive or enjoyable advantages of something like a R70X, PC38X, HD800, etc... if you can hear sirens blasting outside your window every hour.
Would have been nice if they deliver to my country..
Ramdy, I always enjoy reviews and learn something new. Have you ever tried the AKG K553 MKII closed back headpbones? They sound more like open backs. Great neutral and natural sound with very good balance across all frequencies. Great build quality, detachable cord and now around $200 (I only paid $100). Thanks again for all your great reviews! Joe C
I paid 100 for mine too, 89$+tax. My favorite pair of headphones, I just wish they were so big. But if I wear a huge beanie over it, it turns it into tranquility :)
hey Randy, would you pick these over the Sennheiser 560s?
I would no doubt pick 560s over r7dx if You're after the most objective sound
Would you choose these over the AKG K361s?
I think the reason 'protein leather' is more common now as it preferred to 'fake leather' or 'pleather'. Any time its not real leather you will see an artificial leather term used.
Another good one Randy! Do you have recommendations for Mac and iOS users for EQ?
Your best bet may be to get a Qudelix 5K - has a great app and a full PEQ which lets you store up to 20 settings on the device.
Agree with Justin. I haven't found a decent eq through IOS.
@@zadillo, thank you for the recommendation.
@@cheapaudioman, appreciate your reply and affirmation Randy!
I got mine for 49 + shipping
Rumor has it “Frank the Tank” from “Old School” gives these headphones 🎧 a 👍🏼
I don't know I did this but I ordered a million of them.
My order runs out in 2032
Can anyone tell me how the noise isolation is with these? From a 1 to 10 where 1 is no isolation and 10 is total isolation etc? 👀
The Expanse!
Randy, you are dangerous for me. Every time I watch you I want to buy something. I haven't had headphones for 20years ...but I used your link and now I'm going to get me some. I didn't think that I needed any phones to be honest, but now I'm excited and that's a good thing. (The price is right and they seem like they would be a good fit for me ). Used your link; hope it gives you a few bucks. And hey, they had a discount coupon too, so it's all good!
What coupon did you use. I've looked over the past few days by no go.
Get the qudelix 5k it's awesome!
How would you say these do against the sivga sv021 robins?
Does the deva r2r module work on these, looking for a closed back for going out in the world 😁
PRESTIGE prestige WORLDWIDE worldwide
Mmm, let's skip the awkward FR, but 16ohms and that big DD !!!
How do these compare to the AKG K361?
3:29 “Back, and to the Left, Back and to the Left”
nailed it
@@cheapaudioman I might not have golden ears, but they sure are tuned in to movie references! LOL! Thanks for the Like!
NE Frequency Graph avail?
I prefer tea please!
Can anyone tell me if they prefer these over the Rode Nth-100 or the AKG K361? I recently bought the HD560S and fell in love with them. A close back with a similar sound would be perfect. I did try the K361s and thought they were OK.
from what I gathered from videos from other reviewers (Honest Audiophile and Headphone Show, I recommend you give them a watch, they all reviewed R7DX, Rode and akg), rode nth100 and akg k361 will have a better sound than r7dx - akg having a bit of an edge over the rode, although akg is built the worst of the 3, while rode being built the sturdiest of them all, I would personally go for the rode, I hope this info helps :)
@@radioradish1659 Check out the Rode on rtings; massive quality control issues.
bass is not emphasized... GOOD
👍👍
If they sound this good, they should put at least some effort into the esthetics. They look terrible. They should improve the appearance and raise the price $25. That way we get the best sound AND the best look sub $200. I'd be happy to pay the difference. Great review as always.
I’m shocked to hear a comparison to Sundara
Drop site: "Estimated ship date is Jan 19, 2032 PT." Wha?
Anyone have any thoughts on these compared to the AKG K361?
I enjoy these much more than my k361. But if you have an average or smaller head, you made need to buy dekoni nuggets because the headphones are definitely for large heads.
You’re 45?! I’m almost 40, but I don’t feel like I should be. I see you as a wise elder. Sh!t, we could have been on the same playground as kids.
how do these compare to 1more triple driver over ear (on ear really) which often comes down from 199 to around 100
BTW some one to omplain at this price, so far DMS go get I'm tiger
Maybe they call it protein leather because calling it Pleather doesn't sound high end.
I would buy them if I personally didn't find them ugly.
Sorry to nitpick, but if that’s Boba Fett up there, he’s not a Mandalorian…
I hated these headphones and I took them to work for online training in hopes someone would unwittingly steal them.
For 150 I think those earcups look pretty ugly and cheap. Glad the sound is worth it, but they could have done better I guess.
This headphone is a really interesting pair, but that old style headband is always a turn off for me.
75k wow
pads look the same as sundara
Baba fett! Boba’s grandmother.