B&W P5 Headphones

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  • BWLover
    Senior Member
    • Jan 2009
    • 552

    B&W P5 Headphones

    B&W has announced there first pair of headphones coming out in January. What have we all heard about these bad boys? Whats the gossip?
    Bowers & Wilkins 683 Speakers
    Rotel RB-1090 2 Channel Amp
    Rotel RC-1082 Stereo Pre Amp
    Rotel RCD-1072 CD Player
    Pro-Ject Debut Carbon w/ Ortofon 2M Red (sitting on a piece of slate supported by 3 "solid tech feet of silence" isolation feet)
    Rotel RLC-1040 Power Conditioner
    Shynyata Research SR-Z1 Power Outlet & Venom 3 Power Cords x 4
    Tara Labs RSC Vector 1 Speaker Cables & Interconnects
    Pioneer PDP-5070HD 50" Plasma
    Playstation 3
    Shaw HD PVR
    Primacoustic Room Treatments
  • BWLover
    Senior Member
    • Jan 2009
    • 552

    #2
    anybody
    Bowers & Wilkins 683 Speakers
    Rotel RB-1090 2 Channel Amp
    Rotel RC-1082 Stereo Pre Amp
    Rotel RCD-1072 CD Player
    Pro-Ject Debut Carbon w/ Ortofon 2M Red (sitting on a piece of slate supported by 3 "solid tech feet of silence" isolation feet)
    Rotel RLC-1040 Power Conditioner
    Shynyata Research SR-Z1 Power Outlet & Venom 3 Power Cords x 4
    Tara Labs RSC Vector 1 Speaker Cables & Interconnects
    Pioneer PDP-5070HD 50" Plasma
    Playstation 3
    Shaw HD PVR
    Primacoustic Room Treatments

    Comment

    • wgriel
      Senior Member
      • May 2006
      • 241

      #3
      Well, so far are we have are the details on the B&W website. There's nothing really to comment on until someone gets a chance to listen to them.

      Comment

      • Hammie
        Senior Member
        • Oct 2005
        • 304

        #4
        I am considering a pair of Denon headphones, but I may hold off on purchasing until I either read some reviews or get a chance to demo a set at my dealer.
        Panasonic TC-P65VT30
        Onkyo Pro PR-SC5508 | M2Tech Young DAC | Emotiva XPA-1 (x3), XPA-2
        Oppo BDP-93 | DirecTV HR23-700 HD-DVR | Pioneer PL-670 Turntable
        Sony Playstation 3 | Nintendo Wii | Apple TV 2, Mac Mini (iTunes Server), iPad
        B&W 804S, HTM3S, CWM DS8 | SVS PB12-NSD | Denon AH-D2000 Headphones
        Tripp Lite HT1210ISOCTR Power Conditioner, SMART1000LCD UPS System
        My Bowers & Wilkins 800 Series Setup
        Next Upgrade: Cables

        Comment

        • wettou
          Ultra Senior Member
          • May 2006
          • 3389

          #5
          Originally posted by louhamilton
          I am considering a pair of Denon headphones, but I may hold off on purchasing until I either read some reviews or get a chance to demo a set at my dealer.
          How do you like the Emotiva?
          Farming looks mighty easy when your plow is a pencil, and you're a thousand miles from the corn field."Dwight D. Eisenhower

          Comment

          • Hammie
            Senior Member
            • Oct 2005
            • 304

            #6
            Originally posted by wettou
            How do you like the Emotiva?
            I love it. I feel it has added much more detail to the music and movies. Not that my Denon receiver had a lot, but I feel there is less distortion as I turn up the volume durign extreme listening sessions. :W 8)
            Panasonic TC-P65VT30
            Onkyo Pro PR-SC5508 | M2Tech Young DAC | Emotiva XPA-1 (x3), XPA-2
            Oppo BDP-93 | DirecTV HR23-700 HD-DVR | Pioneer PL-670 Turntable
            Sony Playstation 3 | Nintendo Wii | Apple TV 2, Mac Mini (iTunes Server), iPad
            B&W 804S, HTM3S, CWM DS8 | SVS PB12-NSD | Denon AH-D2000 Headphones
            Tripp Lite HT1210ISOCTR Power Conditioner, SMART1000LCD UPS System
            My Bowers & Wilkins 800 Series Setup
            Next Upgrade: Cables

            Comment

            • sikoniko
              Super Senior Member
              • Aug 2003
              • 2299

              #7
              I spoke to the rep at CES, and he said there will be a noise cancelling model released later this year. so if that is a feature you need, hold tight. I did spend a few minutes with them, and the sound is very pleasing. the leather is nice and soft. Unfortunately, I use headphones when I mow the lawn, so I don't think this is a good fit for me at the moment.
              I'm just sittin here watchin the wheels go round and round...

              Comment

              • wettou
                Ultra Senior Member
                • May 2006
                • 3389

                #8
                Originally posted by louhamilton
                I love it. I feel it has added much more detail to the music and movies. Not that my Denon receiver had a lot, but I feel there is less distortion as I turn up the volume durign extreme listening sessions. :W 8)
                Did you ever compare them to Classe ?
                Farming looks mighty easy when your plow is a pencil, and you're a thousand miles from the corn field."Dwight D. Eisenhower

                Comment

                • canamer94
                  Junior Member
                  • Feb 2010
                  • 8

                  #9
                  There has been a delay and they should now be available in March/April.

                  Comment

                  • rgbyhkr
                    Member
                    • Sep 2009
                    • 60

                    #10
                    Now showing up on Apple Store's website in the UK for immediate shipping:





                    As an aside, their new MM-1 speakers are also up:



                    BTW, my local B&W dealer tells me that Apple will get a 6 week exclusive on selling at least the headphones (maybe the MM-1 too, not sure) before other dealers get stock. No surprise there given Apple's current buying power.

                    Jeff

                    Comment

                    • wettou
                      Ultra Senior Member
                      • May 2006
                      • 3389

                      #11
                      Originally posted by rgbyhkr
                      Now showing up on Apple Store's website in the UK for immediate shipping:http://store.apple.com/uk/product/TX...co=MTcwOTA2NjQ


                      As an aside, their new MM-1 speakers are also up:http://store.apple.com/uk/product/TX...co=MTM3NDcyMDM

                      BTW, my local B&W dealer tells me that Apple will get a 6 week exclusive on selling at least the headphones (maybe the MM-1 too, not sure) before other dealers get stock. No surprise there given Apple's current buying power.Jeff
                      Cool I wonder if they will have them in the store so we can listen and see how good they are! Not yet in the US :cry:
                      Farming looks mighty easy when your plow is a pencil, and you're a thousand miles from the corn field."Dwight D. Eisenhower

                      Comment

                      • rgbyhkr
                        Member
                        • Sep 2009
                        • 60

                        #12
                        Originally posted by wettou
                        Cool I wonder if they will have them in the store so we can listen and see how good they are! Not yet in the US :cry:
                        I think they probably will given that the Zeppelin and the Mini already are currently. I can easily see the stores displaying both the P5 and the MM-1 as well.

                        Jeff

                        Comment

                        • wettou
                          Ultra Senior Member
                          • May 2006
                          • 3389

                          #13
                          Originally posted by rgbyhkr
                          I think they probably will given that the Zeppelin and the Mini already are currently. I can easily see the stores displaying both the P5 and the MM-1 as well. Jeff
                          I was told by my dealer no sooner than April!!!
                          Farming looks mighty easy when your plow is a pencil, and you're a thousand miles from the corn field."Dwight D. Eisenhower

                          Comment

                          • rgbyhkr
                            Member
                            • Sep 2009
                            • 60

                            #14
                            The P5s just showed up in the US Apple Store:



                            The MM-1s are still absent but with this development, they should be showing up soon.

                            Jeff

                            Comment

                            • wettou
                              Ultra Senior Member
                              • May 2006
                              • 3389

                              #15
                              ON line not in store yet how do they sound?
                              Farming looks mighty easy when your plow is a pencil, and you're a thousand miles from the corn field."Dwight D. Eisenhower

                              Comment

                              • rgbyhkr
                                Member
                                • Sep 2009
                                • 60

                                #16
                                Originally posted by wettou
                                ON line not in store yet how do they sound?
                                March 23rd US release - info from B&W rep. 17 user reviews in UK online store:



                                Discussion on them over on Head-Fi:



                                Jeff

                                Comment

                                • rgbyhkr
                                  Member
                                  • Sep 2009
                                  • 60

                                  #17
                                  More than one Head-Fi'er has reported that their P5 order from the US Apple online order shipped out today even though the status currently says 2-3 weeks. So, it looks like things are moving. A check of my local Apple Store (Atlanta) confirms that they don't have stock yet, but I expect that will change by next week given the fact that online orders are in motion. Maybe the 23rd was the expected stock date for the stores and if so it looks like that will indeed happen, if not a day or so sooner.

                                  Jeff

                                  Comment

                                  • wettou
                                    Ultra Senior Member
                                    • May 2006
                                    • 3389

                                    #18
                                    Originally posted by rgbyhkr
                                    More than one Head-Fi'er has reported that their P5 order from the US Apple online order shipped out today even though the status currently says 2-3 weeks. So, it looks like things are moving. A check of my local Apple Store (Atlanta) confirms that they don't have stock yet, but I expect that will change by next week given the fact that online orders are in motion. Maybe the 23rd was the expected stock date for the stores and if so it looks like that will indeed happen, if not a day or so sooner.

                                    Jeff
                                    Apple does not have them in the store I was told never will, too expensive and yet they sell BOSE!!!!
                                    Farming looks mighty easy when your plow is a pencil, and you're a thousand miles from the corn field."Dwight D. Eisenhower

                                    Comment

                                    • rgbyhkr
                                      Member
                                      • Sep 2009
                                      • 60

                                      #19
                                      Originally posted by wettou
                                      Apple does not have them in the store I was told never will, too expensive and yet they sell BOSE!!!!
                                      You're dead wrong. However, since you obviously have some bone to pick here, I'm just going to ignore your future posts.

                                      Comment

                                      • mjb
                                        Super Senior Member
                                        • Mar 2005
                                        • 1483

                                        #20
                                        Originally posted by wettou
                                        Apple does not have them in the store I was told never will, too expensive and yet they sell BOSE!!!!
                                        - Mike

                                        Main System:
                                        B&W 802D, HTM2D, SCMS
                                        Classé SSP-800, CA-2200, CA-5100

                                        Comment

                                        • wettou
                                          Ultra Senior Member
                                          • May 2006
                                          • 3389

                                          #21
                                          Only on line
                                          Farming looks mighty easy when your plow is a pencil, and you're a thousand miles from the corn field."Dwight D. Eisenhower

                                          Comment

                                          • Freddie40
                                            Senior Member
                                            • Jun 2009
                                            • 152

                                            #22
                                            Originally posted by wettou
                                            Only on line

                                            I just ordered a pair, should have them in a few days
                                            Crystal Clear Music Tweaked Mac Mini / Yosemite -> JRiver 20 -> Ayre QB9DSD -> Bryston BP26DA -> Bryston 4BSST2 -> B&W 802Di | Transparent Reference XLRs, Transparent Super Speaker Cable, Maple Shade USB cable, Crystal Clear Music Power Cords

                                            Comment

                                            • mjb
                                              Super Senior Member
                                              • Mar 2005
                                              • 1483

                                              #23
                                              Originally posted by wettou
                                              Only on line
                                              Not true. I listened to a pair in our local (Frankfurt) Apple store today. They are beautifully made, and sound very very good. Whether they're worth the premium over a pair of Sennheissers I'm not sure, but they are high quality headphones for sure. They cost 300 euros here, 400 US bucks.
                                              - Mike

                                              Main System:
                                              B&W 802D, HTM2D, SCMS
                                              Classé SSP-800, CA-2200, CA-5100

                                              Comment

                                              • wettou
                                                Ultra Senior Member
                                                • May 2006
                                                • 3389

                                                #24
                                                Originally posted by mjb
                                                Not true. I listened to a pair in our local (Frankfurt) Apple store today. They are beautifully made, and sound very very good. Whether they're worth the premium over a pair of Sennheissers I'm not sure, but they are high quality headphones for sure. They cost 300 euros here, 400 US bucks.
                                                Not yet in the US!
                                                Farming looks mighty easy when your plow is a pencil, and you're a thousand miles from the corn field."Dwight D. Eisenhower

                                                Comment

                                                • emig5m
                                                  Senior Member
                                                  • Aug 2008
                                                  • 646

                                                  #25
                                                  Headphones scare me, especially quality ones. I'm staying far, very far away from B&W headphones!! :E

                                                  Comment

                                                  • wettou
                                                    Ultra Senior Member
                                                    • May 2006
                                                    • 3389

                                                    #26
                                                    Originally posted by emig5m
                                                    Headphones scare me, especially quality ones. I'm staying far, very far away from B&W headphones!! :E
                                                    WHY is that? I love My Denon HD7000
                                                    Farming looks mighty easy when your plow is a pencil, and you're a thousand miles from the corn field."Dwight D. Eisenhower

                                                    Comment

                                                    • emig5m
                                                      Senior Member
                                                      • Aug 2008
                                                      • 646

                                                      #27
                                                      Originally posted by wettou
                                                      WHY is that? I love My Denon HD7000
                                                      Too easy to beat out loudspeakers for fine background detail and clarity. I don't want to find myself listening to music through headphones exclusively again! 8O I was always into hi-fi growing up as a kid, but it's when I started listening to CDs through some decent headphones and hearing all the subtle background detail so clearly that was totally impossible for my low-fi speakers at the time is what really turned me into a audiophile. I've been a detail freak every since. A good quality set of headphones that can beat out my 804S for fine detail will instantly turn my loudspeakers into a waste of money for me! It took some big bucks in loudspeakers to match the fine detail of a cheap $30 set of headphones and get me back listening to music through loudspeakers, I'd hate to start the madness all over again! :E

                                                      I'm staying well clear of higher quality headphones than what I already have, lol.

                                                      Comment

                                                      • KyaDawn
                                                        Senior Member
                                                        • Mar 2008
                                                        • 268

                                                        #28
                                                        That's hilarious! :B You made some good points and I do like to listen to a pair of quality headphones occassionally. It's true for me that sometimes I do hear details or instrumentation or even vocals that I may have missed listening to speakers.

                                                        The difference, however, is that with loudspeakers, you really can have a holographic 3D soundstage on certain "audiophile"-type material. That's virtually impossible with headphones. Particularly on the jazz discs that I love, I can imagine the full drum set right in front of me, or the vibraphone, piano, double bass, trumpet and saxophone. Not to mention some breathy vocals. Also, certain discs will have a soundstage that will extend to "behind" my ears. It really is a wonderful experience.

                                                        Of course, that almost never happens with any rock discs where a holographic soundstage is about as rare as the dodo bird. For those discs, I turn on the Dolby Pro-logic IIx and enjoy my surrounds where I can hear Jimi's guitar travel back and front in the room, or situate right in the middle of the room as a result of the surround matrixing. None of these effects happen with headphones either.

                                                        So while headphones have their time and place, and certainly can provide an "high-fidelity" experience, to me it is quite different than listening to a set of loudspeakers.

                                                        Comment

                                                        • wettou
                                                          Ultra Senior Member
                                                          • May 2006
                                                          • 3389

                                                          #29
                                                          Originally posted by emig5m
                                                          Too easy to beat out loudspeakers for fine background detail and clarity. I don't want to find myself listening to music through headphones exclusively again! 8O I was always into hi-fi growing up as a kid, but it's when I started listening to CDs through some decent headphones and hearing all the subtle background detail so clearly that was totally impossible for my low-fi speakers at the time is what really turned me into a audiophile. I've been a detail freak every since. A good quality set of headphones that can beat out my 804S for fine detail will instantly turn my loudspeakers into a waste of money for me! It took some big bucks in loudspeakers to match the fine detail of a cheap $30 set of headphones and get me back listening to music through loudspeakers, I'd hate to start the madness all over again! :E

                                                          I'm staying well clear of higher quality headphones than what I already have, lol.
                                                          I can understand that, it cost thousands of $$$$ to be able to have the same quality as a top notch headphone....:lol:
                                                          Farming looks mighty easy when your plow is a pencil, and you're a thousand miles from the corn field."Dwight D. Eisenhower

                                                          Comment

                                                          • audioqueso
                                                            Super Senior Member
                                                            • Nov 2004
                                                            • 1930

                                                            #30
                                                            Originally posted by KyaDawn
                                                            The difference, however, is that with loudspeakers, you really can have a holographic 3D soundstage on certain "audiophile"-type material. That's virtually impossible with headphones.
                                                            +1
                                                            I've heard some insanely high-end setups, and with albums I've had memorized for years, I never feel the same 3D soundstage that I do with my setup.

                                                            But then it makes sense... details vs soundstage.
                                                            Loudspeakers are a distance away from you, while headphones are right in front of your ears... so the headphones can make details more obvious.
                                                            At the same time, loudspeakers that are a distance away have room to create this soundstage. Headphones only have but a few millimeters of space to create that same soundstage with such little space. It's like those 100" screen goggles. You remember those? You put them on and it's suppose to feel like you have a huge screen in front of you, you know.
                                                            B&W 804S/Velodyne SPL-1000R/Anthem MRX720

                                                            Comment

                                                            • wettou
                                                              Ultra Senior Member
                                                              • May 2006
                                                              • 3389

                                                              #31
                                                              Originally posted by audioqueso
                                                              +1
                                                              I've heard some insanely high-end setups, and with albums I've had memorized for years, I never feel the same 3D soundstage that I do with my setup. But then it makes sense... details vs soundstage.
                                                              Loudspeakers are a distance away from you, while headphones are right in front of your ears... so the headphones can make details more obvious.
                                                              At the same time, loudspeakers that are a distance away have room to create this soundstage. Headphones only have but a few millimeters of space to create that same soundstage with such little space. It's like those 100" screen goggles. You remember those? You put them on and it's suppose to feel like you have a huge screen in front of you, you know.
                                                              Not quite the same thing but I agree sound through the Headphones are different!
                                                              Farming looks mighty easy when your plow is a pencil, and you're a thousand miles from the corn field."Dwight D. Eisenhower

                                                              Comment

                                                              • sikoniko
                                                                Super Senior Member
                                                                • Aug 2003
                                                                • 2299

                                                                #32
                                                                later this year they will be releasing noise cancelling headphones... I only listen to headphones when i mow the lawn, so I'm going to hold out... wish they were sweat resistant.. it gets hot here in florida.
                                                                I'm just sittin here watchin the wheels go round and round...

                                                                Comment

                                                                • KyaDawn
                                                                  Senior Member
                                                                  • Mar 2008
                                                                  • 268

                                                                  #33
                                                                  Originally posted by audioqueso
                                                                  +1
                                                                  I've heard some insanely high-end setups, and with albums I've had memorized for years, I never feel the same 3D soundstage that I do with my setup.

                                                                  But then it makes sense... details vs soundstage.
                                                                  Loudspeakers are a distance away from you, while headphones are right in front of your ears... so the headphones can make details more obvious.
                                                                  At the same time, loudspeakers that are a distance away have room to create this soundstage. Headphones only have but a few millimeters of space to create that same soundstage with such little space. It's like those 100" screen goggles. You remember those? You put them on and it's suppose to feel like you have a huge screen in front of you, you know.
                                                                  Yes I remember those! :B The problem with those was the lower resolution of the screens. You could easily make out the pixel structure on those googles, which took away the effect of the "large screen". Now if they made a super HD version with 3D, now that would be something!

                                                                  Comment

                                                                  • Freddie40
                                                                    Senior Member
                                                                    • Jun 2009
                                                                    • 152

                                                                    #34
                                                                    I got my P5s an hour ago and have been listening.

                                                                    Here are my immediate thoughts.

                                                                    1) They are small, in reality just a bit bigger than my Koss PortaPro phones or Sennheiser PX100s that I have had in the past. Definitely smaller than the UltraSone Hi-Fi700s that I have.

                                                                    2) They are as loud or louder than the PortaPros and PX100s, definitely much louder than the UltraSones when playing on the iPod. The UltraSones were tooo quite.

                                                                    3) They are more comfortable than the PortaPros, PX100s and the UltraSones.

                                                                    4) Detail, detail, detail. They are much chrisper than the PortaPros or PX100s and I really like the sound much better. I really really like the sound of the UltraSones, but in reality they were tooo quite and bulky when using with the iPods that I rarely did. I walk 4 miles every day and will use the P5s for my walks. For vacations I will bring my PortaPros because they fold up smaller and if I lost or broke them I wouldn't be crushed because they were cheap.

                                                                    5) Price. They definitely are the most expensive of the 4. Is the price worth it. If you are looking for the best comfort and sound, of these 4 I like the P5 the best with the iPod.

                                                                    In conclusion I am very happy that I got the P5s. They are definitely comfortable and very nice sounding.

                                                                    Dave
                                                                    Crystal Clear Music Tweaked Mac Mini / Yosemite -> JRiver 20 -> Ayre QB9DSD -> Bryston BP26DA -> Bryston 4BSST2 -> B&W 802Di | Transparent Reference XLRs, Transparent Super Speaker Cable, Maple Shade USB cable, Crystal Clear Music Power Cords

                                                                    Comment

                                                                    • Skyblue
                                                                      Senior Member
                                                                      • Jun 2009
                                                                      • 504

                                                                      #35
                                                                      Originally posted by Freddie40
                                                                      I got my P5s an hour ago and have been listening.

                                                                      Here are my immediate thoughts.

                                                                      1) They are small, in reality just a bit bigger than my Koss PortaPro phones or Sennheiser PX100s that I have had in the past. Definitely smaller than the UltraSone Hi-Fi700s that I have.

                                                                      2) They are as loud or louder than the PortaPros and PX100s, definitely much louder than the UltraSones when playing on the iPod. The UltraSones were tooo quite.

                                                                      3) They are more comfortable than the PortaPros, PX100s and the UltraSones.

                                                                      4) Detail, detail, detail. They are much chrisper than the PortaPros or PX100s and I really like the sound much better. I really really like the sound of the UltraSones, but in reality they were tooo quite and bulky when using with the iPods that I rarely did. I walk 4 miles every day and will use the P5s for my walks. For vacations I will bring my PortaPros because they fold up smaller and if I lost or broke them I wouldn't be crushed because they were cheap.

                                                                      5) Price. They definitely are the most expensive of the 4. Is the price worth it. If you are looking for the best comfort and sound, of these 4 I like the P5 the best with the iPod.

                                                                      In conclusion I am very happy that I got the P5s. They are definitely comfortable and very nice sounding.

                                                                      Dave
                                                                      This might sound like a strange question, but how do they compare to your 802D's?

                                                                      I have a nice headfi setup and am looking for speakers to add something extra. I might very well end up with something similar to yours, so the question is: How do they compare to a real setup?
                                                                      B&W 800 Diamond, B&W805S, B&W DB1, Classe SSP 800, DIY Icepower ASX2 600W monos, Ayre QB9, JPlay.

                                                                      Comment

                                                                      • Freddie40
                                                                        Senior Member
                                                                        • Jun 2009
                                                                        • 152

                                                                        #36
                                                                        Originally posted by Skyblue
                                                                        This might sound like a strange question, but how do they compare to your 802D's?

                                                                        I have a nice headfi setup and am looking for speakers to add something extra. I might very well end up with something similar to yours, so the question is: How do they compare to a real setup?
                                                                        They definitely lack the bass. The highs are comparable.

                                                                        Dave
                                                                        Crystal Clear Music Tweaked Mac Mini / Yosemite -> JRiver 20 -> Ayre QB9DSD -> Bryston BP26DA -> Bryston 4BSST2 -> B&W 802Di | Transparent Reference XLRs, Transparent Super Speaker Cable, Maple Shade USB cable, Crystal Clear Music Power Cords

                                                                        Comment

                                                                        • sikoniko
                                                                          Super Senior Member
                                                                          • Aug 2003
                                                                          • 2299

                                                                          #37
                                                                          I felt that the headphones captured the b&w sound very well.
                                                                          I'm just sittin here watchin the wheels go round and round...

                                                                          Comment

                                                                          • emig5m
                                                                            Senior Member
                                                                            • Aug 2008
                                                                            • 646

                                                                            #38
                                                                            Originally posted by audioqueso
                                                                            +1
                                                                            I've heard some insanely high-end setups, and with albums I've had memorized for years, I never feel the same 3D soundstage that I do with my setup.

                                                                            But then it makes sense... details vs soundstage.
                                                                            Loudspeakers are a distance away from you, while headphones are right in front of your ears... so the headphones can make details more obvious.
                                                                            At the same time, loudspeakers that are a distance away have room to create this soundstage. Headphones only have but a few millimeters of space to create that same soundstage with such little space. It's like those 100" screen goggles. You remember those? You put them on and it's suppose to feel like you have a huge screen in front of you, you know.
                                                                            I'm definitely a detail freak before anything else, heh. Maybe I should re-think remodeling the living room into a sound room and keep my system where it is now so that I don't have to sit further away from the speakers because my system definitely equals my headphones for fine background detail. I actually think my loudspeakers beat them out.... my system is very open and detailed sounding (which is one reason I really like the FST mids over non-FST) and much, much more natural/realistic sounding. I actually can't stand to listen to music through my headphones anymore.

                                                                            I really didn't think it was possible to get headphone detail out of loudspeakers, but I got it! I aint' touching anything either. Everyone with their Classe's, McIntoshes, Krells, etc can lol at my little Yamaha but... I got exactly what I wanted out of a sound system! All goals met (and then some when you factor in the more natural and 3D sound). Every time I fire up my system I'm blown away by the detail and clarity! (and also the naturalness and 3D effect, but details.. details.. details.. is where it's at for me! :B )

                                                                            One good example is one song where the band stops playing mid-song and you can hear someone in the background faintly (but clearly through headphones) doing a "3.. 2.. 1.." countdown where they start playing again that always used to be so clearly heard through headphones, but almost totally inaudible on any speaker I owned in the past and only could detect it after hearing it first through headphones and when I heard this song on the radio one day you couldn't even hear it at all, even when you know it's there and to listen for it....just totally 100% veiled over. But on my current B&W 800 series it's just there and as clear as clear can be just like CD+headphones used to be for me. I'm stoked with the performance of my system! :T

                                                                            Comment

                                                                            • audioqueso
                                                                              Super Senior Member
                                                                              • Nov 2004
                                                                              • 1930

                                                                              #39
                                                                              emig5m,
                                                                              You're such a trip. lol :B I love reading your posts.
                                                                              Just a few months ago, you grilled us all on whether the 800 series was REALLY as good as we swear it is... or if it was just a prestigious thing. Here you are today, loving them just as much as you loved your 600 series. I think you deserve the prize for B&W 800 Series Owner That Shows The Most Love For His Speakers. :T
                                                                              It's good to hear that you're really happy with your setup.

                                                                              --------------------------------

                                                                              Back to the P5's though, I'm now really curious to listen to them.
                                                                              First, Freddie mentioned that they're just a little bigger than the Sennheiser PX-100's. That's not big at all! The PX-100's are my travel/gym headphones.

                                                                              But most of all, Freddie compares them PX-100's and PortaPros. I was kind of expecting to hear that the P5 are day and night better than both. My Sennheiser HD595/555 (can't remember which) and Audio-Technica ATH-A900's are both night and day better than my PX-100's. I would HOPE that a speaker as expensive as the P5 would easily beat the PX-100's and PortaPros.

                                                                              I'll have to drive out to Osaka to listen to them. :B
                                                                              B&W 804S/Velodyne SPL-1000R/Anthem MRX720

                                                                              Comment

                                                                              • BlueSander
                                                                                Member
                                                                                • Apr 2008
                                                                                • 56

                                                                                #40
                                                                                I'm currently using the Ulitimate ears SuperFi 5pro (in ears). The new B&W P5 definitely DIDN't give me that wow factor that B&W products normally do. I do want to make a move over for 2 reasons: 1. mine is getting old (over 1yr) & 2. All my speakers are from B&W why not the headset???! anyways, I going to bring my headphone to Apple store sometimes this week to listen to both side by side.

                                                                                Comment

                                                                                • wettou
                                                                                  Ultra Senior Member
                                                                                  • May 2006
                                                                                  • 3389

                                                                                  #41
                                                                                  Originally posted by BlueSander
                                                                                  I'm currently using the Ulitimate ears SuperFi 5pro (in ears). The new B&W P5 definitely DIDN't give me that wow factor that B&W products normally do. I do want to make a move over for 2 reasons: 1. mine is getting old (over 1yr) & 2. All my speakers are from B&W why not the headset???! anyways, I going to bring my headphone to Apple store sometimes this week to listen to both side by side.
                                                                                  Let us know :B
                                                                                  Farming looks mighty easy when your plow is a pencil, and you're a thousand miles from the corn field."Dwight D. Eisenhower

                                                                                  Comment

                                                                                  • BlueSander
                                                                                    Member
                                                                                    • Apr 2008
                                                                                    • 56

                                                                                    #42
                                                                                    Guys,
                                                                                    I have been trying to dig up any trustworthy reviews online lately since I have not been able to get to the local Apple store. Here is one of the review by "immtbiker". He's one of the administrator over at head-fi.org (a huge community on headphones). here is what he said:
                                                                                    Hi Jason...where the heck have you been? Hope all is well.

                                                                                    I pulled the trigger on a pair of these today at the Apple store in Long Island (they were the last pair, so I'm not so sure that Apple will have a hard time finding a demographic for these).

                                                                                    My findings don't agree with a lot of those, here in this thread.

                                                                                    First of all, there hasn't been one pair of decent headphones that I've ever bought new, that didn't sound muddy and congested right out of the box. I'm sure after a 50 hour stretch, the P5's will become a totally different headphone to what I am hearing right now. However, with that said and understood (by me, at least) I like what I am hearing. I am listening to alac files out of a 5G Nano through one of our local amp builder friend's portable amp.
                                                                                    I find them extremely comfortable. I have them maxxed out, but most of my headphones are maxxed out (R-10's, T-1's, HD6XX, HE-5's and I can't even wear the 701's because they are too small on my head).
                                                                                    The mids while being a bit new and "muddled" are sweet. The bass is deeper and more subsonic than my ESW-9/10's and the 10's cost me a lot more money. So when people say they are not worth $299 USD, it totally confuses me. I already like them better than the 701's (more money) 6XX's (more money) and the AT 10's ($150 more money), and I find them more comfortable than those three cans. The 650's vise grip my head, the 701's ride up my ears and the headband leaves the mole of my head sore, and the ESW-10's make my ears sweat and they become uncomfortable after about 45 minutes.
                                                                                    I've had the P-5's on for 3 hours in a hot room, and they not only "tempurepedic" around my ears, but they block a decent amount of ambient noise, and my ears aren't sweaty.
                                                                                    Anyone who doesn't own these and have only tried them on, using an "i" product loaded with files that are not lossless, in a noisy overcrowded Apple store, couldn't possibly hear what I'm hearing in my home with the wife clanging around lightly in the kitchen and the kids watching TV or playing X-box at normal levels.

                                                                                    Also trying them through an iMod and then using flac files through a Macbook Pro's USB output into a average dac into an average portable amp has yield excellent results in this price range. And this is while they are still stiff from the ride in from China.
                                                                                    A couple of days in the house, stretching and working out, lifting some heavy G-Clefs and big band tubas, and I'm pretty certain that they will sound somewhat better than what I am hearing right now.

                                                                                    For all the people who complained about Sennheiser using painted plastic and velveteen earpads, these puppies are using some serious high grade materials and only cost $300! They're a bargain. Also, the cord is no less feeble looking than the one that came on my $450 ESW-10's.

                                                                                    I'm truly, pleasantly happy with this purchase taking into account what they were designed for, who designed them, and taking into account the whole big picture. I'm shocked at their price point, especially coming from the Apple Store. Sharper Image charged more for their worthless plastic air purifiers, which sunk them into the brick and mortar graveyard.

                                                                                    OK. I'm done now.
                                                                                    I just finished Pat Barber's "Cafe Blue" and it left me "Cafe Happy".
                                                                                    On to some of Donald's "Morph the Cat".
                                                                                    From many other reviews, I personally think P5 like many other high end headphones can't be powered well by small devices like the Ipod/Iphone. It prob requires a mobile amp to power properly. I do recall that I had to crank up the volume to around 70% to listen to these last time at Apple store.

                                                                                    Comment

                                                                                    • BlueSander
                                                                                      Member
                                                                                      • Apr 2008
                                                                                      • 56

                                                                                      #43
                                                                                      Oh, also, since B&W starts to enter the consumer market lately (I consider we all pre-pro or pro, at the very least). There is a bunch of people who have no idea what they are talking, posting things which is very irritating. I've even seen things like B&W packaging is very Apple-like quality from reputable gadget site, which to me is almost an insult (B&W could have given birth to Apple, not the other way around. This is just like what people normally call "Apple keyboard" is in fact a Sony design).

                                                                                      Comment

                                                                                      • BlueSander
                                                                                        Member
                                                                                        • Apr 2008
                                                                                        • 56

                                                                                        #44
                                                                                        hey guys, I'm at home using the P5 now.
                                                                                        Quality = top notch, the leather padding is so soft. The softest in headphone I have ever seen. I used Bose QuiteComfort years ago before getting serious and I still recall how hot it was with those on for just 15-20 min. UE is in ears and i does get a bit uncomfortable having something sticking into your ears but I'm kinda got used to. The P5 is great. It fits my head well, once the music starts (i listen to very low volume, way below everybody around me) I can't hear a thing from the surrounding. My ear feel a bit warm, again very very little. I'm quite happy.
                                                                                        Sound quality: The sound is very very neutral. Headphones normally have some boost built in (including my Ultimate Ears SuperFi 5). You get exactly what the recoding supposed to be with P5, which is very B&W characteristic. Great detail, bass is tight. One thing this headphone does really well is building that 3 dimensional feel of the music. This quite striking to me coming from in-ear headphone since you normally get none of this in in-ear headphone. However, I never remember feeling anything like this when I was using Bose a few years back (yes, Bose is nowhere comparing to B&W but that was the one I used so I have to make some comparision here).

                                                                                        Overall, I love the headphone. Does it worth $299 + tax. Not really for me. Not because the sound isn't good enough nor the quality is not good but since I already own a huge set of Rotel + B&W equipments at home + $250 Ultimate ears headphone. The improvement of the P5 over UE isn't worth the money. If this headset was prices around 200. I definitely would take it within a heartbeat.

                                                                                        Comment

                                                                                        • AV-OCD
                                                                                          Senior Member
                                                                                          • Aug 2008
                                                                                          • 568

                                                                                          #45
                                                                                          Originally posted by emig5m
                                                                                          I'm definitely a detail freak before anything else, heh. .... my system is very open and detailed sounding (which is one reason I really like the FST mids over non-FST) and much, much more natural/realistic sounding. I actually can't stand to listen to music through my headphones anymore.
                                                                                          I think the non-fst 805Di would change your mind about the differences.

                                                                                          Comment

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