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Takstar HI2050 review

cubdog

cubdog

banging through drywall
First impressions are very good. Out of the box I like them much better than my Fostex T50RP. They are at least the equal of my Sennheiser HD448s. They seem to be a bit warmer than my favorite Digitech/Jaycar.
They are lighter in weight than they look, build quality seems ok, just average.
They are pretty comfortable, but this is now just after about 20 minutes of use. The velour pads fit nicely around my ears, clamping force is about right. Secure but not too tight. The velour itself could be of higher quality but not bad at all.
I'm listening to Harold Budd's Lovely Thunder album. It's my favorite for headphone evaluation. These seem well balanced but the mids take center stage which is fine with me. I can't give much of a review half way though one album, so I'll post further impressions and some pictures a bit later.
I think I'm going to like them though. I can usually tell immediately if there is something I dislike and I hear no obvious faults with the Takstars.

cubdog
 
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A couple more random observations. I listened to some Indie type pop and was not as impressed. Everything sounded a bit congested and slightly muted. This was with Josh Rouse, Family of the Year and Full Service type music on Pandora. I switched to my alto sax station and, wow what a difference, the magic is back. I'm not sure why such a big difference. I'll have to continue with listening tests of various types of music.

cubdog
 
Very Good Review...I've always wanted to try some Takstars.
I always heard they were kinda warmish.
Thanks
 
I'm listening to MOG now using my laptop and a Fiio E6 amp. They sound very good in this setup as well. They remain comfortable after a couple hours and that's as long as I ever wear headphones. For $53.00 these are a pretty good if not great deal.

cubdog
 
Glad you're enjoying them, so much sound quality can be had for little nowadays you just have to look for it
 
cubdog said:
Thanks. Did you get your Fostex? What do you think of them?

cubdog
Click to expand...

Yes actually I picked up the T20RP MKII. Believe it or not they are the same exact thing as the T50RP's (driver and all) minus a few things which end out to be irrelevant after modification (thanks to bluemonkeyflyer's knowledge). He sent me a modding kit and it's been a blast. The only downside is how power hungry they are, fine for home but not on the go (maybe I'll grab a portable amp later). I'm still getting used to how neutral they are. I still rate the Takstars as an amazing performer.
 
For the record.
 

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cubdog said:
First impressions are very good. Out of the box I like them much better than my Fostex T50RP. They are at least the equal of my Sennheiser HD448s. They seem to be a bit warmer than my favorite Digitech/Jaycar.
They are lighter in weight than they look, build quality seems ok, just average.
They are pretty comfortable, but this is now just after about 20 minutes of use. The velour pads fit nicely around my ears, clamping force is about right. Secure but not too tight. The velour itself could be of higher quality but not bad at all.
I'm listening to Harold Budd's Lovely Thunder album. It's my favorite for headphone evaluation. These seem well balanced but the mids take center stage which is fine with me. I can't give much of a review half way though one album, so I'll post further impressions and some pictures a bit later.
I think I'm going to like them though. I can usually tell immediately if there is something I dislike and I hear no obvious faults with the Takstars.

cubdog
Click to expand...

Now that you've had them a little while, how do they measure up to your Digitech?

Did you ever mod your T50RP? After modding they sound great, but do need power. The 2050 efficiency looks similar to the T50, could this be a factor in your evaluation?

I'm thinking about another pair, and the Digitech is on the list. BTW, I think they're still $50 + shipping for the US. The Takstar look interesting. Also, I saw a review by Dale Thorn for Soundmagic HP100. Really interesting.
http://www.amazon.com/SoundMAGIC-HP...=1358389891&sr=8-1&keywords=soundmagic++hp100

These look like some other Takstar models, especially with 53mm drivers. I couldn't find a match on Seaben site. Looks sort of like a sealed 2050. The Pro 80 is interesting.
http://www.seaben.com/wholesale-tak...l-audio-monitor-headphones-pro-80_p29239.html

Thanks for the review.
 
My current impressions are pretty much the same as in my review post. Actually I got a pair of Incipio f38s last week so I've been playing with those as well. I did mod the the Fostex but I have never been happy with their SQ. I could live with either the Digitechs or the Takstars but I do really like the look and comfort level of the Takstars.

cubdog
 
cubdog said:
Unfortunately I do not. I would love to as these are pretty amazing headphones for $50.

cubdog
Click to expand...

How do they compare to your Digitechs? As much as I want to kind of keep the theme I have here going and get the AKG K550 to fill my void of a good closed-back 'phone, the Digitechs are still quite tempting.
 
RamblinE said:
How do they compare to your Digitechs? As much as I want to kind of keep the theme I have here going and get the AKG K550 to fill my void of a good closed-back 'phone, the Digitechs are still quite tempting.
Click to expand...

The Digitechs seem a bit analytical, in a good way. The Takstars are a bit warmer but still seem pretty neutral. I don't hear anything exagerated with either of them. I'm still pretty new to the headphone game but I have purchased 5 pair in the past 14 months. All have been well researched and bought at bargain prices. None of them are cheap however and they all sound exceptional. That said, the Digitech and Takstars are not going anywhere. I like the other three, well two of them but I could live without all three.

cubdog
 
Hey cubdog, what supplier did you use for the Takstars? Am*azon and others are listing for 70 bucks. Did they go up?
 
goldleaf said:
Hey cubdog, what supplier did you use for the Takstars? Am*azon and others are listing for 70 bucks. Did they go up?
Click to expand...

I bought mine from Aliexpress. They hold payment from the vendor until you receive the product. So it seems safe even though the product comes from China. You have your choice of vendors and prices will vary so look for one with a good price and a good customer rating. I received mine in three weeks and that was during the holidays. I believe I payed $53/no shipping.

cubdog
 
parnold said:
cub how do these compare to your jaycar?
Click to expand...

I think the Jaycars are a bit more neutral and analytical. The Takstars are a bit warmer with their very lush midtones. The Takstars are more comfortable although I find the Jaycars confortable as well. If I could only choose one I'd have a damn hard time deciding which to keep.

cubdog
 
Cubdog, I ordered a pair of the Takstar HP's. You gave a good honest review and I said what the heck, I need some. I bought mine on Ebay from billgps2010@163.com paid through Paypal. $63.99, free shipping. They're coming from China. 10 to 18 day ship time. Must be on the slow boat! I'll post with my thoughts when I get them and use them for a while.
 
I think you will enjoy them. I find them really comfortable as well. I look forward to your impressions.

cubdog
 
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