An Audiophile's Review of the E-MU Teak

[@devolutionary]

Looking forward to your future review with the bamboo cups. Haven't seen many reviews of those. Like you said they are my favourite Foster driver-based variants.

[@intoitreviews]

I know, now I gotta switch'em around haha.

[@Andrey-gw4xl]

Спасибо за обзор! Явлюсь обладателем этих наушников и не могу нарадоваться их звучанием, а после вашего обзора стали звучать еще лучше... Как Вы сказали, они имеют V/U АЧХ. Подскажите, как аудиофил, с какой сигнатурой лучше выбирать DAC/AMP для этих наушников, чтобы не испортить звучание:- с теплой или нейтральной (клинической)? Присматриваюсь к переносному iFi xDSD Gryphon. Пишут у iFi теплая сигнатура. Выбираю в слепую, только по отзывам и обзорам. Или посоветуйте, пожалуйста, какие-нибудь переносные модели DAC/AMP, с которыми эти нушники хорошо бы раскрывались, не теряя басов. Спасибо.

[@intoitreviews]

The Gryphon is actually pretty hard and sterile sounding. I would not recommend for the teaks. There are lot of options though. Idsd micro would be better choice, but you don't really need that much power for the teak. Zen Dac is good enough or Burson Playmate 2 would be excellent options. A small dongle like a hiby fc3, tanchjim space, or colorfly cd01 i reviewed would be good enough tbh. If I think of some others, I'll circle back. Thanks for watching, commenting, and subscribing of course!

[@bigjt37]

Great review. Nice details too on the build and different build options. Cool..👍🏼

[@intoitreviews]

Right on

[@Ahzahail]

Having an attached cable kills it for me. I might try them if I can find the removable cable version

[@intoitreviews]

I thought the same thing originally, but now I actually prefer the attached cable. Thanks for being a subscriber.

[@ianlisowski7001]

@inToit Reviews I have the Rosewood cups, which don't seem to be covered anywhere.... Have you had any experience with this cup?? I love the sound of them, although I bought an Arya, so unless I want to rock tf out or listen to some bass sllaaammm, I haven't been using them as much!

[@intoitreviews]

I always wanted to try the Rosewood as well! I am hopeful that E-MU or someone will send some into the channel for review as well. Bamboo cup review will come next time there is a Drop again. Thanks for subscribing!

[@ianlisowski7001]

@@intoitreviews you can contact Chan directly with EMU, to check out the current list of cups he's building. There are usually a few more than the 3 that you had mentioned! Are you in the US or Canada (I'm in Alberta)? I could possibly submit my cups for review at some point if you wanted? Enjoying the reviews, keep it up, cheers!

[@intoitreviews]

I'm in the Southwest USA.

[@ianlisowski7001]

Right on man, well let me know if you ever want to do a swap.

[@JohnScheppler]

The headphone sounds interesting but I'm not sure I'd like the smaller pads as that's one of my bigger issues with headphones is my Dumbo ears being annoyed by the pads as I listen around 8 hours a day.

[@intoitreviews]

It doesn't bother me some days, other days I use another set.

[@_innerscape_]

I modded mine with a thin doughnut of fiberfill (syntetic wool, pillow filling), just 2x2 cm like in the old Denon D2000. This absorbs some reflections of the naked wood chamber and tames the highs a bit. When changing pads watch out for hole dimensions: bigger means more highs and flabby bass, the original dimensions are ok. Also, too deep and you get a boomy resonant sound. Also, the rigid plastic on the back on the pads is needed for proper sound.

[@intoitreviews]

awesome, thanks for subscribing!

[@rohanreddy3427]

Good review, thank you. I ordered a pair from the most recent Drop release - Teaks with spare Bamboo cups. They will only ship in September, and I live all the way out in South Africa. But, from your recommendation I reckon it's worth the wait.

[@intoitreviews]

They are one of my favorite. It is the denon/fostex sound. Teak indeed worth it! Bamboo is halfway between teak and ebony txoo, only issue is lower mids are way more recessed than teak. Its more V but still somewhat enjoyable. just not as technical as the teak. I'll have a review of the bamboo out next drop. Thanks for subscribing!

[@rohanreddy3427]

@@intoitreviews Great, thank you! Looking forward to your Bamboo review.

[@intoitreviews]

@@rohanreddy3427 Gonna be honest, teak more my speed than the bamboo, might have to get the review out sooner just to get the teak cups back on ;)

[@rohanreddy3427]

@@intoitreviews Great, thanks for the update! So I'll have both the woods (teak & bamboo), will be nice to try out the differences. Maybe the bamboo will suit me in my retirement years ha ha. Looking forward to your review.

[@intoitreviews]

Should be! I love mine! Thanks for subscribing and your kind words!

[@Alxtorr77]

Great review! I hope you review all the fostex family th610, thx00, and the rest. Fun fun fun!

[@theprinceofeverything1975]

Are the ebony fostex thx00 better than the emu teak?

[@intoitreviews]

No. Although the ebony fostex is the best of that thx00 variant. Teak reigns supreme. Welcome to the neighborhood, thanks for subscribing.

[@theprinceofeverything1975]

@@intoitreviews thank you so much! You are the best! Now one more question if you dont mind, do the ebony color of the emu teak sound any different than this one?

[@intoitreviews]

Yes they will sound closer to the thx00 variant. I have bamboo cups on mine right now and will have a follow up video on those when the next drop occurs. The bamboo is close to the ebony. Teak is the best variant.

[@theprinceofeverything1975]

@@intoitreviews amazing thanks! I subscribed by the way, sometimes i forget to. I turned on notifications so that I know when the bamboo things come, so I can determine whether to get the ebony color or the regular color for the emu teak! Also, I'm sorry that I am asking for so much, but could you tell me what power these require? Thanks

[@MartinLeschinski]

Thank you for the review!

[@intoitreviews]

You are very welcome!

[@theprinceofeverything1975]

Hello again, I am so sorry to be asking so many questions on this channel, but I love your responses so much that I need you to decide which headphone to get. Just say which one I should get because I am such an indecisive person and I trust you more than any other reviewer. For someone who listens to artists who make hip hop music (such as Drake), who likes deep, punchy bass and sub bass while not being harsh in any frequency, and will be using these headphones off a Samsung s10 plus phone, would you say I should get the Emu Teaks, or the Beyer dynamic dt 177x go. I am so sorry to make you help me so much, and you are truly an amazing person for all that you are doing. Thank you so much, keep up the great content!!

[@intoitreviews]

Teaks are WAY less picky with regard to sources, so I'd go with that.

[@theprinceofeverything1975]

@@intoitreviews bam! Teaks it is! Thank you sooo much

[@S4N1T03T3R]

Hey! You said that we should stay tuned for the bamboo cup review. Since this headphone is in preorder again, i want to ask: What is your opinion of them? Are the teaks slightly better (i just care about the sound), basically the same or what do you say? Please answer as soon as you can :) I am considering the bamboo ones right now, since i have to also pay import taxes and so on. So i am wondering, if those cups make the "magic" disappear, if it then is still preferable against the Fostex TH family or if it is only a good to mediocre headphone with the bamboo cups. Thanks!

[@intoitreviews]

Bamboo are somewhere closer to Ebony, but have a lighter, brighter presentation slightly. Kind of between Teaks and Ebony, but with some treble extension. Teaks are the most musical and smoothest. BAMBOO has more treble reach, but is not as rounded, more intense, slightly brighter than the teaks in the treble and in the bass you get more sub-bass but not as smooth, more v'd than the teaks, which are more of a U. For most music, I prefer the teaks, but the bamboo is great if you only listen to rap. Thanks for being a subscriber and part of the neighborhood.

[@S4N1T03T3R]

@@intoitreviews Damn, really such a big difference, huh

[@intoitreviews]

Its not a huge difference, but its a U shape vs a U and mids matter to me.

[@Elazarko]

Hey man thanks for the very helpful videos! Please help me with a purchasing decision. I'm looking for headphones to use mainly for practicing on a digital piano. Two pairs I've heard good things about are the akg k371 and yamaha mt8. Can you recommend one out the two more? What would be the difference in sound? I want a QUALITY pair of closed back headphones that I will be happy with! Around $250 what pair of closed backs would you get today as a do it all headphone? A pair that sounds and feels freaking awesome..

[@intoitreviews]

I would look at the K361 instead of the 71. Also, M40x with SHEEPSKIN Angled HM5 pads and dekoni nuggets for the headband might be another recommendation there to consider. Hope those help as ideas! Could also step it up the 177X Go from Drop, but those take a long time to burn in. If I think of anything else, I'll let you know.

[@Elazarko]

@@intoitreviews Thanks, I'd rather get the akg k371 for the little bit better build quility compared to the 61. I've also been considering the Meze 99 Nior with Brainwavz oval micro suedes pads for better balenced sound but I have no clue if they will work well for me. I guess they have more bass emphasis, mids are recessed and trebble a bit and more relaxed? I personally don't have much experience with higher end audio gear, especially headphones. Though my ears are definitely telling me to go for QUILITY. Another option I thought that might be smart is spending a little more on a "higher end" bluetooth headphones like the Shures Aonic 50, sennheiser momentum 3s or ATX Drop Panda's that might be a good option but I've heard very mixed reviews on all of them.

[@intoitreviews]

Yeah i dont think I'd recommend anything too V shaped given piano is midranged dominant.

[@kyasarin9644]

Would you recommend the Denon D7200 or the emu teak?

[@intoitreviews]

Teak, thanks for subscribing

[@JPC326]

Looking at those to replace my dying Beyerdynamics DT177X GO. Wich variant would you recommend ? Fixed VS detachable cable ? Do you think they would do good with TRI TK2 DAC/AMP ? I am also looking to use my TK2 as a DAC only (LO) do you have any good suggestion of amplifier for this setup with the EMU ? I know its a specific question haha. Thanks a lot for the review.

[@intoitreviews]

I like the fixed cable on the teaks myself

[@TheXlow]

Excellent review. I'm wondering if there are sound quality differences between the removable cable version and non-removable one ? because I'd rather have the former, not to mention that I don't have the tools or the experience to mod the attached cable version even if I wanted to in the future. But if the sound quality is worth it, I'm willing to risk it. Thank you

[@intoitreviews]

Pretty sure i talked about build issues with the removable cable variety in the video. The attached cable version is very nice to me, and you get better pads. Thanks for subscribing!

[@MsSaxist]

How do they compare the DT177X?

[@intoitreviews]

Hi Kate. I believe I talk about this exact topic at the 10 min mark in the following video: kzbin.info/www/bejne/ioWQqIydjbdmb7M This video might also help:kzbin.info/www/bejne/i4HYmYdqYr9rr7M Otherwise the 177x Go has more a diffuse, but more traditionally audiophile low end compared to the teaks, which have additional slam and definition. The teaks are generally thicker, smoother, and more musical. The 177xgo is more exacting. Both are great sets. Thanks for subscribing to the channel to show your support!

[@MsSaxist]

@@intoitreviews hey thanks for sharing the video links and taking the time to reply to my question! I'll check out the videos right away. Keep up the great job!

[@meckers11]

Do you think the removable cable version is worth the extra $100? Im close to buying the normal version for $430 instead of $530 Also, how would you compare these cans sub bass and mids to the 177x?

[@intoitreviews]

No I think the non-removable cable is the better build and value. It is a nice thick cable and the removable cable is known to be a failure point. Also I prefer the sheepskin pads. RE: 177x; These (Teaks) are bassier and midrange is less prominent. Thanks for being a subscriber!

[@markhogquist2000]

Excellent review 👍

[@intoitreviews]

Glad you liked it! Thanks for subscribing and being part of the Neighborhood! More great reviews to come!

[@sulgrave_]

I'm thankful for later videos with the 🦊 mask

[@intoitreviews]

Everyone has their favorite. Some miss the suit. Some the 🦊. We shall see where the channel goes next. Thanks for watching and supporting the channel.

[@shadouxg7150]

Does th 6xx has better resolution that teak?

[@intoitreviews]

Nope

[@shadouxg7150]

@@intoitreviewswhat a quick response, It would be great if u could review the LCD GX

[@shadouxg7150]

Also see if u can review the Ibasso sr2

[@intoitreviews]

It would be great! Maybe Audeze will send one this year? Or a viewer. I heard it at a show... based on that performance, it isn't something I would recommend unless hearing it in house changes my mind. Thanks for subscribing!

[@theprinceofeverything1975]

Amazing review! Would you mind telling me how good the emu teaks run off a smartphone?

[@intoitreviews]

They're senstive so a phone is fine. Quality of sound will depend on the phone.

[@theprinceofeverything1975]

@@intoitreviews thank you so much! I am so sorry to ask so many questions but I have one more if you dont mind. Off of a smartphone, which would sound better for music listening between the emu teak and the dt177x go? Thank you for answering all of my questions, you are truly the best! (I listen to bass heavy music and like punchy and deep bass)

[@intoitreviews]

The 177x Go is very amp picky. The Teak is the safer pick in general.

[@theprinceofeverything1975]

@@intoitreviews you're a prince

[@schlooonginator1227]

Yes, very well off an LG V series, the rest, no so much but OK>

[@krucacing]

Compared to denon d600?

[@intoitreviews]

These are best of all Fostex/Denon; thanks for subscribing!

[@towsifshahriarshovo]

Please recommend best headphone for bass response and fun sound under $1000.

[@intoitreviews]

Hard to beat the teaks under 1k. Also harder to find them these days. But the bamboo is good for bass too if you just after the low end.

[@towsifshahriarshovo]

@@intoitreviews thanks for the reply. What about audeze lcd 2c are they good for bass??

[@intoitreviews]

Lcd 2c is very blah. Lcdx or bust if you go audeze.

[@kugelschreiber5678]

Awesome review! I'm thinking of jumping on this on Drop. BUT. The big question; How do these compare to the 177x GO's? I have the latter, and I love them to bits. But if the Teaks are a clear upgrade, then I'll go for it.

[@intoitreviews]

Not an upgrade, a very different presentation. Both are good though.

[@kugelschreiber5678]

@@intoitreviews Ahh thank you so much for the response! That's good to know. The reviews that I've been hearing on both proves what you're saying. I took the plunge and joined the drop! Now, it's time to save money for an LCD-X and an Ananda haha

[@intoitreviews]

LCDX is great too! Arya instead of Ananda though, if you can swing it ;) thanks for being a subscriber!

[@kugelschreiber5678]

@@intoitreviews That's a big IF lol. If you had the choice; Arya or LCD-X?

[@intoitreviews]

Hard call... LCDX is flatter which I tend to prefer, but lacks soundstage in comparison. Arya has a lively, soundstage akin to something like an HD800 or Verite Open, but it is somewhat peaky in certain areas of the upper presentation. If you can tolerate the peaks Arya, if you can't, then LCDX.

[@MTheoOA]

very nice review. I started to consider the E-MU after seeing Crinacle praising them, and i never thought about them. I thought it was just bassy trash. :O it's dynamics can compete to things like Elex? The headphone itself can compete? I know Elex is flatter, but nothing an EQ cannot fix when the difference is just this little.

[@intoitreviews]

Teaks much better headphone than Elex in my opinion, even if more niche market to some. Check out my Elex review.

[@MTheoOA]

@@intoitreviews I saw it again! I did just forgot that you said Elex have bad imaging to it's qualities. This already is a problem to me. My akgs have good soundstage, but not that amazing imaging. I saw Crinacle praising E-MU Teak, and i just got curious about it. Seems this is a gem. Thanks InToit. And yeah, Hana is the best girl.

[@MrAhuraMazda]

Is this the same as the Drop Emu Wood Series for $350 now?

[@intoitreviews]

Sorta, 350 come with bamboo cups, I recommend the teaks... I think that comes for 400. So 50 bucks extra for the teak "upgrade." Thanks for being a subscriber and part of the Neighborhood!

[@MrAhuraMazda]

@@intoitreviews you da man InToit. Your reviews are among the best, most accurate online. Much appreciated

[@MrAhuraMazda]

@@intoitreviews i have another quick question. I already own a Zen Dac and was thinking about adding a Zen Can. Would it make any difference? I dont have any particularly demanding cans, maybe my most are the M1060 and M570, which I can max out on the Zen Dac. Would adding a Zen Can be an improvement? And if a more powerful amp is an improvement, would a Schitt Heresy be a better option? Or would spending that money on Balanced cables be a better upgrade? Thank you for your advice, I appreciate it. *additionally, I did add the $49 iFi low noise power supply to my Zen Dac and noticed a good improvement in detail and separation. I was actually pretty shocked that it would make such a difference. Maybe that speaks to the power of low noise power, or just a higher noise floor of the stock Zen Dac. Anyhow, thanks again!

[@intoitreviews]

I have the zen can in for review. I would hold off. I'm waiting for iFi to send me the signature to compare. The zen can in most instances is worse than the zen dac amp. I would recommend other amps to add on, if you want to, unless you just like the aesthetic. Maybe I will change my mind with the signature. I will let you know. For the teaks I like the Geshelli Archel Pro or the 789. You can always join the discord as well.

[@davidmason8212]

I got an emu teak and the only downfall of this headphone is the separation everything else is perfect. If you came from planar you are going to notice a huge difference in instrument Seperation

[@intoitreviews]

Very different beasts, thanks for your comments and support of the channel!

[@RathOX]

Its between the Teaks & the LCD-2 closed

[@intoitreviews]

Teaks hands down. Thanks for subscribing.

[@RathOX]

@@intoitreviews why teaks over the 2 closed? Also im not subbing lol

[@shopeeseller]

How would you compare this with HD650? I was thinking of getting both of these. One closed, and one open back. Thanks!

[@intoitreviews]

Very different headphone. This is lush and bassy and thick. Hd650 is more neutral and flat. Welcome to the neighborhood and thanks for subscribing!

[@shopeeseller]

@@intoitreviews thanks for the reply. Hope to see more content!

[@intoitreviews]

Check out the blog.

[@LegendM0605]

Great review. Love them. Bought some ZMF Eikon pads for them from ZMF and the stitching was poorly done. Devin said they wouldn't refund me the $70 I spent on them and to try my luck selling them on message forums. Will never order from there again.

[@intoitreviews]

Yeah I definitely recommend the stock sheepskins and not zmf pads for the teaks. The sound changes too much imho with ZMF on these. Thanks for subscribing to support the channel.

[@LakshanDS]

hmmm i mean for the price...... gotta take a stab me thinks...

[@intoitreviews]

Teaks ftw!

[@jimis3167]

On 1000 subs you should giveaway a higher-end headphones IMO...

[@intoitreviews]

Wish funds were coming in so I could. Everything has been self-funded so far. I have not made a dime. Love the idea, but not possible in reality right now. With more subscribers it will happen. Maybe at 5000 subs I will have enough community support to do that. Working my way up. People joining the Patreon would help ;)