HarmonicDyne G200 Headphone Review - So close to perfect, but...

[@rahullamba9318]

Goes into my wishlist. I definitely have a preference for darker/richer sets, without forward vocals or dumbed down detail, with quality bass. But I guess early in the hobby we all tend to equate added treble energy with resolution until we actually audition a neatly done dark pair and wonder - how's that?! There's also so many 'versions of truth' (aka neutrality) these days it can be Very confusing to figure out what we are after, until we actually audition them or have access to reviews like yours. Thanks!

[@PassionforSound]

Very well said, Rahul. Hope you get a chance to try these. I think they're pretty special

[@aceofspades6667]

Pretty cool database you out together. I think that is quite helpful!

[@PassionforSound]

Great! Glad to hear. I intend to evolve it further over time with links to the reviews, etc.

[@taidee]

Great info Lachlan, thank you. It is very important to mention the flaws, so that one could look at how you can mod that headband.

[@PassionforSound]

Glad it was helpful. I always think it's important to consider both the pros and cons of every product 🙂

[@arthurhaywood2184]

The $700 price range (+/-200) is extremely competitive. It’s where you should be getting pretty close to the point of diminishing returns for most people.

[@PassionforSound]

Definitely some strong competition. Not sure I agree about the diminishing returns though as the step up to something like the Arya Stealth still brings a pretty significant increase in technical performance.

[@arthurhaywood2184]

@@PassionforSound That is true but it’s the point where the percentage of people willing to spend that type of money goes way down. Maybe the G200 doesn’t get you there but there’s quite a few sub $1k headphones that get you close enough!

[@PassionforSound]

For sure, if we're talking about people's budget limits then that's a different story and very personal to everyone.

[@JTB--]

At $700 the new Ananda Stealth Magnet is way more appealing imo.

[@Reeeepicheep]

I'll be waiting to hear Lachlan's review before deciding if I should get the Arya SE or the Ananda SE. It will be great to hear his comparison.

[@HansProbs]

Arya better but also $600 more…. So Ananda!

[@PassionforSound]

I'm not sure the Ananda Stealth will actually best these. It will be interesting to see...

[@Reeeepicheep]

@@PassionforSound Arya SE it is!

[@JTB--]

@@Reeeepicheep The thing with these Hifiman Stealth Magnet headphones is they all capture that certain house sound and somehow each HP is just a little better as the price increases. I've basically heard them all now from Susvara, HE100se (which I own), HEK V2, Arya SM, Ananda SM, Edition X, Sundara... and tbh you start getting into diminishing returns as the price gets higher. That's how good the Ananda SM are and how good this Hifiman House sound is with the Stealth Magnets. I'm seriously considering selling my HEKse that go for $3500 new and just going with the Ananda SM. I've never heard a HarmonicDyne yet but I've read many liking the Poseidon. Many of the reviews I've read on the G200 say EQ is needed so that's an immediate pass for me. One of the best things about the Ananda OG and Ananda Stealth is the out of the box Sound Signature is just about perfect. That's why so many like it. Wave Theory has a good review of the Ananda Stealth Magnet

[@shawnpwatsons1]

I agree with you on Andanda. I have the Edition XX which is technically inferior to Ananda and most prefer it to Edition XX--but not me. The treble was too harsh on Ananda. So, I really appreciate this comparison. Thank you.

[@PassionforSound]

My pleasure. Glad I could help 🙂

[@dudexyt]

I like the Zeus a lot. It’s like a low end ZMF Aeolus and with the right set up it gives you an interesting sound stage and more mid bass. I also have the Poseidon. The Poseidon is like 80 percent of a high end phone. It has detail, resolution, soundstage but it lacks bass. Otherwise it could be a good low cost head phone with mid tier gear. I feel that HarmonicDyne can make a sub 1000 dollar headphone that can compete with the TOTL. I wonder if the G200 can exceed an Ananda and get close to an Arya. If not the G200 then the next one.

[@PassionforSound]

I agree about the Zeus and Poseidon both being enjoyable in their own way. The G200 doesn't reach Arya SE levels, but I'll be comparing it to the Ananda SE soon to see if it's better than that.

[@urbenkam]

Another awesome review. Another recommendation:$ which headphone cable would you recommend? If it does make a difference in sound.

[@PassionforSound]

For us in Australia, Kam, I like going to Aurealis Audio because he's local. I've also liked the cables from Gladiator Cables and have some of the Cesar range coming soon for review.

[@pfx2259]

Loving the review on this… do you know any Melbourne stockist? How do G200 fare with Meze 109?

[@PassionforSound]

The 109 Pro is the better headphone I think, but that's true with almost any headphone below about $1000-1500 probably. As for Melbourne stockists of G200, I'm not aware of any. I think they're only available via Linsoul as a sole distributor.

[@pfx2259]

@@PassionforSound thanks, Lachlan!

[@datdudeinred]

Would love to hear your thoughts on harmonicdyne Athena.

[@PassionforSound]

Thanks Onkar. I'm keen to try those too

[@philip3123]

ananda and g200 or purchase arya？

[@PassionforSound]

I'd go for Arya Stealth or G200 depending on your preferences I think.

[@VoicelessAuthority]

Off topic, but are you considering doing a review of the new Bifrost 2/64? I would love to hear your thoughts on it!

[@PassionforSound]

Absolutely! I've got the 2/64 card here now. Haven't had a chance to listen just yet

[@frederf69]

After your and others recommendations I've ordered a pair of Verum 1 mk2. Sorry to be off topic. Good review as ever 😎😎

[@PassionforSound]

No problems. Hope you love the Verums!

[@kontrolenthusiast1099]

@@PassionforSound How does the Verum compare with the G200?

[@PassionforSound]

Tough call! I'd personally choose the G200 over the Verum I think because the Verums aren't the most comfortable for me either (I get a hot spot on top of my head with them). I also prefer the bass response from the G200 whereas the Verum needs some pad rolling or EQing to tickle my preferences 🙂

[@kontrolenthusiast1099]

@@PassionforSound Good to hear it's a tough call. I've angled solid leather pads installed on the Verum's, bass sounds perfect for me. Not at all into EQing. Rock on!

[@PassionforSound]

I haven't done extensive pad rolling with the Verums, but I imagine they'd stack up really well with the right pad choice.

[@MRFUTURETECHNOLOGYGAMING]

I think the comfort Issue would be for me would be the bubble headband It's not a Flat strap hehe that rhymed And I Would always get reminded that the headband is on my head

[@PassionforSound]

It's actually more comfortable than you might think. The bubbles are all soft and they manage to spread the load well.

[@SimpleMailWork]

Thank you!

[@PassionforSound]

My pleasure 🙂

[@arrowzen7433]

This or the 109 Pro for sound performance?…

[@PassionforSound]

Tough call! I really liked both, but might go 109 I think

[@x32i77]

I am looking forward for a new S Tier list in 2023 . Where does humanity stay in 2023 in terms of the best headphones it can produce? To answer that question you have to review once and for all the Warwick acoustics bravura headphone system 🙏

[@PassionforSound]

Yes, I need to get in touch with Warwick and see what we can arrange...

[@johnratcliffe6438]

I bought the Zeus some time ago. They were nice but not great. I bought Sundara instead and gave Zeus away. I like the brand though.

[@frederf69]

Good to read you gave them away rather than sell them on 👍👍

[@PassionforSound]

The Zeus are a pretty unique tuning that I wouldn't recommend to everyone, but the G200 are much more recommendable IMO (except that headband!)