u/davescott42

​I have about 3500 CDs, most of which reside in mega CD players. I have several shelves of favorites that I play individually. Otherwise, I pick a genre and just let the mega players go. Since I’ve curated all the discs and all the machines, I’m always delighted by what comes up. If I’m not, then I replace the disc with something better. I have mostly Sony: 3 300 disc CX355; 1 400 disc CX777ES; 2 400 disc CX995v; 2 Technics 110 disc SL MC7; 1 100 disc Pioneer F908; Optimus 60 disc; another 5 disc Sony NC80v and 4 single disc players around the house including an OPPO DV981HD Which is my favorite single player. So about 2489 disc capacity. Everything is hooked up to an external DAC through Toslink cables and hubs.

I’ve collected CDs since they were first issued and have never gotten rid of any. I love having my CD collection being so accessible. My dog also loves her new bed.

Over the last five years, I’ve put together an audio source system that I’m very happy with. My.SMSL M500 mk1 balanced DAC receives Toslink input from a large number of mega CD players, from my iPhone and Qobuz/Roon and Apple Music. The streamer is a WIIM Pro. The DAC outputs balanced to a Zen Can class A balanced, headphone amplifier, and an Apos tube headphone amplifier, which is also balanced. I used extension cables from Hart Audio to avoid putting wear and tear on the headphone amplifiers themselves.

I’ve got a bunch of good headphones because I enjoy having a bunch of good headphones. Among those, my favorite for classical music is the original build of the HiFiman HE R10D ($145 US used). My favorite for pop/vocal is the Sennheiser HD 599 (that I got for $99 during the recent Amazon Days). My favorite overall headphone (which is a minority opinion) is the Grell OAE1 ( which was $48 on Amazon and is now back to $68).

I thought the Grell OAE1 was a great deal at $68 US. For Amazon days that price has come down $20 more. Also the Sennheiser HD 599 se is at $99 again on Amazon.

I had a good day recently at my thrift stores and library.

I had seen other people talk about these deals and had been on the lookout for a long time. I was finally able to snag one.

I was looking around Amazon and noticed that the DROP + Grell OAE1 Wired Open-Back Headphones were only $68 US. I think they were originally $350, but they apparently weren’t popular and a lot of people didn’t like the sound signature. I subsequently heard that Woot/Amazon had the for $40 - but it appears they sold through their stock. I bought a pair off Amazon to try them out. They are the best sounding headphones I’ve ever heard.

I own over 12 pair of headphones including: the HiFiman Edition XS and Sundara and HD R10D (original build); Audio Technica R50x and M40x; and the FIIO FT1 & FT3. I have a very good solid state and a very good tube headphone amplifier. I listen to streaming through Roon/Qobuz and I have about 3000 CDs. I’ve been in the audio hobby for 50 years and used to sell audio in the late 70s. I also have persistent tinnitus and some high frequency hearing loss. That is why I prefer headphones to speakers.

With all that in consideration, I am blown away by the sound of these headphones. I listen to everything from Billie Holiday to Billie Eilish. I listen to classical, pop and Jazz among other genres. In the several days I have owned these headphones, I found them to be accurate but still fun to listen to. They have great bass and so far I haven’t found anything that sounds better on my other headphones. I therefore went to Amazon and bought a second pair. Considering that the GRELL website list the ear cushions alone for $70 (if they had any to sell) and new cables for these headphones cost that or more, a second pair at $68 is a real bargain. I am hoping two pair will get me through the rest of my life.

Before buying my first pair of these headphones, I went onto YouTube and watched a bunch of videos, including people I really trusted saying they didn’t like these headphones. I don’t know if my preference for these headphones is idiomatic or if more than half the reviewing community just didn’t give them a fair chance. All I’m saying is for me, they’re absolutely tremendous. I know there is a newer OAE2 for $500 that some reviewers like better than the original. I think the original, however, probably best reflects the intentions of the builder who is also responsible for the design of the Sennheiser 600, 650 and 800.

I’d recommend to anyone that they give them a try before they’re gone. Once they’re gone, likely all that will be available is the new version and the used market and - I think they will eventually be much more expensive used then they are right now new.

Our local library outside Sacramento, California, apparently received a large library of CDs from somebody. I had several hundreds to choose from. Another 25 without jewel cases but with their sleeves were also purchased. All of them are in very good to excellent condition.