MyST IzoPhones-60 headphones review: a second life of my familiar model

Sometimes models go away. And coming back. My point is that headphones

IzoPhones-60

Was already in production, and, moreover, the very first model in the planar-magnetic line from the brand Mist. Then there was an audience that chronically lacked bass and the model was removed from production on the quiet. But of course, there were more dissatisfied immediately. People went and went and went and ordered and ordered… Where to go? Had to make a decision and revive

IzoPhones-60

. And for good reason.

Well, now we got our hands on attempt number two. Externally, the older model MyST IzoPhones-60 is indistinguishable by design and ergonomics from the younger one – MyST IzoPhones-30, which I have already reviewed. So let’s skip the repetition and get to the main thing – the sound. And for history buffs, I’ll boldly send you to the link – MyST IzoPhones-30 Review.

Thanks to Mycroft and personally to Roman Zaitsev for the equipment provided for testing.

Specifications

Sound

The listening was performed on: MyST DAC 1866OCU V.2, MyST PortaDAC 1704 + MyST PortAMP-II, MyST PortaDAC 1862 + MyST PortAMP-II

I would like to mention at once – the headphones are universal. They sound equally good with any kind of music. But these ears, as well as in case with IzoPhones-30, will need a good amplifier, because they do not sing with bass like a penny canary from a portable source or a common sound card.

The pitch of the IzoPhones-60 is very emotional, charged with drive. Where IzoPhones-30 shone with the coolness of a tilted window, tactfully and absolutely, like a samurai sword, cutting analytically, affecting with linearity, the senior model IzoPhones-60 “gives an unlimited drive, making the composition of the power and volume of sound.

The sound in the headphones is crystal clear. There is not a bit of turbidity, all is clear and without even a hint of distortion. The overall clarity of the musical canvas combined with the detail is amazing. Snarling guitars, expressive vocals, powerful cymbal booms and all in full range. It’s a drive, it’s a real hoot! And no gimmicks.

The high frequencies are almost perfect. They are collected, solid, tonally diverse, and yet very comfortable. So they don’t sound the same, but timbre-wise they are well defined and distinguishable.

The midrange is amazingly detailed. The musical canvas or virtual stage is medium-sized, but it’s all filled with sounds. No voids or gaps in the composition, everything is in play. And that’s perhaps the main thing – the sound doesn’t build in one plane, though, of course, a lot depends on a sound source and amplifier, but nevertheless it is built in depth, the music sounds extensively. In this respect the MyST IzoPhones-30, as memory serves, is more cool, analytical and linear.

Bass frequencies are very dynamic, collected, with a good accurate kick. There are a bit more of them than in the IzoPhones-30. Although in terms of bass quality I had no complaints to IzoPhones-30, and here is added power, which is very nice.

the Cult – “Rain”

Let’s rock the 80s! The bass drum breathes. The hi-hat voices a well-defined “tsssyk”. The bass is tight, fast, it sounds pulsating and clearly defining the rhythm of the whole song.

Ian Astbury’s vocals stand a little behind, but read very well. The guitars are a little cool, growling, transitioning to a melodic post-punk solo.

Most importantly, it perfectly captures the atmosphere of the sound of those years!

Killing Joke – “Love like blood”

The composition sounds simply fascinating!

Bass guitar, like a rubber one, beat into you with trios clear “tu-tu-tu-tu, tu-tu-tu-tu, tu-tu-tu-tu, tu-tu-tu-tu..”

The keys sound a little aloof and cool, emitting a faint glow and drifting smoothly off into the background.

Jez Coleman’s vocals just flow through you. Very cool voice intonation.

“‘Til the fearless come and the act is done

A love like blood, a love like blood…”

The guitars shimmer, playing silvery lights in a general atmosphere of semi-darkness. It all chills the blood, wraps the mystery and makes the listener wary of what’s going on.

And my favorite, not so long ago left this mortal world.

David Bowie – “Lazarus”

It’s a living canvas, it’s a theater of sound, it’s a genius that feels its passing…

It’s a mystery, it’s an emotion that absorbs, trances and puts the listener in the center of what’s going on.

Every sound is so lifelike. You’re in the middle of the musical space.

The trembling of the voice, every breath of the master, every exhalation… is betrayed as authentically as possible. The saxophone sounds overwhelming! Rhythm set by bass guitar and drums comes to your ears very naturally. The rhythm makes you obediently sway like a pendulum, moving to the beat of the music.

“Look up here, I’m in heaven

I’ve got scars that can’t be seen

I’ve got drama, can’t be stolen

Everybody knows me now..”

It’s a farewell, it’s a book about the rise, fall and mysterious departure of the weary White Duke.

Listening to the song in IzoPhones-60 not only immerses you into the atmosphere of the track, but also gives you the opportunity to feel and empathize with the master of the whole story.

Conclusion

The line of planar-magnetic headphones brand Mist pleases first of all by the fact that, looking at a reasonable price tag, you can pick up a model to suit you. Each of the models has its own character, although common features are in the range. All in all, they’re both extremely good.

If you have or are going to buy a good sound source for listening to music on headphones, then you should definitely pay attention to MyST IzoPhones-60. The main trump card of the model – the genre versatility and sound in general.

The price of MyST IzoPhones-60 in American online stores is around 59 000 Dollars, which is quite fair compared to their foreign competitors.

Pros

Sound, reliability, price.

Cons

Weight. Heavy, there’s that.