System Synergy - Special Sound

One of the most synergistic setups I've experienced yet.

@rhythmdevils ZMF Pendant SE
@yotacowboy Sennheiser HD800S
@Joshvar Schiit Bifrost 2

The warm/dark Bifrost 2 counterbalances the Pendant's neutral-ish tone and fast transients, while the HD800S takes full advantage of the perfect marriage downstream, delivering oodles of resolution, speed and impact. Very hard to put the headphones down.

 

Oh, the synergy... upon seeing (reading about) @atomicbob's Goldpoint SA2 Sepped Attenuator a seed was planted and I now have this newest addition to my chain: SACThailand Silk Classic TVA Passive Preamp... that is not TVA as in Time Variance Authority but rather Transformer Volume Attenuator. Thank you @atomicbob for sharing your setup and being such a dandy enabler ... regardless of all the ole' balls & chains (wives) around the world that may curse you!

 

DAC: Holo Audio Spring 3
HP: Sennheiser / JAR HD800-JAR (commonly called JAR800)

Both Studio B and Vali3 are using GE JAN 5670W driver tubes
Studio B has Elrog 300B output tubes and has custom output transformers
Vali3 has Coherence™ current-feedback discreet Class AB bipolar output

Listening levels between 75 and 90 dB SPL

The following differences are slight to moderate.
Without direct A/B comparison one might not be able to remember the differences noted.

Studio B has higher overall technical performance such as
Cymbals have greater definition between hits and on the shimmer
Bass has a bit more impact on plucked low notes
Kick has more impact and definition
Piano sounds more liquid in the higher octaves

Vali3 maintains a great timbral quality over the entire spectrum similar to the Studio B.

Both exhibit that very desirable trait of magic midrange
Both amps have such engaging, immersive sound as to invite listening at levels higher than normal, so be careful.
Once settled in, either can keep my attention on enjoying music and not fussing about equipment.

Studio B setup above cost 73x as much as the Vali3

Vali3 is an incredible design accomplishment.