Justin S
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Feb 6, 2025 at 10:12 PM
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Justin S

Friend, Male, from Toronto

Pyrate Contributor

Working working - stuff sounding very different. Taking it in and just realized I put the 600s on not ZMFs. Less bass, closer mids. Nice. Feb 1, 2025 at 11:16 PM

Justin S was last seen:
Feb 6, 2025 at 10:12 PM
    1. Justin S
      Justin S
      a 4493 and a 4499 J2, a pair of AB Noise Nukes, and nice tube in the Lyr+. Let the fun begin.
      1. Justin S
        Justin S
        On headphones, the 4499 J2 is a tiny marvel. It's spacious, resolves treble is a strikingly beautiful way and is a party in the bass. A/Bing makes my MOTU Ultralite MK5 sound squished and dull. I preferred the MOTU over the J2 4493 in PCM. Geno programmed these for me to use DSD Direct mode, which I usually prefer for listening time. The J2 4499 makes PCM/DSDD more of a flavour choice now...it's very good.
        Jan 28, 2024
        yotacowboy likes this.
      2. Justin S
        Justin S
        I moved gear around and A/B'd the J2 4499/LIM. The J2 sounds more like modern R2R than DS. The J2 is a bit wider and really resolves treble information better. Slam is very close. The LIM is a tiny bit smoother, fatter and darker. LIM vs J2 preference depended on material. Jon Hopkins and Steve Albini recordings J2 4499 hands down, Brian Blade the LIM puts it together nicely. Kudos to Geshelli.
        Jan 29, 2024
      3. Justin S
        Justin S
        Disclosure: the J2 4499 is a loaner from Geno to test DSDD functionality. I have always preferred DSDD to PCM for focused listening, but the J2 4499 brings another flavour to the mix. DSDD is laser sharp, detailed, and deep sounding, but on the polite side of things. The 4499 in PCM is also sharp, detailed, but a total party at the same time.
        Jan 29, 2024
    2. Justin S
      Justin S
      Digging into a Geshelli J2 set by Geno to DSD Direct (bypassing all conversions). With HQPlayer it's like having dozens of DACs.
      1. ilikebananafudge_ likes this.
      2. Gazny
        Gazny
        Does it do dsd normally?
        Jan 7, 2024
      3. Justin S
        Justin S
        The stock J2 does DSD from any DSD source, but it converts to PCM and back. In DSD Direct, the stream bypasses the conversion. Geno activated the DSDD function of the AKM chip for me on my J2. I had an ADI-2 a while ago. It was meh sounding in PCM, but in DSDD it was glorious. The J2 sounds quite good in PCM, but DSDD rocks. I love being able to tune the filters for the material, my mood, what transducers I'm using.
        Jan 7, 2024
      4. Justin S
        Justin S
        As far as I know, AKM are the only chips that have DSDD capability. And at that, they also need to have that "switch" turned on. It disables any processing of the signal in a DAC...no volume or PEQ, Holo Audio DACs and, I think, Denefrips DACs also do DSDD.
        Jan 7, 2024
    3. Justin S
      Justin S
      Just finished a Duelund 20AWG tin plated copper cable for my ZMF AuCs. Whoh. Very even, deeper stage. I'll put hours in and report back..
      1. View previous comments...
      2. ChaChaRealSmooth
        ChaChaRealSmooth
        You're absolutely right though. The cables and interconnects can absolutely dial in the last couple percent to really tune your system to your preferences
        Jan 2, 2024
      3. Serious
        Serious
        Tinned copper marine cable works for a Duelund DCA type of sound on the cheap. It's sharper, but in some use cases that can be a advantage. It's what I used for my HD600.
        Jan 2, 2024
        Justin S likes this.
      4. Justin S
        Justin S
        So a good 100+hrs in and this cable is, by a long shot, my favourite. Imaging is excellent, it extends very well, and that timbre! I did this cable up on a lark - glad I did. I'll do a comparo when I have a moment.
        Jan 7, 2024
    4. Justin S
      Justin S
      Just received the radial mesh from ZMF. Zach says FR is the same, but I feel it's more "airy", mids come forward and it sounds better to me.
      1. View previous comments...
      2. Justin S
        Justin S
        Totally. They are all around a bit snappier.
        Dec 28, 2023
      3. RestoredSparda
        RestoredSparda
        Atrium sounds like it has a towel over the driver with the solid mesh. The stock mesh is so much more dynamic.

        Personally the Radial mesh on Atrium is a bit too bright for me, but stock is perfect.

        I never played around with the loaner Auteur Classic mesh.
        Dec 28, 2023
        Justin S likes this.
      4. Justin S
        Justin S
        I don't know what other meshes are available - they only had the solid and the "radial" mesh on the site. I definitely prefer the radial mesh.
        Dec 28, 2023
    5. Justin S
      Justin S
      Built a @gixxerwimp Mable silver headphone cable for my ZMF AuCs. Next to my Neotech OCC cable it is more detailed in the treble.
      1. Cryptowolf, gixxerwimp, Gazny and 3 others like this.
      2. View previous comments...
      3. Justin S
        Justin S
        I built both of these myself - they both were less than $100 to build with Neutrik and Rean connectors. I am building another weird one - using Deulund tin plated copper...just to try. I'll do a little writeup on all three when I have had time to sit with each.
        Dec 28, 2023
        Gazny likes this.
      4. gixxerwimp
        gixxerwimp
        Glad it worked out for you. Are you going to post in the Cable Building thread?
        Dec 30, 2023
        Justin S likes this.
      5. Justin S
        Justin S
        @gixxerwimp ,yes. Absolutely. Just taking care of the tail end of the holidays here while + giving the cable some time to settle in. I'll do a comparo with the Neotech OCC build.
        Dec 30, 2023
    6. Justin S
      Justin S
      Everyone is tucked in. Checking out the new ZMF AuCs. The Qobuz "Best of 2023" is pretty spectacular. So much better than the other guys'.
      1. Cryptowolf, ckhirnigs, joch and 5 others like this.
      2. View previous comments...
      3. ckhirnigs
        ckhirnigs
        Still excited for my Atrium Closed though!
        Dec 27, 2023
        Justin S likes this.
      4. Justin S
        Justin S
        Just tried recieved and tried the Suede Eikon pads. Whoha - it's thick and that bass reaches into the mids and just clobbers them. Not for me.
        Dec 28, 2023
      5. ckhirnigs
        ckhirnigs
        I never tried them on the Classic, only on my OG. I felt the same way about the Eikon Lambskins on my OG as you do about the Suedes on your Classic.
        Dec 28, 2023
        Justin S likes this.
    7. Justin S
      Justin S
      Happy Holidays, you pyrate bastards. I hope you all have a good one.
    8. Justin S
      Justin S
      Two things: Is anyone using the radial mesh on the Auteur Classics? + Lana Del Ray is the Cindy Sherman of pop music!
      1. Jinxy245 likes this.
      2. View previous comments...
      3. Ksaurav402
        Ksaurav402
        This is what I had in my review here “ Treble is where Auteur lags behind some TOTL. I mean only thing that is missing in treble is some sparkle and bite.”
        Dec 22, 2023
      4. Justin S
        Justin S
        Yes. That's what I am experiencing. I am used to the 600s. The Auteur Cs have been responding well to tube changes and pad rolling, so I think I'll be able to get there. I would rather not change out the mesh if possible. And really, these have 24hrs on them so I should likely wait until I have 100hrs before making any big changes.
        Dec 22, 2023
        Ksaurav402 likes this.
      5. Justin S
        Justin S
        Pad rolling really really really changes the Auteur. Don't go by the published compendiums. I LOVE the Universe Suede with these. Everyone else hated these with the AuCs. For me they bring the treble bite, forward mids I like, and big clean bass.
        Dec 22, 2023
        ckhirnigs likes this.
    9. Justin S
      Justin S
      Worst youtube reviewer trope: video of them listening to the headphones while they narrate their review. Yuck.
      1. RestoredSparda likes this.
      2. Ksaurav402
        Ksaurav402
        Take them more as unboxing and reaction video then serious review
        Dec 21, 2023
        RestoredSparda likes this.
      3. Justin S
        Justin S
        Watching video of these guys performing with their "listening to music face" while they read their review text is like watching someone j---king off with the sound track of them reading a journal about their feelings. Bleh.
        Dec 21, 2023
      4. Hrodulf
        Hrodulf
        I can't stand youtube audio reviews. Usually, they're stretched to make the algo happy and the visuals aren't exciting - just product shots and a talking head. Also I can't skim or search the text.
        Dec 22, 2023
        Justin S likes this.
    10. Justin S
      Justin S
      First impressions of the wenge Auteur Classics: Wow, so beautifully made, holy subbass, these will take some getting used to, burn in time.
      1. Cryptowolf, Jinxy245, rlow and 4 others like this.
      2. Justin S
        Justin S
        Early days, but we're getting along pretty good.
        Dec 21, 2023
        ilikebananafudge_ likes this.
    11. Justin S
      Justin S
      After an excruciating wait for me, my new ZMF wenge Auteur Classics are with Fedex. ZMF have been absolute sweethearts. I will report back.
      1. Inoculator
        Inoculator
        Upgraded from original Auteur? Interested to hear your impressions if so, I grabbed that used blackwood auteur that was available the other day to do an Auteur revisit and am curious on the classic upgrades.
        Dec 20, 2023
        Justin S likes this.
      2. Justin S
        Justin S
        @Inoculator , I bought a new Aeolus a couple months ago. It rocked (incredibly) but was not quite my scene. They were within the 14 days and ZMF was kind enough to accept them back for credit towards a new Auteur Classic build. I'll do a writeup once I have a chance to spend some time with them.
        Dec 20, 2023
    12. Justin S
      Justin S
      Lyr+ with a sweet tubez seems to be a thing. It really swings with the tube choice (HD600s).
      1. Cryptowolf, Qildail, Jinxy245 and 2 others like this.
      2. View previous comments...
      3. Justin S
        Justin S
        I actually picked up a pair of KenRad 6SN7GTs from @Inoculator . They are glorious and like them better than the blackplate clear glass VT-231 I have here.
        Dec 16, 2023
        RestoredSparda, joch and Inoculator like this.
      4. RestoredSparda
        RestoredSparda
        My absolute favorite 6SN7 by a long shot. Enjoy!
        Dec 16, 2023
        Justin S likes this.
      5. Justin S
        Justin S
        All kind of things that were prickly with other tubes present as even and clear with these. They;re really great.
        Dec 16, 2023
    13. Justin S
      Justin S
      Tube question. $190+ Shipping KenRad from Brent Jesse or $100 KenRad from ebay seller with 100% rating?
      1. View previous comments...
      2. Justin S
        Justin S
        I am talking about a black glass 6sn7 for a Lyr+. Not sure how lucky I feel :-)
        Dec 10, 2023
      3. penguins
      4. joch
        joch
        Say no and support businesses like Brent Jesse’s. Just saying.
        Dec 11, 2023
        Pocomo, Cryptowolf and Justin S like this.
    14. Justin S
      Justin S
      Just flipped the Lyr+ into low gain. The volume knob is at 4:00 and it sounds amazing with the 600s and 650s. Gentler but way more dynamic.
      1. theveterans, rlow, Claritas and 2 others like this.
      2. View previous comments...
      3. RestoredSparda
        RestoredSparda
        You owe it to yourself to hear a black glass Ken Rad in your Lyr if you haven't already!
        Dec 9, 2023
        Justin S likes this.
      4. Justin S
        Justin S
        I have the Clear glass VT231 Ken Rad and it is spectacular. I have a note in with Brent Jesse about the black glass. He recommended I check in after the holidays. I also like the brown base sylvania WGT and weirdly, the new EHs for pop music.
        Dec 9, 2023
        RestoredSparda likes this.
      5. Justin S
        Justin S
        Went down the HQPlayer/AKM DSD Direct rabbit hole tonight (thanks for hooking me up Geno Geshelli): low gain on the Lyr+>KenRad Blackplate Clear Glass>HD600s is exceptional. Team Low Gain, indeed. Even when I'm not listening to it, I'm thinking about listening to it.
        Dec 9, 2023
    15. Justin S
      Justin S
      Picked up a bunch of pads from ZMF Nov. Suede Ori pads on my customcans kit modded DT770s are SUPER EXTRA FUN in a guilty pleasure way.
      1. Jinxy245 and ilikebananafudge_ like this.
    16. Justin S
      Justin S
      Ken is totally Rad
      1. Justin S
        Justin S
        With the Lry+ a modest KenRad clear glass is the one tube to rule them all.
        Nov 26, 2023
        Slade01 and RestoredSparda like this.
    17. Justin S
      Justin S
      When between rock-star headphones, I go back to the 600s and 650s and am always amazed at all they get right. They are the measure.
      1. View previous comments...
      2. Justin S
        Justin S
        There is something about the bass on the 600s, though. They remind me of my Harbeth P3ESR XDs - there's not a ton of bass quantity there, but it feels clean and well controlled. I occasionally have a listen with 600s where I get phantom bass in my chest - which is pretty weird coming from them.
        Nov 18, 2023
        Lyander likes this.
      3. Lyander
        Lyander
        I will say that there have been instances when I've not been wanting for more bass _volume_ on the HD600s, just perhaps more texture and quality. That Original Master Phones amp actually did make them kick surprisingly hard, but yeah harsh and unrefined. I remember really liking the Senns's low end out of the Studio Jr. I demoed, and that was the 300B ver.
        Nov 18, 2023
        Justin S likes this.
      4. Justin S
        Justin S
        I had a few different sub 1K SS and tube amps but really loved the BHA-1 with the Sennheisers. I moved on to the Lry+ with a handful of NOS tubes and it's pretty remarkable. It's refined and a bit of a brute. It's pretty great with the 600s. I hope it'll be good with my new Auteur Classics when they arrive.
        Nov 18, 2023
        Lyander likes this.
    18. Justin S
      Justin S
      ZMF is a class act. I love the new Aeolus but wanted moar. Within the 14day period, they arranged a swap + some $ from me. All help no fuss.
      1. View previous comments...
      2. Justin S
        Justin S
        Thanks for the input, gents. Yes, @ckhirnigs, I should have said that my take on the Classic vs OG reports I have read/watched is that they are different headphones - not that the Classics are a fix for any perceived issues with the OG. Ultimately, I think I am more into linearish and that the Classics will be a good fit for me. CAN'T WAIT!!!!
        Nov 15, 2023
      3. ckhirnigs
        ckhirnigs
        @Justin S Did go with the stock Ambrosia Maple or the LTD Ash for your Classic?
        Nov 16, 2023
      4. Justin S
        Justin S
        I went with the stock maple. Trying to keep it tight :-)
        Nov 16, 2023
        rlow and ckhirnigs like this.
    19. Justin S
      Justin S
      100+hrs on new Aeolus now, So many glorious positives, but I am missing the 600-style sparkle. How are the highs on the Auteur Classic?
      1. rlow and Lyander like this.
      2. View previous comments...
      3. Justin S
        Justin S
        Thanks for this @RestoredSparda . I think that I am missing the finer details and some treble information. The Aeolus is really beautiful, but not sure I can live with it.
        Nov 12, 2023
        RestoredSparda likes this.
      4. Justin S
        Justin S
        After sitting with these for days and some focused listening sessions, I am going to take advantage for the 14 day return window and pick up a pair of Auteur Classics. The aeolus are so beauty, but I think I need something more linear with a bit more resolution.
        Nov 12, 2023
        ckhirnigs likes this.
      5. ckhirnigs
        ckhirnigs
        I think you’ll dig the Classic. I’m a big fan of the LTD Ash sets Zach has at the moment. I have OG Auteurs in Ash, and they’re my favorite wood for both look and sound. It’s a nice medium density wood.
        Nov 12, 2023
        Justin S likes this.
    20. Justin S
      Justin S
      Aeolus just arrived! I know these need time, but early listening with a Lyr+ is promising. So far I like Lamb>Suede. More bass and treble.
      1. Justin S
        Justin S
        I know Zach has 200hrs listed as the burn in time for these. I am wondering what people's experience has been.
        Nov 7, 2023
        HotRatSalad likes this.
      2. Jinxy245
        Jinxy245
        I didn't find burn in to be as much of an issue for the Aeolus as it was for the Verite, IIRC after 30-50 hrs or so it was 95% there.
        Nov 8, 2023
        RestoredSparda and Justin S like this.
      3. Justin S
        Justin S
        Thanks @Jinxy245 . They changed a whole bunch yesterday over the first few hours of listening. After an overnight with pink noise they are more clear and open - I was worried for a bit. I hope they continue in this direction.
        Nov 8, 2023
        Jinxy245 likes this.
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  • About

    Gender:
    Male
    Location:
    Toronto
    Occupation:
    Filmmaker
    Gear List:
    Home system: PI2AES with SBAF ABNN>AES> Yggdrasil LIM>SE>Heed Obelisk SI III>Harbeth P3ESR XDs + REL t7i.

    Work: USB | S/PDIF (PI2AES Lite) ->MOTU Ultralite MK5/Geshelli J2S -> Monitors: Genelec 8020s + 7040a

    Headphones: USB | S/PDIF (PI2AES Lite) -> MOTU/J2 (SBAF ABNN after SMPS)- > Lyr+. ZMF AUTEUR CLASSIC, HD 6xxM (sbaf kissmod), HD600, Modded DT770s.

    Previous equipment. Harbeth P3ESR Standards, Harbeth C7ES3s, Neumann KH120As, Dynaudio M20s. Project Debut III/Graham Slee pre, Soekris 2541 (2x), RME ADI-2 DACfs, Bifrost 2, Holo Spring1 LV2, Schiit Fulla, BF2 (2x), BF 2/64, Gungnir Multibit Multibit A2, Heed Dactillus, Denafrips Ares, Auralic Aries, AudioLab M-DAC, Rega R-DAC, OG Schiit Freya, Schiit Magni 3, OG Burson Soloist, MassDrop LCX, Burson Fun, ZDT Jr., BHA-1, Lynx Hilo

    Previous Headphones: ZMF Aeolus, HD800S, LCD-X 2021, Focal Clear, Focal Elex, OG Sennheiser 650, Sennheiser 58x Jubilee, OG AKG Sextetts, Nhoord Red custom build, Symphones Magnum V8 custom build, Elleven Acoustica G1 custom build, Elleven Acoustica R1 custom build, Hifiman He400i, AKG K702.
    I am a filmmaker. I have also owned and operated a couple different animation/video-post studios and have been buying and trading gear since the 90s. I am relatively new to hifi.

    Signature

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