rlow

I guess I'm confused as I haven't EQd headphones for a long time, maybe ever.

Sorry, I was suggesting if you go for HD800S, make sure to try some EQ. Definitely recommended to tame the treble peaks and give them a bit more low end.

I have a pair of HD800S on the way actually! (just ordered today) Owned an HD800+SDR back in 2016, but sold them in favor of the Utopia. Figure I should try the HD800S at home and decide if I still want to pursue Utopia synergy or just get rid of them and free myself of the mental turmoil. :)

Bow-chicka-wow-wow

Don’t come a-knockin when the walls are rockin

(OT: I love how proverbs are similar, but different in different languages. The German version of what @Collusion said is „Ist die Katze aus dem Haus, tanzen die Mäuse auf dem Tisch.“ “When the cat’s out, the mice dance on the table.”)

That's awesome, @rlow . I am intrigued by the MJ3. How would you say that it compares to the Lyr with the HD800Ss? Are you using the stock pads?

@Justin S no detailed comparisons yet. A bit tricky to do because Mj3 shines with balanced output and also gets the balanced outputs from my Yggdrasil as well, whereas Lyr is SE for both.

A steal

The Saphires were special. I'd pondered through trying to hack together a clone w/ those unobtanium Peerless corundum tweeters and a quad of eminence alphas, but I'm lazy. these new Caladans are hard to beat price-wise.

Will be very interested to get ears on these at CAF.

I hear it. The 2003 remaster is stunningly transparent. It was originally released on hybrid SACD. The redbook layer is great and quite dynamic, but the SACD layer retains full dynamic range. It's one of the best remastering jobs I've ever seen.

Hear it. Sounds like guitar amp hum/fuzz. Think I might have heard it cross into left channel briefly at low level too

Just as a data point, the same version on Qobuz seems to not have this issue.

@Justin S good to know about the LCD-X. Think I’m too spoiled with Aeolus with Eikon pads - way way more sub bass (though prob too much). @Gazny yeah will have to keep an ear on distortion. Found @Resolve’s PEQ settings…seem to be working well.

If it sounds good definitely do it.
Id suggest exploring different volume levels too

Yeah, any can with more neutral bass sounds light coming from ZMFs. Same thought with my Utopia when I've tried ZMFs on loaners, especially with respect to subbass. Ironically, thought the HD800 SDR was bass light compared to the Utopia when I demoed back in 2016 or whenever it was.

I was so happy it was you that picked them up @rlow . I just saw that you also picked up an MJ3. I have tiny envy. I bet it will make them really sing. I am looking forward to my Aeolus in a few weeks.

Oh damn i thought it was just the XC that was heavy.

The HFM Arya stealth will fill your requirements perfectly just be aware of the slight 2khz dip and softer mid bass punch. Also HFMs sound more ethereal overall.

Heavily asterisked for many reasons, but I recently got a Verum for the same reason. Still evaluating, but I think it sounds like what you want. Drops off a bit around 30Hz with the perforated pads.

Oh yeah. It starts up as particle board and turns into mahogany

Initial impressions (and with what source and headphones)?

With Yggdrasil A2 and Aeolus or HD650 (stock). So far this is easily the best solid state amp I’ve heard, although I’ve only owned a small handful. Easily better than Jot 2, and way, way better for my prefs than Rag 1.5. Sounds the most natural of any SS amp I’ve heard so far. Can go into more details later.

Having Clear and several HD800 of various mod levels, the HD800 spend more in recreational listening than Clears. My personal preferences, YMMV, etc.

The Clear OG might be good with the A2 but what’s in the middle might determine if it’s what you’re looking for. Also if you didn’t care for the Elex, you might not like the Clear (assuming metallic timbre that bugs some folks). I enjoy mine but yeah trade offs. It would be ideal if you can try before committing.

@rlow PM me your shipping; I'd be willing to loan you my JAR HD650 if interested

USED? How long have these been out again? Either way, congratulations! Hope to hear impressions from you when you can be bothered to share.

The other Aeolus is making noise out your way tonight too, I guess... All ok?

@Biodegraded thatnks for asking. Lost power for about 6 hours. Back now and the winds are dying down somewhat. Hopefully the worst has passed.

Yggdrasil A2/SW51+ really is a great combo. There’s great synergy with my Auteur and Elite. Glad it’s working with your Aeolus as well!

Turns it into a pretty rich and engaging listen with some great low end kick.

I enjoy both very much. Prefer the 600 for rock/alternative/metal and electronic, but the 650 for folk, jazz and acoustic/live stuff. And I prefer my Aeolus over the 600 for most things due to more sub bass kick. Wanted to reduce the stable to possibly try some new things, so the 600 had to go (along with Elex).

@Lyander that was the first pair of 600 I’ve ever tried. Was curious and they came on a big sale so I snatched them up. Really enjoyed them. Would love to hear an older pair to see if they’re better.

I sold HD600 once and regretted it. Elex is a weird headphone, had it on the chopping block until I plugged it into a sonett2. Not going anywhere that amp turns Elex into super duper HD600 but even better.

And let's toss in a 5.1 quake around Ventura.

Storm diverted away from most major population centers. Can't speak for everywhere obviously, but here it rained on/off with varying 15-30 mph (guessing) winds - not bad at all thankfully.

Mjolnir 3 seems to have more in common with big boy speaker amps (Coda, Pass Labs) than traditional headphone amps. 16 output devices per channel? Good grief. I may have to bite the bullet to compare to ECP T4 and the DSHA-3FN...

Some used to get loaners beforehand. I guess that is not happening anymore.

Some folks have listened to it at the Corpus and Bay area meets I believe.

Glad to hear you are safe

Whoa! Glad you are ok and your home unscathed. Really feeling for your neighbors who weren't as lucky.

I'm so glad you are okay. House fires and the aftermath are no fun.

The bills have to be paid somehow.