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Recommendations for next headphone

I currently have the Focal Utopias, Abyss 1266 Phi TC, Focal Stellias, and Hifiman Susvara. I have a number of amps and DAPS, the AK SP2000, Ifi audio, Focal Arche, Benchark DAC3 HGC, Woo Audio WA11, WA33. Also using Naim ND5XS2, Auralic G2.1, and PS Audio Directstream w/bridge DACs. Not looking at electrostatic at this time, until ready to plunge for a top of the line amp for that. Not considering Raal. I do like detail, clarity, and the more bass the better, but detailed bass, not muddy. Dosnt have to be super fast, I have that and more covered with what I have now, but I do enjoy different types of sound, one kind is never enough to satisfy. Meze Empyrean? Sony MDR Z1R? HD800S? HEDD ? Others?
speedbump6

Showing 5 responses by yyzsantabarbara

yyzsantabarbara
4,524 posts
 
Last night I had a problem with my work. So I started some work at 9PM and finished at 5AM this morning. All that time I was listening to the Meze Empy with WyWire Platinum XLR. I was streaming the "1976! Songs of the Year" playlist on Tidal. It was so enjoyable that after I finished my work I stayed up a little longer listening to a few more cuts. This was with the HPA4 and DAC3B.

I love this headphone system.

yyzsantabarbara
4,524 posts
 
I have no clue what my Meze Empyrean driver type is but it sounds amazing with both my Benchmark HPA4 and Bryston BHA-1. I listen for many hours each night and now afternoons too (no 2 channel amp any more). I used to get fatigue and hated headphones about 10 years ago. I took a chance on the Meze and have been shocked at how amazing it is.

I am using the WyWire XLR over the stock cable, this gets the extra little bit detail that the stock cable did not get.

BTW - I am surprised you have not picked up the HPA4, given your stable of amps. I owned the DAC3 HGC at one time and the HPA4 is much better. Though I never had headphones to compare with the HGC, I am comparing the preamp section. I used the same components on the HGC as I am now using on the HPA4.

yyzsantabarbara
4,524 posts
 
Thanks.

Yes, I was referring to the Meze Empyrean. The Abyss Phi TC was another I was looking at but I am under the impression that it is a bit finicky with placement on the head. I move my head around a lot to view 6 office computer monitors and I wanted something that stays in place. The Empy does stay in place. I will have to demo the Abyss instead of buying blind like I did with the Empy.

I have the Benchmark HPA4. I wanted to get a second amp and right now have narrowed it down to a second HPA4 or the Headamp GS-X mini. I will do a bit of research on all the amps you have.
yyzsantabarbara
4,524 posts
 
@speedbump6 How does the Empy rate in your stable of phones? I am thinking of getting a second headphone. So far the Susvara has been recommended to me by the person would recommended the Empy. Love the Empy so I am assuming the Susvara is also great.
yyzsantabarbara
4,524 posts
 
Interesting feedback on the Abyss. Very curious on that now.

Another amp I want to check out is the new T+A HA 200. T+A make some impressive DACs and this unit has a built in DAC.
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