Show us your headphones

I got the 128 stage relay. Imported from Italy as B-stock for the same price as a brand new non-remote version. I’ve always liked ex-dem and similar for value.

It sounds great, but the relay is very noisy when changing volume.
It doesn’t bother me because I don’t change volume very often, but one to be aware of.

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Just been searching some more! The V280 has the same 4 stereo amps as the V281 and does have the pre-gain options. The boss of Lake People was apparently quoted as saying the two products are “identical” and have the same sound (but I can’t find the original quote myself).
I guess the V280 can’t take an internal DAC like the V281 as the slim case must be pretty “full”, particularly as you say you V281 is also reasonably well packed!
Must say though, I do like the look of the V281 over the V280 - its a real “industrial beast”…but is it £400 better looking…my heart says yes and my wallet says no!
Another HiFi delemma for me.

This may not help! I’ve spent too long buying something, then a few months later buying what I should have bought the first time. But yes, these days I can afford to take that approach.
It does seem an odd approach to make 2 amps that sound the same but are £400 different.
But, like you I love the industrial ,no nonsense casework.

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New Meze Classic 99 for some closed back listening.
Sound good straight out of the box. Will let them run in a bit before comparing to the Sennheiser HD 700’s also pictured.

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Ordered a new pair of ear cushions (old ones had started to disintegrate) for my Grado MS1’s and at the price point are hard to beat. Thinking about trying some GS1000e now…

image

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Where from, Roberto?

Right, found it.
Westend DJ via Google.

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Always getting really jealous when I see that “German beast” in this thread… :beer:

Have another one!

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How are you getting on with the Feliks Euforia ? Im torn between the Euforia Anniversary Edition and Violectric V281 at the moment…

In short I am very happy with the Euforia indeed, paired with the ZMF Verite. I was in exactly the same position as you - toing and froing between the Euforia and the V281. I heard a lot of good things about the Violectric but I went for the Euforia in the end partly because I wanted to have tubes in my system and partly because it was specifically recommended by Zach Mehrbach at ZMF as a great driver for the Verite’s.
The Euforia is indeed excellent with a neutral sound and very quiet background. It is also a real joy to listen to where the music is the star and it really has that groove factor. Highly recommended.
However, having said that, before I purchased it I was not aware that the tubes take some time to warm up, about 10 minutes or so and running it for more than 8 hours at a stretch is not recommended. This does not bother me in the slightest but thought it might be worth a mention.
I would also like to add something about my experience with the ZMF Verite - having had these for around a month now they are really starting to come on song (50 hours is the given burn in time). They are beautiful looking and beautiful sounding headphones that match the Euforia exceedingly well but the customer service I have received from Zach and Bevin Mehrbach (the owners of ZMF) has been absolutely top class. They have both got personally involved in ensuring my experience is as good as it can be and that is so refreshing but I guess smaller manufacturers are in a position to do that where larger ones with a bigger customer base are not.
In conclusion a brilliant amp paired with a brilliant pair of headphones.
Do let me know what you go for in the end and if it is the V281 why you think of it.
Cheers!

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Please for comparation.

Hi Engine.

The quick response is that the HD 700’s are better, as you would hope given the difference in price.

The 99’s have a deeper fuller bass though. I find the 700’s more comfortable to wear. The big bonus for the 99’s is being closed back so I can continue to listen to my music when the TV is on.

Sound quality wise I prefer the open airier and more detailed presentation of the 700’s, the 99’s can sound a bit congested in comparison. The 99’s are good for the money and I like listening to them.

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Thanks Sten, I appreciate the feedback.

I had already decided on the Meze Empyrean and have an opportunity for either the Feliks or Violectric at a reasonable discount but need to pull the trigger this weekend, without the opportunity to audition first. I have decided to place the order today for the Violectric.

The final push came by way of feedback from Meze. I had seen mention of the Empyrean possibly being voiced with the Euforia but it turns out they didn’t feel the pairing had particularly good synergy (or at least the chap that replied didn’t).

It’s interesting ZMF found the opposite with the Verite. I imagine the synergy has a lot to do with the driver type, the Verite being a dynamic driver and the Empyreans being some sort of planar hybrid.

Anyway, by all accounts I don’t think either of us will end up with a set up that disappoints !

Cheers…

I have the 99s too, love them. Really comfy and wonderful open sound.run mine from a Graham Slee Solo HP amp.

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Big fan of the 99’s love them, combined with the RME they just open up so much. I am tempted to try some Focal Elears but not sure what I will gain.

Finally…HD800s came from the service. I wouldn’t say that 820 it’s better then 800s or other way around… they are just different. For a while I will keep both of them👍

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Just got a set of used Focal Elears not that you could tell perfect condition, for a little over £400 very happy. End game reached for main headphone rig. I may not return to my main hifi for some time as this trances it every which way and for way less and no room to deal with.

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Meze Empyreans in the house :grin:
Rare shot of them not on my head!

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The full collection.
Front left, clockwise:
Sennheiser HD 700’s with bespoke after market cable terminated in 3.5mm plus stock cable. After market case.
Meze Classic 99’s with stock cables and case.
Meze Empyreans with stock cable (3.5mm) and after market balanced silver cable. Supplied travel case.

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