You have a good taste.
No mind of my own, I just do what the Forum tells me
I’m looking to replace the frayed stock cable on my HD800’s. There is the Chord Shawcan, as I have Shaw cables on the streamer and headphone amp, or the more expensive Kimber AXIOS from Russ Andrews which seems well regarded. Has anyone tried either of these?
Shawcan is now discontinued. Gone from the Chord website anyway
Bruce
Yes, I noticed that, but UK retailers have them on their web sites - made to order…
Well I finally made my headphone amp choice and went for the Violectric V280 as I really didn’t need the additional functionality of the V281. Had it about two weeks now and it is sounding brilliant with the Meze Empyreans. The SQ is significantly better than my old headline2/NAPSC which sounded congested and dull by comparison.
The other interesting thing I have noted is that the Meze Empyrean bass seems to have become more “controlled” over the last few weeks (using my Hugo 2 as the reference amp). They sounded good straight out of the box, but apparently they have improved!! Maybe it’s just psychological and I have become more familiar with the sound, who knows.
Anyway, my recommendation for a set up worth auditioning for anyone seeking out a headphone setup is NDX2/Violectric 280/Meze Empyreans.
Mike - I’ve had both, not on HD800s though. Kimber Axios, beautifully made but for me it didn’t make much of an improvement over the standard, albeit high quality cables, that come with my Sony Z1R phones. The construction of the Kimber cables make them very microphonic so they couple noise (from brushing on clothes, floor etc) into the headphone capsules. I had mine on a 60 day trial so sent them back. The Shawcan on the other hand is more ‘DIY’ in appearance then the Kimber, is more flexible and much less microphonic. For me it was quite an improvement on the standard cable so it stayed. It’s a shame Chord don’t make them anymore as they were very nicely priced for the improvement on offer.
Hi Kuma. I live in Chicago and Chris H. recommended that I get in touch with you to talk about Linn (I’m thinking about getting one). I just joined this forum and not sure how it works exactly, but can you please contact me somehow?
Thanks,
Joe
1st guy: “You got your DAC on my analog radio!”
2nd guy: “You got your analog radio on my DAC!”
That’s funny, it’s like putting racing fuel in your chainsaw.
I am running my new Meze Empyreans in - and wow they are something aren’t they. I am running from my Hugo mk1 with the Meze unbalanced silver plated leads (and leather pads) - and yes I notice the bass appears to be getting slammier over the hours.
I am listening to the Ramones 40th Anniversary on 96/24 and am hearing loads of things in the production that I never knew were there, and i can hear how the cymbals are being hit as they sway- fantastic, really makes it come alive - and at one point I thought somebody was knocking on the window - but it was in the mix - spooky moment… oh yes you can hear main hum in the studio - guitar pick up hum - and you really sense/hear Joey bopping around the mic in the studio… i love hearing the decay and tune on the bass drum, as well as the tune on the snare - unfortunately I just don’t get that with my speakers in busy punk mixes… its like listening to the Ramones playing live in a pub, stereo can’t get much more fun than this.
Oh yes! Mine are really coming on song now, even with UQ2 as source, can’t wait for the PS for my NDS to turn up. Almost at my endgame system.
I have borrowed a Hugo2 from my friendly dealer - and the balance of the Hugo2 with the Empyreans seem even better then the Hugo Original - the balance feels more light and agile yet with a subtle warmth - and I can hear what the Hugo2 does over and beyond the Hugo Original, notice more textures in voices when naturally thin or eq’d in the mix - funny this evaded me with my 552/250 setup … i think i might need to buy it.
BTW i do recommend the Meze silver plated connectors over the standard copper, unless you are running a very bright amp.
Its funny in loudspeaker setups you spend ages smoothing the sounds and seeking that more ‘analogue’ feel and avoiding the triggers for reflections and resonances with your speakers and room - with higher end headphones its so different - and it all about opening up and being neutral without fear of resonances, peaks or other artefacts interfering with the enjoyment.
The PRaT in Beck’s Odelay is amazing - not heard it sounding so infectious before… and evidently i have not really heard it before properly… just listening to ‘High 5 (rock the catskills)’
ahh i see you use the velour pads - I do prefer the leather, for my ears and head they seem to have a more natural balance… its great they give you the choice
I wanted the copper colour too but apparently they were a limited run and now its black or black…so black it is !