After my initial, not so smooth run...
Tested in again in an improved system, also tried two cables, sources, amps.
Within a day, I decided that I got angry enough to put an end to this, because brain burn-in won't work so well on this one.
My opinion still stands. Either I simply fail to comprehend its sound, or Spritzer is just plain right.
Very fast, textured, but bright and thin, lacking energy, unnaturally dry timbre (a lot of estat haters say that about many other modern models) with forced detail.
The tangible difference against an Omega is maybe not more than 10-25% depending on the aspect, but when adding it all up, its massive.
Its usage case is quite narrow, the recording needs to be quite specific.
I have quite a few other oldie but goody Staxes as well, where trading in a fair amount of technicalities and FR balance will bring in more of that enjoyment factor.
On a more positive note, I expected the Omega to act like an emerging superpower and raise its abilities.
With the Carbon, it has done just that. Nothing wrong with this amp at all.
Whatever chain this headphone needs, has to be very specific (warm, lush) - and even then, some character traits might not really change, so it might just still get a good old fashioned beating by others...