K3cT

Sounds like HiFiMan is trying to emulate the electrostatic sound but the execution is not there yet. Your description really reminds me of an under-driven SR-007 MK2. Still, at least it's not a bright, aggressive type that seems to be their house sound.

Does the HE-1000 sound closer to an electrostatic or electrodynamic type? I think we can all agree that most if not all planar magnetic sound like the latter.

I hope the HE-1000 is not too bright or aggressive like the HE-560 and HE-6.

The strangest thing of course is they're selling like hot cakes. I guess adopting the Apple model of making their DAPs look slick coupled with a snappy and intuitive user interface (still the best amongst audiophile DAPs out there) work well for them.

Use kerosene, it's effective for cleaning plastic polymers.

I haven't browsed HF in a while but apparently R-2R DAC is in vogue now? I still use a Parasound 1100HD that has been upgraded with cetoole's secret sauce, I'd wonder how it compares with a modern implementation like the Yggdrasil.

I find increasing the quiescent current of the output device from amb's recommendation of 120 - 160 to around 180mA helps warming up the sound.

I've heard the higher-tier FitEar customs specifically the MH334, MH335 and Aya and I'd agree that they are better than similar offerings from JH but they are so much more expensive anyway. One thing I like about the FitEar is how small the shells are, especially when compared to the likes of Roxanne, Angie and Layla which suits my petite azn ears better. Anyway, I really REALLY like the Angie. I've always thought that the JH13 w/ Freqphase is the best JH has to offer even with the arrival of Roxanne which is a tad dark and boomy with uncontrolled bass to me but the Angie pretty much dethrones it. One thing I dislike about the JH13FP is that it has a tendency to sound strident and shouty in the upper mid/lower area which can cause fatigue fast. The Angie has none of that and it generally sounds flatter throughout the entire spectrum, the JH13FP in comparison is a bit V-shaped. The transition from bass to mid to treble is very smooth in the Angie, which makes it sound more coherent than the JH13FP. The bass dial is also pretty nifty, even when I dialed it to 2/3 the bass remains quite taut with no boomy characteristics that the Roxanne has. The only con is the shell is just so freaking huge, at least for the universal version.

Actually I'm a pretty big fan of Audez'e but I wish they are more forthcoming with their hardware revisions. I mean for instance did they ever officially confirm that the latest LCD-3 comes with a revised stator on top of the addition of Fazor elements?

I'm pretty sure that the TH500RP is a planar magnetic, based on the same drivers in the T50RP.

These guys make Audez'e looks sane in comparison.

I like Audez'e, they are the only company that makes flagship headphones that don't murder your ears with MOAR TREBLE.

Is this going to have a livelier sound than the L-2?

The X5 left me in mixed feelings. On one hand, I REALLY like how it sounds: it's not too warm and anemic like the AK100 and neither it's too dry and brittle like the Sony ZX1. It has a very even frequency response with no weirdness and plenty of punch. On the other hand, operating the damn thing is a major PITA. The four (unlabelled) buttons that surround the clickwheel are the very definition of intuitive. The clickwheel is also plain weird to use, for instance you cannot adjust the volume straight by turning it but you need to first press the volume rocker on the side (this thing has TWO ways to adjust volume). Build quality is surprisingly very solid but it's a shame to see it wasted with such a ridiculous UI. Oh well, onwards to the next Chinese DAP FOTM!

Speaking of the anax mod, does anyone else revert back to stock? Somehow I can't shake the feeling that the mod smears the sound a bit, especially in the bass.

By chance are your pair stock or modified?

I think that treble smearing is a weakness of dynamic driver in general. E-stats and planar magnetic headphones don't have this issue although they don't image as nicely as the HD800.

Is the Uber analog upgrade a significant improvement? I feel that the Resonessence Concero plays in a different league than a stock Bifrost.

Resonessence CONCERO

That hasn't been my experience at all. The Peak/Volcano was positively brighter than the Zana Deux. Oh well, I would just chalk it down to tube difference.

I haven't heard the GS-X but if it's going to sound like the Gilmore Lite or Dynahi I definitely think it would be a better idea to try out the Peak/Volcano since it's going to sound well, different. You already have the β22 and I honestly thought that it's more similar than different compared to the Dynahi. Peak/Volcano is a pretty awesome combination with the HD800 but the Zana Deux slightly edges it out for me.

Oh, my bad. Both higher-end models are more comfortable, have better treble, layering and soundstage and just sound more refined overall. All of them still maintain that warmish Audez'e house sound although I would say that the LCD-3 is probably the most different sounding one with its very mellow and forward nature. I would say that if you like the LCD-2 and seek a direct upgrade then the LCD-X may be the answer you're looking for but if you want to try something a tad different then the LCD-3 is worth a try.

Comfort for one. I think the LCD-3 may be a tad too mellow for me so I prefer the more energetic sound of the LCD-X.

It's really hard to say, I personally prefer the LCD-X over the LCD-3 but they pretty much play at the same level and definitely represent quite a tangible improvement over the LCD-2.

I would wait until the Calyx M debuts before making a decision. Quoted straight from their Facebook page: I've listened to their flagship Femto DAC for a couple of times so if it's going to have a similar sound (articulate, detailed, and airy) then it will be great.