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I think the GS-X Mini would be a great choice for the Utopia. As good as the ZH1ES is, it isn't as transparent as the GS-X / or the mini Dynalo that I have. Less dynamic sounding too. However, you can buy the ZH1ES used for less than $1500 and you are about 85-90% there to the GSX Mini and you don't need to get another DAC. If you need a cheap but very good DAC, I highly recommended the SMSL SU-8 1.2 version DAC. For $250 off Amazon, it offers a really good sound for cheap. No harshness that I could detect either.

How about the GSX - mini?

Yes, I have. The ZH1ES is a solid upgrade in term of sound quality from my WM1Z and you should see the sonic benefits on your Utopia as well John. I found the ZH1ES to have considerably better soundstage depth and width compared to my 1Z. The presentation on the ES amplifier is more laid back and also warmer than that of the WM1A and 1A so it should work in favor of the Utopia. With that said, the best I have heard the Utopia was actually out of my GSX-MKI with Dynalo Plus module installed.

40 Trips Around the Sun in 24/96. Just bought it 15 mins ago. Excellent remastering.

Or whenever they decide to release Jade II SE

I know that the 3F is made for Focal, but how does the Senn HD800 do on it?

The L700 + 353X gotta be a much better purchase.

Can it best my JH13pro?

Have a great thanksgiving everybody!

My condolences, Wayne and Antonio.

Seem like a better designed product than the Koss ESP950. Koss offers a lifetime warranty though.

Have a great birthday Dusty!

Justin told me that the 353X is a re-worked SRM717, so it should sound very decent right?

I'm not going to overpay for the SR009...when I can get them used for around $2500 now.....sadly I paid $3800 for mine a few years back. Some of us even paid $5500ish back when the US economy was tanking.

Very sad news. My deepest condolence to you and your family, Craig.

Thanks Bjorn. It just can't be better than the 800S or 800 for that matter given that those enclosure and driver were meant for an open design to begin with.

I don't have them any more but I found them a little laid back and airy. However, they don't have much bass or sense of impact even from better amplifiers such as the BHSE or T2 or the Aristaeus. Still a very good sound, just not to the L700 to my ears.

They aren't bad but I prefer my Lambda Pro and definitely the L700 to it.

Koss usually will have a Black Friday sales at 50% off. I bought my ESP950 for $500 with full accessories a few years back.

Given that you don't need a DAC and the added functionality including the remote control...that'a great deal at the price. You may find the attack a little soft compared to the like of SuSy Dynalo Mini, but the soundstage including image are better. Everything else is a toss up. You can use a silver usb cable to tighten up the sound a little bit. The included walkman cable is good but you can do a lot better.

Have a great birthday John!

I want to own the SRM-D50 all the sudden.

I would go with the Sennheiser HD-800S in balanced. It's a great match with any SuSy Dynalo design.

It's a beautiful unit indeed. Footprint wise, its more of a half rack size making it very desktop friendly. Sony did a beautiful job with chassis including paint job. It is one heavy beast and is a dream to use. Sadly, u can only listen to one output at a time and u can't use DAC out while listening to headphones. All inputs and outputs are relay based switching. I think you can find a slightly used unit under $1600. And yes, the unit works well with DSD playback.

As long as you don't pay full price for the TA-ZH1ES, I think it is a great deal. Build quality is top notch and is second to none and it comes with a remote control. You can use it as a DAC as well as a pre-amp (though don't expect top flight performance here). Sound wise in balanced, it is lush, warm, and bassy with excellent soundstage both width and depth. The downside is it can be a tad soft around the edge and not able to produce the same attack and dynamics punch compared to better dynamic amp such as the GS-X MKII. If you already have a great great DAC, you may want to wait and get Justin's new GS-1 MKII or contact Doug and buy the ECP T4. Still, I love the TA-ZH1ES with the HD800 and I reckon that you will like it a lot with the Clear as well. The tuning may prove too warm for the HD650 though. I personally like it better than the Senn HDVD-800 and the Questyle DAC/amp units that I have tried. Don't forget that this is an ES unit, so 5-year warranty comes standard. I heard Doug T4 prototype and it was on par with the GS-X MKII for $1000 less.