It’s very hard to get past the fact this is a limited run of what is essentially a “what if” experiment. The novelty and boutique-like exclusivity have likely biased me into liking this amp, which will probably be mentioned in the same sentence as other classics (such as Eddie Current’s Studio B) for years to come. But make no mistake, this is a liquid, slam-happy, detailed, wide, deep, and very fun amp. If this were a car, oh boy. Ever driven an impractically fun car like a Shelby Cobra? A labor of fun, built on top of years of expertise? Well...

This is it. Closed back endgame for me. A surprisingly big and luxurious step up from the great ÆON 2 Noire. These headphones get out of the way, full stop. They are comfortable and precise. Where the Noire impressed me in terms of soundstage, the stealth manages to go a bit wider - but with the eerie feel of being in a very well treated room. There really is nothing but the music, folks. Yup, just like that. If we try to compare this system to a car, we are in Grand Tourer territory - as in Bentley Continental GT W12. See, it’s not just the best...

This is not a clinically-accurate listening device. This is a fun interpretation of your favorite music at an affordable price. These cans are opinionated. They think you like the voice up front, the instruments detailed, the highs bright, and the lows tamed. They think you prefer intimate yet airy soundstages. They are grungy with 90s Seattle-sound jams. They are jumpy with bubblegum pop. They are garage-band fun with rock and roll. They dress up when out and about for a night at the opera. And like in all these experiences, your choice of seating...

These headphones are fun and comfortable above all else. They impressed me in terms of soundstage, as they may be the widest I’ve ever experienced out of closed-back cans. I have a complicated relationship with planar headphones. Some experiences: Planars tend to be heavy and bulky and get uncomfortable after an hour or so. Most of the really good ones cost small fortunes. The best planars are open and leak with abandon, so you need to be away from people when you enjoy them. The few closed backs one can find are a bit claustrophobic and have...

This headphone amp is fun, refined, and versatile, but it seems to have a very specific listener in mind to justify its price. If this were a car, I’d call it a Grand Tourer: plenty of power, luxury, and comfort for loooong rides. But neither this amp nor Grand Tourers are for everybody. Clinical listeners may be better served with more neutral amps, of which there are plenty and much cheaper. This guy is for listeners who like just a little bit of warmth, a fun soundstage, and more importantly, have their entire chain balanced. The amp’s...