Just a quick update. Been really loving the S9C with the my IE600s. While I have found them a tad metallic on other sources, the S9C tames that with a pleasant smoothness, yet the details remain. The S9C has an excellent musicality and timbre - there is some special here for sure.

I have some impressions. I am going to focus on a few key areas over the next few posts, each with a focus on a particular song. Setup Sony MDR-Z1R with the stock 4.4mm balanced cable. Spotify Connect via a Wiim Mini connected to the Aune with Toslink. Mode 2 set on the Aune. No EQ. 1 -...

I picked up an S9C today. I am pairing it off with the MDR-Z1Rs. For some time, I have been searching for a step up from my old workhouse, the iFi iDSD Micro BL. While the Mico has served me well, and sounds great, I wanted something that had more resolution, a larger soundstage, and a tad more...

How is everyone feeling about the MUC-B20SB1 cable these days? Also, what is everyone pairing their Z1R with? I am using an iFi iDSD Micro BL, but looking at the new iDSD 2 Neo as an upgrade.

Why are you surprised about the Z1R? They are definitely one of the best closed backs available. If their type of tonal signature is one you dig, they do it better than anything else IMHO.

Thanks - looking forward to it.

How would this compare to the sound signature of the iDSD micro BL, or perhaps the Gryphon? Thanks in advance.

All the time - it's fantastic.

First weekend night with the Z1R. Man, they are absolutely brilliant, I am so impressed. Their immersion and engaging nature make it very hard to take them off.

My Z1R arrived. Initial impressions were mixed. I definitely hear a tad of 10k, but it is definitely nothing too bothersome. I initially paired it with my iFi iDSD Black Label. I was finding the bass a bit too boomy at first on this setup, so I tried it out balanced on my iFi Go Blu. The bass...

I liked the Clears, but they were not a relaxing listen, and being open meant I used them less. I sold them some time ago. The Aeons I found way too claustrophobic, and they tended to distort. This was the Aeon first gen though, they have improved drastically. The Shure's have a nice signature...

I just took the plunge after being on the fence for years. Two days until arrival. Previous headphones include Shure 1540, DCA Aeon Open, and Focal Clear. The Clears were great, but I ultimately am not an open back guy, I like being completely isolated. The Shures are good, but I have to at...

Haha! I love the Micro iDSD BL! Thanks for an awesome product!

Nice! I am using the 4.4 Litz form Campfire with my M11, for portable. And SE with my IFI Micro iDSD. Both are stunning.

I just want to chime in. When I first got my 2020 Cascade's in Aug, I found them pleasing but the mid bass was a bit bloated. I decided to keep them for burn in, and WOW. Never have a used a headphone that responded so well to burn in. They are much more balanced and have just a completely...