While most people seem to agree that the organic is a definite improvement over V3, that mostly seems to be due to it being more V-shaped. Which can be emulated via EQ. So, does the organic do other things better? Or could I have the same sound for $300 less on the used market with a little tweaking?
Also, interested to hear about people's QC experiences. Everything I've read makes it sound like arya would be perfect for me, and I loved them when I had the opportunity to demo. But all the reports of breaking scare me, I don't want an expensive set of headphones that will become a paperweight as soon as the warranty period ends. Is there another headphone with better QC that offers a close sound signature with that slamming bass?
My preferences are for very high quality bass (quantity and quality) and forward vocals. I seem to be sensitive in the 6K-8K range. Possibly also in the 1K-3K range. I can't speak to what soundstage I prefer, I never quite wrapped my head around the concept.
I had the opportunity to briefly demo an atrium, wasn't immediately impressed like with arya. Although I didn't get much time with them. Also got to spend some time with some empys, and I found them to be similar to aeolus with less frequency spikes. Had just a minute with Diana TC, and the vocal presentation super impressed me.
Taking suggestions at all price ranges for a long term wishlist. In the short term I can't spend more than about $1500. Plan to buy used.
Things I've heard before:
Also, interested to hear about people's QC experiences. Everything I've read makes it sound like arya would be perfect for me, and I loved them when I had the opportunity to demo. But all the reports of breaking scare me, I don't want an expensive set of headphones that will become a paperweight as soon as the warranty period ends. Is there another headphone with better QC that offers a close sound signature with that slamming bass?
My preferences are for very high quality bass (quantity and quality) and forward vocals. I seem to be sensitive in the 6K-8K range. Possibly also in the 1K-3K range. I can't speak to what soundstage I prefer, I never quite wrapped my head around the concept.
I had the opportunity to briefly demo an atrium, wasn't immediately impressed like with arya. Although I didn't get much time with them. Also got to spend some time with some empys, and I found them to be similar to aeolus with less frequency spikes. Had just a minute with Diana TC, and the vocal presentation super impressed me.
Taking suggestions at all price ranges for a long term wishlist. In the short term I can't spend more than about $1500. Plan to buy used.
Things I've heard before:
- Focal elegia - great bass! Obvious wonky tuning. Was very disappointed when the headband snapped on me after under a year of use, the reason I'm so concerned about QC with arya.
- DCA Noire - inoffensive, but possibly to their detriment. I found them boring and lacking in dynamics.
- Hifiman sundara - at their price, I really liked these! Primary reason for upgrading was lacking bass, even when eq'd to the point of clipping. Also, too bright for my ears.
- ZMF aeolus - based on all the reviews I thought this was going to be my endgame. I love the build quality! And pairing with a bottlehead crack made a big improvement. But ultimately, they don't quite match what I'm looking for. The midbass bump (around 250) makes everything sound boxy. Vocals seem a bit recessed, and there's some bright stuff that I find fatiguing.
