I must admit to being a bit lagging in posting my thoughts on the Opera.
First, thank you to Todd for setting up such an incredible program.
Unfortunately I lost the notes I made on the Opera so I'll have to go from memory.
Using the AT W5000 and comparing it to the Meier HAMKII SE. I found the soundstage and resolution of the Opera to be incredibly good. The soundstage extended further and wider than that of the HAMKII SE. On a good recording each musician seemed to float within their own orb of sound. A very cool effect. In comparison, although I didn't think it was possible the HAMKII SE was far less resolving and had a much more compressed soundstage. The HAMKII SE had a more forward sound as well.
Initially I found the bass to be very nice on the Opera, however the bass quantity seemed to be more on the HAMKII SE. I realized that I was using a different power cord on the HAMKII SE vs. the stock on the Opera. When comparing apples to apples, there's no lack of bass with the Opera in the least.
I knew I would and do miss the sound of the Opera. I was ready to purchase one and likely will (even writing these thoughts makes me want to go out and buy one) however I have been tempted by the Raptor W5000 synergy and want to see what that has to offer.
I can say without a doubt that the Opera is the finest headphone amp I have heard. It truly deserves the finest of reputations out there.
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