I am late to the party, rather this thread but as I am currently researching players and transports - Esoteric X-01D2, Accuphase DP700, and Linn Akurate - I found this a very interesting thread. There seems to be, however, a bit of misleading information how Esoteric is economizing with its...

I bought mine new in Germany a week ago (series number 324), unfortunately I seem to have gotten a defective pair: They audibly distort strong bass impulses, such as you find in Morcheeba-music, Marla Glen or the O-Zone percussion group. I tried the cans with both my new EarMax Silver Edition...

I just bought a Grado GS1000 and an EarMax Silver Edition. I´d like to experiment with other amps, too, and would like to hear about people having experience with Grado and the DIY-headphone amp by Marcello Pellerano, based on the Pass Zen Single Ended Amp (Class A), which was presented in 2003...

Elephas, thank you very much for your insights. There is, in fact, a new HD53R 8.0, as I found out when browsing CEC´s website. I mailed them with the question how I could distinguish an ordinary HD53 from this best version, today I received the following answer: "Thank you for your inquiry...

I am new into the headphone business, so here is what I plan to do, and would like to hear opinions about: I have heard, and read, good things about the CEC HD53R Version 8.0. Is there anybody you has heard this particular version and can comment? I plan to buy the amp first, here in Moscow...