This is a shot in the dark: Can any of you tell me whether any of the Focal headphones do justice to the Stellaris. Do they see into the music better than other premium headphones? In fact, I have found that the Stellaris reproduces music in a fantastic way on a pretty wide variety of...

There is also the EML 2A3-S (Solid plate) to consider. I far prefer it to the mesh-plate, which I found to be great in the treble, but lacks "body" in the mid-range. I have not tried the EML 300B 2.5, but I have a number of other 2A3 tubes, anyway.

According to the owner of Audio Note (UK), AN(UK) will never get into the headphone business, but they have co-operated with Donald in certain elements of the design and furnishing parts. I don't know any more than this. Ask Donald, if he can build an all silver Stellaris. One thing is for...

I don't think Audio Note (UK) produces a really high-end 2A3 amp, but the Empress Silver Signature mono blocks certainly has a pretty polite sound signature, but still captures the inner details and never falls behind, dynamically. However, it doesn't have silver OPTs, or silver coupling caps.

M17, I'm sure Donald can do that, but I warn you it will probably end up as basically an AN(UK) amplifier. You may or may not like the sound. It's pretty polite.

Thanks again, St.P. There's a long thread on the HD600, here, on head-fi. It's not as warm as the HD650s. I have never tried them.

Thanks St.P. I agree with you about HD650 100%, but what about the HD600, which I have never heard?

I am the owner of one of the first handful of Stellaris amplifiers. I'm thinking of upgrading my headphones to a newer generation of cans. Does anyone have the Focal Clears? How do they sound? I'm really hesitant about this because I had a terrible experience with the HD-800. I did upgrade a...

The LCD-X is a whole different kettle of fish than the two LCD-2 models and the LCD-3. It's far more analytical.

If anybody who gave up on the Original LCD-2 and still has them: if you can afford it, get it fazorized. It makes a huge difference. I had given up hope after buying one of the first. Now I am very happy. They have imrpoved my enjoyment of all kinds of music (classical, early indie groups...

There is big difference between listening to one's headphones and listening to the music.

I've never been able to figure out how to quote anyone. Nonetheless in reply to the comparison of the LCD-2 and the LCD-2 + Fazors, the latter has better bass, is more balanced through the sonic range (less warmth) is a lot more detailed and has better "inner resolution" of instruments and...

I bought a couple of $1K headphones and was sadly disappointed, so I went back to my HD650 and AKG 7xx. Before that, I had purchased a first generation LCD2. Didn't like it. This Spring, I sent them back to the factory and the Fazors installed. This resulted in a very large improvement to my...

I'm guessing you are right. But aren't there equally expensive amps that get more attention? Any of them SETs? My hunch is that they are way outnumbered by SS addicts, but I am too happy with my Stellaris to bother to look. I also see on Head-fi that there are number of high-end DAC users...

This isn't going anywhere, is it?