What was the 15th anniversary special demo from Effect Audio? Is it a new cable launch?

Thanks for your response back and explanation on the N7 thread! It makes a lot more sense, as you've explained the restriction on EQ is the format itself. I suppose I went a bit on a tangent to the subject, more so in the context of a workaround. Exactly for that, solving particular use cases...

Not sure how far along the R&D process/ planned feature set is for the C9ii. However, based on the current conversation on the N7 thread and previous comments on EQ for DSD/ MQA. It would be interesting if there was something hardware based that could be done to help with this, even if it’s not...

If you don’t mind the addition, would recommend something hardware based like the schiit lokius.

Indeed, that’s a pretty solid combo! The only icing would be getting the C9 Mk2 when that launches to pair with this setup.

Really depends on the sound signature you are looking for & budget for synergy, but there is no bad combo. It is a very versatile DAP and it comes with a full tool kit; MSEB, PEQ and multiple plugins to fine tune the taste you are looking for.

Can't believe didn't see this before, this thread is so under the radar! It's amazing to hear an official word about the development and thanks for sharing the early design drafts! The first render looks pretty amazing, with side/ top windows, screen and more symmetrical design. Hopefully...

Just spending some time with these, do sound different from before. Not as strong in the treble, the bass is dialled down a notch by default, but at least that opens up the soundstage - less in your head now. The pop setting is probably the one I’d lean towards - the only downside is it’s not...

I would definitely recommend the N7, it is absolutely amazing for what it offers! Especially as it would now be available for a lower price on market. In terms of issues, I don’t think software issues are unique to the N7 per se, more so most recent DAPs that have newer versions of android seem...

I wouldn't be that quick to jump into pessimism. There was definitely a codec issue in the initial batch which had a large impact on sound. Presumably this wil be patched in the new batch, so I would honestly wait for impressions when this batch is launched. Just to put that into context, using...

The issues with Tidal might be from the latest update. Have the same issue with the N7 - restarting the device seems to help in the short term. Definitely agree with the sound, but the layout takes some getting used to coming from the app.

Who wouldn't! :L3000: The design actually looks surprisingly compact & flexible. It definitely has a retro vibe with the cone design - especially love how the black and white image adds to that feel.

£339 in the UK and CHF 399 from audioessence.

Just had a call today from the distributor - seems like these are issues with the first batch. I guess they got them out to us a bit too soon to meet the demand. But they are now being recalled and will be swapped out with the 2nd batch (not sure how far out that might be). But from the sound...

Lol! What makes this even funnier is it's a US company. :joy: Hiccups aside, it's a really solid piece of equipment. It's only been the day so far. Personally, I would rate it quite highly just for SQ alone - it is quite fun/ engaging, the clarity is higher than I expected - although wouldn't...

Another pro I've just though of is tip rolling is probably expected, as even with different tips the case closes. With other tws sets that's an issue.

Same. they shipped out yesterday and arrived today. 100% there are launch issues. The Fokus app doesn't do much other than show the name either and the update doesn't go through. I did have slight crackling on the right side when first connecting, but that went away after disconnecting and...

I think a flagship would make more sense to launch next year, with the much awaited cypress xmems tech they demoed at ces. But that seems distant, so I jumped aboard the pre-order train, though still admittedly have to wait for the postman to knock once distribution begins. From what is being...

I see, thanks for getting back on the query and for sharing your experiences! Wasn't expecting there to be that much of a difference in impressions between the two, given how the Empyrean launched as a flagship, even though they are a few years old at this point.

Might have missed it if already covered, but am curious how the E3's compare to the Meze Empyrean (OG) as a headphone, as both are locally available at a similar price.

Oh wow, looked into this a bit more and there are indeed QC issues/ defective units from what I can surmise that give the HP DC abnormal error for the A70. Can't find an official response on this (offical statement recognising the issue/ if corrected), there are a handful of comments on forums...

Something to be aware of is, a lot of desktop equipment is combo - so DAC + Amp which you might or might not want. If you want just a headphone amplifier - would recommend either the Topping A70 Pro or A90D depending on local pricing. Edit: Having looked into it more, there are a lot of QC...

Thanks for getting back so quickly and for sharing Ryan's review - which is quite thorough. Ah ok, that is interesting, so a more analytical, less-coloured approach. By technical performance, I assume that encompasses both detail retreival and soundstage, i.e. more studio focused in...

Do like the new design language! Is there a purple cable option with that? However, I am curious how these compare to the supermoon and bonneville? The supermoon is the same price category - whilst being a single planar driver and the boneville is priced slighty higher, but is a DD+3BA setup...

That is one of the things I loved about the Hiby - the software flexibility. The ability to add convolution files (for some reason I never get the name right in my head always think of the words convolver/ devolver - I'm pretty sure that's a gaming studio) and plugins are icing on the cake! For...