nice....! ❤️

Saw this wordplay in an ad somewhere. It felt apropos.. :beerchug: :beerchug: :beerchug:

Yes, I can. Sorry for jumping into the thread without context.. but on this one point: the Decware/ZMF OTL + Decware Taboo is one of the most addictive amp sections I’ve ever heard. Specifically, it’s my personal go-to for the open Caldera headphones - the pristine and holographic presentation...

While ZMF users are much more accustomed to pad rolling (as those headphones come with multiple pad options to start with), many users of other headphones don’t pad roll as much, and it’s a missed opportunity. With the exception of my estats, I think I tried swapping swapping on nearly all my...

The AC does sub-bass like no other headphones for me. If that's important, look no further..

I'm heavily prejudiced toward the Atrium Closed, but I'd have been grossly negligent not to have shared that link... 😉

good one 😁

Sounds like an amazing meetup! Danny told me about it and, if I didn't have so much recent business travel under my belt, I'd have made the trip for it. What a fantastic lineup! Can't wait to hear your impressions from the event, please share after.. 🙏...

Nice!!

TLDR; best output tube options for me are Mullard EL37 (massive soundstage) and Tung-Sol made 6550 (thicker texture and bass). Both NOS.

Sure thing. I first heard the 3kT at CanJam NYC and loved it. Been looking for a successor to my SP2000 and all the releases in between were lacking its warm full-textured presentation and, finally, it seemed a worthy successor has come. I got one and had it with me at home for a week. With...

yea, those aligator LCD-XC look so cool! never seen a pair of those in person, but from pictures I have the same reactions. I admit I have a weekness for anything wood and leather.. my wood obsession goes through many wonderful ZMF headphones (and other). And AT have some of those classic...

Smooth transaction, excellent communication, and a pleasure. Great seller, happy to recommend!

In NYC, they always arrive fresh and good 🤷‍♂️😁

Revisiting an old favorite, the Audio-Technica ATH-L3000 (refitted wtih ZMF Universe Lambskin Solid pads). From the amps I currenlty have on hand, it has the best synery with the Aegis - these lush and bassy closed-back headphones match up beautifully with the Aegis' delicate presentation and...

indeed!

The output impedance on the OTL interconnects may or may mot be the same as its headphone outputs, but it does typically run in lower numbers for most integrated amps (something in the 10-100 ohm range) The input impedance of the Taboo interconnects will typically be high (something like 10k...

Lara Fabian evokes emotion like no other singer I know. When she sings, she feels. When she feels, you feel. I've been listening to some of her tracks this evening and tears welled up in my eyes and dropped. If you haven't experienced her, start with a couple of YouTube watch and listens first...

The Aegis and Tungsten is a super combo! (and with EL37 really outstanding) 🙏

Listening to this beautiful track with the Caldera Closed and DIY Aegis. Timbre is rich and full of texture. Female vocals, acoustic guitar, double bass, and drums are all beautifully rendered with a wonderful sense of natural space. These headphones are such a joy! ❤️

I had the Arya V2 and loved it. Those can be had today at around $500-600 which are a steal. But in a <$2k budget, I second the recommendation for used VO. Some amazing ones are listed ont he classifieds at <$1.5k and it's a great complement for the Caldera, and still one of the best performing...

I'm with you! these are my 2 top choices.. It's been a while since I tried my XF2 in the Aegis (they are my default tubes for the Nirvana). I should revisit it. I'm now on a long 6550 stretch period and really loving it. It's been 2-3 months since I had the EL37 in, curious how they will sound...

Wow!! yea, all 6550 NOS were Tung-Sol made. Mine is RCA branded. oy!

I finally got around to the Shu Guang Electric WEKT88 Plus tubes. My honest impression is that these aren't the best tubes I've tried. Thinly textured and lacking in bass extension (in stark comtrast to the Tung-Sol made 6550); and a collapsed stage (in contrast to the EL37). They do have 2 big...

I have to admit that I lost a heartbeat reading this mid sentence.. 🤣 Thanks for sharing these great impressions, enjoyed reading them! Me CanJam demo had the same take on Immanis’ more expansive vs. Magna’s more intimate presentations, but haven’t had a chance to home demo yet so very helpful...