vortrex
100+ Head-Fier
I think they are similar when it comes to driving both the SEM1 & TH900 the Pioneer is certainly a more well rounded headphone with no glaring weaknesses - the TH900 IMO has one ace card over most other headphones it's ability to instil a euphoric listening experience. The Pioneer with a good dac /amp such as the Mirus & GSX MK 2 reveals astounding amounts of information whilst remaining enjoyable this is the HD800 mating with the TH900 to produce the SEM1 theory came from for me. Also zero issues with siblance & and great bass. The Sony TA-ZH1ES is also excellent with the SEM1 although I have only tried it single ended.
On another note:
Has anyone here used an XLR4 balanced cable with the SEM1? Also any links suggestions welcomed.
I got a pretty decent XLR4 for my Sony MDR-Z1R which I think closes the gap between the Sony & SEM1.
I'm using the Pioneer official balanced cable which is cumbersome and very delicate especially around the headphone housing connectors.
As I've posted before I use the WyWires Platinum with XLR4. Way better than that stock cable, huge upgrade. I use the same cable on my Z1R.