[listen4joy]

A Review

 

[DarginMahkum]

A Review

"Jaw dropping transients"... Looks like AA just discovered the snake oil covered world of audiophilism. It is jaw dropping but needs a button to be enabled? If it is so jaw dropping and the right thing, why is it not enable by default and keep it that way? Why would anyone need an extra switch for that - a switched implementation that would just increase component count and the cost. Military grade? Who needs military grade components and casing, for example, for an amplifier just sitting on a table top? No ICs? There are so many designs out there with ICs and extremely low noise. So?

https://www.head-fi.org/threads/the...agship-by-austrian-audio.969871/post-17753823

 

[Purzel]

A Review

He finds the HD800s better that’s my impressions too and says it all.

 

[Fegefeuer]

He says the tradeoff isn't worth it and I agree. No bass in the world helps when the treble isn't done right. Articulation, timbre, extension, definition, resolve. Hallmark of any done right 800. And by that I mean:

For a bit over 2500€ you can get a JAR800 (in the form of the Version 3 soon) and while it still won't have the Composer's linear subbass extension it will have everything else and given that it leaves any stock 800 (or S if you want a S version) in the dust (better timbre, cleaner, more linear, better, more cohorent imaging, even better center image) there's zero reason to get the Composer.

 

[DarginMahkum]

I can drive the Composer directly out of my laptop or mobile phone (LGv60). That is good enough for me. Those that want to sit next to a nuclear reactor to drive a HP, well, go ahead.

 

[Nomax]

I can drive the Composer directly out of my laptop or mobile phone (LGv60). That is good enough for me. Those that want to sit next to a nuclear reactor to drive a HP, well, go ahead.

That's why the composer will have a huge fanbase...runs easily on every DAP
(In contrast to the HD800S)

NOMAX

PS.Unfortunately, the times are over where you can reach a large group of buyers for headphone where you need a stationary AMP

 

[musicday]

I love when a headphone is easy to drive and the amplifier is optional based on your budget.
At least you can still use it with many music players before you buy higher end gear.
Diana MR should be the same too but I haven't heard it yet.

 

[Nomax]

Let's compare







NOMAX

PS.I won't say anything more today except lol

 

[xxx1313]

Let's compare







NOMAX

PS.I won't say anything more today except lol

Well, I would say that the Composer measures better, but maybe I am not able to interpret them properly...

But what I can say for sure is that the Empyrean 2 still sounds slow and bass sounds soft and spongy to my ears at least.

Cheers,
Bernie

 

[Resolve]

Well, I would say that the Composer measures better, but maybe I am not able to interpret them properly...

But what I can say for sure is that the Empyrean 2 still sounds slow and bass sounds soft and spongy to my ears at least.

Cheers,
Bernie

I'd say they both measure 'reasonably' with a few quirks in both cases. The difference is that the Empy2 has meaningfully better harmonic distortion performance, which means you have a lot more flexibility with EQ as well. But with that said, yeah I'd say there are similarities with the tuning - the Empy2 being a bit more V-shaped.

 

[Kevintj604]

I'd say they both measure 'reasonably' with a few quirks in both cases. The difference is that the Empy2 has meaningfully better harmonic distortion performance, which means you have a lot more flexibility with EQ as well. But with that said, yeah I'd say there are similarities with the tuning - the Empy2 being a bit more V-shaped.

Nomax clearly has a huge bias with his opinions on the Composer so I'm glad Headphones.com have given their honest impressions on it. Nobody in the review space does a better job at articulating such a thorough and thoughtful review. The fact that Golden is also reviewing is a huge bonus as well.

Glad people are enjoying the Composer and it's great to see Austrian Audio come out with an awesome product after such a bad one in their previous Hi-X55.

 

[Nomax]

I'd say they both measure 'reasonably' with a few quirks in both cases.

The question is how big the quirks are in total

NOMAX

PS.And it is very clear thanks to your measurements....thanks for that

 

[Thomsen132]

Ok, thanks for the Review. Good to know, that HD800s and HE1000 are in the same class for much less money.

 

[shabta]

I'd say they both measure 'reasonably' with a few quirks in both cases. The difference is that the Empy2 has meaningfully better harmonic distortion performance, which means you have a lot more flexibility with EQ as well. But with that said, yeah I'd say there are similarities with the tuning - the Empy2 being a bit more V-shaped.

However, if I understand your graphs correctly, the place the composer doesn't need eqing is in the bass, and that's where the possibly problematic harmonic distortion is. But the empyrean 2 even with eq won't sound as tight and crisp in the bass, at least from my limited experience in a headphone shop in Barcelona. They have such different presentations that eq isn't the biggest issue. Personally, I prefer the tonality and the seeming microscopic view into the mix that the composer provides over the slightly soft and fuzzy presentation of the empy. Plus, because of the way the composer comes together as a fully integrated sound field, it's musical in its own way.

Thanks for the graphs and another entertaining video review! I don't have to agree with everything to super appreciate the service you are providing.

 

[vonBaron]

Good to know that Empy 2 are still wonky headphone.