It might be hard but try not to let the single ended only input affect your perception of sonic performance. Any SET amp that provides XLR inputs always uses some sort of transformer to convert those signals before feeding it through the amp. It is almost always there for convenience only and...

Assumption that your budget is close to 10k since you mention the dac501. I mirror @Tchoupitoulas's sentiment on the DNA amps. If you can find one second hand I doubt there anything that can top it's synergy with ZMF's dynamic drivers. It encompasses all the qualities you seek in sound stage...

There's no real deficit on either headphones to be honest but you might enjoy the AC over the AO in terms of overall sub-bass quantity. The AO has no shortage of slam and presents some of the most natural and visceral percussion presentation I've heard on a headphone. But if you're looking for...

Thanks for sharing. The Wavedream is the best I've heard and by quite a notable margin and the only equipment I have that I don't find lacking in any audio sense. I understand how the presentation can be a bit too intense for others but glad that works out for you.

Out of curiosity what sort of sound are you seeking when you purchase a dac of this price? Would love to read more comparison between the two once you've spent more time with it. Since you are using a single ended amp do try to audition a Signature SE as well. I've tested both XLR and SE output...

Appreciate your feedback and recommendation. Looking at the pictures the caldera pads might be a good fit as it looks notably wider than other pads so I might get that to replace my aging universe pads.

A bit late to the topic but I think it's worth exploring in detail. I noticed a great deal of difference between the universe pads pre 2020 and the ones I got from my Atrium (~2022). Most notably is the deeper and wider cavity on the older pads. I have pretty big ears my ear lob and helix never...

In short the biggest difference lies in it's decay characteristics and transients. Softer wood variants like silkwood in this case do have a more sustained decay and rounder transient response which is quite delectable for my taste. This has been covered quite extensively before so a quick...

Demoed a silkwood and bought a Ziricote cos aesthetics. Heard a silkwood again years later only to find it better match my preference. Would I buy the Ziricote again if I could start over? Probably not. Am I satisfied with what I have now? Absolutely. The differences are obvious to me when...

The hd800 despite it's flaws it is a very resolving though it kinda cheats a bit with it's sound signature. The Utopia is definitely more resolving in the mids so it might be a good fit for you. I'm too poor to risk having driver issues but the sound alone is very impressive. In fact I'm having...

If you're asking pure technicalities, the Verite can't reach the level of resolution and imaging as the Utopia. In fact few headphones can touch a properly amped Utopia in those aspect. IMO they are completely different products with different tuning philosophy. The Verite is more laid back in...

Do you have an existing headphone that fit the bill? The original Utopia to me highly dynamic and delivers a power thump so it really depends on your point of reference.

Swapping pads can be rewarding but nothing beats pure listening. I swap multiple pads when I gotten my hands on the Verite but settled on a pair after a few days as I'm getting tired from comparing. For reference I went from Universe to Verite before getting the BE2 and using that for 3 years...

I thoroughly enjoyed both models for those genres. The Atrium hits harder and slightly thicker tonality and the Verite is notably faster, airier and possess a more enveloping stage. I mentioned on several occasion that the Atrium has probably the most realistic rendering of kick drums I've heard...

As long as your setup isn't too warm/dark I think you'll have a great time. OTL, SET, push-pull, SS wire with gain don't actually matter as you'll find competent amps for every topology.

I'd recommend Schiit Jotunheim. Solid state and well under your budget but don't be fooled by it's price and it's a great match with the Verite. I've heard great things about the Lyr as well but I've not heard it so won't comment further on this pairing.

Great comparison and thanks for sharing. The Caldera and D8k pro in particular are some of the best headphones I've heard and my experience do mirror yours to some extent. The sub bass on the D8k pro is definitely heavy and powerful and for anyone looking for that experience I don't think the...

Congrats on your purchase. These are the most unique sounding headphone I've heard in my time here and my listening consist of mostly rock which the VO performs admirably. It is very different from the rest of the headphones you've heard so hopefully you'll be able to appreciate them as much as...

I'm not sure if the later stuff are really better but my comparison against the DNA is purely on presentation. For reference I've heard the Stratus and a Studio w/Tribute interstage and currently own a Starlett and Studio B. In my experience with both brands the EC projects a grander stage with...

Thanks for sharing. I agree that diminishing returns hits hard especially for commercially available product. Can honestly say I've yet to hear an amp that outright trumps the Starlett. It is a shame that EC is no longer around as the amps that Craig puts out remains as one of the best even...

Seems like you're already satisfied and just curious at this point. I'd recommend attending trade shows which works wonders in satiating your curiosity without overspending.

Can't comment on the AF but the Utopia and Studio B combo is one of the best setup I've heard and my favorite amp for the Utopia. But I'd recommend to look elsewhere as EC is no longer around.

It is a single ended amp and the AN balanced input transformer is an optional extra.

I found my VO sounded wider than my Atrium. Granted both these headphones stages quite differently. The VO is more enveloping providing a bit more of a 3d feel. The Atrium doesn't stage as wide but it is more open sounding possibly due to a more open design than prior ZMF models. Think Utopia...

Atrium's treble isn't as airy as the Verite open in my experience and will sound more congested than other headphones that have that bit more emphasis up top. Give it a few more days to evaluate if this is right for you.