Can you please describe the sound with stock ear-ads vs aftermarket pads. I've searched around a bit and can't find much on this topic as it relates to the Susvara. How significant is the change and who else sells earpads that offer better sonics?

I'm sorry my opinion is of no value to you! I'm not trying to be right. That's why I started my sentence with 'In my opinion'. I'm a long time lurker but infrequent poster because of the whacky dynamics on forums. If we don't have expectations that people are going to be providing their...

@zhgutov - like the range of performance / synergies one gets with different phones and headamps, the same is true for speaker amps, and speaker amps powering specific headphones. I think bucketing speaker amps into one large category might be at issue. I'm sure the V281 does sound better than...

I finally got through to HiFiMan today - day 4! They were incredibly helpful and friendly and so we will begin the RMA process. Thank you to everyone including AnakChan and Hifiheaven for helping out on this - much appreciated! Regarding the recent headphone / amp pairing discussion, the...

I agree wholeheartedly AnakChan. With the Violectric amp you can power the headphones but you get the feeling that there's about 30 - 40% of the headphones capabilities you're not 'harnessing'. IMO, It should sound more dynamic and more effortless. Some more context around this: The Pass...

Hi All. I too drive my Susvara's via a Violectric V281 fed by a Berkeley Audio Labs Alpha DAC II and their USB / SPDIF converter. I think the Violecric isn't quite enough to power them properly. I will likely check out a first watt or a NP .5 / .8 series amp soon. BUT, my question to you all...

1) 102759 2) 145921 3) 193279

Thanks Josh - yes, that was extremely helpful.   Does anyone in the Seattle area have KSE1500s they'd let me try out?  I can bring my HE1000s along in return!

One thing I love about my HE1000s is that they resolve so much music but are never bright. Kind of like my Harbeth M30.1s. For portable use, I invested in the UIEM Laylas but I'm not really enthralled with them. Can anyone comment on whether or not the Shure's can be hot or bright? I get that...

Does anyone have experience with a dual flange eartip on the Layla that is an exact fit?  Right now, I'm using the clear version from the Cardas EM5813 and it sounds good but comes off in my ear when I remove the phones.  Any recommendations would be appreciated.    Also, please direct if this...

Thanks for the info - I will check out the 55s!

BTW, if you guys don't think the Cardas are what I'm looking for, what IEMs would you recommend that are 'musical' and warm vs. neutral and analytical?

Hi All.  Based on what I've read I think the EM5813s may be what I'm looking for.  I have the A&K Layla's and just can't seem to get in to them.  Will likely list them for sale soon.  I've been using them with a Grace Design M903 and Tidal.  I also have HiFiMan HE1Ks which I use with the...

I appreciate all the info and help but I think my ears may not be made for traditional IEMs.  After a couple more hours of trying all the stock tips, I can't seems to get a sonic character that is pleasing to me.   I originally purchased these and HE1K's.  My expectation was that the Layla's...

Great info and context.  I'll see if I can achieve that type of seal.  Fingers crossed.

Thanks for the context - much appreciated.  I've heard great things about the Cary.  I'll see if I can grab a listen to it somewhere with the HE1Ks.  Cheers.

Haha!  My bad.  Thanks for clarification, and agreed!

Was there anything sonically offensive about the amp paulchiu?  Ergonomics aside, this amp outputs 26 pure 845 SET watts at the headphone tap!  It should be a beast, but I'm curious about your sonic impressions.  Especially vs the amps you describe. Thanks!

I think the Turbo SE is about $6K.  @doctorjazz, are you thinking of a different amp?

Great - info.  Much appreciated buddhahacker and Jon1323 

Thanks.  Can you say it was a 'drastic' change from stock tips for you or just a move for comfort?  I'm having a hard time getting good sound out of them.  I don't doubt they are awesome monitors, I think it's more likely my ears.  That said, if it was drastic - like night and day - I'd be up...

I have a question about the universal fit (A&K) Laylas.  Has anyone had a terrible experience with the stock tips and revelatory experience with a different style tip?  Please let me know what tips are working the best for everyone.  Thanks in advance.

New poster - hi everyone!   Has anyone used the HE1K with the Coincident Turbo SE (845 Tube based)?  Would love to hear your impressions.   Thanks!