The SW remixes of Yes are controversial in the sense that some like them, others not....but I think most agree that the sound is quite good on the remixes - as is usual, with SW, in my experience. I often like his work, as artist as well as producer, and have no prejudice.
I tested some more. With interesting results.
1 Using the Qobuz 24 - 96 download that I purchased and transferred to my Fiio x3g2 DAP. Comparing the Nighthawk and Nightowl. I found both very good, good enough to get the sense of Wilsons remixes compared to the original Yes albums. But also, quite different.
2 Listening to my recordings of the original Yes vinyl albums, made in DSD format (vinyl rips), made seven years ago. I have not listened much to these, and was impressed that the recordings sound so good, but then again, I used a very good recording chain (Lyra Atlas cart, Io phono preamp), although with a less good recorder (Korg) than the one I use now (Tascam). This is certainly an interesting alternative to the SW remix, although with some shortcomings. These recordings have more atmosphere, while the SW remix in the dowloaded PCM file is more "detailed" and "analytical". It is nice to have both alternatives!
3 I found that both the hawks and the owls benefited by better amplification than what the Fiio x3 can deliver on its own. The Denon DA10 does a nice job, and can be transported easily. However the Audiotailor Jade OTL headphone amp is a clear winner with both headphones.
4 The cable plays a role. My owl came with a short thick cable, the hawk with a ca double length thinner cable. If I plug the short into the hawk it sounds more like an owl. Higher sound level, more detail, more in your face. And vice versa, the long cable makes the owl sound hawkish. My guess is that these two cables were developed specifically for each model.
I tested some more. With interesting results.
1 Using the Qobuz 24 - 96 download that I purchased and transferred to my Fiio x3g2 DAP. Comparing the Nighthawk and Nightowl. I found both very good, good enough to get the sense of Wilsons remixes compared to the original Yes albums. But also, quite different.
2 Listening to my recordings of the original Yes vinyl albums, made in DSD format (vinyl rips), made seven years ago. I have not listened much to these, and was impressed that the recordings sound so good, but then again, I used a very good recording chain (Lyra Atlas cart, Io phono preamp), although with a less good recorder (Korg) than the one I use now (Tascam). This is certainly an interesting alternative to the SW remix, although with some shortcomings. These recordings have more atmosphere, while the SW remix in the dowloaded PCM file is more "detailed" and "analytical". It is nice to have both alternatives!
3 I found that both the hawks and the owls benefited by better amplification than what the Fiio x3 can deliver on its own. The Denon DA10 does a nice job, and can be transported easily. However the Audiotailor Jade OTL headphone amp is a clear winner with both headphones.
4 The cable plays a role. My owl came with a short thick cable, the hawk with a ca double length thinner cable. If I plug the short into the hawk it sounds more like an owl. Higher sound level, more detail, more in your face. And vice versa, the long cable makes the owl sound hawkish. My guess is that these two cables were developed specifically for each model.
