[474194]

guess no one is going to post this classified link, so i'll post since this thread brought great enjoyment (esp. with the original thread that included the UE10) ...

https://www.head-fi.org/threads/interested-in-parting-with-some-of-my-gear.905284/

 

[Tarantula]

I'm considering getting one TOTL headphone and have somewhat narrowed it down to the two headphones, 1) Meze Empyrean and 2) Focal Stellia. I know it's apples and oranges but for those that have heard both, which is more subjectively enjoyable to you? If you had the choice to pick up either, which would you reach for first?

Looks like many prefer the Empyrean, which I don't get. Empyrean is quite sluggish for a headphone of that price. The so-called "great" bass is slow. Perhaps people think that is "musical"? Treble isn't top notch either: extension is subpar, as is its imaging ability.

To be fair, bass in Stellia is similarly slow (I didn't have a chance to compare them side by side), but it is mostly the decay that is slow-- more acceptable. Plus, Stellia is a closed back ! I can't think of another closed back comparable to it ( had the HD820 for a few weeks, and still owning the Eikon, which is superior to HD820, but a little behind the stellia in terms of resolution. )

However, If closed back isn't needed, stellia is of similarly poor value just in terms.of sound quality alone.

 

[szore]

Looks like many prefer the Empyrean, which I don't get. Empyrean is quite sluggish for a headphone of that price. The so-called "great" bass is slow. Perhaps people think that is "musical"? Treble isn't top notch either: extension is subpar, as is its imaging ability.

To be fair, bass in Stellia is similarly slow (I didn't have a chance to compare them side by side), but it is mostly the decay that is slow-- more acceptable. Plus, Stellia is a closed back ! I can't think of another closed back comparable to it ( had the HD820 for a few weeks, and still owning the Eikon, which is superior to HD820, but a little behind the stellia in terms of resolution. )

However, If closed back isn't needed, stellia is of similarly poor value just in terms.of sound quality alone.

I'm not a headphone guy, I like my IEM's, but I was impressed with Arya and the Focal Clear...

 

[freesole]

Looks like many prefer the Empyrean, which I don't get. Empyrean is quite sluggish for a headphone of that price. The so-called "great" bass is slow. Perhaps people think that is "musical"? Treble isn't top notch either: extension is subpar, as is its imaging ability.

To be fair, bass in Stellia is similarly slow (I didn't have a chance to compare them side by side), but it is mostly the decay that is slow-- more acceptable. Plus, Stellia is a closed back ! I can't think of another closed back comparable to it ( had the HD820 for a few weeks, and still owning the Eikon, which is superior to HD820, but a little behind the stellia in terms of resolution. )

However, If closed back isn't needed, stellia is of similarly poor value just in terms.of sound quality alone.

I have the Empyrean's and also have the Clear's. Though I do not have the Stellia's, I did get a chance to audition it in store with the Questyle 600 and while I was very impressed, the resolution and imaging of the Empyrean more than suits my tastes. I have been breaking it in and boy... I didn't think there would be a headphone that could make me disregard my Clear's (which I also love) but the Empyrean has done it.

 

[Tarantula]

I'm not a headphone guy, I like my IEM's, but I was impressed with Arya and the Focal Clear...

I haven't heard the Arya. But I have demoed the HEKv2 many times. Assuming the Arya is similar to He1000v2 (people say they are extremely similar), it is very good for its price. (In HK, one can get an Arya at around USD 1100!!)

On the other hand, Clear is good in its tuning, but technically it is not good enough for me at that price

 

[szore]

I haven't heard the Arya. But I have demoed the HEKv2 many times. Assuming the Arya is similar to He1000v2 (people say they are extremely similar), it is very good for its price. (In HK, one can get an Arya at around USD 1100!!)

On the other hand, Clear is good in its tuning, but technically it is not good enough for me at that price

Just putting it out there, Audio46 has an open box focal clear for $1,195...

 

[sikki-six]

HD800 + EQ, or just get Sonarworks True-fi - that will get you very close to "end-game" resolution and FR wise. If you totally need planar bass, you get planar, though.

 

[allhifi]

Looks like many prefer the Empyrean, which I don't get. Empyrean is quite sluggish for a headphone of that price. The so-called "great" bass is slow. Perhaps people think that is "musical"? Treble isn't top notch either: extension is subpar, as is its imaging ability.

To be fair, bass in Stellia is similarly slow (I didn't have a chance to compare them side by side), but it is mostly the decay that is slow-- more acceptable. Plus, Stellia is a closed back ! I can't think of another closed back comparable to it ( had the HD820 for a few weeks, and still owning the Eikon, which is superior to HD820, but a little behind the stellia in terms of resolution. )

However, If closed back isn't needed, stellia is of similarly poor value just in terms.of sound quality alone.

Looks like many prefer the Empyrean, which I don't get. Empyrean is quite sluggish for a headphone of that price. The so-called "great" bass is slow. Perhaps people think that is "musical"? Treble isn't top notch either: extension is subpar, as is its imaging ability.

To be fair, bass in Stellia is similarly slow (I didn't have a chance to compare them side by side), but it is mostly the decay that is slow-- more acceptable. Plus, Stellia is a closed back ! I can't think of another closed back comparable to it ( had the HD820 for a few weeks, and still owning the Eikon, which is superior to HD820, but a little behind the stellia in terms of resolution. )

However, If closed back isn't needed, stellia is of similarly poor value just in terms.of sound quality alone.

Hifiman 400 (i). Superb. The 400i is superior to the Focal Utopia. It IS a great headphone. AND, a verifiable bargoon (approx. $300 US$).

pj

 

[Tarantula]

HD800 + EQ, or just get Sonarworks True-fi - that will get you very close to "end-game" resolution and FR wise. If you totally need planar bass, you get planar, though.

Totally agree! Yes Resolution-wise, HD800 is still above most other flagship headphones except one or two.

 

[Tarantula]

Just putting it out there, Audio46 has an open box focal clear for $1,195...

But a new arya is cheaper ! Of course Made in China vs France. But SQ alone, Arya is better.

 

[szore]

But a new arya is cheaper ! Of course Made in China vs France. But SQ alone, Arya is better.

Arya goes for $1,600.

 

[szore]

But a new arya is cheaper ! Of course Made in China vs France. But SQ alone, Arya is better.

And, yes, I love the Arya. When it comes time for me to buy a set of cans, I think those will be it.

 

[allhifi]

Totally agree! Yes Resolution-wise, HD800 is still above most other flagship headphones except one or two.

Ummm, the Hifiman 400 (i's) is a much higher resolving and nuanced performer than the Senn 800's -.and, at less than half the price !

pj

 

[Tarantula]

Arya goes for $1,600.

No, for you only. some Chinese retailers sell them for around Usd11xx

 

[szore]

No, for you only. some Chinese retailers sell them for around Usd11xx

Ahhsoo...