Bay Area Meet February 8, 2025 - Impressions Thread

[DeviousEnigma]

Hi, just reserving an impressions thread so I can add it to the meet thread before it gets closed. Impressions to follow!

 

[s2kphile]

I want to start by expressing my gratitude to @DeviousEnigma for organizing this event and to all the volunteers who contributed. This was my second experience at Hificon, and during my first visit, I showcased my IEM collection, which has now evolved into a dedicated IEM corner for everyone to share and discuss their favorites. It’s fulfilling to see the original vision come to life, thanks to @DeviousEnigma and the team.

This year, I packed some earbuds and a couple of Fiio FT1 & Pro headphones, both stock and modified, along with the Distant Mount over-ear model. The best part about bringing the Fiio FT1 was giving people a chance to experience a quality headphone that’s actually affordable, unlike many others that are just too pricey. Plus, comparing the stock FT1 with my FT1 modified version really helped me gather valuable feedback in my quest for the perfect sound that resonates with me.

One of the standout aspects of the event was the opportunity to explore various audio gear and let others experience items they’ve been dreaming of. With a crowd of under 200, the atmosphere felt more personal, enabling everyone to truly engage without the long waits typical of larger gatherings.

The first amp I tried was the Nitsch DSHA-3FN, especially since I already own the Pietus Maximus and Magni Piety, both of which are fantastic. I’d heard a lot of buzz about this being one of the top solid-state amps out there, so I was intrigued. Christian hooked me up with a pair of Sennheiser HD600 headphones, which I know well since they were among my first high-end purchases back in 2002. I chose the Journey OST from the game "Journey," as I remember the music being stunning. The opening track, "Nascence," features a beautiful cello solo, followed by harp and flute, and it completely blew me away. There’s something about this amp that my other gear, like the Geshelli Labs Erish 3 or Violetric V281 LE, just can’t replicate, maybe only rivaled by my Wells Audio Headtrip II, which is 2x the cost. After that listening session, I told Christian I was definitely buying this amp, and it shot straight to the top of my wishlist. It was an incredible experience that left me in awe.

I checked out the Dahlia at Nick's Hififorall (HFA) table. Since I already had a pair, I just wanted to chat with him and compliment the fantastic sound of his first headphone. I was also curious about a new headband option he might offer, made of the same buffalo leather but 1mm thinner, which could help with the hotspot I experienced during long listening sessions. I was familiar with how the Dahlia sounds with my Cayin HA-2A and other amps, but I hadn’t tried it on the Headamp CF3 before. I listened to a couple of tracks, "Sweet Home Alabama" by Lynyrd Skynyrd and "Smells Like Teen Spirit" by Nirvana. The Dahlia really shined with the CF3; it was impressive how much it scaled with power, adding a whole new dimension to the sound for me.

I finally got to check out the Bokeh Open (BO) since Bivens and Zach were there. The Nocturne looked incredible in person, way better than the photos. I’m really happy I pre-ordered the Emberstone because it looked fantastic to my eyes. I wish I had taken some pictures, but by the end of the event, we had to pack up since we were getting kicked out for a baby shower (congrats to the parents!). So I paired it with my ZMF SPC Pro cable and a Sony ZX-707 DAP. Right away, I noticed how differently it was tuned compared to the closed version, and the treble was pretty sharp. I think that was because it wasn’t fully broken in and I was listening at a higher volume, as the cymbals felt a bit tingly. I’m sure a copper cable, some burn-in time, and a tube amp would help with that. The mids and vocals were amazing, and the bass was on another level. It’s impressive for an open headphone to have that much bass without sounding muddy, and Zach really nailed the tuning on the BO. I’m excited to add it to my ZMF collection, and my curiosity is finally satisfied. I do wish I had tried the Caldera Closed, but Bivens mentioned that I’m well-known in their shop since I’ve bought a lot of their products this past ZMF November. I’m paraphrasing, but let’s just say I’m “legendary” since she recognized my last name. LOL

At the end of the event, there was a raffle featuring prizes like RCA cables, t-shirts, hats, a Schiit Valhalla 3, and some awesome donations from Zach & Bivens, including an Auteur Classic and ZMF pads. I didn’t win anything, but I had a great time hanging out with some cool folks, chatting about our shared passion for music, which I think was the REAL highlight of the event. I really hope this event grows but keeps that intimate vibe because I love the atmosphere. Being able to connect with others, making new friends, and enjoying music without the noise of larger events is what makes Hificon truly special.

Lastly, thank you Christian for signing my PMAX, I really appreciate you taking the time to do it. Thank you to Zach & Bivens for signing my Salires with how busy they were.

 

[zach915m]

Big special thanks to @DeviousEnigma for putting on the meet! The anxiety of getting in late, I think, wasn't a fun start to the day, but overall, I had an absolutely fantastic time! I got to meet one of my heroes in Donald North for the first time and also got to see a bunch of old and new friends. Also, I finally got to try @pud667 sub-woofer creation, which was fun as heck!

There will be some coverage of the meet that I did with Part Time Audiophile which I'll post here when it goes up which was a lot of fun to do.

I want to start by expressing my gratitude to @DeviousEnigma for organizing this event and to all the volunteers who contributed. This was my second experience at Hificon, and during my first visit, I showcased my IEM collection, which has now evolved into a dedicated IEM corner for everyone to share and discuss their favorites. It’s fulfilling to see the original vision come to life, thanks to @DeviousEnigma and the team.


The first amp I tried was the Nitsch DSHA-3FN

I finally got to check out the Bokeh Open (BO) since Bivens and Zach were there.

Lastly, thank you Christian for signing my PMAX, I really appreciate you taking the time to do it. Thank you to Zach & Bivens for signing my Salires with how busy they were.

I always feel so guilty signing stuff since I feel like I'm devaluing it, thanks for making me feel special!!!

Fun seeing a Mega Salire out in the wild.

DSHA is a legend! I love that amp!

 

[s2kphile]

I always feel so guilty signing stuff since I feel like I'm devaluing it, thanks for making me feel special!!!

Fun seeing a Mega Salire out in the wild.

DSHA is a legend! I love that amp!

It was great to meet you and Bivens at the event, Zach! I love getting signatures from the creators of the work I admire, and I’m thrilled to have both yours and your wife's on a Mega Salire.

The Mega Salire is fantastic! I got AO, AC & Bokeh on it right now. I can't wait for a more durable wood version since mine got a little dent during transport to and from Hificon.

After listening at Christan's table I plan to make it my next purchase. It will go well with my Sennheisers, Focal & ZMF headphones.

 

[killthrash]

This was an action-packed event. With community tables filled with personal projects and established builder tables with their latest, best offerings, minds were being blown all over the place. Always wishing I had more time to chat with friends and new visitors, as well as try more gear I'm curious about. Pud's traveling headphone circus is an experience like no other and watching his joy in sharing his creations reminds me of why I fell in love with the head-fi community. The whole room feels like a family reunion of misfits. Zach and Bevin's presence and generosity warms up every space they're in and those vibes spread everywhere. Huge thank you to Schiit for sponsoring the event and supporting community gatherings. Schiit was there in spirit and continues to light the torch to show the path forward for us all.

 

[CEE TEE]

BAY IS BACK!!

Saturday was BUZZING…

There was something about the happiness and the energy. @DeviousEnigma has rebuilt and reinvigorated the Bay Area with a whole new crew mixed with some of the best OG peeps and even some of the SF Audiophile group.



It reminded me of 2011-2014 meets.

Welcoming of newcomers, awesome small passionate community members making stuff, incredible community synergistic rigs, a total range of SS to tube and estat/planar/dynamics/IEMs…to PUD!!!

PEAK HOBBY?

https://www.reddit.com/user/pudjam667/submitted/

OR PEAK HOBBY: Zach & Bevin flying out and handing me a choice of two very custom Atrium Opens!




Man, these are so lush with a sense of 3D. Such sweet tone. Beautiful mids, rich bass. Effortless dynamics. I’ve been so looking forward to these and they are the total experience. Aesthetics, feel, comfort, sound. I’m in a cabin with wood, leather, wool rugs, and a fireplace.

Back in the ZMF gang and so thankful to have a piece of art and passion from Zach, one of the nicest people in our hobby.


HAPPY RANT:

There are so many ways to get and find <your> great sound today- at all price points!

Trust yourself and if you are enjoying your music for hours on end, you have a great rig. You’re one of us.

If you enjoy your music so much, have gotten a ton of value out of your gear and want to expand or check out what other gear can do…great.
But I simultaneously feel like I could enjoy music with just a good pair of $150 open backs AND I keep finding new combos that knock my socks off.
So go as nuts as you want or don’t want. It’s all good.

In order to keep having these experiences and try to share them, I have made it my life’s work. I just hope I can keep playing and doing more fun stuff.

A few of us were having dinner after the meet and some were saying that is why they keep coming out. To hang. We have made lifelong friends and found others to talk to about music, gear, coffee, photography, whatever we’re into.

We’re still finding and making our crew. It’s been great. My life wouldn’t be as rich without all of you.

MORE THANKS: To the people who come and spend time at the NITSCH table…
-I get such a buzz from seeing and talking to you!
-Thank you for letting me know you got a Piety or a Pietus Maximus and you like it. Makes me very happy.
-Okay, I was a little shocked when you wanted me to sign the TOP of the amp! @s2kphile
-I can’t possibly try all combinations of DAC/Amp/Headphone to craft magic, so thanks for letting me know what you have and what you like (or don’t like)!



And at community tables!


PUD about to give our fearless organizer the bass of his childhood in cars with massive woofers:


Two last shout-outs (I promise):
1. @DeviousEnigma 's significant other is a key ingredient to our meets and super-kind to support us in our uber-enabling sessions. Please let her know we thank her too!
2. Thanks to @Jason Stoddard for sending a box 'o Schiit (sometimes with unreleased products) + helping with the venue to support the community!

Listening to my Atrium Opens until next time...cheers!!

CEE TEE

 

[baymiata]

Was a great event (as all of them have been for me). Great to meet everyone and experience first hand audio testing.

 

[Tom Lu]

Awesome event, can't wait to go back to the Bay Area again.


Thank you @DeviousEnigma for organizing and @Jason Stoddard for sponsoring the show.

 

[Questhate]

Hey folks – had a fantastic time at HifiCon as usual! I didn’t get to mingle or listen to many rigs this time around because I made the tactical error of bringing my vinyl rig, so I had to babysit it – but had a great time catching up with old friends and meeting new ones. This hobby can be pretty isolating at times, so it’s really great for events like this to bring the social element to it.

Big thanks to all of the vendors and community members that brought their gear to share, the volunteers for helping with logistics and everyone for bringing good vibes. Thanks to Schiit for sponsoring the meet, and the generous folks (ZMF, Schiit, Nitsch, HiFiForAll, RD, Linsoul) for donating raffle prizes. Most of all HUGE THANKS TO MY GUY @DeviousEnigma for putting his blood, sweat and tears into organizing these. It’s funny because a few folks from out of town were commenting on how great the Bay Area audio community is and my response was that it’s all 100% @DeviousEnigma – the community really began to grow after he moved here from Arizona. Join the Discord to hang out with the coolest folks in the Bay.

The few new things that I did hear and random thoughts:

ZMF Caldera Closed – I spent some time with this on a loaner tour, and I described in the Discord how I plugged them in to just check if they worked and just melted into my chair for over an hour. Compared to what I remember of the Caldera Open, it’s warmer, bassier and has more “bloom” making it lush but still retains the technicalities and speed of that planar. Staging is definitely more intimate, but retains that awesome depth to the soundstage. They also dial back the upper mids a smidge so it’s more of a relaxed listen. These are aspirational headphones and I hope to own one day.

ZMF Bokeh Open – The Bokeh Closed (with leather pads) is my most listened-to headphone, as it’s in my bedside rig. It’s just so damn lush and versatile while being technically proficient enough (not expecting planar levels of speed, but I find them more resolving than my Aeolus). The timbre is on point as with all ZMF’s, and it’s the most open closed headphone I’ve ever heard. So there’s the thing I HATE about ZMF’s – you kinda have to collect them all. You’d think the BO would be a more open sounding BC, but it’s not. They’re definitely a different flavor, but still great and probably worth owning both. The BO’s are cleaner sounding, a bit thinner mids, a sparklier in the lower treble. Still warm, bassy and smooth overall.

Hifi For All Dahlia – I’ve seen some chatter about these being 3D printed and assuming these are cheap. When I hold these in my hand, I’m so impressed at the fit and finish on these. The precision with how the tuning discs fit, and how the pads sit in the housing, and the smooth feel of the headband adjustment. Nick was even talking about how much thought he put into how your hands naturally hold a headphone and positioning the cable insertion point to have a thumb rest there. Talk about sweating the details. The build feels more polished than some of the big manufacturers. These definitely do not feel like something you get on Etsy. Soundwise, these are pretty dead-on neutral to my ears with a touch of sparkle up top. Staging and imaging are fantastic. These seem like the ultimate modern, transportable studio monitoring headphone – they’re very honest with poorly mastered recordings. I also heard lots of folks at the meet talk about how much they love it for gaming, which I can totally see.

ETA ULI – The kind folks at ETA had a few prototypes of their “purple driver” headphones. I tried the one in the white housing and the #2 one – with the #2 being my favorite. ETA is another headphone company that always nails the tuning – warm, balanced, with no weirdness. The thing that stood out to me with these immediately was the soundstage - was very big and out-of-your-head sounding. I don’t want to comment too much more because they’re prototypes at this point, but I definitely can’t wait to hear the final version.

Schiit Valhalla 3 - Very brief listen on these. A friend called me over to listen to the Auteur Classic on these. The depth and resolution were really impressive for a small footprint. Hard to give solid amp impressions at a meet environment with 3 minutes of listening, but I’d heard enough to know that these will be my next purchase for my Atriums whenever they come out.

Pud – the Reddit legend, @pud667 came out to share his headphone designs. I’m bummed I didn’t get a chance to listen to any of them but every time I looked over there, folks were laughing and smiling and seemed to have a great time. Sometimes in this hobby, we can kinda get into our clans and over-analyze SINAD numbers and squiggly lines and argue about who’s more right and who’s ears are wrong, that it can sometimes escalate to a toxic place. Seeing the joy at Pud’s table really reminded me of why we all first got into this hobby in the first place.

Bevin and Zach – So glad these two were able to fly out to our little meet on the west coast. This is my first time meeting them, and they made it feel like we were old friends reconnecting. Bevin is cool as a cucumber and we needed her calming presence at the start of the day. Zach is a legit audio geek and it was fun to see him going around to every table, hearing as much stuff as he could. He is really nerds out over audio and the passion is infectious. And I don’t generally like to publicly talk about legal matters, but Bevin did agree to a verbal contract to come back out to HiFiCon at least annually so very hyped about that!

My favorite picture I took was the Koss Porta Pro resting on the Mega Salire at @s2kphile’s table, which was ridiculous in all the best ways:

 

[DeviousEnigma]

Here's a link to the photos I've been sent so far: https://photos.app.goo.gl/bitAZHtxVJYJCefo7

I'm still getting to write my impressions. Though I didn't get to try as much as I wanted. XD.

 

[Donald North]

Bokeh Closed a new favorite of mine. Need to order a set

 

[zach915m]

Bokeh Closed a new favorite of mine. Need to order a set

Hmmmm I think I can help!

Supernaut was a highlight of the meet for me. Crazy amount of great tube amps these days with Wells audio V8 at the meet as well.

 

[CFGamescape]

I gotta make it out to this next time!

 

[s2kphile]