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Interestingly, my experience is the very opposite, but with a few qualifications . Timbre on the CA-1a in its default configuration is unapologetically and unambiguously terrible. The clarity especially in the mid range is really lacking and grainy. Only redeeming quality for me is its bass. First thought to my mind was that, it sounds like a broken Expanse.Expanse is like a broken CA-1a.
When I add the star8 cable to the CA-1a and or apply the filters it becomes absolutely wonderful! Timbre issues become almost negligible and its technical performance is nothing short of prodigious. It's like audio alchemy. I personally prefer to not use EQ which is why I think I have gravitated towards the Stealth for quite some time now, but to my ears CA-1a with applied filters makes a compelling use case.
I am inclined to agree here though I'd caution about formulating an opinion about Expanse or Stealth from Can Jam. The DCA headphones seem to index higher for tonality and timbre than delivering the raw energy of the performance. I think Expanse due to the slight mid-bass heft conveys this energy a bit more than Stealth. The CA-1a even a bit more so. I'm personally satisfied with the dynamic impact on DCA headphones in my system, but whether that's enough to satisfy those masochistically seeking it is another thing all together.I’m using my Hegel H120 speaker amp. Have used my Evo 400 as well, along with my EC Studio B.
All with the same results. It just doesn’t have the impact that most other headphones have. The Utopia for sure, which I have, is quite a level above to my ears—easily. And a few headfi friends that have also heard them have concurred. And same deal hearing them again at canjam.
The CA-1a also has a bit better impact, but again I do think the Expanse has the clearer midrange and overall tonality. Its tonality rivals the absolute best ever, imo only second to the HE90 and R10, which is a huge, huge compliment btw. For me, it’s generally worth the trade off when it comes to impact.
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