I'm like you - ultimate goal is the Charybdis. But yes, HEK Stealth is significant upgrade to Arya Stealth. Even a decent upgrade from Arya Organic! HEK are more detailed, less treble-focussed, better (natural) timbre. These are slightly behind the HEK SEs. ANd yes, I have AB'd all of the above. In terms of quality - Arya Stealth, Arya Organic, HEK Stealth, HEK SE.
The Charybdis seems to tick all the boxes from what I've read and looks like it could be a summit fi killer. But will definitely snag the HE1000 Stealth because I've heard nothing but good things about it. I've heard a good few people state that it's a more engaging HD800s due to its soundstage and bass response.
The Charybdis seems to tick all the boxes from what I've read and looks like it could be a summit fi killer. But will definitely snag the HE1000 Stealth because I've heard nothing but good things about it. I've heard a good few people state that it's a more engaging HD800s due to its soundstage and bass response.
They are my favourite overall headphone and they will NEVER leave my stable. I have the HEK UVs on loan here now and oh mannnnnnnnnnnnn, next level stuff!!!! But I can't afford them haha!!!!!
They are my favourite overall headphone and they will NEVER leave my stable. I have the HEK UVs on loan here now and oh mannnnnnnnnnnnn, next level stuff!!!! But I can't afford them haha!!!!!
Now that gives me some confidence! And I never really got the hype for the unveiled stuff. Personally I'd save up a little more for the Charybdis and call it a day.
Now that gives me some confidence! And I never really got the hype for the unveiled stuff. Personally I'd save up a little more for the Charybdis and call it a day.
The Charybdis is SO close to the quality of my AB1266 TC. The Abyss has a tiny bit more detail and body and the bass has a little more kick, but if the Charybdis had been available when I bought the AB1266s, I would have bought the Charybdis and kept the extra €4000 for something else. They really are THAT GOOD. Endgame stuff!
They are my favourite overall headphone and they will NEVER leave my stable. I have the HEK UVs on loan here now and oh mannnnnnnnnnnnn, next level stuff!!!! But I can't afford them haha!!!!!
The soundstage is very impressive as is the separation and placement between instruments within it. But most of all I must say that the Charybdis is just great fun to listen to.
The soundstage is very impressive as is the separation and placement between instruments within it. But most of all I must say that the Charybdis is just great fun to listen to.
That is all I'll ever need from an open back. I think once I acquire a pair I wouldn't ever wonder what the next upgrade path would be (if there really is any). From what I've read online they seem to tick all the boxes, which even most summit fi headphones can't really achieve. The Charybdis definitely sounds like a whole package.
Now I'm debating whether or not to get the HE1000 Stealth to fill in the gap or just wait it out for the Charybdis. But then again I'm aware that the HE1000 Stealth is considered endgame for many and I'm curious to try them as I've heard nothing but good things about them.
But I guess the beauty of this hobby is to savour what you have or can get before the next big thing which makes you appreciate the journey to the end goal a lot more!
Only to tell you that I have a Chord Dave in the house and it sounds amazing with the Charybdis! No lack of power at all. Beautiful detailed and spacious sound and very musical (timing?). A real no-brainer ... if the price would be a bit more reasonable. I use the Dave with the m scaler to listen to CDs with the Hegel Viking as a transport.
Anybody out there with the same set-up and/or impressions?
I haven't heard the Charybdis, only the Mania and Phobos, so can't say but I plan on getting the Charybdis one day!!! Just FYI for all out there. I LOVED the Phobos and wasn't sold on the Manias as they were too dark and lacked detail (for my old ears). I decided to put a balanced ZMF cable on them last night, and ran them through my Douk Audio T9Pro tube EQ and............................................I DO NOT KNOW what witchcraft I experienced, but these are now a COMPLETELY different set of cans!!!!!! I kid you not!! I only added a couple of dB treble and the detail, clarity, image placement and now soundstage too, are next level. I was looking to sell/trade them but I have quickly removed all ads, as I am keeping them and am 1 happy camper!!!!!!!!!!!
The soundstage is very impressive as is the separation and placement between instruments within it. But most of all I must say that the Charybdis is just great fun to listen to.
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