I've owned D8K OG and 1266 TC and disagree with that assertion that it's "not even close." I'll test it again with D8K Pro LE.
Your absolutist statements are a bit antithetical to the subjectivist nature of this hobby, wouldn't you say lol?
Final Audio D8000 Planar Magnetic Headphone
I've owned D8K OG and 1266 TC and disagree with that assertion that it's "not even close." I'll test it again with D8K Pro LE.
Your absolutist statements are a bit antithetical to the subjectivist nature of this hobby, wouldn't you say lol?
Coulnd't say it better.
Not only the sound is objective, but also the comfort, design etc...
Fully agree with you. The AB-1266 Phi TC's are not perfect and have their own issues. I've owned the last two iterations of them and can attest that nothing sounds or performs like them, but every headphone isn't trying to. The D8K Pro's absolutely can compete with the TC's in my opinion. In my system, the D8K Pro's did some things better, especially in the midrange where music lives. The D8K Pro's may not have the bass output of the TC's, but it's better defined, more layered and is by no means a slouch. There are no absolutes in our hobby. It's all subjective as everyone hears differently. I also think there is no such thing as endgame, but that's just me
Curious, can the D8k LE still be found in Europe? I've had no luck with the one dealer i've found. Sold out.
The D8K Pro's may not have the bass output of the TC's, but it's better defined, more layered and is by no means a slouch. There are no absolutes in our hobby. It's all subjective as everyone hears differently. I also think there is no such thing as endgame, but that's just me
Absolutely concur with your last statement; I think part of the joy of this hobby is that there's never an end-game, there is always something to explore, old and new, and tastes change and progress over time, as well. On top of that, different things offer different values; as you noted, the 1266 TC has qualities some other headphones just cannot match (that bass impact is otherworldly!), but it has some deficiencies, as well. It's not remotely perfect, especially in its physical design, but it is definitely up there at the apex.
There are many times I prefer just using my ADX5000 over my 1266 TC, and now bringing D8K back into the fold, I suspect I might use the D8K more than either; as you said, there is no end game, there is no one perfect solution.
Oh nice, they even have the new Yamahas....that's going to be a touch choice.
Haha yeah. Im really interested in the Yamahas too, but cannot afford them, sadly.
There's gonna be a non limited edition Yamaha soon that would be cheaper. So hopefully id get one used in the future at a decent price.
What a fitting store name for this hobby!
I'd settle for comparing the Meze Elite to the D8k Pro LE to see if it's actually an upgrade
Oh there is no way I'm paying that sticker price. Plan is to get the non special edition straight from Japan at less than half that price. A bit of a gamble on the warranty though.
Any comparison to the Elite, Susvara, other flagships?Was good to be able to compare Final D8000 Pro and D8000 Pro Limited Edition side by side again. Hadn't done that since Munich. There's definitely a difference and more pronounced than I remember. D8000 Limited is slightly more technically proficient than the D8000 Pro, whilst also being a little less analytical in the treble. It's a bit more natural overall.
It's sort of like if you took the D8000 Pro, added ~10% detail, and then nudged the tuning slightly toward the original D8000. It's definitely my favourite of the three. How much of it is the pads and how much is the headphone itself I'm not sure. One person found that the D8000 Limited goes louder without clipping so it does seem that there may have been some slight adjustments to the driver or damping but in any case, it's a gorgeous headphone.
(Photo of both headphones taken by Alan Yuen aka @MasterZen , D8000 Limited closeup taken by me)
bagwell359
Headphoneus Supremus
A new Susvara from a dealer == Used (D8000, OG LCD-4, HEK v2). Susvara doesn't have the bass of the first two, probably is just short of the midrange timbre of the D8k. The HEK v2 is quite similar in the treble to the Susvara. If I had the dough, I'm taking the 3. Even new Sus vs new the HEK v2 & D8k - I'll take the pair.
If you want to go estat or ribbon - that could change things. Back to standard amp headphones: Don't know the Elite, but its seen as a much more nuetral and defined listen than its forebearer - which is good, because that's the elevator muzak can of the high end. Some like the Caldera and and LCD-5 are favored by some - but I have not heard them.
I've already tested the Susvara multiple times and I took the Elite over both it and LCD-5. Similar tonality to Susvara, better slam than both of them to my ears. As well as much wider soundstage. Susvara had better depth though. Shame no one owns/ can compare the Elite to D8000 Pro at least.
I picked the Elite over the Susvara and LCD5 too. I also sold my D8000 (OG). Susvara needs an atom reactor or at least really top shelf chain to be driven properly. I can't afford that. From the gear I heard the Susvara from I don't think made them justice (TT2/MScaler); just sounded thin and not too engaging.
The LCD5 is an impressive and precise machine but I found it cold and soul-less; a purpose built monitor.
Solitaire P is fantastic. I love that headphone but partly due to the price, partly due to Meze's superior comfort and partly my love for Elite's tonality I still chose the Elite over the Soli P.
I also sold my D8000 OG which I really enjoyed. I couldn't get on with the long term comfort not even with the pro pads. I also found the bass, while very impressive and addictive, slightly too much at times. (I know, the pro version has slightly less bass quantity.) I picked the Elite due to it's bigger and more natural soundstage and more lifelike timbre, more open presentation. I also think the Elite has more details than the original D8K. I never heard the D8Kpro, but due to my comfort issues with the og it is a no go for me. I would love to audition the LE though. Sounds like that is the best tuning out of the three Final variants.
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