Hello all. I've been lurking here since May when I picked up a pair of Elears. I've been into good audio for the last decade and have done the gear and speaker carousel with things constantly coming and going in the search for the next improvement. I've made the decision to get off the carousel and am reasonable happy with what I have. Plus, my wallet can't handle it with the level of gear I'm currently at. Unfortunately, my wife gets migranes and that is what led me to headphones.
My history with cans: I had a pair of Shure 840's a number of years back, but found them uncomfortable due to my ears getting warm, so they are long gone. The experience make me think I wasn't a headphone guy. I had no problems with iem's (Klipsch x10i and Shure se530). Fast forward to about 6 months ago and I picked up a pair of Sennheiser 558's for dirt cheap to see if open back cans would work for me. The Senn's were super comfortable and didn't roast my ears. The problems is they weren't up to my standards for audio quality. I still have them and plan to do the mods and use them at work. After reading all the positive reviews and getting some feedback from a friend who tried the Elears at AXPONA, I picked up a pair on the used market. They sound good being driven by a Marantz 8801, but I knew it wasn't doing them justice so I started reading about amps.
My experience with head amps: There are few b&m places that stock head amps in eastern WI. Had to drive an hour just to find anything. Loaded up my laptop (using JRiver and WAV files), Wyred4Sound DAC2 and cables and off I went. I was able to audition 3 amps. First up was the Teac ha-501. A persistent low level hiss ruined this one for me. It wasn't that loud, but I know it would bother me long term. Next up was the Audeze Deckard. I liked the clarity and power compare to the Teac, but it was a little steely at times and didn't draw me in. Last up was a used Burson Conductor SL V1. The Burson really let the Elears showcase the speed they are known for and had me tapping my foot with every song. I really, really liked the speed. There's always a but.....the highs seemed to be a little off, but I couldn't quite place my finger on it (tonality maybe?) and I wouldn't mind just a little more body in the mid-range. Chicago seems to be the nearest place for group meet-ups and I will keep my eyes open for anything closer, but my options to audition other gear is a bit limited. Worst case scenario, I make another trip to AXPONA next spring. Unfortunately I wasn't into cans the last time I went.
So this is where you guys and gals come in. My musical tastes are all over the board. Mostly rock and classic rock, but lots of blues, a little jazz and folk ect. My collection includes 50's to present, mostly redbook but some hi-rez and approximately 250 vinyl albums. I am basically looking for two different recommendations. For short term, I am leaning towards a Burson Soloist SL based on my limited auditions. Is there anything I should be considering in the sub $1k range that would better the Burson? I prefer musical over analytical and I'm in love with the speed of the Burson. Second, I know I will want an endgame amp at some point. I don't have any plans to add a stable of headphones in the future (I know, plans always change) but I really like the Elears. In the sub $2k range the Wells Audio Milo in on my radar but probably just over what I am comfortable spending. Open to other slightly less expensive options for long term. I know listening for myself is best, but I am not familiar with many of the good head amp brands so I need a little direction. System chain will be Computer > Sonore Signature Rendu > W4S DAC2 via I2S > amp.
Thanks for taking the time to read through my lengthy post.
My history with cans: I had a pair of Shure 840's a number of years back, but found them uncomfortable due to my ears getting warm, so they are long gone. The experience make me think I wasn't a headphone guy. I had no problems with iem's (Klipsch x10i and Shure se530). Fast forward to about 6 months ago and I picked up a pair of Sennheiser 558's for dirt cheap to see if open back cans would work for me. The Senn's were super comfortable and didn't roast my ears. The problems is they weren't up to my standards for audio quality. I still have them and plan to do the mods and use them at work. After reading all the positive reviews and getting some feedback from a friend who tried the Elears at AXPONA, I picked up a pair on the used market. They sound good being driven by a Marantz 8801, but I knew it wasn't doing them justice so I started reading about amps.
My experience with head amps: There are few b&m places that stock head amps in eastern WI. Had to drive an hour just to find anything. Loaded up my laptop (using JRiver and WAV files), Wyred4Sound DAC2 and cables and off I went. I was able to audition 3 amps. First up was the Teac ha-501. A persistent low level hiss ruined this one for me. It wasn't that loud, but I know it would bother me long term. Next up was the Audeze Deckard. I liked the clarity and power compare to the Teac, but it was a little steely at times and didn't draw me in. Last up was a used Burson Conductor SL V1. The Burson really let the Elears showcase the speed they are known for and had me tapping my foot with every song. I really, really liked the speed. There's always a but.....the highs seemed to be a little off, but I couldn't quite place my finger on it (tonality maybe?) and I wouldn't mind just a little more body in the mid-range. Chicago seems to be the nearest place for group meet-ups and I will keep my eyes open for anything closer, but my options to audition other gear is a bit limited. Worst case scenario, I make another trip to AXPONA next spring. Unfortunately I wasn't into cans the last time I went.
So this is where you guys and gals come in. My musical tastes are all over the board. Mostly rock and classic rock, but lots of blues, a little jazz and folk ect. My collection includes 50's to present, mostly redbook but some hi-rez and approximately 250 vinyl albums. I am basically looking for two different recommendations. For short term, I am leaning towards a Burson Soloist SL based on my limited auditions. Is there anything I should be considering in the sub $1k range that would better the Burson? I prefer musical over analytical and I'm in love with the speed of the Burson. Second, I know I will want an endgame amp at some point. I don't have any plans to add a stable of headphones in the future (I know, plans always change) but I really like the Elears. In the sub $2k range the Wells Audio Milo in on my radar but probably just over what I am comfortable spending. Open to other slightly less expensive options for long term. I know listening for myself is best, but I am not familiar with many of the good head amp brands so I need a little direction. System chain will be Computer > Sonore Signature Rendu > W4S DAC2 via I2S > amp.
Thanks for taking the time to read through my lengthy post.
