[iFi audio]

Thank you so i want the best sound performance at home and it will be connected to power all the time. Basically desktop.

Then Diablo is better for me then Zen range?

If I were you, for desktop use I'd probably have a think about ZEN DAC and ZEN CAN for it, or their Signature versions. And yes, above these we have Pro iDSD Signature. Hope this helps, thanks!

 

[Soundizer]

If I were you, for desktop use I'd probably have a think about ZEN DAC and ZEN CAN for it, or their Signature versions. And yes, above these we have Pro iDSD Signature. Hope this helps, thanks!

Confusing. So ZEN CAN ZEN DAC out performs Diablo? That’s not what iFi UK told me when I called them.

 

[Kevintj604]

Confusing. So ZEN CAN ZEN DAC out performs Diablo? That’s not what iFi UK told me when I called them.

I’ve tried most of the current iFi lineup and my results are quite different from what your describing.

The iFi iDSD Signature and Diablo are very close but the Diablo displayed a bit more resolving capabilities on all of the headphones that I threw at it. I A/B’d both devices in my home for two weeks to come to that conclusion and sold the Signature. Both of those devices are the top of their portable line but both are more transportable. The Gryphon would be the last in their line that I would consider portable.

The only devices in iFi’s lineup that match that performance is their pro line which currently includes just the Pro iDSD Signature. The older model Pro iDSD is amazing as well.

 

[iFi audio]

Confusing. So ZEN CAN ZEN DAC out performs Diablo? That’s not what iFi UK told me when I called them.

To clarify, iDSD Diablo is the best transportable product we got and second only to Pro iDSD Signature, so no single ZEN product can outperform it. But if you'd stack ZEN DAC Signature and ZEN CAN Signature, this team isn't too far off from iDSD Diablo and more tailored for desktop use. However, If you are interested in just one DAC/amp device rather than several standalone products, iDSD Diablo is the one to consider, yes

Hope this helps, thanks!

The Gryphon would be the last in their line that I would consider portable.

That's correct!

 

[Soundizer]

I’ve tried most of the current iFi lineup and my results are quite different from what your describing.

The iFi iDSD Signature and Diablo are very close but the Diablo displayed a bit more resolving capabilities on all of the headphones that I threw at it. I A/B’d both devices in my home for two weeks to come to that conclusion and sold the Signature. Both of those devices are the top of their portable line but both are more transportable. The Gryphon would be the last in their line that I would consider portable.

The only devices in iFi’s lineup that match that performance is their pro line which currently includes just the Pro iDSD Signature. The older model Pro iDSD is amazing as well.

I agree with you. That’s what iFi UK also explained via phone call. So ZEN doesn’t compete on sound performance.

 

[Soundizer]

To clarify, iDSD Diablo is the best transportable product we got and second only to Pro iDSD Signature, so no single ZEN product can outperform it. But if you'd stack ZEN DAC Signature and ZEN CAN Signature, this team isn't too far off from iDSD Diablo and more tailored for desktop use. However, If you are interested in just one DAC/amp device rather than several standalone products, iDSD Diablo is the one to consider, yes

Hope this helps, thanks!



That's correct!

I still don’t understand why you think ZEN should be considered when it cannot perform aswell as Diablo. I am looking for the best performance.

Are you trying to allude that Diablo cannot be plugged into power permanently?

 

[iFi audio]

I still don’t understand why you think ZEN should be considered when it cannot perform aswell as Diablo. I am looking for the best performance.

As I've explained, two ZEN Signature products stacked would get you close to iDSD Diablo. Not quite there yet, but close. The reason these were mentioned was your intended use on a desk. But if in your case that doesn't factor in, then yes, iDSD Diablo is the one indeed

Are you trying to allude that Diablo cannot be plugged into power permanently?

Not at all, iDSD Diablo can work on a desk. The only thing you may want to know about is that it has to receive more power than it provides to a connected load, to prevent its battery going down to 0%. Hope this helps, thanks!

 

[stenog]

Back to the Radiance...

I just got them and first impressions are very positive I like them . They clearly have this Focal sound, dynamic and forward, but in a good way. A bit warm with a relaxed treble and a nice elavated bass. The tonal balance is excellent.

Edit: They are very easy to drive, I currently use them single ended with my xduoo XP-2 Pro and they drive them perfect.

I bought them here, a steal for 699 euro.
https://www.fnac.com/Casque-ferme-circum-aural-Focal-Radiance-Bentley/a16256075/w-4

 

[Soundizer]

Back to the Radiance...

I just got them and first impressions are very positive I like them . They clearly have this Focal sound, dynamic and forward, but in a good way. A bit warm with a relaxed treble and a nice elavated bass. The tonal balance is excellent.

Edit: They are very easy to drive, I currently use them single ended with my xduoo XP-2 Pro and they drive them perfect.

I bought them here, a steal for 699 euro.
https://www.fnac.com/Casque-ferme-circum-aural-Focal-Radiance-Bentley/a16256075/w-4

Is that a used or ex demo model, because the price is amazing. ?

 

[stenog]

Is that a used or ex demo model, because the price is amazing. ?

Completely new. If you are in Europe buy it

I think they only ship within EU.

Check this thread, many good deals.
Post in thread 'Europe Deals Thread' https://www.head-fi.org/threads/europe-deals-thread.530008/post-17261778

 

[dancehall]

Back to the Radiance...

I just got them and first impressions are very positive I like them . They clearly have this Focal sound, dynamic and forward, but in a good way. A bit warm with a relaxed treble and a nice elavated bass. The tonal balance is excellent.

Edit: They are very easy to drive, I currently use them single ended with my xduoo XP-2 Pro and they drive them perfect.

I bought them here, a steal for 699 euro.
https://www.fnac.com/Casque-ferme-circum-aural-Focal-Radiance-Bentley/a16256075/w-4

Got mine too From the same place. I'm now waiting for my iFi GO bar and my cable from Forza AudioWorks.

 

[chaz_flhr]

I still don’t understand why you think ZEN should be considered when it cannot perform aswell as Diablo. I am looking for the best performance.

Are you trying to allude that Diablo cannot be plugged into power permanently?

If you want the best performance just buy the ifi pro stack, or the iDSD pro signature.

 

[RatFarm]

New Radiance owner here. I previously had an Elear but had the crackling distortion issue so I returned them. I thought I would try out another Focal can with all the sales going on. On first listen I am fairly impressed, especially the sub bass and decent highs. What I don't care for is the forward midrange so I am wondering if that can tamed a bit with aftermarket pads. I don't want to lose any bass but just feel that if I could get my ears away from the drivers a bit then it might help. My other headphones are Quad ERA and LCD-2C. Thx.

 

[maneltoh]

Bought this headphones a bit more of a week ago by a half of a price(599 euros) in a store, here in Portugal.

I was interested to have a Focal headphones based in what I was seeing in the internet about the specific characteristics of their sound (dynamics, punchy bass,...) and their design.

Using this headphones since I bought them, I find the bass kinda neutral, or not punchy, comparing, for example, with my Sennheiser HD650. Seeing the frequency response, it supposed the bass section should be elevated and most reviews mentioned the punchiness of the bass, but I am not feeling it.

In some genres it is ok, but in genres that I use to listen like HipHop, Amapiano or Gqom, the sound signature of this headphones isn't what I expected based in what I saw and understood about the "Focal sound".

Am I the only one with this sensation? Could be a driver problem or some driver change by Focal? I dont know...

 

[arielext]

Bought this headphones a bit more of a week ago by a half of a price(599 euros) in a store, here in Portugal.

I was interested to have a Focal headphones based in what I was seeing in the internet about the specific characteristics of their sound (dynamics, punchy bass,...) and their design.

Using this headphones since I bought them, I find the bass kinda neutral, or not punchy, comparing, for example, with my Sennheiser HD650. Seeing the frequency response, it supposed the bass section should be elevated and most reviews mentioned the punchiness of the bass, but I am not feeling it.

In some genres it is ok, but in genres that I use to listen like HipHop, Amapiano or Gqom, the sound signature of this headphones isn't what I expected based in what I saw and understood about the "Focal sound".

Am I the only one with this sensation? Could be a driver problem or some driver change by Focal? I dont know...

YouTube: daft punk - lose yourself to dance


If the 1st 30 sec. feel the same between the 650 and radiance you better return the focals.