[shuto77]

@Hansotek Would the AEON be more of an upgrade, or a complement to my E-MU Teak? I know the AEON Is probably technically superior, but is it so much more neutral that it wouldn't be a clear upgrade? I'm considering grabbing one after I sell the ZMF Ori Blackwoods. 

 

[sludgeogre]

 
I just sold my Jotunheim, and I'm trying to replace it w/ a Liquid Carbon. 

Just wondering why you sold the Jot? Also please report back with any comparisons between the Jot and LC once you get an LC.

 

[shuto77]

  Just wondering why you sold the Jot? Also please report back with any comparisons between the Jot and LC once you get an LC.

 
The Jot is awesome! Just too bright for some headphones (including my E-MU Teaks), IMO. It was awesome with the ZMF Ori Blackwoods, however. You have to watch out for overly bright or v-shaped signatures. I think the Beyerdynamic DT1990s, for example, would be a poor match because they get a bit zingy with brighter amps or sources.
 
I really want to get an amp that will pair with anything. I don't know if that's completely reasonable in my price range ($500), but I'll give the LC a shot. I'm in no way ruling out a return to the Jotunheim. I may go back and say I'd rather have a Jot and the extra $200 back in my pocket.

 

[Hansotek]

@Hansotek
 Would the AEON be more of an upgrade, or a complement to my E-MU Teak? I know the AEON Is probably technically superior, but is it so much more neutral that it wouldn't be a clear upgrade? I'm considering grabbing one after I sell the ZMF Ori Blackwoods. 

I'd definitely call it an upgrade, but I haven't compared them head-to-head or spent a ton of time with the teaks. ÆON is stupid good for the price, especially out of a good amp like the LC. If you're on the fence, you should just grab it.

 

[Bastianpp]

What configuration of driver you like guys? ( b.a+dd, planar, electro, only b.a, dynamic, tesla ) ? for metal music

 

[Dobrescu George]

  What configuration of driver you like guys? ( b.a+dd, planar, electro, only b.a, dynamic, tesla ) ? for metal music

 
Dynamic only. Simple and best 

 
I only recently got into liking planars, but dynamics are the best there are - no need to overcomplicate technology when it can all be so simple and fun. 

 

[shuto77]

I'd definitely call it an upgrade, but I haven't compared them head-to-head or spent a ton of time with the teaks. ÆON is stupid good for the price, especially out of a good amp like the LC. If you're on the fence, you should just grab it.

I pulled the trigger on the LC. I'll receive it Saturday or Monday. I'm very excited!

Anyway, I was on Cavalli's site and they said the amp can put out a balanced signal without a balanced DAC. Is this improvement significant? I've read that the LC's balanced output is much better than SE, so I'm not sure if I should look into balanced cables.

 

[Hansotek]

I pulled the trigger on the LC. I'll receive it Saturday or Monday. I'm very excited!

Anyway, I was on Cavalli's site and they said the amp can put out a balanced signal without a balanced DAC. Is this improvement significant? I've read that the LC's balanced output is much better than SE, so I'm not sure if I should look into balanced cables.

 
It's definitely an improvement on the LC (particularly the first version). What kind of connection do you have at the headphone end?

 

[shuto77]

It's definitely an improvement on the LC (particularly the first version). What kind of connection do you have at the headphone end?

The Teaks are wired for balanced output (I sold the balanced cable they came with), with dual 2.5mm connections. The Ori has the standard dual mini-xlr.

 

[Hansotek]

  What configuration of driver you like guys? ( b.a+dd, planar, electro, only b.a, dynamic, tesla ) ? for metal music

 
Any type of driver configuration can be done well. It is just one variable among many data points. Out of my own collection, my top 5 favorites have 4 different driver types.
 
1. Abyss (planar)
2. Atticus (dynamic)
2A. HD800 (dynamic) 
3. Omni (planar)
4. W60 (BA)
5. Stax Lambda (E-Stat)
 
That being said, I tend to prefer planars in general because of the bass presentation, but it totally varies by the amp. 

 

[Hansotek]

The Teaks are wired for balanced output (I sold the balanced cable they came with), with dual 2.5mm connections. The Ori has the standard dual mini-xlr.

Ah, I don't have any of that type.

 

[shuto77]

Ah, I don't have any of that type.

No worries, I have a guy.

So you're saying it's worth it to upgrade to the balanced cable, even with a non-balanced DAC?

 

[Hansotek]

No worries, I have a guy.

So you're saying it's worth it to upgrade to the balanced cable, even with a non-balanced DAC?

Yeah, the Carbon has a phase splitter. In other words, will split the signal from a single-ended DAC into positive and negative phases for you, and then output a balanced signal to the headphone. Most people can't tell the difference, and if you can, it probably has more to do with the balanced output of the DAC than the Carbon itself.

As far as the output goes, this is one of those very rare "if all things are equal, balanced is better" situations. Some of the benefits you would gain here would be:

- Almost double the power
- Twice the slew rate
- Common mode noise cancellation
- Using all four amps instead of two

On the first run Carbons, the noise floor will be noticeably lower in balanced mode. In the second run they updated the power supply to make the SE output quieter.

 

[Monsterzero]

   
Any type of driver configuration can be done well. It is just one variable among many data points. Out of my own collection, my top 5 favorites have 4 different driver types.
 
1. Abyss (planar)
2. Atticus (dynamic)
2A. HD800 (dynamic) 
3. Omni (planar)
4. W60 (BA)
5. Stax Lambda (E-Stat)
 
That being said, I tend to prefer planars in general because of the bass presentation, but it totally varies by the amp. 

Did you do change your mind again on the A vs. E thing?

And apparently the assualt on our wallets will never end...

http://www.head-fi.org/t/822835/canjam-socal-2017-april-8-9-2017/300#post_13384163

 

[Hansotek]

Did you do change your mind again on the A vs. E thing?


And apparently the assualt on our wallets will never end...

http://www.head-fi.org/t/822835/canjam-socal-2017-april-8-9-2017/300#post_13384163

I don't own the Eikon, just the Atticus. As much as I enjoy it, it overlaps with several other headphones I own, so it hasn't been a huge priority on my "need to buy" list.

On the Abyss Phi, I'll say this... at least Joe's headphones are worth their astronomical asking price. And I think he did right by his current customers by offering the driver upgrade for $1,500, instead of immediately launching an Abyss 2 or making one of those "silent revisions" we've all come to know and love so much from other brands. I'll be interested to hear it for myself, because he sounds really, really excited about it.