politbureau
100+ Head-Fier
- Joined
- Nov 9, 2010
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Apart from the details and resolution, this is the complete opposite of what I heard in the H10 thread of the pairing with the HE-560. I have not heard someone say the sound is neutral.
It's interesting how we hear stuff differently. What's the X12's sound like?
I should note this is in comparison to the Lyr 2 - I find the H10 much 'cooler' sounding, and more towards neutral with the 560. Not that the Lyr is overly un-neutral, mind you. Having owned a bunch of SS amps in the past, I will say the H10 is the only one that I've actually held on to, which is likely due to the fact that I like the dynamic (read non-neutral) sound.
The X12 is really open and spacious, while the Gungnir is more dynamic and punchy. Everything seems more up front on the Gungnir, while it's a lot more airy on the X12. Paired with the Lyr, the X12 was just a tad too dry. While paired with the H10, the Gungnir is too forward - like someone pressed the loudness button.
Ironically, the X12 + H10 and Gungnir + Lyr2 end up being the most synergistic pairings, go figure. Overall I prefer the Lyr and Gungnir as they give me the most out-of-head experience, but I think the Gustard combo is one of the best values out there right now <$1k.
Goes to show sound is very subjective. I had a pair of HE-6s which I really disliked, and swore off Hifiman as a result. Then picked up a pair of HE-400is in a trade which totally changed my mind and lead me to the HE-560s, which in turn caused me to sell my HD600 & HD800.