Thanks for sharing your thoughts. I've been curious about the Empyrean mostly because it's the shiny new toy around here. Based on what i've read from impressions I'm sure it sounds great but I don't think I would like it more than my HEKse as an all-arounder. If i'm gonna add another headphone to my collection just for fun to mix things up it probably needs to be sub $2k. I would be interested in comparing the Verite and Empyrean, they sound like they may be a bit similar. I've been on the lookout for a used Verite, but it might be a while before people are ready to move on, it's still in the honeymoon period with most people I think.