[bozebuttons]

So you are going “Single Ended” out of Studio to HFC Headphone module to Susvara?

Nice to see another head-fi’er with an HFC Headphone module. I use one in between my Dave and HE1Kse and it is really good!

Yes I go out off the 1/4 jack of the Studio to the HFC headphone module using a patch cable.
I ordered a cable so I can try the HFC module off the speaker terminals of the XA25

 

[iFi audio]

Even expensive speakers would sound like singing ducks without properly compensating the room acoustic.

That's pure gold. Room acoustic isn't 'just' important, it's key.

 

[QueueCumber]

That's pure gold. Room acoustic isn't 'just' important, it's key.

It really depends. I’ve run the gamut from having completely dedicated two channel and HT rooms with absorption and/or diffusion everywhere, to just finding the best spots for speakers and running some light diffusion. In my experience, and of course this is different for different people perhaps, it ends up sounding better with excellent speaker placement and very little to no treatments. Absorption in particular for me always takes away from the liveliness of the sound. Lately light diffusion via shelves on either side of the room, and objects on those shelves to break up the first and second other side reflection points has given me the best sound. Some light EQ can take care of the most pernicious room modes, which wall hanging absorption can’t fix anyway. As long as you’re starting with decent room wall lengths (that don’t multiply room mode strength by being too similar in size) in a decent size room, you can get away with very light acoustic treatment both physical and electrical.

Still setting up my McIntosh gear at the new place for the Susvara, but it’s close to being finished. I really like the MHA150 and MCT80 combo, as well as the Auralic Vega for music via PC. I can listen to almost everything in my collection except DVD-A and vinyl, but I have those covered on the speaker setup.

 

[cladane]

I would add the 25W SET Aries Cerat Genus to that list, in fact to the top of it. IMO it beats the Viva Egoista in all areas...

That’s true but the Egoista isn’t the competitor but the Solista.
To drive headphones, two versions of the Solista are available: one with preamp included (integrated version) and you need a DAC with volume and another one, called Power Solista, which needs an external preamp.

Like said here, Susvara are tuby headphones and Solista is one highly good pairing.

 

[iFi audio]

It really depends. I’ve run the gamut from having completely dedicated two channel and HT rooms with absorption and/or diffusion everywhere, to just finding the best spots for speakers and running some light diffusion. In my experience, and of course this is different for different people perhaps, it ends up sounding better with excellent speaker placement and very little to no treatments. Absorption in particular for me always takes away from the liveliness of the sound. Lately light diffusion via shelves on either side of the room, and objects on those shelves to break up the first and second other side reflection points has given me the best sound. Some light EQ can take care of the most pernicious room modes, which wall hanging absorption can’t fix anyway. As long as you’re starting with decent room wall lengths (that don’t multiply room mode strength by being too similar in size) in a decent size room, you can get away with very light acoustic treatment both physical and electrical.

Still setting up my McIntosh gear at the new place for the Susvara, but it’s close to being finished. I really like the MHA150 and MCT80 combo, as well as the Auralic Vega for music via PC. I can listen to almost everything in my collection except DVD-A and vinyl, but I have those covered on the speaker setup.

Different rooms have different problems, some are better and some worse. But what we'd like to add is that room treatment doesn't have to be crazy expensive or severe. A thick rug in front of speakers and large QRD diffuser on the wall can tremendously improve many things.

 

[astrostar59]

That’s true but the Egoista isn’t the competitor but the Solista.
To drive headphones, two versions of the Solista are available: one with preamp included (integrated version) and you need a DAC with volume and another one, called Power Solista, which needs an external preamp.

Like said here, Susvara are tuby headphones and Solista is one highly good pairing.

Understood. But my view on the Solista is it gets super hot. 4 x 845s and 2 x input tubes in a small space = a lot of heat. Not hear it yet. The Aries Cerat Genus gets barely warm.

 

[ubs28]

That's pure gold. Room acoustic isn't 'just' important, it's key.

No it is not. Nowadays there is software to calibrate the speakers to the room.

And yes, it sounds great.

 

[iFi audio]

No it is not. Nowadays there is software to calibrate the speakers to the room.

And yes, it sounds great.

*IF* you want to use it in the first place.

 

[ubs28]

*IF* you want to use it in the first place.

I had a lady over this week who is 0% into audio and afterwards she also complemented about the music. That is how you know it sounds really good. It basically sounds like a live jazz band playing in the room.

In my untreated living room, it is much better then any headphone system and it comes close enough to a proper high-system setup which is not worth destroying my living room for.

Unless you are a hardcore audiophile that goes for the last 1%, calibrated speakers do the job fine.

Even the bass is super clean, deep, controlled and fast.

 

[QueueCumber]

Even the bass is super clean, deep, controlled and fast.

That’s what she said...

 

[iFi audio]

Unless you are a hardcore audiophile that goes for the last 1%, calibrated speakers do the job fine.

We have nothing against DSP or any other EQ, honestly. We don't say it's better or worse in comparison to the usual 'stuff in yer audio cave' route. It's more about us spreading the word how little it takes to significantly improve most rooms out there.

That’s what she said...

That tickled us

 

[Zhanming057]

For the Europeans here - a cool opportunity to hear the Susvara and Abyss TC on a top-flight speaker amp The new ATM300 with the upgrade tubes is really something special, hands-down the best non-monoblock 300b amp that I've ever tried, and not a close contest either.

The picture below is from my visit there in early June - Stefan's Amsterdam-based shop is one of the most impressive showrooms I've been to in the world, and has a wonderful selection of high end head-fi and 2-channel gear (Airtight, Sennheiser, Abyss, Audio Technica, etc.).

Stefan also wanted me to mention that he offers small-group evening audition sessions from 9pm to midnight, with your choice of liquor (Japanese whisky, wine, G&T's), for 150 euros for up to 3 people, deductible on any purchase of 1,000 euros or above. I took advantage of this and while it's not cheap, you get access to an amazing selection of gear, with no pressure to buy, and the opportunity to chat over drinks with Stefan, who is extremely knowledgable and just a great guy to be around with.

 

[llamaluv]

Somebody put up a Pass Labs INT-150 for sale up on US Audio Mart. These don't go up for sale too often so, y'know, I thought I had better mention it. I know for a fact that it sounds very good with the SR1a and Susvara, don't ask me how.

Also, I wouldn't want to mention that said unit is mine because, y'know, that would be in bad taste...

 

[SuperDuke]

Interesting 300B w/ 4 drivers? That looks like a Diana Phi in front - very nice

 

[Zhanming057]

Interesting 300B w/ 4 drivers? That looks like a Diana Phi in front - very nice

It's a dual 300b amp but tuned slightly hotter than both the WA5 and the Manley, to 10+ wpc with the TA-300 tubes.

Airtight has been building one version of the ATM300 or another since the 80s - the one at Headphones Auditions is the latest iteration. I couldn't compare its ability to drive the Susvara directly against older ATM300's but it absolutely blows away the WA5 - which I owned for a while - and makes it both look and sound unpolished and unfocused.