[paulybatz]

I have to patiently wait a challenging seven hours until I can unbox and plug into my Schiit Jot....and stream some TIDAL MASTER tracks

 

[paulybatz]

Wow!!!

I cannot believe any of it.

The packaging from outer box, to inner “case” yes...a zippered case. An extra set of ear pads, warranty card and an incredible braided cable...



The leather, like a brand new car, soft and supple, carefully crafted.



The “names” in the business could learn a HUGE lesson here...more than a pizza box and more than a basic .99 cable.

This entire headphone from the outer box and all contents are packaged with pride, I can see it and feel it, and smell it, with the beautiful soft leather ear pads.

 

[paulybatz]

Back in a couple with my listening impressions.

 

[paulybatz]

The small details, the machining, from the cups, gimbals to screws....everything is clean perfection.

The leather, like a brand new car, soft and supple, carefully crafted

The band, very nice, padded, comfy.

What is most impressive is the fit...I do have a smaller head so I can’t attest to sizing for large domes but for me they are perfect.

You know they are there but barely. I am so used to heavier phones LCD2, PS1k grado, Hedd

ZMF Auteur...though only 80g heavier...this headband is not only better...but the weight is so much better distributed.

 

[Hifiearspeakers]

The small details, the machining, from the cups, gimbals to screws....everything is clean perfection.

The leather, like a brand new car, soft and supple, carefully crafted

The band, very nice, padded, comfy.

What is most impressive is the fit...I do have a smaller head so I can’t attest to sizing for large domes but for me they are perfect.

You know they are there but barely. I am so used to heavier phones LCD2, PS1k grado, Hedd

ZMF Auteur...though only 80g heavier...this headband is not only better...but the weight is so much better distributed.

Have you listened to them yet?

 

[paulybatz]

Have you listened to them yet?

I am right now.

Immediately out of the box they are beyond their price point. Profoundly good. Wonder-Full.

 

[paulybatz]

I am very impressed with these single ended, so easy to drive. I listened to a mix of styles for my first listen...to get a feel...they really are an everything phone. Everything sounds goodness.

Classical
Rock
Jazz
Rap (push it to 2pm...get the bass thump)

11:00 / 11:30 is more than enough volume single ended through the Jot

The price tag is a no brainer at the price ...right out of the box. Not even burned in...they crush my LCD2 and Auteur not just in terms of comfort but in their perfect balanced presentation.

I am and prefer an analytic phone...these are very clean, crisp, clear, balanced and FAST

QUATORE EBENE “Beethoven around the world”
Master tracks on TIDAL is a great illustration of what your phones can or cannot do IMO

ANOTHER “relative” comparison...

I was very excited to acquire a new to me pair of ZMF auteur; I thought I got a good deal at $900, it beat my LCD2....and obviously...it doesn’t even hold a candle to this, the only thing I would say was better was the seahorse case...Fit/Finish no contest, comfort lighter, more stable (no need to “customize” bend band

I also had the ZMF Blackwoods which sounded good, not as good as they Auteur and their retail was about these.

Grado PS1k....zero contest....out of the box...they have shinier cups but that’s about all they do better.

HD650.....Glad I sold those and made room for the SR2

 

[paulybatz]

The other sign...is that I just lost almost 90 minutes in the music ...these make me feel very lucky

 

[Hifiearspeakers]

I am very impressed with these single ended, so easy to drive. I listened to a mix of styles for my first listen...to get a feel...they really are an everything phone. Everything sounds goodness.

Classical
Rock
Jazz
Rap (push it to 2pm...get the bass thump)

11:00 / 11:30 is more than enough volume single ended through the Jot

The price tag is a no brainer at the price ...right out of the box. Not even burned in...they crush my LCD2 and Auteur not just in terms of comfort but in their perfect balanced presentation.

I am and prefer an analytic phone...these are very clean, crisp, clear, balanced and FAST

QUATORE EBENE “Beethoven around the world”
Master tracks on TIDAL is a great illustration of what your phones can or cannot do IMO

ANOTHER “relative” comparison...

I was very excited to acquire a new to me pair of ZMF auteur; I thought I got a good deal at $900, it beat my LCD2....and obviously...it doesn’t even hold a candle to this, the only thing I would say was better was the seahorse case...Fit/Finish no contest, comfort lighter, more stable (no need to “customize” bend band

I also had the ZMF Blackwoods which sounded good, not as good as they Auteur and their retail was about these.

Grado PS1k....zero contest....out of the box...they have shinier cups but that’s about all they do better.

HD650.....Glad I sold those and made room for the SR2

How is the soundstage compared to your Auteur?

 

[paulybatz]

These are more present...a part of you...close...more 3D...I didn’t like rap music with the Auteur either...these are crisp...fast...and not even broken in yet.

 

[paulybatz]

How is the soundstage compared to your Auteur?

Another thing I’m thinking is the pads are not thick...which I like, a broader pad might open it up but I like it close...

also they are so clear, again, my taste is “analytical”...

Rey’s theme on TIDAL master quality. Wow
.... little triangle and it’s resonance 24 seconds in...its TOTL definition. It says High Definition on the box and it’s LEGIT.

 

[paulybatz]

High Noon at High Noon taking out the Led

You’re in the studio. I can see them behind the glass recording this.

Another thing to appreciate is the Schiit Jot Amp and DAC....doing a killer job presenting the source, makes all the difference too...

 

[Hifiearspeakers]

Another thing I’m thinking is the pads are not thick...which I like, a broader pad might open it up but I like it close...

also they are so clear, again, my taste is “analytical”...

Rey’s theme on TIDAL master quality. Wow
.... little triangle and it’s resonance 24 seconds in...its TOTL definition. It says High Definition on the box and it’s LEGIT.

Not bright right? They don’t have sharp, piercing, or grainy treble?

 

[paulybatz]

Not bright right? They don’t have sharp, piercing, or grainy treble?

Definitely not grainy...I don’t find them doing anything uncomfortable with the highs.
I definitely need more time. I left them on autopilot with LED Zep for a while to continue to loosen. But already these best anything so far out of the box

HD650
LCD2
ZMF Auteur
ZMF Blackwood
Grado PS1k

I think I’m going to eventually balance them with OCC silver and see what happens. But the stock SE is a quality SPC(silver plated copper) and way better than any cable anyone is giving with their phones sub $2k or even more, with the exception of Audeze That offers a phenomenal cable with their LCD 4 an LCDZ.
And before I do anything with the cable I really want to break them in.

 

[Hifiearspeakers]

Definitely not grainy...I don’t find them doing anything uncomfortable with the highs.
I definitely need more time. I left them on autopilot with LED Zep for a while to continue to loosen. But already these best anything so far out of the box

HD650
LCD2
ZMF Auteur
ZMF Blackwood
Grado PS1k

I think I’m going to eventually balance them with OCC silver and see what happens. But the stock SE is a quality SPC(silver plated copper) and way better than any cable anyone is giving with their phones sub $2k or even more, with the exception of Audeze That offers a phenomenal cable with their LCD 4 an LCDZ.
And before I do anything with the cable I really want to break them in.

So you’re going to sell me your Auteur now right?