maggie17fan
100+ Head-Fier
To understand my point of reference, I listen to the HP-3’s and Empyreans via an Astell & Kern Kann DAP, or sometimes to an iPod Classic/portable Class A amp. I don’t have a desk component system.I see in your signature that you are having those ...Meze Empyrean (Jet Black), Klipsch HP-3 (Walnut) , Audeze LCD-2 Classic, Meze 99 Noir
Audeze iSINE10 w Cipher V2 cable, Meze Rai Solo. I also got the Klipsch HP-3, Dita Fealty, Audeze iSINE10 balanced cable, Meze 99 Classic... I am just curious how do you compare the HP 3 vs the Empyrean?
I’m no reviewer, but to me, the HP-3’s and Empyreans are more alike than not in overall sound signature. The Empyreans are more open, have a wider soundstage and depth, have better/cleaner mids and highs, the HP-3’s sound a bit grainy in comparison. Overall advantage to the Empyreans, except when it comes to the bass. Empyreans bass is there (especially compared to LCD-2C’s) but it is tighter, more polite. The HP-3’s have a fatter, looser bass that seems more visceral if it’s in the music. Hits a bit harder. More like live music. You’re closer to the music with the HP-3’s, they’re more fun with the right music. HP-3’s will play surprising well just off of an iPhone, the Empyreans not so much and need more power. Keep in mind the limitations of my system, I think the Empyreans will scale up with better stuff than I have, HP-3’s don’t seem to need it so much.
If I’m listening to rock, or music with low end energy, it’s the HP-3’s. If it’s vocals, acoustic or ambient music, or more intimate music, if I just want to relax, I do prefer the Empyreans. Empyreans are also more comfortable, though head clamp is less, so sometimes feels like it might slip, but hasn't so far. If the cost of the Empyreans is a stretch, no reason to get them if you like the HP-3’s. You’re spending over 2x more to get a lot of the same thing. If you’ve already got that high-end setup, maybe it’s a different answer.
(BTW, I’d have a lot higher opinion of the LCD-2C’s if it had the bass of the iSine10’s with the cipher cable.)