Trying some critical listening here. It seems I need to crank up the volume to better hear the differences. Normally I don't listen that loud with headphones.
The S2 has more present treble than the Cobalt and my Jotunheim 2 (DAC is Bifrost 2 in this case). While there is more sparkle, there is also more fatigue.
The Cobalt and Jot are more relaxed in comparison. The S2 seems more forward, vocals and cymbals are more in your face.
Bass is more precise on the S2.
Cobalt sounds dark in comparison (maybe this is the minimum phase slow roll-off filter).
Listening with CFA Cascade (cloth pads and >250 hours burned in, 1T filters) and Tool - Fear Inoculum (Hi Res DR restored version):
EDIT: It's easier to follow the different instruments in the mix with the S2 over the Cobalt. Cymbals also sound more natural because of the mentioned sparkle.
The S2 has more present treble than the Cobalt and my Jotunheim 2 (DAC is Bifrost 2 in this case). While there is more sparkle, there is also more fatigue.
The Cobalt and Jot are more relaxed in comparison. The S2 seems more forward, vocals and cymbals are more in your face.
Bass is more precise on the S2.
Cobalt sounds dark in comparison (maybe this is the minimum phase slow roll-off filter).
Listening with CFA Cascade (cloth pads and >250 hours burned in, 1T filters) and Tool - Fear Inoculum (Hi Res DR restored version):
EDIT: It's easier to follow the different instruments in the mix with the S2 over the Cobalt. Cymbals also sound more natural because of the mentioned sparkle.
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