I recently had the opportunity to test the Mark Levinson 5909, Bathys, and T+A Solitaire T headphones. Initially, when comparing the Bathys with the Mark Levinson 5909, I noted that the Bathys resembled the sound of the Meze 109 Pro in wireless mode, but this similarity did not extend to wired mode. In my opinion, the 5909 stood out for its more vibrant and lively sound, nearly convincing me to choose it over the Bathys due to its superior audio quality.
However, my perspective shifted upon trying the Solitaire T. I found the 5909’s treble to be overly bright and sparkly, which I found challenging to enjoy over extended periods due to my sensitivity to treble brightness. In contrast, the Solitaire T offered a more agreeable treble presentation, especially in wireless mode. When used in wired mode, the Solitaire T elevated its performance even further, delivering a rich and vibrant sound reminiscent of the Meze Audio Elite’s saturated tonality, as noted in John Grandberg’s review on Darko Audio. The Solitaire T’s well-balanced sound and exceptional clarity further made the choice obvious for me.
Despite this, the Mark Levinson 5909 did impress me, particularly for its wireless performance. It’s remarkable to see such a diverse range of sound characteristics across the Bathys, 5909, and Solitaire T headphones, offering a variety of choices for audiophiles.
Additionally, I’m currently evaluating the IFI Xsds Gryphon, using it to stream Qobuz and Tidal on an iPhone 14 Pro Max and an AK SE 300, paired with the Solitaire. The combination, especially with the SE 300 as the streamer, has been notably impressive, enhancing my listening experience further.
However, my perspective shifted upon trying the Solitaire T. I found the 5909’s treble to be overly bright and sparkly, which I found challenging to enjoy over extended periods due to my sensitivity to treble brightness. In contrast, the Solitaire T offered a more agreeable treble presentation, especially in wireless mode. When used in wired mode, the Solitaire T elevated its performance even further, delivering a rich and vibrant sound reminiscent of the Meze Audio Elite’s saturated tonality, as noted in John Grandberg’s review on Darko Audio. The Solitaire T’s well-balanced sound and exceptional clarity further made the choice obvious for me.
Despite this, the Mark Levinson 5909 did impress me, particularly for its wireless performance. It’s remarkable to see such a diverse range of sound characteristics across the Bathys, 5909, and Solitaire T headphones, offering a variety of choices for audiophiles.
Additionally, I’m currently evaluating the IFI Xsds Gryphon, using it to stream Qobuz and Tidal on an iPhone 14 Pro Max and an AK SE 300, paired with the Solitaire. The combination, especially with the SE 300 as the streamer, has been notably impressive, enhancing my listening experience further.