[Pashmeister]

Actually I like Susvara more with HA-3A rather with Burson GT. However with Elite, I think they tie in enjoyment (while Burson GT perform better technicalities), but obviously different flavour of course.


For Elite owner who want to enjoy something more like this, but still in "acceptable" tonality, I suggest DCA Expanse

I have tried Susvara with the HA-3A and tracks that are bass-light sound fantastic. Strings are amazing. But modern music, electronic, and any music with deep sub bass gets undeniably wonky already. Power is too low for the Susvara and the physics ain’t physicking.

GT is really really good with the Elites as well. I actually got the elites because it takes more effort to make them sound bad and I get to save so much on amps.

 

[Contrails]

I am keen on the HA3A because it's a lovely looking tube amp and it has a neutral sound signature with stock tubes. Not interested in tube rolling.

I will try to keep the Master 9 as my Solid state/reference amp along with the HA3A.

 

[betula]

I have tried Susvara with the HA-3A and tracks that are bass-light sound fantastic. Strings are amazing. But modern music, electronic, and any music with deep sub bass gets undeniably wonky already. Power is too low for the Susvara and the physics ain’t physicking.

GT is really really good with the Elites as well. I actually got the elites because it takes more effort to make them sound bad and I get to save so much on amps.

Interesting input regarding the HA-3A's bass. I found this amp appealing as well, although some reports said, the noise floor can be a bit high with sensitive planars. Any comment on that? Perhaps that was only the case with some early production HA-3As.

What you say about the bass might put me off though. I really enjoy what a good SS amp like the GSX-Mini does to the bass on the Elite: enhanced control, authority, tight and precise impact. I wonder if there is a tube amp with similar bass handling? I guess there is for eyewatering amount of money, but around 2 grand?

 

[Pashmeister]

Interesting input regarding the HA-3A's bass. I found this amp appealing as well, although some reports said, the noise floor can be a bit high with sensitive planars. Any comment on that? Perhaps that was only the case with some early production HA-3As.

What you say about the bass might put me off though. I really enjoy what a good SS amp like the GSX-Mini does to the bass on the Elite: enhanced control, authority, tight and precise impact. I wonder if there is a tube amp with similar bass handling? I guess there is for eyewatering amount of money, but around 2 grand?

I was merely talking about the wonky bass when it is driving the Susvara, as a response to previous poster who used Susvara with Ha-3a. But I am using the ha-3a with the Elites, probably the most sensitive planar around? And no noise, and the bass is great esp after some good tube rolling.

 

[TheMiddleSky]

So you’re saying Expanse is similar to Elite but more technical/detailed, but less euphonic?

I look forward to an Elite/Expanse/Caldera shoot-out.

Well, not really, expanse and elite are at the opposite of spectrum. Elite is pure emotive and pleasure. Expanse is linear and "discipline". However, among many headphones that lean to focus on "accuracy above musicality" Expanse is my most favourite.

Caldera would be at same spectrum like Elite that focus on enjoyment.

 

[Slim1970]

Well, not really, expanse and elite are at the opposite of spectrum. Elite is pure emotive and pleasure. Expanse is linear and "discipline". However, among many headphones that lean to focus on "accuracy above musicality" Expanse is my most favourite.

Caldera would be at same spectrum like Elite that focus on enjoyment.

Agreed with the Caldera and Elite being built for musical enjoyment. Both strike a fine balance between technicalities and musical performance. I have yet to here the Expanse to comment on how it fits into the picture.

 

[tcode]

 

[FinHifi]

the same thing that hides flaws also hides the very best recordings because you cant have it both ways...give me the HP that lets me hear exactly what is on the recording good orbad

With many high-end headphones you need to look for those few songs to enjoy those cans.
"Yeah this one song sounds really good with these x brand headphones, too bad it is techno, i really don't listen to it, but it sounds good"
With Elite, enjoyable songs pop out like mushrooms after a rain
This comment was written tongue in cheek

 

[LCMusicLover]

With Elite, enjoyable songs pop out like mushrooms after a rain

That's what I heard as well w/ Elite. Very good with pretty much every genre I tried.

Same is true of Atrium, which was probably the biggest part of the whole ... and it nearly came down to a coin flip ... deal when I had to pick one or the other.

 

[artisandro]

Hey folks!

Looking for a high-end music production headphone. Mixing/Mastering/Sound Design... From what I can read, and I've spent a ridiculous amount of time researching, it would seem that all points to the Audeze LCD-5. I take comfort very seriously though because these are on my head while I am concentrating very hard... Also, I'm not a huge fan of how the Audeze headphones look... That's why I've been eyeing the Meze Elite. However, it seems that many would say that they aren't suited for this application. Is this objectively true? Should I just look elsewhere?

 

[betula]

Hey folks!

Looking for a high-end music production headphone. Mixing/Mastering/Sound Design... From what I can read, and I've spent a ridiculous amount of time researching, it would seem that all points to the Audeze LCD-5. I take comfort very seriously though because these are on my head while I am concentrating very hard... Also, I'm not a huge fan of how the Audeze headphones look... That's why I've been eyeing the Meze Elite. However, it seems that many would say that they aren't suited for this application. Is this objectively true? Should I just look elsewhere?

What you need the headphones for: mixing, mastering the LCD5 is your best bet. More neutral than the Elite and extremely precise, balanced. Like super clean studio monitors on your head. For music listening I didn't quite like the LCD5 and my clear preference is the Elite due to its addictively sweet musical sound, but for studio mixing the LCD5 is hands down a better tool.

 

[artisandro]

What you need the headphones for: mixing, mastering the LCD5 is your best bet. More neutral than the Elite and extremely precise, balanced. Like super clean studio monitors on your head. For music listening I didn't quite like the LCD5 and my clear preference is the Elite due to its addictively sweet musical sound, but for studio mixing the LCD5 is hands down a better tool.

A great response. Why does it upset me so...........? lol

 

[turbofeet]

Hehe. It depends if you also want them for musical enjoyment. The Elite's are very natural sounding headphones so might do a good job as well but probably not LCD5 level, no.

Susvara are very comfortable headphones as well as very detailed. Not sure how they would be for mixing either though.

 

[jlbrach]

With many high-end headphones you need to look for those few songs to enjoy those cans.
"Yeah this one song sounds really good with these x brand headphones, too bad it is techno, i really don't listen to it, but it sounds good"
With Elite, enjoyable songs pop out like mushrooms after a rain
This comment was written tongue in cheek

When I listen to a HP,just as when I listen to an amp or a DAC I want to hear exactly what is on the recording..I want the HP that is the most detailed as well as having all the other subjective qualities such as soundstage and bass and imagining etc...I owned the empyrean and sold it almost immediately ..I havent heard the Elite but I assume it has the same softening sound...I will however say that it is a beautiful and comfortable HP

 

[Arcamera]

I would say there are different ways to convey what exactly is on the recording. For instance, I now own the Susvara, and have spent a little time with the Abyss 1266, and while both excellent, I'd still choose the Elite over either. Or the Empyrean for that matter, for my tastes. To me, virtually every HiFiMan headphone I've heard (I own 3, have heard a few more) renders what's exactly on the recording as too bright. I feel I get what's on the recording with the Elite, but it's fuller, smoother. Is it artificial addition to the recording? I don't know. But it's certainly more agreeable sonically. In other words, I'd wouldn't equate "telling it like it is" on the recording with what's sometimes just excessive treble energy.