[ken6217]

I'm subscribed, but haven't been reading the whole thread. Have enough people heard this headphone for us to say how, on average, it's perceived to compare with the LCD-3, LCD-4, HD800S, Clear, Utopia, etc.? Is it just another really good headphone, or does it stand out as something truly special?

Listen to a pair and all your questions will be answered

 

[Andrew DiMarcangelo]

I'm subscribed, but haven't been reading the whole thread. Have enough people heard this headphone for us to say how, on average, it's perceived to compare with the LCD-3, LCD-4, HD800S, Clear, Utopia, etc.? Is it just another really good headphone, or does it stand out as something truly special?

It holds its own against other flagships perfectly well...you may or may not prefer its sound signature over others, but I will say this: the Empy trumps similarly priced flagships in comfort and build quality handily.

 

[PeteSTRADAMUS]

I decided to try the Danacable Lazuli headphone cable. I just received it but haven't heard it yet, however if the musical presentation is as good as the cable and packaging representation, then it should be excellent.

Awesome pics!

It holds its own against other flagships perfectly well...you may or may not prefer its sound signature over others, but I will say this: the Empy trumps similarly priced flagships in comfort and build quality handily.

That is very true.

 

[up late]

It holds its own against other flagships perfectly well...you may or may not prefer its sound signature over others, but I will say this: the Empy trumps similarly priced flagships in comfort and build quality handily.

the comfort and build quality of the empyrean is exemplary, but i don't think that it "trumps" the z1r or the utopia "handily" in either of those areas

 

[Bakath]

I'm subscribed, but haven't been reading the whole thread. Have enough people heard this headphone for us to say how, on average, it's perceived to compare with the LCD-3, LCD-4, HD800S, Clear, Utopia, etc.? Is it just another really good headphone, or does it stand out as something truly special?

I can tell you they made my HD 800 and LCD-X seem like a joke, not even in the same realm.

 

[hypnos1]

I am waiting for my Digione signature player. Have heard good thing about it and I want to remove source related issue. Many time brightness and harshness are source induced irrespective of headphones.

Too true, kumar402...very often, source is overlooked when upgrading the obvious elements in one's system - DAC, amp, cables etc.

In my own case (previously mentioned), not only was I responding to someone who recently asked if anyone else had noticed the Empys sounding 'splashy' - which they most definitely are not! - but was also surprised at their ability to distinguish so clearly between sources that according to many, shouldn't vary...ie. different digital copies of the same material : 'just 0s and 1s'. And so, further vindication of these headphones' ability to keep scaling with any and all other upgrades to the system.

Ergo, your new player will hopefully take your own Empys to new heights lol!

 

[ken6217]

the comfort and build quality of the empyrean is exemplary, but i don't think that it "trumps" the z1r or the utopia "handily" in either of those areas

But this is why you have to listen for yourself and form your own opinion and not listen to others. For instance some people would agree with what you said, but for me I wouldn’t own Utopia if it was given to me for free.

 

[Andrew DiMarcangelo]

the comfort and build quality of the empyrean is exemplary, but i don't think that it "trumps" the z1r or the utopia "handily" in either of those areas

Utopia and Z1R are extremely well made headphones, no doubt. I'll rephrase...I believe it handily trumps in the comfort dept and holds its own in build quality. (and yes, I've spent a lot of time with all 3)

 

[Hifiearspeakers]

I'm subscribed, but haven't been reading the whole thread. Have enough people heard this headphone for us to say how, on average, it's perceived to compare with the LCD-3, LCD-4, HD800S, Clear, Utopia, etc.? Is it just another really good headphone, or does it stand out as something truly special?

I haven’t heard the Clear or Utopia, but the Empyrean is smoother and more forgiving than the LCD 3 or 800S. But I prefer the sound signature of my LCD 4Z to it. Everyone’s tastes are different, so you need to audition it for yourself.

 

[up late]

Utopia and Z1R are extremely well made headphones, no doubt. I'll rephrase...I believe it handily trumps in the comfort dept and holds its own in build quality. (and yes, I've spent a lot of time with all 3)

you're entitled to your opinion of course. i think that the margin between them is slimmer based on my experience with all three.

 

[Andrew DiMarcangelo]

you're entitled to your opinion of course. i think that the margin between them is slimmer based on my experience with all three.

Unless we're stating facts like raw specs, everything we share here is an opinion!

 

[thecrow]

I'm subscribed, but haven't been reading the whole thread. Have enough people heard this headphone for us to say how, on average, it's perceived to compare with the LCD-3, LCD-4, HD800S, Clear, Utopia, etc.? Is it just another really good headphone, or does it stand out as something truly special?

IMHO another really good headphone (or at least in that mix)
YMMV

(I went with the he1000se rather than the empyrean - but that's my type of sound)

https://musicalhead.de/2018/11/20/t...meze-empyrean-audeze-lcd4z-mrspeakers-ether2/

 

[PeteSTRADAMUS]

Utopia and Z1R are extremely well made headphones, no doubt. I'll rephrase...I believe it handily trumps in the comfort dept and holds its own in build quality. (and yes, I've spent a lot of time with all 3)

As a previous owner of the Z1R and the Utopia. The Utopia build materials "plastic" doesn't even compare to the Sony. None of them touch the Empyrean.

 

[up late]

Unless we're stating facts like raw specs, everything we share here is an opinion!

i think that goes without saying

 

[hypnos1]

But this is why you have to listen for yourself and from your own opinion and not listen to others. For instance some people would agree with what you said, but for me I wouldn’t own Utopia if it was given to me for free.

Of course this is a personal thing, but I too wasn't half as impressed by the Utopias as the Empyreans...and this was via 2 tube amps, an extremely good custom built SS amp and Chord's Dave. Especially considering their cost!! They (Empys) also - for me and in my system - blow the Clear right out of the water (in any area you care to name)...no contest.