Would love to hear anyone’s feelings about the Emperean vs HEKv2 or HEKse. I’m liking everything I’m reading about these and they look sexy as hell!
Very quick observations on Empyrean vs. He1000se:
Granted, my setup is not really what one would expect for such high-end headphones, but it us what it is.
Both on 3.5mm se to LG V30 and balanced through Massdrop Liquid Carbon X SDAC/Amp via laptop USB.
Empyrean - warmer, richer. More bass presence. Subdued highs (in direct comparison). Thicker midrange. Vocals more upfront. Livelier, more dynamic. Narrower soundstage, slightly deeper.
HEKse - brighter, leaner. Wider soundstage. Less dynamic, but more detailed. Laid back. Vocals less forward. Midrange much leaner. More treble presence.
Build quality goes to Empyrean by a landslide. Overall comfort to SE. Both very easy to drive and sound great through just about anything.
I find for very bass heavy recording (not genre specific), the SE is a better choice. The thickness, warmness and bass of the Empyrean is a bit much.
Bright recordings are better suited for the Empyrean. The SE's elevated treble is too much.
For most decently recorded music (again, not genre specific), I clearly prefer the Empyrean.
To summarize: I bought both with the intention of comparing and selling one off. Perhaps you may have seen my HEKse sale thread I posted yesterday...(that in no way is a knock on the SE. I could easily have lived with it and enjoyed it had I not had the Empyrean).
Bravo, Meze!!!