[340519]

That Phoenix empyrean looks incredible. Very nice. I'm impressed.

 

[340519]

I’d preferred the new pads (rumored to be released for years now) instead of a 4K painted Empy. Not impressed.

I'm good with the existing pads.

 

[Hoegaardener70]

I'm good with the existing pads.

The general perception seems to be that the existing pads leave room for improvement. If I can have better sound - e.g. by slightly elevating the upper regions of the Empy - via new pads, I wouldn't say no. This does not mean that the old pads are crap. Just ... not at maximum yet.

 

[paradoxper]

That Phoenix empyrean looks incredible. Very nice. I'm impressed.

Yea. But who wants to send their Empyrean to Colorware for a $200 premium and match thy arts.

 

[Newsee]

The general perception seems to be that the existing pads leave room for improvement. If I can have better sound - e.g. by slightly elevating the upper regions of the Empy - via new pads, I wouldn't say no. This does not mean that the old pads are crap. Just ... not at maximum yet.

My general perception is that the existing pads are very good as they are, and the very good things are very difficult to improve. If you change something which is almost perfect, there is a high chance to get it worse rather then improve.

Which pads are you using, leather, alcantra or the artificial leather?

I see you had ZMF VC which I am eying as closed back solution. How does it compare to the Empy?

 

[Benno1988]

Darkside - Golden Arrow.

Empy good. I know 11min is long to stick out a song, but its a good journey. Kicks off more at like 5min, but no point skipping.

"Heart" is also fun. And "Paper Trails".

 

[340519]

My general perception is that the existing pads are very good as they are, and the very good things are very difficult to improve. If you change something which is almost perfect, there is a high chance to get it worse rather then improve.

Which pads are you using, leather, alcantra or the artificial leather?

I see you had ZMF VC which I am eying as closed back solution. How does it compare to the Empy?

I agree.

 

[bpiotrow13]

The general perception seems to be that the existing pads leave room for improvement. If I can have better sound - e.g. by slightly elevating the upper regions of the Empy - via new pads, I wouldn't say no.

I am fine with alcantra pads to be frank. This is interesting what You write about elevating the upper region. I think the high tones are quite extensive in Empys but smooth at the same time, especially with alcantra pads.

 

[Jonwch]

Here's a photo. Why not...

Just wondering, how do the Sonys compare to the empyreans? Looking for a closed back with a similar signature to the empyreans for the office!

J

 

[Hoegaardener70]

Just wondering, how do the Sonys compare to the empyreans? Looking for a closed back with a similar signature to the empyreans for the office!

J

still own the Empy and sold the Sony’s a long time ago. The z1r is very comfortable and has nice bass, but that’s where the good news ended for me. There is a weird treble spike which hurt my ears and destroyed the signature, making it somewhat harsh. I didn’t like it as much as I had hoped I would.

 

[bpiotrow13]

Yea. But who wants to send their Empyrean to Colorware for a $200 premium and match thy arts.

Indeed, as discussed several posts above, sonically it is the same: "carries the same unique audio qualities as the original"

 

[340519]

Just wondering, how do the Sonys compare to the empyreans? Looking for a closed back with a similar signature to the empyreans for the office!

J

The Sony are my absolute favorite. The best sounding, best built, and most comfortable headphone. The sound sig is incredible. Lush, detailed, fabulous bass. If I had to choose only one can, including the abyss, the the z1r would be it.

 

[340519]

still own the Empy and sold the Sony’s a long time ago. The z1r is very comfortable and has nice bass, but that’s where the good news ended for me. There is a weird treble spike which hurt my ears and destroyed the signature, making it somewhat harsh. I didn’t like it as much as I had hoped I would.

I'd disagree completely as I hear no treble spike, and I am extremely sensitive to treble. I sold my 800 because of this issue. Others have commented on the Sony not having this issue as well. I would not own it if it exhibited this problem.

 

[Jonwch]

The Sony are my absolute favorite. The best sounding, best built, and most comfortable headphone. The sound sig is incredible. Lush, detailed, fabulous bass. If I had to choose only one can, including the abyss, the the z1r would be it.

Good to know, will definitely have to go audition them! How do they do in terms of soundstage, and how do you find the isolation, my office is open plan so as background noise goes it's in large supply, will this be an issue?

 

[340519]

Good to know, will definitely have to go audition them! How do they do in terms of soundstage, and how do you find the isolation, my office is open plan so as background noise goes it's in large supply, will this be an issue?

Isolation is fantastic, and the soundstage is wide and deep. They are hands down the best closed back, let alone any can, I have heard. I'd sell the empys and abyss to keep the z1rs if I had to.