Yes, but it wasn't the purpose of me sharing the interview. I just thought a casual read from the father of the Empyrean might be of some interest.Which may mean everything
Meze EMPYREAN - the First Isodynamic Hybrid Array Headphone
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bpiotrow13
1000+ Head-Fier
Absolutely, nice interview, thanks. Just replied to last comment on new products only.
DaYooper
Headphoneus Supremus
Interesting photo since I just bought the Phoenix and the 9200 today.
Chris Kaoss
Headphoneus Supremus
Hehe.Which may mean everything
Yes.
Guess any manufacturer has this statement, otherwise they'll sink into the shadows. ^^
Still very happy with my Empyreans, even they probably not get the most listening time among all of my headphone (maybe I subconsciously "know" they are just that good and hope the others get better when listen to them more 
)...but every time I use them, I just know why I have and appreciate them (especially live recordings).
After my Musician Pegasus and Singxer SA-1 arrived some days ago I gave it a try with the Empyreans and was overly impressed by this combo in specfic, even I got probably "better" amps in my collection, the synergy is definitely very good.
)...but every time I use them, I just know why I have and appreciate them (especially live recordings).After my Musician Pegasus and Singxer SA-1 arrived some days ago I gave it a try with the Empyreans and was overly impressed by this combo in specfic, even I got probably "better" amps in my collection, the synergy is definitely very good.
Wow , this is a rack I would like to listen to!!!Still very happy with my Empyreans, even they probably not get the most listening time among all of my headphone (maybe I subconsciously "know" they are just that good and hope the others get better when listen to them more
After my Musician Pegasus and Singxer SA-1 arrived some days ago I gave it a try with the Empyreans and was overly impressed by this combo in specfic, even I got probably "better" amps in my collection, the synergy is definitely very good.
Everything is so special.
Well, you are definitely not short on options.Still very happy with my Empyreans, even they probably not get the most listening time among all of my headphone (maybe I subconsciously "know" they are just that good and hope the others get better when listen to them more
After my Musician Pegasus and Singxer SA-1 arrived some days ago I gave it a try with the Empyreans and was overly impressed by this combo in specfic, even I got probably "better" amps in my collection, the synergy is definitely very good.
bpiotrow13
1000+ Head-Fier
Well, you are definitely not short on options.
Impressive, but where are tube gears?Still very happy with my Empyreans, even they probably not get the most listening time among all of my headphone (maybe I subconsciously "know" they are just that good and hope the others get better when listen to them more
After my Musician Pegasus and Singxer SA-1 arrived some days ago I gave it a try with the Empyreans and was overly impressed by this combo in specfic, even I got probably "better" amps in my collection, the synergy is definitely very good.
))Seriously, I see Violectric V281. How do You find it with Empys? Isn'it too soft?
...some will call this madnessWell, you are definitely not short on options.
...I dont want to open Pandora's box in addition, I am tempted from time to time, but good tubes generate high runtime costs.Impressive, but where are tube gears?
...if I pair the Composer 3XP together with the Violectric V281, I dont find it too soft, maybe together with the R2R DACs you might get a hint of softness. The deep soundstage of the V281 has the lowest impact on the Empyreans since they already sound deep (at least to me).
ThanatosVI
Headphoneus Supremus
I'm trying to refrain from buying a tube DAC.
Imo tube gear produces more pleasant sound, there is no going back...
bpiotrow13
1000+ Head-Fier
Fully agree. Having said this I have just bought Neko d100mk2 DAC. I always wanted to have it, got a nice offer this morning and pulled the trigger. I am a bit afraid how it will pair with Meze but it should be a nice pairing with Ayon HA3. The producer says that Neko sounds closer to what an analog turntable setup might sound like, compared to other DACs. As I understand a mastering house in the UK purchased several units specifically to offer to sound engineers for use when creating vinyl masters from existing digital masters.
Once I got it I will share some thoughts.
A punchy and powerful SS amp can really lift the level of technical performance on the Empyrean. The Soloist 3XP fills the sound with bursting energy and life. Compared to the RME ADI2's headphone out the 3XP is so much more dynamic and faster. Transients are lightning fast, clarity has been increased significantly. This results in great separation and space, a deeper stage. Notes and instruments are easy to pick up and follow. Sub-bass and bass have never been tighter and more impactful on the Empyrean.
Perhaps part of the negative comments about the Empyrean come from trying them on lesser amps or simply with not a good match. The ADI2 for example is already a pretty clean sounding 2in1 combo and simply brilliant as a DAC, but its headphone out compared to the 3X simply sounds soft, flat and muddy. On the 3X kickdrums for example don't sound like tapping on cardboard anymore but have real dynamic impact and a complete finish from the start of the note to the end. These drum notes became 3 dimensional.
Unlike some other SS amps, despite the strong dynamics and a speedy performance with sublime clarity, the 3X never sounds harsh or bright or boring analytical. On the contrary, despite the neutral balance there is a full of life, energetic, analogue hint to the performance which is almost addictive and makes me re-listen whole albums in this quite unique presentation. The 3X has re-ignited my interest and enthusiasm in music listening which doesn't happen too often. What more can an audio product give?
Like every product the 3X is also not without small annoyances and for sure the excitement will wear off by time, but for now I am a happy camper.
Of course, the level of difference and improvement is, as always, somewhat debatable. Even more so the amount of money needed for this improvement. These are all personal factors: what are you able to hear, and if you hear it how much are you willing to pay for the better sound? (I didn't pay full price, but what I paid is worth the improvement for me.) A sentence from Dr Fang Bian (HiFiMan founder) comes to my mind, when someone asked him why his headphones cost so much. I am sure many of you know his reply: "because they sound good." Kind of hard to pry into that any further.
Main take away from this longer than intended rambling: powerful dynamics, speed and impact from a good amp is what can lift the Empyrean's technical performance to the next level. [And a silver(plated) cable.]
Perhaps part of the negative comments about the Empyrean come from trying them on lesser amps or simply with not a good match. The ADI2 for example is already a pretty clean sounding 2in1 combo and simply brilliant as a DAC, but its headphone out compared to the 3X simply sounds soft, flat and muddy. On the 3X kickdrums for example don't sound like tapping on cardboard anymore but have real dynamic impact and a complete finish from the start of the note to the end. These drum notes became 3 dimensional.
Unlike some other SS amps, despite the strong dynamics and a speedy performance with sublime clarity, the 3X never sounds harsh or bright or boring analytical. On the contrary, despite the neutral balance there is a full of life, energetic, analogue hint to the performance which is almost addictive and makes me re-listen whole albums in this quite unique presentation. The 3X has re-ignited my interest and enthusiasm in music listening which doesn't happen too often. What more can an audio product give?
Like every product the 3X is also not without small annoyances and for sure the excitement will wear off by time, but for now I am a happy camper.
Of course, the level of difference and improvement is, as always, somewhat debatable. Even more so the amount of money needed for this improvement. These are all personal factors: what are you able to hear, and if you hear it how much are you willing to pay for the better sound? (I didn't pay full price, but what I paid is worth the improvement for me.) A sentence from Dr Fang Bian (HiFiMan founder) comes to my mind, when someone asked him why his headphones cost so much. I am sure many of you know his reply: "because they sound good." Kind of hard to pry into that any further.
Main take away from this longer than intended rambling: powerful dynamics, speed and impact from a good amp is what can lift the Empyrean's technical performance to the next level. [And a silver(plated) cable.]
Would you mind telling me which one of your amps is your favourite with the Empy. I used a Benchmark HPA4 and DAC3B combo and loved it. However, I had to move the Benchmark gear to a different room and need another amp for the Empy.Still very happy with my Empyreans, even they probably not get the most listening time among all of my headphone (maybe I subconsciously "know" they are just that good and hope the others get better when listen to them more
After my Musician Pegasus and Singxer SA-1 arrived some days ago I gave it a try with the Empyreans and was overly impressed by this combo in specfic, even I got probably "better" amps in my collection, the synergy is definitely very good.
As usual the answer is, it depends
. I use the Empy mainly on GS-X mini+Ares II and V281+RME ADI-2/Composer 3XP (but as I have written some posts ago I also do like my new Singxer SA-1+Pegasus combo) - if I need to narrow it down to one, probably the GS-X mini (there is not one single headphone in my collection, that does not sound great on it).
Just chilling after a long day. Rumer. Lovely mellow voice over the Empys running on the Phatlab RASA on medium gain.
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