Once again I have withdrawn my Empyrean sale. For two months I have been going back and forth between my Empyrean and D8000 (pro pads, XLR). I love both of these headphones, but can't really justify keeping both as there are so many other things in life that require funds. (I use my Soloist 3XP and testing the iFiPro iCan Signature.)
Without question the D8000 is a technically better headphone with faster transient response, deeper soundstage insight and detail, a better balanced and punchier bass. On the Final there is a real sub-bass presence as opposed to the slightly unrefined mid-bass quantity on the Empyrean. Perhaps the better bass impact and drum sound reproduction on the D8000 is the most immediate difference between these headphones. (Apart from the slightly larger but less refined soundstage on the Empyrean.)
That said, both the Final and the Meze excels in creating a lifelike and tangible sound/timbre. Both are exceptional and in many ways similar, yet different enough.
What I still really enjoy in the Empyrean is the soft, warm and enveloping sound presentation. Perhaps not the most rounded, not the most detailed, not the punchiest and not the most dynamic.
Yet it offers and excellent relaxed listen. Perhaps the most relaxing yet still TOTL level sound delivery I have heard to date.
Makes me wonder if I should sell both the Empy and D8000 for the Elite? I will definitely wait a few more months to see how the Elite holds up and most of all try to audition one.