I just ordered the Ether C Flow 1.1, and I am curious as to others impressions vs other Mr Speakers / DCA headphones. I needed closed back for my use case, however. I have the original AFC and AFO, and I prefer the AFC significantly. It's my least expensive headphone and my favorite closed back I've owned (compared to LCD XC and Fostex TH900). The mids on the AFC, while recessed are just incredibly unique - and the presentation of vocals, in conjunction with the highs (especially female) is addicting. I never really fell in love with the AFO. Initially I found the AFC a little bass light, but after some head time - the bass response worked quite well with the overall headphones. That said, when purchasing them, I demoed what I think were the original Ether C Flows as well in store (though only about 5 minutes a piece). In that short time the main difference I could discern was more perceived bass on the Ethers. At the time I bought the Aeons because they were cheaper and it was my first Mr Speakers, but I always really wanted an Ether C variant because the sound seemed improved from my short demo ( though not night and day, certainly diminishing returns are in play), and I love the look, feel and the comfort.
Since owning the AFC, I have found they pair exceptionally well with chord gear, especially the Hugo 2 - It's a great synergy. In fact, Rob Watts, the genius behind Chord's, DACs uses the AFC. I am hoping the Ether C Flow 1.1 have a similar synergy. I have met Dan a few times at shows and have always found him to be an incredibly nice guy, and willing to talk headphones for as long as you want to. He's also a bit of a tinkerer and workaholic - which is generally a good thing, but there are so many DCA closed revisions it's hard to know if I made the right choice. There was the Ether C, the Ether C 1.1., the Ether C flow, the Ether C flow 1.1 the AFC and the AFC 2 (as well as the Ether CX which is, from reading impressions, the main headphone I am concerned I should have gotten instead of the Ether C flow 1.1) I am not concerned about the price difference, just preference. I mean, sure, who doesn't prefer to pay less - but given how I am using them, even if the Ether C Flow 1.1 were 5% better for my preference, I'd prefer them.
While I have a big headphone rig downstairs, these are mainly my bedroom headphones paired with a Chord Hugo 2 / and Chord 2Go. Therefore I am looking for a relatively laid back, relaxing presentation - but not too laid back. Right now the AFC have that duty. I welcome more detail and soundstage, my main concern is about the 6k peak and whether these will be "relaxing" similar to the AFC. I like dynamics as much as the next guy, but it isn't a primary concern because of how they will be used (in bed, while drifting off to sleep - and closed so the only thing my wife can hear is me snore
I'm going to get them soon, so I'll know the answer after some head time - but I'm curious as to feedback from the community regarding these vs the other closed DCA headphones. It's fine to tell me what you like, just tell me why - so I can see if it's what I like. Also welcomed - if you think I will like the Ether C Flow 1.1 based on what I've described.