[philo50]

what a great job....thank you

 

[potkettleblack]

7 thousand dollars for an amp. What a bunch of jokers.

 

[sheldaze]

7 thousand dollars for an amp. What a bunch of jokers.

I did not notice. I suppose in the context of a headphone costing $5,495...
 
...but even then, ouch 

 

 

[m8o]

Now you see what a bargain the McIntosh MHA100 is @ $4500 ...

 

[conquerator2]

Or the LC, ZOTL or even the EF6 at 600,1100 and 1600. There are many more that are cheaper like the M11, M9 or HA430.
7K is really pushing it IMO... Not a bargain exactly

 

[doctorjazz]

If you're looking for "bargains", May I suggest The Discovery Thread? Great $5 iems to be had.

 

[doctorjazz]

http://www.head-fi.org/t/586909/the-discovery-thread-new-ath-cks1100-first-look-by-jant71-pg-2066/31395#post_12178010

The last post on The Discovery Thread (actually do like MEelectronics, have given A151 to my daughters and used them myself).

 

[Articnoise]

  I haven't gone through the entire thread but I was able to perform some longer-term auditions on a few cans that some may be interested in (LCD-X, LCD-3F, Abyss, HEK, and HD 800)
 
https://audiobacon.net/2015/12/14/ultra-high-end-full-size-open-headphone-shootout/
 
I thought the Abyss were phenomenal and was in a league or two above the rest. I'm sure the Wells Audio Headtrip amp made sure of that. It's a ridiculously high performance amp. The HEK is an amazing headphone as well but a bit too soft for my taste. If the treble energy wasn't as subdued...it would've been perfect. Still the best all-rounder in the group.

 

Nice review!

 

I agree with you that if the HEK had a bit more bite in the upper mids/lower treble it would have been almost perfect, at least for my taste. Did you try the HEK with some different aftermarket cables (IC, USB, and headphone) to see if it changed this specific characteristic? I sure love many aspect that the Abyss has, but the treble tonality was not one with the Neo 430. 

 

[bacon333]

   

Nice review!

 

I agree with you that if the HEK had a bit more bite in the upper mids/lower treble it would have been almost perfect, at least for my taste. Did you try the HEK with some different aftermarket cables (IC, USB, and headphone) to see if it changed this specific characteristic? I sure love many aspect that the Abyss has, but the treble tonality was not one with the Neo 430. 

I kept everything stock, so didn't try different cables. I just tried different amps and it didn't sound great with the portables from my experience. What was it about the treble tonality you didn't like on the 430?

 

[nkbg]

Any experience and recommendations for replacing the stock balanced cable?

 

[mowglycdb]

Any experience and recommendations for replacing the stock balanced cable?

 
I'll be trying a timbre hp1 cable soon enough. will give you input on that later

 

[reeltime]

One of my favorite albums just got released on DSD:  Stevie Ray's "Couldn't Stand the Weather". 
 
His version of Voodoo Child + Chord Hugo + HE1000 = One of the best sonic experiences I've had in a while.  Goosebumps.
 
My WA-5LE is being assembled right now.  When I get to add THAT to the chain?  My head may explode. 

 

[moedawg140]

One of my favorite albums just got released on DSD:  Stevie Ray's "Couldn't Stand the Weather". 

His version of Voodoo Child + Chord Hugo + HE1000 = One of the best sonic experiences I've had in a while.  Goosebumps.

My WA-5LE is being assembled right now.  When I get to add THAT to the chain?  My head may explode. 

I'm going to have to check out the album and listen to how it sounds on my favorite pairing sources. Thanks for the reference!

 

[Roybenz]

I tried DSD for the first time yesterday. With chord mojo and HEK. But it "only" gave me 768kHz. Through usb. Maybe my soundcard on my computer doesnt support more? Or do i need optical cable instead to get full dsd?

I did get it to run dsd but not with fluid sound.

Also when using tidal i set the mojo to highest setting 768kHz, (in audio device setting on my pc) but tidal only gives out 44kHz? Does it scale up or am i getting 44kHz or 768kHz?

 

[reeltime]

I tried DSD for the first time yesterday. With chord mojo and HEK. But it "only" gave me 768kHz. Through usb. Maybe my soundcard on my computer doesnt support more? Or do i need optical cable instead to get full dsd?

I did get it to run dsd but not with fluid sound.

Also when using tidal i set the mojo to highest setting 768kHz, (in audio device setting on my pc) but tidal only gives out 44kHz? Does it scale up or am i getting 44kHz or 768kHz?

You need to set your playback software to "hog" mode, where the program takes over control of the Mojo from the PC.  Your Mojo should turn grey when playing DSD, or you're just listening to a dithered file.