THE COMPOSER OPEN BACK FLAGSHIP by AUSTRIAN AUDIO

[FiGuY1017]

I find myself doing to the Composer what I do to Susvara

That is, because I know how incredibly immersive they can sound, I find myself seeking out good recordings just to be captivated and entertained by the abilities these possess.

Another level incoming I hope, as I transition away from iPads type sources as I'm switching to a Matrix Element S in one set up and already the brilliant little Wiim ultra in the other

 

[jamesjames]

I find myself doing to the Composer what I do to Susvara

That is, because I know how incredibly immersive they can sound, I find myself seeking out good recordings just to be captivated and entertained by the abilities these possess.

Another level incoming I hope, as I transition away from iPads type sources as I'm switching to a Matrix Element S in one set up and already the brilliant little Wiim ultra in the other

I agree these phones are very transparent to sources - in the sense that they don't add much of their own colour. So tweaking amps and players can be a worthwhile exercise. This means good recordings - particularly hi-res - can also make a difference. I think these phones are good enough that, with decent ancillaries, recording quality effectively sets the ceiling on playback quality - which is all that can really be asked of phones.

 

[FiGuY1017]

So has the criticisms of the lack of depth in Composers stage deminished with break in for people? Or are they still experiencing this?

I ask because it could be they are just amp picky as this issue went away completely for me, to a point that now they have one of the deepest sound stages I've heard

I mean by that, the ability that hear deep into a recording and imaging as well are both outstanding with both CMA 800i and especially Marley Mkii.

 

[jamesjames]

So has the criticisms of the lack of depth in Composers stage deminished with break in for people? Or are they still experiencing this?

I ask because it could be they are just amp picky as this issue went away completely for me, to a point that now they have one of the deepest sound stages I've heard

I mean by that, the ability that hear deep into a recording and imaging as well are both outstanding with both CMA 800i and especially Marley Mkii.

No, I think this is an issue that can't be avoided - and the one which will make it less attractive for some (me included). My guess is that it's likely to be the result of the slight forwardness of lower mids.

 

[FiGuY1017]

No, I think this is an issue that can't be avoided - and the one which will make it less attractive for some (me included). In my opinion it's likely to be the result of the slight forwardness of lower mids.

That's strange, on my otherwise holographic Volot the Composer shows signs of that less than ideal depth. But with my other amps they are beautifully holographic, very strange.

I'm glad I found these other amps, as I was ready to sell the Composer because of its rather flat sound, but not now, now they are one of the deepest, most immersive headphones I've heard.

I'm not a brand shill or do I have loyalty to any specific manufacturer but if you are a owner of a Composer I'd recommend a Marley Mkii, Young Mkiv > HO or CMA 800i or the like, you'll find a new dimension you didn't know Composer was capable of

 

[jamesjames]

I wouldn't be surprised to find a range of views on this - the impression of 'depth' being one of the most likely in my experience to divide opinion. All I would add is that the Composer isn't in this respect quite as impressive to my ear as some other phones I've used. I've mentioned them above. Even so, all things considered, I find the Composer generally more satisfying than most of those phones. As ever, it's a matter of weighing up the various compromises ... and, all things considered, I think it's tremendously good.

 

[FiGuY1017]

I'm with you, I didn't find them as impressive either but with the right amp they can be. Hate to see people miss out on that aspect of them as it's there to be pulled out.

Something going on with their matching requirements I guess being such high sensitivity cans.

Kinda puts a stranglehold on them as most people who buy them will probably not go to the trouble of finding a proper desktop match for them. The talent is there though imo

 

[rwelles]

Kinda puts a stranglehold on them as most people who buy them will probably not go to the trouble of finding a proper desktop match for them. The talent is there though imo

Are you sure you didn't mean to post this in the Susvara thread???

 

[FiGuY1017]

Meh probably did already

 

[bronco1015]

I heard the Composer at canjam Dallas 2023 and was a huge fan. i've been mostly in the BT over ear space for the last several years but find myself wanting to get some wired sets again. I've been selling a ton of gear lately and am considering picking the Composer up.

 

[Gaurav Tyagi]

Hi All! I have been enjoying my Composer for the past 2 months. Love it with CMA18p but recently I auditioned it on the following chain.
iPad -airplay-> Hugo2+2go -RCA-> Enleum HPA-23RM
Sounded absolutely stunning. Too bulky and expensive for me but if you ever get a chance to, do try it.

I am looking for a DAP, since the Composer are easy to drive. Has anyone tried it on Lotoo PAW GT2? Or recommend any DAP which goes well with these? I prefer a neutral/neutral warm signature. Thanks!

 

[swedishpat]

Hi All! I have been enjoying my Composer for the past 2 months. Love it with CMA18p but recently I auditioned it on the following chain.
iPad -airplay-> Hugo2+2go -RCA-> Enleum HPA-23RM
Sounded absolutely stunning. Too bulky and expensive for me but if you ever get a chance to, do try it.

I am looking for a DAP, since the Composer are easy to drive. Has anyone tried it on Lotoo PAW GT2? Or recommend any DAP which goes well with these? I prefer a neutral/neutral warm signature. Thanks!

I use an Ibasso DAP which sounds great but adding the ibasso PB5 tube amp takes it to the next level. That amp is smaller and cheaper than the chain you mentioned above and gives it a bit of warmth.

 

[Gaurav Tyagi]

I use an Ibasso DAP which sounds great but adding the ibasso PB5 tube amp takes it to the next level. That amp is smaller and cheaper than the chain you mentioned above and gives it a bit of warmth.

I believe is the DX320 Max Ti + PB5? Again too bulky for me.

 

[TRHH]

I am looking for a DAP, since the Composer are easy to drive. Has anyone tried it on Lotoo PAW GT2? Or recommend any DAP which goes well with these? I prefer a neutral/neutral warm signature. Thanks!

I use iBasso D16 in this setup:

 

[Gaurav Tyagi]

I use iBasso D16 in this setup:

Wow! Very detailed diagram. Appreciate the effort you put in. Cheers!

I can certainly live with a phone and D16.