franz12
Headphoneus Supremus
- Joined
- Apr 11, 2016
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I currently have a L300LTD and a normal bias Lambda and was running them through an SRM-1 MK2. I've always wanted a TOTL electrostatic amp and a trade opportunity presented itself for the KGSSHV Carbon that was mutually beneficial for both parties, so I YOLO'd it and pulled the trigger. So far I've only got the L300LTD to run through it, but honestly, it is subjectively one of my favorite headphones so I'm happy as hell right now. If I stay with this direction, I'll probably grab an SR-009 eventually and/or upgrade to a full blown L700. I also wouldn't mind an SR-Sigma Pro or 4070.
Even on the L300LTD (which is an L300 body, L500 pads and L700 drivers), the jump was extremely noticeable. The biggest jump was in transparency and air. The headphone is vapor. It just completely dematerialized into wide-open space. It reminds me a lot of listening to the SR-009 on the Blue Hawaii in this way - when electrostatics get good power behind them they just disappear. It's not quite to the level of the aforementioned 009/BHSE combo, but like 50 layers of veil just came off. I'd be curious to hear both amps head-to-head with an 009 to see which comes out ahead.
The other most noticeable (perhaps even more noticeable) aspect is the bass quantity and quality. The headphone is a lot more visceral and "ballsy" sounding now. It sounds like a BIG amp (and it is a BIG amp, holy crap this thing dwarfs my Glenn OTL, and that's a big amp too! (the GOTL is like 35 lbs)). Sometimes I felt like the L300LTD sounded a little colored or "warmed over" on the SRM-1 MK2 and light on dynamics. On the KGSSHV Carbon, it's like it's more neutral, but also more visceral. The bass is super crispy and clear and now it actually moves you. Subbass seems to be more extended as well, which doesn't surprise me in the least.
Resolution is clearly a few layers deeper. The stage is a little bit wider with more depth projection and WAY more fine layering between the the depth of sonic images. Tone is more neutral and true to life, yet musicality improved as well.
It's really impressive in every way, and has me thinking about diving headlong into the e-stat route.
You own/owned/heard many TOTLs. It is surprising that you are still blown away.