It is too early to say anything about the Libratum v3 sound, especially when it seems to trigger mockery, but a short listen to thinker's v3 was promising: a very fluid, balanced, relaxed sound, no issues I could find, it is both neutral and musical, with an especially beautiful and smooth midrange. However, sensitivity is lower than even the 007, it definitely needs powerful amp, otherwise on lesser amps it might sound less dynamic.
It reminded me to the 009 more than to the the 007 Mk1, but without any treble issues. I haven't heard the MrSpeakers ES, but based on others opinions it seems they are of similar sound character with the v3, and share lower sensitivity, too. From memory, my version of Libratum v2 perhaps had more excitement, but v3 is definitely more correct. Somehow the v3 reminded me to the Orpheus 2 listening experience, at least the sound character was similar: there is a beautiful midrange without any shouting anywhere, a treble very slightly rolled off rather than over-present, a bass that is deep, impactful and controlled. However, when I just listen to instruments, my 007 Mk1 (with modded pads) feels just a little more alive than the v3 (and the 009).
I'd say the 007 Mk1, 009 and Libratum V3 are on a similar quality level, with different gripes: the 007 Mk1 is a bit shelved down on treble and needs quality power to be driven properly, the 009 has some treble issues on most amps and needs expensive amps to sound good, and the Libratum v3 needs a lot more power than even the 007 Mk1. The good news is that I think the Libratum v3 will sound good from a good transistor amp, too (I prefer tube amps, especially the BHSE with the 009 and 007, and to my ears the 009 sound has a tendency to harden up on transistor amps).
Maybe wait for a few months to see how stable and consistent the V3 is, but sound quality wise there is nothing I could complain about at the moment. Canorum v2 was perhaps a bit more dynamic, but not as neutral. If one likes the 007 Mk2 more, would likely prefer the Canorum (now v2, or in the future, v3), and if one likes the 009 more, would likely prefer the Libratum v3. Micro- and macrodynamic capabilities of the 009 and v3 are similar, but the 009 is far more efficient. Anyway, the Stax mafia should be happy for new opportunities in amp making (on an unrelated note, I dislike the T8000: imho it is hard sounding and brings bad treble, but good bass out of the 009).
I could see people preferring the 009 or even the 007 with an amp like the BHSE or Carbon or GG, but for a newcomer Phenomenon makes remarkably near-perfect headphone sound.
Mind you again this all is based on a short listening on a new headphone. I will update (and possibly change opinion) when I will get mine and have a few weeks/months experience with it. Also, I am very curious of the Canorum v3 - need to speak nicely to thinker if I want to listen to it
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It reminded me to the 009 more than to the the 007 Mk1, but without any treble issues. I haven't heard the MrSpeakers ES, but based on others opinions it seems they are of similar sound character with the v3, and share lower sensitivity, too. From memory, my version of Libratum v2 perhaps had more excitement, but v3 is definitely more correct. Somehow the v3 reminded me to the Orpheus 2 listening experience, at least the sound character was similar: there is a beautiful midrange without any shouting anywhere, a treble very slightly rolled off rather than over-present, a bass that is deep, impactful and controlled. However, when I just listen to instruments, my 007 Mk1 (with modded pads) feels just a little more alive than the v3 (and the 009).
I'd say the 007 Mk1, 009 and Libratum V3 are on a similar quality level, with different gripes: the 007 Mk1 is a bit shelved down on treble and needs quality power to be driven properly, the 009 has some treble issues on most amps and needs expensive amps to sound good, and the Libratum v3 needs a lot more power than even the 007 Mk1. The good news is that I think the Libratum v3 will sound good from a good transistor amp, too (I prefer tube amps, especially the BHSE with the 009 and 007, and to my ears the 009 sound has a tendency to harden up on transistor amps).
Maybe wait for a few months to see how stable and consistent the V3 is, but sound quality wise there is nothing I could complain about at the moment. Canorum v2 was perhaps a bit more dynamic, but not as neutral. If one likes the 007 Mk2 more, would likely prefer the Canorum (now v2, or in the future, v3), and if one likes the 009 more, would likely prefer the Libratum v3. Micro- and macrodynamic capabilities of the 009 and v3 are similar, but the 009 is far more efficient. Anyway, the Stax mafia should be happy for new opportunities in amp making (on an unrelated note, I dislike the T8000: imho it is hard sounding and brings bad treble, but good bass out of the 009).
I could see people preferring the 009 or even the 007 with an amp like the BHSE or Carbon or GG, but for a newcomer Phenomenon makes remarkably near-perfect headphone sound.
Mind you again this all is based on a short listening on a new headphone. I will update (and possibly change opinion) when I will get mine and have a few weeks/months experience with it. Also, I am very curious of the Canorum v3 - need to speak nicely to thinker if I want to listen to it
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ECC88 is the Philips I have, so I will just stop here as the improvements are better than my current JJ tubes. Nos tubes are astronomically pricey so tubes rolling on NOS Tubes is pretty ridiculous 
