Just want to echo thanks to
@rifi for hosting. The meet was a blast. I'm still recovering that I was able to hear SR-009S on a T2! I was cautious not to listen too long so I don't end up smashing all my other cans with a hammer.
Was surprised by a few more down to earth headphones as well. The tuning and imaging on the LCD-1 were surprisingly good, and the Aeon Flows were far more dynamic that I expected based on reviews I have read. Probably the Hugo 2 has something to do with it.
@Armaegis modded HE-6 continues to prove its mettle by holding it's own against the more expensive LCD-4. Need to find a way to reproduce that performance on an HE-6SE which can be had for pretty good deals. The Bryston amp was a great combo with it, bringing out the impact, dynamics, and soundstage.
Aeolus still sounds good as I remember. A dreamy kind of sound that is especially great with female vocals.
@dbw1, rifi is correct that we have the FS edition with the AKM4493 chip, but there's also an FS with an AKM4490 and ESS9016 chip that are also both supposed to be about the same. The other unit with the most similar features is the Monoprice 24459, but I believe it'll be out of stock until they can update it with an ESS chip or come out with a new model. (AKM, one of the big DAC companies, had a fire and consequently everyone has to switch to ESS chips.) A simpler DAC/amp without the EQ and other complex features is the JDS Element II. It should be able to drive your Clears and most anything else you can throw at it.