I don't want to go too deep into comparisons as my Bokeh (B) isn't broken in yet. But after a day yesterday comparing the B with protein pads and AC with Auteur suede pads I'll give my general impressions.
Right off the bat I could tell they have a similar macro tuning. Big bass, expressive mids, and smooth highs without recession. Very fun and engaging. The B sounded very much like a slightly less refined AC overall. There was a slight grain to the highs on the B that were absent on the AC, but that could resolve itself with break in.
Bass overall was more one note vs the AC. Where the AC could easily present subtle volume gradients down low, the B would not be quite as clear, and push more of a wall of bass. Mind you this is only in direct comparison to the AC, not a trait I'd say in general. The B still has excellent and expressive bass. But the AC is another step up technically.
The B has a more intimate stage vs the AC. At first I thought maybe the AC's vocal range was slightly recessed in comparison, but I soon realized no, its just the larger stage in effect. The AC's stage is wider, taller, and more dimensional. The B's stage seems very spherical to me, with good overall size, but not large by any means. It's more on par with something like an HD650 IMO. More than adequate, but not as expansive as the higher end brethren.
This more intimate stage gives vocals more presence. I really enjoy vocals on the B, they're right where I want them to be. Close but not in my head, with (for me) perfect presence within the mix. I don't have to try to pull them forward by listening analytically, and I'm not being fatigued by them either. Singer/songwriter and Folk genres really stood out to me with the B, even more so than the AC. The AC pushes the stage back and outward, so the vocalist is more distant sounding. The overall blend of vocals to instruments is similar, just farther away if that makes sense.
I love the B's upper mids/treble for rock music. The B is a rock/metal monster for sure. I was so enthralled with Iron Maiden, Sepultura, Metallica, Slayer, Exodus, Overkill, Dust Bolt, Carach Angren, etc. The guitars were right where I want them, just like the vocals. Guitar solos were front and center and explosive sounding, with good bite on the strings, and proper distortion. Some headphones like the HD800 sound really odd with distortion tuned guitars, but the B nails it.
On more audiophile genres like blues/jazz/classical, the B wasn't quite as accomplished overall as the AC, but given the price, who cares. The AC's added resolution, staging, and overall more refined nature pair better with exceptionally well recorded pieces.
All in all after a day comparing those are the things that stood out to me.
Today I'm pitting the B against one of my all time favorites, the almighty Atticus. Can the new kid on the block take down the grizzled vet? We shall see!
