[bluex]

I heard both the E3 and CC properly driven. I lived with the CC a few months. CC is definitely warmer and thicker. E3 is more neutral and leaner (to me less exciting/engaging).

I own both, E3 and CC, I do like CC way better than the E3.
You described exactly
" CC is definitely warmer and thicker. E3 is more neutral and leaner (to me less exciting/engaging)"
Well, people have different tastes.

 

[Clemmaster]

I own both, E3 and CC, I do like CC way better than the E3.
You described exactly
" CC is definitely warmer and thicker. E3 is more neutral and leaner (to me less exciting/engaging)"
Well, people have different tastes.

Same observations here.

E3 is a very good headphone if you like “monitor”(ish) presentation and don’t mind the Harman response with ear gain emphasis.

But next to the CC it is indeed quite boring sounding and the latter has noticeably better technicalities (the E3 is no slouch overall, except it is a bit soft) and a meatier midrange and that ZMF magic that makes its rendition truly captivating!

 

[robo24]

Same observations here.

E3 is a very good headphone if you like “monitor”(ish) presentation and don’t mind the Harman response with ear gain emphasis.

But next to the CC it is indeed quite boring sounding and the latter has noticeably better technicalities (the E3 is no slouch overall, except it is a bit soft) and a meatier midrange and that ZMF magic that makes its rendition truly captivating!

Interesting to read that they're a bit soft, since with the DCA Stealth I just sold, the slightly better resolution and clarity over the CC were the only aspects I thought were better and the only reason I kept it as long as I did. I was looking forward to blind buying and hearing the E3 eventually because it's apparently warmer and more lively sounding than the Stealth. Makes me think I should get a hard wood Eikon Classic and Bokeh Closed first.

 

[Lyssky]

And there is these kind of people writing under my comment on YouTube:
''they are more easy to drive than my hifiman ananda, you're talking bull****.''

 

[jokervn91]

And there is these kind of people writing under my comment on YouTube:
''they are more easy to drive than my hifiman ananda, you're talking bull****.''

Best to ignore. Remind me of the Crin's video saying the dongle is enough lol

Speaking of amp, whats the best budget SS amp to drive the Caldera?

 

[Louisiana]

Can’t wait to get my hands on my ordered CC.
Had a demo session in Amsterdam, and was blown away, how good these Headphones are!

 

[betula]

Best to ignore. Remind me of the Crin's video saying the dongle is enough lol

Speaking of amp, whats the best budget SS amp to drive the Caldera?

Tubes, if you can. If you want SS, go for the Mass Kobo 465 (you asked for the best). If that's pricey, consider the CFA3.

 

[Lyssky]

Best to ignore. Remind me of the Crin's video saying the dongle is enough lol

Speaking of amp, whats the best budget SS amp to drive the Caldera?

Yea.
I can recommend Nitsch Pietus Maximus as well.

 

[Zojokkeli]

Speaking of amp, whats the best budget SS amp to drive the Caldera?

I’m using the original Schiit Ragnarok on high gain, which can be found at quite a good price as used. Their cheaper amps are likely very good as well, I used to use Jotunheim 2 with Verite Closed back when I had them and was happy with the combination.

Will probably go for Mjolnir 3 at some point in the future, when I figure out the most sensible solution considering I need to drive speakers as well.

 

[goldwerger]

whats the best budget SS amp to drive the Caldera?

Check out also the ZMF Homage

 

[s2kphile]

Yea.
I can recommend Nitsch Pietus Maximus as well.

+1. Can also recommened Geshelli Labs Erish 3 Pro or Archel 3 Pro.

 

[ttys0]

+1. Can also recommened Geshelli Labs Erish 3 Pro or Archel 3 Pro.

Another +1 for Geshelli gear. I'm running the J3 (with Sparkos 2590s) and the E3. I also have the E3 acting at a pre-amp to a xDuoo MT-604, which I sometimes use. FWIW, Geshelli Labs is another small business that has excellent customer support.

 

[Exekuhtor]

Rebelamp is really great! The Schiit stuff is also worth a consideration!

 

[s2kphile]

Another +1 for Geshelli gear. I'm running the J3 (with Sparkos 2590s) and the E3. I also have the E3 acting at a pre-amp to a xDuoo MT-604, which I sometimes use. FWIW, Geshelli Labs is another small business that has excellent customer support.

Funny I am running my E3 as a pre-amp to my Edifer MR3 powered speakers and my A3 as a pre-amp to my Pietus Maximus

 

[Clemmaster]

Yea.
I can recommend Nitsch Pietus Maximus as well.

+1

This is what I use at my desk most of the day so I don’t burn through the tubes in my LTA Z10 while I (am supposed to focus on) work.