Hi folks,
I'm new here but hang around a lot on the Empyrean thread for obvious reasons. I'm considering a Verite open but have some issues that a detailed reading/searching of this thread have not resolved, hence this post. Sorry if it gets long ....
I love my Empyrean system:
Source CD with a top Pro-ject transport into either Lector Digicode multibit/valve dac, or ANK DAC 4.1x multibit/valve NOS, both excellent and very similar, currently slight preference for the Lector.
High Fidelity Cables CT-1U interconnect (stupidly expensive ... till you hear it; stupidly good)
My own valve amp, a good one after years of development, with OPTs for the 32 ohm Empyrean. This amp seems to remove most of the issues that some people find with the Empy.
Plussound palladium plated hybrid cable (same comment as for CT-1U); also Forza Noir hybrid and various quite good DIY cables.
It's a very nice system, highly musical and enjoyable.
So why am I here? Because I've seen several positive comments about ZMF VO from Empy owners, in particular noting the generally similar nature such as a focus on enjoyment. I'm considering trying them.
Now the issues.
I have a particular liking for female vocals, e.g. 'accessible' jazz. Some specifics: Laurie Allyn, Lucky Lucy Ann, Embraceable Lisa, Halie Loren, Amber Rubarth, some Patricia Barber, Sharon Robinson, Cheryl Bentyne, Rhiannon Giddens, Sarah Alainn; all class acts, and that's just a small selection, not necessarily my best or favourites. I do like other things e.g. classical .... I love Mozart!
So I'm concerned at some adverse comments here about female vocals due to the FR recess at about 3 to 5 kHz, from several people. I note that some equalisation can fix it but I'm not able to do this.
I have of course read all the many reviews I can find, generally both highly positive and suggesting a quality and nature that would suit me; but female vocals are not often mentioned in these reviews. Perhaps I'm over cynical, but I often (not always!) find that reviewers rave about the positives of a component and mention the things it does well, but avoid being controversial or offending the maker but simply omitting to mention the things not done well. See Arthur Salvatore on this subject. So something of a lack of positive comments on female vocals is a concern.
Putting it all together, I have a concern and would appreciate comments from you experts.
E.g. is it likely that a high quality valve amp might reduce the problem?
The amp is not a concern as I have some spare development units and can easily replace the OPTs with a suitable ratio unit. And if I did get the VO I'd fancy making an OTL one just for the fun of it, as the VO seems to work well with this.
I note comments about the VC, but my experience with closed (an AT, and a top Sony of a friend) was not good, generally I prefer open.
I'm still interested in this great headphone, but I see buying unheard as a definite risk, and that's another problem!
I can buy from the UK dealer with option to return, but after using them they charge 25% restocking fee! Geez, I'd lose £625 !!!!!
My usual fix for this problem is to buy used, but these seem very rare indeed.
Any comments welcomed.