I alternate between open backs and closed. If I had to pare it down to one of each, the Cascades are the closed backs I'd keep. I'm listening now with XL pads and a headband pad designed for aviation headsets. I use dongle DACs with them, which frees me from stationary gear. I listen mostly to...

I still love mine too. I recently added Holocene to the mix. Drop had them marked way down. The two provide tuning to cover the variety of music I listen to.

The RU7 has changed my listening habits. I like my larger setups, but I need to be near them to use them. I’m listening now on low gain with my Dunu Alpha 3 open earbuds, an interesting and enjoyable combination. Grado Hemps are getting more play, Campfire Cascades too. How little we really...

You're welcomed. If the snap strap ever breaks, it'd be simple matter to sew it back on with an extension. The suspension strap on my HE1000 V2 is my favorite design. I've seen a cool mod using a Lohb strap somewhere on this thread that mimics that. But this is simple.

Here's the Amazon title: Headband Pad Soft Foam Head Pads Headband Cushions for David Clark H10, Rugged,Zulu,Faro Pilot Aviation Headsets I first bought them for the Hifiman Edition XS, then for the Casecades. They make both fit perfectly. They fasten around the headset with a snap. It's almost...

I use a head pad designed for aviation headsets. It's more comfortable and stationary than those I've tried for regular headphones. It also looks like it belongs on the headphones.

Agreed. My Hifiman Edition XSs almost found themselves in my shop. But the headband pad fixed the fit. I liked the sound so much that I bought the HE1000 V2s. I replaced both pads with Dekoni Elite Velours. I can wear them all day. Settling on gear that suits us is a long and costly process.

Campfire Audio Cascade XL pads are in stock at Bloom Audio. They’re one of two big improvements to the Cascades for me. They fit me better, and I don’t have big ears. The other addition was a headband pad. I use pads designed for aviation headsets on some of my headphones. The clamping force is...

Magni Piety and Modi Multibit drive my planars comfortably, with ample room to spare. The volume knob seldom moves beyond 10:00. I’ve listened to other gear all week in different parts of my house. They serve useful purpose. But for enjoying music I choose this remarkable little stack, with my...

The bass boost is a bit addictive, isn't it?! It's on the Hip-Dac, and gets used :)

Yes. The MM2 is paired with the Piety. This is my listening setup, almost always with HE1000v2s or Edition XSs. I’ve settled on this. It doesn’t just sound good, it evokes a better response in me, somehow. Other gear is good, but it’s more utilitarian. The MM1 now brings life to my 789, which I...

I have both the Multibit 1 and 2. I don't think I could distinguish between them in a blind test. It's convenient to use a USB-C to UBC-C cable. And, my Multibit 2 is black (matches the Piety better). I have a iFi Zen Blue. iFi products are well built, they work. I have a Topping D10 v1. It...

It’s good to be happy with what you have. Over time, you’ll likely add to your collection. Deals on eBay are common. Used gear is fine. No need to rush. I have systems for other rooms, but I’m content with just my Piety and Multibit 2 stack. It sounds great to me. It easily drives everything I...

Congratulations. Did you stay with the stock tips? I tried a couple of EQ profiles but found that the factory base reducer in my players does it for me. The thing I really like about the Dorados is the full sound at lower listening levels. In fact, I bought the Campfire Cascades for the same...

Odin and Loki. One might assume them to be angels. That would be a mistake.

Merry Christmas! I have the original and the new Modi Multibit and turn them off when not in use. I don’t notice a difference once they’ve been on for while. Are you driving? I used to travel for work and wouldn't consider flying with a stack and two big wall worts. I’m interested in the Cayin...

It really is an enjoyable combination. I just listened to the same album twice, comparing it with a stack and headphones (HE1000 v2s) costing several times more. With more power, multiple inputs and switching, it has its place in another room. But for listening to music, I’d be content with the...

Mine just arrived too. Warming up, windchill -25F, black ice, blizzards to the west. I think I’ll stay in and listen.

I think I prefer it to being under powered. At least you can attenuate for fine tuning volume. I’ll use an IEMatch even with some headphones driven by a dongle DAC. A stepped attenuator is something I’ve considered, but they’re expensive and it’s just one more thing. I have another 20db...

Yes, of course. I slipped using the word 'best.' The alphabet is full of composers who bless us with their gifts. I finally embraced streaming services and there’s no going back. I’d struggle to pick a favorite. But on a desert island, I’d need to include choral music, Arvo Pärt for sure. And...

Yes, composers with names beginning with ‘M’ are the best! :D. I like following interesting companies. This one is almost too easy. I mean, who else writes their story as it happens? It’s like spectator sports for design, engineering, manufacturing and business development people. We don’t have...

I have severe hearing loss in my right ear and some loss in my left. The thing I learned is that you can lose frequencies like teeth in a comb, not just the high frequencies. Hearing loss does not necessarily mean hard-of-hearing. Stereo imaging is out for me, of course. So I select mono output...

I’m deaf in one ear. Or so I thought. I have hearing, but perceive it in the other ear. I only know this because a former workplace tests everyone for a baseline. There was no mistake. Synesthesia extends to other senses. But the upshot is that the limits of perception are an approximation...

Interesting. I made a career out of hiding equipment. This gear is perfect for exhibits and installations. Easy to setup and almost tamper proof. Tiny, no further engineering. A designer and integrator’s dream. First concept for my Magni/Modi console. No dangling mess, storage, and won’t...

Here’s another consideration. Your headphones look like they’re easy to drive. I have some Grados and other efficient headphones. They don’t need an amp. I’ll just use a dongle DAC and I’m happy. An amp is too powerful. You need the ability to fine tune listening levels. Other headphones...