A big thanks to both gentlemen for offering to do this and simply be themselves in front of the camera. It was great fun to see their reactions and facial expressions. They are fortunate to have the benefit of your experience and guidance as they make their audio journey (not to mention a chance to sample so much gear).
Great series! It was interesting to see their reactions. You have now made the younger guy an audiophile. The other gentlemen already bought some Beyers. Once you know and hear the difference you can never go back.
I absolutely love the music intro the human gestures. So funny. This whole series was amazing. I want to know if the guys go out and upgrade their equipment. Also Jerry looks like a Marvel Sentinel with the one headset on LOL
They were great guests. Nice to have people really try to describe what they are hearing. It would be good to start with something cheap and move up the price ladder.
Next time you could show your friends some cheaper but still excellent headphones like HD 6XX and HE 4XX or Sundara compared to the flagship models you have, and see how much difference non audiophiles can hear between them ✌🏼
@Aunchient Pistol I don't think they wouldn't know, I just wonder if the difference would be so great as to justify the much more money the flagships cost. Many well known audiophiles have said so before, so... why not?
Every model up you should notice a reasonable difference, so by the time you go from lcd1 to Lcd4 it's a completely different game, or he-4xx to susvara
im so curious to know too, my Superlux HD681 Evos are powered by a crappy dolby earforce dss but it does boost the audio and gives me a bass setting, what would those $3,000 headphones sound like compaired to my $50 headphones or even audio technica ath-ad900x(the pair i really want) i am so thankful i switched from headsets because the sound is glorious compared
@Aunchient Pistol I know it's subjective, but it doesn't end there, or reviews and lists of best headphones and etc wouldn't make sense. There must be a way to create something close to a general perception on such matters, and as far as my experiences go, I can safely say that after you reach a certain level of audio quality (like HD 6XX, Sundara, maybe the Elex...), spending more money on headphones doesn't necessarily mean they will be "better", just different sounding. I say this while I'm also considering what many reviewers have said about value and etc (most of the reviewers I follow have at least one video in which they discuss "the truth about high end headphones" or something like it, and I'm sure you have seen at least one of such discussions in your life). Of all the headphones presented on the video, I have only listened to the Utopia, not for a long period of time, but I remember thinking how good it was, but not as jaw dropping as I thought it would be, I really thought that I have had listening sessions with cheaper headphones that came close to that before. The Utopia sounded better, of course, but not so much as to justify the cost. Other than that, I have listened to the HE 1000 V2 and the Arya, and I remember enjoying the experience with the Arya much more. I have had a HD 800S borrowed from a friend for a couple of weeks and I compared it to my HE 400i and to my K712 Pro, and I liked my cans much more, there was something about the HD 800S that just didn't sound so "natural", I think. Of course my experience with high end gear is limited, it is absolutely possible that someday I'll find a pair of high end headphones that will make me go WOOOW! and spending lots of bucks on them, but that is yet to come.
@@Currawong LIKE !!! it might be a contradiction, but these are in a way more credible that the opinion of a pro like you, and others, it all becomes too complicated, i want to buy a set of top headphones and DAC/AMP, and i want to look as happy as them when i get it :D (leaning towards Meze Elite + Chord DAC, Hugo TT2 if it sounds like it), but i also want to convince my friend that i'm not a fool buying those, and, your vidéo is what i'm looking for, i want a really good system for an audiophile like me (IRS Beta, Mark Levinson 30.5, 23.5 amps etc), but that aren't relying on my almost artificial taste, i wasted so much time looking for music that sounds great, instead of finding a system for my favorite music, like PG5 (Peter Gabriel Live) that nobody will ever use to test any hifi equipment, but it's my favorite album, and i just could not listen to it on my speakers.
What would have made this exercise complete for me would have been to have products from lower down in each brand's line to also compare. Having something lower down from Campfire, Final & Focal would have given a clearer indication of what spending more gets you or doesn't get you & whether the added expense is actually worth it.
I would have loved to see the sundaras in the mix since I own a pair. It be interesting to see what the average person thought about them comapred to something that cost far more, or a tier or two up in price range. And like someone else said it would also be interesting to see peoples opinions of good headphones in the sub 100 dollar range, 100-200 dollar range, 300 to 500, 1000 ish and 3000 and above. It would be cool to see them say the more expensive ones are for sure better but X price range would be plenty good enough. Then that might depend on your disposable income and how much you liked music. I let my brother listen to my sundaras and he thought they sounded good but it was a stupid amount of money for "headphones". He was happy with ear buds or cheap headphones. And that he would much prefer to go to a concert or club for music. He likes rock and country. I reminded him that I have far less money into my audio gear than he has into concerts. And I have social anxiety so going to a live venue is a nightmare for me.
Susvara got stood up? That's unfortunate--I'd have liked to have seen their reaction to both SQ and price since that's such an extreme for both. If Empyreans would have brought tears on that opera, I wonder whether Susvara timbre would have caused a total meltdown. :-)
I know the idea is to put the best quality source music thru your gear but.... I would like to do this test with music I am very familiar with and hear the "difference" .... you'll see some big smiles then..... Tidal or Qobuz, while of lesser quality than the Chesky stuff, would still do the trick
The Focal Utopia is better, tame is just a reflection of the other gear behind. The Utopia is more able to tell you that. So I agree, the other headphone sounds better on the surface but once you really get to know them you understand why.
I think he means Utopia sounds like a headphone but Empyrean sounds like a different impressive experience. Other guy saying Utopia not clean as Empyrean he means Utopia have small soundstage with dynamic driver while Empyrean have unique hybrid planar.
@Aunchient Pistol The empyrian is a better headphone for most peoples normal crap gear, it censors the sound in a very complex way, and they do not have to fuss about with many things. But the Focal Utopia is a better headphone, but requires better gear to shine. Yes the Focal Utopia seems a bit tame, just change the cable and get a proper 300b triode amp on it, and it becomes a lot better, almost unrecognizable. Most people want a headphone that solves most problems without having to fine tune things, that does not exist, unless you want this standard Empyrian sound, which is probably perfect for those people. But for true Audiophiles that want something a bit closer to the top headphone sound, the Focal Utopia is the best choice in regards to price. If you want the very best then get the Top Abyss headphone, it totally disintegrates these 2. Then another step above that is the Orpheus from sennheiser costing as much as a middle class car. But money wise if you want the best possible top sound for the best possible amount of money, I suggest The Focal Utopia with an upgrade cable on a triode 300b amp. The Empyrian would then be my second choice in regards to money vs performance, and with out a doubt the Empyrian also desperately needs a cable upgrade, more than the Focal Utopia, for it to really open up from the middle range and up. I would make the Empyrian then use a 2a3 tube design, which sound a lot more honest than 300b tubes. Listening to these 2 headphones on standard transistor headamps, is really far from what they have to offer.
@@RealHIFIHelp I disagree with the Empyrean not needing a great amp, because it does. On most amps I've noticed a dynamic ceiling with the Empy, transients don't really pop out and therefore details remain obscured. But on a Feliks Audio Euforia, it's like that ceiling is removed, and it pretty much fully comes to life. Ironically, the Euforia is also commonly regarded as the best amp to pair with the Utopia.
@@JSym92 I don't mess around with amps like that anymore at that low level. If you really want to hear the proper difference, then you have to make a proper headamp like the audio note meishu as a minimum, turned into a headamp for an extra cost of about 200 pounds. Then you start to hear a very big difference, because then you are entering a much deeper sound which store bought amps don't get close to. Headamps need 300b tubes as an absolute minimum, or else you hear a very flat soundstage that is very plastic like, which is either going to be bright or dark only listening to the surface sound. And if you make an even better headamp, then you can get away with using a 2a3 design, that is a lot more naked/real. But that requires such a high quality of components, that is has not been invented yet. And yes there are 2a3 amp out there, but there are not good enough at this level. I am talking about something on par with an Audio Note or Kondo Ongaku, for it to beat the Meishu.
Man, I wish I could meet a guy like you in a class or workshop. He just casually mentions he has tens of thousands of high end audio gear at his home that I could demo. As it is, I can't find a way to try the majority of these headphones without boarding a plane and journeying half the country away. How can I make a decision to spend $5,000+ plus on headphones/amp if I can't even see them in person, let alone try them out? Ugh
I have done it in the past by visiting high end audio shops. But they are getting harder to find. And I found them to be very welcoming and polite even though I was clear I couldn't afford any of it. As long as they were not busy. The problem I find is finding mid teir stuff to listen to. Its either entry level big box store stuff or super high end stuff and not much inbetween. If you are looking for say 200 or 300 dollar headphones and a 200 dollar dac/amp good look finding that in a store.The only headphone amps I found you could actually listen to were in the thousands of dollars.
Cost-no-object I think they'd go for the Empyrean (noting here that it was re-cabled). They liked the Cascades a lot for the intensity of experience, so I could imagine them buying a pair in the future.
A big thanks to both gentlemen for offering to do this and simply be themselves in front of the camera. It was great fun to see their reactions and facial expressions. They are fortunate to have the benefit of your experience and guidance as they make their audio journey (not to mention a chance to sample so much gear).
Great series! It was interesting to see their reactions. You have now made the younger guy an audiophile. The other gentlemen already bought some Beyers. Once you know and hear the difference you can never go back.
Excellent series
Really enjoyed the guests!
Osu! I really enjoyed this series! Keep up the great work. It is very much appreciated!
Thanks, will do!
Thank you for the series! It was very interesting and fun to watch :-)
Should have tried the Susvara too. Good series tho.
I absolutely love the music intro the human gestures. So funny. This whole series was amazing. I want to know if the guys go out and upgrade their equipment. Also Jerry looks like a Marvel Sentinel with the one headset on LOL
They were great guests. Nice to have people really try to describe what they are hearing. It would be good to start with something cheap and move up the price ladder.
Next time you could show your friends some cheaper but still excellent headphones like HD 6XX and HE 4XX or Sundara compared to the flagship models you have, and see how much difference non audiophiles can hear between them ✌🏼
@Aunchient Pistol I don't think they wouldn't know, I just wonder if the difference would be so great as to justify the much more money the flagships cost. Many well known audiophiles have said so before, so... why not?
Every model up you should notice a reasonable difference, so by the time you go from lcd1 to Lcd4 it's a completely different game, or he-4xx to susvara
im so curious to know too, my Superlux HD681 Evos are powered by a crappy dolby earforce dss but it does boost the audio and gives me a bass setting, what would those $3,000 headphones sound like compaired to my $50 headphones or even audio technica ath-ad900x(the pair i really want) i am so thankful i switched from headsets because the sound is glorious compared
Another thing that might not be as apparent to non audiophles is the genres of music they listen to and the file or Source quality.
@Aunchient Pistol I know it's subjective, but it doesn't end there, or reviews and lists of best headphones and etc wouldn't make sense. There must be a way to create something close to a general perception on such matters, and as far as my experiences go, I can safely say that after you reach a certain level of audio quality (like HD 6XX, Sundara, maybe the Elex...), spending more money on headphones doesn't necessarily mean they will be "better", just different sounding. I say this while I'm also considering what many reviewers have said about value and etc (most of the reviewers I follow have at least one video in which they discuss "the truth about high end headphones" or something like it, and I'm sure you have seen at least one of such discussions in your life). Of all the headphones presented on the video, I have only listened to the Utopia, not for a long period of time, but I remember thinking how good it was, but not as jaw dropping as I thought it would be, I really thought that I have had listening sessions with cheaper headphones that came close to that before. The Utopia sounded better, of course, but not so much as to justify the cost. Other than that, I have listened to the HE 1000 V2 and the Arya, and I remember enjoying the experience with the Arya much more. I have had a HD 800S borrowed from a friend for a couple of weeks and I compared it to my HE 400i and to my K712 Pro, and I liked my cans much more, there was something about the HD 800S that just didn't sound so "natural", I think. Of course my experience with high end gear is limited, it is absolutely possible that someday I'll find a pair of high end headphones that will make me go WOOOW! and spending lots of bucks on them, but that is yet to come.
Good stuff man! I really enjoyed all 3 videos and still wish I could sit in that chair for a day.
these vidéos are very good and helpful, it's easier to put myself in their place than in yours
We're planning to do more!
@@Currawong LIKE !!! it might be a contradiction, but these are in a way more credible that the opinion of a pro like you, and others, it all becomes too complicated, i want to buy a set of top headphones and DAC/AMP, and i want to look as happy as them when i get it :D (leaning towards Meze Elite + Chord DAC, Hugo TT2 if it sounds like it), but i also want to convince my friend that i'm not a fool buying those, and, your vidéo is what i'm looking for, i want a really good system for an audiophile like me (IRS Beta, Mark Levinson 30.5, 23.5 amps etc), but that aren't relying on my almost artificial taste, i wasted so much time looking for music that sounds great, instead of finding a system for my favorite music, like PG5 (Peter Gabriel Live) that nobody will ever use to test any hifi equipment, but it's my favorite album, and i just could not listen to it on my speakers.
Convince them when they have a listen and their jaw hits the floor. :)
This series was great! Seemed you guys had a lot of fun. I’m afraid you got the two guys hooked on high-end audio though…
Well, one of them definitely: ua-cam.com/video/82-jH0BpIEk/v-deo.html
I really enjoyed these videos thanks
Glad you like them!
Wow I love your motion-graphics man. Really superb! Also love your channel!
What would have made this exercise complete for me would have been to have products from lower down in each brand's line to also compare. Having something lower down from Campfire, Final & Focal would have given a clearer indication of what spending more gets you or doesn't get you & whether the added expense is actually worth it.
I had thought about that. I should have pulled out the Sundaras and HD6XX, as well as the Mobius.
I would have loved to see the sundaras in the mix since I own a pair. It be interesting to see what the average person thought about them comapred to something that cost far more, or a tier or two up in price range. And like someone else said it would also be interesting to see peoples opinions of good headphones in the sub 100 dollar range, 100-200 dollar range, 300 to 500, 1000 ish and 3000 and above. It would be cool to see them say the more expensive ones are for sure better but X price range would be plenty good enough. Then that might depend on your disposable income and how much you liked music. I let my brother listen to my sundaras and he thought they sounded good but it was a stupid amount of money for "headphones". He was happy with ear buds or cheap headphones. And that he would much prefer to go to a concert or club for music. He likes rock and country. I reminded him that I have far less money into my audio gear than he has into concerts. And I have social anxiety so going to a live venue is a nightmare for me.
Susvara got stood up? That's unfortunate--I'd have liked to have seen their reaction to both SQ and price since that's such an extreme for both. If Empyreans would have brought tears on that opera, I wonder whether Susvara timbre would have caused a total meltdown. :-)
I know the idea is to put the best quality source music thru your gear but.... I would like to do this test with music I am very familiar with and hear the "difference" .... you'll see some big smiles then..... Tidal or Qobuz, while of lesser quality than the Chesky stuff, would still do the trick
Awww man, they should have told us a summary on their experience. =(
That's a thought. Next time I'll ask them to do that.
The Focal Utopia is better, tame is just a reflection of the other gear behind. The Utopia is more able to tell you that. So I agree, the other headphone sounds better on the surface but once you really get to know them you understand why.
I think he means Utopia sounds like a headphone but Empyrean sounds like a different impressive experience. Other guy saying Utopia not clean as Empyrean he means Utopia have small soundstage with dynamic driver while Empyrean have unique hybrid planar.
It depends, if you're simply enjoying for soundstage size, the Meze is the answer.
@Aunchient Pistol The empyrian is a better headphone for most peoples normal crap gear, it censors the sound in a very complex way, and they do not have to fuss about with many things. But the Focal Utopia is a better headphone, but requires better gear to shine. Yes the Focal Utopia seems a bit tame, just change the cable and get a proper 300b triode amp on it, and it becomes a lot better, almost unrecognizable. Most people want a headphone that solves most problems without having to fine tune things, that does not exist, unless you want this standard Empyrian sound, which is probably perfect for those people.
But for true Audiophiles that want something a bit closer to the top headphone sound, the Focal Utopia is the best choice in regards to price. If you want the very best then get the Top Abyss headphone, it totally disintegrates these 2.
Then another step above that is the Orpheus from sennheiser costing as much as a middle class car.
But money wise if you want the best possible top sound for the best possible amount of money, I suggest The Focal Utopia with an upgrade cable on a triode 300b amp. The Empyrian would then be my second choice in regards to money vs performance, and with out a doubt the Empyrian also desperately needs a cable upgrade, more than the Focal Utopia, for it to really open up from the middle range and up.
I would make the Empyrian then use a 2a3 tube design, which sound a lot more honest than 300b tubes.
Listening to these 2 headphones on standard transistor headamps, is really far from what they have to offer.
@@RealHIFIHelp I disagree with the Empyrean not needing a great amp, because it does. On most amps I've noticed a dynamic ceiling with the Empy, transients don't really pop out and therefore details remain obscured. But on a Feliks Audio Euforia, it's like that ceiling is removed, and it pretty much fully comes to life. Ironically, the Euforia is also commonly regarded as the best amp to pair with the Utopia.
@@JSym92 I don't mess around with amps like that anymore at that low level. If you really want to hear the proper difference, then you have to make a proper headamp like the audio note meishu as a minimum, turned into a headamp for an extra cost of about 200 pounds. Then you start to hear a very big difference, because then you are entering a much deeper sound which store bought amps don't get close to. Headamps need 300b tubes as an absolute minimum, or else you hear a very flat soundstage that is very plastic like, which is either going to be bright or dark only listening to the surface sound. And if you make an even better headamp, then you can get away with using a 2a3 design, that is a lot more naked/real. But that requires such a high quality of components, that is has not been invented yet.
And yes there are 2a3 amp out there, but there are not good enough at this level. I am talking about something on par with an Audio Note or Kondo Ongaku, for it to beat the Meishu.
Man, I wish I could meet a guy like you in a class or workshop. He just casually mentions he has tens of thousands of high end audio gear at his home that I could demo. As it is, I can't find a way to try the majority of these headphones without boarding a plane and journeying half the country away. How can I make a decision to spend $5,000+ plus on headphones/amp if I can't even see them in person, let alone try them out? Ugh
Once the coronapocalypse is over, there will be CanJam events again.
I have done it in the past by visiting high end audio shops. But they are getting harder to find. And I found them to be very welcoming and polite even though I was clear I couldn't afford any of it. As long as they were not busy. The problem I find is finding mid teir stuff to listen to. Its either entry level big box store stuff or super high end stuff and not much inbetween. If you are looking for say 200 or 300 dollar headphones and a 200 dollar dac/amp good look finding that in a store.The only headphone amps I found you could actually listen to were in the thousands of dollars.
Audeze LCD XC next please, please, please
Did you ask them which one they preferred overall the most, or which one they'd get if they could only pick one and price was not an issue?
Cost-no-object I think they'd go for the Empyrean (noting here that it was re-cabled). They liked the Cascades a lot for the intensity of experience, so I could imagine them buying a pair in the future.
Ya I thought it was pretty clear which ones they really liked. They seemed to really like the empyrean, EO1's and the campfires.
Where is your Master 9 amp?
On another rack. It's summer, and it runs too hot to use.