To our newcomers welcome, to the old crew welcome back We hope you enjoy this battle Royale, and if you do pick one up on Black Friday drop a comment on your experience of the headphones. You can join us over at audio lounge here t.me/joinchat/8R0_6_NZUygzYjdk
I am so fortunate to own a pair of FOCAL Clear OG and Audeze LCD-X and I am in agreement of your assessment of these headphones. I do not have any experience with the remainder, sadly. LCD-X is my go to for EDM & Rock and Jazz and classical because it gets me most of the way there in it's technical performance. The HD800S would be my preference when budgets allow. Well done sir!
Best and more entertaining comparison and analysis I saw till now. Decided for FOCAL Clear MG for easy of drive and looking. Also have a FOCAL Celestee as closed back and love them too. Thanks!
I’ve been doing a deep dive on exactly these 5 trying to figure out on my own which is right for me and my small headphone collection. Been having a hard time deciding where to spend my hard earned. This was a huge help putting them all together with pro advice - thanks!
@@pronghornxx, I have the Arya Stealth, HD800S and Clear MG. I wanted to sell the Clear MG though I love that’s it’s beautifully designed. Then I got the Gustard R26 recently and the Clear MG now sounds another level better so I won’t be negotiating with anyone, but will sell if I get the price I want. Otherwise, I will just keep it.
@@BillyKueekSG hi there - I have an ananda and a clear MG and was looking for my next headphone - I was considering a HD800s or an Arya - I am trying to find something different from current - I like the Clear MG for the intimate punchy nature and the ananda for a bit more spacious sound but a bit laid back - looking for another departure from both of those - I was thinking HD800s because it seems the most different but would love your opinion
@@kyleo2113, the Clear MG. Arya Stealth and HD800S are all considered “mid-range” although here in Singapore, both Clear MG and Arya Stealth is priced about the same whereas the HD800S is priced about US$650 more. Of the 3, I prefer the Arya Stealth most but it’s my preference. HD800S is good for certain genre and is very different from the 2. It is clear, detailed, lean, clean and wide soundstage (many called it the soundstage king), I also found myself analyzing what I hear instead of just layback music listening but I feel Bass is lacking. Planers and this HD800S will need a good amp to drive it, HD800S is high impedance. I bought it for the same reason of wanting different sound and to have varieties. However, I am thinking of selling the Clear MG and the HD800S and go for a “high-end” planar since I believe I already have a “high-end” dynamic in the ZMF Atrium. Sorry if I may make this tougher for you.
Man, I've just started watching your reviews, and they are awesome! I really love your presentation and your description of the sound qualities... "the violence and the turmoil." I'm currently juggling a decision on whether to buy the Sennheiser HD800S, the HifiMan Arya, or the ZMF Aeolus. I've got the first two on order from Amazon... great return policy so that I can try them out. Unfortunately, that's not as easily done with the ZMF Aeolus. Of the three, however, the ZMFs truly look like a piece of art. I don't like the plasticy look of the other two.
Thank you for the kind words, and welcome to the fam Arya hd800s both require very very good chains to sound the best. The ZMF is far more easy to deal with. All three sound fantastic on tubes,
@@ConvinceMeAudio An extreme thanks for the reply. At first I plan to drive my final decision with the headphone amp in the Bluesound Node X. I needed another streamer, and my budget this year doesn't have enough room in it for also a high-end headphone amp, so I thought I'd kill two birds with one stone by getting the Node X. Apparently it utilizes a THX-AAA amplifier which has a great reputation; however, the implementation in the Node X may not be the best as Bluesound crams a lot of functionality and thus a lot of electronics into a small box.
One of the best reviewers on YT excellent job. I would like to hear your opinion about Sennheiser HD820 and if possible compare them to other headphones in its class. Keep doing good reviews. Cheers and Tnx
Hi, thank you for the kind words it’s very much appreciated, and welcome to the fam 🐅 HD 820 closed back, going up against the likes of Stellia Liric ZMF vC even th900 It’s been a long time since I last heard it, but unfortunately it’s not my favourite headphone in the slightest. In fact, it was one of the worst experience I’ve had in the flagship realm when it comes to close back. It feels as though SENNE I just slapped on a glass pretty covering and called it a day and it’s disappointing for me But it’s so rare to see one, in the wild. It’s very very difficult, getting hold of One to do a proper in-depth review. But as of the ones I mentioned up there, I would choose them all over HD 820. From my memory of the previous time I heard it It felt like I had my head inside a bucket, and the reverberation and residences was god-awful
Well done, great video! I've got the clear og, perhaps I might add an Arya as a compliment to the focal. You've given me something to think about, but the wallet doesn't like it 😁
@ConvinceMeAudio This is the best headphone review on youtube, thanks! Can you tell me, why does everybody prefer the OG over the MG? A lot of people say that the MG are crap
They are most certainly not crap But there is a spike in the upper treble region. Depending on your hearing, like I stated in the review, or your age, below 22 for example, it can become quite fatiguing
I own Arya Stealth , HD800s and Focal Stellia. i used to have Clear OG but sold it due to in the head not much soundstage, but the Stellia give me more depth and width in sound. Completely agree with your end assessment, Arya and HD800s for acoustic jazz and Focal for EDM, bass heavy music. Spot on =)
@@ConvinceMeAudio i bought a 6N OCC 8 braid Copper cable for HD800s, brings the bass up, its so awesome like listening to 2.1speakers through my ifi pro iCan Signature amp. HD800s is about 1110USD here in HK brand new, what a bargain for the performance to price ratio.
@@ConvinceMeAudio Ok it is a smart way. Regarding to the your review, I have heard all the headphones except the Clear MG. And I love listening rock, pop and hiphop on the hd800S. Not much with the og Clear (too much bass and claustrophobic), the Arya (treble ringing issue) and the lcdX (hitting too hard, too heavy, lacking of depth and layering) 😂
The fact that this is not the 2021 version of lcd x would possibly make its comparison here moot, as there were significant changes in tonality, but possibly not in technical performance. I'm defending some turf here, as I am considering it as a candidate for mostly rock music. You counted this as among its strong suits although not in particularly glowing terms, so there's that to consider.Thank you for the very strong video.
The problem was when this review was completed the unit had not even been released yet, We did review the closed back variant of 2021, but funnily enough I never got around to the open back variant. Maybe we will swing back around to it at some point
@ConvinceMeAudio Thank you for the reply! I have to give two of my fellow Western United States inhabitants Arnie Nudell and Paul McGowen some weight here, as both own, or at least have owned lcd x's, and gave them high praise. Neither had been particularly into headphones until recently though after fifty years producing audio equipment.
@@valleyguy633 I think I genuinely prefer mm500 now in 2023. These headphones have been out for a long time. They’re very very heavy and the market has really changed. I highly recommend, looking at mod house, tungsten it annihilates this
The reviews you provide are impeccable; thank you. My current system is a Electrocompaniet ECD-2 DAC, Tara Labs interconnects with a Pathos InpolEar headphone amp connected via Nordost USB cable to my PC. I have the LCD-4's, LCD-X's and the results are sublime. I just ordered a pair of HD 800s' which will be my only dynamic driven headphones. I've never listened to the HD800's; is it safe to assume this is a nice contrasting addition to my collection? Again, great reviews...
Most definitely the HD 800 S does some stuff that no ever does I actually purchased it again, it’s on the desk right now for review, but with very very high end systems, can’t wait to release it Of all the headphones we have had here, it’s one of the two that I re-purchased from my past
As you know, speakers AND headphones require POWER to be at their pinnacle of performance. Please try the Pathos amp I have and you will be blown away- it’s a hybrid- Steve Gutenberg reviewed it and was almost speechless… Cheers
@@davidmandell9909 I will do my best, but as you can imagine getting your hands on a lot of equipment is very difficult, but if there’s an opportunity I will take it And your comparisons against the mono block ahb2
Yes, this is a good video episode to watch to a get clear and sorted out picture and idea about these headphones. Thank you very much. Are you talking about Arya STEALTH edition? How about which amp goes well with which headphone? How about talking difference in tube amps, or what’s involved in tube amps? Which solid state amp can do instead of tube (headached) amps?
Arya v2 There is a section as far as I can recall where I discuss the type of amplifiers you should be looking for for each specific headphones We have not started on the journey of tube amplifiers just yet those reviews will be coming after January, the pendant should be here tomorrow to review with ZMFVC
Thanks very much for the reviews. I haven't heard either as yet, but will before purchasing and am thinking of HD 800S. These days I mostly listen to Classical and Jazz, with the occasional rock/ EDM, but I have Momentum Wireless I use for that as they're closed and the music is less dynamic/ more compressed anyway. Current portable is the Chord Mojo + Shure SE846, but looking for a desktop setup. I heard from reviews that the Topping D90/ A90 stack isn't a great pairing with HD 800S, due to the dry and analytical ESS Sabre delta sigma chip. I've heard the Schiit Bifrost 2/ Jotunheim 2 to be a better, warmer, sound - more enjoyable pairing due to the R2R style multibit chip. Anyway, only what I've heard, but wanted to get your opinion before demoing myself.
The HD 800 S will be an excellent purchase, I personally rather enjoyed the a 90D90SE combo with the HD 800 S, but it does provide a clean transparent clear sound that is A bit of a acquired taste The HD 800 S does like a warm amplifier far better though something like the Susy Dynalo, but the most perfect pairing would be the HTVD 800 Is sublime if you can find one used in good condition for about 700 You can check the review for those amplifiers under the tab The HD 800 S is to resolve in for those low TADA see, schiit but the by Frost two might just get you bye
Great and funny video. Thanks. I'm not a classical/jazz guy but i think HD800S is the best one for me. Games and movies are important too. They aren't bearable with closed in headphones like Focal Clear. Soundstage and air is important. And the comfort, impressive detail etc... I would probably EQ bass on all though. Did you try some bass boost and see how they behave ?
Just want to comment on the Focal Clear MG - I am running them on an A90d which may not be the best pairing but I agree with the out of box assessment. But when adding some EQ these Headphones are actually quite amazing if you like a close intimate presentation with excellent dynamics. Great with focused vocals, rock, EDM. If you don’t like EQ may want to go elsewhere but if you don’t mind some EQ to tame the mids, bring out the highs and nudge the bass they are fantastic - I know that’s a lot but to me you can’t make an Arya give the same type of presentation. I have Arya stealth and they are great but if I want that intimate intoxicating sound it’s Focal Clear MG all day but EQ is a requirement IMO.
Ive got an Arya v2 and went to demo the Clear MG as I felt my Arya was a bit boring, not dynamic enough or fun enough. It just feels lacking. I have 6w of power going into them so that's not and issue. The Clear MG sounded equally as resolving, more narrow but not bad and every sound micro sound was almost more impactful, I guess dynamic, its hard to explain but its more like you feel sound in a way. BUT im so torn to sell my Arya as well. My first High End headphone. I use APO and I believe in EQ at a desktop enviroment. Small correction are the cheapest way to improve the sound.
Bro focal clear mg pro vs lcd x 2021 Which one is more fun? Which has better timbre? Which one is more all rounder? Which one will you choose personally?
Hmmm I prefer the weight of vocal but LCDX 2021 is pretty freaking awesome so heavy though Quite different sound characteristics, and luckily they’re both cheap enough these days to grab for $500 apiece Maybe slightly higher, they’re both great all around Headphones to be honest actually What do you prefer? Can you deal with heavyweight? You can drive both of them pretty easily, the OG focal has more of a insulated studio sound, LCD was more of the lean, planer characteristics, but all of these headphones are so old. There are so much better on the market now to be honest, but if you insist
@@ConvinceMeAudio i have sony walkman wm1am2, i listen to closed back headphones on the go One of These will be my first open back and i want good experience so after buying this i will research about the tube amp to power them
Based upon the intro I couldn't get the "I wear my sunglasses at night" song out of my head. Also for the Summit Fi you forgot the spirit torino valkyria as they are the most expensive headphones currently for sale.
They are actually not better than Susvara We have a gentleman in our group who has one I believe he got rid of it now, and it’s more exclusive rather than superior
Fantastic comparison. spot on with everything.. Quick question - which amp will you suggest for Arya (v2 version)? Im looking at Singxer SA1 (Around $500-$600), Burson Soloist 3x (Around $1200) in Solid State Amps. Also which tube/tube hybrid would you suggest for $500 - $1200 amps (Looking at LYR3, Xduoo TA 20 or Little Dot 3, Feliks Echo). Paired with Denafrips Ares2 DAC. Thank you!
SA1 does a good job it’s musical and it’s good performing, but it’s not really enough power for Arya. A90 definitely digs a lot deeper into the base with more power, but it’s far less musical and enjoyable. This specific headphone requires a lot of power, and my recommendation is a fantastic speaker amplifier, with a great pre- I recommend the DIY, purify, it’s astonishingly good, very well controlled, and drives this head phone to its full potential
As for tubes, we have not started that journey on the channel yet, but Elise has a great price to performance ratio but you’ve got to be careful about its topology and specific headphones
I believe that William from Headphone Experience compared Singxer with Burson. My chain is D70s > Singxer > Arya V2. Quite pleased with it. Noticed audible improvement going from single ended to balanced on Singxer. Haven't heard Arya on anything else
Really nice overview. My opinion differed somewhat from hp to hp but much of this obviously lies in personal preference. For instance I think the Aryas are a great match for rock and metal with the right amp pairing given a well recorded record. But again it’s a preference thing. You touched on hearing a couple of times. This is most interesting to me as it greatly impacts how we choose a hp as we age if we pay attention to those hearing changes. Honestly, I think an individual’s hearing is not talked about enough in this hobby. How and what you hear when you’re in your 20’s can and most likely will be significantly different than when you’re in your 40’s. Anyone seriously into our hobby should visit your audiologist! Great job here sir!
Thank you for the kind words, glad you enjoyed the video. How we perceive sound on an individual basis has a massive impact on how we perceive those specific headphones, this is why as much as I can, I try and target a specific audience for a specific headphones. Arya are very picky and they need to be powered properly to sound the absolute best on the benchmark they’re incredible I might have to do a re-review for the summit desktop chain and what it can do for headphones
Great topic and most would agree that those are the big four(/5), but as someone who does EQ it doesn't quite answer my questions. I'm picking between these four right now and the HD800s dropped off the list since the bass can't be EQ'd properly without messing with the rest. Also, like you implied, the soundstage is an effect that doesn't work with a lot of music at all. Otherwise my favourite option, but I can't overlook those issues. The LCD-X (2021) definitely needs EQ, but with some it is a wonderful allrounder for any genre, but doesn't have anything as exceptional on offer as the rest. Perhaps the low end weight and not having any real problems left. Need to still properly test the Arya and Clear MG with EQ, but I suspect Arya can't handle the bass shelf, but the Clear MG might be my choice in the end.
@@ConvinceMeAudio Well, mainly I wonder how well do these EQ to Harman(2017)? That's as good an EQ as I know/can do at the moment, but if a headphone can do that bass while remaining at least nicely dynamic then it can probably do anything I would need it to. I'd guess that Arya can't handle it similarly to the HD800s that it just sounds very messy and looses much of the charm it had in stock form. The Clear MG would probably fair better, but one can't assume these things.
@@hartyewh1 sadly enough the HD 800 S is the driver that takes to EQ best out of all of these I don’t think you’re going to fare any better with the focal stuff Pad-rolling might be the best bet
@@ConvinceMeAudio Okay, thanks, I'll keep that in mind. If so then I'm ready with my LCD-X and the Amiron can be the metal etc headphone when the planar is feeling too timid.
I really love this VDO. I am a big fan of Thrash, Death, and Black metal. Could you reccommend me a system or headphones for Metal music. I've got GradoPS500e, Hifiman Deva.
Oh blimey that was genres, okay we have to be pretty careful, because if you have something too bright or overly analytical you’re going to have a very bad time of it first of all tell me your budget, when you say a system do you mean amplifier and DAC, or do you mean headphones as well, and we can narrow it down, for those specific genre is a dark smooth sound signature would be your best bet you do not want bright headphones
@@ConvinceMeAudio OH. so glad you reply my comment. I have budget around 1,500-2000. Yes. for me Hifiman Deva is too bright. It's good for atmosphere or depressive black metal. But, it's not punchy enough.
@@jirayuthprajerdlar1844 focal clear OG for the cheapest option used Focal Stellia for the absolute best used That review is coming shortly it’s mind blowing
I own a DT880 and wish to jump into either LCD X or HD800s. How are the HD800s for watching movies? Does the "lack of bass" hamper the movie-watching experience? (Note - I don't find the DT880's bass lacking at least in the amounts of slam I think)
Thanks for this! Looking to go up frm my HD600 which I've had for over 10yrs. Tried the arya and lcdx in store and feel like the arya has clearer more distinct sound. I could notice the chello/dolby atmos trailer bass vibration type sounds much more clearly and found it more immersive than the lcd x. I was driving my HD600 on pc with Asus Xonar essense Stx sound card which has headphone amp. Will that be ok to run the Arya with? Also, heard people EQ the Lcd x to get better sound. Is that hard to do? Do you need special equipment? Thanks
Hello I’m lucky enough to own the hd800s and focal eligia but am very curious about planar headphone was looking the lcd-x and Arya listen to rock rap and classical not much edm love soundstage but was thinking if I grabbed the Arya would it be to close to the hd800s in sound? Show I go with lcd-x? Wish I could give these a listen sadly no hifi stores where I live
The LCD is very heavy, and coming from HD 800 S you will definitely feel it so be careful Personally I would not recommend Arya at the same time as the HD800s Lcdxc might be a great one but it’s very similar Check out the review for that on the channel Otherwise the LCDEX2021 might be a good companion
Not quite sure what you are referring to, if you could elaborate, And yes, I always do, when the occasion asks for it the majority of the time most of the headphones and I EMR unbalanced
@@avatarion those are just numbers made, the power supply in the A90 doesn’t supply enough current It just looks big on paper things like SUSVARA can eat that amplifier for breakfast 😁 It’s not as simple as how manyW
What about the Rhaal Sr1a? Is it in the same league as Susvara, Abyss 1266TC, Sr 009,LCD 5? The price are signifcantly less (even below diana phi and hifiman H1000se).
I’ve been meaning to get my hands on those for review for awhile, and there might be a possibility of it coming in, I can only give an educated guess I can’t give impressions unfortunately so I’m hesitant to say, timbre I doubt it, tunnel valance I doubt it, because it does lead credence to the treble region a lot apparently It’s detail galore though, apparently, but I will do my best to bring a review in
Thank you for the great reviews you are top notch , just one gripe I have , all or most of your headphones reviews get the luxury of being tested with the may the Dave and such like , why oh why did the Arya's get a mediocre review on a £500 unit , the Arya's are capable of so much more please give the cherry to the cake so we all shut up about it lol 😂 thank you .
This is not a gripe , this is a valid comment and I’m going to come back to this with the review of the Arya stealth I will give it the respective deserves like the HD 800 S, the scalability of these headphones is unbelievable. I have tested it on the Benchmark and spring and may have been blown away at times when it was here, so don’t worry it’s calm
please help hello from minute 10:55 he talks about the Audeze X that fits a Dynelo amp very well. I can't find this amp does anyone have a link to this amp thanks
This amplifier is DIY You will have to get somebody to build it for you Otherwise you can buy a GSX mini which is basically a better version of it But it’s like twice the price
I personally don’t like EQ, but the HD 800 S drivers can certainly take it. Let’s go back to your question, using a nice warm amplifier or tubes is going to mitigate a lot of the harshness in the HD 800 S The problem with genres is that the staging on the HD 800 S is unlike other headphones it can’t really come too close and every instrument is gigantic This leads to the problem where everything feels a little overly stretched when it comes to general pop music using that term as an umbrella, it’s mainly designed for orchestra acoustic live music where you really want to feel the atmosphere and get the scope of the stage The answer to your first question is Tonalea possibly, performing wise you can try it but it will not be too fantastic to be honest I did not care for it for those genres but it’s all subjective LOL I know some people who can enjoy EDM on it
@@ConvinceMeAudio Okay i get this point... Is a rme adi-2 dac/amp in your opinion warm or cold? The internet is pretty split about that one because of great features like loudness, eq and even more. Thanks for this quick respansive.
I have the Arya Stealth, Clear MG and HD800S as well as a few entry levels and the ZMF Atrium as my endgame dynamics. I am selling my Sundara, Elegia and Clear MG. Since the Gustard R26 arrived, I paired it with either the iFi iPro iCAN Signature or Topping D90, my headphones are reaching another level for me and I am hesitating.
@@Thoughtflux I love it , I like warmer sounds. The pairing with Gustard R26 and iFi Pro iCAN Signature works well for me. Other pairings/mix-and-match are also,enjoyable. When I’m on the Arya Stealth, I’m really relaxing with music. As of now, I am selling Sundara , Clear MG, Elegia and maybe get 2 headphones to replace their places on the shelf.
@@BillyKueekSG i have pretty basic setup - Bifrost OG & Asgard 2 (pure class A). I also have a cheap preamp for tube and opamp rolling. Do you think Arya stealth would sound too bad on system? (r26 + soloist is my next dream upgrade but will have to wait)
@@Thoughtflux sorry, I really can’t tell. I believe the BiFrost should be interesting. I can’t connect my Arya Stealth to my tube amp XDuoo TA-26 because this tube amp needs higher impedance headphones unless I use it as pre-amp and connect it to the Topping A90. Alternatively, I switch on then Tube+ mode on my amp iFi Pro iCAN Signature.
@@ConvinceMeAudio Hopefully you get one soon for review, I'm excited to hear what you think about it over the old model. Make sure to burn them in as some people claim the soundstage opens up
You have never powered HD 800 S correctly if you make this statement For dynamics, speed the technical ability resolution is superb, And I don’t think I said they have the best base LOL Aspects of the base in comparison
@@ConvinceMeAudio I mean the gsx mini should have done the trick for the 800s. But the sub bass just isn’t there like it is on the focal stuff and the lcdx. I’m talking 40hz and below
@@chad6 GSX mini would be more than fine, beautiful amp Those pads are very weird do they seal properly on you, but hitting 30 Hz and below they do not measure up to the LCD line focal line in a lot of cases, but the actual quality of the base the technicality the texture of the speed the resolution is outstanding It is so fast Those thin pads do need to seal and on a lot of people they brake where the eye line is up top
Which camp would you say the Meze Empyrean falls in? Organic/airy or punchy/EDM? I have heard some say it sits in the middle and works well for all genres, but would appreciate your take on this. Overall, how do you think the Empyrean compares to the headphones in your list?
It definitely works across all genres To be honest it’s one of them headphones where it’s designed to be a one-man headphone type of thing But I go into a lot more detail in the review
Unfortunately the timing did not work out, but the LCD EXO review is already on the channel and I gave it the best bang for buck of 2021 it’s incredibly good
To our newcomers welcome, to the old crew welcome back
We hope you enjoy this battle Royale, and if you do pick one up on Black Friday drop a comment on your experience of the headphones.
You can join us over at audio lounge here
t.me/joinchat/8R0_6_NZUygzYjdk
I am so fortunate to own a pair of FOCAL Clear OG and Audeze LCD-X and I am in agreement of your assessment of these headphones. I do not have any experience with the remainder, sadly. LCD-X is my go to for EDM & Rock and Jazz and classical because it gets me most of the way there in it's technical performance. The HD800S would be my preference when budgets allow. Well done sir!
As always, great overall review. Price to Performance to Built no doubt will be the Clear OG now.
Best and more entertaining comparison and analysis I saw till now.
Decided for FOCAL Clear MG for easy of drive and looking.
Also have a FOCAL Celestee as closed back and love them too.
Thanks!
I’ve been doing a deep dive on exactly these 5 trying to figure out on my own which is right for me and my small headphone collection. Been having a hard time deciding where to spend my hard earned. This was a huge help putting them all together with pro advice - thanks!
Which did you get?
@@BillyKueekSG Focal Clear MG - awesomeness!
@@pronghornxx, I have the Arya Stealth, HD800S and Clear MG. I wanted to sell the Clear MG though I love that’s it’s beautifully designed. Then I got the Gustard R26 recently and the Clear MG now sounds another level better so I won’t be negotiating with anyone, but will sell if I get the price I want. Otherwise, I will just keep it.
@@BillyKueekSG hi there - I have an ananda and a clear MG and was looking for my next headphone - I was considering a HD800s or an Arya - I am trying to find something different from current - I like the Clear MG for the intimate punchy nature and the ananda for a bit more spacious sound but a bit laid back - looking for another departure from both of those - I was thinking HD800s because it seems the most different but would love your opinion
@@kyleo2113, the Clear MG. Arya Stealth and HD800S are all considered “mid-range” although here in Singapore, both Clear MG and Arya Stealth is priced about the same whereas the HD800S is priced about US$650 more. Of the 3, I prefer the Arya Stealth most but it’s my preference. HD800S is good for certain genre and is very different from the 2. It is clear, detailed, lean, clean and wide soundstage (many called it the soundstage king), I also found myself analyzing what I hear instead of just layback music listening but I feel Bass is lacking. Planers and this HD800S will need a good amp to drive it, HD800S is high impedance. I bought it for the same reason of wanting different sound and to have varieties. However, I am thinking of selling the Clear MG and the HD800S and go for a “high-end” planar since I believe I already have a “high-end” dynamic in the ZMF Atrium. Sorry if I may make this tougher for you.
Man, I've just started watching your reviews, and they are awesome! I really love your presentation and your description of the sound qualities... "the violence and the turmoil." I'm currently juggling a decision on whether to buy the Sennheiser HD800S, the HifiMan Arya, or the ZMF Aeolus. I've got the first two on order from Amazon... great return policy so that I can try them out. Unfortunately, that's not as easily done with the ZMF Aeolus. Of the three, however, the ZMFs truly look like a piece of art. I don't like the plasticy look of the other two.
Thank you for the kind words, and welcome to the fam
Arya hd800s both require very very good chains to sound the best. The ZMF is far more easy to deal with.
All three sound fantastic on tubes,
@@ConvinceMeAudio An extreme thanks for the reply. At first I plan to drive my final decision with the headphone amp in the Bluesound Node X. I needed another streamer, and my budget this year doesn't have enough room in it for also a high-end headphone amp, so I thought I'd kill two birds with one stone by getting the Node X. Apparently it utilizes a THX-AAA amplifier which has a great reputation; however, the implementation in the Node X may not be the best as Bluesound crams a lot of functionality and thus a lot of electronics into a small box.
One of the best reviewers on YT excellent job.
I would like to hear your opinion about Sennheiser HD820 and if possible compare them to other headphones in its class.
Keep doing good reviews. Cheers and Tnx
Hi, thank you for the kind words it’s very much appreciated, and welcome to the fam 🐅
HD 820 closed back, going up against the likes of
Stellia Liric ZMF vC even th900
It’s been a long time since I last heard it, but unfortunately it’s not my favourite headphone in the slightest. In fact, it was one of the worst experience I’ve had in the flagship realm when it comes to close back.
It feels as though SENNE I just slapped on a glass pretty covering and called it a day and it’s disappointing for me
But it’s so rare to see one, in the wild. It’s very very difficult, getting hold of One to do a proper in-depth review.
But as of the ones I mentioned up there, I would choose them all over HD 820. From my memory of the previous time I heard it
It felt like I had my head inside a bucket, and the reverberation and residences was god-awful
Well done, great video! I've got the clear og, perhaps I might add an Arya as a compliment to the focal. You've given me something to think about, but the wallet doesn't like it 😁
@ConvinceMeAudio This is the best headphone review on youtube, thanks! Can you tell me, why does everybody prefer the OG over the MG? A lot of people say that the MG are crap
They are most certainly not crap
But there is a spike in the upper treble region. Depending on your hearing, like I stated in the review, or your age, below 22 for example, it can become quite fatiguing
I own Arya Stealth , HD800s and Focal Stellia. i used to have Clear OG but sold it due to in the head not much soundstage, but the Stellia give me more depth and width in sound. Completely agree with your end assessment, Arya and HD800s for acoustic jazz and Focal for EDM, bass heavy music. Spot on =)
Currently reviewing the VC Andy stellia
The focal is so special but there is something about the staging of HD 800 as that’s just insane
@@ConvinceMeAudio i bought a 6N OCC 8 braid Copper cable for HD800s, brings the bass up, its so awesome like listening to 2.1speakers through my ifi pro iCan Signature amp. HD800s is about 1110USD here in HK brand new, what a bargain for the performance to price ratio.
but downside is for so many Focal users that drivers tend to clip on bass heavy music at higher SPL
@@ConvinceMeAudio i have heard people liking Rock & Metal on Arya stealth. Is it too bad?
@@Thoughtflux unfortunately, those have not come in for review. I really can’t comment, because they’re quite different from V2 apparently
Your voice sounds good to me ears:) may I ask how you can read comments? Tks
Screen reader Apple - voice-over
@@ConvinceMeAudio Ok it is a smart way. Regarding to the your review, I have heard all the headphones except the Clear MG. And I love listening rock, pop and hiphop on the hd800S. Not much with the og Clear (too much bass and claustrophobic), the Arya (treble ringing issue) and the lcdX (hitting too hard, too heavy, lacking of depth and layering) 😂
The fact that this is not the 2021 version of lcd x would possibly make its comparison here moot, as there were significant changes in tonality, but possibly not in technical performance. I'm defending some turf here, as I am considering it as a candidate for mostly rock music. You counted this as among its strong suits although not in particularly glowing terms, so there's that to consider.Thank you for the very strong video.
The problem was when this review was completed the unit had not even been released yet,
We did review the closed back variant of 2021, but funnily enough I never got around to the open back variant. Maybe we will swing back around to it at some point
@ConvinceMeAudio Thank you for the reply! I have to give two of my fellow Western United States inhabitants Arnie Nudell and Paul McGowen some weight here, as both own, or at least have owned lcd x's, and gave them high praise. Neither had been particularly into headphones until recently though after fifty years producing audio equipment.
@@valleyguy633 I think I genuinely prefer mm500 now in 2023. These headphones have been out for a long time. They’re very very heavy and the market has really changed.
I highly recommend, looking at mod house, tungsten it annihilates this
@@ConvinceMeAudio will do. Thank you!!
The reviews you provide are impeccable; thank you.
My current system is a Electrocompaniet ECD-2 DAC, Tara Labs interconnects with a Pathos InpolEar headphone amp connected via Nordost USB cable to my PC.
I have the LCD-4's, LCD-X's and the results are sublime. I just ordered a pair of HD 800s' which will be my only dynamic driven headphones. I've never listened to the HD800's; is it safe to assume this is a nice contrasting addition to my collection?
Again, great reviews...
Most definitely the HD 800 S does some stuff that no ever does
I actually purchased it again, it’s on the desk right now for review, but with very very high end systems, can’t wait to release it
Of all the headphones we have had here, it’s one of the two that I re-purchased from my past
As you know, speakers AND headphones require POWER to be at their pinnacle of performance. Please try the Pathos amp I have and you will be blown away- it’s a hybrid- Steve Gutenberg reviewed it and was almost speechless…
Cheers
@@davidmandell9909 I will do my best, but as you can imagine getting your hands on a lot of equipment is very difficult, but if there’s an opportunity I will take it
And your comparisons against the mono block ahb2
Another great video, thank You!
Yes, this is a good video episode to watch to a get clear and sorted out picture and idea about these headphones. Thank you very much. Are you talking about Arya STEALTH edition? How about which amp goes well with which headphone? How about talking difference in tube amps, or what’s involved in tube amps? Which solid state amp can do instead of tube (headached) amps?
Arya v2
There is a section as far as I can recall where I discuss the type of amplifiers you should be looking for for each specific headphones
We have not started on the journey of tube amplifiers just yet those reviews will be coming after January, the pendant should be here tomorrow to review with ZMFVC
@@ConvinceMeAudio Thanks. Will check them out and looking forward for the ZMF Verite Closed.
Thanks very much for the reviews. I haven't heard either as yet, but will before purchasing and am thinking of HD 800S. These days I mostly listen to Classical and Jazz, with the occasional rock/ EDM, but I have Momentum Wireless I use for that as they're closed and the music is less dynamic/ more compressed anyway. Current portable is the Chord Mojo + Shure SE846, but looking for a desktop setup.
I heard from reviews that the Topping D90/ A90 stack isn't a great pairing with HD 800S, due to the dry and analytical ESS Sabre delta sigma chip. I've heard the Schiit Bifrost 2/ Jotunheim 2 to be a better, warmer, sound - more enjoyable pairing due to the R2R style multibit chip.
Anyway, only what I've heard, but wanted to get your opinion before demoing myself.
The HD 800 S will be an excellent purchase,
I personally rather enjoyed the a 90D90SE combo with the HD 800 S, but it does provide a clean transparent clear sound that is A bit of a acquired taste
The HD 800 S does like a warm amplifier far better though something like the Susy Dynalo, but the most perfect pairing would be the HTVD 800
Is sublime if you can find one used in good condition for about 700
You can check the review for those amplifiers under the tab
The HD 800 S is to resolve in for those low TADA see, schiit but the by Frost two might just get you bye
Great and funny video. Thanks. I'm not a classical/jazz guy but i think HD800S is the best one for me. Games and movies are important too. They aren't bearable with closed in headphones like Focal Clear. Soundstage and air is important. And the comfort, impressive detail etc... I would probably EQ bass on all though. Did you try some bass boost and see how they behave ?
Yes, the HD800S can take some EQ, drivers are pretty susceptive
Any advice on EQ? I use Mac
Just want to comment on the Focal Clear MG - I am running them on an A90d which may not be the best pairing but I agree with the out of box assessment. But when adding some EQ these Headphones are actually quite amazing if you like a close intimate presentation with excellent dynamics. Great with focused vocals, rock, EDM. If you don’t like EQ may want to go elsewhere but if you don’t mind some EQ to tame the mids, bring out the highs and nudge the bass they are fantastic - I know that’s a lot but to me you can’t make an Arya give the same type of presentation. I have Arya stealth and they are great but if I want that intimate intoxicating sound it’s Focal Clear MG all day but EQ is a requirement IMO.
Which app do you adjust the EQ on? thank
@@duylevan985 APO with PEACE GUI is the way for pc
Ive got an Arya v2 and went to demo the Clear MG as I felt my Arya was a bit boring, not dynamic enough or fun enough. It just feels lacking. I have 6w of power going into them so that's not and issue. The Clear MG sounded equally as resolving, more narrow but not bad and every sound micro sound was almost more impactful, I guess dynamic, its hard to explain but its more like you feel sound in a way. BUT im so torn to sell my Arya as well. My first High End headphone. I use APO and I believe in EQ at a desktop enviroment. Small correction are the cheapest way to improve the sound.
@@joshswanedits can you tell me your best EQ correction with MG? Thanks
@@duylevan985 using roon
Bro focal clear mg pro vs lcd x 2021
Which one is more fun? Which has better timbre? Which one is more all rounder?
Which one will you choose personally?
Hmmm I prefer the weight of vocal but LCDX 2021 is pretty freaking awesome so heavy though
Quite different sound characteristics, and luckily they’re both cheap enough these days to grab for $500 apiece
Maybe slightly higher, they’re both great all around Headphones to be honest actually
What do you prefer? Can you deal with heavyweight? You can drive both of them pretty easily, the OG focal has more of a insulated studio sound, LCD was more of the lean, planer characteristics, but all of these headphones are so old. There are so much better on the market now to be honest, but if you insist
@@ConvinceMeAudioi can handle the weight of lcd x, and i like transparent, effortless meaty sound
Also what other options?
@@RX-rd4sc tell me what source equipment you have, and how much you wanna spend. They’re very important.
@@ConvinceMeAudio i have sony walkman wm1am2, i listen to closed back headphones on the go
One of These will be my first open back and i want good experience so after buying this i will research about the tube amp to power them
Based upon the intro I couldn't get the "I wear my sunglasses at night" song out of my head. Also for the Summit Fi you forgot the spirit torino valkyria as they are the most expensive headphones currently for sale.
They are actually not better than Susvara
We have a gentleman in our group who has one I believe he got rid of it now, and it’s more exclusive rather than superior
The most expensive headphones at the moment are actually the Sennheiser HE-1.
@@PrisOwner16 yes, but seen as these niche market headphones are owned probably by seven people they don’t really count
@@PrisOwner16 utterly pointless even mentioning it
@@ConvinceMeAudio true, it's not really a consumer product. It's purely for people that have copious amounts of f*ck you-money.
Fantastic comparison. spot on with everything.. Quick question - which amp will you suggest for Arya (v2 version)? Im looking at Singxer SA1 (Around $500-$600), Burson Soloist 3x (Around $1200) in Solid State Amps.
Also which tube/tube hybrid would you suggest for $500 - $1200 amps (Looking at LYR3, Xduoo TA 20 or Little Dot 3, Feliks Echo). Paired with Denafrips Ares2 DAC.
Thank you!
SA1 does a good job it’s musical and it’s good performing, but it’s not really enough power for Arya. A90 definitely digs a lot deeper into the base with more power, but it’s far less musical and enjoyable.
This specific headphone requires a lot of power, and my recommendation is a fantastic speaker amplifier, with a great pre-
I recommend the DIY, purify, it’s astonishingly good, very well controlled, and drives this head phone to its full potential
As for tubes, we have not started that journey on the channel yet, but Elise has a great price to performance ratio but you’ve got to be careful about its topology and specific headphones
I believe that William from Headphone Experience compared Singxer with Burson. My chain is D70s > Singxer > Arya V2. Quite pleased with it. Noticed audible improvement going from single ended to balanced on Singxer. Haven't heard Arya on anything else
@@ConvinceMeAudio Thanks for the prompt input!
@@ConvinceMeAudio The latest Arya stealth magnets is easier to drive than the one you reviewed. It's no longer amp picky. I hope you review it soon.
Really nice overview. My opinion differed somewhat from hp to hp but much of this obviously lies in personal preference.
For instance I think the Aryas are a great match for rock and metal with the right amp pairing given a well recorded record.
But again it’s a preference thing.
You touched on hearing a couple of times. This is most interesting to me as it greatly impacts how we choose a hp as we age if we pay attention to those hearing changes.
Honestly, I think an individual’s hearing is not talked about enough in this hobby.
How and what you hear when you’re in your 20’s can and most likely will be significantly different than when you’re in your 40’s.
Anyone seriously into our hobby should visit your audiologist!
Great job here sir!
Thank you for the kind words, glad you enjoyed the video.
How we perceive sound on an individual basis has a massive impact on how we perceive those specific headphones, this is why as much as I can, I try and target a specific audience for a specific headphones.
Arya are very picky and they need to be powered properly to sound the absolute best on the benchmark they’re incredible I might have to do a re-review for the summit desktop chain and what it can do for headphones
@@ConvinceMeAudio looking forward to it, thank you
Which DAC and amp do you pair the Arya with? Is it the Stealth?
Great shootout.
Great topic and most would agree that those are the big four(/5), but as someone who does EQ it doesn't quite answer my questions.
I'm picking between these four right now and the HD800s dropped off the list since the bass can't be EQ'd properly without messing with the rest. Also, like you implied, the soundstage is an effect that doesn't work with a lot of music at all. Otherwise my favourite option, but I can't overlook those issues.
The LCD-X (2021) definitely needs EQ, but with some it is a wonderful allrounder for any genre, but doesn't have anything as exceptional on offer as the rest. Perhaps the low end weight and not having any real problems left.
Need to still properly test the Arya and Clear MG with EQ, but I suspect Arya can't handle the bass shelf, but the Clear MG might be my choice in the end.
Maybe if you ask your question here, I might be able to pitch in 😆
@@ConvinceMeAudio Well, mainly I wonder how well do these EQ to Harman(2017)? That's as good an EQ as I know/can do at the moment, but if a headphone can do that bass while remaining at least nicely dynamic then it can probably do anything I would need it to. I'd guess that Arya can't handle it similarly to the HD800s that it just sounds very messy and looses much of the charm it had in stock form. The Clear MG would probably fair better, but one can't assume these things.
@@hartyewh1 sadly enough the HD 800 S is the driver that takes to EQ best out of all of these
I don’t think you’re going to fare any better with the focal stuff
Pad-rolling might be the best bet
@@ConvinceMeAudio Okay, thanks, I'll keep that in mind. If so then I'm ready with my LCD-X and the Amiron can be the metal etc headphone when the planar is feeling too timid.
I really love this VDO. I am a big fan of Thrash, Death, and Black metal. Could you reccommend me a system or headphones for Metal music. I've got GradoPS500e, Hifiman Deva.
Oh blimey that was genres, okay we have to be pretty careful, because if you have something too bright or overly analytical you’re going to have a very bad time of it first of all tell me your budget, when you say a system do you mean amplifier and DAC, or do you mean headphones as well, and we can narrow it down, for those specific genre is a dark smooth sound signature would be your best bet you do not want bright headphones
@@ConvinceMeAudio OH. so glad you reply my comment. I have budget around 1,500-2000. Yes. for me Hifiman Deva is too bright. It's good for atmosphere or depressive black metal. But, it's not punchy enough.
@@jirayuthprajerdlar1844 focal clear OG for the cheapest option used
Focal Stellia for the absolute best used
That review is coming shortly it’s mind blowing
I own a DT880 and wish to jump into either LCD X or HD800s. How are the HD800s for watching movies? Does the "lack of bass" hamper the movie-watching experience? (Note - I don't find the DT880's bass lacking at least in the amounts of slam I think)
Hi, please I want to ask you about the top 3 headphones for rock and heavy metal music 🤘
ZMF atrium
MezeAudio elite
ZMF Verite-Closed Autor hybrid pads
Preferably on tubes
Thanks for this! Looking to go up frm my HD600 which I've had for over 10yrs. Tried the arya and lcdx in store and feel like the arya has clearer more distinct sound. I could notice the chello/dolby atmos trailer bass vibration type sounds much more clearly and found it more immersive than the lcd x.
I was driving my HD600 on pc with Asus Xonar essense Stx sound card which has headphone amp. Will that be ok to run the Arya with?
Also, heard people EQ the Lcd x to get better sound. Is that hard to do? Do you need special equipment?
Thanks
Can you pls let me know the store location?
Hello I’m lucky enough to own the hd800s and focal eligia but am very curious about planar headphone was looking the lcd-x and Arya listen to rock rap and classical not much edm love soundstage but was thinking if I grabbed the Arya would it be to close to the hd800s in sound? Show I go with lcd-x? Wish I could give these a listen sadly no hifi stores where I live
The LCD is very heavy, and coming from HD 800 S you will definitely feel it so be careful
Personally I would not recommend Arya at the same time as the HD800s
Lcdxc might be a great one but it’s very similar
Check out the review for that on the channel
Otherwise the LCDEX2021 might be a good companion
Do you use balanced on the A90? If not, maybe that will fix the power issue.
Not quite sure what you are referring to, if you could elaborate,
And yes, I always do, when the occasion asks for it the majority of the time most of the headphones and I EMR unbalanced
@@ConvinceMeAudio XLR output offers 7.6W of power. I would only use balanced with something like Arya, but then it needs custom cables.
@@avatarion those are just numbers made, the power supply in the A90 doesn’t supply enough current
It just looks big on paper things like SUSVARA can eat that amplifier for breakfast 😁
It’s not as simple as how manyW
What about the Rhaal Sr1a? Is it in the same league as Susvara, Abyss 1266TC, Sr 009,LCD 5? The price are signifcantly less (even below diana phi and hifiman H1000se).
I’ve been meaning to get my hands on those for review for awhile, and there might be a possibility of it coming in, I can only give an educated guess I can’t give impressions unfortunately so I’m hesitant to say, timbre I doubt it, tunnel valance I doubt it, because it does lead credence to the treble region a lot apparently
It’s detail galore though, apparently, but I will do my best to bring a review in
@@ConvinceMeAudio looking forward for it, nice review btw
Do you still recommend focal clear og/mg? I have found both for the same price 2nd hand, about 500-600€, i use chord mojo2 and l listen all geners
That’s a very good price for both of them
absolutely
@@ConvinceMeAudio thanks 👍
@@ConvinceMeAudio which one would you choose between og and mg? I read conflicting opinions but the og seems to be the most appreciated
Hi, what version of LCD-X?
2019, 2021 is on the table being reviewed right now
would love to hear about the lcd x 2021
The LCD, XC, review will be out in the next few days mate the LCDX variant both for 2021 I’m sure will arrive short
you linked everything exept arya !
Hold on, I’ll fix that 🐅
Thank you for the great reviews you are top notch , just one gripe I have , all or most of your headphones reviews get the luxury of being tested with the may the Dave and such like , why oh why did the Arya's get a mediocre review on a £500 unit , the Arya's are capable of so much more please give the cherry to the cake so we all shut up about it lol 😂 thank you .
This is not a gripe , this is a valid comment and I’m going to come back to this with the review of the Arya stealth
I will give it the respective deserves like the HD 800 S, the scalability of these headphones is unbelievable. I have tested it on the Benchmark and spring and may have been blown away at times when it was here, so don’t worry it’s calm
@@ConvinceMeAudio thank you for your great reviews and look forward to your next video on the Arya's great job my friend 👍
@@nick62876 thank you for the kind words it’s very much appreciated, the next review is about to be released and my goodness is it a biggie
please help hello from minute 10:55 he talks about the Audeze X that fits a Dynelo amp very well. I can't find this amp does anyone have a link to this amp thanks
This amplifier is DIY
You will have to get somebody to build it for you
Otherwise you can buy a GSX mini which is basically a better version of it
But it’s like twice the price
What about ZMF Aeolus whaaaaaaa! Haha, I understand Aeolus probably can't hang in detal from the rest, but it has an amazing sound overall.
I will do my best to bring them in for review and we can assess
In case you’re still interested those headphones will be here next week
@@ConvinceMeAudio Nice! Have fun with them, I find them to be just a good fun pair of headphones.
@@bitterbuffalo8997 we will see how much of a difference there is between it at the Verite to
Currently reviewing that him now
@@ConvinceMeAudio oh awesome! I have both the Verite Open and the Aeolus in the same wood. Can't wait for the impressions!
also the Heddphone is in this segment as well....
Anyone know if the lcdx in this video is OG or 2021 version?
2019 m8
Can you eq the hd 800s at least so well that you can enjoy elektronic music or hip hop?
I personally don’t like EQ, but the HD 800 S drivers can certainly take it.
Let’s go back to your question, using a nice warm amplifier or tubes is going to mitigate a lot of the harshness in the HD 800 S
The problem with genres is that the staging on the HD 800 S is unlike other headphones it can’t really come too close and every instrument is gigantic
This leads to the problem where everything feels a little overly stretched when it comes to general pop music using that term as an umbrella, it’s mainly designed for orchestra acoustic live music where you really want to feel the atmosphere and get the scope of the stage
The answer to your first question is Tonalea possibly, performing wise you can try it but it will not be too fantastic to be honest I did not care for it for those genres but it’s all subjective LOL I know some people who can enjoy EDM on it
@@ConvinceMeAudio Okay i get this point... Is a rme adi-2 dac/amp in your opinion warm or cold? The internet is pretty split about that one because of great features like loudness, eq and even more. Thanks for this quick respansive.
Unfortunately I’ve not brought that DAC in for review I really can’t comment but I’ve not heard it been said it’s analytical
What is the sweetspot voltage of Abyss 1266?
Is this 2021 lcd x or before revision?
This one, 2019
@@ConvinceMeAudio thanks, curious to see what you think of the changes on 2021, nice video!
I have the Arya Stealth, Clear MG and HD800S as well as a few entry levels and the ZMF Atrium as my endgame dynamics. I am selling my Sundara, Elegia and Clear MG. Since the Gustard R26 arrived, I paired it with either the iFi iPro iCAN Signature or Topping D90, my headphones are reaching another level for me and I am hesitating.
How do you rate the Arya Stealth?
@@Thoughtflux I love it , I like warmer sounds. The pairing with Gustard R26 and iFi Pro iCAN Signature works well for me. Other pairings/mix-and-match are also,enjoyable. When I’m on the Arya Stealth, I’m really relaxing with music. As of now, I am selling Sundara , Clear MG, Elegia and maybe get 2 headphones to replace their places on the shelf.
@@BillyKueekSG i have pretty basic setup - Bifrost OG & Asgard 2 (pure class A). I also have a cheap preamp for tube and opamp rolling. Do you think Arya stealth would sound too bad on system?
(r26 + soloist is my next dream upgrade but will have to wait)
@@Thoughtflux sorry, I really can’t tell. I believe the BiFrost should be interesting. I can’t connect my Arya Stealth to my tube amp XDuoo TA-26 because this tube amp needs higher impedance headphones unless I use it as pre-amp and connect it to the Topping A90. Alternatively, I switch on then Tube+ mode on my amp iFi Pro iCAN Signature.
What Arya is this? 2021 Stealth Magnet or an older version? There are many now
This is the OG Arya
@@ConvinceMeAudio Ok Thanks. I'm really curious to hear the Stealth Magnet Arya
Me too, hopefully it will come across the desk soon
@@ConvinceMeAudio Hopefully you get one soon for review, I'm excited to hear what you think about it over the old model. Make sure to burn them in as some people claim the soundstage opens up
This dude really just said the hd800s had the best bass. AINT NO WAY
You have never powered HD 800 S correctly if you make this statement
For dynamics, speed the technical ability resolution is superb,
And I don’t think I said they have the best base LOL
Aspects of the base in comparison
@@ConvinceMeAudio I mean the gsx mini should have done the trick for the 800s. But the sub bass just isn’t there like it is on the focal stuff and the lcdx. I’m talking 40hz and below
@@chad6 GSX mini would be more than fine, beautiful amp
Those pads are very weird do they seal properly on you, but hitting 30 Hz and below they do not measure up to the LCD line focal line in a lot of cases, but the actual quality of the base the technicality the texture of the speed the resolution is outstanding
It is so fast
Those thin pads do need to seal and on a lot of people they brake where the eye line is up top
Which camp would you say the Meze Empyrean falls in? Organic/airy or punchy/EDM? I have heard some say it sits in the middle and works well for all genres, but would appreciate your take on this.
Overall, how do you think the Empyrean compares to the headphones in your list?
Warm, extremely punchy, laid-back,
Click on the review on the channel, I reviewed this headphone six months back
It definitely works across all genres
To be honest it’s one of them headphones where it’s designed to be a one-man headphone type of thing
But I go into a lot more detail in the review
you're right.... the Empyrean should be in $1500 category
"Arya" has but TWO syllables.
Boooo u didn't use the 2021 LCD-X which are way better and are as good as the others...
Unfortunately the timing did not work out, but the LCD EXO review is already on the channel and I gave it the best bang for buck of 2021 it’s incredibly good
@denis4072
1 second ago
I wish all the reviews should skip the comfort because it a subjective and just get to the point.