For sure. I think tube and ss get too overly simplified. Tubes introduce distortion no question, but all that matters is what's audible, the design/topology and the end result. I've been extremely impressed with the Pacific detail/resolution wise. Dave/Mscaler does have a more...

I've yet to compare more thoroughly the Pacific against the Dave. And the only reason is because I'm rediscovering all of my gear through it. The Shang Sr. and HE90 are just immaculate through it. The bigger window into the music, improvement in realism and resolution is just amazing. And again...

Something was wrong then. The Aperio (for a stat but also compared to non-stats) has pretty strong, authoritative bass. In the other categories you mentioned in your post I could easily see the HE90 or HE-1 being better however, just strictly referring to bass here.

From my personal experience my POV is that it's ultimately about your mind adjusting to the sound rather than the headphone actually changing. The Valkyria is very unique, with subsequently more quirks for some. My unit doesn't strike me as the most dynamic or bassy, so I wouldn't really...

Really cool thread. Loving the pictures! Looking forward to the impressions. :)

Lol I'll probably still spring for the AIC one day, just will need to wait until closer to end of year if so.

The T1s is the most impressive Stax amp I've had. A bit soft in dynamics (as they seem to all mainly be), but a good overall presentation without too many flaws paired with most stats. I've used the HE90, Shang Sr., 009, 007 etc with it for an extended period of time with great appreciation and...

I have no problem with people using EQ and generally have no thoughts around the concept across the board. I don't hop in on the conversations at all. I totally see why people use it and some of the recommendations have been hard to avoid (Mitch and other pre-defined profiles/filters). For me...

Given the recent price increase and other personal responsibilities, I will be boycotting this thread and future impressions from here out. It's been fun friends lol

I wouldn't be surprised if that's the case. And the only real outstanding question for me is, "does it have an obvious weakness or gap"? From when I auditioned it, it didn't seem to be the case, but again the noise wasn't great. Random, but oddly enough the noise at Axpona was largely self...

Last rambling thought! The completeness and lack of a wow factor for headphones like the Susvara and HE90 are also sticking points for others. Again, it's all about a game of tradeoffs and what matters for you. There will never be a perfect, complete package and that's extremely frustrating...

Was supposed to compare the HE90 and Aperio directly with intense A/Bing and I never got past using the HE90 lol But I also had been using the Aperio for quite some time solely, so getting back to the Shang Sr., HE90 and R10 have been a nice treat and distracting. Also had an amazing session...

Sounds very interesting.

To each their own and explore as much as possible, but this again also comes down a bit to preconceived notions about improvements not being possible or likely over Dave. Do your own testing, your own due diligence. Btw, multiple Pacific owners (or even the Golden Gate) that moved on from the...

Very much agree. Price is a bit tricky just because there are so many variables at play. I think many of us, particularly more experienced in the hobby are either buying used or at dealer prices. I got my Pacific used with the Engine 11 upgrade, and it's in the same ball park as mDave via...