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...

The biggest reason I have seen that also resonates with me and is why I upgraded, is simply because the mDave is not perfect. For whatever reason, that comes off as blasphemy in this thread, which is just unfortunate as this applies to literally every single other piece of gear I have ever...

I'm just using modern production Psvanes. I never upgraded as I wasn't sure if I was going to keep the EC/CFA3 combo, and I also enjoy the sound as is. But I definitely need to try Elrogs and WBs in it, and also have extra incentive as additional tube rolling options for the Pacific (although it...

Yup, I have both the Pacific and MDave. Will start doing comparisons next week. I don't anticipate doing a major write up, as I'm just a bit too busy, but I'll share some bullet points after a bit of time to A/B them.

You all are ruthless with the AIC propaganda lol No seriously, the way the AIC performed with more sensitive cans stood out crazily to me. The R10 and L3000 sounded amazing out of it, which was a major draw to me. They don't mesh naturally with the EC 300b/CFA3 combo. They both sound great out...

I think I can say with decent confidence that the HE90 is my favorite headphone. More than any other set of cans, I can just endlessly fall into them and the music. They get out of the way. A perfect balance between technical performance and tonality. Just so purely enjoyable. This is a very...

It's for sure special regardless. The realism with instruments and vocals alone is extremely unique. And it's a good complement to the Sus and TC due to its uniqueness, especially its tone and timbre.

Yea from my early limited impressions the Aperio sounded fuller and the Immanis more open and detailed. I think they'll both be end up being more impressive than what I heard at the show from either. I'll definitely share once I can!

Did you see the gold version in person? I thought it was before actually seeing it. It wasn't as gaudy as I thought it was likely to be. I think I posted a pic in this thread as well. But either way, it won't be for everyone. And yea, the black version looks really nice. Better than I imagined...

Yea, this to me makes on sense at all.. especially when black is a standard color in the hobby. The gold edition I saw in person was amazing. I really wanted it but the price difference was just insane smh.

I definitely will. I heard the Immanis at the same show. The Aperio is what stood out for me the most, but I was overall impressed with the Imannis. I also don't think show conditions do it much justice. But can't want to try it out at home with the Aperio, Shang Sr. and HE90. Very...