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Ehrmantraut

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  1. A common conversation I have with my fellow HeadFi audiophools is the question of whether one headphone can truly cover all genres. Like all things, there’s always some compromise and all headphones have weaknesses or flaws. I’ve set up some initial criteria and thoughts. 1) Is cost a factor? We can’t all afford to run HE1 (even if that was the one) 2) Does the quality of the chain matter? There’s a huge amount of debate and opinion here. If you choose a certain headphone, many times it will need a certain quality or specific chain, mainly on the amplification side. 3) Does it need to cover all genres? I listen to a lot of singer-songwriter, jazz and some rock. Do I need the HP to cover EDM for example? 4) Is having only one HP boring? We listen to music as our hobby and I would argue the technicalities and general tweaking are part of it. But should we just sit back and listen? Let’s get started. Here are some initial thoughts. They’re based on my experience of owning a great many (too many) headphones and HeadFi systems. My ears, my music, my opinions and assuming all of these are run on high quality/specific chains. 1) T+A Solitaire P – A bit cheeky since I only just got them. They're very good. Like a more lively Susvara. Has the detail and speed chops to run up against Raal and Stax with some very decent bass. Not the most comfortable. 2) Focal Utopia 22 – the OG was a HP I would have said was my go to for the one HP. The 22 is better. Easy to drive but can be picky and is better on decent tubes. Comfortable enough with smallish earcups. Intimate soundstage but very good detail retrieval and bass impact. Sounds lovely but can get shouty. 3) HiFiMan Susvara – On reflection, this should be higher than the Focal if the chain is up to it. Like a warm glove, this HP can envelope you with a smooth but detailed sound. Very comfortable. The caveat is how hard this is to drive well. It’s not about voltage. You can get these to sound loud on a lot of amps. But loudness doesn’t equal enjoyment. These need current and lots of it. Only the best HP amplifiers (Nirvana, AIC, Envy) can run these properly. On a lot of speaker amps, they can still sound sterile. 4) Raal CA-1a – This is my smokey. An excellent HP that doesn’t get a lot of attention. A bit fiddly with the interface box and cables and looks a bit DIY. But it’s very good. Get over the looks etc and you have a very detailed, fast HP that has a lovely mid-range and bass. Also, light and comfortable. A dark horse this one and very good value. 5) Final D8000 Pro – A lovely HP with gorgeous mids. Tuning from the non pro version loses some bass to get the treble right. Great fit and the pro comes with one of the best OEM cables. Some considerations but not for me: Abyss 1266 – best bass ever but wonky fit and tuning. Needs juice and too expensive. Diana fits better but who cares? Audeze LCD3 or 4 – lovely mids and excellent bass but wonky treble and heavy. Hard to find in decent condition now. I never liked the LCD5 but plenty do. The CRBN is very good but needs the very best in Estat amps. ZMF Caldera or VO – lovely Zach house sound is often let down by being too smooth or a bit veiled. Whilst I really like the Auteur, the Caldera is their best to me. The VC and now Atrium closed are two of the best closed backs around. Warwick Acoustics Bravura – I haven’t heard the Aperio which is supposed to be awesome. The Bravura is an AIO proprietary system, so there’s no flexibility but is a very neat one box solution. I hate the fit but it sounds very good. Sennheiser HD800/650 – both are an oldie but goldie. Great comfort and easy to drive if you choose a good OTL amp. OG mid range greatness. DCA – I like them but can’t listen to them for long. There’s something about Dan’s tuning that is off for me across the range. Maybe it’s the damping. Stax – I love a lot of Stax earspeakers and the likes of the X9000 bring out everything in a recording. But they need special (and I mean special) gear and they are best suited to jazz and orchestral and some vocals for me. Lastly, I’m looking forward to the new HEDD Heddphone V2. I liked the SQ of the V1 but it was a horrible HP to wear. And now……over to you!
  2. One of the best DACs at any price point - Mar 2023 - all original packaging/receipt - stock tubes (so not opened!) La Scala MKII Optologic DAC New Optologic Conversion System A never ending story: upgrading to the Optologic DAC Again, La Scala D/A converter proves that an instant classic does not mean a product whose destiny is to become obsolescent, like most of the products in the high-end world. After the first appearance in the flagship Formula DAC, the proprietary D/A conversion system developed by Aqua is now available for La Scala MkII dac. So, current Owners, have the opportunity to upgrade their unit in order to reach to the revolutionary Optologic D/A conversion system. The already extraordinary sound quality of this icon is now improved in every aspect: time coherence, microdynamics, timbre, and without losing that magic atmosphere for which La Scala is widely renowned. La Scala MkII keeps the VALVE / MOSFET hybrid circuitry, with now a pair of specially selected ECC81 tubes - a High-Frequency triode - for its extremely low noise and superb transparency. FEATURES the new Optologic Conversion System • High performance proprietary FPGA-based digital decoding without digital filter • Galvanic and magnetic isolations between the FPGA and R2R ladder converter • Discrete R2R ladder DACs with low noise precision resistors • Jitter free digital interface AQlink (I2S protocol), uncompromising digital connection to La Diva cd transport • Zero S/PDIF Jitter design, digital receiver stage PLL (phase locked loop) technology • High-performance AQ Discrete Regulator (MOSFET, J-FET, BJT) for analog and digital DAC’s power supply • Valve-Mosfet direct coupling analog stage in pure class-A without negative feedback • MOSFET Virtual battery circuit for analog anode supply • Soft-start power up for extended tube life • etherCON RJ45 (AQlink) input connection, employs CAT6 cable can connect both RJ45 and professional etherCON RJ45 • 2 separate low noise power transformers, one for the analog and one for the digital section • MODULAR DESIGN with upgradeable multi board system • Regulated DC filament supplies with soft start for tubes • Fully discrete analog stage, not even a single Op-Amp is used • Proprietary USB Firmware / driver : Apple MAC OS - Linux OS : USB asynchronous native support, no need to install drivers software • Fully upgradeable asynchronous USB module with resolution 44.1kHz to 384kHz PCM up to 24 bits, DSD64, DSD128, operates with computers running OSX 10.7 and above, WINDOWS 10 , 8 , 7 and XP ASIO - WASAPI bit perfect high-speed • Digital phase selector on front panel • High-quality parts selected for sound quality: - 105° long life capacitors - low noise Metal Foil ultra-precision resistors - double metallized film pulse capacitor - ultra-fast diodes - halogen free cables • Aluminium anti-resonant cabinet with Nextel • Designed and handmade in Italy • Input: - RJ45 AQlink (I2S serial bus) - PCM 24 bit / 384kHz – DSD64, DSD128 via DoP - BNC coax (S/PDIF) 75 ohm - PCM 24 bit / 192kHz – DSD64 via DoP - RCA coax (S/PDIF) 75 ohm - PCM 24 bit / 192kHz – DSD64 via DoP - AES/EBU balanced 110 ohm - PCM 24 bit / 192kHz – DSD64 via DoP - USB port - PCM 24 bit / 384kHz – DSD64, DSD128 via DoP - AT&T (ST Fiber) - PCM 24 bit / 192kHz – DSD64 via DoP (optional) • Analog output: - RCA single-ended - XLR balanced with transformer • 5-year warranty SPECIFICATIONS Digital to analog conversion type Proprietary Optologic D/A conversion system Pure R2R ladder - FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Arrays) based without digital filter Supported Native Sample Rates AQlink / I2S serial bus - USB PC Audio : 44.1kHz to 384kHz PCM up to 24 bits DSD64, DSD128 Supports DSD via DoP on all inputs DAC architecture Multibit sign magnitude R2R ladder (upgradable) Asynchronous USB (High Speed) USB Audio Class 2 with Type B connector Digital Receiver PLL (phase locked loop) technology 128 or 256 FS internally selectable AQlink (I2S bus) CMOS level Oversampling factor 1x Digital inputs - RJ45 AQlink (I2S serial bus) - PCM 24 bit / 384kHz – DSD64, DSD128 via DoP - BNC coax (S/PDIF) 75 ohm - PCM 24 bit / 192kHz – DSD64 via DoP - RCA coax (S/PDIF) 75 ohm - PCM 24 bit / 192kHz – DSD64 via DoP - AES/EBU balanced 110 ohm - PCM 24 bit / 192kHz – DSD64 via DoP - USB port - PCM 24 bit / 384kHz – DSD64, DSD128 via DoP - AT&T (ST Fiber) - PCM 24 bit / 192kHz – DSD64 via DoP (optional) Analogue Outputs UNBAL 2 RCA Output 2.2 V RMS BALANCED ( passive transformer's symmetrical ) 2 XLR Output : 2.2V RMS Output Impedance 100 ohm RCA - 600 ohm XLR Load Impedance 10 kohm (min.) RCA - 600 ohm XLR Frequency Response 20Hz to 22kHz +0.5dB/-0.5dB Phase Response Linear phase THD + N <0.1% 1KHz -20dB Front Panel Power, input selector, Phase Invert switch Power Consumption 100-115V / 220-240V; 50 or 60Hz - 58VA Dimensions ( W x D x H ) 450 x 370 x 100 mm Weight 9 kg Front finish Satin Alu Silver or Satin Black Case finish Grey Nextel powder coated
  3. iFi audio iCAN Phantom Headphone Amplifier - Near New Free AUS shipping RRP $5999 https://ifi-audio.com/products/ican-phantom/ https://www.whathifi.com/news/ifis-new-ican-phantom-is-the-quirkiest-headphone-amp-i-saw-at-high-end-munich-2023 https://www.stereonet.com/forums/topic/584058-ifi-ican-phantom-initial-impressions/#comment-6214980 NEW reference-class analogue headphone amp with incorporated electrostatic energiser with advanced user interface and network-connected control system. Vanish into the music NEW reference-class analogue headphone amp with incorporated electrostatic energiser with advanced user interface and network-connected control system. A new extraordinary reference iFi’s new reference-class analogue headphone amp, the iCAN Phantom, takes the Pro iCAN, refines and enhances every element of its circuitry to further elevate its performance, incorporates technology from the Pro iESL ­– previously a separate component – for electrostatic headphones, and adds a new, advanced user interface and network-connected control system. The result? A headphone amp truly worthy of its flagship status. Exemplary build quality, sophisticated technology, an unrivalled specification and remarkable versatility, expertly engineered to drive every headphone type to its full sonic potential. From ultra-sensitive IEMs, to the finest dynamic driver and planar magnetic headphones, to the most power-hungry electrostatic designs, the iCAN Phantom delivers a truly exceptional headphone experience – exquisitely tailored to the requirements of the listener. The iCAN Phantom also performs as a high-end preamplifier – to feed a power amp and speakers (or powered speakers) – enabling headphone and speaker listening to be combined in a single high-performance audio system. The Rolls-Royce of flagships The iCAN Phantom’s design gives the appearance of two units but in fact it is a single, dual-level device, the full depth of which is fully utilised by its multi-layer circuit design. Its enclosure is sturdily constructed from aluminium, with the bottom layer sporting cable connections front and back, and the top layer offering tactile controls and a colourful OLED display. The top of the iCAN Phantom incorporates a flush-fitting smoked glass panel enabling you to see the amp’s circuitry and its glowing audio valves. Circular aluminium vents ensure the circuitry within does not overheat. When not in use the sockets at the front or back can be hidden by a neat aluminium panel that attaches magnetically. This panel also holds the data cards for the electrostatic bias voltage settings. The iCAN Phantom also comes with an attractive, easy to use aluminium, high quality, remote control. Electrostatically good! Electrostatic drivers need an separate energiser. The iCAN Phantom incorporates our original standalone iESL energiser technology with regular amplifier technology to make a single amplifier that can handle every headphone type with aplomb. The ultimate analogue headphone amp from world-leading ‘head-fi’ manufacture iFi Audio Also performs as a high-end stereo preamplifier to connect to a power amp and speakers PureWavePRO fully differential balanced circuit design delivers ultra-low distortion Two discrete input stages – switch between solid state and GE5670 vacuum tubes in real time Remarkable power – up to 15,000mW to drive the toughest headphone loads with ease Delivers 14V in single-ended mode and 27V in Balanced mode Adjustable gain and load impedance plus IEMatch output attenuation to suit all headphone/IEM types Pro iESL energiser technology with six voltage settings for electrostatic headphones Capacitive battery power supply eliminates mains-borne noise from the audio signal Multi-level XSpace and XBass­­ analogue processing modes for headphones and speakers Exemplary build quality, comprehensive connectivity and informative colour display Gain 0dB, 9dB and 18dB user-selectable Frequency Response 0.5hZ to 500kHz (-3dB) THD+N Solid State, Balanced: <0.0015% Solid State, Unbalanced: <0.0015% Tube, Balanced: <0.002% Tube, Unbalanced: <0.006% Tube+, Balanced: <0.012% Tube+, Unbalanced: <0.2% SNR Balanced: >145dB(A) Unbalanced: >130dB(A) Output Power Balanced: >15,000mW @ 16 Ohms Unbalanced: >5,760mW @ 16 Ohms Output Voltage Balanced: >27.0V @ 600 Ohms Unbalanced: >14.0V @ 600 Ohms ESL Output Voltage Custom/Pro: 640V RMS max. Normal: 320V RMS max. Input Voltage DC 12V/4A or 15V/3A (Phantom iCAN) AC 85 - 265V, 50/60Hz (iPower Elite) Power consumption <27W idle, 75W max. Dimensions 256 x 185 x 120mm Net Weight 4.2kg
  4. Please PM me with your Focal Utopia balanced (4.4mm or 4 pin XLR - no 6.3mm) cable - all lengths considered thanks
  5. They are some of the best HPs you can get IMO. Up there with Susvara and much easier to drive. I'm downsizing to one HP! I know, crazy talk. That is the T+A Solitaire P.
  6. ZMF Caldera planar Headphone - Near new July '23 AUS receipt - Natural Oak wood with black pins and grills in ZMF wooden box. Barely run in need of a good home. Super comfortable with the new headband and comes with thick and thin lambskin pads. You can dial in the sound with additional pads from Indie Hifi RRP $5590 ZMF's first planar magnetic and new flagship headphone! Same wonderful ZMF house sound but with more speed, clarity and bass weight. DESCRIPTION Caldera - ZMF's first proprietary planar magnetic headphone. SPECS Impedance: 60 Ohms Driver: 80mm Planar Magnetic Weight: 550g Sensitivity: ~95dB/mW WOOD The current stock wood for the Caldera is American White Oak. The Oak is finished in either a natural/black cup/grille combo. IN THE BOX 1x Caldera Headphone 1x ZMF Stock Braided Cable 6.3mm & 1x OFC Upgrade Cable 4 pin XLR 2x ZMF Caldera Perforated Lambskin Pads ZMF Owner's Card Warranty: lifetime driver warranty, 2 years parts and labour
  7. Raal Requisite SR-1a Ribbon Headphones+case+Silver cable - excellent condition with all accessories and amp/speaker interface box RRP for headphones is $5390 - RRP for included 7ft silver cable is $1490 I've used various power amps with outstanding results and have a Schiit Vidar (black) near new that I can talk to you about. The ribbon cassettes are replaceable and relatively inexpensive and all of the headband/support parts are also replaceable too. Raal Requisite is known for producing high-quality headphones that are highly regarded by audiophiles and professionals in the audio industry. There are a few reasons why Raal Requisite headphones are so highly regarded: Ribbon Drivers: Raal Requisite headphones use ribbon drivers, which are known for producing sound with great precision and clarity, which makes them ideal for critical listening and mixing applications. Unique Design: Raal Requisite headphones have a unique design that allows for a highly accurate and detailed sound reproduction. The headphones use a ribbon driver instead of a traditional cone-shaped driver, which allows for a faster response time and better transient response. High-Quality Materials: Raal Requisite uses high-quality materials in the construction of their headphones, including aerospace-grade aluminum and carbon fiber. These materials are lightweight and durable, which allows for a comfortable fit and long-lasting performance. Handcrafted: Raal Requisite headphones are handcrafted, which allows for a high level of attention to detail and quality control. Each headphone is individually tested and tuned to ensure optimal performance. KEYS Unparalleled accuracy and realism in a soundfield devoid of room acoustics Reveal more detail and accuracy than pro studios Sonic experience akin to uber level stereo systems Hand made using carbon firbe, steel, aluminium Pro Audio heritage REVIEWS Even compared to headphones already well regarded for their ability to render micro-details, such as Focal’s Utopia, the STAX SR-009S, or the LB-Acoustics MySphere, the SR1a is clearly superior. Ian Dunmore (@Torq) on Headphones.com It's a headphone that in my experience outdoes 99% of what I have heard across any headphones in the 20 years that I’ve collected headphones. The Tech Collector on HeadAmp.com https://bloomaudio.com/blogs/articles/raal-requisite-sr1a-and-hsa-1b-review DESCRIPTION The SR1a by RAAL-requisite is the world’s first Earfield headphone monitor. Experience mixing, mastering, and home listening with unparalleled accuracy and realism in a soundfield devoid of room acoustics and comb-filtering caused by work surface reflections. Earfield™ technology delivers unheard of program accuracy and a speaker-like soundfield experience. The SR1a is also, the world’s first True-Ribbon headphone. Highly specialized ribbon drivers were developed that reproduce 30Hz to 30kHz bandwidth in order to eliminate the need for sealed chambered bass and allow for open-air baffles (both front and back) for a true full-frequency soundfield. Professional engineers report that SR1b Earfield Monitors reveal more detail and accuracy than even their finest traditional studio monitors or headphones. Helping to achieve high-quality, transferable mix results in non-traditional environments. The accuracy, musicality and portability of the SR1b frees the engineer to work whenever, and wherever they choose. SPECS Headphone Design Earfield™ open baffle. Floating near ear, does not enclose ears. Amplifier Interface Ribbon/Amplifier Interface. 6 Ohms. Use any deently powered headphone amplifier with a 4-pin jack. Sensitivity 91dB/1W Max SPL 111 dB Frequency Range 30Hz – 30kHz Weight 425 grams
  8. Replacement glass top for WA7 Fireflies and WA7tp (tube power supply) - fits all three generations of WA7. New in box from Woo Audio. My understanding is that you can order these from AUS distributor but they're not in stock and wait time it 6 weeks.
  9. This excellent USB cable with packaging (0.7M). Free AUS shipping. Description A flexible cable with dual screens for the best RF pick-up protection. One twisted pair for data and one twisted pair for power, individual screens for minimal interference. Low capacitance and efficient noise rejection maintain signal integrity in the long run interconnects. PE-insulated wires with correct 90 Ohms impedance design. 24K gold plated and shielded connectors. The connectors are molded to withstand tough applications and long term use. Handles high speed 1200 Mbps data transfer up to 15m.
  10. Matched pair Invoice - bought as a backup for amp I subsequently sold New Electro Harmonix 6CA7 Matched pair Old stock from 2007/2008 but haven't been used They also don't have the EH logo Tubes boxes are in poor condition due to their age Matched for current draw and gm.
  11. Solidsteel S2-5 Hi-Fi Rack - 5 Shelf - Black in great condition - LOCAL PICKUP ONLY Q4005 Minimalist. Functional. Elegant. This 5 shelf hi-fi rack from Solidsteel strikes the perfect balance of form and function. Standing over a meter tall, this hi-fi rack from premium Italian manufacturers Solidsteel is the perfect entry into the brand's range of high-end furniture. It is an intentionally minimal and sleek system for housing and protecting your high-level AV equipment. Key Features Functional and modest form Sturdy construction Protects equipment from external vibration Adjustable floor spikes Included hard-floor protector pads for spikes Made in Italy from high-quality Italian materials 220 mm of vertical space per shelf Materials Tubes: Aluminium Floor Spikes + Pads: Stainless Steel Shelves: Polymer laminated Medium-Density Fibreboard (MDF) For Your Home Rock-solid stability and visually sleek, this rack is constructed with a combination of high-quality materials, including stainless steel, aluminium, iron, and MDF. The result is a rack that is sturdy enough to support your appliances, yet modest enough to blend right into your home decor. Combats Vibration With hi-fi appliances, especially high-end equipment, manufacturers attempt to minimize internal vibration. However, this effort cannot completely protect against vibrations introduced by speakers and other external factors. This is where a trustworthy becomes essential to playing back your media without disruptions to performance or causing damage to the equipment. The stainless steel floor-spikes included are adjustable, to finely regulate the frame on uneven surfaces. They also are critical in minimizing energy transferred from the floor up through the poles of the rack, and ultimately into your equipment. Floor pads are included for protecting hard surfaces from becoming scratched by the spikes. Ventilation Matters Most home theatre equipment needs ample ventilation to ensure they don't overheat. Enclosed cabinets can cause unexpected shutdown and could potentially reduce the lifespan of your AV appliances. The advantage of this unit is that it allows your equipment to breathe properly. Makes Your Music Better All these careful design decisions result in a unit that isolates and protects your equipment. This means that turntables/CD players and tape decks will perform with fewer skips or interruptions, resonant frequencies in your room are minimised, and amplifiers are less likely to overheat. About the S2 Series The S2 Series is Solidsteel's most accessible range of hi-fi racks. These units represent Solidsteel's key values of both form and function. All components are made of high-quality materials that are resistant to rust and contribute towards the end-goal of an acoustically solid and visually striking unit. The result of clean lines and a fine attention to detail, the S2 series racks are aesthetically pleasing pieces of furniture that enhance your home hi-fi experience. Specifications Tubes Aluminium Floor Spikes + Pads Stainless Steel Shelves Polymer Laminated Medium-Density Fibreboard (MDF) Shelves 5 Shelf Thickness 22 mm Max. Loading Per Shelf 50 kg Weight 28 kg Dimensions (W x D x H) 584 x 430 x 1070 mm Shelf Dimensions (W x D) 584 x 430 mm (500 mm Width Between Tubes) Vertical Space Between Shelves 220 mm Colour Black
  12. Jon - I'll PM you with my experience to avoid derailing this thread.
  13. We can all pitch in here with our “views” on Focal and A2A but this is simple business. Whatever the reasons for the separation, like all marriages there’ll be winners and losers. Somewhere, somehow, the business proposition for one or both of these companies didn’t add up anymore. Bearing in mind that Vervent (Focal holding Co) also own Naim. A2A had the distribution for some time, so I’m sure they built up quite an inventory. They’re entitled to sell at whatever margin they want to recoup their investment. The winners are current buyers of known quality brand(s) and the losers are those who bought previously. Plus, the incoming distributor, which I suspect will be Asia based. We belong to a special, niche hobby with complex engineering and manufacture. We “care”more than most consumer groups because of our love for our hobby. Imagine if we were talking about washing machines! Margins are high because volumes are low. Running any business in AUS is an incredibly expensive exercise. Blame taxation to support multiple layers of government and negative gearing that relies on capital growth over productivity, ……I’ll step back from the soapbox. TL:DR - get over it. Buy some quality gear at once in a generation prices….and listen to the music! And ignore the warranty derail conversation. Our laws are reasonably tough and A2A are still in business…..for now!
  14. T+A Solitaire P MagnetoStatic Headphones - Early Impressions T+A (Theory + Application) are a high-end German audio company with a long history mainly from loudspeaker technologies. https://www.ta-hifi.de/en/headphones/solitaire-headphones/ The flagship Solitaire P employ a sophisticated planar-magnetostatic array comprised of high-performance neodymium magnets and a vapor-deposited special membrane. Is it a planar or an electrostat? A bird or a plane? DESIGN & COMFORT The T+A Solitaire P looks very much reminiscent of the HE-1 and is CNC-milled from aluminium. There’s synthetic leather for the headbands and Alcantara ear pads. I see improvement needed in the headband design. It’s a little clunky and slightly difficult to get a good fit. It’s like a clampy HD800s and relatively heavy at 490g. They do lie flat but there’s no travel case, so that’s a little moot. Once on, they’re relatively comfy though. Many manufacturers have nailed headband design, so get to it T+A. PACKAGING & ACCESSORIES The T+A Solitaire P headphones are supplied in a stupidly large box. Let’s think of the planet guys. There are two really nice silver-plated copper cables in 6.35 mm and 4.4 mm but both are 3M long. Two lengths would have been better. TL:DR – Without any burn-in for this review, these are seriously good HPs and up there with other TOTL offerings. They’re priced accordingly in our expensive HeadFi world. Are they perfect? Not quite – read on! Chain is Roon (Innuos)>Aqua LinQ>La Scala>Denafrips Athena>Feliks Envy Thanks to Resolve at Headphone community for this easy way to assess HPs: Tonal Balance - The headphone achieves an appropriate balance between fundamental and harmonic tones. - A highlight for me – just lovely with vocals (esp female) and piano. The treble is dialled back though, which means less air and sparkle than some others. Detail/Resolution - The headphone is incisive, well-controlled during busy passages, and retains good clarity for the finer nuances in the music. - Top notch. Right up there with electrostats and ribbons. Fast and detailed. Separation and sense of space - Being able to isolate individual instruments in the mix is more important to me than overall ‘soundstage’, because headphones won’t ever get to be like speakers. - Not the greatest soundstage but the sense of space around the instruments and layering is very good. Contrast/Punch - The headphone has good contrast for large volume swings, the opposite being a compressed kind of sound. - Really good and great bass. Timbre - The headphone sounds sufficiently ‘natural’. - Slightly lean and neutral but very pleasing. Soundstage It’s not HD800s soundstage but it still delivers all of its spatial elements extremely well. The enjoyment lies within its deeper layers. The level of separation you get is extraordinary, precisely displaying instrumental positioning so effectively it creates this immersive sonic environment that becomes easy to lose yourself in. The sound cube of the Solitaire P presents images with finesse and dynamics. Bass Not quite as visceral as Abyss 1266 but the articulation and extension is tonally accurate. This is what CRBN should have been. Plenty of bass quantity in a controlled way. A highlight. Mids The midrange is where the Solitaire P really shows it’s richness, with expressive tones and transparency. It’s very natural and life-like. That makes vocals and instruments the best genres. Piano reproduction is some of the best I’ve heard. Treble The treble response is slightly dialled back and whilst natural, may lack some air and sparkle that people enjoy. It makes them much less fatiguing than say, Utopia but isn’t as well nuanced as some the HiFiMans. Apparently, T+A are making some alternate pads to bring this area more focus. Comparisons These are with HPs I’ve owned with a similar chain. Utopia OG/22 – The Soli P are like an HD800s version of the Utopias. Bringing Focal punch and dynamics with additional bass, space and detail. Abyss 1266 – Much nicer fit, less visceral bass but better control. Detail and mids are about the same, maybe a bit better on Soli. Susvara – The Soli are like a Sus with better bass. Voicing is similar but the Soli does a more accurate job in the mids with more detail. Sus wins on the mid to high zone. Sus needs to be driven very well to do this though. X9000 – The Soli has electrostat speed, resolution and clarity without some of the ethereal quality. Voicing, again is similar because this is the high end stuff. Bass is more pronounced and has more quantity than X9K but similar control and extension. Summary As you can tell, I almost immediately liked these HPs a lot. After some critical listening - a lot more! They can come across as a little boring. Like an underpowered HEDD. But like a lot of German engineering, they really shine when driven well. Think Porsche/Audi vs Alfa/Maserati. Japanese food vs Italian. The voicing, imaging and overall timbre really suits my listening of singer/songwriter and jazz. I thoroughly recommend them if you’re in the market for a TOTL headphone. Is it “one and done”? Almost. If you like a warmer signature, I’d go Caldera. More bass, Abyss. Overall detail and air, X9K. Soundstage and detail retrieval, Raal. Thanks to Geoff @HeyNowHifi, a gentleman and valued consultant. I liked them so much, I bought what might be the only pair in AUS!
  15. INNUOS - ZENmini MK3 (2TB) + LPSU - Package - AUS receipt Original packaging RRP $4190 Product Overview Immerse yourself in the phenomenal blend of compact design and high fidelity sound with the INNUOS - ZENmini + LPSU. This potent package combines the size and flexibility of the ZENmini Mk3, along with the superb audio quality benefits of our LPSU, creating a smaller footprint for an audiophile-grade server that punches well above its weight. As INNUOS's gateway server, it comes with a raft of benefits, including improved connectivity and upgrade paths for unparalleled versatility. Doubling up as a CD ripper, NAS, and streamer with silent, fanless operation, this is the perfect solution for decluttering your audio arsenal. Not just functional, the ZENmini + LPSU boasts remarkable HiFi connectivity with both analogue and digital outputs, as well as treated audio components for enhanced sound quality. So, whether you're looking to integrate into a multi-room system, or taking your first foray into dedicated audio servers, the ZENmini + LPSU is the ultimate choice. CD Ripper, NAS and Streamer Floating optical drive and hard drive platform Quiet operation with fanless design Low-power consumption for 24/7 operation Fast quad-core Intel CPU and 2GB RAM Compact half-width design The ZEN Mini MkIII Looking for a tidy solution for all your CDs and the files laying around on the computer? Need an easy way to stream and listen to all your favourite music? Now there’s a simple way to store, manage and play all of it: the ZENmini. The Innuos gateway server with all the full benefits of innuOS, now with improved connectivity and a new upgrade path for even greater flexibility. Ideal for simple integration into multi-room systems or for those making the first step to a dedicated audio server. Laser-eyed focus on transport quality in music servers Having a great library of music is great until you try to browse / play through it all with convenience AND quality. The innuOS-based ZenMini Mk3 Music Server is a thousand-disc CD changer, Spotify / Tidal / Qobu host, Sonos / Roon device and much more--yet thanks to its custom innuOS software and hardware design, it walks all over a general-purpose PC for ease-of-use and output quality. FEATURES: CD Ripper, NAS and Streamer Compact design with quiet, fanless operation Versatile HiFi connectivity with analog and digital outputs Roon Core and Endpoint Custom audio treated components Upgradeable with Linear Power Supply Custom motherboard with dual ethernet ports - Optimisation for audio performance and network passthrough to nearby network devices. Optical and coaxial SPDIF digital outputs. Optional Linear Power Supply upgrade&nbsp; Improve sound quality using our external LPSU upgrade in matching chassis, backward compatible with the ZENmini MkII. 1TB, 2TB,4TB &amp; Now 8TB models available CONVENIENT DESIGN With its compact footprint, low-power efficiency, quiet operation and range of connectivity, the ZENmini is a convenient and discreet music server for all your Digital Audio needs - from CD ripping to purchased downloads, Internet Radio to Spotify Connect. HI-FI ENGINEERING The ZENmini offers more than just casual usage. Floating optical and storage drives paired with a custom motherboard and premium components offer far greater musical performance than conventional computers and NAS drives. PERFECT CD PLAYER REPLACEMENT Featuring additional Optical and Coaxial digital outputs as well has a high-resolution 24bit/192KHz Digital to Analog Converter (DAC). This means you can now connect directly to all your favourite devices such as Soundbars, AV Receivers or Integrated Amplifiers the easy way. Powerful Performer Using our own exclusive innuOS operating system, our servers are configured and optimised from the ground up for the perfect balance of performance and simplicity. Control your library from the comfort of your tablet or smartphone – no computer required. Powered by the InnuOS Operating System The Zen's unique innuOS operating system was developed in-house and allows complete Music Library management from your tablet, smartphone, or computer. Ripping CDs, importing music, editing album data (including covers), playing, streaming and backing up your music library can all be performed from the comfort of your smart device. innuOS also contains many intelligent features to help organise your Music Library, such as a rule-based music import engine and Assisted CD Ripping mode. innuOS can also run in Roon Core or Roon Bridge mode. Get the best performance with this exclusive innuOS operating system; the servers are configured and optimised from the ground up for the perfect balance of performance and simplicity. Control your library from the comfort of your tablet or smartphone – no computer required. Designed for music lovers with new the ultimate set up for connectivity not complexity. Remember your CDs and all the music lying on your computer that you haven’t heard for ages? Now there’s a simple way to store, manage and play all of it: the Zen Mini. Our gateway server with all the full bene ts of innuOS, now with improved connectivity and a new upgrade path for even greater exibility. Ideal for simple integration into multi-room systems or for those making the rst step to a dedicated audio server. Surprisingly Good Sound The Mini may be our entry-level Music Server but there’s nothing entry-level about its performance. With premium components extensively configured to optimise sound quality, you’ll notice the difference. Fast Performer With a processor much faster than a typical NAS, the Zen Mini provides a slick interface when browsing and searching your library as well as faster library indexing. Quiet and stylish With its CNC-machined aluminium fascia and metal chassis, the Mini emanates style and build quality. And because it’s fanless, there‘s no annoying fan noise so you can just enjoy the music. INTELLIGENT CD RIPPING Bit-Perfect Ripping Using AccurateStream technology, extract every last bit of your CDs into WAV or FLAC files. Automatic CD Ripping Just pop-in a CD! innuOS will automatically get full album data and cover from multiple online databases, rip your CD and eject when done. Assisted CD Ripping Assisted CD Ripping allows you to see and edit all the album data and cover obtained from the online databases before you rip the CD. Great for Classical Music! Quiet Mode Love to listen to music whilst ripping your CDs and want absolute silence? Just engage Quiet Mode for slowing down ripping, making it much quieter and with less vibration. Offline Ripping CDs can be ripped without internet connection. When connected, album data and cover for all offline ripped CDs will be obtained with a simple click. InnuOS Operating System - DIGITAL MUSIC IMPORT Import Wizards for Existing Libraries Pre-defined wizards for importing music from USB storage, Music Servers and NAS. Intelligent Import Engine innuOS takes all the hard work of importing music by intelligently analysing the music files and applying a number of rules such as: Organising the music based on format quality (compressed, cd quality or high-resolution), Artist and Album Removing very long file names or illegal characters Adding metadata to WAV files based on folder structure Download from Online Stores Qobuz, Linn Records, HD Tracks, HiResAudio, B&W Society of Sound, iTunes, Amazon and more. Just download the music files (even if they are in a zip or tar file) to the Auto Import shared folder and the server will take care of adding and updating the music library. MUSIC LIBRARY MANAGEMENT Edit or Delete Albums Browse your library, select the album you want to update and just start editing directly on your tablet or smartphone. You can change the cover, manage genres based on previously used genres or simply delete the album - couldn’t be easier. Quarantine Quarantine is a staging area, separate from the Music Library, where any albums requiring attention are placed so they can be fixed before they go into the Music Library. These include: Albums with no metadata Ripped albums with damaged tracks Potentially duplicated albums Albums ripped offline Automatic Music Library Update After music is added, modified or deleted, the library is automatically updated as well as any connected systems such as Sonos or UPnP Streamers. HI-FI MUSIC PLAYER Rediscover Your Music and Discover New One Play all your music as well as Internet Radio and streaming services with the best sound quality by connecting directly to a DAC or Digital Amplifier via asynchronous USB. Spotify, Tidal and Qobuz require premium subscriptions Supports All Major Music Formats The innuOS Music Player plays FLAC, DSD, MQA, WAV, Apple Lossless, AIFF, M4A and MP3 supporting bitrates up to 32bit/384KHz and DSD256, when connecting to compatible DACs Roon Player is also now available. The innuOS Music Player can optionally become a Roon player so you can use the amazing Roon interface to explore your music like never before. ZENmini LPSU Own aN innuos MK2 or MK3 MINI and wanted to get more out of it, simply add the Linear Power Supply upgrade for improved sound quality in matching chassis.
  16. Aqua LinQ Network Interface - Black AUS receipt 2/3/23 Original packaging RRP $13500 Embedded HQ player! Roon sounds the best it can LinQ-Core HQPlayer Core+NAA incl. Signalyst Licence | Plug & Play Audio Engine Roon Outputs: AQlink I25 Dual AES out. PCM 384 kHZ - DSD 128 Our "Network Interface" The new LinQ was created following a precise idea. Fast and standard technical solutions do not belong to the aqua philosophy. aqua has developed an extremely streamlined long-life platform and network bridge modules, focused on audio playback functions. We prefer to use know-how developed in-house, for a number of reasons in respect the aqua SQ standards. This has required a considerable effort in terms of time and resources, but the result is immediately evident on first use. LinQ is a highly modular device, based on a series of completely independent units. Each module performs a particular function, for which it is optimized. We will then have a Roon Ready (RAAT) module, an UPnP DLNA streaming module, a HQPlayer NAA module, etc. Each module has its own dedicated power supply and plugs into a connector on the base platform of the device. In addition to the optimization on the particular function, this architecture guarantees an exceptional possibility of future upgrades. The communication lines of each module with the network are galvanically isolated. Note that further isolation is guaranteed by the fact that one of the modules is a LAN switch, developed internally by aqua. This is an important point: in fact, during the listening tests, and also in the laboratory ones, we obtained the best results with the use of this architecture with built-in LAN switch. Always having the sound result as an objective, LinQ does not use a USB interface: the output is on AQlink, the aqua I2S proprietary connection. In this way the "passage" on USB is skipped, avoid any losses in sound quality. Furthermore, proprietary circuits have been developed in the output FPGA, in order to implement the S/PDIF, AES/EBU and dual-AES outputs. FEATURES • Proprietary fully-floating hybrid 2-stage Network + FPGA module with proprietary code • 4 future-proof network protocols (modules). Available now: - Roon Ready bridge (RAAT) - HQPlayer NAA • Internal custom developed LAN switch (isolated) • Pure Bit-perfect FPGA signal processing • Uncompromising digital interface AQlink PRO (I2S protocol) • Galvanically isolated output stage (upgradable) • 2 separate low noise C-Core power transformers for network circuitry and digital decoding • MODULAR DESIGN with upgradeable multi board platform • Qobuz, Tidal and other main streaming services supported • Zero setup, direct access to the Network Module by key and IR5 remote • High-quality parts • Input: - ETHERNET network | n. 1 standard RJ-45 connector LAN No network configuration is required (DHCP system) • Outputs: - AQlink I2S | n. 1 Ethercon RJ-45 connector (PCM 32 bit 384kHz / DSD128 max) - Dual-AES/EBU (IEC 60958) | n. 2 XLR 110 ohm connectors (PCM 24 bit 384kHz / DSD128 max) - AES/EBU (IEC 60958-4) | n. 1 XLR 110 ohm connector (PCM 24 bit 192kHz / DSD64 max) - S/PDIF (IEC 60958-1) | n. 1 BNC 75 ohm connector (PCM 24 bit 192kHz / DSD64 max) - S/PDIF (IEC 60958-3) | n. 1 RCA connector (PCM 24 bit 192kHz / DSD64 max) • OLED display with user off-selectable illumination • RC5 IR remote controller (optional) • Aluminium anti-resonant cabinet with Nextel • Designed and handmade in Italy • 5-year warranty
  17. One of the best DACs at any price point - Mar 2023 - all original packaging/receipt - stock tubes (so not opened!) La Scala MKII Optologic DAC New Optologic Conversion System A never ending story: upgrading to the Optologic DAC Again, La Scala D/A converter proves that an instant classic does not mean a product whose destiny is to become obsolescent, like most of the products in the high-end world. After the first appearance in the flagship Formula DAC, the proprietary D/A conversion system developed by Aqua is now available for La Scala MkII dac. So, current Owners, have the opportunity to upgrade their unit in order to reach to the revolutionary Optologic D/A conversion system. The already extraordinary sound quality of this icon is now improved in every aspect: time coherence, microdynamics, timbre, and without losing that magic atmosphere for which La Scala is widely renowned. La Scala MkII keeps the VALVE / MOSFET hybrid circuitry, with now a pair of specially selected ECC81 tubes - a High-Frequency triode - for its extremely low noise and superb transparency. FEATURES the new Optologic Conversion System • High performance proprietary FPGA-based digital decoding without digital filter • Galvanic and magnetic isolations between the FPGA and R2R ladder converter • Discrete R2R ladder DACs with low noise precision resistors • Jitter free digital interface AQlink (I2S protocol), uncompromising digital connection to La Diva cd transport • Zero S/PDIF Jitter design, digital receiver stage PLL (phase locked loop) technology • High-performance AQ Discrete Regulator (MOSFET, J-FET, BJT) for analog and digital DAC’s power supply • Valve-Mosfet direct coupling analog stage in pure class-A without negative feedback • MOSFET Virtual battery circuit for analog anode supply • Soft-start power up for extended tube life • etherCON RJ45 (AQlink) input connection, employs CAT6 cable can connect both RJ45 and professional etherCON RJ45 • 2 separate low noise power transformers, one for the analog and one for the digital section • MODULAR DESIGN with upgradeable multi board system • Regulated DC filament supplies with soft start for tubes • Fully discrete analog stage, not even a single Op-Amp is used • Proprietary USB Firmware / driver : Apple MAC OS - Linux OS : USB asynchronous native support, no need to install drivers software • Fully upgradeable asynchronous USB module with resolution 44.1kHz to 384kHz PCM up to 24 bits, DSD64, DSD128, operates with computers running OSX 10.7 and above, WINDOWS 10 , 8 , 7 and XP ASIO - WASAPI bit perfect high-speed • Digital phase selector on front panel • High-quality parts selected for sound quality: - 105° long life capacitors - low noise Metal Foil ultra-precision resistors - double metallized film pulse capacitor - ultra-fast diodes - halogen free cables • Aluminium anti-resonant cabinet with Nextel • Designed and handmade in Italy • Input: - RJ45 AQlink (I2S serial bus) - PCM 24 bit / 384kHz – DSD64, DSD128 via DoP - BNC coax (S/PDIF) 75 ohm - PCM 24 bit / 192kHz – DSD64 via DoP - RCA coax (S/PDIF) 75 ohm - PCM 24 bit / 192kHz – DSD64 via DoP - AES/EBU balanced 110 ohm - PCM 24 bit / 192kHz – DSD64 via DoP - USB port - PCM 24 bit / 384kHz – DSD64, DSD128 via DoP - AT&T (ST Fiber) - PCM 24 bit / 192kHz – DSD64 via DoP (optional) • Analog output: - RCA single-ended - XLR balanced with transformer • 5-year warranty SPECIFICATIONS Digital to analog conversion type Proprietary Optologic D/A conversion system Pure R2R ladder - FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Arrays) based without digital filter Supported Native Sample Rates AQlink / I2S serial bus - USB PC Audio : 44.1kHz to 384kHz PCM up to 24 bits DSD64, DSD128 Supports DSD via DoP on all inputs DAC architecture Multibit sign magnitude R2R ladder (upgradable) Asynchronous USB (High Speed) USB Audio Class 2 with Type B connector Digital Receiver PLL (phase locked loop) technology 128 or 256 FS internally selectable AQlink (I2S bus) CMOS level Oversampling factor 1x Digital inputs - RJ45 AQlink (I2S serial bus) - PCM 24 bit / 384kHz – DSD64, DSD128 via DoP - BNC coax (S/PDIF) 75 ohm - PCM 24 bit / 192kHz – DSD64 via DoP - RCA coax (S/PDIF) 75 ohm - PCM 24 bit / 192kHz – DSD64 via DoP - AES/EBU balanced 110 ohm - PCM 24 bit / 192kHz – DSD64 via DoP - USB port - PCM 24 bit / 384kHz – DSD64, DSD128 via DoP - AT&T (ST Fiber) - PCM 24 bit / 192kHz – DSD64 via DoP (optional) Analogue Outputs UNBAL 2 RCA Output 2.2 V RMS BALANCED ( passive transformer's symmetrical ) 2 XLR Output : 2.2V RMS Output Impedance 100 ohm RCA - 600 ohm XLR Load Impedance 10 kohm (min.) RCA - 600 ohm XLR Frequency Response 20Hz to 22kHz +0.5dB/-0.5dB Phase Response Linear phase THD + N <0.1% 1KHz -20dB Front Panel Power, input selector, Phase Invert switch Power Consumption 100-115V / 220-240V; 50 or 60Hz - 58VA Dimensions ( W x D x H ) 450 x 370 x 100 mm Weight 9 kg Front finish Satin Alu Silver or Satin Black Case finish Grey Nextel powder coated
  18. iFi audio iCAN Phantom Headphone Amplifier - New in Box - you can see the cellophane wrap and packing slip in photos. Please note that this is not the model I reviewed recently. I've included a couple of photos from that review to show what it looks like. Free AUS shipping RRP $5999 https://ifi-audio.com/products/ican-phantom/ https://www.whathifi.com/news/ifis-new-ican-phantom-is-the-quirkiest-headphone-amp-i-saw-at-high-end-munich-2023 https://www.stereonet.com/forums/topic/584058-ifi-ican-phantom-initial-impressions/#comment-6214980 NEW reference-class analogue headphone amp with incorporated electrostatic energiser with advanced user interface and network-connected control system. Vanish into the music NEW reference-class analogue headphone amp with incorporated electrostatic energiser with advanced user interface and network-connected control system. A new extraordinary reference iFi’s new reference-class analogue headphone amp, the iCAN Phantom, takes the Pro iCAN, refines and enhances every element of its circuitry to further elevate its performance, incorporates technology from the Pro iESL ­– previously a separate component – for electrostatic headphones, and adds a new, advanced user interface and network-connected control system. The result? A headphone amp truly worthy of its flagship status. Exemplary build quality, sophisticated technology, an unrivalled specification and remarkable versatility, expertly engineered to drive every headphone type to its full sonic potential. From ultra-sensitive IEMs, to the finest dynamic driver and planar magnetic headphones, to the most power-hungry electrostatic designs, the iCAN Phantom delivers a truly exceptional headphone experience – exquisitely tailored to the requirements of the listener. The iCAN Phantom also performs as a high-end preamplifier – to feed a power amp and speakers (or powered speakers) – enabling headphone and speaker listening to be combined in a single high-performance audio system. The Rolls-Royce of flagships The iCAN Phantom’s design gives the appearance of two units but in fact it is a single, dual-level device, the full depth of which is fully utilised by its multi-layer circuit design. Its enclosure is sturdily constructed from aluminium, with the bottom layer sporting cable connections front and back, and the top layer offering tactile controls and a colourful OLED display. The top of the iCAN Phantom incorporates a flush-fitting smoked glass panel enabling you to see the amp’s circuitry and its glowing audio valves. Circular aluminium vents ensure the circuitry within does not overheat. When not in use the sockets at the front or back can be hidden by a neat aluminium panel that attaches magnetically. This panel also holds the data cards for the electrostatic bias voltage settings. The iCAN Phantom also comes with an attractive, easy to use aluminium, high quality, remote control. Electrostatically good! Electrostatic drivers need an separate energiser. The iCAN Phantom incorporates our original standalone iESL energiser technology with regular amplifier technology to make a single amplifier that can handle every headphone type with aplomb. The ultimate analogue headphone amp from world-leading ‘head-fi’ manufacture iFi Audio Also performs as a high-end stereo preamplifier to connect to a power amp and speakers PureWavePRO fully differential balanced circuit design delivers ultra-low distortion Two discrete input stages – switch between solid state and GE5670 vacuum tubes in real time Remarkable power – up to 15,000mW to drive the toughest headphone loads with ease Delivers 14V in single-ended mode and 27V in Balanced mode Adjustable gain and load impedance plus IEMatch output attenuation to suit all headphone/IEM types Pro iESL energiser technology with six voltage settings for electrostatic headphones Capacitive battery power supply eliminates mains-borne noise from the audio signal Multi-level XSpace and XBass­­ analogue processing modes for headphones and speakers Exemplary build quality, comprehensive connectivity and informative colour display Gain 0dB, 9dB and 18dB user-selectable Frequency Response 0.5hZ to 500kHz (-3dB) THD+N Solid State, Balanced: <0.0015% Solid State, Unbalanced: <0.0015% Tube, Balanced: <0.002% Tube, Unbalanced: <0.006% Tube+, Balanced: <0.012% Tube+, Unbalanced: <0.2% SNR Balanced: >145dB(A) Unbalanced: >130dB(A) Output Power Balanced: >15,000mW @ 16 Ohms Unbalanced: >5,760mW @ 16 Ohms Output Voltage Balanced: >27.0V @ 600 Ohms Unbalanced: >14.0V @ 600 Ohms ESL Output Voltage Custom/Pro: 640V RMS max. Normal: 320V RMS max. Input Voltage DC 12V/4A or 15V/3A (Phantom iCAN) AC 85 - 265V, 50/60Hz (iPower Elite) Power consumption <27W idle, 75W max. Dimensions 256 x 185 x 120mm Net Weight 4.2kg
  19. Or how about this Aqua Formula:
  20. Adam, There’s a Mola Mola Tambaqui on sale for good money here. One of the best DACs I’ve heard and had at any price.
  21. The challenge with Utopias is that if one driver fails, both have to be replaced. The early failures of the OG design lead to the new voice coil. Pretty much everything else is the same. In the EU, Focal have a dreadful reputation for being very difficult to deal with. My brother still lives in the UK and has first hand experience. Doesn't stop me from buying and loving their headphones though. Especially at these prices!
  22. Indeed! Super tempting to buy up a heap of the super cheap stock and move onto other forums. Suspect there’ll be a load of “Near new”, “NIB” Focal headphones coming up for sale soon. Pity the new distributor - stock prices for Focals are too high, which is why there was always B stock specials. It’ll take 12 months and probably very low supply of new stock coming in to turn this around for the new supplier and SH stock on SNA. Buy NOW!
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