Apos Audio Caspian - Dumpster Fire or Hidden Treasure!? - Honest Audiphile Impression

[@TheHonestAudiophile]

I forgot to include source pairing with the Caspian. I find the Caspian does benefit from an amplifier but it doesn't have to be anything special. I enjoyed the Caspian on all my gear in house, Mytek Liberty DAC, Drop THX One Linear, Sabaj A10h, Tor Audio Roger (DROP One Linear as preamp) and HeadAmp GS-X Mini. I also found that the Caspian was pleasant with the NextDrive Spectra X and the Sony WM1a DAP.

[@muffinator1234]

I'm glad I'm not the only one who loves the look! Try swapping the pads for Brainwavs velour, the soundstage gets much wider.

[@TheHonestAudiophile]

Interesting. Thanks for the suggestion.

[@yogiwp_]

Wondering if the velour would dull the highs?

[@muffinator1234]

@@yogiwp_ To me, it flattened out the frequency response a good bit. The bass is about 85% as prominent as it was with the sheepskin pads, but it's very much still there. I find that there is actually a bit more energy now in the midrange and the highs with the velour pads as well. The sound stage is much larger and the sound is a bit airier. All in all the presentation of the sound is very different. Is it better than the stock pads? I think both setups are great and it will come down to what you prefer. I personally put the velour pads on and have not gone back. Another interesting tid bit is I find the headphones have a better tonality with the velour pads when paired with a linear sounding amp whereas I prefer a warmer sounding amp with the stock pads. It's really going to come down to your preference but for the $25 those velour pads cost, there is plenty of fun to be had with swapping and trying something new.

[@samyg123]

Nice hoodie 🤙

[@jeremiahhoyle2109]

I have to agree that the build is really impressive. These things are solid and beautiful. Each to his own, but not sure how you could consider them cheap feeling. Sound is definitely not neutral. But still clear and concise. Great review, these headphones are impressive.

[@TheHonestAudiophile]

Awesomeness ❤️ Thanks for the impressions, glad you enjoy them.

[@markhogquist2000]

Well shoot, I'm sold. Been on the fence, and this review was exactly what I needed. Should compliment my favorite headphone, the Ibasso SR2 quite nicely. I'm assuming they play well with rock and metal? I also enjoyed the 660s, but I found it a little too lean, and a bit bright at times. I owned and returned the LSA HP-3 Nova. I really liked it, but it was too hot and fatiguing after about 30 or so minutes. I'm hoping the Caspian will be similar, but without the brightness in the upper mids and lower treble. Have you heard the Magni by chance? Curious how these compare. Thank you for the excellent review 👍

[@TheHonestAudiophile]

Awesomeness 😎 Look forward to hearing your impressions. I haven't heard the Magni, sorry. I like the Caspian on all genres of music.

[@sockhopsinger]

Another great review. Still wish you'd mention prices of the items you review.

[@TheHonestAudiophile]

Thanks 💓

[@EternalLife91]

Hi Dave, how are you and what did you have for breakfast today?

[@TheHonestAudiophile]

I'm doing well, thanks for asking. I had Cheerios with fat free milk and a cup of coffee with a dab of half n half cream.

[@yogiwp_]

Were there any hint of graininess or turn 'mushy' on complex passages? (That's a dealbreaker to me) For warmer-tilted fun headphones I've been eyeing ZMF Atticus. Wondering if I should save $600 and get Caspian instead? What will I lose (or gain) from switching to Caspian? Btw I love your reviews! Glad to see you back.

[@TheHonestAudiophile]

If I had heard grain or mush I would have mentioned it in the review. I have heard an Atticus but it was several years ago and I don't recall enough to do a comparison.

[@markhogquist2000]

Dave - Can you please compare / contrast this with your impressions of the Gjallarhorn? Your Gjallarhorn review was spot on. Does the Caspian have also have the bright and extended upper mids, with the mid mids being recessed? Perhaps you can compare this aspect. Hopefully with the Caspian, the upper mids aren't too dark and smooth. Also, how would you describe the bass differences between these two models? Does the Caspian have more quantity, but less quality? I really want to purchase the Caspian, and your final comments will make it or break it for me. Please let me know 🤘

[@jeremiahhoyle2109]

I own both the gjallahorn and caspian (caspian is actually for my wife). Having heard both I can say they are quite different. There is a bit more bass on the Caspian and the Caspian is not as present in the upper mids. However it is more fuller and well balanced in the mids. It doesnt have quite the same level of detail as the gjallahorn and is a much smaller sound stage. The gjallahorn is overall brighter. Whether this is good or bad to you I am not sure. I run the gjallahorn through a bf2 and elekit tu8200-DX. Adds some nice warmth. I love both sets of headphones and I think what you want depends on music and current mood.

[@jeremiahhoyle2109]

Just as a last thought. Caspian is not neutral but incredibly enjoyable and I would highly recommend it.

[@markhogquist2000]

@@jeremiahhoyle2109 Outstanding. Really appreciate the info! Do you also find the Caspian to have good depth? Are you running the stock pads? I had to sell my Quad Era-1 due to the fit. Loved the way it sounded, though I prefer dynamic drivers and craved a little more low end. Hoping the Caspian might be the one. How's the fit and comfort for you? The only thing I worry about now, is that the bass might be a bit too much. If so, hopefully it responds well to EQ.

[@fei19317]

Monolith just released M1070, 1570 closed back and AMT headphones. They are look so cool hope you can get them

[@TheHonestAudiophile]

Interesting. Thanks for the suggestion.

[@stuka78]

What could be a direct competitor of these headphones?

[@stuka78]

Ah you replied already from 9:50 thanks

[@ItsJustChase]

How would you compare these to the dan clark aeon x closed?

[@TheHonestAudiophile]

Sorry haven't heard the Aeon X closed.

[@AF-rd2vf]

Not on the same level with ZMF and Focal.