Warwick Acoustics BRAVURA Review - Everything You Need

[@subbot8077]

I swear, every time I catch myself drooling at something out of my price range wanting to know how it stacks up, GoldenSound is there for me 😌

[@y.k.9705]

Anything you will buy is going to become regular in time.

[@mpumelelogumede6557]

+1. Waiting for the Aperio review.

[@Daniel189HLL]

Will they work ok straight into a devialet expert 220 pro?

[@nyvoreviews5443]

Funny you mentioned the rim of the snare drum. On shang sr that was something that REALLY stood out to me.

[@davec2007]

I picked these up largely because of this review. It was down to this versus the Susvara but with Susvara would have had to upgrade DAC and Amp at substantial $, it would have ended up being a few grand more at least. I also like that the bulk of the audio chain is included and free of variables so I dont have any “what-if” temptations, like rolling amps and cables etc. Sound is world class. It’s fantastic for literally everything Ive listened to except maybe hip hop (get dynamics for that anyway). Respectfully diverging from Golden I think these are pretty good for EDM and staccato bass, the quickness of the drivers makes the details really fun to hear rather than just the thumping. I listen to a lot of vocals, alt rock and classical and Ive never heard anything better for those genres. Totally agree with Golden’s assessment of strings, less exaggerated than HE1000SE for example, while still being accurate and resolved and totally void of the exhaustive element. I love the effect with vocals being pushed forward that Golden mentions, it’s addictive. It’s a bummer that neither the energizer or the headphone look very cool (like ZMFs or something), and the cable sucks not just because it’s stiff but because the connectors for some reason stick straight down for like 4 inches and hit your chest if you are reclined (why didnt they point them forward??). Some complain about the clamp force, but I havent had a problem, I have a medium hat size for reference. The headphones themselves are easy to wear for a couple hours, actually prefer them to my Atriums for long listening. Thanks Goldensound, this is another super accurate review. One of the most trustworthy and informed reviewers out there.

[@TheSPazCORE]

If you don't care about strong macrodynamics/slam/impact, these are the best headphones I've ever heard. I've owned or heard Susvara, 1266 TC, HE6se, HE1000se, ZMF Atrium/Verite, D8000/Pro, Meze Elite, LCD4 etc.

[@calvin3941]

Hi, I hope this message finds you well. I am currently in the market for a high-quality pair of headphones for my music listening needs, and after much research, I have narrowed my choices down to three options: the Bravura, Susvara (max 2k budget for the amp), and Elites. As a fan of EDM and House music, I value well-defined bass while still maintaining good soundstage and imaging. I understand that you have had the opportunity to listen to all three of these headphones, and I was hoping that you could provide your expert opinion on which one would be the best fit for my needs. Thanks!

[@Nephilim-81]

Wow. This is great high-praise. :) I hope you can get your hands on the T+A PSE Solitaire. :) Sounds like that is the Bravura’s competition. Warwick acoustics might be in the running as well. Anyhow. Exciting review. Thank you. :)

[@JWForce1059]

I'll be sure to pick up a pair of these when I, my wife, and my infant child decide we don't mind being homeless for about six months... not sure how I'll convince the latter two, but I'm sold!

[@olenronning5868]

As luck would have it, I was at one of my local Hifi shops and they had this on display! I was able to listen and while it was quite good, it was not as open or natural or dynamic as my Susvaras running in the Holo Audio stack. So I’m sticking with what I’ve got.

[@Captain1Planet]

Yeah, but thats 3 times the price of this single unit.

[@olenronning5868]

Wow… how did I not find this review sooner?? Makes me want to rethink my system.

[@VonKickass]

To the point - no excessive pontificating on pedantic personnel preferences. Well edited, descriptive commentary and ordered review 👌🏼👌🏼 !

[@harackmw]

I can't wait for other reviews of this, I think it is going to get a lot of attention considering the value.

[@harackmw]

@Pfnerch thanks, I'll check it out

[@x32i77]

I bought them because everyone was praising them and yes it's true they sound phenomenal but they got a HUGE issue . They distort/clip / crackle ..what ever you may call it and louder levels , which no KZbinr will tell you unfortunately . Apparently it's an issue of the amp unit not the headphones . I will wait for the third generation . Once they fix that they will be the best headphones on planet earth . At least for me . Btw the Aperio doenst have that distortion issue .

[@joseluishernandezseptien]

Thank you! This is good to know.

[@patwoj8621]

Good to know thanks

[@joseluishernandezseptien]

I wonder if they will renew the Sonoma M1. Warwick seems to be a relatively new kid in town and it is more likely to see a Sonoma M2 in the near future. They didn’t wait long to release the Bravura headphone after feedback from the community in terms of clamping and frequency response.

[@knorrissirronk8665]

Top shelf stuff as per regular. I bought my Susvaras and a couple of high-end amps for them based partially on your observations, (not "review", but your sharing of FINDINGS) ;-) and will await your Aperio review as I've found a $24K version (WH-000078-02) and want to see if it is the same version you will be reviewing.

[@x32i77]

I didn't know there are different versions of the aperio

[@aceofspades6667]

isn't the difference only color? they charge a ton more for black over silver.

[@daniwalmsley611]

I wonder if by doing a high quality eq they were able to build the headphones to maximise soundstage/imsging and resolution and then use eq to fix any FR issues that may have come up

[@matthewhilty4209]

I wonder if there is a way to add bone conduction to give that "slam" that you say is missing.

[@CatnamedMittens]

Should've opened up the amp like you used to.

[@x-techgaming]

How does a recording done in a studio room sound big..? How about a field recording, or live theater, or open space in a 3D video game?

[@philipheath2619]

nice to hear a youtube reviewer who pronounces Warwick correctly.

[@One-Two_swift-kickbox]

Wo-ric

[@allansh828]

I auditioned it once. It sounded very sweet but the staging is weirdly miniature.

[@fabriziosiano7210]

Great review as always! And the ones i trust the most. I would really appreciate your recommendation for some amp pairings for the Atrium? Was the Serene good or was there something better?

[@MMRSean]

Great video as usual! I’m shocked the DAC doesn’t have any of the usual “wall of sound”/flatness usually associated with delta sigma? It seems like they managed to get the R2R benefits out of a DS!

[@MistaLova-Lova]

It's an interesting question, from what I remember, except for Chord products, the only DS DAC that Golden really liked was the Gustard X26 Pro (which I own and adore), and even then he had complaints about its timbre. It appears that the use of a good power supply and discrete components (as well as internal buffering etc.) has turned what we had come to know as a flat- and sharp-sounding chip into a lovely 3D experience (Gustard). The size of the Warwick DAC (which also has enough space in it to be an amp) would suggest that the same philosophy was not followed here (or perhaps I'm wrong?). Then how come it sounds so good? Or perhaps the headphones are so amazing that they sound great EVEN on this system, and if only one could plug them into an amp connected to a May/Dave... 🙂

[@MMRSean]

@@MistaLova-Lova that’s very true. I’ve always wondered that as well. If money and practicality weren’t an issue, would it be hypothetically possible to make a DS DAC with zero of the usual downsides? Or is it just an inherent limitation of the chip that no amount of money and skill can solve?

[@MistaLova-Lova]

@@MMRSean I think it's about chasing perfection which appears to in theory involve an infinite number of calculcations; however, I'd think that in practice once we get past a certain point it will be "real enough" to our ears. It would appear that Chord Dave + MScaler or Holo May + HQ Player are two of the current best solutions of getting close to this ideal (the latter allowing the listener to experiment with their own settings). I have, however, heard neither of the two set-ups so can only rely on the theory behind them and many reviewers' accodales. What I was trying to say in my previous post, though, is that on my journey the Gustard X26 Pro is the first DAC that I feel is complete with no aspect of sound clearly needing an upgrade (I have tried the D90 and the Ares II and both had their shortcomings). Having experimented with Roon's upsampling (Gustard has a NOS mode - not real NOS of course but at least helps to bypass some of its digital processing) I am absolutely certain that even better sound can be achieved (and then an infinite number of variations, using different filters, phases etc.) and I'd be tempted to find that out if it weren't for the huge price difference. I am, however, going to get the HQ Player once I've upgraded my PC to see what its own algorithms bring to the table compared to Roon and the DAC itself. In the meantime, I wholeheartedly recommend the X26 Pro to anyone whose system is resolving enough to show differences between DACs. It's the most important purchase I've made since the headphones themselves.

[@honeyfresh741]

Thanks for informative review! Is there any plan for zmf atrium review?

[@MistaLova-Lova]

As a Focal Utopia owner which is said to be so much punchier than the Susvara, I can't begin to imagine how weak these headphones' punch must be if they're so much wispier than the Susvara...

[@bakerlefdaoui6801]

Would these be a good mastering headphones ?

[@x32i77]

Are the pads removable ? If not can the manufacturer replace them ? I don't wanna buy a 34k€ / 6k€ system without replaceable pads

[@martinroberts3165]

Yes.

[@x32i77]

@@martinroberts3165 awesome thanks 👍🙂

[@pastwa4733]

I hope that Bravura is much better than the previous Sonoma that was very disappointing. Need to give it a try.

[@carminedesanto6746]

😋I saw the KZbin Short on this and tracked down the song Alt-J U &Me 🔥

[@grantdillon3420]

Any idea how you might go about doing EQ on these? Especially if you're trying to get bit perfect playback?

[@stevenkoos]

Would you consider it sacrilege for me to run a digital coax from a Bluesound Node, (bypassing it’s DAC but retaining its user interface) into the Sonoma M1 amp/energizer/DAC. I’m already running the Node’s USB out to an iFi Pro Signature iDSD + iCan stack. That Node in my house is devoted solely to headphone use. Just wanted to get your/other’s opinions utilizing the digital coax as a connection vs. the USB. Am I splitting hairs and sonically it will not make a difference? Thanks in advance

[@urbenkam]

I noticed a pink panther on your desk. Any association to audio science review? 🤪

[@David-fo6oy]

You are one of best audio reviews on KZbin. I have a question. I admire orchestral music and I am curious how “resolving” headphones can be before it becomes a fault. When I listen to a symphony I rather like hearing the whole body of the orchestra - it’s part of the enjoyment; if I was able to hear each instrument separately, I think I would be rather overwhelmed. I use an Arya v2 now and like it very much. But then I wonder if I am missing out if I went for a more resolving pair of cans. What’s your take? Thanks!

[@Sebastian_Athea]

That's nice, but how long till dust slamming at transonic speed into those exposed membranes before they turn into Swiss cheese especially at so high voltages?

[@olenronning5868]

So… if I’m perfectly happy with Susvara + Holo stack, but am looking for a bit more mid-bass and a bit more soundstage, would this be an improvement or simply a trade for something different?

[@graphicism]

GoldPlanar GL1200

[@Airvaster]

Would love a review of the Fostex th909.

[@tdg176]

When are you going to review: Ferrum Oor, Rebelamp?????

[@HobbyTalk]

Is this a budget HE-1?

[@HobbyTalk]

@Pfnerch very interesting… (I just realized I called a multi-thousand dollar headphone “budget” lol but y’all know what I mean)

[@x32i77]

Imagine what aperio sounds like 😱😱😱

[@x32i77]

@Pfnerch I should have picked it up when it was like 20k€ . Now its way too much . I'd rather choose a Tesla model 3 for the price of the aperio today (34k €)

[@haberdasherrykr8886]

@@x32i77 adorama has a 24k$ version

[@haberdasherrykr8886]

@Pfnerch have you heard the new stax, if so how does it compare with these and Shangri-La senior or the t+a cans

[@Borednlonely]

IMHO there isn’t a summit headphone system which is worth the asking price. Why? Because it’s a headphone system. For me it can never compete in terms of performance with a speaker system. But headphones systems are damn cool. Just doesn’t make sense attaching the value argument to any of them.

[@mobcrusher4193]

This review is gonna make them A LOT OF MONEY

[@y.k.9705]

How many do you think they will sell? really

[@gimeurfridchiken4615]

@@y.k.9705 more than 1

[@mobcrusher4193]

@@y.k.9705?

[@x32i77]

@@y.k.9705 800 Units Worldwide I guess

[@ChrisStoneinator]

@@y.k.9705 bro thinks wealthy people arent real

[@Dan_Mellinger]

Bravura go bravurrrrrrr

[@kingjongun7295]

You imposter

[@wildturkey1230]

Excellent video. I've always thought I would give e-stats a serious chance one of these days, but I have avoided it so far from fear of their infamous weak low frequency representation. This may be a great way to experience some of the best that e-stat has to offer without going fully into the rabbit hole. Thanks!

[@ralph17p]

"...just pay attention to the rim of the snare drum being hit" Lol. You're forgetting we're listening to a recording of a recording with KZbin's compression on 💩 computer . 🔉

[@williamadams9110]

Did you have to say effing phenomenal. That was enough for moi!

[@MrBlitzpunk]

You remind me of Zeos minus the ADHD and filler tangents

[@GadZookz]

Will there be a Bluetooth version? 😄

[@kailisse3267]

HQPlayer users are restricted to DSD128, right?

[@GoldenSound]

The Bravura uses an ESS chip, and ESS chips convert DSD to PCM internally, so you're best feeding it with 384khz PCM

[@kailisse3267]

Ouch! Thanx for clarification

[@kyron42]

Has anyone reviewed HQ player?

[@kailisse3267]

Watch GoldenSound’s review of the Chord MScaler and draw Your conclusions.

[@jman4669]

I have to ask what is the cable on the Susvara?

[@kyron42]

When are you going to make an appearance on the headphone show?

[@haberdasherrykr8886]

He has participated in the chat before

[@tomwalker7629]

Wave dream into Enleum into Caldera or Bravura for best SS?

[@kyron42]

When comparing to the Susvara and the Arya stealth what DAC amp and cables were you using?

[@celiapadre1851]

these are all subjective. I hope it won't become a talk of the town again (overrated) then after a few months will dwindle down and will become a thing of the past that no one remembers. Very good subjective review though.

[@patricaomas8750]

Be back in a minute just robbing my local bank you sold me, wow.

[@Brandon-qs3jq]

So…did you like the Bravura? :) I kid, I kid. So this review begs the question: is there such thing as too much detail retrieval? Or, when is the detail retrieval capability simply enough and not worth sacrificing other attributes to achieve more (such as bass slam)? Great review - super enjoyable to listen to!

[@David-fo6oy]

Yes, I just posted a similar question before I saw your comment. Thanks!

[@SkywhiteChannel]

Gawd damn it…I have $30k worth of equipment and now your telling me I can spend $6k and get better performance. Checking for dealer now…. Hopefully none in the states.

[@x32i77]

Keep us updated

[@michaelhutchinson1789]

Let's try some orchestral.. *puts on deadmau5* My man!

[@nonchalantd]

♥

[@xyanide1986]

1350V!? Holy hell that's quite a bias

[@dangerzone007]

What's needed is a dual driver headphone. Add some Utopia drivers to fix the bass.

[@MistaLova-Lova]

Reading this comment whilst listetning to Wiz Khalifa's "On My Level" on my Utopias... hell yeah 😀

[@harackmw]

Seriously, call Kenny Loggins...

[@dangerzone007]

@@harackmw lol. So can you not think of a phrasing line?

[@harackmw]

@@dangerzone007 damn it I had something for this...

[@sandycheeks999]

Six thousand pounds....bargain.🤣

[@net_news]

😂

[@ezvkm77]

thanks but no need to watch this video! thanks anyway

[@Nutritional-Yeast]

Where is our 40k USD DAC review that we can't built in china for 87$ edit: ohh, I stand corrected. holo magical Chinese DAC *facepalm*

[@MrElciupacabra]

my god!...snob people buy pricey stuff. i'm not saying that they're no good ...just snobby equipment. I think there's not so much difference between listening to a track on a 300usd system and this snobby equipment...

[@maegnificant]

"Not so much" feels different for everyone :) be happy that you don't need it

[@aceofspades6667]

why does expensive = snob?

[@MrElciupacabra]

because there is no big difference in sound quality from a 600usd system to the showed system and usually people pay a lot of money on things just to be sure it sounds "as nothing else" = snobs people don't listen to music... they are lost in tech and expensive equipment and forget to actually listen music

[@MrElciupacabra]

@Pfnerch so... you consider yourself special... you and only 10%... you make me laugh... you are just snobs and I bet you listen only 1 track just to test your expensive equipment

[@CelesteOnYoutube]

Why are you watching this channel's videos if you are happy with a 300$ "system" ? It's like going to a 2 stars restaurant and telling them the closest fast food joint filled you the same... It's all about the experience. Cheap stuff still can do the job... but if you can afford it why not try ? It's a matter of taste and having cheap tastes is a blessing. I am cursed ^_^.

[@hmuhmunkunkuapua]

too bad its a locked down package, cant swap amps or dacs.