No-one saw this collaboration coming!

[@Berkanann]

HPA-23RMH. What a beautiful name for an amplifier. Quite a mouthful.

[@PassionforSound]

Haha. Yes, quite catchy...

[@Petrus-d2f]

As always love your informative plus innovative videos! Thanks to you I have now purchased several headphones simply based on your reviews..one in which I just received..the superb & breathtaking "ADA" if preordered definitely WORTH the WAIT! Thank you!

[@PassionforSound]

Awesome! So glad you're enjoying them

[@Donatosind]

Well placed my order! Not waiting at all! The Enleum amp is amazing in it's own right and to give it 35% more power is just nuts. I can't wait ti hear the Tungsten though.

[@PassionforSound]

Congratulations! Enjoy!!

[@beeftatare]

Not waiting? I ordered my Tungstens in December and I am still waiting...

[@PassionforSound]

Bummer! That's a long wait

[@RocketLauncherwithInfiniteAmmo]

Lachlan man, really enjoying the videos starting with these allegories and metaphors, because that is a wonderful way to allow every type of person to understand things about Hi-Fi that aren’t so obvious. That was a good creative choice in my view, it’s a great way to start every video.

[@PassionforSound]

Thanks Mark. I'm having fun coming up with the "story" for each video too. Some have less of that than others so that I'm no force fitting things, but I'm glad to hear it's adding enjoyment!

[@RocketLauncherwithInfiniteAmmo]

It’s way out of any budget that I could put together, but really like this idea of having a company tune an amp to work well with a specific headphone, since so many folks are looking for something to specifically drive this headphone. Think they’re worth the asking price? Are they as good a headphone (when driven properly) as everyone says? As good as utopias, elites etc? Or better even?

[@zmmmzmmmz]

I believe Sennheiser and Audeze both tried this and they were not well received. It's a fine idea but if you find the right impedance and power then the amp shouldn't need to be matched

[@RocketLauncherwithInfiniteAmmo]

@@zmmmzmmmz ah fair enough

[@RocketLauncherwithInfiniteAmmo]

@@zmmmzmmmz although, those are both cases where it was one company trying to sell two products, but in this case, it’s a wee bit different just because one company have identified a popular headphone and thought, ‘right - we can build the perfect amp for that’, which for some reason seems cooler. Maybe more fun. I like it when they try new things, keeps things moving a bit.

[@PassionforSound]

I think it's worth noting here that this is a limited run, not a long term product line (AFAIK) - although I wasn't aware of that when I produced the video which is why it wasn't mentioned. I think, on this occasion, it comes down to some specific feedback from customers about the synergy and the unique requirements of the Tungsten creating a meaningful pairing rather than an exercise in marketing. 🙂

[@monkeygod2024]

wow, what a great team up - and considering how versatile a base amp the enleum is to start with, i'm sure it could be used to drive many other headphones in one's collection. shame the distribution is limited to the US for now though! "Amps will be available on their own at a later date. " - in answer to the question posed in the video.

[@PassionforSound]

Thanks for the info about the amp. It was unconfirmed at the time I produced the video. 🙂

[@joshchacko7729]

Oh Jesus the Tungstens!!! Thank you for reviewing this.

[@PassionforSound]

My pleasure!

[@joshchacko7729]

@@PassionforSound can't wait for a comparison between the Tungstens and the JM Editions XTC 2.5 or 2 or whatever.

[@PassionforSound]

@joshchacko7729 I'd love that too. I haven't heard from JM for a while now though...

[@HercahyoAdiSaputro]

the issue i saw with the amp is the battery life afaik, normal 23rm with current mode last only 4h on battery with 35% more current on the 23rmh, i wonder how long is the battery life?

[@joshchacko7729]

@@HercahyoAdiSaputro eh. What can one expect.

[@PassionforSound]

I didn't test the battery life, but would point out that you can run it while charging and also that it's unlikely people will be using the Tungstens and RMH amp in locations that are far from power. (I.e. not a commuting setup 🙂)

[@mrt6349]

A shame its USA only.

[@PassionforSound]

I actually wasn't aware of that. That is a shame ☹️

[@Pete.across.the.street]

I saw this collaboration coming from a mile away.

[@jcksnpl]

Would the Burson Soloist 3XP be enough to drive the Tungsten? With a balanced cable

[@oblio44]

After six months, (I placed an order on December 23, 2023), I received my SS Tungsten on June 18th, 2024. I have been burning them in for about 80 hours as of this writing - and listening to them too. My setup: Gustard A26 DAC Burson Soloists 3XP with Supercharger 3A and the new V7 opamps. Balanced inputs and balanced outputs Other headphones I use on this setup: o Meze Empyrean, Hifiman HE1000 v2, DCA Aeon Closed X, AKG k702 (modified) (Austria edition) I have over 8,000 songs in FLAC format. o Jazz, soundtracks, classical, house, hip-hop, reggae, beatless, lounge, rock, world, R&B, et, et, pretty much everything except K-pop & country. Impressions: • Driving the Tungsten is not an issue with my setup. Of all the headphones I’ve tried, the Tungsten is the only pair that I’ve had to use high-gain. I’ve been comfortably listening at levels between 40 and 70 out of a max level of 99 on the Burson. Yes, this is a lot of power/voltage. • The sound is balanced and musical. Extremely enjoyable. They sound more realistic than any headphones I’ve heard. Details stand out. Bass is strong, clean, and impactful. Male and female voices come thru clean and are placed where they should be. Separation is great. Details shine. • Every genre sounds great. These are extremely enjoyable and comfortable to listen to. • I could not be more happy considering the value-to-performance and FUN the Tungsten (combined with the Burson and Gustard) offers. Update: 7/1/2024 After hours of listening, the Tungsten is by FAR a more enjoyable experience than I have ever heard. Enough said

[@jcksnpl]

@@oblio44 thanks for this! Looks like I’ll be trying to get the Tungstens next year! I’m happy with my Burson (still on V6 - for now) and didn’t want to change it

[@PassionforSound]

Thanks so much for answering the question on this as I hadn't tested that combo yet. So glad you're enjoying it so much!

[@Mr.Banter]

​@oblio44 is the power requirement the same for both Double sided and single sided ??

[@yogiwp_]

@@PassionforSound I'd be super interested in your thoughts on that pairing too. I believe there are many out there still on 3XP and interested in the Tungstens.

[@johnratcliffe6438]

Really looking for comparisons between Tungsten and Susvara, Caldera, LCD4/5 and HE1000SE/Stealth.

[@PassionforSound]

I'll be able to help with some of those...

[@johnratcliffe6438]

​@@PassionforSound Thank you.

[@shamnoor07]

Huh!!!! 5.5k USD Soooo expensive.... Wow.....my hi-fi sets only 4.5k pounds Btw nice information bro...

[@Cestmoi50]

Buy a tt2+mscaler or a high end flagship amp you can double that amount easily, hifiman susvara or high end audize planar etc….

[@solrq8349]

Hi good day does the 23RMH sound different than 23RM? Thanks Edit: in voltage or current output

[@PassionforSound]

I didn't have both here at the same time so I can't say. Sorry.

[@Chuckster0]

Brilliant!! Take my money!!

[@ReverendDr.Thomas]

Brilliant and lacklustre are RELATIVE. 😉 Incidentally, I have a pair of Tungsten on order. 🎉

[@PassionforSound]

Haha. Glad you like it, Chuck! Hope the reveal was worth the wait. 🙂

[@Chuckster0]

@@PassionforSound It sure was and will have to get my bank accounts in order. 😂

[@PassionforSound]

🎉💰

[@ReverendDr.Thomas]

@@Chuckster0, the Aussie government is taking MY cash from me. 😔

[@OzSteve]

Great video, LOVE these headphones and would love to own a pair. But around $8500 AUD I wish I could justify them. But sadly I can't, and Audeze LCD-3's is where I currently have my limits set for headphone prices (and my faves) Perhaps if the dollar get's closer to parity I'll then seriously think about these 😃 again, great video

[@Darkmatter356]

LCD-3s are top tier. Don't let anyone tell you otherwise

[@OzSteve]

@@Darkmatter356 oh I know. I love them. I'm scared to listen to anything higher so I don't go broke 🤣🤣

[@PassionforSound]

I haven't tried the LCD-3s, but I suspect you're already playing in the same ballpark with those as the Tungstens...

[@johnratcliffe6438]

I wonder if Questyle Eighteen Master, another current amplification model, can drive Tungsten?

[@PassionforSound]

Based on the specs sheet, I think it would struggle because the power output is quite low and the Tungsten needs lots of voltage AND current.

[@johnratcliffe6438]

@@PassionforSound Thank you! Very helpful.

[@garymalone547]

Er, deflation? I just love the look of those Tungstens. However even with three gain stages I'm not sure my class A amp is up to it, despite never raising a sweat to date.

[@PassionforSound]

Which amp do you have?

[@spamcan9208]

What causes these to be so notoriously voracious for power? I always wondered what differed between drivers that affected power requirements.

[@PassionforSound]

It all comes down to the trace materials, I believe (i.e. the wires embedded in the diaphragm of the drivers)

[@BillyKueekSG]

So hard to order the Tungsten. How is this Enleum HPA-23RMH compared to the 23R?

[@PassionforSound]

The 23R is still a better amp. It's mains powered and full sized so it's got the advantages

[@BillyKueekSG]

@@PassionforSound ahhhh… I see! Thanks for answering my question.

[@neilsnyder7915]

Lachlan,if this combo works for me, I want to buy.

[@r00s.]

Just sold a kidney for this package...

[@PassionforSound]

This is way better than a kidney! 😁

[@greymatterstome]

I don't hate on a collab such as this, I certianly have a healthy respect for both companies. However, it begs the question, with all things being equal (nevermind the flight case or the special cross branding - both of which I can do without) Is the extra $500 worth it? Why hasn't Enleum made a more powerful verision of the amp to begin with? That seems really where the added cost is coming. We are splitting hairs when it comes to this tier of audio but I don't see where the "value" is other than that it takes the guesswork out of searching for the right synergy in a chain if the main goal was getting the Tungsten. One thing this video highlights is my desire for Schiit to reintroduce the Folkvangr. Great review in any regard but yes, it's a confusing collab.

[@king_epk]

They include a set of additional pads which is an extra $100 to order also custom color the whole headset which was an extra $150 from modhouse. So really they’re charging $250 for a tuned amp. Not to bad all things considered, my biggest issue is these are shipping before everything else…. Some people are still waiting from January orders

[@PassionforSound]

Great points about the pads and colour. I can't comment on the exact differences between the amp versions, but this combo is worthy when considering its price to performance ratio, I think.

[@crate718]

can anyone go to can jam or is it by invites only? I figured that is the only way i could taste something that expensive lol

[@PassionforSound]

Pretty sure it's open access

[@raymondwebby2441]

Open all who buy the entry ticket. Tickets can be purchased online

[@crate718]

@@raymondwebby2441 thanx bro

[@WoodstockG54]

Shit. Something else I can’t afford,😢, only because I just bought a Used Chord Hugo TT2🎉. I guess the headphones can wait and the Hugo becomes a paper weight for awhile, until I figure out a way to steal the neighbours mountain of empty beer cans for extra cash, for the real cans of elixir.

[@PassionforSound]

Haha. The TT2 is a better investment I'd say - amazing DAC AND a great amp, just not for the Tungstens perhaps...

[@WoodstockG54]

@@PassionforSound I’m on a wait list for the Verum 2. It’s a start of a new journey. I’ve only owned 2 channel .

[@PassionforSound]

Nice! That's a great starting point

[@mingkee27]

I think it's gone way too far for me. I am not dedicated bleeding edge professional after all

[@nextsibling]

Clickbait title means not watching.

[@1337wafflezz]

Difficult to drive headphones are a relic of the past and a total scam. Cleaner amp technology means that noise floor levels are lower than ever. Low impedance amps and headphones are the way to go

[@hartyewh1]

I dunno, HE6se V2 still beats in many ways almost any headphone for any price. Could be a coincidence or there's some benefit there. The bass dynamics and control are better than for example an LCD-5 which is my favourite headphone overall.

[@rogerhuston8287]

Of course, a viewer of this channel would say this.

[@PassionforSound]

I don't know enough about the properties of drivers like those in the Susvara, 1266, HE-6 or Tungstens to comment either way, but I do know that there's a certain character from the Susvara and Tungstens in particular that I'm yet to hear from a sensitive, low impedance design. That said, I do favour more sensitive headphones and the versatility they bring with the range of amps they work with.

[@1337wafflezz]

@@PassionforSound I will say that though that the Tungsten does indeed look like an excellent headphone so like you said at least they did seem to get some sort of benefit out of making them power hungry.