LCD-5 vs Expanse vs Elite vs Susvara: Flagship planar headphone battle

[@neilsnyder7915]

Great honest review. I have the Utopia Susvara and Elites. Traded the Expanse. Detail=Susvara, Energy and punch = Utopia, Musicality and Comfort= Elite

[@PassionforSound]

Glad you liked it Neil! Thanks again for your contributions on the live review for patrons too. It helped me further refine my impressions of the Expanse. Now I just need to find a way to get some 2022 Utopias!

[@phototristan]

I'm curious, what was the issue with the Expanse? I'm an LCD-5 fan myself.

[@neilsnyder7915]

Expanse is terrific. I am constantly hunting for Nirvana. Caution if you buy expanse, let them burn-in for 24-36 hours. I recently go the Enleum ar2 and it all but eliminates the 😅harshness or fatigue so many headphones have.😊

[@charlibratfammanfanstan]

Thanks for the effort. Very strange how differently people hear things. My comparison on Expanse is posted on HeadFi. I found them unengaging and certain sounds and details sounded too far away. Soundstage seemed like standing 30 feet back from the stage at a festival but the vocals at the same time sounded really intimately forward which really sounded strange altogether and led to the disconnect. Whereas the LCD5's just molded me as one to the midrange and in turn generates some serious frisson through my body that I didn't know was possible. I love them and will never part with them after that experience.

[@kamerafi]

I had the same impressions with the Expanse. It's too muted to be very frank. Yes, I totally agree, I'd even pick any Audeze over the Expanse for the engaging sound signature.

[@PassionforSound]

The Expanse are a unique sounding headphone to be sure. I can't say that I've missed them since parting ways, but I still respect what they do and the fact that they're different

[@aceofspades6667]

great review Lachlan; this is world class content! Your ability of being able to articulate the 4 headphones and your impressions based upon specific music pieces then layer them upon your preferences is very informative and enjoyable.

[@PassionforSound]

So glad you enjoyed it, Ace! Thanks for your ongoing support 🙂🙂

[@ixoye56]

This is the first positive review of Expanse I've seen, it just proves that sound is subjective and that you can't trust other people's perception of what sounds good, you have to listen for yourself before buying, build, comfort and technical abilities are the only things that interest me in looking at these reviews.

[@PassionforSound]

I can definitely relate to other people being less positive about it and it was a headphone that took me a relatively long time to really appreciate. It's still not perfect, but none of the flagships I've tried are so far... I agree though that personal auditions are always preferable or, if auditions aren't possible then at least finding a reviewer you can consistently align with

[@nonchalantd]

This guy is a phenomenal reviewer.

[@PassionforSound]

Thank you! 🙂

[@AKL764]

I've owned the empyrean and zmf VC and to me susvara is still very musical. I used to think I liked warm/musical sound signature, but after owning susvara for a while I realized I prefer first the detail with a smooth overall sound / great midrange. Also I first used it with a speaker amp (burson timekeeper 3i) then decided to try ican pro signature for the size and protected circuit design but the timekeeper destroys it in every way which really surprised me since the ican got a lot of praise.

[@PassionforSound]

Glad you're enjoying the Susvara so much. I agree that it's pretty spectacular and I'd choose it over the VC and Empy too 🙂

[@ManicMindTrick]

I never been impressed by the sound quality of ican pruducts.

[@xyanide1986]

Fantastic video. I'd say this natural sounding timbre can be heard in most DCA/Mr Speakers headphones. I once demo'd an ether flow and it sounded amazingly real.

[@PassionforSound]

Glad you liked the vid and the DCA cans

[@gibgun]

Epic vid!! The B-Roll alone must taken a full can of air to get so dust free and gorgeous. I really want to try more of these cans, but I have a good relationship with a local Audeze dealer so am able to get things at great prices. I found the LCD-5 to be quite picky to get the most out of it, but have been blown away by hearing it out of the OOR with a TT2 as the DAC. I recently got the LCD-R by sheer luck and once they arrive I’ll be very curious to hear these against the LCD-5s.

[@PassionforSound]

Glad you liked the video and B-Roll. I agree that the LCD-5 can sound really special with the right amps. If not for the Expanse coming along, I likely would have kept the Elite and LCD-5. I also considered Expanse and LCD-5 too.

[@darwijn1609]

LCD-5 with Mitch’s convolution filter especially on tubes is 10/10. LCD-X and LCD-XC are 9.9/10 with 20+ band PEQ. Audeze are all endgame with the proper EQ and gear. Audeze headphones are EQ required to find out what they can really do.

[@charlibratfammanfanstan]

His filter really was the first time I just felt WOW. This is so balanced, I just want to listen to everything.

[@PassionforSound]

I've still got the LCD-5s here for now. Perhaps I'll give them another run with the convolution filters...

[@RyuMasterEX]

I tried eq Lcd5 and Lcd4 to the same curve, they're both on opposite sides of fr so the eq is a in between. In the end I preferred the LCD4 as it sounded larger, maybe because bigger drivers and deeper pads?

[@charlibratfammanfanstan]

@@RyuMasterEX This is my theory, with the bigger cups and resonance on your face/head. I can eq face vibrations too, doesn't mean they sound the same as another with same graph line.

[@RyuMasterEX]

@@charlibratfammanfanstan can you eq driver to ear distance? It's why earspeakers soundstage is like double a hd800's

[@TheVeganVicar]

This is the kind of review that interests me most, as I am hoping to purchase the most ACCURATE planar headphones available one day (to replace my full-range monitor loudspeakers, that are far too large to transport easily, and I am planning to move around alot in future decades).

[@PassionforSound]

Glad it was interesting. You might also find the Utopia 2022 review (just released) very interesting too, unless you specifically want planar only.

[@TheVeganVicar]

@@PassionforSound, yes, I saw that review yesterday but for my "end-game" headphones I think I'll get a pair of planars. Regarding dynamics, I'm awaiting for the Sennheiser HD 660S2 to go down to a far more realistic price (I'm in no hurry, since I already own some decent cans).

[@aRc11-11]

All class, top drawer review Lachlan!

[@PassionforSound]

So glad you liked it!

[@DarklordofBarovia]

My elites with the silver 4.4 cable from meze are arriving either tomorrow or next week! Cannot wait - thanks for helping me make the decision somewhat easier 😁👍🏻

[@PassionforSound]

My pleasure! You're in for a treat. Enjoy! 🎉🙂

[@DarklordofBarovia]

@@PassionforSound And holy hell am I enjoying myself.

[@PassionforSound]

🎉🎉😁

[@BillyKueekSG]

Another great review Lachlan! I just got a listen to the Elite finally but I have no access to the others in this range. A Flagship Dynamics Headphones Battle next?

[@PassionforSound]

There actually aren't too many flagship dynamics around. Only the Utopia is really competing with this lot I think

[@alexsha4912]

I do find some powerful tube amp like Auris Nirvana in my case can definitely make Susvara more engaging and add more bass to it compare to TT2. For my experience, I used to comparing Atrium, LCD-5 and Susvara, and at the beginning I found that Atrium is the most engaging and Sus is the most detail and works best with classical music among these 3, and LCD-5 is kinda in the middle, so I sold the LCD-5 and kept Atrium for pop/rock where I want more musicality and Susvara for classical musics. However recently I find myself reaching for Susvara more and more offten even for pops, and I feel with Nirvana, I really don't feel much of lacking of engaging for most of the tracks, but when I switch back to TT2 direct output, I definitely feel what you mentioned in this video

[@PassionforSound]

Yeah, the amp character needs to have some richness to make the Susvara sing. When it does though, it's excellent and hard to beat on technicalities.

[@stevendavis1135]

Love watching reviews on stuff I'll never be able to afford 🙃

[@PassionforSound]

Glad I could help then 😁

[@Martijn1234]

Good review. Thank you. I know I can trust your ears so curious about the expanse. If I do buy them they would have to share the house with the Elites still. Wonderful headphones.

[@PassionforSound]

Glad you liked the review. I'm actually planning an update soon I think because the tables have turned again and the Expanse are headed home after all. They're excellent, but not enough to displace the Elites as my daily.

[@Martijn1234]

@@PassionforSound interesting! I recently added a fully silver cable from Lavricables to the Elites and the detail has increased quite noticeably. They really do scale very well to such tweaks.

[@PassionforSound]

They're amazing headphones!

[@YourfriendNextDoor2]

So I really like the Expanse but there’s a adjustment period to become happy. On gsx mini it sounds really good. The bass with eq boost in sub frequencies makes it meatier and more of a edm club feeling. Detail isn’t anywhere with the others. Again every time especially after a Abyss headphone you notice a veil. After a minute it becomes more enjoyable than the Diana TC as I’m just focused on the music like at venue.

[@PassionforSound]

Well explained, William. I agree about the meatiness and the focus on the music. You'd probably like the ZMF Caldera too

[@Mau10]

Very nice review... Your approach to comparisons makes it even more interesting and accurate. When you tried the LCD-5 Roon convolution filter, did you used the "low latency" or the full filter"Audeze Linear"?. The low latency filter can make the depth degrading effect more evident, in order to use less processing power. The Audeze linear while more demanding on the CPU can be less invasive on the digital domain. Just curious if you were able to compare both options. 👍

[@PassionforSound]

I don't need low latency so I always use the most linear phase option. I actually didn't even try the low latency so can't compare - sorry

[@tiffanyflanagan1892]

I think the new LCD-X has a tuning that is more “natural”….but it lacks a little upper mid presence and doesn’t have the technical ability. As an engineer, I’m loving the LCD-5. The fact that it can convey that much detail and not by emphasizing the treble, is awesome. It’s tuned more like a pair of near field studio monitors, and is also similar to the Sennheiser HD-600 without the bass roll-off. I do wish they had more weigh…especially with kick drums. I’m really curious about the new version of the Focal Utopia. The low end is supposed to be more extended. If you can get a pair of those in for review I’d love to hear your thoughts.

[@PassionforSound]

I can completely understand liking the LCD-5 for your work as an engineer. I nearly kept them for those strengths too! Hopefully I can get my hands on some 2022 Utopias in the future 🤞

[@hartyewh1]

It's good to keep in mind that Audezes are essentially meant to be EQ'd. In my opinion the LCD-5 has horrific tuning, but with EQ it is my favourite headphone I've heard so far.

[@tiffanyflanagan1892]

I tried EQ but it wasn’t my thing. I love midrange, it’s the reason I bought them. I’m glad you found a way to enjoy them though.

[@charlibratfammanfanstan]

@@tiffanyflanagan1892 That's too bad. I too tried all the eq and when I finally tried Mitch's convolution, there just is no going back to regular peq. Love it!

[@PassionforSound]

That's a bit of a deal breaker for me because I find that even an excellent EQ like the convolution filters still damage the maximum resolution of the music

[@gehtnurdurch]

Thanks for your effort to make it easy to understand your findings.

[@PassionforSound]

My pleasure! 🙂

[@fatdoi003]

Another good one Lachlan... I can feel you will have a good time when Caldera shows up at you place... One thing got me to scratch LCD5 off my list is the pads are glued to the cups which is impossible to change or roll

[@h.hristov]

Gluing pads should be considered as a crime

[@PassionforSound]

So long as it's not too hard to change them when needed, I'm not so stressed about that, but I understand that some people love to pad roll.

[@fatdoi003]

@@h.hristov nowadays, if i spend that much money on a HP, i'll definitely want to pad and cable roll to flavour the sound i'm after.....

[@charlibratfammanfanstan]

Glued pads suck. But even with a driver failure, they stayed and Expanse had to go. Just didn't want to listen to them anymore after getting my 5 back. There's more to audio than tuning, as build is to you.

[@KevKruz]

In regards to the Expanse, the "shoutiness" you're hearing are the resonant peaks in certain recordings. They're more likely to be present in digitally recorded music and less so on music recorded to tape. It boils down to a matter of how well a track was recorded and mixed in the studio. The Expanse have no discernible coloration, you're hearing with exacting precision what happened in the recording studio that day. They're an astonishing accomplishment. Generally speaking, a warm amp will sweeten their sound and pushing too much power through them will reveal every mixing flaw the recording engineer made. The right amp choice and an additional equalizer if you don't mind, would soften those edges and make music listening a plush experience.

[@PassionforSound]

That's not really accurate, Kev. I've tried the Expanse across a heap of different amps and DACs plus with ALL types of music. There is a general character to both the tuning and presentation from the Expanse that unfortunately can make them less enjoyable for some people. They came VERY close to being my perfect headphone, but we're just a bit too forward and shouty a bit too often.

[@KevKruz]

Understood - and still, with headphones in the class of any of these flagships? you're able to hear most music with more clarity and detail than the artists had at their disposal when they created it. It's a true paradigm shift in technology. @@PassionforSound

[@alfredopatricio8865]

I understand it is a comparison between planar headphones, but please give us your thoughts about the performance of the Stax SR-X9000 when lined with these flagships. Thank you for the video.

[@PassionforSound]

I'm yet to get my hands on any Stax gear, but I'm working on it so maybe 2023 will be the year!

[@johnmclean627]

Very informative review and an amazing job to articulate so well. Lachlan you mentioned only 2 amplifiers the Burson Soloist and the Chord TT2, do you feel that may be limiting with such a spread of flagship headphones? I observed there was no mentioned of balanced output either which I think the soloist does support, I’m guessing you probably have a preference to match with the Chord products that don’t support a balanced output? I know it’s impossible to test every scenario my critique was to just bring into light some of the aspects I think were missing in the evaluation.

[@PassionforSound]

Hi John, I did use some other amps in my general listening before making notes, but the choice of amp or balanced vs single-ended doesn't change the performance of any of these headphones (unless you need the additional power of a balanced output). Being planars, none of these are altered by high output impedance from tube amps, etc. so how they sound will be always just a reflection of the tonality of the source chain being used. In other words, if someone wants to warm up the Susvara, they can use a warmer amp for sure, but I try to focus on describing the tonal and non-tonal (imaging, etc.) qualities of each headphone so that people can then decide on amp pairings, etc. for themselves based on their tastes.

[@levansaginashviliskidney8726]

If I win the lottery, I will make sure to buy all four of these plus a Chord Dave and Ferrum Oor

[@mariorinaldi7612]

Nice review Lachlan, talking about the Lcd-5, which amp pairing do you think sounds better? I find that the soloist gt gives them more body than the tt2 which in comparison sounds too clinical. What you think about that?

[@PassionforSound]

I really like the LCD-5 even with the TT2, but it does work very well with warmer amps and even tubes. It sounded surprisingly good with the Schiit Folkvangr!

[@datka3]

One headphone combo was was blown away is , Blur Hawaii with Stax 009 , I have chord Dave with Focal Stelia.

[@PassionforSound]

I'm keen to try some Stax in the future. Glad you're enjoying your DAVE and Stellias

[@derekb117]

your reviews are like ASMR. love the content. made a lot of (financially unhealthy) purchases thanks to your great reviews.

[@PassionforSound]

So glad you're enjoying the content! Apologies to your wallet 🙂

[@YourfriendNextDoor2]

With the DCA Expanse the high frequencies were subdued for myself so it was upsetting as I loved the bass and midrange.

[@PassionforSound]

The weightier bottom end has shifted the balance - I agree.

[@drsarana]

Great review! Expanse have received mixed reviews … I totally live it. But what about Utopia? Is still around ??

[@PassionforSound]

Glad you liked the review. I sold my version 1 Utopia and I'm yet to try the version 2 / 2022 version

[@Angel-AbC9]

Super awesome and the best on breaking down these highend HP .

[@PassionforSound]

Thanks Angel! Glad you like my approach 🙂

[@mkemp01]

Super review!

[@PassionforSound]

Glad you liked it!

[@annarobertson8320]

Hi Lachlan, i am in need of some advice, as ive previously mentioned i am using Audeze Lcd5 with Chord Tt2 and Mscaler, im wanting to add a tube amp. I am looking at Woo audio Wa2 ,do u have any insight, is this a good choice or any suggestions

[@PassionforSound]

Hi Anna, I haven't tried the WA2 (or any current Woo products). I am currently reviewing the Linear Tube Audio (LTA) MZ3 and I'm impressed with that so maybe read up on that one too while I get the review ready 🙂

[@fastguitars4380]

Excellent review.

[@PassionforSound]

So glad you liked it!

[@timfederwitz]

Have you listened to the Expanse on the Schiit Folkvangr (FV)? I have this amp and was curious how well the Expanse pairs with it. In the FV pics on Schiit's page they have the Stealth next to it, so I kind of assumed that meant it would be a good pairing, but not sure. As you know, not all cans pair well with the FV.

[@PassionforSound]

I can't get the Expanse to play nicely with the Folkvangr (I think I mentioned the specifics in this review). It's not also not a sonic pairing I'd go for.

[@timfederwitz]

@@PassionforSound You only mention the Folkvangr once at 40:10 and only about the LCD-5 in this review. For the Expanse, you only mention the Burson and Chord (I believe). BTW, as I do have the Folkvangr and love this amp... it sounds like you are saying the LCD-5 on the FV adds that needed warmth, while keeping all of the technical details (maybe at the expense of some speed)? If so, maybe the LCD-5 would help round out my collection (Meze Empyrean, Hifiman HE1000 V2, Focal Stellia, Meze 109 Pro, Focal Clear). FWIW, one of my absolute favorite pairings with the FV is the Focal Stellia, and I feel it is because the Stellia is very technical but lacks some warmth on solid-state amps. To my ears, it sounds incredible on the FV and really rounds the Stellia out.

[@PassionforSound]

Hmmmm... Sorry Tim. I thought I'd discussed that the Expanse kept tripping the protection circuit. That must have been in the actual Folkvangr review. As for the LCD-5 with the FV, it's a wonderful combo IMO. I'm actually selling the LCD-5s if it's of any interest. They're listed for $4800 AUD on Aussie Audio Mart so email me at [e-mail] if you are interested.

[@timfederwitz]

@@PassionforSound Gotcha! Plus, I think you said something about warmer amps making the Expanse too warm as well. All good. Keep up the great work!

[@PassionforSound]

Yes, the Expanse doesn't need a warm amp. 🙂

[@philip3123]

Those three should compare with hekse, they still sound like a headphone, susvara was on another level.

[@PassionforSound]

I'm still yet to try the HE1k

[@blejzerosamigos6115]

Thanks for the great video, so does the lcd5 cable fit in side the cutout of the burson soloist 1/4 in socket? Thanks

[@PassionforSound]

Yes. I haven't actually found anywhere it doesn't fit - it just feels uncomfortable to me putting a flat plug into concave cutouts

[@davidparkes1508]

How do the Elites sound with the Folkvangr? I know the FV can be particular when it comes to pairings, especially with planars.

[@PassionforSound]

They sound ok, but not special. I prefer the LCD-5 with the Vang and keep the Elites for my other gear

[@bklynbass]

The LCD-5 is a low impedance headphone at 14 ohms but it has a sensitivity of only 90 db. You don’t need a super fancy headphone amp to drive them but you absolutely can not get away with using an iPhone headphone output or even a MacBook Pro output like you can the LCD-X. I own both and the 5s start clipping even at low volumes.

[@PassionforSound]

I may have exaggerated when saying they could be driven from a phone, but they only need 100mW or so to reach 110dB so a modest device will have sufficient power (granted, maybe not a phone by itself). Realistically, these are designed for use with dedicated headphone sources so I wasn't suggesting people should buy them to use with anything other than quality DACs and amps

[@bklynbass]

@@PassionforSound yeah the problem is that if the amp has to work too hard they start distorting. I was using the headphone output on my vintage tube integrated and with certain material , if there was a sudden jump in gain the power wasn’t sufficient and I heard clipping. I Had to lower the resistor value that was wired from the output transformer to the headphone Jack which brought the output from 23mW to about 500mW. Turns out the minimum power recommendations the company lists really do matter!

[@PassionforSound]

That's your output impedance causing issues there. Modern devices with output impedance below 1 ohm will deliver power more effectively and can drive the LCD-5s fine. I've been using the Eversolo DAC-Z6 with its 45mW output and it's just fine at normal listening levels with no EQ. I'm not saying it's ideal and I'm using it mostly for editing, but they're not as difficult as some people might think

[@freovegan]

Always curious to get your take Lachlan. I wonder what you’d make of the Erzetich Phobos (2021) - on my AGD R-27 (R-2R), I find it incredibly engaging, with slam and finesse. Sandu thought it competed well in the €2k price range

[@PassionforSound]

Unfortunately I haven't heard either of those yet, Luke. ☹️ I have the Thalias on the way soon, but that's as close as I can get right now

[@freovegan]

@@PassionforSound cool. The Slovenian designer, Blaž Erzetic seems to be a nice guy. He would no doubt be grateful for your efforts to get the word out about his boutique company. I would certainly welcome more reviews of such smaller companies that don’t get so much attention. I haven’t heard any of the other headphones, but from what I’ve read his dynamics have a very different to his planar (Phobos). I’ll look forward to that review

[@PassionforSound]

I love featuring less known products so I'll be glad to share whatever he might send me in the future too 🙂

[@freovegan]

@@PassionforSound sweet. I’d ask for the Phobos and maybe his big amp. With a love/hate following, Audio-GD’s R-27 I would think would be a great value proposition product. But understand why reviewers don’t touch AGD, given the inevitable blow back from the Audio Science Review crowd. Which just seems sad that they’re missing out on some great bang for their buck. (P.S. Aussie now living in Estonia, making Slovenia a closer neighbour than Melbourne was to me in Freo 🙃)

[@PassionforSound]

Thanks for the suggestions, Luke!

[@darrellross8609]

Dear L, I know you like a good cable discussion. Do headphone cables need a burn-in? Thank you for any kind of response, cables touchy subject. " I believe " #cables matter. Best, D from Stl.

[@PassionforSound]

Hi Darrell. There's definitely some science based reasoning I've heard that would suggest that they do change with burn-in, but I've never heard a change and would therefore suggest that: a) the changes are very, very subtle, and b) you shouldn't worry about cable burn-in or expect a cable's sound to change in any significant way with use

[@jcap8391]

Your intro sounds like a 70s retro prno movie music 🫶

[@PassionforSound]

Yes, depending on the intro, but most of my standard music is funk or funk-influenced so that will do it 😁

[@Neutrality10]

Regarding the Dan Clark Expanse, would you say it's a fantastic endgame headphone for those who are "bass-heads", like for those who listen mainly to pop, dance etc.? It would seem so given the frequency response shows that the sub bass is actually elevated along with the intentional bump in the upper bass. Besides the Abyss headphones all other open-back planars from other manufacturers are basically flat in the bass region. What are your thoughts?

[@PassionforSound]

Yes, I think the Expanse or ZMF Caldera are the two I'd choose for bassy music. Perhaps the Meze Elites with the hybrid pads too.

[@Neutrality10]

​@@PassionforSound Thank you very much for the advice, I'm really getting the feeling that the Expanse might actually be the best headphone for me given the genres I listen to. Also, unusual question but any advice for how/where to sell high end audio gear like headphones and amplifiers online, at least here in Australia? Have a pair of LCD-5s and a Burson all-in-one amplifier/dac that aren't used that much anymore.

[@PassionforSound]

I use a mixture of StereoNet, eBay and used to have some success on Aussie Audio Mart. I might be interested in the LCD-5s though. I miss those!

[@Neutrality10]

⁠​⁠​⁠​⁠​⁠​⁠​⁠​⁠​⁠@@PassionforSound Thank you again for the advice! If you are interested I honestly would be more than happy to sell them to you. Besides the Sennheiser HD 800 S they are my first ultra high-end headphones. I love there ability to provide maximum insight into the details of vocals, as you said. Now though since I have the Susvara I just don’t use them. If you are ever interested just inform me. I’ll put up a listing on eBay. Otherwise keep up the quality content!

[@PassionforSound]

@Neutrality10 can you email me at [e-mail]? I'd be keen to discuss.

[@BillyKueekSG]

Lachlan, I think you know why I am watching these headphones’ reviews. I shouldn’t have listened to the Susvara.

[@PassionforSound]

LOL. It's like that 🙂

[@38201270298]

Which one benefits more of a tube amp Expanse or Elite?

[@PassionforSound]

Neither really needs a tube amp, but the Elite is probably the one I'd be more inclined to put onto tubes because the Expanse is much harder to drive which limits the tube options and it's also already and fuller, richer sound

[@burg856]

I’m happy you got to lesson to the LCD-5. You gave a typical review of it. Meaning, a little lean. Here in the US people are moving back to the LCD-4. More weight, better in the bass and into lower mids. As usual, great job. Thanks

[@aceofspades6667]

The lcd4 and Utopia used prices are just to good to pass up. Another goodie is the audio technica adx5k for 1200 used.

[@PassionforSound]

I hope I can get my hands on some LCD-4s in the future. I'm trying to sell the LCD-5s now and not having much luck so far...

[@charlibratfammanfanstan]

Not me. I'm in the US and a basshead. LCD5 with Mitch Barnett's convolution with a bit of low bass shelf to taste has been endgame for me and a few others who have tried it.

[@charlibratfammanfanstan]

Correction, now with Bliss/May, no additional bass shelf needed when using Mitch's filter. Quite lichrally amazing how well they synergize and present a fuller , more balanced sound now compared to the previous Hypex dual monoblocks.

[@PassionforSound]

That's great news!

[@SkywhiteChannel]

I appreciate the review and I find it so interesting how my experience on the susvara is so different than yours. It’s most likely what you said about using a powerful tube amp which is what I use. I’m trying to decide between the Elite, Expanse and Utopia (owned the LCD 5 and the clamping force was way too much for me and made it painfully uncomfortable and I felt it needed to be eq’d). I’m still struggling with my decision.

[@PassionforSound]

The Susvara is definitely a tuning that benefits from a bigger, warmer sound so that does make sense if you're using a tube amp. As for which headphone to go for, what do you want from it to pair with the Susvara? More warmth, more bass, etc? There's also the Caldera from ZMF just to complicate matters more.

[@darrellross8609]

L, Sorry about my boosting. If you do have an opinion on iem cable burn-in. Again many Thanks. D.

[@PassionforSound]

Hi Darrell. Did you see my reply on the other comment/question you posted?

[@darrellross8609]

Yes, Thank you. D.

[@carminedesanto6746]

Good lord this is the audio equivalent of being force fed eclairs 😮

[@PassionforSound]

Haha. I love that analogy! 🌭 (Nearest emoji I could find 😉)

[@bunozen1]

Almost everyone that got the Susvara, end up letting it go, include me. Just not fun. Too sterile.

[@PassionforSound]

It's a funny headphone that is incredibly impressive and can be very exciting, but also not always enjoyable

[@MrRosscoz]

Usually because it’s too expensive to power /source it to its full potential because you’ve got no money left after buying it lol😂 People who love the susvara generally have spent 20K on the pre-chain

[@PassionforSound]

I think there's some truth to that

[@Level42Man]

Hi, nice review Just curious would you include the Focal Utopia in this group and if so how would it fair ?

[@PassionforSound]

I definitely would include them in the flagship headphone conversation. I've owned and reviewed the original Utopias here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/q3bCnKxmebGEepI I'm yet to try the 2022 version, but expect them to be noticeably improved

[@BrJD-ii4iv]

The Elites r the best headphones in the world, period.

[@PassionforSound]

I used to think that too, but I'm torn now between the Elites and the Expanse!

[@BrJD-ii4iv]

@@PassionforSound The Elites have a wider soundstage and more low end. It goes well with every genre and it’s much more fun and lively. The only headphone (IMO) to compete with the Elites r the LCD 5’s (if it was more comfortable and had a much more bass). I’ve heard the Abyss 1266s r special (but I never heard them b4).

[@PassionforSound]

I agree that the sense of space between the listener and music is better from the Elites, but the tonality of the Expanse is actually more true-to-life I think. I really like both. I haven't yet tried the 1266 either

[@x32i77]

Elites are great with the original leather Meze Empyrean pads. I really really don't recommend the hybrid pads. They make the headphone very unengaging, very bad soundstage. The ear touches the driver and the original flavor of the Meze Empyrean goes away. Never ever use the hybrid pads 🙏

[@PassionforSound]

I didn't like them at all with the Empyrean pads. Goes to show we're all different, doesn't it?

[@ornobislam5106]

Looking forward to the yamaha 5000 planar. That will probably be the best value and might be the most comfortable.

[@aceofspades6667]

It’s going to be between $5k and $7k. Yammy has their work cut out for them but it is one sexy set of hps.

[@PassionforSound]

I'm keen to check that out too! Just need to find a Yammy contact

[@ornobislam5106]

@@PassionforSound they are putting it on show, will release it in spring 2023. You will surely get your hands on one.

[@PassionforSound]

I'll be trying 🤞🤞

[@vancybergoth]

A good video, actually only the new Utopia is missing in this comparison. A video of the Focal Bathys and Mark Mark Levinson No. 5909 would be very interesting.

[@sjqideez6626]

It’s a battle of planar flagships so no Utopia needed

[@PassionforSound]

Hopefully I'll get a chance to try the new Utopia in the future, but as SJ said, this is all planars. Technically, I should have included Abyss 1266 and Final D8000 Pro, but can only work with what I can get my hands on

[@vancybergoth]

@@PassionforSound Except for the DCA Expanse I've heard all four mentioned headphones in this video, I have an Abyss PHI TC and none are on the same level except for the Susvara. But I prefer the PHI TC over the Susvara for a few reasons.

[@PassionforSound]

I'm still keen to try the Abyss. I wasn't a fan of the Diana TC so hoping that the 1266 will impress more

[@vancybergoth]

@@PassionforSound For me the PHI TC is significantly better than Diana TC but I don't think the PHI TC will suit your preferences. The PHI TC is comparable to a Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 4, technically very impressive, comparable to nothing on the market but only interesting for a very specific target group.

[@frederf69]

Good review but these products are way overpriced

[@PassionforSound]

Price/value will always be subjective. Based on the jump from lower priced headphones, these are giving you more performance. I don't know if they're worth say $2,000 more than a ZMF Verité, but they are worth a decent amount more based on the performance increase

[@nicktan4530]

There is no way in hell you able to afford them...

[@x32i77]

Wait until you hear the bravura 😉

[@PassionforSound]

I'm keen to try them, but not a fan of the closed system ☹️ (i.e. can only use their DAC/amp)

[@x32i77]

@@PassionforSound can't wait you to try the bravura 🙂 you will be surprised

[@PassionforSound]

I'm not so sure, but happy to be very wrong

[@x32i77]

@@PassionforSound any news when you will get that unit 🙂 ?

[@PassionforSound]

No plans at this stage

[@8BitParadise]

L

[@mariodrv]

Flat out wrong on Susvara not needing the power.

[@soulfulfool]

Its funny how those flagships compared to ZMF looks cheap and plastic

[@aceofspades6667]

They are not.. I have ZMF vc and they are beautiful like a piece of furniture but these flagships are carbon fiber or other composites.

[@PassionforSound]

I love the ZMFs, but they're no better looking or feeling than the Elites or LCD-5. The Expanse don't look quite as special, but the build quality is just as good and in some ways even better.

[@soulfulfool]

@@PassionforSound LCD 5 yes I can agree its not looking bad, I just adore headphones made with quality wood. Since Zach tune headphones how I like it Caldera would be possible option

[@PassionforSound]

The LCD-5s and Elites are both wonderfully engineered. I do agree that the ZMF woodwork is exceptional though

[@VerumAudio]

That's what I'm gonna watch VERY attentively!

[@PassionforSound]

Hi Igor! I hope you're doing well and staying safe.

[@VerumAudio]

@@PassionforSound Far from well, but not going to complain. During this war millions are in worse position

[@PassionforSound]

Sorry to hear. Take care. I hope to see more Verum headphones in the future 🙂

[@levansaginashviliskidney8726]

If I win the lottery, I will make sure to buy all four of these plus a Chord Dave and Ferrum Oor

[@PassionforSound]

Sounds like a plan!

[@x32i77]

If you win the lottery you better should get the Warwick acoustics Aperio system

[@PassionforSound]

I'm not sure the Aperio is going to be right for everyone

[@x32i77]

@@PassionforSound I was very impressed by the bravura already . The most impressive headphone (system) so far