Sounds like I am in for a treat
I believe It is the 1st version I get, as the connectors are mini-XLR and the cups are smaller.
According to William Murdock there are few differencies in sound, the vocals being the most notable.
Now there is only 1 day and 3 hrs left to get them at discount price
They are gorgeous headphones. These and ZMFs are the clear winners of the beauty contest, if you ask me.
Completely agree. I prefer the headband of the ZMF and the cups of the Kennerton line(s).
I have these and I’m honestly torn on which I like more vs. the white Maple. Maybe Kennerton will sell me the suede earpads and headband pad at least. I love the unique look of the blue and brown, but that white maple just pops to me. Can’t justify having two of the same though. Well, at least not at my income level.
Sounds like the first revision for sure and I’m very excited for you.
I would love to try the originals but it would just suck if I liked the 1st version more (as I suspect).
You’d think a 2nd revision would be better lol. Makes sense from the reviews ive seen of this headphone. One review said they didnt have a lot of detail and another said they had good detail. From the reviews i gather this is a warm headphone. Maybe dark. Keyword i keep hearing is creamy lol. I’m starting to get worried. all the best headphones coming out are dark. I prefer Balance or Neutral and Bright.
You would think.
I think the drive to change the original was the headband that people found very uncomfortable. But to change the headband, they increased the ear cup size and the ear pad size accordingly.
I messaged the guy who designed the original Vali (he no longer works for Kennerton) to ask what he thought of the changes, since there were no Vali 2019 reviews.
The designer felt there was no way, based on his testing, the 2nd revision could retain the same bass and punchy sound of the original. He said when he tried bigger cups and pads it increased the sound stage & took away from the bass.
That is consistent with William Murdoch’s head to head review.
Why I chose the second version was I took a gamble that I wouldn’t mind sacrificing some bass and punchiness in exchange for more sound stage and better comfort and detail.
Based on Williams’s review, there’s no increase in detail so that’s a bummer.
I’m pretty happy with the new Vali, but would still love to get my hands on the first version someday to see if I prefer that sound and can handle the headband and extra weight.
Ordered a pair of Elex. Here is hoping I made the right choice. It was on sale for $600 but still hurt to pull the trigger.
I think it will hurt less one you get them on your head and have a listen lol, hope you enjoy them
I don’t know if you’ve already chosen the headphone but I have both the Aiva and LCD-2C and the compliment each other very well. With the Aiva being brighter and more in your face and energetic, and the 2C is more laid back and silky smooth with authoritative bass makes them the perfect companion’s imo.
Both are better than the Elex but I’ve never heard the Ananda so I can’t comment on those. If you can find a pair of Klipsch HP-3 for under $1000 they are an amazing headphone also, mine are one of my all-time favorites.
Intersting to hear that both are better than the Elex, especially as I have the Aiva
I decided for a fourth option: the Kennerton Vali 1st gen.
So now I hope they are the right choice.
I personally don’t agree with that, but at this range it’s all preference lol
Well, I feel that I should post a comment now having listened to the Elex for a little while now. I have to say that these headphones have now ruined me. I never understood when people said that before x headphone that they were only listening to music and now they are experiencing music. I can happily say that now I am experiencing music and hearing things in songs I have never heard before. String instruments, vocal and snare drums and phenomenal.
@Mon Thanks for convincing me to pull the trigger on these. I don’t think I could go back to listening to music the “old way” anymore. I am telling my 58xs to go sit in the corner because they have been bad concealing detail from me.
Another thank you for everyone that I talked that helped me take a risk and investing in superior headphones. It has been an amazing experience and look forward to future discussion and help. However, I think these headphones will keep happy for a long time. Perhaps the next journey will take me into the world of DACS. Thanks again everyone.
Well that’s great that you enjoy them
LCD2C vs Modhouse Argons?
It’s super hard to beat the Elex though when it comes down to 550 and on your TA10 it would be an amazing combo with top tier imaging and it’s warmer than the clear. Best focal
Have you heard the aeon 2 open? WHat do you think aboot them?
I have heard the open but have more experience with the closed, generally pretty similar although the open feel a bit more organic, are more neutral instead of neutral v, have a bit more stage width and sense of space, and hit a bit less harder than the closed do. Slightly more demanding amp wise
Thank you. How does it compare to the ananda, lcd2c and elex then? My local dealer has it on sale for 700 bucks, I was just wondering whether it is worth it
And what sort amp will I need for it?