Yeah the clear is the neutral one, the presentation of the elex is what gives it the w to the ear. The elex is actually also more dynamic than the clear at times too. Regarding where the center of the mids are elevated, I’ll have to give that some thought
The aiva is brighter and more aggressive, but I would seriously prefer the sundara to the aiva and other sendy clones
The Helios imo looks like a joke, but I haven’t heard it (but those who have that I personally have some trust in rate it like it is, and really show you get what you pay for lol
Personally I wouldn’t consider the m1060 or m1070 modern day, I think they are outperformed by something like a sundara, verum, etc
I’d be interested but not sure it matters if it’s a matter of presentation, not simply FR elevation at play here.
I’m wounded to the core on sympathetic behalf of the entire nation of Ukraine! In fact, I’m tempted to buy a Verum on looks alone. And look at the headphone stand on the main page. Beauty and sheer genius. A built-in ash tray! Brilliant!
2 Likes
Yeah either way it sounds a fair bit different than the clear (assuming you have an appropriate amp for the clear though)
Yea, I’m tempted cause I like the looks and I feel like I should 
. So the consensus is that verums are more warm, fuzzy, and fun than a sundara, but the sundara provides better detail? Is there a difference between the individual verums on the site or are they just different looking exteriors?
Amps for sundara vs verums? Power scaling? Would a Heresy sound good with either? Would an Asgard? Would the DAC make a big difference? I’m using the Schiit Hel rn as a preamp / DAC, and afaik the internals for the DAC are exactly the same as the Modi’s.
Is there a closed back alternative to any of these in the price range?
@M0N That make sense. The Aiva is also in the elex price range, so I assume you have a huge preference for the elex over the aivas?
Haha, ok fair enough. Thank you!
Yea, I’ve been running through those. Lots of details spread out over long threads . The biggest thing I’m looking for is comparisons between certain headphones. I have an ok grasp of what the headphones themselves sound like based on the threads. Also, with the sundaras I’ve seen widely varying opinions on comparisons, so that makes it much harder to sift through on my own.
Imo the elex is an upgrade from the sundara is most every way imo, it’s pretty sweet. The sundara is more neutral bright where the elex is a slight w, but they are both relatively neutral. I think the elex is more detailed, dynamic, on the same level of speed, and also has slightly better timbre. I also think the elex is more impressive for recreating a space for sure. I do actually slightly prefer the comfort on the sundara though. And the wire for the elex is pretty shite but it is replaceable
2 Likes
Honestly I would suggest a stand alone dac like the topping d10 and an asgard 3, should be pretty awesome. You could still use the hel as the dac if you wanted but idk
Hmmm, ok. Is there anything specific about the d10 that you like?
One thing I have yet to find anywhere (including in the specs on the Schiit website) is whether or not the Hel’s DAC is the same as the Modi’s? They both seem to be “AKM AK4490s with TI OPA1662-based filter stage” (and similar stats that I am currently trying to understand).
Just very solid for the price, another option would be the smsl m100, just clean and solid dacs
From my understanding it’s the same dac, and imo I am not a fan of the modi as a dac because it’s a bit unrefined and peaky sounding, also slightly compressed
1 Like
Asgard + sundara are a really terrific pairing… heresy was too clinical for my tastes
3 Likes
Opinions on the HE-560s?
I really like mine, I do kinda prefer it to the sundara but it needs alot of power to get good and I am in the minority of preferring it over the sundara lol
Hmm. What do you like about it over the sundara?
And what are you using to power it?
I think if he likes the planar sound and wants something open the x00 might not be exactly what he is looking for, I think something like the elex sounds more up his alley at that price point
1 Like
It’s got greater stage and also greater slam, and imo it scales better with amps, I do think the sundara is more refined sounding though. I like mine on my niimbus us4+, but there are cheaper amps that suit it well too lol
2 Likes
Ok, so 560 scales better over time and the sundara just sounds more refined. Watching a few comparisons between the sundara and 560s. What exactly do you mean by more refined sounding. More detail? Cleaner?
Sidenote, found an HE 560 for 350 usd (used in good condition, seller is apparently reliable). Equivalent price being part of the equation, 560 vs sundara?
So it’s a more coherent signature and also less peaky and more even, the 560 is more fun in comparison. The 560 would be a more direct upgrade to the 400/4xx, while the sundara would still be an upgrade but slightly different. Also there are different versions of the 560 so be careful, you want the he560 v1, which as the wood veneer and mini coax or 2.5mm cup connectors. Also the 560 is known for having more qc issues than the sundara just to note.
What’s your budget for an amp?
Hmm ok. Here’s the link. Isn’t the wood veneer. Looking up the differences now.
Budget for a new amp is the rest of the 1000 that I don’t spend 
. Cheaper is better, as always, but if it’s really worth it I’d go for it.