Initial impressions have been very positive so far, but I’m going to hold off to make sure I feel the same once the newness factor has passed. I think it’s safe to say, at a minimum, that ampsandsound pairs really well with ZMFs though.
I love the Empyreans and the 800S. I don’t think I’d want either as my only headphone, but I don’t know if I’d say that if I didn’t have other options. I think both get a bit of a bad rap, but I’m a big fan
That High Z should say “11”. 
Yeah, I’ve heard both 800S and Empyreans and agree with that sentiment–I want both, but neither as an “only” headphone. I could probably live with Stellias as an “only” headphone, but I’m glad I don’t have to do that. I’d miss out on the euphonic bliss of ZMF + tubes.
My Hiby R5 arrived today. I still have to tinker with it some more, but I can confidently recommend it. The build quality and user interface both are fantastic. Really enjoying it so far.
the head-fi peeps be passing it around. has to be halfway decent or they would not. let us know your thoughts! hope you enjoy them 
Just noticed the album. Dirt was my very first CD–the start of a long journey.
Glad to hear you’re liking the R5. I have an R6 Pro stainless that I really like. I’ve been impressed with Hiby and Fiio players.
Ohhh youuuu couldn’t dam that riverrrrr 
cough 5am here, I guess I should go to bed 
Excellent band though.
How are you liking that Soekris dac? ive been thinking about getting one. But i’m not sure how good it is compared to the Schiit bifrost
That is actually a very good question. I’d say the soekris dac1321 is more analytical sounding than the Bifrost 2. But, the treble detail is very articulate yet non fatiguing which is perfect for me. I’d recommend either dac without reservation. I personally think the Bifrost 2 is better and more refined and has a larger soundstage, but not by much. Both DACs sound so much more natural than other DACs I’ve owned. Another neat feature of the Soekris is the 4 filter choices at the press of a button. They are all subtle filters with small changes, but the brickwall filter is fun. Tightens the bass and sharpens the upper mids and treble.
I think it comes down to preferences and price. The Soekris is $449 and the BF2 $699. So if one could stretch the budget for the BF2, I’d recommend that. But if not, the Soekris dac1321 is a solid choice and I have zero negatives to say about either DAC.
Well i like the sound of the Soekris more. and i hate the “Schiit” name lol. I dont like too much soundstage and i love analytical. so it sounds like the Soekris 1321 is for me. thing is its out of stock and its been that way for a while. i wonder how the company is doing. I guess i’ll have to look around the used market. I hope its an upgrade for my SU8
It wasnt out of stock when I bought mine from Modhouse Audio 2 weeks ago. You may want to double check.
hmm, maybe they sell out fast when they get restocked. have to keep my eye on it lol
The soekris dac1421 is supposed to be even better with an amp built in as well. You may want to consider that one as well.
Modhouse Audio is the only authorized U.S. distributor in case anybody is interested and was unaware of that as well. That probably also limits the amount of stock they have readily available.
Also, a revised and updated version of the dac1541 should be coming out in the summer, which Ryan from Modhouse confirmed in the comments section of the headphone show episode he was a guest on a few weeks ago.
Welcome to the club. They are probably my favorite IEMs right now, heh.
I felt similarly when I unboxed the Qutest last week. Funny that an xbox controller has become a standard for measurement scale:
bought myself a cheap mic to replace my snowball, as much as I like condensers as a mech keyboard loving fool and the fact that I literally dont do any content creation I finally decided against it and went with a dynamic.
Soekris is looking for more webshops to sell their products in the US, so I guess they are doing ok.
That Qutest is pretty sweet.
What do you think of the sound?
