Just tested the Focal Radiance vs the Denon D7200 today.
I’m not sure why the Denon D7200 is considered by some as a ‘basshead’ headphone because it’s actually reasonably balanced. Yes, there is a decent amount of bass but it’s not overwhelming at all, and the mids aren’t recessed either.
The Radiance on the other hand could actually be considered a basshead headphone because there’s substantial bass there, and it’s more of a v shaped sig (Harman sig actually) and the mids are a bit recessed on it.
Detail and soundstage are both are similar.
D7200 is just an all around great closed back, Radiance if you like your bass or v shaped headphones try it. They’re both great closed backs at it’s price range, just preference on tuning here.
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Your Atriums are gorgeous
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Hifiman HE1000 V2s… this is absolutely an end game level headphone. In some ways I actually prefer it over the $6000 Susvaras. Compared to my Aryas, it’s got a slightly flatter tuning, slightly more detail and overall sounds more smoother and refined. However the Aryas are also really good and more dynamic / lively sounding. It’s actually a bit more fun to listen to than the flatter / neutral HD800s or Susvaras although those headphones are better technically. This will be TOTL for many (although the HE1000 Stealth the successor is reasonably priced at $1400).
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Audio-Technica AWKT vs Denon D9200
so what do I think about these two flagship Japanese wooden closed backs?
I think the AWKTs are an acquired taste, for those who want an especially bright upper-midrange forward headphone then the AWKTs are definitely that, but the tuning can be considered a bit strange for some people. The upper mids and highs are much more detailed and prominent than the lower mids and lows and can sound a bit harsh and fatiguing to some, especially if you don’t burn them in. Audio-Technica’s tunings for their headphones are really kind of all over the place, they have no ‘house’ sound but in general they seem to like their highs a lot. Nor are they comfortable - which is odd considering that Audio-Technica’s lower end headphones like the R70x are quite comfortable - the earcups are simply too big and shallow and press up against your ears. I recommend definitely demoing the AWKT before buying them they are not for everyone.
The D9200 on the other hand, is a much more general crowd pleaser. Although I personally like the darker Kokutan wood of the AWKTs more, the bamboo earcups of the D9200 definitely have more texture to them. Sound wise, they are nicely balanced and even across the spectrum. I would say the bass and mids especially are nicely textured and are slightly forward but not too much. The D9200s highs are their weakest point and are just ok - that’s where Audio-Technica seems to excel in since they seem to focus on treble a lot. However, Denon seems to have much better bass than Audio-Technica headphones across the board. They are also much more comfortable to wear than the AWKTs.
So thats my conclusion of these two headphones - the AWKT retails for more, but seems to be more of a specialized headphone for people who like forward female vocals and detailed treble extension while the D9200s just seem to be a very balanced sounding headphone all around and are a much safer recommendation for most people.
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SOURCE/DAC
- Roon (FLAC + Qobuz)
- Spotify for discovery, playlist management, casual listening
- Soundiiz for syncing Spotify ↔ Qobuz
- Tripp-Lite USB cable with ferrite chokes
- Schiit Yggdrasil+ More Is Better DAC (via Unison USB)
AMPS
- 1101 Audio Blue Halo+ OTL
- Bottlehead Crack (w/ Speedball)
- NITSCH DSHA-3FN
HEADPHONES
- ZMF Verite Closed (Stabilized)
- ZMF Atrium Closed (Resin)
- ZMF Aeolus (Ziricote)
MY JOURNEY
Since late-2019, I’ve been slowly building my headphone setup around ZMF headphones. It all started when Tyler let me demo a few ZMF’s and I fell in love with the tuning. The Aeolus (b-stock Ziricote) was my first ZMF - a huge upgrade from the 58x (that I still have today, albeit now with ZMF pads). Since then I’ve continued with the focus of building “The Ultimate ZMF Listening Station”. I’ve reached a stage where I’m feeling pretty close to audio-nirvana.
Earlier this year I swapped the BF2/64 for the Yggy+ GS2/A1. Mind blown. While I loved the major leap in technicalities, I was not really happy with the leaner tilt, esp. with certain amp/headphone pairings. I bought the MIB upgrade card the day it was available. Just over 2 weeks now and I’m VERY happy with how this DAC is synergizing with ALL of my amps and headphones. I feel like the perfect balance has been achieved between technical performance and pure enjoyment.
LISTENING
I spend about 90% of my time listening to the Blue Halo+ amp. The Blue Halo+ was built by a talented amp designer/builder in Canada - @A2029. They design and build boutique amps under the moniker of 1101 Audio. I won’t go into all of the details of this amp now - perhaps one day I’ll get around to a more detailed write up (in the meantime here’s a brief product description).
My goal with this amp and working with @A2029 was to ensure that no expense was spared, either in the components used or the design of the circuit. Every decision was made with singular goal of ensuring the best possible performance with ZMF dynamics. This amp has taken a long time to get to know, but it’s been an extraordinarily rewarding experience. There are multiple configurations which can each run thousands (perhaps millions, with adapters) of tube combinations. Output impedance can range from ~6-8 ohm all the way upwards of 100 ohm - and anywhere in-between by running different tube combinations. Feel like ultimate high-fidelity, maximum clarity, and technical performance? Switch to “Blue Halo” output stage, enable CCS bias, and run extremely linear tubes. Feel like maximum warmth/decay/lushness (while still having a solid foundation of technicalities)? Switch to “Blue Halo+” output stage, turn on resistor bias, and run some higher distortion tubes. Or anywhere in-between…There are very few combinations I’ve heard that aren’t enjoyable, which makes tube rolling a continuous adventure. This amp can cater to any mood.
The Blue Halo+ has truly scaled up with better source gear. With the Yggy+ MIB, I believe the technical performance is at least par with the DSHA-3FN - if not exceeding it. The additional desirable qualities of tubes (more holographic staging, euphonic even-order harmonic distortion, etc) make the experience truly out of this world.
At risk of sounding hyperbolic, I truly believe this will be a Buy-It-For-Life headphone amp for my ZMF headphones (I made sure to get long-life caps that should last >30 years before needing to be replaced). I listen to it almost daily and it brings me immense joy.
The DSHA-3FN has become my “reference” SS amp. It’s simply awesome with all of my ZMF headphones. It happens to have IDENTICAL tonality to the Blue Halo+, with slightly more energetic edge and the typical things you’d expect from an SS amp. For almost every tube roll in the BH+, I’ll swap back to the DSHA-3FN as a reference to get a feel for how the tubes/amp config are influencing the sound. For quick sessions or when I don’t feel like firing up the tube amp, the DSHA-3FN never lets me down with any of the ZMF’s.
I rarely fire up the Bottlehead Crack, but I will never bring myself to get rid of it. Eventually I plan to set it up in a secondary listening station with the BHC + Aeolus. They will always be a matching pair as they both are made from Ziricote wood and finished with the same semi-gloss lacquer.
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Yeah this is terrific. I’ve kind of gone about the same way you have where by getting a couple of really good amps really solidifies and becomes the backbone or heart of your system. You’ve done really well and it seems you’ve established a nice synergy and difference with your amps being the driving force. My only suggestion and to make a bit more use out of your bottle head crack amp, is to get a pre amp if none of your current amps have one. I’d get a solid state one and hook it up to the “Crack.” You’ll breed more difference and excitement. I’m like you. I’m building a system for keeps. I’m almost done. 
Anyhow. Let me know what you think?
Great system though. That 1101 looks like the real deal. 
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I really love your VC! Gorgeous. 
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Does that look like DAC → Pre-amp → BHC → Headphones? I’m not too familiar with pre-amps and how they are meant to be used / what the benefits are. Sounds intriguing, and my Crack has been awfully cold this winter 
Thank you! I had such a tremendously positive experience working with Mischa @ 1101 Audio on the build, and couldn’t be happier with the end-result, so I feel compelled to spread the word and share impressions. I just wish more people had access to their amps! I hope to bring the Blue Halo+ to a Seattle meet some day.
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That would be great! 
I’m also in the Seattle area, I’d be interested in having a local meet. I could bring my DSHA-3FN if you don’t bring yours, and a VO, AO, or Eikon Classic depending on interest. Or Utopia 2020.
If you or any other locals have an interest keep me in the loop. 
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You are gonna make a lot of people in Seattle very happy. You’ll definitely bring the rain 
there. 
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A very balanced combination, and normally, honestly, completely sufficient.
But I don’t think anyone here is really “normal” when it comes to hi-fidelity, the tendency towards excessiveness has already affected almost everyone here.
🫨🤣
Some people just parked a C-Class Mercedes on the shelf.
Or have an unconventional room decoration:
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It’s very reassuring to know that someone has more headphones than I do! 
What is that, like 50 meters of headphones?
Happy Lampi Day!
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This is how we do things in Germany, we don’t buy our products by the number of pieces, but in lengths by the meter.
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Bleh …
Despite being a metric stronghold, in the UK we drink our ale by the yard …
Pints are for … well, you get the idea …
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