I wouldn’t generally dare to say that the RebelAmp is the “non plus ultra” amp for the Verité.
There are certainly many possible combinations to achieve a satisfactory result in interaction.
The description above only concerns my personal taste, within the sound chains available to me.
Not only the RebelAmp is responsible for this result, but also the Eversolo DMP-A8 and the Holo Cyan2; together they create a wonderful synergy of components and —- for me —- an outstanding sound experience.
Others may see it differently.
Another example is the Sennheiser HD650, whose drivers I would describe as sluggish or slow and whose sound signature as rather “warm”.
Many recommend a tube amplifier for these headphones too, a pairing that I would not prefer, but the Nitsch Pietus Maximus, in conjunction with the DAC of the ifi Neo 2, gives the 650s real dynamics and “drive”, so that my personal perception of the sound is much more satisfied.
You have three unbelievably nice examples of each model there Lothar. I don’t have a Caldera (yet, someday), but I share those two with you and Eikon + Aeolus.
I also found the Verite to be the hardest to get “dialed in” with the right amp and pads, but once achieved it is truly fabulous.
For me, the most wonderful synergy for the Verite came when I added a Nitsch/ECP DSHA-3FN amp, backed up by a Schiit Yggydrasil OG (A2/Unison USB). It is my “bullseye” with BE2 pads.
If you ever get a chance to try the DSHA-3F amp, I don’t think you’d be disappointed. It reveals detail I’ve never heard, with the blackest background (lowest noise floor) of anything I’ve heard to date. Yet it is not what I would call totally “neutral”, it gives some slight euphony and total musicality to what you are listening to. Its driver control and sound staging are next level (imo).
It’s an ideal pairing with dynamic driver and some planar headphone models. I’ve found it’s great for all my ZMFs and of course Focals, and had very good results with my Rosson RAD-0.
I know Christian (CeeTee) has another batch coming very soon, including some 230V…
I can imagine that very well, as I have the same feeling when the Pietus drives the HD650‘s, no other amplifier has their drivers under such good control.
I also read Zach’s comment on the DSHA-3FN and he praises this device effusively.
But as so often:
American product without European dealer, means …………
Personal taste aside, I don’t think you are going about it the wrong way.
I’ve got 3 headphone amps right now in my main rig and like you I need and crave the differences each of those amps offer, especially now since I’m at a headphone total of 5. They all love different food if you will. Amp variety is my favourite thing about my entire setup. Glad I went down that road, kind of like you.
I’ve been around but super busy lately. Not a ton of listening time between finishing a room in my basement and work, but hopefully things are slowing down some.
Picked up the Diana DZ. It’s not bad, but MR still holds its own very well. Still trying to figure out which one I’ll keep but I’m leaning MR.
Also added the clock to my dac. Wasn’t the best timing but I was able to snag this for a solid price and I think it’s a nice addition. Need more time with it (had it for maybe 2 weeks?) but it’s definitely an improvement. Diminishing returns definitely kick in, but it’s still an improvement.
And I finished my office room in my basement. Built a nice little area for my son to game at and a work/listening area for me. Still waiting on some furniture pieces to come in but it’s coming together nicely. Desk came out pretty nice too. Need to get some more pics with better lighting. Soon!
Rodney. This looks incredible. That is a killer setup. Lord knows how we both parent our kids knowing what incredible toys await us in a certain part of the house.
Awesome, man. Great setup.
Oh wait. I just heard if you don’t start listening to your DCS equipment at least by after dinner they will sue you. .
Overheating failure due to too much tube heat on a shelf?
Admittedly, my little man cave has reached its limit and my next step will be to sell about 80% of my technical equipment.
A complex project , especially since I find it difficult to part with some devices, as they also have sentimental value.
But this act of self-castigation is now simply necessary, especially since 1-2 new products are planned that will probably overshadow the existing system.
I am currently in discussions about whether we can hold a small “flea market” for used headphones and amplifiers on the sidelines of the next