Continuing my belief that even the greatest headphones can sound quite shite in bad chains… My top 5 headphones and accompanying gear:
ZMF Auteur > ECP 3F > Yggy A2.
There’s just so much character to everything I hear from this chain. Enveloping, smooth, rich sounds where nothing bites you or sounds harsh, yet is textured and detailed.
ZMF Verite C > EC ZDS > Sonnet Morpheus.
Huge sound stage. Speed in spades. Exciting timbre. Morpheus magic.
HD650 > BH Crack > Bifrost 2.
Just a simple little setup that’s pretty much good for everything.
E-mu Teak w/ ZMF Universe Suede pads (non-perforated) > Asgard 3 > Bifrost 2
Everything here combines together to tame the savage Teak. Lows and highs are reigned in but remain exciting. Mids are enhanced. It’s such a more even sound than any other Foster headphone I’ve ever heard, but retains the impact the bio drivers do so effortlessly.
Koss Porta Pros > Fiio BTR3
It’s ultra portable, sounds great, simple. Best for those of us who can’t stand things inside their earholes.