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@Klmahnn I saw you are running your VC out of a JDS Labs Element II. I have an EL AMP II which should be the same as the amp section in your Element II. Are you satisfied with the combination and have you had a chance to compare it to any other amps?
I broke down and ordered the SW51+ tube amp, but that is at least 3 months out. I will be using the EL until that arrives.
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My experience with amps and dacs is unfortunately very limited. I started off with the RME adi-2 and THX 789 stack that I was very happy with, but ultimately I decided to simplify my setup and go for an AIO.
After learning about how the amp’s output impedance has an effect on the level of damping on drivers, I briefly brought the Beyerdynamic A20 into the mix.
Testing between the RME adi-2 as an AIO, RME/THX stack, Element II, A20 with the Element’s dac (and sometimes with the Grace SDAC), did not actually reveal significant differences to my ears.
I could detect a somewhat more laid back sound with the A20 with a touch more midbass vs the RME or RME/THX. The RME/THX for sure was the most fatiguing of the lot. The Element II easily won on form factor and price. Testing it against the THX/RME did not reveal significant (any?) difference, but I will say after owning it for a while, that I find I no longer get listening fatigue like I did with RME/THX.
Disclaimer I do not have trained ears, they are almost certainly not in the best state after many parties/gigs and I did not spend all that much time doing these comparisons because, frankly, I find that on this scale of marginality, the whole process is tedious and dare I say… boring.
I had to cut out a huge chunk of my response because it was going beyond the scope of the question, but in short - yes, very happy with the performance. I think that in the SS realm you will probably have to spend significantly more to gain an appreciable jump in SQ (willing to be corrected on this) and you made the right move to go down the tubes path to dial in a sound more suited to your preference.
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I really appreciate your impressions @Klmahnn. I suspected I’d have to spend quite a bit more money to hear any major improvements on a SS amp. I think the high price of the Verite Closed made me get a little insecure about my little $250 amp. I’ve never owned anything high-end like the Verite Closed before, so I think I just want to make sure I’m not holding it back with my relatively cheap amp and DAC (Topping E30).
Your response has eased my mind quite a bit. If you like the Element II more than the much more expensive RM/THX combo, then I will do my best to be content with what I have. I am pretty tempted by the Bifrost 2 on the DAC side though.
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I have felt the same way… it might seem counterintuitive but I think technology has improved so much that very good quality can be had at affordable prices.
The original element has been used by ZMF at shows previously. I’m sure the convenient form factor played a part but Zach wouldn’t hook his cans up to garbage for convenience sake.
I’m not sure if you’ve seen the DMS review but he compares the Element II / El Amp II favourably to far more expensive gear and happily drives his Abyss cans with them at home/work.
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Now that is an “I got wood” scenario. 
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Hope some people were able to pick up a VC stabilized they liked! Congrats if you were able to land the one you wanted.
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Oh, yes! So pumped for mine…speediest purchase I’ve experienced! lol
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Agreed. I haven’t been this excited since I got my Atari 2600 many, many moons ago.
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Which one did you get? I got the Dark Star one…
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Awesome! Yes the check out process is very quick! Or you have to be quick haha.
Congrats!
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My favorite of the bunch 
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What can I say…watching those livestreams every week with you wearing your VC got me that purple mindset! lol
I am curious how the batch for the double buyers looked like tho…
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Zach said the double buyers bought a lot of blue headphones. That’s why the Wednesday batch didn’t have many blue sets.
He asked them not to post screenshots so that’s why you haven’t seen them.
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Some are posted on Head Fi though. I’m partial to the purple sets myself, but blue is a close second.
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Yeah I’m sure it doesn’t matter now. They just didn’t want them to be posted before the day of sale I think.
Those are gorgeous.
Blue is my favourite colour and these are stunning headphones. Especially ‘The Eye of the Tempest’ set.
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At the moment I’m having an inner struggle with myself 
.
Until December 31st, we will get 3% VAT exempt from all products in Germany 
.
Until then, I would like to buy 1 more high-end headphones 
for my portfolio.
And I waver between these two:
And this one, with a not inconsiderable, about € 1500, Christmas discount:
https://www.audiodomain.de/sonoma-m1?c=28
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You can also get the sonoma at headphoneauditions (amsterdam) for the same amount. But discount is not limited to this year.