Awesome and will take a look and possibly pads. I’ve heard amazing things about the VC and maybe it’s just me, but want to give full benefit of the doubt by trying different setups
If you’re finding both Atticus and VC to sound off it’s very likely the amp or something is wrong with the headphones. Trying a high impedance OTL should solve the issue if your headphones are fine. Sometimes used market headphones that have been around the block could have been tampered with or off for some reason. We can always check them out if need be.
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Thanks Zack! I’m still learning and have a mojo, 789THX, A90, Burson Soloist, and Darkvoice.
Current setup is PC>Grace SDAC (balanced)>Burson Soloist.
I haven’t tried the headphone with the Darkvoice or the Burson yet, so will get back on that unless you have thoughts. Again, I’m learning and any reference material in addition to what I’m researching now would be great.
Not sure if modified, though would love feed back or thoughts if they have been. What would that process look like?
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Interested to hear your thoughts using the Burson Soloist 3XP.
I really enjoy my 3XP with my ZMFs (Verite and Aeolus), using a Schiit Bifrost 2 and then an Yggy DAC. I know everyone says ZMFs are best with tubes (and I don’t disagree) but I’ve found that a class A solid state amp like the Soloist gets close to the synergy that ZMF has with tubes.
If you still don’t like your ZMFs, it might be your DAC that’s holding them back. Something like a BF2 wouldn’t necessarily be better than your Grace, but combined with the Soloist, it will give you a different flavor than the analytical gear you’re used to.
I remember you posting elsewhere that you wanted something fun as a complement to your analytical setup. You might need to get another DAC to get there.
Of course, this all comes down to preferences, so there is a chance that you don’t like ZMFs.
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Agreed that the 3XP sounds great with my Aeolus and Verite Open (sorry, no VC here to comment on). My BHC seems to really add some magic to the bass response of the Aeolus and Auteur in particular (and perhaps the Atticus, as it has the same driver as the Aeolus), but the Verite’s seem to be most happy with a warm, but highly resolving amp like the Soloist.
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I’m looking at the Bifrost 2 now and looks like a lot of other success stories. Also had my eye on the RME ADI. There is a Bifrost 2 in “Buy/Sell” I might snag.
I am working today on a clean start from wall to headphones checking wires, connections and setting up my Darkvoice and Soloist 3x to test outside of my current AMP/DAC that was not providing what I had been so excited about, but let down.
Updates to come later today!
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One of the hardest things in this hobby is figuring out your own preferences, and you really just have to try different things. Next hardest is probably figuring out other people’s preferences/biases when they say something is good or bad.
The RME and BF2 are both excellent, and both different sounding, so it will be interesting to find out which one you like the best.
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Understand you will make mistakes and mis-judgements along the way. Experience comes at a cost. Comfort can often be as important as sound quality, If they aren’t comfortable, you wont want to wear them. Those ZMFs are great cans. IMO, avoid HiFiMan from a QC perspective. HIFiMan stuff sounds good but only if it works. A number of people have had posted problems in the past. Focal, Sennheiser, Dan Clark, and ZMF are all safe bets. When it comes to IEMs, @antdroid is the expert. He posts lots of valuable comments.
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I like hifiman personally. So take it for what it is. I’ve had some issues with their Adorama specials, but other ones I’ve owned (buying from headphones.com) have had zero issues. But it is a little risk, but their Customer Service have always fixed my issues faster than I’d ever imagine. Usually replaced within the same week. Other brands have had issues too : Focal has had a ton of driver failures in the past as has Audeze and other brands. DCA has had channel imbalance issues in the past. Sennheiser has been pretty solid though. Anyway, all I’m saying, there’s always a chance of an issue arising. Manufacturing is never perfect, but how its handled in customer service is greatly important as well. (some are better than others in this case)
Finding what you like its a journey and an experience on its own. I enjoyed listening and learning through mistake purchases, and meeting people to share ideas and gear with. It’s been a fun time of figuring out what I like and don’t like. But it can be an expensive journey lol. Recommend buying used if you’re okay with it to reduce cost burdens. Can easily re-sell for minimal losses.
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What a set-up! I got a baby monitor with a vibrate mode and blinking light (as well as sound). Best combo when using cans.
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HiFi Man sounds good, but too many reported problems on the various forums for my liking. I have a set of HE6SE (v1). They sound good and I baby them. The original pads fell apart quickly. Like anything else, YMMV…
I have two Focals, four Dan Clarks, two Senns, and four ZMFs. No issues for me. Performance wise the HE6SE has been fine.
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Yeah- Sundara got me started and my Arya V2 is my go to. Haven’t had issues there, but my brand new Focal Clear was clipping at low db’s. I usually always buy used, and the one time I bought new it was defective lol
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True, I get lost in music and the flashing light would help! I’m thinking about the new lg c2 42 or 48 oled for my main spot. My dream is to get a Eames lounge chair to listen to music in 
Ok! Looking for music recommendations for testing my ZMFs. I’ve got a list going but always like to hear what others got blown away by.
I’ll be adding thoughts under each song in each headset with my first amp, then will change out amp and do over.
My newest rediscovery is Paul Simon’s Graceland. Diamonds on the Soles of Her Shoes especially has an amazing soundstage and vocals.
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There’s a whole thread on test tracks here.
I linked to @generic’s post because his list is particularly awesome (and while I’m at it, I’ll go for a 2 for 1 and wish @generic a happy cake day) but it’s worth reading the whole thread.
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Thank you. Don’t want to pollute or recreate the wheel. Will check out the thread!
OK - After some testing, I now understand why this headphone is top tier. WOOF. Now that I have a somewhat “better” setup, I am hearing what you are all saying.
Currently testing on Burson Soloist with that SDAC Grace, (which I might swap with a Bifrost or RME). I am testing with my Darkvoice in several days once my bulbs get some burn time to reduce some hum.
I can hear so much Soundstage on the VC and the Atticus adds that bump in the bass which I love, though the VC seems to be a step way above all around, but a little bit less “fun” . Can EQ help with this as the VC is superior, but the Atticus bass does it, but can get muddy in the middle, but still so good.
I am glad I came here to discuss before relisting these pieces of art. More testing and results to come. Should I keep both!!? I think one will survive 
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Excellent advice my @PaisleyUnderground. These factors are often overlooked in favour of immediate gratification. Easy trap to fall into myself included.