Had a bit of a revelation with the Susvara today that made me feel pretty dumb…
I was playing around with the Crayon to compare the SE vs Bal inputs, which I found to be very close. In fact, since I didn’t have any RCAs of the same quality as my XLRs, I largely chalk up any loss to the lower quality RCAs.
In playing with the Crayon inputs, though, I realized that I’ve never played around with the gain, just leaving it at 0. The other options are -6db and +6db. I flipped it to +6 and, wow. All of a sudden what I’ve been feeling I’m missing with macro and impact was almost entirely resolved. It made me think, if the Sus had sounded like this the first time I tried them on this amp, ‘getting’ them would have been much more immediate.
Also of note, I recently switched to my DHC Molecule Elite 19 Fusion for the last week or so. After switching back to the Lazuli Ultra today, I’m realizing that the cable change also helped. The Molecule is a little more forward and energetic, giving a bit more sense of impact. The Lazuli by comparison is more smooth and has a sweetness in the treble, making it feel more liquid.
All of this now has me questioning what I actually want out of a DAC upgrade now. I’m still interested in Totaldac and Mojo Mystique, but am much more open to other options in the range, as long as it gives me just a touch more impact/energy than my La Voce S3.
I know, I know, this is an area that I’ve yet to explore beyond the Forza Hybrid I’m using. I will do this but, I’m still focused (obsessed) on the source chain. I’ve had some sonic revelations recently by changing out amplifiers, and even more so for myself, swapping in different DACs, and that is the direction I want to pursue as trying a different DAC had the most impact to this point and I need to follow that through. Then, I will season it all off with a new cable.
It is smoother and more extended in the treble, mids are lush and bass tone is also improved over the stock cable. I have not had any better cable to compare it to so stock and Hart Audio cables are all I have to reference. Oh I forgot, I have an OIDIO with the SPC wire and the Forza Noir Hybrid is also preferred over that cable too.
Its funny you mentioned the v550, I’m trying to put some words together around that amp and Susvara specifically. TLDR even though I did pick up another amplifier and I am going to keep that amplifier to use with the Susvara primarily, I am not so sure that it was necessary to swap amps. I think it was more a synergy situation and if I would have tried a DAC first vs an amp we would be having a different conversation.
This too is something I am working on commenting in in more detail but I had a moment last night using my TH610 Lawton where I was like yeah no way the Susvara brings as much joy as this does.
However, the Susvara is incredible and even though it is not always what I want, it is something that I do not want to be without. I’m reaching for the Susvara 90% of the time. I’ve found that listening with it, even to albums and tracks that in my minds eye the Susvara is not the optimal choice for, that I still enjoy it, even sometimes now preferring it with some of those same tracks that had me questioning it.
so I got mine in today and can use Susvara without getting all tangled in that crazy snake cable.
I actually agree with what you stated above especially that treble extention. feels a bit more energy in treble region and a bit more clarity overall. also this cable for some reason picks up less volume pot cracking so I am very happy about it.
They really are very nice cables and without spending $600 plus. I have not heard a $600 plus cable though so there is that, and I will not dare contest what is said about those higher end cables. Perhaps when my source gear approaches the $10K mark a cable that is 10-15% of that can be more justified.
Glad you are happy with it. I am considering another one for my D8K Pro.
Hello there! I have a question about the HEKse: How hard is it to drive? I only have experience running dynamics and relatively easy-to-drive planars like Diana V2; is HEKse significantly harder to drive than something like Diana V2? (Would it make sense to take it portable, for example?)
For the hek I think so imo, a studio b will do you nicely. Some of the older ec like the zds, zana, etc might not be a good match, but I’ve liked heks with both the studios/aficionado and older balancing act. Honestly those also played nicely for things like the he5/500 as well. Wouldn’t really put a susvara or he6 on there though. Never tried an Arya on one either (at least I don’t think I did)
I am running my Susvaras out of the EC Studio from the speaker taps (6W pc). I feel it’s sufficient and enjoyable but I guess I don’t know what I am missing.
I ran the Susvaras briefly out of the LTA Z40 speaker taps and I felt the Studio was doing a better job. But I haven’t tried any of the favorites like Oor, 23R or WA33 (WA33 I did try for a few minutes but not sufficient for a comparison)
Studio t is probably the only one I’d actually consider being a potentially worthwhile pairing, off taps at least, but I still think in that price range there’s probably others I’d consider over it. The studio b, Jr/aficionado, balancing act are more noticeably lesser pairings
So I finally caved on trying the HE6se V2 - got a pair new in box, shipped, for $500. I figure if I hate them I can get out of them with out much loss (although a bit of a saturated market). anyway…
CABLES???
Any recommendations for a semi-price appropriate cable for these? I was looking at WyWire since they seem to be perminately onsale - can get one new direct from WyWire for $209. Seems like a good price for a decent cable. But any real recommendations for something that will “synergize” with the HE6? Or maybe I should just invest a little more $$$ in a nice 3.5mm terminated cable to use on this and any other 3.5mm headphones I get in the future… thought? recommendations? thanks!
WyWire Red series for $209 (regular $349)
WyWire Platinum series for $359 (regular $599)
Seems like a decent deal either way. But I have zero experience with WyWire. Its easy to default towards a Silver Dragon for $375 (new, probably find used for a good price), since I have some experience with them and I’ve enjoyed them in the past.
Any experience on HE6se burn in? Just got them out of the box and they sound good so far… should I expect them to change over the first X number of hours?
Lol