I finally decided to purchase a Susvara after listening to your review and others on repeat for the past 4 weeks. I just got it today and you're right; it truly is incredible. Honestly, I can't get over how comfortable it is and the dynamics are fantastic; way better than I was expecting.
This was really enjoyable to watch, and extremely informative, particularly that most of us can't compare these headphones all once in real life. Thank you for the effort you put into it!
One of the most comprehansive and rounded reviews I've seen on YT - thank you. I'm rehearsing a pair along with Holo Audio May, Spring 3 and Bliss next week. Hoping it'll be my end game for the next decade or two 🙂
If there ever was a review that sold me the Susvara, this is it! What an in-depth review that provides every possible detail that one could ask for. This is on my list to buy next now.
Absolutely brilliant review, I ordered the Susvara last week, now I just need to wait for them to be delivered. I will be using the rear xlr out on the Chord Hugo TT2 until I get something like the AHB2 or OOR headphone amp.
Another amazing, through and articulate review! If the Susvara is the best all round headphone this is likely the best all round review of the Susvara on TH-cam (and I’ve seen them all multiple times)! Reviewers like you add so much to the community (especially to those of us that are relatively new to the hobby). Thank you for that. I’m likely to pull the trigger an a pair of Susvara very soon and pair it with the May and likely the Burson Soloist GT - any experience of that particular combination? Also, what usb and interconnect cables are you using with your current Sus chain? Again - thank you!🙏
Thank you. I really appreciate the kind words. I have heard the GT drives the Susvara well. As for USB, I am using AQ Carbon and I also like the USB cable that came with the Holo May, lol. The May is indeed spectactular. As for interconnects, I am using a variety of Kimber and AQ interconnects. I switch them around a lot.
Another awesome review and I appreciate you’re passionate drive in this hobby. When I got into this hobby many years ago in the middle of the price range I always saw people that owned the Susvara also owned the 1266 TC and I always wondered why? In a nutshell they both compliment each other very well and depending on your musical mood you can pickup one or the other and be so involved with the music. Now I am surprised that no one ever thinks about the Woo Audio WA33 amp this amp is extremely versatile and most of all it can pair with ANY headphones. I see it selling on the used market for under $5k with the base model, and if you want to step it up even more than go for the Elite version where you get the very best volume pot on the market $1300 to be exact. Not to mention a ton of tube options as well. On another note regarding the Topping A90 with the Susvara’s I think it is a huge mistake. I see so many people getting a highend headphone in this hobby and pairing it with a $300 Schiit stack and saying this headphone sucks. This is like buying a new Porsche GTS but only having enough money to buy 1990 Toyota Corolla tires to put on it and after driving it saying this car sucks. I’ve tried many headphone amps A90 = totally sucked, Violectric v281 okay way better than the A90, Emotiva headphone amp unleashed 50w better, my Yamaha AS3000 very good and many more but do not buy this headphone with crappy source and expect a miracle in sound. In my opinion the Susvara is one of the best sounding headphone out that plays most of 99.9% of all music genres with ease. Just don’t feed it 💩 amps and dacs and you will be extremely rewarded.
I just bought the Yamaha AS3200 speaker Amp & I am looking at possibly getting Susvaras. Can you tell me about your experience with the Yamaha 3000 you said was good with the susvaras!! I’d appreciate it
You do great reviews. You are always detailed and do not rush, and also share your bias which I like a lot. Currently I am on a crossroad - I have three electrostatic headphones, HD800s , Arya ( the edition before the stealth), an Eikon, Z1R iem, UM Mesk, ZM72, two Focals,.... and I wonder which way to go. Let's forget the Staxes, according to you what is better the Susvara or the LCD-5? Please, do not calculate the chain - I have a good streamer, Denafrips Ares II, Myteck Liberty dac, Burson Soloist 3X, so the rig, I think, is good. Also, I already have good idea what you like and why. So, opinion Susvara or LCD-5, please!?
Hi Sajid and thank you very much for your great review! And for all your great reviews in the past which I really liked a lot. You describe everything very well and your descriptions fit perfectly to my own experiences (in case of certain headphones I could listen to).
In your other video from 2nd of November and again now in this new video in the comparison section you state that a well driven SR-009s (e.g. via KGSSHV Carbon) is at the same sonic quality level as a well driven Susvara if looking at the sum of all sonic properties, i.e. the overall performance. Of course, both have their individual pros and cons at different selected fields, they are different in tonality, holographic sound/airiness, detail retrieval, etc., but with regard to the overall performance there is a "tie". Right? I think exactly the same. Recently, I could thoroughly test the new Stax SR-X9k. And this was an extreme WOW experience when I compared it to my SR-009 (I also used a KGSSHV Carbon by Mjoelnir Audio). Before that comparison I was quite skeptical and thought Stax could have achieved only subtle improvements (if any) as the SR-009 was already so good. But when I made these comparisons with different type of music (preference was classical, large ultra-complex orchestra works like those by Gustav Mahler, and intimate vocal music and acoustical music and also pop/rock music tracks), I was literally blown away by the overall performance of the X9000. That X9k was far better than my SR-009 by really every property. Again even more detailed and fast, crisp, sparkling and extremely holographic with spatially ultra-fine resolution. And besides that a very beautiful tonality and overall impression. Yes, "beautiful" (or heavenly!) is the right word. Besides ultra accuracy far beyond that of the 009, a wonderful musical beauty! Absolutely incredible. I really wonder how it compares to Susvara, or Sennheiser HE-1 or Shangri-La Sr. After these extreme improvements over the already excellent SR-009, I would not be astonished if the X9k could have surpassed the HE-1. At least after a Harman correction via EQ (which the HE-1 also does by its built-in DSP/DAC/EQ closed system). But, of course, I don't know. I would be very interested in your impressions and maybe a video or head-fi forum posting when you had them. Thanks a lot again, kind regards and Cheers!
@@petergrifindor I used different sources, an SACD player (for DSD bitstream protocol) Sony SCD-XB 940, low-jitter CD-Player Musical Fidelity Xray v3 and for PC files Pro-Ject Pre Box S2 Digital DAC. I have some other DACs but did not use them for that comparison. But I must say that DAC/CD/SACD/DSD is not the major impact. Even the KGSSHV Carbon amp versus the bigger STAX amps (I also made comparisons here) is not the major factor number one. I must state, all differences by DACs/Sources or amps is minor if compared to the huge difference in sonic quality between the SR-X9000 and the SR-009. The difference is so huge that even with the best amps or sources this will not be changed. This is why I believe that in half a year (when many people will have had the opportunity to audition and compare the X9000) the headphone community will say the X9000 is the world's best headphone (until the next flagship by any competitor, only, of course. So, it is for a limited period, only. Headphone evolution is moving on ... ).
@@qauau I have the 009 with the KGSSHV carbon. Was thinking about getting the Susvara to compare but now I am thinking…….perhaps I should just spend more and get the X9000 ? I have demoed the susvara and compared to my 009, the Susvara has slower transients, less detailed, and less precise imaging (yes I am sure, as I was using tracks I heard a lot on my 009.) These are factors I value the most. However, it is equally enjoyable as the 009 if not more so: susvara is more speaker-like, wider sound stage, with bass that can be ‘felt’. it also has more a more natural tonality and timbre compared to 009 without EQ. As I already think the 009 is on par with the susvara overall ( and slightly superseded it technically), the x9000 would be clearly better than the susvara if your taste is any guidance to mine!
Thank you for this fantastic, comprehensive, and fun-to-read Hifiman-Susvara review Sajid. I understand why you recommend an integrated amplifier for the Susvara. What is your opinion about matching them with the new Purifi or Hypex Class D power amplifiers? For example, Audiophonics HPA-S400ET. Thanks, Aviad
Try Fog City Cables (pure Japanese copper in 22 awg) which elevates all signals; bass mid and treble! A really superb cable about twice the price of Periapt! As far as amps, try a Violetric V281....absolutely synergistic! Your reviews are absolutely 'TOP SHELF, my friend!"
Hi Eyal. Welcome! No, not yet! I would like to though at some point. I do know one HeadFi-er whose tastes I trust, and he says it's not at the same level of technical performance as the 1266. But given its form factor, I would love to check it out.
@@amplifyaudioreviews thanks Sajid, Good to know! (I'm definitely going to put this on my demo list for canjam next month... if noise levels will allow a decent listen...;).
Hi, I’m really in love and enjoy your reviewing audio by far. I owed Utopia for nearly a year and really love the sound of it. I’m currently interested with Susvara, unfortunately you dont have Utopia to compare with Sus at the time you make this video. Can you kindly share more about how mid-range and treble of them? I quite understand about bass of them both. Just need some more information about mid-rang and treble.
Brother I finally splurged for a Susvara thanks to you. I hope Dr. B thanks you haha. I am wondering if I currently have a Topping D90 and I am wanting the most separated sound horizontally and depth (that somewhat unreal separated sound) is there a Dac that does this significantly better than the D90?
Fantastic review. I’m torn between keeping my HiFiman HE 1000 se driven by my Luxman p-750u headphone amp or getting the Susvara and buying a stereo amp. I have no problem letting go of the HE 1000 se for the upgrade to the Susvara but the Luxman is such an amazing amp, I’m scared to let it go. Oh, I forgot to mention my Sonnet Morpheus DAC has a volume control. I listen mostly to classical music and electronic drum and bass/jungle.
You will like the update. The Susvara is signifiantly more refined than the HEKSE. If you can afford it, go for it. Even the Luxman amp will reveal the differences in refinement, technical performance, and a more pleasant tonality. However, keep in mind, HEKSE is brighter which some may consider more exciting? They would be a significant minority but they do exist.
The HE6SE does get close but there is still a noticeable distance, lol. However, the HE6Se is an outlier in its price to performance ratio. I would say the HE6SE performs at the level of an Arya, which honestly performs at the level of a $2500-$3000 headphone.
Thank you for the great and extremely thorough review! I appreciate everything you covered and very much agree with being an extremely happy Susvara owner! I hope you get to try the new Abyss Diana TC soon and compare that to the Susvara. Have you tried the Susvara with the Chord Hugo TT2? That is what I am currently using and it sounds pretty great to me. I can't tell if I am missing anything not going to a speaker amp. The bass has nice impact and rumble at times which sounds great to me. I am going out of the rear XLR jacks. Have you ever tried the Susvara with a tube amp and if so what are your thoughts? Thanks again for the great review!. You do a great job! Hopefully, you can try the Abyss Diana TC. That one is on my radar. All the best!
I have a TT2 and was running off the rear XLRs. Added a Benchmark AHB2. More bass heft, better instrument separation, slight increased soundstage. The extra headroom is needed for Classical etc. Its not a night and day difference but I'm not planning to go back to the rear XLR. The Arya on the other hand did excellent of the rears. :)
I agree with @N02tradamus on all fronts. It should be an improvement, but if you are happy driving off the rear TT2 outs, then that's great. I do think the rear outs sound very, very good with the Susvara, so yeah, I don't think you have any urgent need to upgrade. But yes, you will get a little bit more out of the Sus, with speaker amps.
@@N02tradamus Thanks for the info/recommendation on the Benchmark. This looks pretty amazing for the price and if it adds that much to the Susvara then I'm impressed. How does it connect to the TT2 and would I be using the SE out on the TT2 for the Susvara? I am new to power amps. Is there anything I need to know about it and how to use it with headphones? I also have the LCD 5, ZMF Verite Open, Meze Elite, Arya, and HD800s. Is it safe to use the Benchmark with these headphones? Thanks for any help and recommendations you can give me. All the best!
@@gjtube37 You would be connecting your headphones by XLR. You need to buy a speaker tap adapter. I bought mine from Arctic Cables. Just email them directly. I got the Magnus speaker adapter is $199 (w/ 24K gold-plated Viablue speaker taps and a Neutrik gold-plated 4-pin xlr connector). The TT2 is very versatile. It can be used as DAC only, Preamp or AMP mode. Currently you are using its internal DAC. If you use a power amp you will be using the TT2 in preamp mode. Use the low gain setting and connect it with dual XLRs to the Benchmark AHB2. Then just plug in the speaker tap adapter to the power amp and connect your XLR headphone cable and you are good to go. You control the volume with the TT2 in preamp mode. Let me know if this makes sense? If you need help. Check out the Susvara forum page in Headfi. They should be able to give tips.
Great review! I’m rocking a HE6SE v2 with a Pontus II to Burson 3XP GT; one to ten, how great of benefit is the Susvara? I know you probably not tried the same chain but, I respect your theoretical opinion. Thanks, again. Great review.
Thanks, Greg. The HE6SE V2 is an extremely good headphone, at any price level. And the Pontus II is also a very good DAC, compared to any DACs out there. I know less about the Burson 3XP GT. But assuming you get an amp that can drive the Susvara reasonably well, with that DAC, I would say that if the Susvara is a 10, the HE6SEV2 is a 7.5 or an 8. Probably an 8, going by my subjective listening pleasure. Hope that helps!
I have a GS-X mini, which I run in fully balanced mode to fully take advantage of its power output. I have given some thought to purchasing a used Susvara. At about the 29/30 ish minute mark, you mentioned that it had some difficulty in driving the Susvara during quiet passages. For your review, were you running the GS-X mini in balanced or unbalanced mode?
Thanks for the great review. Appreciate the info you have given the community. Wondering if you have listened to the AHB2? I am running PC Optical Out > Chord TT2 > Benchmark AHB2. I find the quality of the bass and extension to be good but bass quantity is lacking. Wondering if you have heard of dual mono AHB2 setup? Wondering if these cans produce enough bass quantity to my liking?
Hi, if the bass is lacking off the AHB2 setup, not sure if mono blocks will increase it sufficiently! I would say a Naim Super Nait is bassier but again, not a night and day difference.
Thanks for the info/recommendation on the Benchmark AHB2. This looks pretty amazing for the price and if it adds that much to the Susvara then I'm impressed. How does it connect to the TT2 and would I be using the SE out on the TT2 for the Susvara? I am new to power amps. Is there anything I need to know about it and how to use it with headphones? I also have the LCD 5, ZMF Verite Open, Meze Elite, Arya, and HD800s. Is it safe to use the Benchmark with these headphones? Thanks for any help and recommendations you can give me. All the best!
Hey Greg, you use an adapter to connect the headphones to the rear of the TT2. You can google it. And you use a different kind of an adapter to connect to the AHB2. Female XLR to banana plugs. You can also look this up. Nothing else to know other than what I covered, lol. It's pretty basic but be careful with the volume knob. Benchmark should be fine with all those HPs. I haven't tried the AHB2 with the Verite and HD800s but I know GoldenSound has and I have heard its noiseless.
I was surprised to hear that you didn't like the Holo May Dac with the Stax 009s. I thought I remembered reading in a review of yours that both paired well... Any dac recommendations for that headphones, apart for the Ares 2?
I did, until I tried other DACs with the SR009S which complemented the SR009S and also the SR007 better, lol. I am DAC rolling as we speak, just to see how much more I can get out of the Stax headphones. I should have a DAVE coming in soon. And Birgir over at Head-Case, prefers the OG Terminator with Stax. Might be a useful reference. Feel free to connect in a few weeks once the Dave is here. Another recommendation for Stax is the Pontus II.
@@amplifyaudioreviewsSajid, what is the OG Terminator? Do you have a concrete name of that model? I never heard before but found something at Google when searching for "Terminator DAC" but I'm not sure if this is the model you meant. Thank you very much!! :-)
Hi Sajid, I have an Accuphase E-408, it’s 180w into 8 ohm, is that too much power with the Susvara? Would I have enough wiggle room with the volume dial or would it be very loud at 8 o’clock?
HI, just acquired the new DCS Lina system, How do you think Susvara will do in this chain? Currently using 1266’s. I know the LINA raw power rate is not on the strongest end , but I also see a lot of conversation around the entire chain at this level being more important?
a very nice review and thanks! i did a good listen while commuting. while i do have a question, a lot of reviews mutually exclude mid and bass.is it even possible to achieve both perfect mid and bass? i think there may not be too many serious audiophilers that are into KPOP, which i am among. KPOP often has a lot of bass element and scales pretty well with dynamics but at the same time, has lots of good singers with unique voices where u almost want to hear them closely. in the past i have been trying DAPs in the 3k to 4K range and IEMs in the similar range and focal utopia, yet i am struggling to find one with best of breed for both close up mid vocal and heavy and quantity bass slam with dynamics... hence i am really looking to up scale my investment
I just purchased a Yamaha AS3200 speaker amplifier & have been looking at different top headphones. I’m realizing I can probably skip buying an expensive headphone amp and just use the Yamaha with the Susvara instead. Do you have any experience with the Susvaras on any of the top Yamaha Amps?
Hey mate, do you still own both the Susvara and the Abyss 1266 Phi TC? Have you kept the Utopia in your collection also or sold it? What are your current thoughts on these best-of-the-best cans? I still have my Utopia and HE1000se (as well as HD800) and having not heard any of the above I can only theorise - it seems to me that having these two and being able to switch between them is better than selling them and only getting either the Abyss or the Sus. But perhaps I'm wrong :)
@@MistaLova-Lova hello : ) hope you enjoy HEKse, it is a nice set. I also have HD800 and enjoy them from time to time. Utopia is great, but ultimately doesn't get enough head time since TC and Susvara, so I'm selling it on headfi now along with a few amps., want to try a proper speaker amp like Accuphase. Susvara and TC are pretty much 100% covered by Sajids other video, which actually pushed me over the line to drop some serious coin and get both. TC = fun, great for metal and electronica, more wow factor Susvara = great for acoustic and everyday listening session, less wow factor Utopia = almost as good as TC and Susvara, great set especially if you invest in quality pairings Actually all 3 are pretty different, TC and Utopia are more similar in some ways, but Susvara and Utopia are also similar in certain ways ... All 3 are great, but TC and Susvara are a bit better I think, but also more quirky, Utopia is a better all rounder I think. Susvara doesn't have as much dynamics and is really hard to drive, Abyss has great dynamics and fun, but it needs a very very very smooth amp otherwise it sounds really raw and unrefined. Utopia is a lot more forgiving for the chain, Susvara needs a nuclear power plant to drive them properly and a great dac, TC needs a great dac and a really smooth top quality amp. So going from Utopia to any of the other two you need to investi serious cach in your chain to get good results. It is worth it in the end but you need to know that it is seriously expensive to do it right. I would recommend Holo May L2 or KTE -> Ferrum Oor + Hypsos ... best I've heard so far, but I still want to check Accuphase : ) Hope that helps : )
@@krisrudecki9477 Thanks a lot for this detailed opinion, I find the way both you and Sajid describe headphones not only passionate but also very informative. Having watched his video and read your comment I am in a much better position to weigh up pros and cons of each option. Given that I'm keeping my Topping D90/A90 combo for the foreseeable future, I think I'm best to stick to my Utopia and HEKse since I really like them both and they complement in each other really well (I also only use HD800 every once in a while to experience something different/unique, but couldn't use them on a daily basis). There are weeks when I'd be ready to sell my Utopias (sucked into the HEKse), and then there are weeks when I'd sell the HEKse (re-discovering the Utopias). I think I've found myself in a really nice place where I have two pairs which I both love for different reasons, and this way I never really have enough, never get bored. I guess it would be the equivalent of owning a 1266 and a Sus, just a step below them, and probably the optimal solution for my current set-up. I'll probably upgrade one day but, as you say, I'll do it when I can also get the accompanying gear to ensure that the experience is actually worth the extremely high price tag. :)
@@krisrudecki9477 Oh, one more thing, to anyone out there reading this - whether I had the Arya or now the HEKse, I found their original cables to be a real bottleneck, I'm not sure what they're made from but pure copper is the way to go to make things sound open, airy and more natural. I found both headphones to spread their wings when used with an oxygen-free copper cable. Especially the high-resolving HEKse sounds even more ethereal, open and transparent.
Stock is not ergonomic and best to replace although it sounds fine. Their 2.5 mm is their older model. Sounds the same but can be had for cheaper in the secondary market.
Nah, gsx is overhyped. I had gsx mk2 before, and A90 is clearly a better(more hifi) amp than mk2. The sound stage u feel in gsx is more of a distortion thing(that added distortion in gsx gives u the illusion of a bigger sound stage)
@@amplifyaudioreviews Good mics come at a similar price range to headphones, ranging from a couple hundred dollars to a few thousand, and the bonus is is you can hear them in reviews to get a clear idea of how they sound. I have a rode NT1a and a focusrite Scarlett, it’s entry level but I was surprised by how good they sounded. I also use it for work meetings which is great, and you don’t need to install a driver for the Scarlett. Of course, if you wanted to spend more there are better options. The shure SM7B is what a lot of male radio and podcast presenters use because it has a robust thick sound, Joe Rogan does for example. Neumann U87 is a TOTL vocal mic, used by Billie Eilish and many many other artists and studios.
@@matticeverhoeven6539 This guy, then: www.amazon.com/Shure-SM7B-Cardioid-Dynamic-Microphone/dp/B0002E4Z8M?th=1. Can you recommend a stand for this? Sorry, too many questions. But I needed the push.
@@amplifyaudioreviews awesome great choice! I don’t know that much about mic stands, but you get what you pay for. Cheap ones are really annoying to use. I think you’d want a desk stand rather than a floor stand but you could double check that. a Rode PSA1 should do the trick, but maybe just double check it is compatible with your mic. You’ll also need an audio interface, a focusrite Scarlett should be fine, but of course you can get something better from Apollo audio or RME.
I finally decided to purchase a Susvara after listening to your review and others on repeat for the past 4 weeks. I just got it today and you're right; it truly is incredible. Honestly, I can't get over how comfortable it is and the dynamics are fantastic; way better than I was expecting.
This was really enjoyable to watch, and extremely informative, particularly that most of us can't compare these headphones all once in real life. Thank you for the effort you put into it!
🙏🏻
Thanks for all your contribution to the community, Sajid!
You are very welcome!
One of the most comprehansive and rounded reviews I've seen on YT - thank you. I'm rehearsing a pair along with Holo Audio May, Spring 3 and Bliss next week. Hoping it'll be my end game for the next decade or two 🙂
Your reviews are consistently great. I love that you spend so much time with everything
This is an AMAZING review, man. Thanks so much!
Welcome!
If there ever was a review that sold me the Susvara, this is it! What an in-depth review that provides every possible detail that one could ask for. This is on my list to buy next now.
it is (one of) the best affordable cans
Absolutely brilliant review, I ordered the Susvara last week, now I just need to wait for them to be delivered.
I will be using the rear xlr out on the Chord Hugo TT2 until I get something like the AHB2 or OOR headphone amp.
Thank you, my friend. Keep me posted on how you like the Sus after it arrives.
Why didn't you consider getting the Sonoma acoustic bravura headphone system instead ?
Another amazing, through and articulate review! If the Susvara is the best all round headphone this is likely the best all round review of the Susvara on TH-cam (and I’ve seen them all multiple times)! Reviewers like you add so much to the community (especially to those of us that are relatively new to the hobby). Thank you for that.
I’m likely to pull the trigger an a pair of Susvara very soon and pair it with the May and likely the Burson Soloist GT - any experience of that particular combination? Also, what usb and interconnect cables are you using with your current Sus chain? Again - thank you!🙏
Thank you. I really appreciate the kind words. I have heard the GT drives the Susvara well. As for USB, I am using AQ Carbon and I also like the USB cable that came with the Holo May, lol. The May is indeed spectactular. As for interconnects, I am using a variety of Kimber and AQ interconnects. I switch them around a lot.
By far the best (and most accurate) review on the Susvara yet, and well-articulated as usual.
You are right I was emotional when listening to the Susvaras midrange
Top-notch review of the HiFiMan Susvara headphones!
Amazing review! Helped me decide :) Thank you 🙏🏻
You are welcome! Keep me posted on your early impressions. :)
Amazing review….thanks a ton
Brilliant job! Watched the whole thing.
Thank you!
incredible review mate....thanks a lot for sharing your experience! !
Welcome!
Another awesome review and I appreciate you’re passionate drive in this hobby. When I got into this hobby many years ago in the middle of the price range I always saw people that owned the Susvara also owned the 1266 TC and I always wondered why? In a nutshell they both compliment each other very well and depending on your musical mood you can pickup one or the other and be so involved with the music. Now I am surprised that no one ever thinks about the Woo Audio WA33 amp this amp is extremely versatile and most of all it can pair with ANY headphones. I see it selling on the used market for under $5k with the base model, and if you want to step it up even more than go for the Elite version where you get the very best volume pot on the market $1300 to be exact. Not to mention a ton of tube options as well. On another note regarding the Topping A90 with the Susvara’s I think it is a huge mistake. I see so many people getting a highend headphone in this hobby and pairing it with a $300 Schiit stack and saying this headphone sucks. This is like buying a new Porsche GTS but only having enough money to buy 1990 Toyota Corolla tires to put on it and after driving it saying this car sucks. I’ve tried many headphone amps A90 = totally sucked, Violectric v281 okay way better than the A90, Emotiva headphone amp unleashed 50w better, my Yamaha AS3000 very good and many more but do not buy this headphone with crappy source and expect a miracle in sound. In my opinion the Susvara is one of the best sounding headphone out that plays most of 99.9% of all music genres with ease. Just don’t feed it 💩 amps and dacs and you will be extremely rewarded.
100% Agree. I have tried the WA33 briefly, but I do want to own it at some point. It's either the WA33 or the Primavera Trafomatic, lol.
@@amplifyaudioreviews bacoon Amp 13r is awesome with the Susvara from what I've heard . Insane synergy
I just bought the Yamaha AS3200 speaker Amp & I am looking at possibly getting Susvaras. Can you tell me about your experience with the Yamaha 3000 you said was good with the susvaras!! I’d appreciate it
Thank you for such a thorough review.
You do great reviews. You are always detailed and do not rush, and also share your bias which I like a lot. Currently I am on a crossroad - I have three electrostatic headphones, HD800s , Arya ( the edition before the stealth), an Eikon, Z1R iem, UM Mesk, ZM72, two Focals,.... and I wonder which way to go. Let's forget the Staxes, according to you what is better the Susvara or the LCD-5? Please, do not calculate the chain - I have a good streamer, Denafrips Ares II, Myteck Liberty dac, Burson Soloist 3X, so the rig, I think, is good. Also, I already have good idea what you like and why. So, opinion Susvara or LCD-5, please!?
My answer will be to go LCD5 if bass is critical, but otherwise Susvara
Thanks for the review. Really helpful
Hi Sajid and thank you very much for your great review!
And for all your great reviews in the past which I really liked a lot.
You describe everything very well and your descriptions fit perfectly to my own experiences (in case of certain headphones I could listen to).
In your other video from 2nd of November and again now in this new video in the comparison section you state that a well driven SR-009s (e.g. via KGSSHV Carbon) is at the same sonic quality level as a well driven Susvara if looking at the sum of all sonic properties, i.e. the overall performance.
Of course, both have their individual pros and cons at different selected fields, they are different in tonality, holographic sound/airiness, detail retrieval, etc., but with regard to the overall performance there is a "tie".
Right?
I think exactly the same.
Recently, I could thoroughly test the new Stax SR-X9k. And this was an extreme WOW experience when I compared it to my SR-009 (I also used a KGSSHV Carbon by Mjoelnir Audio). Before that comparison I was quite skeptical and thought Stax could have achieved only subtle improvements (if any) as the SR-009 was already so good.
But when I made these comparisons with different type of music (preference was classical, large ultra-complex orchestra works like those by Gustav Mahler, and intimate vocal music and acoustical music and also pop/rock music tracks), I was literally blown away by the overall performance of the X9000.
That X9k was far better than my SR-009 by really every property. Again even more detailed and fast, crisp, sparkling and extremely holographic with spatially ultra-fine resolution.
And besides that a very beautiful tonality and overall impression.
Yes, "beautiful" (or heavenly!) is the right word. Besides ultra accuracy far beyond that of the 009, a wonderful musical beauty! Absolutely incredible.
I really wonder how it compares to Susvara, or Sennheiser HE-1 or Shangri-La Sr. After these extreme improvements over the already excellent SR-009, I would not be astonished if the X9k could have surpassed the HE-1.
At least after a Harman correction via EQ (which the HE-1 also does by its built-in DSP/DAC/EQ closed system).
But, of course, I don't know. I would be very interested in your impressions and maybe a video or head-fi forum posting when you had them.
Thanks a lot again, kind regards and Cheers!
Thanks, my friend. Would love to get my hands on the X9K! I will, sooner or later! Appreciate your kind words and the great description of the X9K.
What dac did you use/recommend with both Stax headphones you have mentioned? Looking to get myself a pair, and could use some help
@@petergrifindor I used different sources, an SACD player (for DSD bitstream protocol) Sony SCD-XB 940, low-jitter CD-Player Musical Fidelity Xray v3 and for PC files Pro-Ject Pre Box S2 Digital DAC. I have some other DACs but did not use them for that comparison. But I must say that DAC/CD/SACD/DSD is not the major impact. Even the KGSSHV Carbon amp versus the bigger STAX amps (I also made comparisons here) is not the major factor number one. I must state, all differences by DACs/Sources or amps is minor if compared to the huge difference in sonic quality between the SR-X9000 and the SR-009. The difference is so huge that even with the best amps or sources this will not be changed. This is why I believe that in half a year (when many people will have had the opportunity to audition and compare the X9000) the headphone community will say the X9000 is the world's best headphone (until the next flagship by any competitor, only, of course. So, it is for a limited period, only. Headphone evolution is moving on ... ).
@@qauau please try the Sonoma acoustic aperio headphone system .
@@qauau I have the 009 with the KGSSHV carbon. Was thinking about getting the Susvara to compare but now I am thinking…….perhaps I should just spend more and get the X9000 ? I have demoed the susvara and compared to my 009, the Susvara has slower transients, less detailed, and less precise imaging (yes I am sure, as I was using tracks I heard a lot on my 009.) These are factors I value the most. However, it is equally enjoyable as the 009 if not more so: susvara is more speaker-like, wider sound stage, with bass that can be ‘felt’. it also has more a more natural tonality and timbre compared to 009 without EQ. As I already think the 009 is on par with the susvara overall ( and slightly superseded it technically), the x9000 would be clearly better than the susvara if your taste is any guidance to mine!
Thank you for this fantastic, comprehensive, and fun-to-read Hifiman-Susvara review Sajid.
I understand why you recommend an integrated amplifier for the Susvara.
What is your opinion about matching them with the new Purifi or Hypex Class D power amplifiers? For example, Audiophonics HPA-S400ET.
Thanks, Aviad
I like Class D with the Sus!
Try Fog City Cables (pure Japanese copper in 22 awg) which elevates all signals; bass mid and treble! A really superb cable about twice the price of Periapt! As far as amps, try a Violetric V281....absolutely synergistic! Your reviews are absolutely 'TOP SHELF, my friend!"
Hi Sajid, great review, thanks!
I wonder if you may have had a chance to try the new Diana TC? I wonder how it compares..
Hi Eyal. Welcome! No, not yet! I would like to though at some point. I do know one HeadFi-er whose tastes I trust, and he says it's not at the same level of technical performance as the 1266. But given its form factor, I would love to check it out.
@@amplifyaudioreviews thanks Sajid, Good to know! (I'm definitely going to put this on my demo list for canjam next month... if noise levels will allow a decent listen...;).
Hi, I’m really in love and enjoy your reviewing audio by far. I owed Utopia for nearly a year and really love the sound of it. I’m currently interested with Susvara, unfortunately you dont have Utopia to compare with Sus at the time you make this video. Can you kindly share more about how mid-range and treble of them? I quite understand about bass of them both. Just need some more information about mid-rang and treble.
Very informative and professional
Love the review. Any headphone amps you'd recommend for the Susvara that have a good crossfeed function?
Brother I finally splurged for a Susvara thanks to you. I hope Dr. B thanks you haha. I am wondering if I currently have a Topping D90 and I am wanting the most separated sound horizontally and depth (that somewhat unreal separated sound) is there a Dac that does this significantly better than the D90?
Fantastic review.
I’m torn between keeping my HiFiman HE 1000 se driven by my Luxman p-750u headphone amp or getting the Susvara and buying a stereo amp. I have no problem letting go of the HE 1000 se for the upgrade to the Susvara but the Luxman is such an amazing amp, I’m scared to let it go.
Oh, I forgot to mention my Sonnet Morpheus DAC has a volume control.
I listen mostly to classical music and electronic drum and bass/jungle.
You will like the update. The Susvara is signifiantly more refined than the HEKSE. If you can afford it, go for it. Even the Luxman amp will reveal the differences in refinement, technical performance, and a more pleasant tonality. However, keep in mind, HEKSE is brighter which some may consider more exciting? They would be a significant minority but they do exist.
@@amplifyaudioreviews
Thanks!
I gotten used to the brightness but it would be nice to turn it down a little bit.
Could you compare susvara vs LCD 4? does the LCD 4 also benefit when you drive it with a speaker amp ?
Nice review. How do they compare to the HE6SE which you can get for as low as $540?
The HE6SE does get close but there is still a noticeable distance, lol. However, the HE6Se is an outlier in its price to performance ratio. I would say the HE6SE performs at the level of an Arya, which honestly performs at the level of a $2500-$3000 headphone.
Nice one I did not realise you were on TH-cam LOL we literally launched the channels simultaneously as I can see
😀🐅
Indeed! Kindred souls.
How would one connect headphones to a speaker amp?
You really would enjoy trying a prion4. It made the silver dragon sound warm, muddy, congested in comparison.
I bet I would. Sell it to me.
Please review the Sonoma acoustic bravura or aperio headphone system 🙏
Thank you for the great and extremely thorough review! I appreciate everything you covered and very much agree with being an extremely happy Susvara owner! I hope you get to try the new Abyss Diana TC soon and compare that to the Susvara. Have you tried the Susvara with the Chord Hugo TT2? That is what I am currently using and it sounds pretty great to me. I can't tell if I am missing anything not going to a speaker amp. The bass has nice impact and rumble at times which sounds great to me. I am going out of the rear XLR jacks. Have you ever tried the Susvara with a tube amp and if so what are your thoughts? Thanks again for the great review!. You do a great job! Hopefully, you can try the Abyss Diana TC. That one is on my radar. All the best!
I have a TT2 and was running off the rear XLRs. Added a Benchmark AHB2. More bass heft, better instrument separation, slight increased soundstage. The extra headroom is needed for Classical etc. Its not a night and day difference but I'm not planning to go back to the rear XLR. The Arya on the other hand did excellent of the rears. :)
I agree with @N02tradamus on all fronts. It should be an improvement, but if you are happy driving off the rear TT2 outs, then that's great. I do think the rear outs sound very, very good with the Susvara, so yeah, I don't think you have any urgent need to upgrade. But yes, you will get a little bit more out of the Sus, with speaker amps.
@@N02tradamus Thanks for the info/recommendation on the Benchmark. This looks pretty amazing for the price and if it adds that much to the Susvara then I'm impressed. How does it connect to the TT2 and would I be using the SE out on the TT2 for the Susvara? I am new to power amps. Is there anything I need to know about it and how to use it with headphones? I also have the LCD 5, ZMF Verite Open, Meze Elite, Arya, and HD800s. Is it safe to use the Benchmark with these headphones? Thanks for any help and recommendations you can give me. All the best!
@@gjtube37 You would be connecting your headphones by XLR. You need to buy a speaker tap adapter. I bought mine from Arctic Cables. Just email them directly. I got the Magnus speaker adapter is $199 (w/ 24K gold-plated Viablue speaker taps and a Neutrik gold-plated 4-pin xlr connector).
The TT2 is very versatile. It can be used as DAC only, Preamp or AMP mode. Currently you are using its internal DAC. If you use a power amp you will be using the TT2 in preamp mode. Use the low gain setting and connect it with dual XLRs to the Benchmark AHB2. Then just plug in the speaker tap adapter to the power amp and connect your XLR headphone cable and you are good to go. You control the volume with the TT2 in preamp mode.
Let me know if this makes sense?
If you need help. Check out the Susvara forum page in Headfi. They should be able to give tips.
All those headphones would benefit from a power amp. :) ... but the rear XLR of the Hugo TT2 are no slouch.
Great review! I’m rocking a HE6SE v2 with a Pontus II to Burson 3XP GT; one to ten, how great of benefit is the Susvara? I know you probably not tried the same chain but, I respect your theoretical opinion. Thanks, again. Great review.
Thanks, Greg. The HE6SE V2 is an extremely good headphone, at any price level. And the Pontus II is also a very good DAC, compared to any DACs out there. I know less about the Burson 3XP GT. But assuming you get an amp that can drive the Susvara reasonably well, with that DAC, I would say that if the Susvara is a 10, the HE6SEV2 is a 7.5 or an 8. Probably an 8, going by my subjective listening pleasure. Hope that helps!
@@amplifyaudioreviews thanks for putting it this way!!!!
I have a GS-X mini, which I run in fully balanced mode to fully take advantage of its power output. I have given some thought to purchasing a used Susvara. At about the 29/30 ish minute mark, you mentioned that it had some difficulty in driving the Susvara during quiet passages. For your review, were you running the GS-X mini in balanced or unbalanced mode?
Great video. What do you look for when A/B comparing two different DACs?
Thanks for the great review. Appreciate the info you have given the community.
Wondering if you have listened to the AHB2? I am running PC Optical Out > Chord TT2 > Benchmark AHB2. I find the quality of the bass and extension to be good but bass quantity is lacking. Wondering if you have heard of dual mono AHB2 setup? Wondering if these cans produce enough bass quantity to my liking?
Hi, if the bass is lacking off the AHB2 setup, not sure if mono blocks will increase it sufficiently! I would say a Naim Super Nait is bassier but again, not a night and day difference.
Hi wat dac will drive the susvara
Thanks for the info/recommendation on the Benchmark AHB2. This looks pretty amazing for the price and if it adds that much to the Susvara then I'm impressed. How does it connect to the TT2 and would I be using the SE out on the TT2 for the Susvara? I am new to power amps. Is there anything I need to know about it and how to use it with headphones? I also have the LCD 5, ZMF Verite Open, Meze Elite, Arya, and HD800s. Is it safe to use the Benchmark with these headphones? Thanks for any help and recommendations you can give me. All the best!
Hey Greg, you use an adapter to connect the headphones to the rear of the TT2. You can google it. And you use a different kind of an adapter to connect to the AHB2. Female XLR to banana plugs. You can also look this up. Nothing else to know other than what I covered, lol. It's pretty basic but be careful with the volume knob. Benchmark should be fine with all those HPs. I haven't tried the AHB2 with the Verite and HD800s but I know GoldenSound has and I have heard its noiseless.
13:22 , try the aperio then you will be blown away how resolving they are 😉
Great review…👍🏾
I was surprised to hear that you didn't like the Holo May Dac with the Stax 009s. I thought I remembered reading in a review of yours that both paired well... Any dac recommendations for that headphones, apart for the Ares 2?
I did, until I tried other DACs with the SR009S which complemented the SR009S and also the SR007 better, lol. I am DAC rolling as we speak, just to see how much more I can get out of the Stax headphones. I should have a DAVE coming in soon. And Birgir over at Head-Case, prefers the OG Terminator with Stax. Might be a useful reference. Feel free to connect in a few weeks once the Dave is here. Another recommendation for Stax is the Pontus II.
@@amplifyaudioreviewsSajid, what is the OG Terminator? Do you have a concrete name of that model? I never heard before but found something at Google when searching for "Terminator DAC" but I'm not sure if this is the model you meant. Thank you very much!! :-)
@@qauau So I was referring to the discontinued Terminator! The current versions on the market are the Terminator II and the Terminator Plus!
Hi Sajid, I have an Accuphase E-408, it’s 180w into 8 ohm, is that too much power with the Susvara? Would I have enough wiggle room with the volume dial or would it be very loud at 8 o’clock?
HI, just acquired the new DCS Lina system, How do you think Susvara will do in this chain? Currently using 1266’s. I know the LINA raw power rate is not on the strongest end , but I also see a lot of conversation around the entire chain at this level being more important?
Congratulations. With the DAC output set to max, it should drive the TC well. Do report back on how well it drives the Susvara.
@@amplifyaudioreviews Lina system and Susvara is nothing short of terrific!
a very nice review and thanks! i did a good listen while commuting. while i do have a question, a lot of reviews mutually exclude mid and bass.is it even possible to achieve both perfect mid and bass? i think there may not be too many serious audiophilers that are into KPOP, which i am among. KPOP often has a lot of bass element and scales pretty well with dynamics but at the same time, has lots of good singers with unique voices where u almost want to hear them closely. in the past i have been trying DAPs in the 3k to 4K range and IEMs in the similar range and focal utopia, yet i am struggling to find one with best of breed for both close up mid vocal and heavy and quantity bass slam with dynamics... hence i am really looking to up scale my investment
Nice so good.
What was the speaker amp your currently using again? I didn’t catch it. Thanks
Thanks! Accuphase e380!
have you tried the susvara with the burson soloist 3x?
Is it a good idea to pair the Susvara with a tube amp?
I just purchased a Yamaha AS3200 speaker amplifier & have been looking at different top headphones. I’m realizing I can probably skip buying an expensive headphone amp and just use the Yamaha with the Susvara instead. Do you have any experience with the Susvaras on any of the top Yamaha Amps?
Nope but should be fine
What u think of gucraftsman cable?
Not bad for the price
Awesome review!! I'm just looking at Accuphase and I will most likely end up with e380 or e480 🍻
Hey mate, do you still own both the Susvara and the Abyss 1266 Phi TC? Have you kept the Utopia in your collection also or sold it? What are your current thoughts on these best-of-the-best cans?
I still have my Utopia and HE1000se (as well as HD800) and having not heard any of the above I can only theorise - it seems to me that having these two and being able to switch between them is better than selling them and only getting either the Abyss or the Sus. But perhaps I'm wrong :)
@@MistaLova-Lova hello : ) hope you enjoy HEKse, it is a nice set. I also have HD800 and enjoy them from time to time. Utopia is great, but ultimately doesn't get enough head time since TC and Susvara, so I'm selling it on headfi now along with a few amps., want to try a proper speaker amp like Accuphase.
Susvara and TC are pretty much 100% covered by Sajids other video, which actually pushed me over the line to drop some serious coin and get both.
TC = fun, great for metal and electronica, more wow factor
Susvara = great for acoustic and everyday listening session, less wow factor
Utopia = almost as good as TC and Susvara, great set especially if you invest in quality pairings
Actually all 3 are pretty different, TC and Utopia are more similar in some ways, but Susvara and Utopia are also similar in certain ways ...
All 3 are great, but TC and Susvara are a bit better I think, but also more quirky, Utopia is a better all rounder I think. Susvara doesn't have as much dynamics and is really hard to drive, Abyss has great dynamics and fun, but it needs a very very very smooth amp otherwise it sounds really raw and unrefined.
Utopia is a lot more forgiving for the chain, Susvara needs a nuclear power plant to drive them properly and a great dac, TC needs a great dac and a really smooth top quality amp.
So going from Utopia to any of the other two you need to investi serious cach in your chain to get good results. It is worth it in the end but you need to know that it is seriously expensive to do it right.
I would recommend Holo May L2 or KTE -> Ferrum Oor + Hypsos ... best I've heard so far, but I still want to check Accuphase : )
Hope that helps : )
@@krisrudecki9477 Thanks a lot for this detailed opinion, I find the way both you and Sajid describe headphones not only passionate but also very informative. Having watched his video and read your comment I am in a much better position to weigh up pros and cons of each option.
Given that I'm keeping my Topping D90/A90 combo for the foreseeable future, I think I'm best to stick to my Utopia and HEKse since I really like them both and they complement in each other really well (I also only use HD800 every once in a while to experience something different/unique, but couldn't use them on a daily basis). There are weeks when I'd be ready to sell my Utopias (sucked into the HEKse), and then there are weeks when I'd sell the HEKse (re-discovering the Utopias). I think I've found myself in a really nice place where I have two pairs which I both love for different reasons, and this way I never really have enough, never get bored. I guess it would be the equivalent of owning a 1266 and a Sus, just a step below them, and probably the optimal solution for my current set-up.
I'll probably upgrade one day but, as you say, I'll do it when I can also get the accompanying gear to ensure that the experience is actually worth the extremely high price tag. :)
@@krisrudecki9477 Oh, one more thing, to anyone out there reading this - whether I had the Arya or now the HEKse, I found their original cables to be a real bottleneck, I'm not sure what they're made from but pure copper is the way to go to make things sound open, airy and more natural. I found both headphones to spread their wings when used with an oxygen-free copper cable. Especially the high-resolving HEKse sounds even more ethereal, open and transparent.
@@krisrudecki9477 Agree 100%. Loved reading your impressions.
Can anybody comment on stock susvara cables requiring replacement?
also
Can anybody comment on the 2.5mm vs 3.5mm versions of susvara?
Stock is not ergonomic and best to replace although it sounds fine. Their 2.5 mm is their older model. Sounds the same but can be had for cheaper in the secondary market.
@@amplifyaudioreviews Thank you so very much, this will help me choose between two different listings :)
Would you say it is worth the extra 3k over he1000se?
no
lcd5 is really hard to beat by pretty much anything, even lejardin
so what is the best headphone at your opinion?
It's the Susvaras for me. But the TC and the SR009S and the LCD5 are very, very close. I would say the other three are tied for second. Lol.
waiting for your DAVE impression.
Nice video do some iems 👍
Hope to do an LCD i4 soon. What other IEMs do you recommend I review?
@@amplifyaudioreviews One I was looking at was the Empire ears ESR mk2.
ty subbed
okay,, harman cruve is now replaced with the much better Susvara curve that all other phones should strive to tune towards ... LOL
Lol.
Nah, gsx is overhyped. I had gsx mk2 before, and A90 is clearly a better(more hifi) amp than mk2. The sound stage u feel in gsx is more of a distortion thing(that added distortion in gsx gives u the illusion of a bigger sound stage)
Your mic is too hot man! Add a compressor if you want it that loud
Okay. I need to get a new mic honestly. Any recommendations?
@@amplifyaudioreviews
Good mics come at a similar price range to headphones, ranging from a couple hundred dollars to a few thousand, and the bonus is is you can hear them in reviews to get a clear idea of how they sound.
I have a rode NT1a and a focusrite Scarlett, it’s entry level but I was surprised by how good they sounded. I also use it for work meetings which is great, and you don’t need to install a driver for the Scarlett.
Of course, if you wanted to spend more there are better options. The shure SM7B is what a lot of male radio and podcast presenters use because it has a robust thick sound, Joe Rogan does for example.
Neumann U87 is a TOTL vocal mic, used by Billie Eilish and many many other artists and studios.
@@matticeverhoeven6539 This guy, then: www.amazon.com/Shure-SM7B-Cardioid-Dynamic-Microphone/dp/B0002E4Z8M?th=1. Can you recommend a stand for this? Sorry, too many questions. But I needed the push.
@@amplifyaudioreviews awesome great choice! I don’t know that much about mic stands, but you get what you pay for. Cheap ones are really annoying to use.
I think you’d want a desk stand rather than a floor stand but you could double check that.
a Rode PSA1 should do the trick, but maybe just double check it is compatible with your mic.
You’ll also need an audio interface, a focusrite Scarlett should be fine, but of course you can get something better from Apollo audio or RME.
Actually that mic needs a particular stand I think:
th-cam.com/video/b6uODvK0x_Q/w-d-xo.html
Edit: I haven’t looked into much haha!
To me the Susvara was boring. It sounded like a microscopic view into the music, too much separation, it became sterile to me.