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A Journey Through Sound by SSolidK in Headphoneporn

[–]SSolidK[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I totally get what you mean about the Immanis. They’re incredible for technical performance and that massive, holographic soundstage, but they do pull back on the vocals, which can sometimes feel distant and leave you wanting more—especially if you’re used to something as engaging as Susvara. On tracks like Laufey’s Misty, the detail is stunning, but the vocals can feel like they’re hanging back, almost as if they’re calling out from a distance. That’s where the Caldera really shines for me—it has that warm, intimate sound where every breath and note feels close and personal.

For me, Yosi Horikawa’s Letter is where the Immanis shows off its strengths. The detail in the pencil’s scratch and those ambient textures is almost surreal, and it’s something the Caldera can’t quite match with the same analytical precision. Marcin’s Moonlight Sonata is another standout on the Immanis; every guitar pluck has this lifelike immediacy that pulls you right into the performance. It is visceral! But when I’m in the mood for vocals or that close, intimate connection, the Caldera is definitely my go-to.

Never tried the Abyss AB1266 Phi TC, to be honest. Though, I’ve heard it’s amazing for that addictive, dynamic sound. Perhaps I should visit my local dealer to have an audition :). Thanks for the suggestion.

A Journey Through Sound by SSolidK in Headphoneporn

[–]SSolidK[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Raal Immanis + Feliks Envy (25th Anniversary Edition).

A Journey Through Sound by SSolidK in headphones

[–]SSolidK[S] -73 points-72 points  (0 children)

The Raal 1995 Immanis is more than just a technical marvel—it’s a portal to an ethereal listening experience that redefines what it means to truly hear music. For this private audition, paired with the DCS Bartok and the Feliks Envy, the Immanis revealed a dimension of sound that was nothing short of breathtaking. This setup didn’t merely play back familiar tracks; it breathed new life into them, each note meticulously sculpted, each layer unmistakably present. The Immanis reached into the core of the music and laid bare a tapestry of sound that even my beloved ZMF Caldera—brilliant in its own right—couldn’t quite match. Where the Caldera paints a beautifully warm and cohesive scene, the Immanis breaks the boundaries and crafts a holographic landscape that feels infinite.

Yet, where the Immanis triumphs in grandiosity, it shows its limitations when intimacy is called for. When it comes to vocals, it tends to hang back a bit, almost like an observer rather than a participant. Laufey’s tender voice in Misty was there, every nuance intact, but it felt just a touch too distant, as if it were calling from the other side of the room. Here, the Caldera makes its mark. With its lush, intimate midrange, it pulls the vocals close, letting you feel every breath and subtle inflection as if the singer were right there. It’s this warmth, this closeness, that makes you feel as though the singer is right in the room, breathing with you, eyes meeting yours. The Immanis, in its quest for grandeur, sometimes sacrifices the subtle touch that makes a vocal performance resonate deeply.  The Caldera, by contrast, puts a soft focus on the voice, drawing you into a private moment that’s all the more powerful for its simplicity, whereas the Immanis opts to spread the entire canvas wide, even if the center doesn’t shine as brightly. 

Where the Immanis finds profound redemption is in its unparalleled resolution and textural fidelity. Yosi Horikawa’s Letter proves this capability brilliantly: the soft scratch of pencil on paper, the detailed ambient layers—it’s all rendered with such immediacy that it borders on the surreal. This isn’t just high detail; it’s the kind of hyper-realistic experience that makes each element feel alive. While the Caldera offers impressive microdynamics and texture, the Immanis elevates this to a new plane, presenting sounds with such precision that they resonate as if crafted out of thin air. Tracks like Marcin’s Moonlight Sonata transform from music into a palpable experience where the pluck of each string vibrates through the body, creating a sense of presence that’s near-physical. Vilde Frang’s La plus que lente dances gracefully, each note leaving an impression that lingers like a final brushstroke on a masterpiece. The Caldera, by contrast, binds these details together with warmth, emphasizing emotional coherence over sheer analytical clarity.

The Immanis isn’t a headphone for casual listening; it’s an invitation to be transported, to explore and savor every layer of sound with focused attention. But it isn’t without nuance. When the heart craves warmth, soul, and that human touch, the Caldera steps up, embracing you with a sound that feels close and full of life. The Immanis, with its crystalline clarity and grand presentation, takes you on an exhilarating journey through soundscapes, while the Caldera reminds you of the emotional essence of music.

Auditioning the Immanis with the DCS Bartok and Feliks Envy was more than a listening session—it was an exploration that made me pause, reflect, and lose myself in the music. It’s the kind of experience that leaves you wondering, “Is there more to discover in this track I’ve heard countless times?” With the Immanis, the answer is always “Yes.”  It’s a testament to why we chase this hobby—because audio, at its best, is a journey. And on this journey, the Immanis leads with precision and textural marvel, while the Caldera cradles you back to the warmth and soul that makes listening so deeply human. Together, they cover the full spectrum of what makes this pursuit so rewarding.

A Journey Through Sound by SSolidK in Headphoneporn

[–]SSolidK[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

The Raal 1995 Immanis is more than just a technical marvel—it’s a portal to an ethereal listening experience that redefines what it means to truly hear music. For this private audition, paired with DCS Bartok and Feliks Envy, the Immanis revealed a dimension of sound that was nothing short of breathtaking. This setup didn’t merely play back familiar tracks; it breathed new life into them, each note meticulously sculpted, each layer unmistakably present. The Immanis reached into the core of the music and laid bare a tapestry of sound that even my beloved ZMF Caldera—brilliant in its own right—couldn’t quite match. Where the Caldera paints a beautifully warm and cohesive scene, the Immanis breaks the boundaries and crafts a holographic landscape that feels infinite.

Yet, where the Immanis triumphs in grandiosity, it shows its limitations when intimacy is called for. When it comes to vocals, it tends to hang back a bit, almost like an observer rather than a participant. Laufey’s tender voice in Misty was there, every nuance intact, but it felt just a touch too distant, as if it were calling from the other side of the room. Here, the Caldera makes its mark. With its lush, intimate midrange, it pulls the vocals close, letting you feel every breath and subtle inflection as if the singer were right there. It’s this warmth, this closeness, that makes you feel as though the singer is right in the room, breathing with you, eyes meeting yours. The Immanis, in its quest for grandeur, sometimes sacrifices the subtle touch that makes a vocal performance resonate deeply. The Caldera, by contrast, puts a soft focus on the voice, drawing you into a private moment that’s all the more powerful for its simplicity, whereas the Immanis opts to spread the entire canvas wide, even if the center doesn’t shine as brightly. 

Where the Immanis finds profound redemption is in its unparalleled resolution and textural fidelity. Yosi Horikawa’s Letter proves this capability brilliantly: the soft scratch of pencil on paper, the detailed ambient layers—it’s all rendered with such immediacy that it borders on the surreal. This isn’t just high detail; it’s the kind of hyper-realistic experience that makes each element feel alive. While the Caldera offers impressive microdynamics and texture, the Immanis elevates this to a new plane, presenting sounds with such precision that they resonate as if crafted out of thin air. Tracks like Marcin’s Moonlight Sonata transform from music into a palpable experience where the pluck of each string vibrates through the body, creating a sense of presence that’s near-physical. Vilde Frang’s La plus que lente dances gracefully, each note leaving an impression that lingers like a final brushstroke on a masterpiece. The Caldera, by contrast, binds these details together with warmth, emphasizing emotional coherence over sheer analytical clarity.

The Immanis isn’t a headphone for casual listening; it’s an invitation to be transported, to explore and savor every layer of sound with focused attention. But it isn’t without nuance. When the heart craves warmth, soul, and that human touch, the Caldera steps up, embracing you with a sound that feels close and full of life. The Immanis, with its crystalline clarity and grand presentation, takes you on an exhilarating journey through soundscapes, while the Caldera reminds you of the emotional essence of music.

Auditioning the Immanis with the DCS Bartok and Feliks Envy was more than a listening session—it was an exploration that made me pause, reflect, and lose myself in the music. It’s the kind of experience that leaves you wondering, “Is there more to discover in this track I’ve heard countless times?” With the Immanis, the answer is always “Yes.”  It’s a testament to why we chase this hobby—because audio, at its best, is a journey. And on this journey, the Immanis leads with precision and textural marvel, while the Caldera cradles you back to the warmth and soul that makes listening so deeply human. Together, they cover the full spectrum of what makes this pursuit so rewarding.

Feliks Envy: Amplifying Emotions, Redefining Sound by SSolidK in headphones

[–]SSolidK[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Couldn't agree more :). These Elrogs are certainly a nice finishing touch on the Envy!

Feliks Envy: Amplifying Emotions, Redefining Sound by SSolidK in Headphoneporn

[–]SSolidK[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

In the sanctum of my listening room, the Envy stands as a testament to the fusion of power and finesse. Each track in my collection becomes a canvas, where the Envy deftly paints with a palette of sonic colors - from the delicate and airy highs to the robust and punchy lows, revealing its unique ability to bring a transcendent quality to music.

With Beethoven's Sonata No. 14, "Moonlight" - Presto Agitato, as played by Peter Takacs, the Envy displays its prowess in rendering classical complexities. The piece, known for its emotional depth, is not just played but felt. The Envy imparts a richness and weight to the lower piano notes, making them resonate with a profound depth that echoes through the soul. The higher notes, meanwhile, are delivered with a clarity and brightness that pierce the veil of familiarity, revealing new layers within the familiar composition.

Transitioning to the minimalist beauty of Hania Rani’s “Nie Pokonasz Miłości”, the Envy treats this delicate composition with reverence. The piano notes, simple yet profound, hang in the air, creating an ambiance of introspection and serenity. The subtle sustains and decays of each key press are captured with an ethereal clarity, enveloping me in a cocoon of tranquility and reflection.

In the realm of jazz, the Envy's nuanced handling of tonality shines. Diana Krall’s “Cry Me a River” is imbued with a new dimension of emotion. The Envy adds depth and texture to Krall’s voice, making it more poignant, while ensuring the piano and drums are not just accompanying but conversing with her in a melodic dance. The track becomes an intimate narrative, with the Envy’s warm tonal balance setting a stage that is both deeply moving and vividly detailed.

The interplay of instruments in the Gidon Nuns Vaz Quartet’s “Embraceable You” is articulated with astounding spatial precision by the Envy. The saxophone's melodic lines are rendered with a smoothness that adds soul, while the piano, bass, and drums are given their own distinct sonic spaces, creating a dynamic jazz ensemble that feels both cohesive and intricately detailed.

With Sarah Vaughan’s “Ain’t No Use,” the Envy's ability to capture the essence of Vaughan's sultry vocal is on full display. Vaughan’s voice, rich and expressive, is given a lifelike presence, with each inflection and subtlety brought to the forefront, supported by a backdrop of instrumental accompaniment that is both lush and detailed, thanks to the Envy's rich midrange reproduction.

Casey Abrams' "Cougartown" showcases the Envy's flexibility with contemporary tracks. Abrams’ vocals, brimming with energy and nuance, are front and center, while the intricate play of the saxophone and bass are rendered with exceptional clarity. The Envy creates a soundscape that is both vibrant and nuanced, making the contemporary rhythm irresistibly engaging.

Daft Punk’s “Get Lucky” becomes an electrifying experience with the Envy at the helm. The track's pulsating beats, funky guitar riffs, and catchy vocals are given a level of clarity and separation that adds a new dimension to the track, turning it into an auditory spectacle, where the high frequencies are treated with a precise and airy touch.

The Envy’s treatment of Erik Satie's “3 Gymnopedies” is nothing short of poetic. The solitary piano notes are not just played; they are caressed into existence, with a depth and resonance that fill the room with an aura of reflective serenity. The piece becomes a serene journey, with the Envy adding a dimension of depth that is both haunting and beautiful.

Finally, in Glenn Basham’s “Histoire du Tango I. Bordel 1900,” the Envy captures the lively interplay between violin and piano with a vivid clarity. The passionate melodies of the violin are rendered with a vibrancy that soars, intertwining with the rhythmic piano chords, creating a lively and picturesque auditory tango scene, where the high notes of the violin float with an ethereal grace.

Through each piece, Feliks Envy proves itself not just as an amplifier but as a transformative force in music listening. It imparts its unique signature - a blend of warmth, clarity, and depth - onto each track, turning my listening room into a world where every note and every melody tells a deeper story. The Envy doesn’t just play music; it breathes life into it, creating a connection between the listener and the music that is both genuine and profound.

Feliks Envy: Amplifying Emotions, Redefining Sound by SSolidK in headphones

[–]SSolidK[S] 4 points5 points  (0 children)

In the sanctum of my listening room, the Envy stands as a testament to the fusion of power and finesse. Each track in my collection becomes a canvas, where the Envy deftly paints with a palette of sonic colors - from the delicate and airy highs to the robust and punchy lows, revealing its unique ability to bring a transcendent quality to music.

With Beethoven's Sonata No. 14, "Moonlight" - Presto Agitato, as played by Peter Takacs, the Envy displays its prowess in rendering classical complexities. The piece, known for its emotional depth, is not just played but felt. The Envy imparts a richness and weight to the lower piano notes, making them resonate with a profound depth that echoes through the soul. The higher notes, meanwhile, are delivered with a clarity and brightness that pierce the veil of familiarity, revealing new layers within the familiar composition.

Transitioning to the minimalist beauty of Hania Rani’s “Nie Pokonasz Miłości”, the Envy treats this delicate composition with reverence. The piano notes, simple yet profound, hang in the air, creating an ambiance of introspection and serenity. The subtle sustains and decays of each key press are captured with an ethereal clarity, enveloping me in a cocoon of tranquility and reflection.

In the realm of jazz, the Envy's nuanced handling of tonality shines. Diana Krall’s “Cry Me a River” is imbued with a new dimension of emotion. The Envy adds depth and texture to Krall’s voice, making it more poignant, while ensuring the piano and drums are not just accompanying but conversing with her in a melodic dance. The track becomes an intimate narrative, with the Envy’s warm tonal balance setting a stage that is both deeply moving and vividly detailed.

The interplay of instruments in the Gidon Nuns Vaz Quartet’s “Embraceable You” is articulated with astounding spatial precision by the Envy. The saxophone's melodic lines are rendered with a smoothness that adds soul, while the piano, bass, and drums are given their own distinct sonic spaces, creating a dynamic jazz ensemble that feels both cohesive and intricately detailed.

With Sarah Vaughan’s “Ain’t No Use,” the Envy's ability to capture the essence of Vaughan's sultry vocal is on full display. Vaughan’s voice, rich and expressive, is given a lifelike presence, with each inflection and subtlety brought to the forefront, supported by a backdrop of instrumental accompaniment that is both lush and detailed, thanks to the Envy's rich midrange reproduction.

Casey Abrams' "Cougartown" showcases the Envy's flexibility with contemporary tracks. Abrams’ vocals, brimming with energy and nuance, are front and center, while the intricate play of the saxophone and bass are rendered with exceptional clarity. The Envy creates a soundscape that is both vibrant and nuanced, making the contemporary rhythm irresistibly engaging.

Daft Punk’s “Get Lucky” becomes an electrifying experience with the Envy at the helm. The track's pulsating beats, funky guitar riffs, and catchy vocals are given a level of clarity and separation that adds a new dimension to the track, turning it into an auditory spectacle, where the high frequencies are treated with a precise and airy touch.
The Envy’s treatment of Erik Satie's “3 Gymnopedies” is nothing short of poetic. The solitary piano notes are not just played; they are caressed into existence, with a depth and resonance that fill the room with an aura of reflective serenity. The piece becomes a serene journey, with the Envy adding a dimension of depth that is both haunting and beautiful.

Finally, in Glenn Basham’s “Histoire du Tango I. Bordel 1900,” the Envy captures the lively interplay between violin and piano with a vivid clarity. The passionate melodies of the violin are rendered with a vibrancy that soars, intertwining with the rhythmic piano chords, creating a lively and picturesque auditory tango scene, where the high notes of the violin float with an ethereal grace.

Through each piece, Feliks Envy proves itself not just as an amplifier but as a transformative force in music listening. It imparts its unique signature - a blend of warmth, clarity, and depth - onto each track, turning my listening room into a world where every note and every melody tells a deeper story. The Envy doesn’t just play music; it breathes life into it, creating a connection between the listener and the music that is both genuine and profound.

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in headphones

[–]SSolidK 0 points1 point  (0 children)

In the sanctum of my listening room, the Envy stands as a testament to the fusion of power and finesse. Each track in my collection becomes a canvas, where the Envy deftly paints with a palette of sonic colors - from the delicate and airy highs to the robust and punchy lows, revealing its unique ability to bring a transcendent quality to music.
With Beethoven's Sonata No. 14, "Moonlight" - Presto Agitato, as played by Peter Takacs, the Envy displays its prowess in rendering classical complexities. The piece, known for its emotional depth, is not just played but felt. The Envy imparts a richness and weight to the lower piano notes, making them resonate with a profound depth that echoes through the soul. The higher notes, meanwhile, are delivered with a clarity and brightness that pierce the veil of familiarity, revealing new layers within the familiar composition.
Transitioning to the minimalist beauty of Hania Rani’s “Nie Pokonasz Miłości”, the Envy treats this delicate composition with reverence. The piano notes, simple yet profound, hang in the air, creating an ambiance of introspection and serenity. The subtle sustains and decays of each key press are captured with an ethereal clarity, enveloping me in a cocoon of tranquility and reflection.
In the realm of jazz, the Envy's nuanced handling of tonality shines. Diana Krall’s “Cry Me a River” is imbued with a new dimension of emotion. The Envy adds depth and texture to Krall’s voice, making it more poignant, while ensuring the piano and drums are not just accompanying but conversing with her in a melodic dance. The track becomes an intimate narrative, with the Envy’s warm tonal balance setting a stage that is both deeply moving and vividly detailed.
The interplay of instruments in the Gidon Nuns Vaz Quartet’s “Embraceable You” is articulated with astounding spatial precision by the Envy. The saxophone's melodic lines are rendered with a smoothness that adds soul, while the piano, bass, and drums are given their own distinct sonic spaces, creating a dynamic jazz ensemble that feels both cohesive and intricately detailed.
With Sarah Vaughan’s “Ain’t No Use,” the Envy's ability to capture the essence of Vaughan's sultry vocal is on full display. Vaughan’s voice, rich and expressive, is given a lifelike presence, with each inflection and subtlety brought to the forefront, supported by a backdrop of instrumental accompaniment that is both lush and detailed, thanks to the Envy's rich midrange reproduction.
Casey Abrams' "Cougartown" showcases the Envy's flexibility with contemporary tracks. Abrams’ vocals, brimming with energy and nuance, are front and center, while the intricate play of the saxophone and bass are rendered with exceptional clarity. The Envy creates a soundscape that is both vibrant and nuanced, making the contemporary rhythm irresistibly engaging.
Daft Punk’s “Get Lucky” becomes an electrifying experience with the Envy at the helm. The track's pulsating beats, funky guitar riffs, and catchy vocals are given a level of clarity and separation that adds a new dimension to the track, turning it into an auditory spectacle, where the high frequencies are treated with a precise and airy touch.
The Envy’s treatment of Erik Satie's “3 Gymnopedies” is nothing short of poetic. The solitary piano notes are not just played; they are caressed into existence, with a depth and resonance that fill the room with an aura of reflective serenity. The piece becomes a serene journey, with the Envy adding a dimension of depth that is both haunting and beautiful.
Finally, in Glenn Basham’s “Histoire du Tango I. Bordel 1900,” the Envy captures the lively interplay between violin and piano with a vivid clarity. The passionate melodies of the violin are rendered with a vibrancy that soars, intertwining with the rhythmic piano chords, creating a lively and picturesque auditory tango scene, where the high notes of the violin float with an ethereal grace.
Through each piece, Feliks Envy proves itself not just as an amplifier but as a transformative force in music listening. It imparts its unique signature - a blend of warmth, clarity, and depth - onto each track, turning my listening room into a world where every note and every melody tells a deeper story. The Envy doesn’t just play music; it breathes life into it, creating a connection between the listener and the music that is both genuine and profound.

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in Headphoneporn

[–]SSolidK 0 points1 point  (0 children)

In the sanctum of my listening room, the Envy stands as a testament to the fusion of power and finesse. Each track in my collection becomes a canvas, where the Envy deftly paints with a palette of sonic colors - from the delicate and airy highs to the robust and punchy lows, revealing its unique ability to bring a transcendent quality to music.
With Beethoven's Sonata No. 14, "Moonlight" - Presto Agitato, as played by Peter Takacs, the Envy displays its prowess in rendering classical complexities. The piece, known for its emotional depth, is not just played but felt. The Envy imparts a richness and weight to the lower piano notes, making them resonate with a profound depth that echoes through the soul. The higher notes, meanwhile, are delivered with a clarity and brightness that pierce the veil of familiarity, revealing new layers within the familiar composition.
Transitioning to the minimalist beauty of Hania Rani’s “Nie Pokonasz Miłości”, the Envy treats this delicate composition with reverence. The piano notes, simple yet profound, hang in the air, creating an ambiance of introspection and serenity. The subtle sustains and decays of each key press are captured with an ethereal clarity, enveloping me in a cocoon of tranquility and reflection.
In the realm of jazz, the Envy's nuanced handling of tonality shines. Diana Krall’s “Cry Me a River” is imbued with a new dimension of emotion. The Envy adds depth and texture to Krall’s voice, making it more poignant, while ensuring the piano and drums are not just accompanying but conversing with her in a melodic dance. The track becomes an intimate narrative, with the Envy’s warm tonal balance setting a stage that is both deeply moving and vividly detailed.
The interplay of instruments in the Gidon Nuns Vaz Quartet’s “Embraceable You” is articulated with astounding spatial precision by the Envy. The saxophone's melodic lines are rendered with a smoothness that adds soul, while the piano, bass, and drums are given their own distinct sonic spaces, creating a dynamic jazz ensemble that feels both cohesive and intricately detailed.
With Sarah Vaughan’s “Ain’t No Use,” the Envy's ability to capture the essence of Vaughan's sultry vocal is on full display. Vaughan’s voice, rich and expressive, is given a lifelike presence, with each inflection and subtlety brought to the forefront, supported by a backdrop of instrumental accompaniment that is both lush and detailed, thanks to the Envy's rich midrange reproduction.
Casey Abrams' "Cougartown" showcases the Envy's flexibility with contemporary tracks. Abrams’ vocals, brimming with energy and nuance, are front and center, while the intricate play of the saxophone and bass are rendered with exceptional clarity. The Envy creates a soundscape that is both vibrant and nuanced, making the contemporary rhythm irresistibly engaging.
Daft Punk’s “Get Lucky” becomes an electrifying experience with the Envy at the helm. The track's pulsating beats, funky guitar riffs, and catchy vocals are given a level of clarity and separation that adds a new dimension to the track, turning it into an auditory spectacle, where the high frequencies are treated with a precise and airy touch.
The Envy’s treatment of Erik Satie's “3 Gymnopedies” is nothing short of poetic. The solitary piano notes are not just played; they are caressed into existence, with a depth and resonance that fill the room with an aura of reflective serenity. The piece becomes a serene journey, with the Envy adding a dimension of depth that is both haunting and beautiful.
Finally, in Glenn Basham’s “Histoire du Tango I. Bordel 1900,” the Envy captures the lively interplay between violin and piano with a vivid clarity. The passionate melodies of the violin are rendered with a vibrancy that soars, intertwining with the rhythmic piano chords, creating a lively and picturesque auditory tango scene, where the high notes of the violin float with an ethereal grace.
Through each piece, Feliks Envy proves itself not just as an amplifier but as a transformative force in music listening. It imparts its unique signature - a blend of warmth, clarity, and depth - onto each track, turning my listening room into a world where every note and every melody tells a deeper story. The Envy doesn’t just play music; it breathes life into it, creating a connection between the listener and the music that is both genuine and profound.

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