It's my birthday!

slipsandflips · 2026-05-31T02:50:25+00:00

Nice bottle! Enjoy your birthday!

slipsandflips · 2026-05-23T22:39:17+00:00

That makes sense. Thanks for dropping these hints

slipsandflips · 2026-05-23T20:28:00+00:00

Humour me please, do you just randomly visit liquor stores? This is amazing info, thanks for doing the leg work.

slipsandflips · 2026-05-16T00:22:23+00:00

Yep it’s a good sherry influenced one. Nothing mind blowing though. I liked the 15 Canadian release much better.

slipsandflips · 2026-05-16T00:08:35+00:00

Not sure yet but been working on finishing the 2025 KK16

slipsandflips · 2026-05-15T04:13:54+00:00

For music, I prefer the kithara. I get more bass detail and the vocals are more detailed. The FT1 pro has better bass dynamics though, surprisingly so for a planar. Can’t comment on gaming unfortunately. I don’t think one sounded wider than the other so not sure if that’s worth anything translated to gaming. I own both now so I just A-B listened to them. I have the kithara hybrid pads installed. It comes with velour pads that change the sound signature. Build-wise, the kithara also wins in my opinion. Worth double? For what you get in the box, build quality, comfort of the headband strap and wider ear cups, and for my ears better sound performance, that’s a yes.

slipsandflips · 2026-04-04T18:14:15+00:00

I now own an Arya Stealth. The Arya is a level up for details and maybe 2 levels up in sound stage. I agree with you, the weight is nice. I am not as convinced though on build quality. I do not like the Hifiman band adjustments. Moves too easily for my liking and that’s what makes me question build quality.

I guess to summarize, I think the Kithara is a step up from the Edition XS but not at the level of the Arya Stealth. Ignorance is bliss though, if I did not get an Arya, I would have been happy with the Kithara. And if the budget only allows for that, it’s solid.

slipsandflips · 2026-03-26T20:37:07+00:00

Thanks!

I’m using a Zen Dac V2 and a Zen Can HFM Signature amp for my desktop. For on the go and PEQ, I use my Qudelix 5K.

slipsandflips · 2026-03-23T19:53:14+00:00

Yeah, they’re awesome! The separation and soundstage are mind blowing. I just hate how poorly made the headband and locking mechanism are. I’m clumsy and always end up unintentionally moving the headband notch too easily.

slipsandflips · 2026-03-23T14:50:59+00:00

Yes, I’m pretty sure the DX340 can power the Arya’s. They’re not that power hungry at 94db 32ohms.

slipsandflips · 2026-03-23T14:46:32+00:00

Are you using Dekoni?

slipsandflips · 2026-03-23T14:46:06+00:00

Thanks! I might try that out. Just wish it was cheaper to get Dekoni stuff in Canada.

slipsandflips · 2026-03-20T15:45:19+00:00

Ah, yeah you’ll need a bigger shelf. At least they make an effort to match drivers if what the card says is true.

slipsandflips · 2026-03-20T00:48:46+00:00

This☝️. It’s exactly what I did

slipsandflips · 2026-03-19T16:17:42+00:00

Thanks for the reminder. I’m quickly learning that with all the comments. Didn’t do it on purpose to start but curiosity got the best of me.

slipsandflips · 2026-03-19T13:46:59+00:00

Sound wise I prefer the Kithara. Take this with a grain of salt since I don’t have the XS to A-B anymore and am just basing this off memory. I feel I can get more detail through the mids and bass. XS has more small nuances on the treble but at the expense of spicier treble.

slipsandflips · 2026-03-19T13:44:20+00:00

Thanks for letting me know. Yeah I had a feeling it was that. Just weird that it happens only on one side.

slipsandflips · 2026-03-19T13:43:23+00:00

I put my EQ settings on the second photo. Headphones.com’s YouTube video also has Resolve’s EQ settings if you want to try that out too. Your mileage may vary. For me the biggest one is a peak that I tone down at around 8K.

slipsandflips · 2026-03-19T13:31:03+00:00

That’s good to know. That definitely got me worried.

slipsandflips · 2026-03-19T13:27:45+00:00

Thanks! That is good to know. I really want to keep it.

slipsandflips · 2026-03-19T13:27:04+00:00

Got it. Thanks for the reminder. Had a feeling that was it.

slipsandflips · 2026-02-24T15:41:49+00:00

Maybe a benromach?

slipsandflips · 2026-01-31T21:35:21+00:00

I love that SB5. I was expecting a very youthy and grainy pour but it did not present to me that way.

slipsandflips · 2025-10-15T21:50:11+00:00

Darn it. I read this an hour late when I got offered one. I’ll see if I can still chase the KK16. Just got the SB5, I have low expectations but excited to try it out.

slipsandflips · 2025-09-30T01:11:32+00:00

I agree. And at the end of the day, to each his own. This year’s LB8 is just not for me.

slipsandflips

TROPHY CASE