I will say, I’m a noob so you veterans will have your own opinions. Just got Clear MGs on sale ($959 on Amazon renewed, I was nervous they would be scratched but I would never have known they were not brand new, even the little plastic protectors on the zipper pulls were intact).

Other cans include: Sony XM4, Audeze Maxwell, Focal Bathys. I like all of them, but I liked the Bathys so much I decided to give one of Focals big boys a try.

I can’t describe the sound accurately, but the dynamics, clarity, and just tone is a noticeable step up. First open backs so I can see what people are talking about with the space/staging. I know there are other headphones that do many things better, but I’m sure I’m keeping these. It doesn’t hurt that they are gorgeous to behold and are probably the fanciest thing I have ever purchased.

I’m doing a back to back with the Bathys on Dac mode (Apple Music Lossless) and the Clear MGs. I will say the Bathys are still pretty dang good and very capable of transporting you to “music land” if you are not actively trying to be analytical. That said, the Clears are a noticeable step up in clarity, resolution, and dynamics. Damn.

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I ordered a ifi Gryphon but it hasn’t come yet. I’m using a Volt 2 Audio Interface that I have for recording. Not high grade audiophile gear, but it does support max resolution and seems to be powering the cans just fine. That said, I’ve never had anything better to compare to.

Thanks to this forum for motivating me to pull the trigger. Can’t afford anything like this for awhile, but I don’t think I’ll need to!