I have this and been using this for some time. Its absolutely an incredible amp and a beast in size and heft. Its very much comparable to 789, which was what I was using before.
Let me start by saying, there is something special about this amp. It's background is as dark as it gets, would be similar to 789. However, I like the sound of this amp more than 789. Everything just sounds sweeter, and more enjoyable. I started to understand difference between sweet sounding v/s clinical.
I strongly feel, this is a step up from 789 from musicality, and well justified at $400.
As with any high end amp, you need really high end DAC. Currently I am using it with D50, but planning to get D70 or M500 to really get most out of this and 789.
AmJoshWould you also recommend this for its SE output? For cans that don't have an option to interchange the cables? From what I've gathered the SE output of the 789 was highly praised.
flusckSE is equally good. With balanced you essentially get more power, double to be precise. These can easily give 789 run for money. I stopped using 789 after I listened to these.