NickolasStoneI would also ask how does it compare to the Sennheiser Momentum 1 or 2 (the later now called HD1). According what other have said on this Meze 99 headphone, they seem to be over ear closed backs, with a moderately emphasized or slammy bass, good neutral midrange and slightly rolled off upper highs... while being slightly on the warm side and fun, with low impedance and efficient design (db/mw). Those attributes also describe the Sennheiser Momentum over ear (I own both the Momentum 1 over ear and the newer Momentum wireless over ear, now called HD1 Wireless Over Ear). Does anybody have compared both? Would it be money badly spent on the Meze since I own the Momentum over ear? Just curious...
NickolasStoneAnd by extension, E-MU Teaks. I recently "upgraded" from my Dragonfly Red to the Sabaj DA3, and I couldn't believe it was THAT much better (but it is!). I combine the Jitterbug with the DA3 with my E-MU Teaks, and it is very enjoyable. I'm wondering how these Meze cans compare.
NickolasStoneTo keep it short, the Meze were much more warm and smooth overall with good tonality. Very musical sounding and not neutral or analytical by any means. A safe, comfortable, fun headphone.
The Fostex Ebonies sound much more energetic and have tighter bass and impact. The Meze has some good rumble but it much more resonant/boomy compared to the tighter, faster Ebony. The Fostex also has better treble extension, a wider soundstage, better imaging, and resolution. The Meze is the substantially more comfortable headphone. I'd say looks on both are dead even as I find them both handsome for different reasons. Meze also comes with the better cable and a hard case. Fostex insists on shipping a cloth covered garden hose disguised as a headphone cable.
Both are easy to drive but the Fostex responds to amping much more than the Meze does. The Meze is also much easier to drive from a mobile phone. I can max out the Fostex and still want it go go louder. If you need something that could be portable the Meze is a safe, good sounding bet. If you want to spend more to experience more with a desktop setup, the Fostex would be the better investment. Or, buy both as they fit two different needs and would work well in tandem.
ShnikeJSBI am driving my E-MU Teaks with Dragon Fly Red DAC mode + Magni 3.
Could you please explain more, the Sabaj DA3 really made a lot of difference?
BIGGUY4x4Just plug the headphone out of the DFR in the aux or line input of the amp of your choice and put the volume output of the DFR at max (2.1v output) using your source, that’s all. The great thing about the DFR’s output is that it is controlled by a digital volume right on the DAC’s chip (the ESS 9016).