From the Fumes of Myth – A Review of the Mr. Speakers ÆON

ÆON’s neutral-warm tuning is the sort that pairs beautifully with just about any device. If it was brighter, a brighter source might make it harsh-sounding. If it was warmer, like NightOwl, then it could turn dark and congested with the wrong gear. But neutral-warm is perfect. Seldom will you find a poor pairing for headphones like that.

For most of this review, I had ÆON hooked up to my Audio-GD NFB-28, using its single-ended output, since I don’t have a balanced cable for these cans. The 28 is also neutral-warm, or what I call “natural”. It’s spacious and clean, with great dynamics, and seriously high resolving power. Yet unlike many Sabre DACs, there is a wonderful, full-bodied richness. ÆON is right at home. The synergy here is awesome.

My Opus#2, by theBit, is a duel-Sabre setup, just like the NFB-28. Also just like the 28, it’s neutral done right. In fact, the audible differences are so negligible, I think of the Opus as very nearly its equal. ÆON sounds full and right from this player. ÆON is at peak performance, with resolution, clarity, and depth to die for.

For a DAP that compensates for ÆON’s lack-luster bass response, I recommend the Cayin i5. This player is a bass monster. The i5 produces a deep, warm sound, where clarity is not lost, and smoothness and detail walk hand-in-hand. Its enormous low-end energy brings a lot of fun out of ÆON, and has more than enough power. At only 50 on Low Gain, these headphones are exploding with intensity. This pairing may be my favorite of the bunch.

If you’re looking to squeeze the most transparency and detail out of ÆON, without spending gobs of money, the Opus#1 is my choice. It’s dynamic enough to bring tons of life to ÆON, but neutrality is its prime directive. Unlike i5, which is fat down low, Opus#1 pushes the treble instead. It doesn’t make ÆON bright, but its quality to reveal is impressively high.

The Shanling M2s is a sick little player for a pittance. It doesn’t quite fill out ÆON as well as the i5, but it comes really close. The soundstage is not as big, it lacks some of the refinement, but the bass is quite fulfilling. Shanling also renders a clear picture, with excellent detail. At this price, it’s hard to fault it.

I was given the option of buying these headphones at 50% off if I liked them. And I do like them. A lot. Yet I find between NightOwl and 99C, ÆON doesn’t fill any specific need that isn’t already met. And their weak bass unquestionably diminishes ÆON’s appeal.

Somehow, though, in spite of my lust for meaty lows, ÆON manages to captivate me. When I put them on and play good music, ÆON creates a splendid experience, one where I am not mindful of preference or personal bias. I merely fall into the supreme musicality ÆON champions.

Yes. I am awfully fond of these headphones. Their technical proficiency coupled with the profound richness and depth makes ÆON the easiest recommendation I can make.

-~::Pinky_Powers::~-

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ABOUT AUTHOR

Pinky Powers

Pinky Powers

Pinky is an artsy twat. Illustration, graphic design, writing. Yet music escapes him, and always has. He builds his own cables, and likes to explore the craftsmanship of others. He's a stabby one, also. At the first hint of annoyance, out comes the blade. I say he's compensating for something... in a big bad way. If we all try really hard as a collective, maybe we can have him put down.

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5 Responses

  1. The voicing is admirable. Far more accurate than the Audeze LCD 2C for instance. But I couldn’t get past the soundstage size. It’s chamber music sized, no way it can produce something like Mahler #1

    I find the HFM HEX v2 (used into the low $700’s) to be clearly better. I also find the HE-500 (with fuzzor mods and good pads) that can be had for ~$400 used to be more natural, although it likes an amp with 2+ watts with a quick/strong bass to show it at its best.

  2. Thank you so much for your reply. I think I’ll treat myself to these headphones. They seem to be what I’ve been looking for for a long time.

    Have a happy thanksgiving.

    – Randolph.

  3. These would be great for studio use.

    The bass is neutral, in an analytical way. Meaning it is maybe a little leaner than necessary, but will respond well to everything you do at the board. It reminds me of the of HD600 that way.

  4. Hi. Regarding the bass, preferably the low end, do you say there isn’t much because you prefer bass that’s more bloated / enhanced ? I ask cause I’m interested in using these cans for studio use and while mixing I need the bass to be as accurate as possible with no artificial boost. I mix bass heavy music. How do you think the low end would be for my use? Thanks

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