I've had my HEK v2 for over a week now burning in 24/7. I'm really enjoying this headphone way beyond my expectations. I like the v2 much better than the v1. The issues that I had with the v1 (softness) have been addressed by the v2. Owners of the v1 and v2 report that the v2 is slightly brighter but I don't find the v2 bright at all. In relative terms of brightness of the headphones that I've owned, I think the HD800 is the brightest, followed by the SR-009, Utopia, LCD X, HEK v2, AQ Nighthawk (the NH being too dark). The HEK's soundstage is larger than the Utopia in terms of width and depth. The HEK's bass is the best that I've heard in a headphone. It's well textured, and deeply extended but it doesn't intrude into the midrange. The Utopia's midrange was the best I've heard in a headphone and it still may be but the HEK is no slouch in this area and may be equal (just not sure yet).

Oh and comfort, the HEK v2 is king here. The Utopia is very comfortable but the HEK is even more so. It sounds like I the HEK v2 better than my Utopia and that may be true but it's too soon to make that judgement. In a few months I may add a headphone amp to my main speaker system that will be primarily for the Utopia. Since I like tubes, I may get a tube amp for the Utopia or a slightly dark SS amp. My Luxman P700u that I used for this comparison, has a very expansive soundstage, and neutral signature. I think the P700u is perfect for my HEK. I think the Utopia would mate well with a slightly, but not overly dark sounding amp of high pedigree.

I'm extremely happy with my new HEK v2 and I'm glad I picked it over the LCD4. I've never heard the LCD4 and it may be a great headphone but I'm done with heavy headphones. Even though the carbon fiber headband makes heavy headphones like my LCD X much more tolerable, it doesn't make them much lighter and the heavy weight still detracts from the listening experience. The HEK headphones almost disappear on my head which makes for an enjoyable listening session. For reference, the source that I used was my new Aurender N100H 4TB connected by a Curious USB cable to my new Bryston BDA-3 DAC that is in my basement system.

Thanks for the feedback! Sounds like you are enjoying your HE1Kv2s! :music: I'd love to audition them when the opportunity presents itself. :yes:

You are right, the 120-150gm (HE1Kv2 and Audeze LCD series) may not sound like much of a weight difference but it is certainly noticeable in long term comfort for most. I find the weight doesn't bother me with any of my headphones but the headband does make a big difference in comfort. I just upgraded my LCD3 to the Carbon Fiber and it is much more comfortable for those extended listening sessions.

As far as partnering amps, do consider the V281 from Violectric, I am pretty sure that is exactly what you are describing and looking for. ;)

The V281 and the HA430 are on my short list. What volume control did
you go with on your V281?

I went with the loaded up model V281. XMOS DAC section which is actually pretty good in itself and the remote relay option which besides the obvious volume remote control gives you the option of switching between inputs and muting the amp with the remote.

The DAC is an option right? I don't need a DAC. Either way, V281 or HA430, I would go without the DAC. I already have a Bricasti M1SE in that system. Thanks.

Yes, DAC module optional as is the remote relay. A base V281 is just as good if you don't need the bells and whistles.

smatsui324... Moon 430HA recommended. But needs long ‘burn-in’ time.

I have a Blue Dragon cable for my HD650 and will say it is a quality cable that brings out more of everything the headphones are capable of doing. That I got the cable and the HD650 for about 50 bucks more than just the cable certainly helps. :D

Most people seem to prefer the Black Dragon to the Blue and Silver with just about all headphones. The Silver strangely seem to be geared toward specific cans. Moon Audio doesn't even make a Silver Dragon speaker cable; it's Black Dragon only.