Listening with headphones
Contents
On the Helios, the output for headphones is at the rear; Weiss provides an adapter cable from RCA to stereo jack. An unusual choice at first glance, until we realise that the output comes from the same op-amp.
Two channels are set up separately for headphones. The Helios offers preset EQ presets for a wide range of Audeze models. Other brands are missing for now. The option to adjust the crossfeed algorithm is interesting. Headphones, of course, are characterised by extreme channel separation. For some recordings, a little blending of the signal can affect the sound a positive way. It is, in fact, the opposite of the crossfeed cancellation (XTC) DSP, offered for speakers. We tried both options and live recordings sound amazingly realistic with XTC. The effect of the crossed algorithm is dependent on the headphones used (open or closed) and the music.
We paired several headphones to the Helios; the Yamaha YS-5000 magnetostat, some in-ears with balanced armature drivers, open and closed headphones. On the Helios, it is very easy to hear where these headphones differ and why they sound the way they do. As expected, the Helios and electrostatic headphone combination is a revelation. With XLR into the Hifiman Jade II amplifier, headphones on. Speed and rhythm come into their ultimate focus here. And the focus on mid-low and rhythmics let these electrostats reproduce low registers like never before.
We enjoyed turning the knobs on the filters. With the web interface, this is very easy and really enjoyable to do. It is a bit like being in the studio but without the complex parameters of effects equipment. Your author also has Softube’s Weiss plugins but they are much more complicated to operate.
For whom
It is dangerous to write down but we would venture the proposition that components in an audio system have reached an optimum between price and quality at around 20-25,000 euros. There is equipment on the market that is even more expensive but whether that is worth the extra investment, we wonder.
Moreover, it is mainly about the match between the components. The Grimm MU2 and Weiss Helios confirm this statement. Added to this is the fact that both brands are still firmly established in the studio world where engineers are usually very knowledgeable about the market. So these products are for those looking for the ultimate DAC streamer.
Weiss Helios: the new reference
Based on this story, you probably feel it coming: the Weiss Helios is my new reference player for all digital sources.
Conclusion
The Weiss Helios. What a DAC/streamer! To say we are enthusiastic is an understatement. With every track, we want to stand up and dance along.
The Helios, just like the Grimm MU2, has achieved something special. We forget that the source is digital and also realize how special that actually is, almost 50 years after the introduction of digital audio. It is pure enjoyment. Of the music. And if we want to do things a little differently, there are the Weiss filters to make it better.
We bow deeply to Daniel Weiss and other audio pioneers who have been working for over 40 years to record music digitally and liberate that same music digitally. As far as we are concerned, the Weiss Helios is the standard. Alpha Approved!