ETA Mini S Review (Follow-Up to Mini C)

I can echo the sentiments here. Driven from EC Af or 3F, they sound about the same or maybe even feel a bit mismatched, but coming out of MM2/Piety stack next to my computer as a secondary system, the synergy is great - engaging but not distracting when I want to multitask. And of course the fact they work well straight out of headphone jack or DAP is pure bonus.

 

Looks like this hasn't been posted here yet, but here's Oratory's measurements of the Mini Semi-Closed on a Gras rig:
https://www.dropbox.com/s/5evsyhnx99zs0od/ETA Mini Semi-Closed.pdf

Money shot:

 

Some rapid fire stream of consciousness...

Equipment matching:
- Lenovo laptop headphone output: meh
- Samsung S9 headphone output: ok
- Phonitor 2 headphone output: best bass, second choice
- Phonitor 2 with crossfeed matrix: slightly less bass, slightly more stage (but backwards depth)
- RME Babyface Pro Fs 3.5mm output (0.1ohm output impedance): definitely on the incisive side, but best so far
- RME Babyface Pro Fs 6.5mm output (10 ohm output impedance): honestly I like this more than the 3.5mm output, takes the edge off, gives me a bit more thump/body but less kick, and I don't feel like I'm losing any detail (or maybe that's because I'm not being distracted by the zing); I wish I could get something right in between to keep that low end kick
- overall impression is that this thing is quite responsive to different amps, but I wouldn't necessarily say that my expensive amp is "better", it's just a flavour and matching thing

Sound impressions: (using RME 6.5mm output)
- solid FR balance overall
- strong bass extension with the expected higher distortion the lower down you go
- layering is its strong suit
- staging is wide but not deep, veers to "behind the head"
- I do not like it at high volumes, feels like it loses control and gets mushy
- late night/low volume listening is excellent

edit: I will note that I have not read anything in this thread, so I really have no idea what other people think of this headphone

 

I need to make a balanced cable for the Mini-S, or rather, I need to ask a buddy to make one because I don't have any connectors left and don't have my dmm either. Can someone please confirm for me that on the earcup plugs the tip is + and sleeve is -, and what about the ring?