How about using seasoned bread :relaxed:.

You are welcomed :relaxed:.

I have been saying this about MEST for some time now, works best with small tips and deep insertion for a proper bone conduction contact area.

Lack of burnin time is also why I have been cautious with my comments. Two things that impressed at time zero was soundstage size and vocal integrity. There is no colouring of vocals on my etymotic er4sr; er4xr ads a bit more body but RU7 still pulls off fairly accurate vocals.

Cayin made the right decision in leaving it to the user to select whatever DSD settings is preferable. Fair warning is provided that iPhones will have hiccups at DSD256 due to power limitations; but I use DSD256 anyway because that’s my choice :relaxed:.

Less than half is still a big percentage.

One reputable retailer mentioned Mest MK2 is rarely returned. The bar has been set very high for MK3.

My Azla Xelastec tip for MEST MK2 became too loose and I grabbed a new pair, but in the process I decided to also purchase Azla Crystal tips. Azla says there should be no difference in sound but I found Crystal smooths out peaks while still being very resolving in the treble region. Everything...

I have to agree with you, particularly with TOTL DAP’s that they are very overpriced. I have set my ceiling for purchasing a TOTL DAP and will not go a penny above that ceiling. In most instances more gain is made in scaling up to better headphones/ IEMs vs paying more for overpriced TOTL DAPs...

Following up on my earlier post. Tried the same IEM on the 13pro with DSD256 and RU7 had no issues. Seems that iOS may be throttling battery output on older phones or whenever the battery health is outside acceptable threshold.

I think the EU has already sent Apple a warning that any attempts to circumvent their ruling with a Mfi usb restriction will lead to a complete iPhone ban in Europe. I think that Mfi battle is lost at this point.

Ensure your lightning to usb cable is rated for 5 volt swings. DSD 128 doesn’t cause issues on my lowly iPhone XS. I can even use DSD256 with no issues on low impedance IEMs. No pops/cracks between songs either, but on higher impedance impedance IEM (40 ohm) I do get the occasional crack when...

I need to give it a second and more extended listening session. Two things that stood out is the ER4XR in balanced mode were harder to drive than anticipated (needed high gain on iPhone) and the soundstage with triple flange tip was large and didn’t have the usual in your head presentation...

Could it be app dependent? My source was Amazon Music. The way iOS works the app volume and system volume settings are independent; the volume need to be adjusted while the music app is open. If you’re adjusting system volume that won’t impact the dongle output. It is surprising to hear that...

Have my RU7 on hand and some first impressions iPhone: Using a Cayin usb/lightning cable RU7 was able to drive a 300 ohm Senn HD8XX. Also paired RU7 with MEST MK2, Etymotic ER4XR, and oldie but goodie AKG K3003. Those presented various impedance and tuning challenges. All headgear were using...

Compared to my other headphones and IEM’s I am hearing tones in a way I have never experienced with any other headgear. It just feels like a filter/veil has been peeled away and you never knew that extra layer was there.

Be prepared to be disappointed, midrange of Mest MK3 will not be anywhere close to Multiverse. Though I do believe Mest has the superior treble drivers.

Easily the iBasso DX320, MEST is efficient and easy to drive, but it does need a high current amplifier to get the electrostatic drivers and bone conductor driver to sing. DX320 also has a discrete class A amp.

RU7 owner is hyperventilating but W4 owner is the authority on declaring the W4 a better Dongle?

If we are looking at lower consumption and lower output the Ibasso DC04pro, Fiio KA5 etc are the price point benchmarks for the W4EX, not the RU7.

Discrete design means the dongle will likely benefit from break-in and should get better with time and usage.

My RU7 is arriving on Wednesday and will also be paired with MEST MK2. I will also pair it with Etymotic ER4SR to hear the RU7’s true sound signature.

It is a bit disingenuous to show pricing of the W4EX; the W4 msrp is $482. That is two Benjamins more than a RU7 and 67% more costly. RU7 is the real breakthrough product when value is added to the equation.

One of those dongles is priced for comparison with DAP’s. The true engineering feat is an innovative design that hits a sensible price point.

That is an endorsement for having multiple IEM and DAP; multiple IEM at the minimum. This way there is more opportunity for synergy.