Reviews by nicoritschel

nicoritschel

New Head-Fier
Pros: Versatile sound signature, excellent build quality
Cons: $$$

 
I received my K10s in mid December. Before that, I owned another pair of CIEMs (the Heir Audio 8.A) which I have since moved on from. The 8.A was John Moulton's original 8 driver design, with a relatively dark, bass-heavy signature.
 
When purchasing the K10s, I was slightly worried that I may give up some of the sound that I loved so dearly. Man, I just didn't know what I was missing out on. The K10 can do everything that the 8A could do, plus more. The highs are incredibly well-detailed and non-fatiguing, the mids are incredibly natural, and bass doesn't overpower, but is still booming when the current track commands it.
 
I've seen other reviews mention that the K10 has less bass quantity than the 8.A, but I have not found that to be the case. Sure, the sound signature is perhaps less dark overall, but far more natural, and the bass is not lacking in any way, shape, or form. I've yet to come across a recording where I've not been exceptionally pleased with the sound quality.
 
Versatility is the name of the game, the K10s will pleasantly reproduce any recording you throw at them. With that said, it is very much so advantageous to feed them with a high quality sound source. I tend to only listen to ALAC files, through an HRT Microstreamer fed through Amarra, or through my iPhone 5s whilst on the go. 
 
Fit and isolation is wonderful, as I had my impressions taken by Brannan from Noble Audio, free of charge. If you happen to be in Southern California, I would highly recommend having Brannan taking care of your impressions, as he knows to take impressions to Dr. Moulton's standards. I had some seal issues on my 8.A's, but my K10s fit wonderfully. 
 
I will also note that build quality is second to none. My K10s are absolutely flawless, and beautiful to boot. I opted for a Wizard design, which was 100% worth it, especially since John took care of me with a design that I have still not seen on an IEM from Noble or any other company. 
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Sorensiim
Sorensiim
Great review - Good to see I'm not the only one going from the 8.A to the K10 and not really looking back. I still have my 8.A and for stuff like Daft Punk (especially the Tron:Legacy soundtrack) they are awesome - but the K10 just rules with ANYTHING. No matter what I throw at them, they just deliver, without ever breaking a sweat.
sq3rjick
sq3rjick
Another 8.A -> K10 person checking in.  This is an excellent review! I think you've nailed it with the sound signature of the K10.  I think that the 8.A and K10 have similar bass, but the K10 brings together the whole picture.  The bass quality and quantity is the same, but you also have matching excellent mids and highs, so there's less overall emphasis.
 
Your design is absolutely beautiful, by the way!
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