Reviews by TheMusicalMystic

TheMusicalMystic

New Head-Fier
Penon Quattro - Warm and Smooth journey
Pros: Warm and smooth mids
Smoothness in treble
Mid-bass attack and decay
Easy to drive
Non-offensive
comfortable(Subjective)
Cons: Sub-bass lacks quality
Instrument separation is average
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Disclaimer:

The Penon Quattro is part of a review tour organized by AG and @Penon in my country. The sample belongs to the brand. The Penon Quattro IEM is a review unit, but the entire review is unbiased.


Sources used:

Nothing Phone 1 (Apple Music) + Jcally c to c + Lotto Paw S1 + Stock Cable and Effect Audio ares 8w cable


Eartips used:

Penon liqueur O, Azla Sednaearfit vivid


Intro:

Penon has established itself as a reputable brand in the audiophile community, renowned for delivering high-quality audio products that meet the demands of discerning listeners. In addition to IEMs, Penon also manufactures cables, adapters, and other audio accessories aimed at enhancing the listening experience. Their products are frequently lauded for their attention to detail, durability, and performance, gaining popularity among audiophiles for offering excellent sound quality, craftsmanship, and value for money.

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Sound impression:

The Penon Quattro is a very musical IEM not intended for critical listening sessions. It offers a plug-and-play experience. Here's a detailed breakdown of its sound impression across the frequency range:

Bass:
Sub-bass:

The sub-bass exhibits noticeable quantity, enhancing tracks like "m.A.A.d. City" by Kendrick Lamar with enjoyable depth. However, its quality could be improved, potentially enhanced with an Ares S-W cable.

Mid-bass:

One of the Penon Quattro's standout features is its fast and tight mid-bass attack and decay, contributing to a lively and thick bass-guitar presence. Tracks like "Hotel California" by the Eagles showcase profound and full-drum sounds.

Mids:

Lower-midrange:

The most beautiful aspect of the Penon Quattro lies in its full and warm mids. While some may find them overly warm, they enrich vocals and snare drums, creating a captivating listening experience. Tracks like "Yaad Lagla" by Ajay Atul demonstrate immersive fullness, though guitar textures may lack due to a frequency response dip.

Upper-midrange:

Ideal for enthusiasts of lush female vocals, the upper-midrange of the Penon Quattro evokes emotive vocal performances while maintaining smoothness in cymbal reproduction. Additionally, it avoids sibilance, catering to those averse to sharp vocal tones.

Treble:

The Penon Quattro's signature tonality is characterized by its unique smooth treble, though some listeners may desire more energy in this aspect. Nonetheless, this trait contributes to an enjoyable listening experience.

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Soundstage:

The soundstage of the Penon Quattro is above average, offering more width than depth and providing a sensation akin to being in a slightly wide room.

Instrument Separation:

While instrument separation is present, it could be enhanced, particularly in busier tracks where overlapping occurs.

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Conclusion:

In conclusion, the Penon Quattro IEMs deliver a compelling listening experience characterized by warm and smooth mids, easy-to-drive performance, and a non-offensive sound signature. The impressive mid-bass adds depth and liveliness to music, while the mids offer richness and fullness, particularly in vocals. Although the treble is smooth, it may leave some craving for more energy. While the sub-bass quality could be improved and instrument separation falls short in busier tracks, the Penon Quattro IEMs cater to listeners seeking an enjoyable, musical experience rather than critical analysis, making them a valuable addition to any audiophile's collection.
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TheMusicalMystic

New Head-Fier
Penon Liqueur - The must have eartips
Pros: 1. Comfort
2. Sound
3. Seal
4. Affordable
Cons: None
Nowadays, the market is flooded with a lot of eartips brands. Some of them are good, and most of them are just mediocre. However, the Penon Liqueur Orange and Black are among the top and are easy recommendations to anyone. Their unique glossy/sticky surface provides the best seal with comfort. Also, the Orange and Black are not just different colors; they have different wall thicknesses. The walls of Black eartips are slightly thicker, and the stem is harder compared to orange eartips. This gives unique choices to consumers according to their preferred sound signature. So, I am splitting the review for Orange and Black.
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Penon Liqueur Orange – The Orange color gives them a unique and funky identity. In terms of sound, I experienced the following:

Bass


• Sub-bass – As per advertisement, the Penon Liqueur eartips improve the low end noticeably, giving sub-bass fuller definition.

• Mid-bass – I observed that there is no coloration in the mid-bass, but these eartips provide cleanliness to the kick drums and bass guitars. Due to this, mid-bass does not bleed into the mids.

Midrange

• Lower Midrange – Straight away, clear male vocals. I felt it is not just clear but opened lower midrange. If you like snare drums, then you’ll be definitely amazed.

• Upper Midrange – Guitar notes, female vocals, cymbals are noticeably clearer than stock eartips. There is no added sibilance to the vocals. Definitely the best point for these eartips.

Treble

• I observed airy treble and improved definition to notes, giving more room for sound. There is no harshness in the treble area.

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Penon Liqueur Black – The Black color gives them a subtle identity. In terms of sound, I experienced the following:

Bass

• Sub-bass – Rich details in the sub-bass, providing fuller depth.

• Mid-bass – There is coloration in the mid-bass, making kick drums and bass guitars more fun to listen to. But I observed slight mid-bass bleeding into the mids.

Midrange

• Lower Midrange – There is no coloration in the lower midrange. Lower midrange sounds the same as the Orange eartips.

• Upper Midrange – No sibilance in the vocals. Guitar notes, female vocals, cymbals.

Treble

• The best part of the Penon Liqueur Black is the treble improvement compared to orange. The treble feels more extended and more open. The notes are well defined, making the sound engaging. The notes of instruments like violin and flute feel more engaging.
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Conclusion

In conclusion, the Penon Liqueur Orange and Black eartips offer distinct sonic experiences, each catering to different preferences. The Orange variant provides a clear and open midrange with enhanced vocal clarity and instrument definition, making it ideal for those who prioritize detail and precision in their audio. On the other hand, the Black eartips offer rich sub-bass details and a more engaging mid-bass, perfect for listeners seeking a dynamic and immersive soundstage. Moreover, both variants boast improvements in treble extension and definition, contributing to a more enjoyable listening experience overall. Whether you lean towards the vibrant identity of the Orange eartips or prefer the subtlety of the Black, both options deliver exceptional performance and comfort. With their unique design features and tailored sound signatures, the Penon Liqueur Orange and Black eartips stand out as top contenders in the market, offering audiophiles and music enthusiasts alike an enticing choice to enhance their listening pleasure.

TheMusicalMystic

New Head-Fier
Blon bl-03 Still worthy in 2023?
Pros: 1. Sound quality for the price
2. Build like a tank
3. Comfort (Subjective)
4. Versatile sound signature
Cons: 1. Cable on the flimsy side
2. Lack of tight bass impact (subjective)
3. Eartips
The BLON-03 in-ear monitors (IEMs) had quite a buzz in the audio community, and after spending some quality time with them, it's time to weigh in on the excitement. Let's dive in, shall we?

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These tiny beasts pack a punch in the clarity department. The BLON-03's 8mm dynamic driver delivers a pristine listening experience. You can expect to hear every note crystal clear, making them perfect for audiophiles craving intricate details. The ergonomic design is like a snug, audio-hugging pillow for your ears. The fit is secure, even during long listening sessions, and they're incredibly lightweight, so you won't be doing the IEM shuffle.
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For their price, the BLON-03 offer excellent value for money. You won't have to break the bank to enjoy high-quality sound. These IEMs are well-suited for a variety of music genres, thanks to a warmish sound signature. They can rock out with the best of them, but also lend themselves to mellower tracks.
But there is main con, The cable that comes with the BLON-03 could use an upgrade. It's a bit on the flimsy side, so you might want to invest in a sturdier option.
If you're a basshead looking for earth-shattering lows, these may not be your jam. The bass is present and accounted for but stays well-behaved.
In conclusion, the BLON-03 IEMs are a delightful surprise for the budget-conscious audiophile. With their clarity, comfort, and versatility, they punch above their weight. However, if you demand premium build quality and thunderous bass, you might want to look elsewhere like QKZ X HBB, 7Hz Legato or Ikko OH10. For those on the hunt for a sonic adventure without emptying your wallet, the BLON-03 are a solid choice. Happy listening!

Songs I used to test -

  1. "Tere Bina" (from the movie "Guru") by A. R. Rahman
  2. "Kandisa" by Indian Ocean
  3. "Tum Itna Jo Muskura Rahe Ho" by Jagjit Singh
  4. "Raabta" (Unplugged) by Arijit Singh
  5. "Teri Deewani" by Kailash Kher
  6. "Raga Jog" by Ravi Shankar
  7. "Breathless" by Shankar Mahadevan
  8. "Nayan Tarse" (from the movie "Dev D") by Amit Trivedi
  9. "Sun Saathiya" (from the movie "ABCD 2") by Shreya Ghoshal






nofacemonster
nofacemonster
This proves that you really don't have to sell a kidney to get some good sound....! damn good pair of IEM's.

TheMusicalMystic

New Head-Fier
Lotoo Paw S1, still worth?
Pros: -Exceptional sound quality
-Wide format support
-Portable and stylish design
-Robust build quality
-User-friendly interface
-Balanced and single-ended outputs for flexibility
Cons: -High price
-Limited accessories
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The Lotoo Paw S1 DAC is a remarkable audio companion that delivers exceptional performance. Its compact and stylish design makes it a portable powerhouse for audiophiles on the go.

The sound quality is nothing short of stunning. The Paw S1 produces a clean, detailed, and immersive audio experience, with an impressive signal-to-noise ratio and minimal distortion. Whether you're listening to music, watching movies, or gaming, this DAC ensures that every nuance of the audio is crystal clear.

One of the standout features is its support for a wide range of audio formats, including high-resolution formats like DSD and MQA. This versatility ensures that you can enjoy your music in its purest form, regardless of the source.

The build quality is top-notch, with a robust aluminum chassis that feels premium in hand. The user-friendly interface and customizable settings make it easy to fine-tune the sound to your preferences. Plus, the inclusion of both single-ended and balanced outputs adds flexibility to your setup.
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While it's an excellent DAC, the Paw S1 does come at a premium price point. However, for serious audiophiles who demand uncompromising audio quality, it's a worthy investment.

In conclusion, even in 2023 the Lotoo Paw S1 DAC impresses with its superb sound quality, format support, and premium build. It's a fantastic choice for those who prioritize audio excellence and are willing to invest in a high-quality DAC for their audio setup.

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TheMusicalMystic

New Head-Fier
Tangzu wan'er SG - A smooth experience
Pros: Value for money tuning
Non-sibilant
Natural timbre
Set of Acoustune AET07 eartips
Easy to drive
Lightweight comfortable shell (subjective)
Good packaging
Cons: Average soundstage
Average kz like cable quality
Need to play with different tips to get the proper sound (subjective)
Disclaimer - Please note that all opinions expressed in this review are strictly subjective and based solely on the personal experience. Sound is an incredibly subjective experience, and everyone may perceive it differently. Results of this review should not be taken as a blanket statement for all listeners.

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Price - $ 19.9

Buy here (non-affiliated) -
1) https://hifigo.com/products/tangzu-wan-er-sg
2) https://www.linsoul.com/products/tangzu-waner-s-g?variant=43530411180249

Features -

>Strong PET Diaphragm Dual-Cavity Dynamic Driver.
>Powerful Neodymium N52 Magnetic Architecture.
>Professional Tuning Adjustments For Smooth Balanced Sound.
>Ergonomic, Comfortable Ear Shells.


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( Credits - @TimmyVangtan )

Sound Impressions -

The Tangzu wan'er SG IEM is an economical in-ear monitor that delivers exceptional audio quality for audiophiles. The balanced bass on this IEM is neither too overpowering nor too underwhelming, which makes it an excellent choice for audiophiles on a budget. Despite its budget-friendly price tag, the Tangzu wan'er SG IEM delivers an immersive listening experience thanks to its warm, lush mids and smooth treble. The Tangzu wan'er SG IEM, boasting an average soundstage and technicalities, is a fantastic choice for audiophiles on a budget.

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When you put on the Tangzu wan'er SG IEM, you'll notice the bass first. It has a good amount of mid bass and just the right amount of sub-bass rumble. The bass is well-rounded and does not overpower the other frequencies, making it a great choice for those who enjoy music with a strong bassline. It is satisfying, but not overwhelming, creating a natural and balanced sound.

The mids are well-balanced and natural, making for a smooth sound. However, there may be some bass leakage in the mids that might affect the sound quality. Nevertheless, the sound is still enjoyable. The treble is smooth and detailed, delivering an good laid back listening experience. It extends smoothly, providing you with a distinct and clear sound. The treble is well-balanced and maintains its clarity without becoming harsh.

The Tangzu wan'er SG IEM's soundstage is average. While the soundstage is not as large as some of the higher-end IEMs, it still provides a fun experience. The Tangzu wan'er SG IEM's technicalities are average, but that doesn't mean that it's not a great choice for audiophiles. The IEM provides you with a clear and precise sound, and it has a decent amount of detail. Even though the IEM has a good level of detail, you can still distinguish between different instruments with ease. The Tangzu wan'er SG IEM has a decent soundstage, providing you with a wide sound. The Tangzu wan'er SG IEM has a good imaging as well, which makes it easy to understand.

The Tangzu wan'er SG IEM is an inexpensive in-ear monitor that audiophiles will cherish. While the bass is satisfying, it is not overwhelming. The mids are lush and plush, and the treble is smooth. The soundstage is average, but the IEM's sound is still crystal clear and accurate. The Tangzu wan'er SG IEM is a great option if you want an immersive audio experience without spending a fortune.

Tracks used -

-"Saawariya" by Shail Hada and Richa Sharma
-"Mitwa" by Shafqat Amanat Ali and Shankar-Ehsaan-Loy
-"Yeh Jo Des Hai Tera" by A.R. Rahman
-"Ae Ajnabi" by Udit Narayan and Mahalaxmi Iyer
-"Pee Loon" by Mohit Chauhan and Irshad Kamil
-"Sajda" by Rahat Fateh Ali Khan, Shankar Mahadevan, and Richa Sharma
-"Mera Mann" by Falak Shabir and Gourov-Roshin
-"Khwaja Mere Khwaja" by A.R. Rahman
-"Tose Naina" by Arijit Singh and Pritam
-"Hotel California" - Eagles
-"Stairway to Heaven" - Led Zeppelin
-"Bohemian Rhapsody" - Queen
-"Sultans of Swing" - Dire Straits
-"A Whiter Shade of Pale" - Procol Harum
-"Money" - Pink Floyd

Conclusion -

In short, the Tangzu wan'er SG IEM is a fantastic choice for budget-conscious audiophiles. It offers a balanced and satisfying bass, warm and lush mids, and smooth treble for an immersive listening experience. Although the soundstage and technicalities are average, they are still more than adequate for the price. Despite a slight bass bleed in the mids, the overall sound quality is excellent. All in all, the Tangzu wan'er SG IEM is an exceptional value for money and is highly recommended for audiophiles on a budget.
I
iBugsBunny
great review! i have shortlisted and confused in between Tangzu Wan'er and Truthear Hola. please help in choosing my gear.

past gear - my primary audio gear includes sony wi-xb400, sennheiser cx180 and jbl t210. my present gear sounds good but i want detailed sound and good imaging.

preferred tonal balance - i want adequate bass but hate mid bass bleed. same goes with treble, i want smooth treble and hate the shibilant harsh fatiguing treble. bass thumps, detailed and clear mids, smooth treble is what i am looking for. i want rich vocal experience and tonally balanced and fun set of iem.

preferred music - i listen to most of the genres. from bollywood classicals to retros to the new bollywood bangers. new age pop, edms and hip hops too. while sleeping, soothing bollywood gazals and sufi songs are my lullabies. everything that is trending and chartbusters are in my playlist.

i'm just starting my audiophile journey and any help is greatly appreciated!
TheMusicalMystic
TheMusicalMystic
Tangzu wan'er will me more suitable for your mentioned genres. If budget allows you consider upgrading the cable.

TheMusicalMystic

New Head-Fier
DUNU Kima - what a comfy iem!
Pros: - Organic timbre
- Non-fatigueing treble
- Great accessories
- Non-grainy treble
- Safe tunning
Cons: - Soundstage not that wide
- Don't stand out as compared to competition
Disclaimer - Please note that all opinions expressed in this review are strictly subjective and based solely on the personal experience. Sound is an incredibly subjective experience, and everyone may perceive it differently. Results of this review should not be taken as a blanket statement for all listeners.

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Firstly just wanted to say a big thank you to @gadgetgod for letting me review the Dunu Kima you gave me. It was so generous of you and I really appreciate it. It was really exciting to be able to try out a new piece of gear and share my thoughts with others. Your willingness to share your gear with me has been truly invaluable. Thanks for being such a great!

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Features -

-High-Performance 10mm Dual-Cavity Dynamic Driver.
-Latest-generation DLC(Diamond-Like Carbon) Diaphragm.
-Powerful N52-based Magnetic Circuit.
-Specially Designed Micro-Control Airflow Technology.
-High-Density Alloy Shells.
-Premium Matte Finish.
-Ergonomic Design & Comfy shape.
-Professional Tuning Adjustments.
-Comes with S&S Eartips and Candy Eartips by default
-Premium High-Purity 4-Strand Single-Crystal Silver-Plated Copper Cable.
-Standard 0.78mm 2-pin connectors.
-3.5mm Termination Plug.

Price - $109.00

Buy Link (non-affiliated) - https://hifigo.com/products/dunu-kima-iems

Sound impressions -

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The DUNU Kima that is being reviewed is a great choice for those who value a balanced sound signature. The bass on this IEM is well-balanced and provides a satisfying low end. It's not overpowering and doesn't overpower the mids and highs, which is a common issue with many bass-heavy IEMs. The bass is tight and well-defined, providing a good foundation for the rest of the frequency spectrum.

The mids on DUNU Kima are forward and bring out the vocals and instruments clearly. The vocals are well-articulated and have a natural tonality. The instruments are also well-represented and have a good sense of realism. The mids are not recessed or overshadowed by the bass and treble, which is a common issue with many IEMs in this price range.

The treble on DUNU Kima is well-extended and adds sparkle and airiness to the overall sound. The treble is not harsh or fatiguing, which is a common issue with many treble-heavy IEMs. The treble is well-integrated with the rest of the frequency spectrum and provides a good sense of balance.

The soundstage on this DUNU Kima is slightly congested, making it feel less open and spacious. However, this is not a major issue and the soundstage is still good for an IEM in this price range. The soundstage is not as wide or as deep as some of the more expensive IEMs, but it's still good enough to provide a decent sense of space and separation between instruments.

The details on DUNU Kima are excellent. The overall sound is nuanced and provides a good sense of realism. The instruments have a good sense of timbre and the vocals have a good sense of expression. The details on this IEM are not the best in class, but they are still very good for an IEM in this price range.

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Overall, this DUNU Kima is a great choice for those who value a balanced sound signature with a focus on detail. The bass, mids, and treble are all well-balanced and provide a good sense of balance. The soundstage is slightly congested, but it's still good enough to provide a decent sense of space and separation between instruments. The details on this DUNU Kima are excellent and provide a good sense of realism. If you're looking for an IEM that provides a balanced sound signature with a focus on detail, DUNU Kima is definitely worth checking out.

In conclusion, DUNU Kima is a great option for listeners who want a well-balanced sound signature with a focus on detail. The bass is tight, forward mids bring out vocals and instruments clearly, and well-extended treble adds sparkle and airiness to the overall sound. The soundstage may be slightly congested, but the details are excellent and provide a good sense of realism. Overall, a great choice for those who value a balanced sound signature with a focus on detail.

Tracks Used -

"Mahi Ve" - Arijit Singh
"Raabta" - Deepika Padukone, Sushant Singh Rajput
"Tere Bin" - Rahat Fateh Ali Khan
"Main Jahan Rahoon" - Rahat Fateh Ali Khan
"Phir Le Aya Dil" - Rekha Bhardwaj
"Tere Liye" - Atif Aslam
"Jai Ho" - A R Rahman
"Humma Humma" - A R Rahman
"Tu Hi Re" - A R Rahman
"Chandelier" - Sia
"All of Me" - John Legend
"Sweet Child O' Mine" - Guns N' Roses
"Toxic" - Britney Spears
"Bohemian Rhapsody" - Queen
"Someone Like You" - Adele
"Fix You" - Coldplay
"Dream On" - Aerosmith

Conclusion -

The DUNU Kima in question is a great choice for those who want a balanced sound signature with an organic timbre line. It has enough bass to provide a satisfying low end, forward mids that bring out vocals and instruments clearly, and well-extended treble that adds sparkle and airiness to the overall sound. The instruments have a natural and organic timbre, making the overall listening experience more realistic and enjoyable. However, the soundstage may be slightly congested, but it still provides decent space and separation between instruments. The details are excellent and provide a good sense of realism. Overall, a great dependable and fun option for those who value a balanced sound signature with a focus on detail and an organic timbre line.

Thank you for reading this review, I hope it helped you in making a decision on your next IEM purchase.
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