Dream Earz aud-5X Custom IEM Review: Pure Value @ $565 - Also the appreciation thread! - Page 34

How is the 5X compare to the 7X and 8X ?

Originally Posted by neozecat 

How is the 5X compare to the 7X and 8X ?

The 7X is sort of an advancement/upgrade on the 5X.. as the 8X is an advancement/upgrade on the 6X.. or so it seems to me.

What are the upgrade for both ?
 

On a side note, are all the DE customs forced to come with the logo?

Quote:

Originally Posted by cravenz 


Yup I read it. Just don't know how the 7 will do though

Source matching the 7X should be similar to the 5X. The 7 has the same configuration as the 5, with an added mid driver and tweeter on each side.

Quote:

Originally Posted by cravenz 

On a side note, are all the DE customs forced to come with the logo?

I'm sure you can ask Mitch to go logoless, or just get some custom art of course. Or you could get something like mine where the logo is engraved instead of printed, so it's fairly low profile.

 

 

Am gathering that,

DE 7X is somewhat like a Heir 8.A

DE 8X is somewhat like a JH16pro minus the excess bass?

Quote:

Originally Posted by average_joe 

 

Maybe, or more like the ES5 with a more capable bass region for the 7X and the JH13 for the 8X?  I wouldn't say the 5X is like the 8.A, and the 5X and 7X are supposed to be similar.  The 8X is very dynamic and punchy when paired with a high quality source and pretty neutral but capable.

Many Thanks, average_joe.

If i'm looking for a different sound signature from my JH13pro, i can skip the dream earz 8x?

Used to have the Heir 8A, sold it and regretted. Now looking at other custom options before deciding if to get back the 8.A.

My AUD-8X arrived yesterday afternoon.. I've been using them for much of the last couple of days & am very happy with it so far.

Coming from the 7X, the 8X's tuning is exactly what I hoped for.  Namely, a more neutral FQ response, flatter bass, and more present treble.  While the 8X's bass isn't as enhanced as the 7X's bass, I find the 8X's bass more technically capable and better suited for a wider variety of genres.. and it can absolutely slam when the music demands it.  The bass reminded me of the UM Miracle's bass in this way.. it can be non-assuming, soft, and polite.. but you get the overwhelming sense that it's absolutely raring to go.. and when it does.. hide the women and children.  Like the 7X, the 8X still has a midbass lift, but the 8X's bass tuning is more linear as a whole and the midbass boost is less apparent than it was on the 7X.  I think it's neutral enough to satisfy those who crave a balanced representation of the bass, but has just a dash of coloration in places to satisfy those who want a slight contrast in the low end.  A very nice compromise by Mitch.

The 8X's midrange is really quite special.  It definitely leans to the accurate side of things.. but possesses a delicate smoothness & organic sense of warmth that's vibrant, yet utterly non-fatiguing.  If I had to compare the 8X's midrange feel & presentation to another phone, the HE-500's midrange comes to mind first.  The 8X's mids are smooth, warm, and liquid.. and has a paradoxical feel of being both forward in positioning, yet relaxed & laid back in presentation.  Odd sounding?  I know.. maybe it's just something you've got to hear to understand.. I'm sure others like average_joe might be able to more accurately describe this.  To me, the 8X's midrage sounds noticeably more refined than the 7X's midrange as it possess better space around instruments & voices, better tonal balance, and openness, too.

Treble is smooth, clear, and open on the 8X.. it has more than just a 'complimentary' presence (as it did on the 7X) but it's certainly not excessively boosted.. nor would I consider it 'bright.'  Again, better clarity & extension (than the 7X's treble) are two things that come to mind.

Like the 7X, the 8X is very sensitive and easy to drive.. but it really benefits from a dedicated DAC & amp as I'm very impressed with it's ability to scale up.  Expect better control, clarity, and speed with dedicated components.  I've been listening with both a solid state rig (ODAC > G109) as well as a tube-buffered rig (ODAC > TD-11 > G109) and found the 8X to excel in both setups.  I was worried the tube-based setup (using a USA-made, Amperex 6922 /"PQ", "white label") might render too much warmth, but was very surprised by the balance.

I'll hold off on more impressions for the time being since I've only been using them for a couple of days.. but so far, I think this is a really nice IEM and would suit those who like the HE-500, HD600/HD650, and UM Miracle.

Those are some solid impressions.  Interestingly it wasn't long ago I read your gushing review of the AS-2.  Could you compare the the two (preferably including soundstage)?