[Dsnuts]

Those sound like they have the old school Denon sound signature. V shape signature which will pair well with the X3. They sound like an awesome find for the cash.  But for me I just read this and every single penny I save from this point on is going toward a XBA-H3.
 
 

1. HiFiGuy528
2. Formerly known as DjAmTraX
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1. 1,752 Posts. Joined 3/2012
2. Location: San Francisco, CA

I spoke to the designer of the H1&3.  He tells me the H3 is their best IEM to-date.  Even better than EX1000 which is what got me very interested.  I hope to get my paws on them ASAP.  
 
BTW, I have the 10r coming this week.  It's on a UPS truck as we speak.

 

[peter123]

  +1 on the Gratitudes, great buy at <$100, agree with your findings (and I am getting to like the S2's more and more, but Gratitudes are a really great iem, especially at that price). Like your comparisons, may do my own if I ever have the time.
As for the X3, went out to do yard stuff listening to X3 and AT A900x as previously noted. After a bit of listening, felt the bass (was listening to jazz, acoustic bass was what was played) sounded a bit soft, indestinct. Had been charging the Continental Amp, got it and did the X3 line out thing, bass much more controlled, a certain increase in overall space/clarity/stage size came through. Makes me think the amp section is maybe the wink link of the X3 (though it isn't bad, by any means, and does fine by itself with most headphones; still, I often hear improvement using line out). Maybe that is what the iBasso does better (though I don't have one to compare myself). I've also found some problems on the X3 with tagging/downloading albums in proper order, so it isn't perfect (yet). Still love it, though.

 
I agree that the amp section is probably the weakest link in the X3. The dac seams to be very good so it's great as a source. I'm really hoping that Fiio manage to make it work as a USB dac .

 

[Dsnuts]

   
Did something wrong with the picture, corrected now.
 
Yes, I was thinking that the S2's are better technically because of better balance and looking more flat in measurements, might be the wrong way to put it

 

Well monster earphones in general have more coloration to their sound so you are right but in an enjoyable way. They always had the bass part nice n strong on their earphones and had the smooth treble response

 

[peter123]

Actually you could be right about the Denon sound, I have the AH-C751 somewhere and from memory the Gratitudes is less boomy in the bass and have smoother highs but overall they do remind. I'll try to find the Denon's since it would be interesting. I really used to love these and have used them many hundred hours all over the world. Just have forgotten about them the last year or so after buying so much new stuff since I joined here

 
Quote:

  Those sound like they have the old school Denon sound signature. V shape signature which will pair well with the X3. They sound like an awesome find for the cash. 

 

[doctorjazz]

It's the old "accuracy vs fun" signature, ety's, for instance, very accurate, some love them, some hate them, UE TF 10's more V shaped sig, again, some love, some don't, I tend to like them all, different flavors (as long as they don't stray too far from accuracy)

 

[doctorjazz]

I've read some places that the ear canal and rest of the ear is such that something that measrues absolutely flat, say in an anechoic chamber, isn't perceived as such by the ear due to anatomy and different ways the sound transmits, and bass generally will sound decreased even though the measured response is perfect.

 

[Dsnuts]

Well the great thing about this hobby is having different sounds. I don't know too many guys that just own one earphone. Most true enthusiasts all have more than a few and for good reason. It would not surprise me at all if guys prefer a more colored signature over a less colored S2. I do all the time.. My CKS1000 is a prime example of that..Then once you are in the mood for it the S2 will get you right back to why they pair so well with the X3.. I think right now there is more variety and value in earphones than there ever has been. It is an exciting time to be an enthusiast for certain.

 

[HairyHeadMara]

All HTC one owners, you guys should try the stock earphones which come in the box I found that they sound very nice for a free stuff, for me they sound almost as good as Basso.

 

[doctorjazz]

OK, off for a dog walk, bringing the Gratitudes, S2 with me, X3 and Continental, maybe I'll be really Geeky and bring the M-L's or Marleys as well. Too nice to obsess at the computer, though, time for outdoor obsessing 

 

[jant71]

Nah, that is what I always was interested in the Gratitudes. The Earth, Wind, and Fire "approved" tuning is more about an open midrange and vocal quality. A bit of a low treble boost gives that impression Peter said makes the S2 sound less clear there. Not the Denon signature there. I did like the C710 which is the Denon V with not very smooth treble.
 
On another note, I hope the H3 will be better than the EX1000 but I'm not putting much stock in what the guy says. What else would he say. "Nah, I missed it by a bit". Of course he is gonna say something positive. Only real world and hopefully objective opinions for me till I'm convinced.
 
 
And on another note, That AT S500 would seem to be built off the SJ55. Same specs except for more aluminum and a different headband. Some tweaks but I would say a better version of that phone.

 

[Dsnuts]

Lol. Thanks to sf and clan that was having a hay day on the thread last night. We are now the most active thread. Good job fellas.

 

[nihontoman]

I just came across a new offering from Final Audio - Heaven II.
 
http://final-audio-design.com/en/archives/1938
 
seems interesting, especially if the price is right

 

[nihontoman]

Oh, and seems like final audio are making a Dual BA IEM. here's the vid:


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=geWXI1Co04U
 
 
look at about 27:00 the guy says it is dual driver from final audio

 

[d marc0]

All HTC one owners, you guys should try the stock earphones which come in the box I found that they sound very nice for a free stuff, for me they sound almost as good as Basso.

Haha! Finally, someone who shares the same impression as I did... Good on you!

 

[ericp10]

Okay, I'm beginning to think that the MA750i can satisfy a basshead (who wants an overall quality sound).