ericp10
Sits up all night comparing IEMs.
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- Nov 14, 2009
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DannyBai I'm amaze how "full" sounding they can be with the DX50.
DannyBai I'm amaze how "full" sounding they can be with the DX50.
Just got my Sony EX650 and listening - very solid bass, quite big but tight and controlled, and I expect it will get a bit more so with further hours. One factor in my purchase was also the ergonomic aspect, and it absolutely lives up to my hopes in that department: light, comfortable and forgettable once in. Similar to the RE400, but without the slight tendency towards vacuum thanks to the angled nozzles. Came to about $100 with the customs added.
Some comparisons for Leo or anyone else who is interested. Thought I'd throw the TE-05's into the mix with the Heaven V and Cardas because the Cardas sticks out like a sore thumb out of the three.
Bass: Cardas is really thick. A mix of sub-bass and mid-bass. Doesn't sound as controlled as the other two. TE-05 has more sub-bass over the V's. V's have more mid-bass. Both the V and 05 have nice controlled bass, Cardas has control but not like the other two. I definitely prefer the TE-05 and V in the bass department. Can't pick which one I like more but the TE-05 might get the nod in bass.
Vocals: All three have nice vocals. Can't really tell which one has is the most forward since all three are not recessed in any way. Bass does protrude into the Cardas which gives more heft to the voices and adds a nice element to male vocals. V's are in between the two and TE-05's are on the airer side which gives female vocals star treatment. V's do well with both and I would give the nod to the V's for vocals followed by the TE-05 a close second. Cardas still is strong on the vocals though.
Treble: Cardas sounds more laid back than the other two but is just as detailed. V's and TE-05's have really nice sparkly treble. Can't tell which one extends more or less. The TE-05's sound slightly thinner in treble but I don't hear this as being bad. Both portray treble amongst the best I've heard. Very detailed without a hint of harshness but the TE-05's get closer to that amount.
All three do a great job of surrounding the music all around you. The TE-05's seem bigger due to that really airy treble and is the least thick sounding of the three. The V's can pick out all notes the best since it's tuned quite equally all around. All three are really good in this department.
My preferences are the V's and TE-05's of the three at this point. The Cardas is still a keeper for me but will be used sparingly because of the thickness of the sound. The bass of the TE-05's are absolutely amazing because it hits the low notes without any bleed and is strong. V's are tight and has that mid-bass bump but not offending mid-bass. Cardas just has big bass to my ears compared to the other two.
Dsnuts, the FX700 had the best natural timbre of any earphone I've ever heard. I would still on it if for one thing: the mids were too recessed for me. If they've fixed the recessed mids, it will be one heck of an earphone as the FX850. The FX700 had slamming clear bass (basshead levels) and highs that started off too sharp, but tapered down with burn in and the right tips (I used the monster hybrids). I hope you get it before me and report on those mids.
I'm totally enamored with the sound of the Heaven V!! It's full, lush, natural and rich sounding to my ears. And horns on jazz albums just take transport me to another realm. And I find it very detailed. On top of all all of that, I don't think I've ever heard a single BA with this much bass! And I once thought the Ortofon e-q7 had bass. Ha!
DannyBai, my friend, what have you done to me!!!? lol
P.S. The Mikros is here. I need to go to thee mail room and pick it up.
Just got my Sony EX650 and listening - very solid bass, quite big but tight and controlled, and I expect it will get a bit more so with further hours. One factor in my purchase was also the ergonomic aspect, and it absolutely lives up to my hopes in that department: light, comfortable and forgettable once in. Similar to the RE400, but without the slight tendency towards vacuum thanks to the angled nozzles. Came to about $100 with the customs added.
Some comparisons for Leo or anyone else who is interested. Thought I'd throw the TE-05's into the mix with the Heaven V and Cardas because the Cardas sticks out like a sore thumb out of the three.
Bass: Cardas is really thick. A mix of sub-bass and mid-bass. Doesn't sound as controlled as the other two. TE-05 has more sub-bass over the V's. V's have more mid-bass. Both the V and 05 have nice controlled bass, Cardas has control but not like the other two. I definitely prefer the TE-05 and V in the bass department. Can't pick which one I like more but the TE-05 might get the nod in bass.
Vocals: All three have nice vocals. Can't really tell which one has is the most forward since all three are not recessed in any way. Bass does protrude into the Cardas which gives more heft to the voices and adds a nice element to male vocals. V's are in between the two and TE-05's are on the airer side which gives female vocals star treatment. V's do well with both and I would give the nod to the V's for vocals followed by the TE-05 a close second. Cardas still is strong on the vocals though.
Treble: Cardas sounds more laid back than the other two but is just as detailed. V's and TE-05's have really nice sparkly treble. Can't tell which one extends more or less. The TE-05's sound slightly thinner in treble but I don't hear this as being bad. Both portray treble amongst the best I've heard. Very detailed without a hint of harshness but the TE-05's get closer to that amount.
All three do a great job of surrounding the music all around you. The TE-05's seem bigger due to that really airy treble and is the least thick sounding of the three. The V's can pick out all notes the best since it's tuned quite equally all around. All three are really good in this department.
My preferences are the V's and TE-05's of the three at this point. The Cardas is still a keeper for me but will be used sparingly because of the thickness of the sound. The bass of the TE-05's are absolutely amazing because it hits the low notes without any bleed and is strong. V's are tight and has that mid-bass bump but not offending mid-bass. Cardas just has big bass to my ears compared to the other two.
Just got my Sony EX650 and listening - very solid bass, quite big but tight and controlled, and I expect it will get a bit more so with further hours. One factor in my purchase was also the ergonomic aspect, and it absolutely lives up to my hopes in that department: light, comfortable and forgettable once in. Similar to the RE400, but without the slight tendency towards vacuum thanks to the angled nozzles. Came to about $100 with the customs added.
For those of you looking for an IEM around $60-$70, give the Zero Audio Carbo Tenore ZH-DX200-CT
Mikros 90
Sooooo? Initial impressions:
- Look smaller in person than I thought they would be (that's okay)
- Tight clamping indeed, but not feeling uncomfortable. I just expanded both ends some and it feels fine
- Where's the missing bass? I was afraid (and expecting) that I would hardly hear any bass, but I hear plenty (rechecking my basshead card).
- Yes, positioning on your ears the right way is a must! Very finicky
- Wide soundstage for a close can
- Sound is not as full sounding as I expected yet, but I believe it will open up.
So, not impressed or unimpressed yet. I need more listening and burn in.
Where to find them for $60 , any international seller ?
Do the TE-05 and V have better vocals than the Tenore?
For those of you looking for an IEM around $60-$70, give the Zero Audio Carbo Tenore ZH-DX200-CT a look before they're gone (don't see them on amazon.jp any longer). I've been on a quest to find an upgrade, but I prefer them over the BA200, Fidelio S2, Gratitude, Pistons, Basso, GR07 MKII, RE-400, etc. Airy vocals, energetic, extended but not sibilant highs, quick, hard-hitting bass (more quantity than BA200, S2, RE-400, GR07 MKII, less than Gratitude and Pistons), and tuned to sound natural (not too bright and not too warm/dark).
Bassos got more hype, but I think those who had both (me, DannyBai, Lifted Andreas, Kahaluu) prefer the Tenore. People may have tried the wrong one
I may get the IM50 to see if they can beat the Tenore.
Great impressions Danny! Still leaning to the Fostex since I like the stage size/ airiness and the bass extension aspects. Also a warmer copper cable may tune them to be more lush with the right choice(after some research) and that makes them possible more versatile/tunable since they have a good base from which to start.
Cool! Sucks about the customs charges though Sounds good so far. I think they will calm a bit in the bass dept. or you'll find the right tips to push them to the right place.
Tenore's are still my daily commute IEM. Love them and will keep them until it fails. With that regard, the V's might be the possible upgrade from what I've heard.
Thank you jant. I tried the Sony H3 cable but it doesn't fit on the TE-05. I also grabbed the Oyaide SE cable which does fit but channels keep cutting out on the TE-05. Haven't tried it on the H3 but I would think that cable would help out the H3 more than the TE-05. Please share if you happen to find a good cable. I would choose a copper cable as well for the TE-05.