[d marc0]

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Thanks DannyBai Much appreciated.

Also Exesteils: You prefer the Onkyo's over the S2's in what ways? I currently have S2's but they aren't sealing properly for me. :\ 
 

 
Let me know if you're letting them go 

 

[Exesteils]

Quote:

 
Thanks DannyBai Much appreciated.

Also Exesteils: You prefer the Onkyo's over the S2's in what ways? I currently have S2's but they aren't sealing properly for me. :\ 
 

 
Pretty much the same. The S2 has a pretty large housing, semi-open, and is meant for shallow insertion. Getting a seal is part of the problem. I have a much easier time getting a seal on the IE.
 
Also, I prefer the overall smoother sound, slightly forward mids and good bass(these get better the longer you burn them in) on the Onkyos. The fact that they look sleek and city-slick is just the icing on top.

 

[DannyBai]

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About the same as what I'm hearing. Which is why I see no reason to keep the S2.

 
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for sheer musical enjoyment, which one would you recommend, if money and burn in time were not factors in the quest???

 
I would go M200, Onkyo, S2.  
Quote:

 
Thanks DannyBai Much appreciated.

Also Exesteils: You prefer the Onkyo's over the S2's in what ways? I currently have S2's but they aren't sealing properly for me. :\ 
 

I had problems right away with the S2's fit.  After messing around with tips and such, it worked out.  The Onkyo's do have more of a fun factor and a deep sound that is more immersive. 

 

[ericp10]

Can't wait to get my Onkyo. Ordered  the premium cable one during an outrageous deal on Amazon Prime, and it's taking its sweet time with getting them and sending them out.
 
The S2 is very neutral (probably the most neutral earphone I've owned since the W4). Some may find neutral boring. I use to think that I would, but I don't. the funny thing is sometimes I'm thinking "where is the bass?" in the S2 and I begin to feel like there isn't any. Then all of a sudden the sub-bass pops up and is rich and deep! the S2 is one of those earphones that has plenty deep rich bass, but truly gives it base on the recording calling for it. It's a keeper (although I have a feeling I will like the Onkyo better - which is also my favorite near-audiophile stereo equipment company). 
 
 
I'm thinking I could be satisfied (righ now) with my M200, S2, and Onkyo (when it comes in) as my main universals (along with the H-200 and the CKS1000). If the Onkyo best the CKS1000 significantly, The AT will go up for sale along with the BA200 (most dynamic sounding BAs I own), and the TDK IE800. Both TDKs are great phones, but I have to thin out the stock now. 

 

[ericp10]

I have to say out of the universals I own (and can remember the signatures out of the ones I've owned) no earphone has been as wonderfully refined and meets the criteria of my favorite sound signature than the M200. I'm only speaking of universals. I'm not calling it the "king" of universals (I've always argued that there is no king, just a royal court of great sounding universals). I am, however, it's the best among what i demand in a universal sound signature: rich deep bass (not bloated or too heavy like the FXZ200), refined like the EX1000, great treble (that's not ear piercing like the EX1000, good wide soundstage, micro-details like the FX-700  and e-Q7, and great mids like the SE535. 

I will buy the next KEF earphone without hesitation. Likewise, I'll buy the next KEF headphone offering. I'm not even a fan of headphones, but the Fidelio X1 and KEF M500 have made me believers. The M500's clarity and somewhat analytical sound with bass is stunning to my ears. The AT-WS99 is a a very decent headphone, but is left in the dust by those two headphones in sound quality and build quality. 

 

[juggos]

Quote:

I have to say out of the universals I own (and can remember the signatures out of the ones I've owned) no earphone has been as wonderfully refined and meets the criteria of my favorite sound signature than the M200. I'm only speaking of universals. I'm not calling it the "king" of universals (I've always argued that there is no king, just a royal court of great sounding universals). I am, however, it's the best among what i demand in a universal sound signature: rich deep bass (not bloated or too heavy like the FXZ200), refined like the EX1000, great treble (that's not ear piercing like the EX1000, good wide soundstage, micro-details like the FX-700  and e-Q7, and great mids like the SE535. 

I will buy the next KEF earphone without hesitation. Likewise, I'll buy the next KEF headphone offering. I'm not even a fan of headphones, but the Fidelio X1 and KEF M500 have made me believers. The M500's clarity and somewhat analytical sound with bass is stunning to my ears. The AT-WS99 is a a very decent headphone, but is left in the dust by those two headphones in sound quality and build quality. 

I just bought a pair of the M500's because of how much I like the M200's and I'm sure they will not disappoint. I'm also all aboard for KEF's next offerings! Could you make a comparison to the 7550's? I was always curious about those as well, thanks.

 

[ericp10]

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I just bought a pair of the M500's because of how much I like the M200's and I'm sure they will not disappoint. I'm also all aboard for KEF's next offerings! Could you make a comparison to the 7550's? I was always curious about those as well, thanks.

 
 
I haven't owned the 7550s in a while now, and can only remember them having great mids and not being as refined as the EX1000. Also, the treble was a bit recessed, which I didn't mind. I remember the sound sig of the EX1000 much better because I loved it except for the piercing highs. The M200's highs aren't recessed or piercing. There is more bass in the M200 than both Sonys, and the M200 is about as refined as the EX1000. That's the best I can do. Mids are great in the M200, but I can't really compare - base on memory - to the 7550.

 

[fnkcow]

Quote:

I have to say out of the universals I own (and can remember the signatures out of the ones I've owned) no earphone has been as wonderfully refined and meets the criteria of my favorite sound signature than the M200. I'm only speaking of universals. I'm not calling it the "king" of universals (I've always argued that there is no king, just a royal court of great sounding universals). I am, however, it's the best among what i demand in a universal sound signature: rich deep bass (not bloated or too heavy like the FXZ200), refined like the EX1000, great treble (that's not ear piercing like the EX1000, good wide soundstage, micro-details like the FX-700  and e-Q7, and great mids like the SE535. 

I will buy the next KEF earphone without hesitation. Likewise, I'll buy the next KEF headphone offering. I'm not even a fan of headphones, but the Fidelio X1 and KEF M500 have made me believers. The M500's clarity and somewhat analytical sound with bass is stunning to my ears. The AT-WS99 is a a very decent headphone, but is left in the dust by those two headphones in sound quality and build quality. 

Earphones are always like little inferior brothers of their headphone kins. The M200 is very rare that it stands heads and shoulders alongside the M500. This KEF means business!

 

[juggos]

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I haven't owned the 7550s in a while now, and can only remember them having great mids and not being as refined as the EX1000. Also, the treble was a bit recessed, which I didn't mind. I remember the sound sig of the EX1000 much better because I loved it except for the piercing highs. The M200's highs aren't recessed or piercing. There is more bass in the M200 than both Sonys, and the M200 is about as refined as the EX1000. That's the best I can do. Mids are great in the M200, but I can't really compare - base on memory - to the 7550.

 
Thanks! That's good enough for me to say no to them for now

 

[Dsnuts]

I have found the one earphone that don't play well with my X3s. In an interesting development I have been using my S2s with my X3s and they seem to have the best synergy with the player.. Believe it or not it is the CKS1000.
 
The CKS1000 has a very musical coloration to the sounds. Full engaging and very 3D in it's presentation. So one would figure the X3 would give with the CKS1000. Actually it is the opposite. I think what is happening is too much of the same coloration that is happening. The strong suits of the CKS1000 is being voided out by the player that has similar characteristics. The X3 has a 3D type sound and very good depth to music..On a more neutralish earphone the sound characteristics of the source will shine but the CKS1000 will only add to those characteristics and while that may sound like a euphoria. It ends up sounding way to colored.
 
What I am detecting is a bit too much coloration. So I put my CKS1000 on my Sony Z1060 and there is the magic I absolutely adored out of the CKS1000s. So the CKS1000 seems to play much better and show what it can do much better on a more neutral or flatter sounding source..More neutralish and detailed phones seems to play better on the X3.
 
So the one thing I have learned about sources. If you own multiple phones with varying degrees of sound coloration to neutrality it is worth having some different sources to match up with them pending on mentioned traits.

 

[drbluenewmexico]

thanks for the heads up on the non-synergistic x and 1K relationship.  i wonder how the C3 goes with the 1ks?
the onkyos sound like they would play nice with the X3...anybody have experience with that combo or onkyo and c3?

 

[Darknet]

Lol could any ie hf300 owners be bothered with unboxing pics?

Anyone else think that the ie hf300 is really reminiscent of the old apple earphones (2 generations before the earpods, 1 before the ibuds)

 

[Mackem]

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Been listening to these for the past few hours.  Just like KEF, Onkyo came in aggressive with their first products into the headphone/iem world.  Both sound very good and the price to performance ratio is very good.  
 
The earphones are big but not M200 level.  More like the CKS1000.  Fit is great, even with the thick cable hanging down right next to the earlobe.  Tips are some of the cheapest tips I've ever come a crossed.  Thankfully, tip rolling is easy with these.  I put the Auvio's on and no problems.  Comes with a larger cloth covered hard case.  One of the better cases I've seen.  
 
Sound is quite balanced.  Bass is pretty big but not too overpowering.  There's a little bit of bloom but I'm sure it'll settle.  Thankfully the midrange is smooth and forward.  Very good midrange.  Treble is also nice and smooth.  There's no sign of sibilance, peakiness whatsoever.  The sound is deep and wide.  Another big chamber type of sound.  Less coloration than the CKS1000's.  I can tell these will need some burn in though.  Overall, highly recommended and one of the better sounding earphones to date.
 
Headphones come out sounding excellent with no burn in.  Bass seems punchier and tighter than the earphones.  Midrange sounds close to the earphones with slight differences.  Treble is smoother than the earphones.  For having non fatiguing treble, both products give good sparkle but the headphones a little more so.  The dual chamber gives a deep sound which draws you into the music.  I listened to the headphones for a couple of hours and didn't realize it.  Quite addicting.  Comfort is quite good for having kind of thick pads.  Clamping force is about perfect and the cups rotate to get a better fit.  Very well designed on ear.  Build quality is very good on both but I'm more impressed with the headphones.  
 
The cables are pretty to look at and is very nice.  It has a rubbery texture and microfonics are minimal.  
 
Some eye candy.
 
 
 

 

 

 

 

You'll have to let me know how the IE-HF300s are after burn in. Got the upgrade itch from my Carbo Bassos

 

[PeterDLai]

Update on the MA750/MA750i From RHA Audio's Facebook:
 
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... unfortunately due to a production delay, the MA750 will not be available to purchase from today. We can only apologise for the delay and we will endeavour to keep the the website up to date with the latest news when it comes to availability. Sorry again.

 
They have listings for the MA750 and MA750i on Amazon USA ready. Also, the MA600 and MA600i are there as well.
 
As far as I know, they're available in the UK already. I expected British sites to have reviewed these by now, but so far I can't find anything.

 

[blueangel2323]

Gotta say, those Onkyos are very stylish.