[angelo898]

this sounds pretty good thanks

 

[eke2k6]

   
Yes. I could only use music I have in 44.1 obviously, as none of my high-res music (save about 2 albums in 48k) is on my iPhone.
 
Here's the thing though: I think my full-sized headphones are still far better (and better) than both my JH-13s and loaner 1plus2s, more so if you include the cost of any expensive cables. For me personally the only time I really want to use IEMs is on public transport which is noisy enough to negate any benefit of having high-end IEMs, maybe excepting the very good isolation of the JH-13s.  I haven't even bothered upgrading the cable of my JH-13s for that reason -- I like the flexible stock cable, even if it isn't as good as some aftermarket models. That's nothing against the 1plus2, but more to do with how I listen. 

 
Ok, thanks for that. Looks like I'll have to get to hear one of those DAPs then.
 
 

Fwiw, by the seat of my pants (my standard disclaimer), I hear the iPhone very similarly straight out of the headphone out compared to using the line out to the Quickstep, a bit harsher with a slightly more compression of separation in the near field of the soundstage. Not by any means significant though. Same files.

 
Interesting. I'l spend part of the morning A/B'ing with the T1 again.
 
 
The crazy thing is, I hear Gavin's silver/gold cable making more of a difference than any DAC/amp I've tried.

 

[Mimouille]

Fwiw, by the seat of my pants (my standard disclaimer), I hear the iPhone very similarly straight out of the headphone out compared to using the line out to the Quickstep, a bit harsher with a slightly more compression of separation in the near field of the soundstage. Not by any means significant though. Same files.

It seems fair to think the improvement would be minimal in that case. But I think if you try to drive the 1plus2 with 901 vs iphone, the difference would be audible. Otherwise I am really wasting my time on this forum

 

[vwinter]

It seems fair to think the improvement would be minimal in that case. But I think if you try to drive the 1plus2 with 901 vs iphone, the difference would be audible. Otherwise I am really wasting my time on this forum

I was speaking about the differences in general. It was a bit more pronounced on the 1p2 tbh but it wasn't like "Gah!! The iPhone! Kill it with fire!". That's why I was talking about transparency earlier.

I think that speaks for how optimized the iPhone amp section is mated to the DAC section.

There are definite audible dIfferences to be had. My D100 sounds so different through the headphone out vs line out into the Quickstep that it's almost staggering. It's clearly and markedly different. I could tell it apart blind 12 times out of 10, while vacuuming. But I would argue we're all wasting time on this forum.

Interesting. I'l spend part of the morning A/B'ing with the T1 again.


The crazy thing is, I hear Gavin's silver/gold cable making more of a difference than any DAC/amp I've tried.

If I had to whittle down the changes I heard to the fundamentals, I'd say the Quickstep changes presentation and the Tralucent S/G cable changes electroacoustic performance.

But the changes I heard are likely unique to the QS. I don't know/don't think you'll hear those same changes with the T1. Honestly, I think the more I A/B back and forth and back and forth, my brain just gets tired and doesn't care anymore lol. Like I said above, I think the iPhone amp section is very optimized to its DAC, which is a great thing IMO.

Sooooo off topic, but as a rider : and why aren't my ASG-2 with S/G cable impressions on page 1?

 

[Gintaras]

Currawong, perfectly legitimate and i know many guys who prefer headphones. I am rare breed who hates headphones because i was a DJ once and used headphones too often to compose program and during sessions, since that time i developed hate for headphones and cannot stand if something hangs over my head or neck, that is me and so we are here on different footing. i can tolerate only IEMs, otherwise i am front end system guy who prefers live sound or speakers sound, portable for me is only when i miss my home system.

 

[Currawong]

 

   
Yes. I could only use music I have in 44.1 obviously, as none of my high-res music (save about 2 albums in 48k) is on my iPhone.
 
Here's the thing though: I think my full-sized headphones are still far better (and better) than both my JH-13s and loaner 1plus2s, more so if you include the cost of any expensive cables. For me personally the only time I really want to use IEMs is on public transport which is noisy enough to negate any benefit of having high-end IEMs, maybe excepting the very good isolation of the JH-13s.  I haven't even bothered upgrading the cable of my JH-13s for that reason -- I like the flexible stock cable, even if it isn't as good as some aftermarket models. That's nothing against the 1plus2, but more to do with how I listen. 

 
Ok, thanks for that. Looks like I'll have to get to hear one of those DAPs then.
 
 

Fwiw, by the seat of my pants (my standard disclaimer), I hear the iPhone very similarly straight out of the headphone out compared to using the line out to the Quickstep, a bit harsher with a slightly more compression of separation in the near field of the soundstage. Not by any means significant though. Same files.

 
Interesting. I'l spend part of the morning A/B'ing with the T1 again.
 
 
The crazy thing is, I hear Gavin's silver/gold cable making more of a difference than any DAC/amp I've tried.

 
Nothing is crazy in this hobby.
 
I think it was most apparent as I happened to pick a couple of sibilant tracks. Most often, other than that, I tend to notice the difference in amps with fast music when listening for compression. For most music I wouldn't notice much, if any improvement with the Pico Power over the (modded) line out of the AK100, but on fast music it is more apparent with the 1plus2s. 

 

[rudi0504]

Ok, thanks for that. Looks like I'll have to get to hear one of those DAPs then.



Interesting. I'l spend part of the morning A/B'ing with the T1 again.


The crazy thing is, I hear Gavin's silver/gold cable making more of a difference than any DAC/amp I've tried.

Please try Gavin UBER cable in balance RSA
You will say matt
The best cable I ever heard to date

Minus : i must handle with care because made from solid core

 

[H20Fidelity]

It's been a few weeks since I've had the Australian 1Plus2 tour unit so I'm going to write up some final impressions while my minds still partly fresh. It was certainly an experience I won't forget in a hurry, there are still certain tracks / albums I don't think will ever sound the same again unless I own a pair,  the richness and quality of those tracks completely cemented in my brain. 1Plus2 is clearly the best IEM I've ever had the pleasure of listening too, not only on a technical level but also a level of professionalism.   

 

 
 



Build quality / design

While I think the stealth black version we have on tour is absolutely wonderful in appearance it still may appear like a basic earphone to the everyday person, if you weren't to tell someone the cost they may assume 1Plus2's price tag is much lower then us trusty Head-fiers are all aware, and if you were to tell the price they may just look at you like you're absolutely crazy person, I can already picture several buyers telling their spouse they paid $200 for them to avoid any divorce papers, but the quality is there especially in the finish of the shells and final gloss coating they shine like a freshly painted BMW or Ferrari, so the finish is very appealing. 


You're still holding light weight acrylic shells in your hand, the first touch may not give of an essence of pure quality to those unaware, though that changes very quickly after you start listening. There is one problem with 1Plus2 and it's an on going one that comes up in the thread often, the sockets. Something needs to be done apart from side line fixes such as using a lining of glue. I for one had the right earpiece come away from the cable once, and this was only babying them in one room, maquire mentioned  the same side came away 3? times in the week he had the unit.


Now it wasn't a problem for me because the earpiece simply fell onto my bed, but for anyone taking them outside if this cable comes away from one of the shells and falls onto the ground I can see a recipe for instant disaster. I think an improved solution should be used, something like Sony uses on it's EX series with a screw in socket connector, because using work arounds on an item of this price is not really acceptable in my opinion.  I have no idea on what to do, but nor should I need to think about it if I pay this much for an IEM.



Sound Quality 

I think enough has been said about the mid positioning, bass impact and signature etc... and my memory is a little vague since passing the unit on, so today instead of getting all technical about the sound, I'm simply going to flow out my thoughts giving a basic version on things that stood out to me during my demo .


Without a doubt the sound quality of 1Plus2 is the highest I've personally heard, the resolution, separation, layering, detail, dynamics,  accuracy, coherency  the list just goes on and on, the technical ability is a force not to be reckoned with, as I've said it reminds me of the strongest man, the strongest dog in a pit fit, especially when pin point imaging is concerned putting my best IEM Westone 4 (at the time of demo) to absolute shame in all areas, it makes Westone 4 sound like a congested restricted toy.  What really grabs my attention when listening is the resolution and detail, it's just so extended, the unit gives off this real professional timbre and high end resolution, I imagine similar to listening to an expensive home rig, it just sounds "quality" from the lows to highs, and the precision in imaging reminds me of the kind you would find in laser cutter technology. Combine that with tremendous speed and it's time to party hardy.


When you add all this technical ability then combine together you have so much to absorb, so much to take in, the soundstage width alone and headstage, how the left/middle/right channels separate is almost like an audiophile playground, you can go  left and listen to samples there or dig behind the layers, or focus somewhere else, you choose. Another area that stood out to me specially is the dynamics, the impact, when songs hit hard busting into choruses and lots of instruments start playing together the coherency 1Plus2 maintained was just dandy, there was no congestion, no samples packing up or being over shadowed. the dynamics and bass impact were just wonderful yet the unit holds air in the upper regions.


1Plus2 kind of took everything I wanted to hear from an IEM and surpassed those needs but in saying that I did find it a touch sibilant with certain tracks, it could come across a touch bright to me at higher volumes on extended listening. I really don't know if the silver/gold cable was pushing this over the limits and would of loved to try a pure silver version as there's something I did find fatiguing with 1Plus2 and I can't pin point, or if it was the cable. I also found the treble could become a little strident when bringing up the rest of the spectrum to higher volumes.


In saying I used high volume with some sessions, another attribute to 1Plus2 is you really don't need them overly loud to enjoy the detail, you can listen at lower volumes and still be rewarded with all that clarity and those micro samples, so while I feel slightly higher volumes really opens them and gives off that supremus resolution it's not absolutely required. A little like a sports car you don't need to be full pelt the whole time to have fun, but when you do hit the throttle get ready for a rush! 


Conclusion


I would love to write more on the unit but time simply won't allow it and due to being busy these last weeks I have somewhat become vague on what I heard, so this impression is somewhat simplified but I think people get the idea, I love the unit and would own one instantly if funds did allow it, or Gavin decides to give them away? I really would of liked to try a pure silver cable, as I don't think the silver/gold was my cup of tea, I blame the gold.


I'll leave you two songs that will be stuck in my head forever since hearing the unit. I cannot replicate or reproduce that same sound from anything I have here, but in saying that I can still go back to other gear. It's not like once you've heard 1Plus2 everything else will sound terrible forever. I was just happy to be apart of the tour and experience what's possibly one of the best IEM's not only on the market but possibly in the world right now.


Although I had a few sources, such as Studio V, Rocco BA, Cowon J3 I still settled on the little Colorfly C3 for the duration of my demo.

 

 
 




Now for some music everyone must play through 1Plus2


This track is embedded in my brain.







And last of all this one. (especialy this one)






I'd like to thank Gavin for allowing me to demo the unit and especially for helping us get one over here for Australia since the unit is rather popular touring USA atm, and for good reason, you'll be hard pressed finding many people disappointed in 1Plus2 IMO, there's just so much to like about it but not much to dislike!


Cheers.

~H20
 

 

[Keenan]

  It's been a few weeks since I've had the Australian 1Plus2 tour unit so I'm going to write up some final impressions while my minds still partly fresh. It was certainly an experience I won't forget in a hurry, there are still certain tracks / albums I don't think will ever sound the same again unless I own a pair,  the richness and quality of those tracks completely cemented in my brain. 1Plus2 is clearly the best IEM I've ever had the pleasure of listening too, not only on a technical level but also a level of professionalism.   

 

 
 



Build quality / design

While I think the stealth black version we have on tour is absolutely wonderful in appearance it still may appear like a basic earphone to the everyday person, if you weren't to tell someone the cost they may assume 1Plus2's price tag is much lower then us trusty Head-fiers are all aware, and if you were to tell the price they may just look at you like you're absolutely crazy person, I can already picture several buyers telling their spouse they paid $200 for them to avoid any divorce papers, but the quality is there especially in the finish of the shells and final gloss coating they shine like a freshly painted BMW or Ferrari, so the finish is very appealing. 


You're still holding light weight acrylic shells in your hand, the first touch may not give of an essence of pure quality to those unaware, though that changes very quickly after you start listening. There is one problem with 1Plus2 and it's an on going one that comes up in the thread often, the sockets. Something needs to be done apart from side line fixes such as using a lining of glue. I for one had the right earpiece come away from the cable once, and this was only babying them in one room, maquire mentioned  the same side came away 3? times in the week he had the unit.


Now it wasn't a problem for me because the earpiece simply fell onto my bed, but for anyone taking them outside if this cable comes away from one of the shells and falls onto the ground I can see a recipe for instant disaster. I think an improved solution should be used, something like Sony uses on it's EX series with a screw in socket connector, because using work arounds on an item of this price is not really acceptable in my opinion.  I have no idea on what to do, but nor should I need to think about it if I pay this much for an IEM.



Sound Quality 

I think enough has been said about the mid positioning, bass impact and signature etc... and my memory is a little vague since passing the unit on, so today instead of getting all technical about the sound, I'm simply going to flow out my thoughts giving a basic version on things that stood out to me during my demo .


Without a doubt the sound quality of 1Plus2 is the highest I've personally heard, the resolution, separation, layering, detail, dynamics,  accuracy, coherency  the list just goes on and on, the technical ability is a force not to be reckoned with, as I've said it reminds me of the strongest man, the strongest dog in a pit fit, especially when pin point imaging is concerned putting my best IEM Westone 4 (at the time of demo) to absolute shame in all areas, it makes Westone 4 sound like a congested restricted toy.  What really grabs my attention when listening is the resolution and detail, it's just so extended, the unit gives off this real professional timbre and high end resolution, I imagine similar to listening to an expensive home rig, it just sounds "quality" from the lows to highs, and the precision in imaging reminds me of the kind you would find in laser cutter technology. Combine that with tremendous speed and it's time to party hardy.


When you add all this technical ability then combine together you have so much to absorb, so much to take in, the soundstage width alone and headstage, how the left/middle/right channels separate is almost like an audiophile playground, you can go  left and listen to samples there or dig behind the layers, or focus somewhere else, you choose. Another area that stood out to me specially is the dynamics, the impact, when songs hit hard busting into choruses and lots of instruments start playing together the coherency 1Plus2 maintained was just dandy, there was no congestion, no samples packing up or being over shadowed. the dynamics and bass impact where just wonderful yet the unit holds air in the upper regions.


1Plus2 kind of took everything I wanted to hear from an IEM and surpassed those needs but in saying that I did find it a touch sibilant with certain tracks, it could come across a touch bright to me at higher volumes on extended listening. I really don't know if the silver/gold cable was pushing this over the limits and would of loved to try a pure silver version as there's something I did find fatiguing with 1Plus2 and I can't pin point, or if it was the cable. I also found the treble could become a little strident when bringing up the rest of the spectrum to higher volumes.


In saying I used high volume with some sessions, another attribute to 1Plus2 is you really don't need them overly loud to enjoy the detail, you can listen at lower volumes and still be rewarded with all that clarity and those micro samples, so while I feel slightly higher volumes really opens them and gives off that supremus resolution it's not absolutely required. A little like a sports car you don't need to be full pelt the whole time to have fun, but when you do hit the throttle get ready for a rush! 


Conclusion


I would love to write more on the unit but time simply won't allow it and due to being busy these last weeks I have somewhat become vague on what I heard, so this impression is somewhat simplified but I think people get the idea, I love the unit and would own one instantly if funds did allow it, or Gavin decides to give them away? I really would of liked to try a pure silver cable, as I don't think the silver/gold was my cup of tea, I blame the gold.


I'll leave you two songs that will be stuck in my head forever since hearing the unit. I cannot replicate or reproduce that same sound from anything I have here, but in saying that I can still go back to other gear. It's not like once you've heard 1Plus2 everything else will sound terrible forever. I was just happy to be apart of the tour and experience what's possibly one of the best IEM's not only on the market but possibly in the world right now.


Although I had a few sources, such as Studio V, Rocco BA, Cowon J3 I still settled on the little Colorfly C3 for the duration of my demo.

 

 
 




Now for some music everyone must play through 1Plus2


This track is embedded in my brain.







And last of all this one. (especialy this one)






I'd like to thank Gavin for allowing me to demo the unit and especially for helping us get one over here for Australia since the unit is rather popular touring USA atm, and for good reason, you'll be hard pressed finding many people disappointed in 1Plus2 IMO, there's just so much to like about it but not much to dislike!


Cheers.

~H20
 

 
Good review.

 

[EveTan]

To anyone who has both, which is more comfortable/smaller, the 334s or the 1 P2?

I don't quite remember the 334 ergonomics.

 

[music_4321]

 
(click on pic to see larger image)

 

[JohannLiebert]

I am intested in the parterre. SOOOOO cant wait for comparisons.

 

[lookingforIEMs]

I am intested in the parterre. SOOOOO cant wait for comparisons.

Wow apparently many people want comparisons between parterre and 1p2. We're in the same boat buddy, in the same boat.

 

[Gintaras]

H20, great review and spot on.
 
concerning sibilance let me tell my experience makes me believe there is NO.... i repeat, there is NO IEM which would be free of sibilance. the only issue is one IEM will have it more pronounced, another one will have less of it  ... to verify my statement please use Electric Light Orchestra album Time or album Secret Messages. Even darker IEMs like ASG2 developed some sibilance. Good news was that 1P2 and ASG2 had little that which made the whole album listenable. Contrary on RDB+v1 and H200 i had to stop after a few songs.
 
i believe sibilance issue is unique to IEM, engineers can tame it but cannot completely avoid it.... or i am stupid and willing to stand corrected on the issue. 

 

[Gintaras]

  I am intested in the parterre. SOOOOO cant wait for comparisons.

 
are NOT they have different sound signatures??? i hear people telling FitEar usually sounds more closed and intimate, warm and sweet, contrary to 1P2 which sounds more airy open, colder and tad shrill aggressive?
 
it will be like comparing two good loudspeakers like Sonus Faber's Aida and Focal's Grand Utopia, in the end both are finest loudspeakers but excuse me they are different to each other and frankly speaking not very comparable. i heard both and would own both if had enough money.