[shakur1996]

Ok. I will compare every CIEM you mentioned here with H8p

Yes, please do

 

[tupac0306]

Harmony 8 pro: Another warm sounding CIEM with almost prefect tuning. 
 
Out of the box H8p impressed me just like my SE5, which is like "nothing". I wasn't crazy about it at all because it didn't have anything that stand out instantly. But since I have experienced this before, so I knew it should be a good thing. And turned out it indeed was! If I were a rookie in CIEM, I would probably jump in this thread and start commenting non-sense. I am glad I gave my brain time, and opened my mind to adjust to the sound signature to H8p. This is a advice I could give to everyone, whenever you try on a new CIEM, don't listen with your expectation, or with the thought of comparing anything you really like. Because 9 out of 10, the sound won't match the expectation. Anyways
 
Source: Anedio D2, 901, ZX1, etc.
 
Key words: Laid back, spacious, incredible bass, warm, exquisite, detailed, musical.
 
Sound: H8p has a warm sound signature with very balanced combination of bass, mid and treble. I never expected H8p to be warm before I got it due to the "advertised treble lift". But the warmth is presented with incredible treble sparkle, extension, and airiness. Overall it sounds laid back, open, clean and very musical. The bass is probably the best part about this CIEM, so punchy, so detailed, so layered with super depth. It's very linear with a touch of excitement, it's really what a good, natural bass should sound like IMO.  I have only heard of this type of bass in one of my CIEM and that is SE5. So IMO silicone definitely played an important role in controlling the bass speed, decay and realness. The mid is very linear until 3-4 k, where it has a slight drop IMO. This provided you a great sense of space.  The treble is again linear, very smooth and clean without noticeable cut in between. Extension is super, one of the best extended CIEMs in my category. Since peter says H8P has lifted >12k Hz, I do feel there is a very slight hump at around 11k, which could be the point where the ultra high drivers integrate with the mid-treble drivers. But that's only a wild guess. Anyways. performance-wise, it's right on the money! The instruments greatly separated with high level of detail. Vocals are also very neutral, the female vocal sound particularly great! The imaging is very accurate too, everything is just presented with right "portion". The reason I said h8p has "warm sounding CIEM with almost prefect tuning" is that the treble integrates with the mid and bass so well that the warmth is presented in a clear, clean, dynamic and transparent way with just enough of detail without going over. This is very hard to do IMO because it's very easy for a warm CIEM to sound very meaty and dull.  For H8P, I don't need to turn up the volume to enjoy this "clear" and warm sounding CIEM, and the bass is always controlled so it contributes significantly the overall space, clarity and transparency too. I am sorry, my language looks all over the place .  Overall I am very satisfied with H8P. It's great and also DIFFERENT!
 
 
Comparison:  I will not get into too much detail, just to let you know the obvious differences.
Order: from similar to different
 
H8P vs K10: Similar sound signature, both have warm sound with K10 sounding a little more forward and warmer. K10 has much slower and more bass presence, which makes it sounds a bit less dynamic. H8P sound much more controlled with greater level of detail, clarity and transparency. Soundstage is wider on H8p too, the depth is similar. 
 
H8P vs EM32: Again very similar sound signature, both smooth, warm with great treble sparkle. EM32 sounds U shaped compared to H8P. The bass of EM32 has much more quantity and the upper treble (12-14k) of EM32 is a little exaggerated. Although this provides more sense of resolution and detail, EM32 can sound sharp and unnatural at times. With this aspect, H8P like I mentioned above does it almost perfectly. 
 
H8P vs Roxanne: I guess you could say they are both warm, but other than that, they sound different. H8P sound more linear and neutral. Roxanne has overly recessed upper mid and slightly lifted lower treble, giving rise to a very big soundstage. And it's rolled off treble provided a great depth too. H8p has almost the same soundstage size and depth without being too colored. Bass on the roxanne has more presence (with 20% gain), but the depth of H8P's bass is better. Both has great control and quality, with H8P has more sense of realness. 
 
H8P vs JH13 FP: Overall these two are very balanced and on the warmer side of neutral, JH13 sounds a little brighter with more forward mid-lower treble section. Both vocals and instruments are sounding more up front than H8P.  H8P has larger soundstage, and much more controlled and enjoyable bass. Treble extensions are similar, so detail level and resolution is great on both with H8P having more layered and 3D presentation.
 
H8P vs NT6: Difference between these two CIEMs are like day and night. NT6 is much more brighter with more treble energy. Everything is presented in a clearer/more-direct way on NT6, while H8P presents music in layers and more relaxed way. So NT6 is less forgiving on bad mixing. I do find NT6 more neutral and technically superior as a studio reference CIEM because of its more linear frequency spectrum. But NT6 is about 5% brighter than "neutral" in my dictionary, so it's always easier to enjoy a warmer sounding CIEM than a bright one. But nothing can be taken away from NT6, it is still one of the best to my ears. The bass sound good on both with H8P having greater decay and depth.  These two IMO can complement each other very well.
 
H8P vs SE5: Although both of them are made using silicone and have warm sound signature, the sound is actually very different if listen carefully. In terms of bass, both sound very neutral, H8P has a little more bass presence, while SE5 has a bit more extension and rumble. speed, decay and control are very similar.  H8P can make you feel more bass excitement and punch in the music, while SE5 gives you more of that earthquake type of rumbling. Mid sounds the most different between the two: SE5's upper mid is significantly more forward than H8P's. Actually if you think one of the upper-mid is neutral, you might feel the other is too forward or recessed. So SE5 presents vocals in a more intimate way with more emotions, specially in male vocals, whereas H8P gives you that vocals in a clearer, thinner and more distant way. This is a good thing for certain female vocals. And instruments like guitar or drums will also sound more forward in SE5. Both H8P and SE5 has warm treble, but H8P has a touch of sparkle in the treble, while SE5 is more relaxed and forgiving. Extension is similar between the two with SE5 extends just a tiny bit further. One would think that SE5 might have small soundstage because mid is filling up too much space (this is what I found when I listened to SE5 for the first few times), actually that's not true IMO. SE5 has a huge cut at lower treble (6-8K), this actually helps everything to sound more distant, layered and further. Plus the bass and lower mid of SE5 is very linear and controlled, the soundstage of SE5 is actually very large after some serious listening. However this tuning of SE5 does make some instruments, specially orchestra sound a bit lacks of clarity. On the other hand, H8P has laid back mid section and linear lower treble, this provides better instruments clarity, sharpness and airiness. And this type of tuning can also produce a very large soundstage in another way. Ultimate detail level are similar between the two. Overall SE5 sounds about 2-3% brighter than H8P on most of the songs. So there is no point to compare these two because they are very different. I am enjoying both SE5 and H8P for different types of music. 
 
H8P vs H8: 

. According to H8P, I am almost 100% sure that H8 will definitely have a warm sound signature.
 
Sorry I have to write my 50000 words chemistry thesis like everyday recently , so I didn't really think carefully about my language, I hope it's still understandable. 
 
Thank you Peter, and well done!

 

[shakur1996]

Many thanks tupac0306.

 

[hertzsogood]

  Harmony 8 pro: Another warm sounding CIEM with almost prefect tuning. 
 
Out of the box H8p impressed me just like my SE5, which is like "nothing". I wasn't crazy about it at all because it didn't have anything that stand out instantly. But since I have experienced this before, so I knew it should be a good thing. And turned out it indeed was! If I were a rookie in CIEM, I would probably jump in this thread and start commenting non-sense. I am glad I gave my brain time, and opened my mind to adjust to the sound signature to H8p. This is a advice I could give to everyone, whenever you try on a new CIEM, don't listen with your expectation, or with the thought of comparing anything you really like. Because 9 out of 10, the sound won't match the expectation. Anyways
 
Source: Anedio D2, 901, ZX1, etc.
 
Key words: Laid back, spacious, incredible bass, warm, exquisite, detailed, musical.
 
Sound: H8p has a warm sound signature with very balanced combination of bass, mid and treble. I never expected H8p to be warm before I got it due to the "advertised treble lift". But the warmth is presented with incredible treble sparkle, extension, and airiness. Overall it sounds laid back, open, clean and very musical. The bass is probably the best part about this CIEM, so punchy, so detailed, so layered with super depth. It's very linear with a touch of excitement, it's really what a good, natural bass should sound like IMO.  I have only heard of this type of bass in one of my CIEM and that is SE5. So IMO silicone definitely played an important role in controlling the bass speed, decay and realness. The mid is very linear until 3-4 k, where it has a slight drop IMO. This provided you a great sense of space.  The treble is again linear, very smooth and clean without noticeable cut in between. Extension is super, one of the best extended CIEMs in my category. Since peter says H8P has lifted >12k Hz, I do feel there is a very slight hump at around 11k, which could be the point where the ultra high drivers integrate with the mid-treble drivers. But that's only a wild guess. Anyways. performance-wise, it's right on the money! The instruments greatly separated with high level of detail. Vocals are also very neutral, the female vocal sound particularly great! The imaging is very accurate too, everything is just presented with right "portion". The reason I said h8p has "warm sounding CIEM with almost prefect tuning" is that the treble integrates with the mid and bass so well that the warmth is presented in a clear, clean, dynamic and transparent way with just enough of detail without going over. This is very hard to do IMO because it's very easy for a warm CIEM to sound very meaty and dull.  For H8P, I don't need to turn up the volume to enjoy this "clear" and warm sounding CIEM, and the bass is always controlled so it contributes significantly the overall space, clarity and transparency too. I am sorry, my language looks all over the place .  Overall I am very satisfied with H8P. It's great and also DIFFERENT!
 
 
Comparison:  I will not get into too much detail, just to let you know the obvious differences.
Order: from similar to different
 
H8P vs K10: Similar sound signature, both have warm sound with K10 sounding a little more forward and warmer. K10 has much slower and more bass presence, which makes it sounds a bit less dynamic. H8P sound much more controlled with greater level of detail, clarity and transparency. Soundstage is wider on H8p too, the depth is similar. 
 
H8P vs EM32: Again very similar sound signature, both smooth, warm with great treble sparkle. EM32 sounds U shaped compared to H8P. The bass of EM32 has much more quantity and the upper treble (12-14k) of EM32 is a little exaggerated. Although this provides more sense of resolution and detail, EM32 can sound sharp and unnatural at times. With this aspect, H8P like I mentioned above does it almost perfectly. 
 
H8P vs Roxanne: I guess you could say they are both warm, but other than that, they sound different. H8P sound more linear and neutral. Roxanne has overly recessed upper mid and slightly lifted lower treble, giving rise to a very big soundstage. And it's rolled off treble provided a great depth too. H8p has almost the same soundstage size and depth without being too colored. Bass on the roxanne has more presence (with 20% gain), but the depth of H8P's bass is better. Both has great control and quality, with H8P has more sense of realness. 
 
H8P vs JH13 FP: Overall these two are very balanced and on the warmer side of neutral, JH13 sounds a little brighter with more forward mid-lower treble section. Both vocals and instruments are sounding more up front than H8P.  H8P has larger soundstage, and much more controlled and enjoyable bass. Treble extensions are similar, so detail level and resolution is great on both with H8P having more layered and 3D presentation.
 
H8P vs NT6: Difference between these two CIEMs are like day and night. NT6 is much more brighter with more treble energy. Everything is presented in a clearer/more-direct way on NT6, while H8P presents music in layers and more relaxed way. So NT6 is less forgiving on bad mixing. I do find NT6 more neutral and technically superior as a studio reference CIEM because of its more linear frequency spectrum. But NT6 is about 5% brighter than "neutral" in my dictionary, so it's always easier to enjoy a warmer sounding CIEM than a bright one. But nothing can be taken away from NT6, it is still one of the best to my ears. The bass sound good on both with H8P having greater decay and depth.  These two IMO can complement each other very well.
 
H8P vs SE5: Although both of them are made using silicone and have warm sound signature, the sound is actually very different if listen carefully. In terms of bass, both sound very neutral, H8P has a little more bass presence, while SE5 has a bit more extension and rumble. speed, decay and control are very similar.  H8P can make you feel more bass excitement and punch in the music, while SE5 gives you more of that earthquake type of rumbling. Mid sounds the most different between the two: SE5's upper mid is significantly more forward than H8P's. Actually if you think one of the upper-mid is neutral, you might feel the other is too forward or recessed. So SE5 presents vocals in a more intimate way with more emotions, specially in male vocals, whereas H8P gives you that vocals in a clearer, thinner and more distant way. This is a good thing for certain female vocals. And instruments like guitar or drums will also sound more forward in SE5. Both H8P and SE5 has warm treble, but H8P has a touch of sparkle in the treble, while SE5 is more relaxed and forgiving. Extension is similar between the two with SE5 extends just a tiny bit further. One would think that SE5 might have small soundstage because mid is filling up too much space (this is what I found when I listened to SE5 for the first few times), actually that's not true IMO. SE5 has a huge cut at lower treble (6-8K), this actually helps everything to sound more distant, layered and further. Plus the bass and lower mid of SE5 is very linear and controlled, the soundstage of SE5 is actually very large after some serious listening. However this tuning of SE5 does make some instruments, specially orchestra sound a bit lacks of clarity. On the other hand, H8P has laid back mid section and linear lower treble, this provides better instruments clarity, sharpness and airiness. And this type of tuning can also produce a very large soundstage in another way. Ultimate detail level are similar between the two. Overall SE5 sounds about 2-3% brighter than H8P on most of the songs. So there is no point to compare these two because they are very different. I am enjoying both SE5 and H8P for different types of music. 
 
H8P vs H8: 

. According to H8P, I am almost 100% sure that H8 will definitely have a warm sound signature.
 
Sorry I have to write my 50000 words chemistry thesis like everyday recently , so I didn't really think carefully about my language, I hope it's still understandable. 
 
Thank you Peter, and well done!

A nice informative review.

 

[soundblast75]

Great review

 

[AmberOzL]

Tupac you are one hell of a dude. Thanks a ton for the small review and comparisons.
 
I wish I had money like you have and start collecting those big boys like K10, NT6, H8 + H8P and maybe even break my promises and Roxanne. From your description actually I got a feeling like I might like Roxanne sound a lot. Too bad that they have one of the worst build quality and customer service in the world.

 

[hertzsogood]

  Tupac you are one hell of a dude. Thanks a ton for the small review and comparisons.
 
I wish I had money like you have and start collecting those big boys like K10, NT6, H8 + H8P and maybe even break my promises and Roxanne. From your description actually I got a feeling like I might like Roxanne sound a lot. Too bad that they have one of the worst build quality and customer service in the world.

Your list is from most expensive to least expensive or the one you think is best to worst?

 

[SilverEars]

Thanks Tupac.  I agree with your ideas on rookies not giving enough time, I admit I do it everytime.  Did this with the NT6 because we know it sounds bright at first.  Your ideas of frequency bump to cause larger sound stage really intrigues me.  I haven't run into that idea until your Roxanne post, How did this idea come about?  If we see the FR of Roxanne, it could support what you say.  Looking at your sources, it looks like ES9018 could be your favorite.  You said you like the 901 alot, even more than the D2?  
 
I like your reviews because it's universally coherent because you refer to the FR, and we can all agree on what you are saying. 
 
Didn't know you were a chemistry guy.  Masters or Phd?

 

[tupac0306]

   
I like your reviews because it's universally coherent because you refer to the FR, and we can all agree on what you are saying. 
 
Didn't know you were a chemistry guy.  Masters or Phd?

Thanks for the input buddy. 
 
From my experiences, I think every part of spectrum can greatly influence to the overall x, y, z axis of the soundstage. The more CIEMs you listen, the more you can better define each element. IMO 100% neutral (such as NT6) CIEM will not have a surprisingly large soundstage IMO, it needs a special combination of different frequencies even physical placements of drivers to re-create a very spacious sound. Some CIEMs do it correctly without sacrificing much, some couldn't (e.g. Roxanne) IMO. Also there is a lot of types of "large" soundstage that can make you feel you sitting in different spacious environments
 
Also I don't think I have mentioned anywhere that I preferred 901 over D2. D2 is still one of the best desktop source I have heard, it still drives every my CIEM to the highest level. And it's more neutral than the warmer, lush 901. And it drives NT6 like 50% better than 901. I know it sounds confusing how a colder source can actually make my NT6 sounds much more musical and smoother than a warmer source.
 
P.S. I would never applied for a PHD if my master thesis needed to be 50000 words long. lol

 

[SilverEars]

  Thanks for the input buddy. 
 
From my experiences, I think every part of spectrum can greatly influence to the overall x, y, z axis of the soundstage. The more CIEMs you listen, the more you can better define each element. IMO 100% neutral (such as NT6) CIEM will not have a surprisingly large soundstage IMO, it needs a special combination of different frequencies even physical placements of drivers to re-create a very spacious sound. Some CIEMs do it correctly without sacrificing much, some couldn't (e.g. Roxanne) IMO. Also there is a lot of types of "large" soundstage that can make you feel you sitting in different spacious environments
 
Also I don't think I have mentioned anywhere that I preferred 901 over D2. D2 is still one of the best desktop source I have heard, it still drives every my CIEM to the highest level. And it's more neutral than the warmer, lush 901. And it drives NT6 like 50% better than 901. I know it sounds confusing how a colder source can actually make my NT6 sounds much more musical and smoother than a warmer source.
 
P.S. I would never applied for a PHD if my master thesis needed to be 50000 words long. lol

I don't discredit warmth personally.  Not sure if it's commonly agreed that the Hibino HDP R10(DX100 changed with 627 opamp in it and voltage dropped, current boosted(not sure if it's other way around)), sounds warmer than most, and to me iit was the good kind, not the kind I have run into on portable with Wolfsons.  It could be the ES9018 having a sharp treble characteristic with the warmth adding body to the sound making it euphoric without lacking in details. Tonally, it sounded real with the NT6. Unfortunately, it was a brick and slow responsive ui, leaves a lot to be desired.

 

[AmberOzL]

  Your list is from most expensive to least expensive or the one you think is best to worst?

You mean the list in my post? No particular order actually, just wrote it the way it drops on the keyboard.

 

[piotrus-g]

Thank you tupac for great sound impressions! I'm very happy you liked them so much. You've made my day!

 

[tupac0306]

No! You have made my day! I just switched to a silver Twag cable...... Guess what..we might have a winner here!!!...god..sound sooo good!!

 

[Shini44]

  No! You have made my day! I just switched to a silver Twag cable...... Guess what..we might have a winner here!!!...god..sound sooo good!!

can you compare it with the UM Mentor plz :3 

 

[tupac0306]

  can you compare it with the UM Mentor plz :3 

Sorry buddy. I don't have Mentor anymore