EDIT:
I normally take a long time (weeks to months) to weigh my options with an audio purchase. In this case, I went ahead and ordered the UM MEST due to the recent sale.
I have, however, looked hard at that IEM ever since it came out and almost ordered it over the CFA Solaris 2020 back in early Summer, so it's not like I wasn't familiar with it.
I will update the thread with a post comparing the Solaris with the MEST after some time spent with it. The hope is that I will like one significantly over the other so I can choose it and sell the other...but we all know how this can go!
Short Version:
Out of this list, which IEM should l get if l'm looking for a slightly warm neutral signature with good subbass and overall resolution, somewhat forward vocals (and no recessed mids!), sparkley and extended highs (rarely do highs fatigue me), with some energy, fun, engagement:
Empire Ears Hero
Unique Melody MEST
Kinera Nanna
Thieaudio Monarch
Also, I have no way to demo any IEMs.
Thanks in advance for any advice!
******************************************************************************
Long Version:
I realize this is a fairly wide price range, but IEMs like the Thieaudio Monarch may be redefining the SQ one can attain for less money.
I have the CFA Solaris 2020 and very much enjoy it, and it does many things very well (vocals are just about where I like them in the mix: forward but not overbearing, for instance) but lately some of its characteristics have become more bothersome, such as, briefly:
Somewhat overly aggressive/bold presentation without enough nuance (more focus on the forest than the trees)
Lower mids too thick/warm/overly emphasized
Lack of overall clarity/micro detail
Treble can be somewhat mettalicy without enough sparkle
Instrument separation/space isn't the best (some congestion due to the over empathized lower mids)
Darkish tone with subdued (more in the background) highs
...etc.
Now, I'm still looking for a neutral warm/fun/engaging signature-I'm not looking for a reference/cold/analytical monitor-just one that isn't as warm/thick/dark as the Solaris 2020 with more accuracy, detail, refinement, etc. Basically a slightly warm neutral presentation with good subbass, overall energy and resolution, and the upper bass/lower mids more in line with the mix.
(I realize I could switch around in the CFA lineup to find a IEM more akin to this tuning, but my experience in the audio world is that it's best to try completely different makers, because the different overall "house sound" of various gear producers may appeal to one more than another, so I want to try something totally new-to-me.)
So far I'm looking very closely at the Hero and MEST (practically ready to just buy the Hero while it's on sale), but I'm open to suggestions.
Here is the list of IEMs I've been considering:
Empire Ears Hero
Unique Melody MEST
Kinera Nanna
Thieaudio Monarch
This is far from an exhaustive list of all the IEMs I've considered, so chances are any suggestions made I will have already looked at...but that doesn't mean I won't reconsider them!
Also, I have no way to demo any IEMs.
Thanks in advance for any advice!
I normally take a long time (weeks to months) to weigh my options with an audio purchase. In this case, I went ahead and ordered the UM MEST due to the recent sale.
I have, however, looked hard at that IEM ever since it came out and almost ordered it over the CFA Solaris 2020 back in early Summer, so it's not like I wasn't familiar with it.
I will update the thread with a post comparing the Solaris with the MEST after some time spent with it. The hope is that I will like one significantly over the other so I can choose it and sell the other...but we all know how this can go!
Short Version:
Out of this list, which IEM should l get if l'm looking for a slightly warm neutral signature with good subbass and overall resolution, somewhat forward vocals (and no recessed mids!), sparkley and extended highs (rarely do highs fatigue me), with some energy, fun, engagement:
Empire Ears Hero
Unique Melody MEST
Kinera Nanna
Thieaudio Monarch
Also, I have no way to demo any IEMs.
Thanks in advance for any advice!
******************************************************************************
Long Version:
I realize this is a fairly wide price range, but IEMs like the Thieaudio Monarch may be redefining the SQ one can attain for less money.
I have the CFA Solaris 2020 and very much enjoy it, and it does many things very well (vocals are just about where I like them in the mix: forward but not overbearing, for instance) but lately some of its characteristics have become more bothersome, such as, briefly:
Somewhat overly aggressive/bold presentation without enough nuance (more focus on the forest than the trees)
Lower mids too thick/warm/overly emphasized
Lack of overall clarity/micro detail
Treble can be somewhat mettalicy without enough sparkle
Instrument separation/space isn't the best (some congestion due to the over empathized lower mids)
Darkish tone with subdued (more in the background) highs
...etc.
Now, I'm still looking for a neutral warm/fun/engaging signature-I'm not looking for a reference/cold/analytical monitor-just one that isn't as warm/thick/dark as the Solaris 2020 with more accuracy, detail, refinement, etc. Basically a slightly warm neutral presentation with good subbass, overall energy and resolution, and the upper bass/lower mids more in line with the mix.
(I realize I could switch around in the CFA lineup to find a IEM more akin to this tuning, but my experience in the audio world is that it's best to try completely different makers, because the different overall "house sound" of various gear producers may appeal to one more than another, so I want to try something totally new-to-me.)
So far I'm looking very closely at the Hero and MEST (practically ready to just buy the Hero while it's on sale), but I'm open to suggestions.
Here is the list of IEMs I've been considering:
Empire Ears Hero
Unique Melody MEST
Kinera Nanna
Thieaudio Monarch
This is far from an exhaustive list of all the IEMs I've considered, so chances are any suggestions made I will have already looked at...but that doesn't mean I won't reconsider them!
Also, I have no way to demo any IEMs.
Thanks in advance for any advice!
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