Empire Ears - Discussion & Impressions (Formerly EarWerkz)
Dec 6, 2015 at 2:09 PM Post #587 of 41,335
The verdict on the source is more complicated. As I said before, I have been using the AK240SS because the Zeus hiss on my Lotoo. But I am starting to think I did the Zeus a disfavor in doing this, because the AK240SS is not such a good pairing and might belittle their qualities. So for the coming days I will use my Lotoo despite the hiss. Lotoo told me they will try to solve this with some gain options in coming firmware.
 

 
That's HUGE! Hopefully this FW wont take too long then...
 
Dec 6, 2015 at 2:38 PM Post #588 of 41,335
The case does look nice, but I think a more pocket size case would be more practical.

I use the Earwerkz square soft/hardened case with zipper that I had with my Omega. Just the perfect size for the BTG starlight and the Zeus + silica gel bag. :D
I'll try to find a 1010 peli too though, more safer for my conscience. :p
 
Dec 6, 2015 at 6:36 PM Post #589 of 41,335
I have been listening to the Zeus again and switching tips as well as source.

The verdict on the tips is that medium spinfit are the best for me. These benefit greatly from deep insertion. Besides other tips with a wider mouth, like the Spiral Dots, have a muffling effect on sound for some reason. With the spinfit, the Zeus really sound their best.

The verdict on the source is more complicated. As I said before, I have been using the AK240SS because the Zeus hiss on my Lotoo. But I am starting to think I did the Zeus a disfavor in doing this, because the AK240SS is not such a good pairing and might belittle their qualities. So for the coming days I will use my Lotoo despite the hiss. Lotoo told me they will try to solve this with some gain options in coming firmware.

With the Lotoo, despite the hiss, the Zeus really comes alive more, and its qualities are much more obvious, crazy resolution, depth, separation, dynamics. I will listen more and hope that what I dislike in the mids coloration will also be less apparent.

 
Been trying to enjoy Inward Oceans with the Zeus+ZX2. Sadly the hiss is predominantly present, in this calmer piano post-rock album.
[size=1em]http://deepelmdigital.com/album/paths-from-home[/size]
 
 
Flinkenick really nailed the Zeus' signature IMO:
  I'm just going to add this little flagship comparison:
 
Signature
S-EM9: elevated sub-bass - linear mid-bass - distant lower midrange - enhanced upper midrange - forward treble ----> (U-shaped)
Solar: elevated sub-bass - slighly enhanced mid-bass - medium thick lower midrange - enhanced upper midrange - forward treble -----> (W-shaped)
Zeus: elevated sub-bass - enhanced mid-bass - very thick lower midrange - flat upper midrange - polite treble ----> (midforward)
 
Dynamics
S-EM9: fast & precise, but still smooth
Solar: also smooth, slightly lengthier decay
Zeus: very smooth, longest decay (notes linger)
 
So the S-EM9 and Zeus are pretty much opposites, with the Solar in between. All are outstanding and absolute TOTL, but have different properties that will cater to different preferences.
 

It's this lingering that makes all the sustained notes, and effects like echo, reverberation, delay so much more noticeable. But with that full mids, when combined to the decay, it's loosing its delicacy. Now with cymbals and hi-hats for example, I just love the texture and lingering, but I sure would prefer a more lifted up treble. Too polite for me. "Don't be shy Zeus, don't sparkle. Crack that thunderous lightning!"  "Don't be like Gandalf with only 1 good firework in all the friggin lengthy trilogy"
 
Gah a dozen days left to try it with the DP-X1
 
Dec 6, 2015 at 10:12 PM Post #591 of 41,335
i wouldn't trust CIEMs in anything less than a semi-hard case.  that earwerkz circular case has done wonders for me.  has room for CIEMS, non-stock cable, the cleaning cloth, and silica packet.
 
Dec 7, 2015 at 12:10 AM Post #595 of 41,335
Dec 7, 2015 at 5:50 AM Post #596 of 41,335
  Gah a dozen days left to try it with the DP-X1

 
Do inform how it goes with the DP-X1!
From measurements online (source - http://ohm-image.net/data/audio/rmaa-onkyo-dp-x1-24-bit), it seems like the noise level of the DP-X1 is really low (-120dB, compared to the ZX2's -103.6dB)
Looks to be a decent pairing with highly sensitive iems (like those from Empire's lineup)!
 
Dec 7, 2015 at 6:06 AM Post #597 of 41,335
Exactly my line of thought. Any idea where I could buy something similar?

 
You could probably get something similar off Amazon/Ebay.
(eg. http://www.amazon.com/Case-Star-Black-Earphone-Earbuds/dp/B007P0MSA8/ or http://www.mp4nation.net/brainwavz-earphone-hard-case)
 
I'd personally favor cases without zips tho, for fear that zips may 'clip' on the cable.
The UE cases look pretty nice  (http://pro.ultimateears.com/products/custom-accessories/cases-cables) but do come at a decidedly higher price. 
 
Dec 7, 2015 at 9:49 AM Post #598 of 41,335
Speaking of cases, I've always trusted Pelican's range. I have a 1010, a couple of 1020 and a 1050. Solid as rock, with enough depth and padding to securely store my IEMs, DAPs and amps.
 
Dec 7, 2015 at 11:13 AM Post #599 of 41,335
yeah, pelicans are nice, but even a 1010 is too large for every day carry though.  
 
Dec 7, 2015 at 11:31 AM Post #600 of 41,335
yeah, pelicans are nice, but even a 1010 is too large for every day carry though.  
In that case you can use the Shure case or the Moleskine XS Shell.

http://www.moleskine.com/en/collections/model/product/shell-extra-small-black

http://www.amazon.com/Shure-EASQRZIPCASE-BLK-Hard-sided-Zippered-Earphones/dp/B00HTJLCJI
 

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