Tantalus is a warm set, so the added warmth from a tube probably isn't the best synergy.I just bought my first Tgxear bud off of the classifieds - a Tantalus. Plugged into my ADI-2, I'm shocked at how competitive it is with my HD800S and Ampsandsound Leeloo tube amp ($2k new, successor to the ZMF Pendant) combination. Now I have to resist the urge to immediately try all the other Tgxear buds
One question, does anyone use their earbuds with tube amps? The Leeloo is a SET amp with a high impedance output and very low background noise, but the Tantalus sounds markedly worse with it (restricted and congested) than with the solid state ADI-2. Do any of the Tgxear buds work well with tube amps?
TGXEAR discussion thread.
Thanks, Jim is kind enough to contact me and will send me some.
Ripples is so good. The tuning is perfect for me and the timbre is top-tier. I wish the technicalities were a little better, but for sheer enjoyment, it’s hard to beat. I agree that it’s gotten overlooked as Jim has released other models, and I’ve often thought about selling it, but always end up keeping it. I currently use it with my DC-Elite, which can be a little cold and uninviting.
I used to own Serratus and thought it meshed well with tubes. Desolation Sound also meshes very well with tubes - tubes add some welcome weight to DS for me, which I sometimes find a little slight and emotionally unengaging.I just bought my first Tgxear bud off of the classifieds - a Tantalus. Plugged into my ADI-2, I'm shocked at how competitive it is with my HD800S and Ampsandsound Leeloo tube amp ($2k new, successor to the ZMF Pendant) combination. Now I have to resist the urge to immediately try all the other Tgxear buds
One question, does anyone use their earbuds with tube amps? The Leeloo is a SET amp with a high impedance output and very low background noise, but the Tantalus sounds markedly worse with it (restricted and congested) than with the solid state ADI-2. Do any of the Tgxear buds work well with tube amps?
Congrats to Jim for getting one of his buds sold through Penon. Penon announced they are now listing Revelstoke at their online store.
https://www.head-fi.org/threads/earbuds-round-up.441400/post-18088758
https://www.head-fi.org/threads/earbuds-round-up.441400/post-18088758
Just my two cents/pence on this because it might help someone. I spent a good while running the Alpha via OTL and infact the shear power managed to improve treble and air, effectively brightening it's tonality. Tubes can be rolled to achieve a 'brighter' picture and the power that some OTLs deliver really improves dynamics, transients and technicalities.
Nonetheless, what you say could be true. I haven't heard the Tantalus (or the OP's chain) and I read that it's less sensitive and more warm by comparison to the Alpha. Maybe it would be just too dark a picture to brighten with tubes?
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Coming from a Blur 266, I just received and started listening to the DS Black Sand. Running them balanced with Hiegi foams from the Hiby R5II. MSEB settings: -36 to Voice slider. Here is a quick summary of the improvements I've noticed so far:
1. Timbre tremendously improved; The Blur wasn't bad but the DS sounds so much more real despite the dry nature of the Hiby. It's close to my desktop setup, which is remarkable given the dry-sounding source.
2. The soundstage of the BSDS is slightly less wide but is way better defined than the Blur. The Blur also lacks depth, unlike the DS.
3. Miles better imaging and instrument separation. The Blur does well for its price of $200, but the DS blows it out of the water.
4. No more treble grain and glare.
5. Mids are more refined and sound more natural. Vocals have actual texture!
6. Bass has much better texture and definition. The extension is moderately improved, but these are earbuds, which means sub-bass roll-off. Blur bass is flat by comparison.
The sound went from meh to incredible. The only downside is I might have to upgrade my DAP to get the best sound from these.
1. Timbre tremendously improved; The Blur wasn't bad but the DS sounds so much more real despite the dry nature of the Hiby. It's close to my desktop setup, which is remarkable given the dry-sounding source.
2. The soundstage of the BSDS is slightly less wide but is way better defined than the Blur. The Blur also lacks depth, unlike the DS.
3. Miles better imaging and instrument separation. The Blur does well for its price of $200, but the DS blows it out of the water.
4. No more treble grain and glare.
5. Mids are more refined and sound more natural. Vocals have actual texture!
6. Bass has much better texture and definition. The extension is moderately improved, but these are earbuds, which means sub-bass roll-off. Blur bass is flat by comparison.
The sound went from meh to incredible. The only downside is I might have to upgrade my DAP to get the best sound from these.
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swolar
New Head-Fier
Which of the tgxear buds are bassy, if any, past or present?
I like the performance of my Serratus black sand, but do wish it had more bass. Wonder if Jim ever made something that fits that need.
I like the performance of my Serratus black sand, but do wish it had more bass. Wonder if Jim ever made something that fits that need.
More bass than SBS? Did you try thicker foams? Otherwise, Sunniva without bass mod is very bassy, according to many folks
Agreed, Sunniva (without foam in vent) is the only earbud from Jim that I consider to be bassy...
swolar
New Head-Fier
The sun is bright! I'd never imagined that the sunniva was the bassiest earbud haha
CosmicSheep
New Head-Fier
Sunniva is bassier than Ripples and Serratus? I had a chance to listen to Sunniva but didn't spend much time. Kinda wish I had.
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swolar
New Head-Fier
OHHH BOYYY I tried thicker foams, holy tits what a difference in sound! Much darker. First, I tried the foams of my EB2s since I enjoyed wearing them, and the grip is much better so the mx500 shell sits better in my ear. Then I tried the foams that come with the SBS, the non-black ones. They are somewhere in between the EB2s foams and the stock black ones. Still get a darker sound.
However, I feel conflicted. The sound is darker and I enjoy the bass, but I lose a lot of detail in the treble. Not sure if I like that, or what to end up choosing. I wonder if the solution is to get a V shaped bud and put thick foams in it so they cancel out haha
I didn't think switching foams would change sound this much. I guess I am learning in my earbud journey.
Oh nice! If you want an in-between option, take the non- black SBS foams and use a hole punch to make donut foams! They should help to provide better seals, elevate bass,, but allow more treble to get through.
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