The discovery thread!
Oct 25, 2023 at 6:18 AM Post #87,316 of 131,442
You probably should put your reviews on your Google Site instead of your Google Drive. It's free and very easy to setup.
Ohh, nice tip mate.

Ill work on it! Thanks!
 
Oct 25, 2023 at 7:13 AM Post #87,317 of 131,442
First impressions...

BOUTIQUE EXPERIENCE
AUDIO HEKILI
1000013795-01.jpeg


Thanks to @nikbr I could try this "rare" iem from a one-army-chinese company.

A safe tuning, with a deep bass, incredible performance on that part. I would like to compare this with the MANGIRDTOP on that frequencies. Also, it remember me so much to the IMR brand, with a really warm-profile, that suits perfectly on male voices (females maybe unnatural)

Counterpart, Im feeling some metallic timbre, but need more brain-burn to say more about that.

For the one of you thinking about getting one. LINSOUL is selling for 299. This iem on chinese market only cost 130. Just letting you know.

✅ Bass go deeeeeep
✅ Nice scene, lot of details "out of the head"
✅ Relaxed not fatiguing presentation...
🟡...wich could too much warmer
🟡 Treble-heads could be dissapointed

⭕ My son makes better cables
⭕Some "metallic" timbre
 
Oct 25, 2023 at 7:20 AM Post #87,318 of 131,442
First impressions...

BOUTIQUE EXPERIENCE
AUDIO HEKILI
1000013795-01.jpeg

Thanks to @nikbr I could try this "rare" iem from a one-army-chinese company.

A safe tuning, with a deep bass, incredible performance on that part. I would like to compare this with the MANGIRDTOP on that frequencies. Also, it remember me so much to the IMR brand, with a really warm-profile, that suits perfectly on male voices (females maybe unnatural)

Counterpart, Im feeling some metallic timbre, but need more brain-burn to say more about that.

For the one of you thinking about getting one. LINSOUL is selling for 299. This iem on chinese market only cost 130. Just letting you know.

✅ Bass go deeeeeep
✅ Nice scene, lot of details "out of the head"
✅ Relaxed not fatiguing presentation...
🟡...wich could too much warmer
🟡 Treble-heads could be dissapointed

⭕ My son makes better cables
⭕Some "metallic" timbre
Thanks for a brief and to-the-point review. Agreed for the most part, except for "treble-heads could be disappointed" if you meant this from a quantity standpoint. I feel it's sufficient in quantity, but indeed a bit metallic in mid-treble. Never sibilant nor really that tiring, though.

Overall, a decent set, but not worth its full price that I paid 🫤 Oh well, you win some, you lose some.
 
Oct 25, 2023 at 7:39 AM Post #87,319 of 131,442
First impressions...

BOUTIQUE EXPERIENCE
AUDIO HEKILI


Thanks to @nikbr I could try this "rare" iem from a one-army-chinese company.

A safe tuning, with a deep bass, incredible performance on that part. I would like to compare this with the MANGIRDTOP on that frequencies. Also, it remember me so much to the IMR brand, with a really warm-profile, that suits perfectly on male voices (females maybe unnatural)

Counterpart, Im feeling some metallic timbre, but need more brain-burn to say more about that.

For the one of you thinking about getting one. LINSOUL is selling for 299. This iem on chinese market only cost 130. Just letting you know.

✅ Bass go deeeeeep
✅ Nice scene, lot of details "out of the head"
✅ Relaxed not fatiguing presentation...
🟡...wich could too much warmer
🟡 Treble-heads could be dissapointed

⭕ My son makes better cables
⭕Some "metallic" timbre
Sorry I couldn’t resist?
881908BB-399E-49B9-82E2-F6E20C2007E9.jpeg
 
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Oct 25, 2023 at 7:42 AM Post #87,320 of 131,442
Nightjar Singularity and XSL X-One

Not saying it's the same driver, but this model XSL X-One also has 10mm in DLC. And Singularity has not mentioned what type of driver it is, only that its 10mm. Still acoustic tuning can have been done, and better cable and accessories.

But 69usd(discounted) vs 1300usd. Came out half year ago also. Would be fun if someone opened up a Singularity to see, but who would do that to such an expensive IEM.

And the XSL X-One is the same driver as the Dark Magician.

Screenshot_20231025-115653.png
 
Oct 25, 2023 at 7:58 AM Post #87,321 of 131,442
No Dark Saber reviews yet, but have a look at this:

https://www.reddit.com/r/headphones...hought_this_only_happened_to_kz_iemsrip_dark/

Someone received a faulty unit which snapped during a cable swap.

Moondrop literally said "Not our problem, contact Apos" who proceeds to give OP a nice kick in the balls by demanding $425 in repair fees!

Unbelievable, I was thinking on maybe getting some Moondrop's during 11.11, but I think it's safer not to bother with their products because their QC is still trash.

Talk about lousy customer service, I hope OP gets full refund :pray:

Have no fear, Waifus wash away all kinds of audio sins.

Be it bad QC, paint chipping off shells, channel imbalance, and even shouty bad tuning, Waifus have you covered.
 
Oct 25, 2023 at 9:03 AM Post #87,322 of 131,442
Nightjar Singularity and XSL X-One

Not saying it's the same driver, but this model XSL X-One also has 10mm in DLC. And Singularity has not mentioned what type of driver it is, only that its 10mm. Still acoustic tuning can have been done, and better cable and accessories.

But 69usd(discounted) vs 1300usd. Came out half year ago also. Would be fun if someone opened up a Singularity to see, but who would do that to such an expensive IEM.

And the XSL X-One is the same driver as the Dark Magician.

Screenshot_20231025-115653.png
Don't you dare say it's the same thing. Singularity is #1 under $1500 as the latest poll suggests 😅

You've piqued my interest in the X-One, though.
 
Oct 25, 2023 at 9:52 AM Post #87,323 of 131,442
Don't you dare say it's the same thing. Singularity is #1 under $1500 as the latest poll suggests 😅

You've piqued my interest in the X-One, though.
Tbh I hope it's not for Singularity sake😁

But we never know. Singularity is praised by many and loved.

Only some who complained on slight pillowy bass and agressive upper mids. But there will always be some who like or dislike.
 
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Oct 25, 2023 at 10:47 AM Post #87,324 of 131,442
Tbh I hope it's not for Singularity sake😁

But we never know. Singularity is praised by many and loved.

Only some who complained on slight pillowy bass and agressive upper mids. But there will always be some who like or dislike.
People I talked too who actually have had time on the Singularity say exactly that pillowy bass shouty mids. No thanks I will stick to my Twilight and leave this hyped set fade away once it dies down.
 
Oct 25, 2023 at 11:04 AM Post #87,325 of 131,442
Nightjar Singularity and XSL X-One
Man, you've hit the nail on the head about these Nightjar Singularities! Their marketing game is so strong, it almost reads like a cryptic prophecy, full of terms like 'Bespoke,' 'LoFlex,' 'Timbre+,' and 'CAthedral.' It's like they pulled out a thesaurus and went to town, just to make us feel like we're not just buying earphones, but investing in an 'experience.'

'Bespoke,' you say? Are these earphones individually crafted by artisan elves in a hidden forest workshop? Because that’s the level of customization the word 'bespoke' conjures up. But let’s be real—it’s probably just code for 'we’ve found another way to overcharge you.

'LoFlex,' is it? Sounds like a term you'd expect in a Yoga course rather than an IEM description. Granted, pressure relief is a legit concern in IEMs, but let’s not put lipstick on a duck. If both the budget XSL X-One and the high-end Nightjar Singularity quack the same in their frequency response graphs, then maybe it's time to call them what they are: ducks, not swans.

Then we've got 'Timbre+.' Adding a plus to anything makes it better, right? Especially when it jacks up the price 800%.

And don't even get me started on 'CAthedral.' Are we supposed to be transcending to another dimension of sound, where angels serve as backup singers?

Anodised 6000 Series Aluminium Shell? A higher series number must imply a more transcendent audio experience, no? I'm still eagerly awaiting the 7000 Series—rumored to be so exclusive, it bends space-time around your eardrums.

'Mundorf MSolder SUPREME SilverGold'—now, that’s something. Are we sure it’s just solder and not some sort of alchemic substance that transforms base metals into audiophile bliss?

And don't even get me started on the 'Spring-loaded Beryllium-copper 0.78mm 2-pin.' It’s got more adjectives than a royal title. Is it going to spring me into another universe where all sound is perfect?"

But where they really pull you in is their website. Have you seen it? A one-page scroll-down affair that’s polished to the nines, with lighting that should win some sort of award. And that color scheme—gold, black, and white—it's like they want you to feel you're in the VIP section of a high-end nightclub. And let's not overlook the font family—Archivo, Abel, and Nunito. These aren't your everyday, garden-variety web fonts. It’s like they've curated a wine list of typefaces to complement the visual feast.

Your point about the XSL X-One is a real eye-opener. $69, you say? Almost the same specs? Now that's some food for thought. It's like buying a Rolex and then finding out your buddy got a similar one from a street vendor for 20 bucks.

So yeah, when you strip away all the glitz and glam, what are we really investing in? It seems to me that the real 'experience' we're buying into is a masterclass in marketing.

Cheers
 
Oct 25, 2023 at 11:27 AM Post #87,326 of 131,442
It's like buying a Rolex and then finding out your buddy got a similar one from a street vendor for 20 bucks.
You could argue the Rolex is more about the name and less than it being a tool to display time. The rest of your breakdown of the marketing is on point.
 
Oct 25, 2023 at 12:22 PM Post #87,327 of 131,442
Pretty wild that this tiny little thing MSRP is the same price as ZMF offerings? Obviously it’s all subjective, spend money how you want but man the value proposition on IEMs is getting absolutely out of control.
Sound Rhyme TOTL Flagship In-ear earphone
4EST+12 BA

Priced around 2K, out in one or two weeks time.
394291388_1963937353986522_3238512806931567108_n.jpg
395380949_1965833027130288_8770018815074377043_n.jpg
 
Oct 25, 2023 at 12:45 PM Post #87,328 of 131,442
am getting an ns3 and wonder whats the difference between bass and original versions. would it be the most cohesive/harmonious iem you listened to?
I don't know, it's been a long while since I listened to it, didn't strike me as something too special though, this I remember.
 
Oct 25, 2023 at 3:22 PM Post #87,329 of 131,442
qEq2KrK40GQa7GIe3UWqlREQ3Sml2jJTuSTlFjsdCYWck9F83M3hLFyyFvk77VYL3YRlTerlX-kJu8ir-9_d9IpYg6ejhN9RzRV33ON3kW7hwORD5tZN4edtw2QXPRFLPehRqZ4CucpUNPiRrrRF4XE


Ljoma

I want to share about a IEM from my country Norway, had it for demo for some good time now.
The driver configuration is 5 BA. This is made by one man called Kåre, I recently met him and tested his IEM. This was at a local hifi show where he had booked a room to let people demo his creation. I listened for a long time and compared it to some of my own IEMs. Price is on the more expensive side, around 1400 usd. But I understand how expensive it is to manufacture in Norway, so the price is acceptable.

I had a chat with Kåre about Ljoma, he clearly has a big understanding of the tech and what driver he chose to use here. He used Aroma Jewel as tuning inspiration, but with 5 balanced armatures instead. He also has worked hard to get maximum out of the drivers, as you can see on the measurement below it has very good extension in the upper treble.

The shell is slightly large in size, but even so very ergonomic. I have no problem using it for many hours without any pain spots. It's not ventilated, similar to my Neon Pro. But I guess due to the large shell it's never any pressure buildup, I know this is personal and your experience can be different. The texture of the IEM shell is quite special, it does feel more grippy due to the slightly textured surface. It's also super light, one of the things he also had marketed on the fliers outside his demo room.

The design is quite unique and looks really nice, the faceplate has a 3D effect to it. Color changes with angle and lighting. The white ring is also fluorescent and lights up in the dark if it has been under a light source. The cable and connector is very new to me, it's the T2 Estron connectors. It's like an improved MMCX, much more easy to insert or take out than MMCX. Few brands like the new models from Etymotic and Westone have started to use this style of connection.

Subjective impressions:

Bass is very nice on Ljoma, it is among the best BA IEMs in this regard. It's tuned in a way where it gives you some note weight without bleeding into the mids, some would have preferred maybe it to flat out earlier but not me personally. Bass is impactful and fast, not the soft BA bass some IEMs have. This passes for me, even if I do think it would have been even better as a hybrid with a nice DD here. As for amount, it's okay and one the more neutral side. Personally I would have liked some more, but I regard myself as slightly basshead.

Mids are forward and clear, vocals and instruments are both in focus. There is plenty of presence in male and female vocals, also instruments for that matter. I find male and female equally good, but I do think people more sensitive to midrange energy would find this too much.
Some instruments thread a thin line where they are very detailed and forward without having too much of a sharp sound. For example listening to some Miles Davis I find his trumpet clear and forward without being piercing, but still have that aggressive tone trumpet is supposed to have.

Treble is executed very impressively, with plenty of resolution and extension. For me personally maybe more than what I prefer, but I know this is sort of tuning very few IEMs do and many also lust after this. Even if it's plenty forward and extended it is not overly sharp, it just has plenty of detail and air going on. Upper mids/lower treble has a sibilance dip that is there but not too big, my kind of dip where you get all the presence and detail.

Soundstage is spherical with good depth and layering, not the best I heard but better than your average IEM.

Overall the Ljoma is very resolving, fun, energetic and musical.
Strongest positives is the extended and airy treble, few IEMs do it this well. Also being tuned coherently on the whole range, where no range is lacking. And being highly resolving.
If there is a negative it's the price, but even so it's made by one person in Norway.

ljoma.no

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0edaKApR_kWvd2PX64RqcOzQTtLdsnIB3f6cluZFGH4bhsAyI3ue2qJ1RTotRGkZGFJtEmpLVHe1b9G5KJyV5nZauIzfONA54-o30dkSOcNvDbMB-CCvxe9baagfERGLt55oWGe_XoZTT4N2KVvcs48
 
Last edited:
Oct 25, 2023 at 3:42 PM Post #87,330 of 131,442
qEq2KrK40GQa7GIe3UWqlREQ3Sml2jJTuSTlFjsdCYWck9F83M3hLFyyFvk77VYL3YRlTerlX-kJu8ir-9_d9IpYg6ejhN9RzRV33ON3kW7hwORD5tZN4edtw2QXPRFLPehRqZ4CucpUNPiRrrRF4XE


Ljoma

I want to share about a IEM from my country Norway, had it for demo for some good time now.
The driver configuration is 5 BA. This is made by one man called Kåre, I recently met him and tested his IEM. This was at a local hifi show where he had booked a room to let people demo his creation. I listened for a long time and compared it to some of my own IEMs. Price is on the more expensive side, around 1400 usd. But I understand how expensive it is to manufacture in Norway, so the price is acceptable.

I had a chat with Kåre about Ljoma, he clearly has a big understanding of the tech and what driver he chose to use here. He used Aroma Jewel as tuning inspiration, but with 5 balanced armatures instead. He also has worked hard to get maximum out of the drivers, as you can see on the measurement below it has very good extension in the upper treble.

The shell is slightly large in size, but even so very ergonomic. I have no problem using it for many hours without any pain spots. It's not ventilated, similar to my Neon Pro. But I guess due to the large shell it's never any pressure buildup, I know this is personal and your experience can be different. The texture of the IEM shell is quite special, it does feel more grippy due to the slightly textured surface. It's also super light, one of the things he also had marketed on the fliers outside his demo room.

The design is quite unique and looks really nice, the faceplate has a 3D effect to it. Color changes with angle and lighting. The white ring is also fluorescent and lights up in the dark if it has been under a light source. The cable and connector is very new to me, it's the T2 Estron connectors. It's like an improved MMCX, much more easy to insert or take out than MMCX. Few brands like the new models from Etymotic and Westone have started to use this style of connection.

Subjective impressions:

Bass is very nice on Ljoma, it is among the best BA IEMs in this regard. It's tuned in a way where it gives you some note weight without bleeding into the mids, some would have preferred maybe it to flat out earlier but not me personally. Bass is impactful and fast, not the soft BA bass some IEMs have. This passes for me, even if I do think it would have been even better as a hybrid with a nice DD here. As for amount, it's okay and one the more neutral side. Personally I would have liked some more, but I regard myself as slightly basshead.

Mids are forward and clear, vocals and instruments are both in focus. There is plenty of presence in male and female vocals, also instruments for that matter. I find male and female equally good, but I do think people more sensitive to midrange energy would find this too much.
Some instruments thread a thin line where they are very detailed and forward without having too much of a sharp sound. For example listening to some Miles Davis I find his trumpet clear and forward without being piercing, but still have that aggressive tone trumpet is supposed to have.

Treble is executed very impressively, with plenty of resolution and extension. For me personally maybe more than what I prefer, but I know this is sort of tuning very few IEMs do and many also lust after this. Even if it's plenty forward and extended it is not overly sharp, it just has plenty of detail and air going on. Upper mids/lower treble has a sibilance dip that is there but not too big, my kind of dip where you get all the presence and detail.

Soundstage is spherical with good depth and layering, not the best I heard but better than your average IEM.

Overall the Ljoma is very resolving, fun, energetic and musical.
Strongest positives is the extended and airy treble, few IEMs do it this well. Also being tuned coherently on the whole range, where no range is lacking. And being highly resolving.
If there is a negative it's the price, but even so it's made by one person in Norway.

ljoma.no

LOpDJ58pPNbV-3D9L3XbY7cQ16NwYysgesFgWASKiyV4ZJmjODvRm8bkuLwEM--ReNJWMO_AzP1809wda35woKmGRGtClwo5JLT9pWuPAkx-ZOfutwTxRgQX9GFsO9XcrjC39IGfK0ifZEv9osMmyTU


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Very cool, Leonard. Thanks for sharing!
 

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