I’m not defending SuperTFZ, but maybe a little?
Appreciate the detailed response bro!Well, I need to finish burn-in, as there is an intensity to the Pinna Region, one that so far is ever so slightly aggressive. I don’t want to spoil the party just yet, as at the moment it is fine with 90% of music, but really it walks that line. The line that is a double edged sword in that vocals are totally forward and not what you would expect from a single full-range DD?!
Yep, they have great vocals, yet I’m hopping for them to smooth out just 10% or so, then I can say they are close to perfect. Where the separation and timbre is great, just as slight tad too forward, yet I need to do a whole lot of other things that will help to make them smooth, but to tell you the truth I haven’t even used the included cable or really heard them much after first OTB impressions, they may be fine now? Remember too, my ear-tips of choice are wide-bore “donut” silicones!
When you say “best” you mean what? Good vocal IEMs like the TINHIFI Big Panda, or the Penon Volt? I would say they are on course to be great at vocals, which in my book is not something I always expect from single full-range DDs, that’s what is unique. Let me know what Vocal IEM you have in mind, I may have it and I will do a back-to-back right now! I do have IEMs that are great with vocals (but it is not always what I look for in IEMs) (and I could be actually guilty of not emphasizing vocals enough in reviewing) but In many ways just the stance of the Crown tune, the way everything is positioned, is making the Crown excellent at vocals, even the placement of bass is leaving that vocal window open.
Still a $219.00 dollar IEM, while great at vocals, is not going to necessarily have vocals like a $1850.00 IEM.
Ohh, OK for spoken word. Well, it depends probably on a lot of things. Mainly we always talk of synergy and if it’s truly (the most) important or not it still needs to be addressed. As all the items in the playback stream affect the final sound. To tell you the truth in all my years here, I have only addressed this style of (male spoken word) listening one other time.
I’m more into the music and have actually collected a large collection of instrumentals due to an almost un-focused on vocal style. At this early point in my review process I’m not so sure the boost above the Pinna Gain area may detract from simply spoken male words passages? Meaning maybe darker IEMs than the Crown may work better for you? But I do get what you are after, you want a vibrant and tonally correct way to get close to the words as they are spoken. Finding natural tone is one of the best ways with single full-range DDs. As single DDs hold often closer to correct timbre than often Hybrids or Planars.
Thanks, there is some great suggestions here. Everything you are saying I completely agree with and the 2 iems you mentioned were previously recommendedfor me aswell. It's just that others are telling me that the kato are just as good as those iems with male vocals so it would not be worth getting them.Ohh, OK for spoken word. Well, it depends probably on a lot of things. Mainly we always talk of synergy and if it’s truly (the most) important or not it still needs to be addressed. As all the items in the playback stream affect the final sound. To tell you the truth in all my years here, I have only addressed this style of (male spoken word) listening one other time.
Still the whole signal chain is important simply because everything matters. So in essence I could get one style of replay due to my DAP and the Crown, another listener may get a slightly different sound while still using the Crown and my same DAP, but changing cables too. So it is everything, even the style of ear-tip you use. And I’m too early in my review to even attempt to truthfully answer if the Crown is the best you could get for your situation, for $219.00? Part of that issue on my side is I don’t totally focus on vocals, being I do like them, like the song I just posted, but I never concentrate on them....to the fullest extent.
Normally I don’t comment on stuff I haven’t heard but maybe the $239.99 priced DUNU Falcon Ultra would be another suggestion, due to great supposedly timbre response? Also another that may be just what you are looking for is the SHOZY B2? Penon sells another variant of it called the SCB2 and while not exactly being a perfect vocal IEM, it may have a natural and clear sound you are looking for, as also great natural timbre. What I’m saying is maybe vocal forward IEMs may not be a necessity, for what you are after. I say this because a deeper woody tone, that is even a slight V or L shape may get you better results as long as it is clear.
An example:
SCB2 offers a clear and cleaner take by adding the ISN SC4 cable to the SHOZY B2 which while it’s still L shaped in response, it is brighter and more evenly done. So what I’m saying is not to always concentrate on finding vocal IEMs for your needs. Just a suggestion?
Also take note the Penon Vocal Cable is also an invention which promotes vocals, it really does, just adding the cable helps address a placement issue with the stage which will bring vocals both forward in position and correct for vocal tone.
I’ve never heard the Moondrop Kato or Kanas Pro?
Does someone have a specific part of a song where you can hear a clear difference if comparing the EA1000 to the EA500?
Too bad they don't sell the Wood nozzles from the OG or can they ?click here for the thread
I've got the Sonic Memory SW2 on the way from AliX so I've created a place for any peeps who want to find out about then or share impressions they look promising with a very similar sound signature to the Twilight! For £160
No idea was on Ali and saw the 2023 SM2 and these were next to them as a new release and my blind buy itch got scratched
Sure, Hype 2 could be the one for you, but it's sadly not all roses with Hype 2. Quality issues are quite serious. I would steer clear if you prefer not to deal with headaches of warranty etc.
I've had my Hype 2 for a month or so now but experienced zero QC issues.
