The discovery thread!
Dec 24, 2023 at 12:38 AM Post #91,291 of 131,441
Howdy folks, hope that you are enjoying some time off this holiday season. Let's have a small survey of our own:

  1. After all the "discovery" this year, what gear actually form your setup?
  2. If you can change your setup, how would you change it?
  3. Imaging you are an uber successful audio influencer, and a company approached you for "collaboration." How would that IEM be?



Lemme go first:

IEMs: all options provide soundstage imaging and resolution at a good enough level that I don't care to nitpick further:
  1. U12T (neutral, mostly for mixing, mastering, and monitoring),
  2. Andromeda 2020 (when I'm in the mood for muddy analogue sound),
  3. Gaea (for aggressive and bright tone)
  4. AFUL P8 (no particular reason. I have never packed this IEM away after reviewing, so I keep using it. Mostly with the PS Vita nowadays)
Sources:
  1. FiiO K7: reliable gear in general. I use it for laptop (via USB) and nintendo switch docked (via line in). It drives both IEMs and a pair of active speakers. It's also used for measuring IEMs
  2. iBasso DX300: main DAP for visiting hifi stores and testing new gears.
  3. HiBy R3II: a nice surprise. I'm trying to get rid of the habit of listening IEMs all the time outside, so this DAP is not being used often lately.

Things I want to change / add:
  • I want to upgrade the U12T, but I don't know what to upgrade. Whatever sounds the same but "better" than U12T is going to cost a few internal organs on black market.
  • I want to swap the Andromeda 2020 for Andromeda 2023. Gotta embrace the mud.
  • I want to upgrade the Gaea to Empire Ears Odin or Annihilator 2023. Similar sound signature but significantly more technical, afaik.
  • P8 will be upgraded to Cantor whenever AFUL launches that.
  • An R2R DAP would be nice.
My dream IEM:
  • Good adherence to 10dB target, with generous subbass and upper treble boost. NO 1.5kHz boost (a.k.a., QDC-like tuning).
  • At little dampening as possible.
  • Difficult to drive (low sensitivity and high impedance). A flat impedance curve would be nice. I want to it be usable directly from 3.5mm with any audio interface.
  • Same rich and nuanced midrange reproduction as Supernova and MagicOne ...
  • ... but with the planar-like transient and that uncanny soundstage illusion of Unique Melody MEST III
  • ... with proper vents like 64 audio IEMs
  • ... does not cost and arm and a leg. Maybe around the price of Dunu SA6II would be fair for both producers and consumers.
 
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Dec 24, 2023 at 12:42 AM Post #91,292 of 131,441
Geek Wold GK20 3BA + 2 Piezoelectric + 2 Dynamic Driver Hybrid 2Pin 0.78mm HiFi In-ear Earphone
$99.00
First impressions.........
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At $99 it is really an exploration in value. Big stage and well itemized imaging. The cable........I guess you may be able to get 3.5mm, but typically the GK20 comes 4.4mm.

Wow....really.....wide-bore ear-tips included. Just look at the wide-bores. Accessories are all really nice. Build is something else, just the way you can look inside and see everything? Fit is fantastic, there is a weight and size where everything is very much middle of the road. The nozzles are slightly extra big which goes to proclaim an extra ordinary stage size.....that and separation makes this unique....to me anyways? Win-win!

While some songs do showcase a tinge of BA timbre, there is way more bass than normally provided with this one (yet balanced) compared to the last Geek Wold..........the GK100 that I reviewed? Yet even though bass is heavy when called for in the song, these are going to be typically regarded as a balanced mid-rangy style of playback.....that with the Geek Wold signature involved treble elements. I have three more first impressions to do today, but this one is a solid stand-out value.......just look at it?

So to sum this guy up, yes it has the signature Geek Wold trebles which are more detailed than the price-point wold have you guess? Still those trebles do have a slight BA timbre......still Hybrids are my favorite way to go and this is another example of why. Fast and authoritative low-end...yet kept in check.....probably the most standout feature though will be the expansive stage with midrange elements changing position inside of dynamic transients? I mean that and how the bass is well imaged into a separate zone? Imagine now with 2023 providing a total of 7 drivers for under $100.00.......and they all do something noticeable. There is a tad (a hint) of Piezoelectric energies, though they are subdued and kept in check. This will get 4.5 stars and maybe a full 5 (to you) if you are totally down for what this signature provides. :) Cheers!

Wow?

 
Dec 24, 2023 at 1:07 AM Post #91,293 of 131,441
The ZiiGaat Nuo First Impressions:

A wholesome more natural rendition of playback in comparison to the prior GK20 timbre. Yet the draw back is less spread-out imaging and stage size. Still stage is enormous for single DD.......and the sexy part is the full-on note weight! At just $24.00 this is the exact example of a no-brainer. Is there enough musical involvement to have you disregard any previous ideas in relation to price? You bet.......disregard price, it is only a number anyways. The ZiiGaat Nuo is a 10mm LCP and has those characteristics we have come to know from single full-range DDs. Still with not having the broad imaging of the last IEM, this holds a more correct timbre as well as still producing decent imaging in DD style! Way low-physical weight, and small causing perfect fit and placement. Now I know why everyone was going crazy over the Nuo. Stage is more wide than anything else......not so much forward or back, up and down. While giving nice bass transients, there is a dose of lower midrange which will separate this from many Harman tunes, with that said, the vocals are fully formed and not hidden.....holding a forward and provocative positioning.......separating the Nuo from your typically thought of DD expectations. I haven't got to the Zero 2 yet today.....but I can not believe the Zero 2 will be so perfectly balanced and full featured. The under-dog of the tests today!

Honestly (with the right music) I don't need anything more today........I could spend the afternoon with this in my ears? Strange?

Technical Details​

THD < 0.5%(at 1KHz)​

Drivers 10mm LCP Dynamic Driver​

Rated Power 5mW​

Freq Response: 20HZ-20000HZ​

Impedance 32 ohms​

Max Power 10mW​

Cable Interface 3.5mm​

Sensitivity 107dB(at 1KHz/mW)​

Plug Type Detachable 0.78mm 2Pin​


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Dec 24, 2023 at 1:31 AM Post #91,294 of 131,441
Dec 24, 2023 at 1:33 AM Post #91,295 of 131,441
Crinacle's Zero 2: First Impressions:

What can I say...the 7Hz Salnotes Zero 1 is a hard one to beat in my book. Really I didn't want a Zero 2, I thought they should just leave it alone. And while this is in my ears......I can understand the profitability to introducing a new idea of a sound........but it's not as good so far? Yes, there is a more balanced rendition to playback, and yes, it fills in more holes in playback compared to the original............but I loved that lame duck of playback with Zero 1?

Edit:
The more this is in my ears....I do understand what they were going for. It's not as crippled as Zero 1, and when you really start to get a feel for what the Zero 2 is about.....well it is a value...........I mean how could you not hear this as a value? Big.....big sound for very little money...more mids in a sparkly fashion in comparison to the Nuo, it makes the bass areas of the Nuo seem just so much of a more provocative impact. Thus the Zero 2's mids are actually better, more crystalized and out-front than the Nuo, with nothing to hold them back. Where there is more bass than the original Zero 1, except what is offered up is still very carefully done and in place. I'm hearing more lower midrange than the original too. Probably more well-rounded (then the Zero 1) even if it is more middle of the road........it still offers great midrange......at least thy haven't lost that in the making. It is like due to the deficiencies of the Zero 1 there was an emphasis on mids, also I didn’t have a problem with the original treble, and never heard it as too much, it was just those mids of the original Zero.......still hard to beat, even though I hear great midrange here? This is for the people who felt the Zero 1 was lacking in areas. But if your listening to the Zero 1 and liking just what it does, I’m not so sure your going to be floored by these new additives?

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One set of red tips on the IEM.


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Dec 24, 2023 at 2:06 AM Post #91,296 of 131,441
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A third set of tips on the IEM.

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ZiiGaat Cinno

Really the best of all worlds here. Smoother than the GK20, except holding a more together yet complete stage and imaging. Still a tad of BA timbre but if you could hear it you would say it is the very least of todays BA offerings. So there is a benefit to toning down the midrange and treble to go ahead and subdue it. When it is subdued then all becomes more of one......one together sound, holding romance and technicalities. One of the smallest (in physical size) of todays adventures? I mean how can this hold 4BAs and a 10mm LCP driver and be smaller better fitting than the Zero 2? It is not as abstract in shape that is how, more full-on business, maybe? Where here we are offered a smoother take on a midrange and treble stance.......resulting in both big size and spacial transients imaged well out into the stage, holding that amber sparkle that seems so inviting and real.......yet slightly subdued. Though because there are 4 BAs complete..........to where ever holes seem filled, and full of detail? Big size of imaging and excellent note weight! Surprisingly good note weight, if I have to say so! Of course it is a Hybrid, my favorite way to make IEMs. But to sum it up, it is again balanced with a midrange that just won't quit. Such mids travel out and about to fully delineate your musical endeavors. At just $99.00 it is a no-brainer purchase! The bass is there in the pocket and also seems just right, where this is one of the warmer Hybrids, and I like warm! :)
 
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Dec 24, 2023 at 3:23 AM Post #91,297 of 131,441
A 5-way shootout would be so much easier with TWS ... or would it? I am scared to even think about all the BT connection issues.
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It's been precisely a year since I fell into this rabbit hole and it's a hell of a rollercoaster for sure. This hobby is proving to be so much more than just enjoying music. I'm grateful for such communities despite the occasional disagreements.

Merry Christmas to everyone!
 
Dec 24, 2023 at 3:30 AM Post #91,298 of 131,441
Crinacle's Zero 2: First Impressions:

What can I say...the 7Hz Salnotes Zero 1 is a hard one to beat in my book. Really I didn't want a Zero 2, I thought they should just leave it alone. And while this is in my ears......I can understand the profitability to introducing a new idea of a sound........but it's not as good so far? Yes, there is a more balanced rendition to playback, and yes, it fills in more holes in playback compared to the original............but I loved that lame duck of playback with Zero 1?

Edit:
The more this is in my ears....I do understand what they were going for. It's not as crippled as Zero 1, and when you really start to get a feel for what the Zero 2 is about.....well it is a value...........I mean how could you not hear this as a value? Big.....big sound for very little money...more mids in a sparkly fashion in comparison to the Nuo, it makes the bass areas of the Nuo seem just so much of a more provocative impact. Thus the Zero 2's mids are actually better, more crystalized and out-front than the Nuo, with nothing to hold them back. Where there is more bass than the original Zero 1, except what is offered up is still very carefully done and in place. I'm hearing more lower midrange than the original too. Probably more well-rounded (then the Zero 1) even if it is more middle of the road........it still offers great midrange......at least thy haven't lost that in the making. It is like due to the deficiencies of the Zero 1 there was an emphasis on mids, also I didn’t have a problem with the original treble, and never heard it as too much, it was just those mids of the original Zero.......still hard to beat, even though I hear great midrange here? This is for the people who felt the Zero 1 was lacking in areas. But if your listening to the Zero 1 and liking just what it does, I’m not so sure your going to be floored by these new additives?

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One set of red tips on the IEM.


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Your photos are incredible. I think you mentioned they were taken with an old DSLR and a kit lens, right?
 
Dec 24, 2023 at 3:42 AM Post #91,299 of 131,441
@o0genesis0o

Thank-you, I don’t think it is anything remarkable, but thanks anyways....it gets the job done hopefully?

I’m kinda an idiot because I have a college degree in photography, but I’m not a professional photographer anymore, but I used to be. I just got a back-up camera in case my Nikon 5100 breaks, as they only take so many photographs. But I have taken all the photos with this Nikon 5100....now I have a 5200. I still don’t use the 5200 yet, it may not be as good, I don’t know?

So I went from about (5100) 16 megapixels to (5200) 24 megapixels, but I’m not sure it will be a noticeable improvement. What I have done for the last year is used a remote flash off the camera, it is on its own tripod and points at the ceiling. That bounce flash gets in combination with the ambient light. I actually will vary between flash light balance and direct sun light balance. Then I use AI in post photography to crisp things up, as it adds light fill due to what ever the computer can generate.......it enhances the contrast and color. I also do small retouching of dust spots.


My cameras are called upper-entry level. lol

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nikon_D5100
This is the main camera I use and I use the lens that came with it, though I also have a 50mm Nikon F2 lens that I use. Though due to the crop sensor it makes my 50mm into about an 80mm.

Nikkor 50mm f/2 AI (1974-1979, FX, DX and 35mm coverage, 52mm filters, 7.8 oz./220g, 1.5'/0.45 m close focus, about $50 used).

My new camera.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nikon_D5200
 
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Dec 24, 2023 at 4:07 AM Post #91,300 of 131,441
A 5-way shootout would be so much easier with TWS ... or would it? I am scared to even think about all the BT connection issues.
1000011286.jpg

It's been precisely a year since I fell into this rabbit hole and it's a hell of a rollercoaster for sure. This hobby is proving to be so much more than just enjoying music. I'm grateful for such communities despite the occasional disagreements.

Merry Christmas to everyone!
Of these, are you to put them in order from best to... least best?
 
Dec 24, 2023 at 4:44 AM Post #91,301 of 131,441
Of these, are you to put them in order from best to... least best?
Expect a comparison in the upcoming days. But they won't be in any particular order. They all have their strengths and weaknesses as the comparison will show.
Hopefully it'll make it easier for someone out there to decide which might be the one to go for.
 
Dec 24, 2023 at 4:48 AM Post #91,302 of 131,441
Wow could u share more about the Shanling H7? I think not many dare to blind purchase it.
I don't know enough English and I don't have the ability to describe in words the subtleties of feelings. In addition, I feel that it is necessary to compare with a much higher level DAC/DAP than I had before. But I will try.
My usage scenario is only with sd card. First I noticed best resolution and imagine I'd have listened to before. Sound signature is exactly what I've been looking for for a long time. Dense detailed bass, treble is not very bright but also very detailed. Perhaps best characterized by the bass power is that the TinHiFi P1 and P1 Max bass feels almost like a single DD IEM.
There is thread about H7: https://www.head-fi.org/threads/sha...aturing-new-akm-ak4499ex-flagship-dac.965219/
 
Dec 24, 2023 at 5:01 AM Post #91,303 of 131,441
Howdy folks, hope that you are enjoying some time off this holiday season. Let's have a small survey of our own:

  1. After all the "discovery" this year, what gear actually form your setup?
  2. If you can change your setup, how would you change it?
  3. Imaging you are an uber successful audio influencer, and a company approached you for "collaboration." How would that IEM be?



Lemme go first:

IEMs: all options provide soundstage imaging and resolution at a good enough level that I don't care to nitpick further:
  1. U12T (neutral, mostly for mixing, mastering, and monitoring),
  2. Andromeda 2020 (when I'm in the mood for muddy analogue sound),
  3. Gaea (for aggressive and bright tone)
  4. AFUL P8 (no particular reason. I have never packed this IEM away after reviewing, so I keep using it. Mostly with the PS Vita nowadays)
Sources:
  1. FiiO K7: reliable gear in general. I use it for laptop (via USB) and nintendo switch docked (via line in). It drives both IEMs and a pair of active speakers. It's also used for measuring IEMs
  2. iBasso DX300: main DAP for visiting hifi stores and testing new gears.
  3. HiBy R3II: a nice surprise. I'm trying to get rid of the habit of listening IEMs all the time outside, so this DAP is not being used often lately.

Things I want to change / add:
  • I want to upgrade the U12T, but I don't know what to upgrade. Whatever sounds the same but "better" than U12T is going to cost a few internal organs on black market.
  • I want to swap the Andromeda 2020 for Andromeda 2023. Gotta embrace the mud.
  • I want to upgrade the Gaea to Empire Ears Odin or Annihilator 2023. Similar sound signature but significantly more technical, afaik.
  • P8 will be upgraded to Cantor whenever AFUL launches that.
  • An R2R DAP would be nice.
My dream IEM:
  • Good adherence to 10dB target, with generous subbass and upper treble boost. NO 1.5kHz boost (a.k.a., QDC-like tuning).
  • At little dampening as possible.
  • Difficult to drive (low sensitivity and high impedance). A flat impedance curve would be nice. I want to it be usable directly from 3.5mm with any audio interface.
  • Same rich and nuanced midrange reproduction as Supernova and MagicOne ...
  • ... but with the planar-like transient and that uncanny soundstage illusion of Unique Melody MEST III
  • ... with proper vents like 64 audio IEMs
  • ... does not cost and arm and a leg. Maybe around the price of Dunu SA6II would be fair for both producers and consumers.
want to say Thank you for jd7 recommendation, tried many iems this year but they're still my daily driver
i'd like to add to my setup bassy all-ba like penon turbo but cant afford em sadly
my dream collab with some company would be basshead planar/planar-hybrid under 150:)
 
Dec 24, 2023 at 5:38 AM Post #91,304 of 131,441
Just listened to that on my Aoshida E20’s. Breathtaking! The 2 DDs handle it real well. I am loving this set. Yes, the upper mids can get a smidge spicy but I’ve found the right tips (I think they are letshuoers) and am using the NiceHck GT5 cable and it reigned in the slight shoutiness. Also, EQd the 4000hz area down 2 DBs and voila!!

For the $50 I paid for these I am stunned and am sending back the Oriveti OD200 😯because to my ears the stage is just as good if not better and the bass hits deeper. Maybe slightly better quality on OD200 but not much. E20 deeper bass and OD200 quicker mid bass focus. All else I’ve made equal if not better. Only thing that isn’t as good now is build quality but a great for a walk around set. So pleased!

Now waiting on that Quattro 😀
I'm so glad you wrote this post in favour of the Aoshida E20... after Monk I also found them exceptional for the price. I plugged them with a 2.5mm balanced cable to my Qudelix 5K and equalized with the app: they are energetic, fast, spacious, with detailed highs (eq. them avoids any sibilance) and with an extremely good and precise bass rumble, absolutely not bleeding... and I was so confused and sorry when theintention slaughtered them on page 6094. I mean, we all have different ears and hearing, so I can understand that not everyone can like them, but here the gap in appreciation was so wide, that I think he received a faulty set...
For me they're absolutely appreciable and approved!
The only doubt I have is about the construction: the black part which seems to be made of that smooth, soft rubber that tends to peel and become sticky over time. I hope I'm wrong.

Merry Christmas to everyone!

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