The discovery thread!
Mar 22, 2024 at 6:06 PM Post #97,291 of 131,433
Anyone have an opinion on the Hisenior Mega5 EST? I’m aware it’s been out for a while. It’s been receiving very favorable reviews from more mainstream sources such as headphones.com. Looks like a pretty good value with the current sales at 400 and change.
Hisenior has done so many silent tuning I would not recommend the 5 or the 5 EST because you never know what you are getting and what anyone's review was based on.

I have reviewed both and the versions I listened to and definitely not a rec!
Mushy bass, Rolled off highs , and couldn't hear the EST'S
 
Mar 22, 2024 at 6:20 PM Post #97,292 of 131,433
Ooh, comparing anything to Gaea is, hm, moot? Almost? Very unique certainly.
I type and removed U12t from the response to Leonarfd because I asked myself “I must be hallucinating. It does not sound right”

But it is indeed right. In the Leaving on a Jet Plane (recorded version) of John Denver, there is a constant pattern of piercing bell on the right ear. With both the Gaea and U12t, it’s winching. With the Crimson, the bell is not as loud. I hear the same with the cymbals and hats in Playing God by Polyphia too.

I haven’t looked at the graph of crimson but I assume it has an emphasis at 3kHz like Monarch III and then smoothly extending to 20kHz without strong dip or peak. The level of 5-6kHz should be lower than 3kHz.

Don’t get me wrong, the Crimson is not a relaxed listening 😂 It’s crisp and energetic, and can easily be bright for some.
 
Mar 22, 2024 at 6:23 PM Post #97,293 of 131,433
As for my favourite three IEMs:
KZ AS24
Audiosense T800
KZ ASX (modified with a wide nozzle)

They are the IEMs that bring most immediate enjoyment for the engagement and impact. I have many more that I like and enjoy for their special rendering. I stopped reacting to hype trains, promotions, I do not watch sny youtube and just enjoy my own exploration :)

Also to get a closure on KZ Symphony, I compared Symphony to few other similar relevant IEMs:
20240322_175100.jpg

Left to right on our 115+ year old keyboard are Moondrop May, Symphony, KZ PR1 pro, and CCA Trio.

Symphony dissapointed me largely by its name - hardly it is much geared/suitable for symphonic music with its V and prominent bass, IMO.

Otherwise, Symphony's V profile moderated by my wide-bore tips (TRI Clarion) was quite acceptable and not bad at all overall - the bass is prominent: nice and punchy; the upper part is that of the planars; while the treble can be a bit fatiguing for some, while OK for me.
So those who like ZSN series culminating in Krila and recent ZSN pro 2, may consider Symphony for an engaging and more resolving upgrade.

Then comparing Symphony to PR1 pro, the latter is more rounded (mote "toward Harman"), and if the current sale of PR1 at $30 is still on, Symphony is largely undercut.

Also, I prefer Moondrop May to Symphony - while May resolution is definitey less, the integration and overall enjoyment of May is at the higher level for me.

Trio is definitely a great IEM at $30-$40. A different development from Symphony. In some sense, they are complementary but then PR1 Pro is better in complimentarity than Symphony there.
May is more likeable to my preferences than Trio (more even, given the price difference) and old DQ6 is also conpetitive with Trio to my ears - I am quite OK with DQ6 treble, so the overall engagement of DQ6 is a bit more preferable for me.
 
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Mar 22, 2024 at 6:36 PM Post #97,294 of 131,433
As for my favourite three IEMs:
KZ AS24
Audiosense T800
KZ ASX (modified with a wide nozzle)

They are the IEMs that bring most immediate enjoyment for the engagement and impact. I have many more that I like and enjoy for their special rendering. I stopped reacting to hype trains, promotions, I do not watch sny youtube and just enjoy my own exploration :)

Also to get a closure on KZ Symphony, I compared Symphony to few other similar relevant IEMs:
20240322_175100.jpg
Left to right on our 115+ year old keyboard are Moondrop May, Symphony, KZ PR1 pro, and CCA Trio.

Symphony dissapointed me largely by its name - hardly it is much geared/suitable for symphonic music with its V and prominent bass, IMO.

Otherwise, Symphony's V profile moderated by my wide-bore tips (TRI Clarion) was quite acceptable and not bad at all overall - the bass is prominent: nice and punchy; the upper part is that of the planars; while the treble can be a bit fatiguing for some, while OK for me.
So those who like ZSN series culminating in Krila and recent ZSN pro 2, may consider Symphony for an engaging and more resolving upgrade.

Then comparing Symphony to PR1 pro, the latter is more rounded (mote "toward Harman"), and if the current sale of PR1 at $30 is still on, Symphony is largely undercut.

Also, I prefer Moondrop May to Symphony - while May resolution is definitey less, the integration and overall enjoyment of May is at the higher level for me.

Trio is definitely a great IEM at $30-$40. A different development from Symphony. In some sense, they are complementary but then PR1 Pro is better in complimentarity than Symphony there.
May is more likeable to my preferences than Trio (more even, given the price difference) and old DQ6 is also conpetitive with Trio to my ears - I am quite OK with DQ6 treble, so the overall engagement of DQ6 is a bit more preferable for me.
The may seems like a great deal and and very practical purchase with the DSP cable.
 
Mar 22, 2024 at 9:30 PM Post #97,295 of 131,433
Friends. What have you bought at this Aliexpress Anniversary sale? What is the damage to the wallet?

Any worthwhile deals?


8k3l50.jpg

TRN.PNG
 
Mar 22, 2024 at 9:33 PM Post #97,296 of 131,433
Friends. What have you bought at this Aliexpress Anniversary sale? What is the damage to the wallet?

Any worthwhile deals?


8k3l50.jpg
TRN.PNG
Hey, 8 dollars off though. Seems like a deal.

I am getting cables. Lotta cables. 5 or 6 cables. My things need to MATCH I am tired of it!
 
Mar 22, 2024 at 9:43 PM Post #97,297 of 131,433
Since we are at end of March, would be fun to ask what is people's current 3 favorites that you own?
Crazy ass long post incoming! Sorry for the essay but there's so much to catch up on... you guys sure move fast sometimes!

Such a fun idea, I'm always so down to participate in these lists, thanks for firing up the engine on this one, Leo!

1. My pair of Monarch MK2
Edit-3-2.jpg

The reason why I say my pair specifically is because for whatever reason, these are tuned quite differently to the intended target from Thie. Not sure what happened over in China, but dude, lemme tell you guys, they're incredible. Still one of the best IEMs I have ever had the chance to listen to... A graph for reference if that means anything!
graph.png

I know it doesn't look like much, but I promise the added lower mids and mid-bass + the reduced upper mids and slightly smoother treble is just... Chef's kiss.

2. OG MiM Dark Magician - Vocal Magic these things.
3. Sound Rhyme SR5 - Just a great all-around IEM for less than $200.

In terms of the IEMs I've heard over the years but don't own...

1. Elysian Annihilator
2. Subtonic STORM
3. Symphonium Titan
Nice! Current top 3…
Man, your photos are gorgeous. Thank you for blessing us with these visuals!
I'm exploring it now. Wonderful set. Better than all other Hisenior I heard probably.
The EST has been gaining some serious traction lately, I'm super pumped for Gareth and the team at HiSenior. The T4s are in my ears as we speak and I missed these things so much!
Sony IER M9
Sony XBA-N3
Moondrop Variations
Classy top 3 as expected from a gentleman such as your self :beerchug:
Hisenior might be one of the most underrated companies? My next set is definitely one of theirs.
Totally Agreed
Hisenior has done so many silent tuning I would not recommend the 5 or the 5 EST because you never know what you are getting and what anyone's review was based on.

I have reviewed both and the versions I listened to and definitely not a rec!
Mushy bass, Rolled off highs , and couldn't hear the EST'S
Dude, I'm so surprised to read you writing this. Are you still getting on with your customs from them?
 
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Mar 22, 2024 at 9:51 PM Post #97,298 of 131,433
Friends. What have you bought at this Aliexpress Anniversary sale? What is the damage to the wallet?

Any worthwhile deals?



That 2 dollar welcome coupon is sweet, I could get a free Snickers bar along my super expensive chi-fi!

Jokes aside, I've seen the Origin for 220$ which seems like a good deal, 99$ for the Magic One might also be a solid deal.
 
Mar 22, 2024 at 10:05 PM Post #97,299 of 131,433
That 2 dollar welcome coupon is sweet, I could get a free Snickers bar along my super expensive chi-fi!

Jokes aside, I've seen the Origin for 220$ which seems like a good deal, 99$ for the Magic One might also be a solid deal.

The Origin is a sidegrade midFI single DD. Harmanish with 3 tuning nozzles that are gimmicks. Good soundstage but not the most resolving.

Not much value add if you own something higher end or even in the same MidFI bracket (I suspect you own better gear in your inventory?)




MagicOne is a warm neutral single BA that has a lot of tech to overcome the limitations of a single BA, such as the nautilus extended acoustic tube that uses air pressure to pump more bass than what a single BA can achieve. The tuning is very good though, but not the most technical beast. Quite hard to drive.

Originally retailed at $140 which was admittedly a bit overpriced compared to what other gear can provide at the same price (you are paying for the tech it seems). $99 is a good option to consider, especially if you like neutralish tunings.
 
Mar 22, 2024 at 10:14 PM Post #97,300 of 131,433
Friends. What have you bought at this Aliexpress Anniversary sale? What is the damage to the wallet?

Any worthwhile deals?




NiceHCK Himalaya
Tanchjim Origin
TinHifi T5s
Kefine Delci
Truthear Zero Red
7Hz Zero 2

Damage is £550 so far, might still pick (or not) Intuaura Splendor, Simgot EA500 LM, SonicMemory SW2, CCA Trio and passing on the Timsok for now.

No phenomenal deal that I've noticed but decent rebates stacking coins, Ali and stores coupons.
 
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Mar 22, 2024 at 10:18 PM Post #97,301 of 131,433
NiceHCK Himalaya
Tanchjim Origin
TinHifi T5s
Kefine Delci
Truthear Zero Red
7Hz Zero 2

Damage is £550 so far, might still pick (or not) Intuaura Splendor, Simgot EA500 LM, SonicMemory SW2, CCA Trio and passing on the Timsok for now.

No phenomenal deal that I've noticed but decent rebates stacking coins, Ali and stores coupons.

respect.jpg


RESPECT!

This must have stimulated the GDP of some CHIFI factories for the year!
 
Mar 22, 2024 at 10:19 PM Post #97,302 of 131,433
Mar 22, 2024 at 10:34 PM Post #97,303 of 131,433
Originally retailed at $140 which was admittedly a bit overpriced compared to what other gear can provide at the same price (you are paying for the tech it seems). $99 is a good option to consider, especially if you like neutralish tunings.

I was going to disagree with you, but then I remember the Pula PA02. What I like about MagicOne is the imaging precision. It’s not laser sharp but the placement is good on all axes. On the other hand, the PA02 is crisper.

Anyhow, I have a hunch that with a generation or two of dongle techs, the “technical performance” of IEM would be “solved” even more than today. A good DAP (I’m thinking of DX300 or R8ii) can pull better stage and dynamic out of IEMs (good example is the Carat that I reviewed last week). But dongles are catching up.

I’m going to music store to audition some more dongles today 🎉🎉🎉
 
Mar 22, 2024 at 11:12 PM Post #97,304 of 131,433
Hahaha, only Hugo Boss! I am glad you're still ready to mess around :)
But I do trust your senses; that's the reason I ordered one, hmm, two with Trio :)

Yes, yes...bass (not boss :) )version, always!
And after I receive these two...I will be able to tell you if it's still worth grabbing (not bragging :) ) FD11

BTW..did you know that, hm, before you were born, probably :)
Your country and mine were in a very close relationship :)

That country I was born and grew up in doesn't exist anymore... :wink:

Cheers, mate!
People break up. You guys had different version of breaking up: with countries. Same difference. NOT.
Here also, more or less the same. Into 3 nations. Though not quite the same as your region. A decade or so ago, read a poignant book https://www.theguardian.com/books/2013/apr/14/aleksandar-hemon-book-lives-review on Bosnian who went to Chicago.

And Yes please, let me know about fd11. Even Trio has pretty decent bass actually (not castor level though) Both products look and feel as if they came from same factory. Everything same except three-lines to denote 3DDs on Trio.
 
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Mar 23, 2024 at 12:20 AM Post #97,305 of 131,433
Not much value add if you own something higher end or even in the same MidFI bracket (I suspect you own better gear in your inventory?)
I own more than enough IEMs to exit the hobby but like to try sets out.
 

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