[FreeWheelinAudioLuv2]

Very different IEMs. Also, I would say it’s very tricky to do a proper comparison between the two because the Conch offers various sound profiles thanks to its tuning nozzles. To keep things simple, I will focalize mainly on the Conch with its default Reference nozzle.

Overall, the Conch (Reference nozzle) is dry, bright-leaning, and offers a very energetic presentation. The bass prioritizes quality over quantity, very precise with good transient speed. The treble boasts excellent extension, very resolute and sharp sounding, although it can be a tad overenthusiastic at times. The stage isn’t cramped by any means but falls only slightly above average. To summarize, think of it as EW200 with more “air” and a more expansive soundstage. One of its potential drawbacks is the possibility of sibilance on certain female vocals. If you are treble sensitive, it may be a good idea to try out different tips or simply switching to the Atmospheric nozzle, which reduces the treble and enhances the bass, offering a more balanced experience. To conclude versatility is its strong suit; by simply switching nozzles you have access to 3 different experiences with just one IEM (actually I would say 2, cause the Transparency nozzle further increases the treble response). And let's not forget that it's the best accessorized IEM under 50 dollars!

On the other hand, the ST7 provides a balanced and “relaxed” presentation. Like the Conch, the bass is present without dominating the scene, with good transient speed and nice punch, also I'd like to point out that it feels slightly more organic (driver difference—the Conch uses a DLC driver, while the ST7 uses an LCP one). The treble extension is really nice too, but unlike the Conch’s which sound brighter and sharper, the ST7’s treble is smoother and sibilance-free (and I would say potentially more resolving on busy tracks due to its additional drivers - not by much though). The soundstage is really wide and very immersive. A notable strength of the ST7 is its "delicacy"; it offers a fatigue-free listening experience, making it very suitable for prolonged listening sessions

In summary:

Conch: Bright, dry, sharp, and energetic (Reference Nozzle)
ST7: Balanced, smooth, relaxed, immersive

For reference, I use both of them with the same TRN T-Tips and TRN RedChain cable (balanced 4.4 connection).

EDIT: Side note, the Conch comes with the RedChain modular cable, the ST7 does not. So, re-cabling is NEEDED for the ST7.

+1 with that summation of the ST7

 

[Okcerg]

Very different IEMs. Also, I would say it’s very tricky to do a proper comparison between the two because the Conch offers various sound profiles thanks to its tuning nozzles. To keep things simple, I will focalize mainly on the Conch with its default Reference nozzle.

Overall, the Conch (Reference nozzle) is dry, bright-leaning, and offers a very energetic presentation. The bass prioritizes quality over quantity, very precise with good transient speed. The treble boasts excellent extension, very resolute and sharp sounding, although it can be a tad overenthusiastic at times. The stage isn’t cramped by any means but falls only slightly above average. To summarize, think of it as EW200 with more “air” and a more expansive soundstage. One of its potential drawbacks is the possibility of sibilance on certain female vocals. If you are treble sensitive, it may be a good idea to try out different tips or simply switching to the Atmospheric nozzle, which reduces the treble and enhances the bass, offering a more balanced experience. To conclude versatility is its strong suit; by simply switching nozzles you have access to 3 different experiences with just one IEM (actually I would say 2, cause the Transparency nozzle further increases the treble response). And let's not forget that it's the best accessorized IEM under 50 dollars!

On the other hand, the ST7 provides a balanced and “relaxed” presentation. Like the Conch, the bass is present without dominating the scene, with good transient speed and nice punch, also I'd like to point out that it feels slightly more organic (driver difference—the Conch uses a DLC driver, while the ST7 uses an LCP one). The treble extension is really nice too, but unlike the Conch’s which sound brighter and sharper, the ST7’s treble is smoother and sibilance-free (and I would say potentially more resolving on busy tracks due to its additional drivers - not by much though). The soundstage is really wide and very immersive. A notable strength of the ST7 is its "delicacy"; it offers a fatigue-free listening experience, making it very suitable for prolonged listening sessions

In summary:

Conch: Bright, dry, sharp, and energetic (Reference Nozzle)
ST7: Balanced, smooth, relaxed, immersive

For reference, I use both of them with the same TRN T-Tips and TRN RedChain cable (balanced 4.4 connection).

EDIT: Side note, the Conch come with the RedChain modular cable, the ST7 does not. So, re-cabling is NEEDED for the ST7.

Wow, very detailed and good comparison! Thanks!!!

 

[Rambone]

Hopefully KZ/CCA would soon figure out how to make a true isobaric dual DD woofer. I really like the sound of that woofer setup on any IEM that I have tried, including some ancient JH Audio ones.

if they can make a $200 with 2DD+4BA+PZT and tune it sanely, it will be great. (PZT here since there is no way they can source Sonion EST and make $200 IEM, unless Bellsing develops their own copy of Sonion EST).

Still waiting for the simgot SuperMix4. I'm hyping that one up in my head so much now I just learned today that PZT driver here seems to be similar to the vibrating ceramic plates in Unique Melody IEMs. It seems to vibrate the shells rather than pushing air in the nozzles.

I hope KZ/CCA can figure that out as well, I'll definitely be interested in either scenario.

I am definitely hyped about the SuperMix4. The EA1000 and 500LM left a good impression on me. $150 dollars and a recent youtube video from Jays Audio have pretty much guaranteed I will buy it.

 

[baskingshark]

I love the Advar (and still kick myself for not picking up the ex-tour unit), but I don’t think it would compete well with Pilgrim. Love it or hate it, that IEM is solid.

I have mixed feelings about the Advar. I tested it twice and while it is technically competent for a single DD, there was a mammoth 6 -7 kHz area peak that may add sibilance and fatigue to the mix. So there are some tonal flaws unless you are open to EQing this area down.

 

[o0genesis0o]

I have mixed feelings about the Advar. I tested it twice and while it is technically competent for a single DD, there was a mammoth 6 -7 kHz area peak that may add sibilance and fatigue to the mix. So there are some tonal flaws unless you are open to EQing this area down.

Yeah, this IEM falls within the “oddballs that I like” along with Yvain and Gaea. Not a universal recommendation, IMHO.

 

[Surf Monkey]

Yeah, this IEM falls within the “oddballs that I like” along with Yvain and Gaea. Not a universal recommendation, IMHO.

That’s how I feel about the NiceHCK NX7 MK4. I like it a lot but I doubt I’d toss it out as a general recommendation.

 

[Libertad]

Some pleasant warm synths for you bass lovers.

I freaking LOVE vibrasphere! Autum lights is my fav by far from them

 

[Ineras]

That’s how I feel about the NiceHCK NX7 MK4. I like it a lot but I doubt I’d toss it out as a general recommendation.

I really enjoy them with the gold nozzles. Forward vocals supported by lots of bass and treble without sibilance. They just dip in all the right spots.

 

[o0genesis0o]

That’s how I feel about the NiceHCK NX7 MK4. I like it a lot but I doubt I’d toss it out as a general recommendation.

The graph looks pretty sane, especially the gold nozzle

 

[Jmop]

I freaking LOVE vibrasphere! Autum lights is my fav by far from them

Cheers mate, that’s a great track! I’ve been getting more into them lately, only had a handful of songs saved. Been pumping Waveguide a lot, I love the drive.

 

[Singaravelan]

Just realises that thjs IEM uses 1 DD for bass, 1DD for mid, and 8 same BAs for highs. I though it would be like 2DD+4BA+4BA.

This is hydro you talking about?

 

[Jmop]

Is the Custom Art single BA Black a thing of the past? Referring to both availability and sound quality. I like what I’m reading about it.

 

[superuser1]

I have mixed feelings about the Advar. I tested it twice and while it is technically competent for a single DD, there was a mammoth 6 -7 kHz area peak that may add sibilance and fatigue to the mix. So there are some tonal flaws unless you are open to EQing this area down.

I believe the upcoming Alba though much cheaper than the Advar will address this area of concern. Only time will tell.

 

[Ineras]

Nice, Dunu DaVinci released. Glad to see it uses 2 pin.

 

[FreeWheelinAudioLuv2]

That’s how I feel about the NiceHCK NX7 MK4. I like it a lot but I doubt I’d toss it out as a general recommendation.

I still like it, but NiceHCK went overboard smoothing over the piezos, that it makes no sense to have piezo highs if you're going to smooth them over that much. That was a charm of the original NX7.