The brush is not to clean the interior; it's used for the exterior, but I use isopropyl alcohol to clean the earwax off (and germs). The interior of the canal stem is cleaned with the wire loop. Be gentle though! The mesh on mine was loose, and I could actually bend the mesh into the cavity...

I've had my a18 for a month now and they are very impressive especially the deep bass and tamed highs (coming from an akg k701). In terms of comfort, at first it was very tight with my left ear, but now they are very comfortable in both ears! I think my left ear adapted. Glad i went with...

After waiting 7 weeks, I'm happy to say they have finally arrived!!! They're absolutely stunning! However, the left ear (yes, that darn left ear) is a little too tight. I can't wear it for more than a few minutes. The right IEM's fit however is perfect! I'll have to get my left ear refitted...

To those who felt discomfort with customs and had to get them refit, does it feel unconformable when you leave your mouth open (same position at the time you took your impressions)? I'm wondering if closing my mouth will induce discomfort because the canal will constrict, pressing against the...

What? The premium cable is supposed to be included with the A18t along with the standard cable? Am I hearing that right? I didn't see that anywhere on their website. Also, does the ciems have recessed sockets? My order says NO. I hope this wasn't set by default. I'll contact them to be sure...

Probably won't see mine until January. Looking forward to it! A18

My left-ear impression was rejected. Splendid. Seems like my left ear is refusing to cooperate. I've used the bite block, but it feels like as if the silicone doesn't want to go in any deeper into the canal. My audiologist had to do it 3 times, and it still got rejected. I'll have to revisit...

I did it. I finally pulled the trigger. Decided to go all out and ordered the A18t. It's funny how my decision went like this: A6, then A12t, then A18t. That's a whopping $1,440 difference... my wallet is hurting.

I decided to pull the trigger on A12t. That is, until the Place Order button malfunctioned. I would like to order a pair but I'm stuck at the last step. It won't let me proceed. I hope I don't lose out on the sale. It ends today.

DAMN IT! I can't believe it. It's literally a 15 minute walk from home. I'm in the same area. Maybe next time. I haven't signed into head-fi for a long time until now.

The discount doesn't apply to U12t. I'm itching to get A12t. Would like to hear more opinions.

I've had my eye on the A6 for a few years. Now that the 20% discount is live, please give me a reason why I should upgrade to A12t? My wallet is begging me not to. Is the upgrade noticeable? Is it worth the extra cost?

I almost forgot about this. I'll come. Bringing K701 (bumpless headband mod). I think we've just made a milestone and broke the 50 attendees mark. New record.

A U-shaped distribution. Interesting...

I'm not sure if I can make it or not. Won't know until that week. I'd love to compare my K701 with K712.

Has anyone auditioned this combo? I'd like to know more about them. They're sound signature, etc.

I'm glad you guys had fun. I wasn't able to come today, but I'll be looking forward to meet #8 next year

Metal? Try square waves. You don't have to worry about it. Your ears will damage first before your headphones do.

I took a quick look at YBM's website. If you don't want a single-ended amp, sell it and get version 3, which is balanced.

For just parts and board? Sure (my last BOM for M³ and σ11 was $225 more or less), but the chassis is a couple hundred dollars more. The more you want the chassis to be customized (silk-screen, cutouts, hole-punched, anodized, etc.) the higher the cost. I would say $700 to be safe.

I'd recommend M³. If you ever feel the music is "bass-light", the M³ can be built with an adjustable bass-boost.

It's all on AMB's website. Click "Other options" in the M³ project. He explains what needs to be done to get it balanced. You'll need two boards instead of one. You'll have to buy a custom chassis to fit two boards. σ22 is the recommended psu if you're going balanced. The active ground channels...

K70x's are great for classical music because of their large sound-stage. You can buy it used here on the forums and save up for an amp such as Schiit Magni for $99 or used if you find one. Mine have the bumpless (using K601's headband) headband mod.   I'd focus on getting an amp first before...

Good luck on your endeavor! I look forward to some pics and journals of your build!

If you could choose a headphone for dynamic, orthodynamic, and electrostatic, what would your choices be? You can only pick one for each type. Reviews are optional.   Dynamic: Sennheiser HD800 - for it's analytical and wide soundstage sound signature. Very comfortable. Its light weight wins...