[EagleWings]

I just remembered that ezekiel77 owns both and can offer a better comparison..

 

[ezekiel77]

I'll do that later, for now here's a comparison from a fellow forumer.
 
http://www.head-fi.org/t/703315/rhapsodio-an-overlooked-brand-of-nice-iems/1920#post_12277538

 

[PinkyPowers]

Thanks for the info.

And yeah, I'd love to hear your own impressions Eze, when you're up to it.

EagleWings

What exactly do you mean about the A10 and A12 differences? How are they different?

 

[EagleWings]

A12 is simply a bassier/darker version of A10, or A10 is a balanced version of the A12. Because of the bass bump on the A12, the overall atmosphere is slightly warmer and the lower mids are thicker. On certain tracks, the warmth can cast a slight veil over mids and highs and can affect the instrument separation. Except for that, both the IEMs are pretty much the same.

 

[PinkyPowers]

A12 is simply a bassier/darker version of A10, or A10 is a balanced version of the A12. Because of the bass bump on the A12, the overall atmosphere is slightly warmer and the lower mids are thicker. On certain tracks, the warmth can cast a slight veil over mids and highs and can affect the instrument separation. Except for that, both the IEMs are pretty much the same.

Ah, ok.

I looked on their website, and the graph shows the A10 has a slight U-shape, so it would probably sound closer to Solar than the A12.

Thanks.

 

[EagleWings]

Ah, ok.

I looked on their website, and the graph shows the A10 has a slight U-shape, so it would probably sound closer to Solar than the A12.

Thanks.

Ah, I see. Yea their website, although great, does not do a good job of describing the tuning of their IEMs. Those graphs are just representation of, how one would perceive the frequencies, in relation to the other and are not a simplified mock-ups of the measured frequency response. There was discussion on this in the 1964 ADEL IEMs thread a while ago. The reason the treble bar is different between the 2 is because, they want to show that the powerful bass on the A12 doesn't make the treble stand out in the mix.

 

[EagleWings]

My wife, who has never understood this hobby (but has been supportive), tried the Galaxy for a couple of minutes and said, 'Wow, this is amazing.. I can hear every single beat distinctly'...

 

[mrazik]

  My wife, who has never understood this hobby (but has been supportive), tried the Galaxy for a couple of minutes and said, 'Wow, this is amazing.. I can hear every single beat distinctly'...
 
 

 ​

God bless your wife. My is stack with Senn CX300 and there is no power on Earth or Hell to change that

 

[EagleWings]

Here are my thoughts on the Rhapsodio Galaxy:

Aspects extraordinaire:
-Bass control and texture
-ADSR and speed
-Precise imaging
-Resolution and detail retrieval

Aspects I love:
-Neutral tuning
-Low and high frequencies extensions
-Sub-bass rumble and decay
-Nimble, authoritative and punchy bass
-Neutral and detailed mids
-Airy and sparkly treble
-Instrument separation
-Transparency and natural timbre
-Soundstage Width

Aspects that could be better:
-Bass depth
-Vocal lushness and depth
-Instrument layering
-Soundstage Depth
-Overall presentation could be more airy

Aspects I do not like:
-Occasional harshness in upper-mids and lower-treble
-Needs a powerful source
 

---

 
Rhapsodio Galaxy vs Other IEMs (A10, Katana):
 

Spoiler: Rhapsodio Galaxy vs 64 Audio A10

A10 has an airy and light presentation, while the Galaxy's presentation has more weight and accuracy. The extensions on the Galaxy is spectacular. A10's bass is textured and does not hit hard and deep, while Galaxy's bass hits with authority. Galaxy also has better decay. The lower mids on the A10 are lush and organic, while the Galaxy's lower mids are neutral with just a hint of warmth. Mids are more detailed on the Galaxy, while the A10's mids are smooth and can sound slightly veiled in comparison. Galaxy's upper mids/lower treble is bright, while A10 has a slight dip around this area, that gives a laid back feeling. The treble on the A10 is rather polite, while the Galaxy's treble is airy and sparkly and sometimes bright.  
Soundstage width is pretty similar on both the IEMs, while the depth can be slightly better on the A10. The airy presentation on the A10 creates a holographic stage, compared to the dry and black presentation of the Galaxy. Timbre and tonality is almost similar on both. But in all the other technical aspects like instrument separation, layering, imaging, resolution, detail retrieval, transparency, ADSR, speed and extensions, Galaxy is slightly better than the A10.
 
A10 is like a butterfly with its organic, smooth and airy sound. But it's those very aspects, that prevents it from reaching the top. On the other hand, Galaxy is like a bee, with its accuracy, seriousness and weight in the sound. It shouldn't be taken for granted. The fact that Galaxy's sound is more of a reference class and the IEM needs a powerful source, it has to be recommended with caution. Where as, the A10, with its musical nature and easy-to-be driven spec, can be an easy recommendation if its tuning/signature is up your alley.

 

Spoiler: Rhapsodio Galaxy vs Noble Katana

- Both are neutral reference type IEMs. But both sound very different than similar. One of the reasons is that Galaxy is a single Dynamic Driver IEM, while the Noble is 9 x BA driver IEM.
- Galaxy is a smidge better in terms of technical capabilities such as resolution, transparency, details retrieval and imaging. These are some of the strengths of the Galaxy .
- Both have excellent speed, PRaT and dynamics. But Galaxy has better ADSR for the most part, and but not by a huge margin.
- Katana provides a better sense of soundstage space with good amount of width, depth and height. Galaxy is wide but lacks depth and height. Katana’s presentation is also more airy, compared to the presentation of the Galaxy. Separation is on the same level, but the depth in the soundstage helps with better layering on the Katana.
- Tonal balance is one of the flaws of the Galaxy. It has amazing bass and bright treble and between these 2 sits the humble mids, which sometimes come off as a slight ‘U’ shaped tuning. Katana has better tonal balance throughout its frequency.
- Bass is slightly north of neutral on both IEMs. Galaxy with its DD has an authoritative bass with excellent decay. Katana’s bass is quick, sharp and clean.
- Galaxy’s mids are not so full-bodied and placed slightly behind. The mids on the Katana is neutral with lush body and neutral placement (may be just a hair front of neutral that works as an advantage for vocals).
- The treble can be a matter of choice. Both have bright, airy, sparkly treble. Katana’s treble is lighter while Galaxy’s treble is slightly brighter and has more weight.
- Because of the bright treble and high level of transparency and resolution, Galaxy is not so forgiving and can get harsh. Katana in comparison is bit more relaxed.
- Galaxy also requires a powerful source to be driven well. Katana plays just fine even out of a smartphone.
- Galaxy is the best at many aspects but, does not do so well in some aspects. It is like out of ten aspects, it scores A+ or A in 7 aspects and a B or B- in the remaining 3 aspects. While Katana has consistency with an A or A- in all 10 aspects.
- Because of this, Katana is an easy recommendation. But, if what you are after is something, that is listed in the Galaxy’s strengths or Dynamic Driver bass, it’s hard to beat the Galaxy.

 

[taz23]

@EagleWings, is this with the SG 2.98?  Or the Pandora SPC?

 

[EagleWings]

Taz23,

Mostly with the 2.98. The differences between the SPC and the 2.98 are noticeable. On the 2.98, bass is tighter, mids are slightly forward, background is darker which helps with the resolution & details and the transparency/timbre is also slightly better. But SPC has a slightly wider soundstage and an airy presentation. Regarding harshness, I experience harshness on both the cables, but it also seems to be dependent on the tracks and tips being used. Overall Pandora SPC is slightly warmer than the 2.98.

Once again, thanks for the cable.

 

[Mark76]

after two typhoons in hong kong, a poor Sammy injured leg is a tragic earthquake here in Italy .... just received yesterday! First impressions: very satisfied! great balance and clarity ... separation tool ... Great 3D effect! Appearance to burn them to better describe its qualities! Sammy thanks

 

[flinkenick]

after two typhoons in hong kong, a poor Sammy injured leg is a tragic earthquake here in Italy .... just received yesterday! First impressions: very satisfied! great balance and clarity ... separation tool ... Great 3D effect! Appearance to burn them to better describe its qualities! Sammy thanks

Nice, Solar far infrared?

 

[Mark76]

Nice, Solar far infrared?

you are the stickers that are placed far infrared in some drives .... Sammy says that enhance the sound

 

[PinkyPowers]

you are the stickers that are placed far infrared in some drives .... Sammy says that enhance the sound

Yes, flinkenick is a sticker. He's a Scratch-and-Sniff. Smells like old eggs.

And we love him for it.