OVERVIEW The Noble Audio Kadence are an 8-BA driver per ear IEM. They are a reference-type monitor with what I perceive to be a very slightly boosted upper mid, which as explained below is a great thing. The treble is extremely detailed, as is the bass. There is some sub-bass roll off, but the bass is very textured and articulate. I recommend this IEM if you like an analytical sound. Note that I found the Kadence to be very tip-dependent. I ended up using the double-flanged silicone to provide the best balance of bass and treble, but also found...

UPDATE: I managed to determined that the issue causing the intermittent disconnection of the N7 from my PC when used as an external DAC was the USB-C cable that Cayin included with the device. Using different USB-C cables I was able to get the device functioning as an external DAC. However, it is somewhat glitchy as the option to disable USB charging when used as a DAC does not work, and the charging continues even when that option is selected. I have updated to 4.5 stars, with the .5 star deduction for the included cable issue and not being able to...

BACKGROUND I have been a long time Head-fier, turned forum lurker, and it has been on my list of to-dos to get back into participating in the forum. To establish some credibility here, the reader should know that I have amassed a modest collection of headphone, IEM, and nearfield equipment that I enjoy on a daily basis. I have slowly escalated the size and quality of my collection over the years as part of lifestyle creep and the on-going search for better sound. The list of current items includes: Chord Hugo TT2; Chord Mojo 2; Shure SE846...

I was debating for awhile between these and the W3s and IE8s. I settled on these based on what I had read of the 3s being muddy and the IE8s being not as detailed.   I like to keep reviews short because I hate reading lengthy reviews.   So, these have forward mids, good bass when you listen carefully, but lacking on subbass until you turn volume up a bit. Treble is sparkly at times, but rolls off and sounds better with an amp.   I would say these tend to analytical, with some warmth esp. when amped.   Overall, great. And if you are a...

I purchased these from Best Buy, having read good things about Sennheiser during my search for a cheap pair of IEMs for the gym. I ended up exchanging them for the CX400-IIs because I was disappointed with the 300s. They did not perform like a base model should.   I was displeased with the lack of clarity and separation. And I realize the for under $100, I cannot expect too much, especially from a single driver. However, these were not much more pleasing than my Sony IEMs that I got from Target for $30.00. Spring for the extra $20 and get the...