Recent content by Smirk 24
  1. Smirk 24

    Elysian Annihilator 2023

    Between Trailli and the Annihilator from a technical standpoint, Annihilator is flat-out better in every meaningful metric. Annihilator has a better bass and treble, and Trailli has the better mids. They sound very different in practice though, so despite Anni’s technical superiority, I’m sure...
  2. Smirk 24

    The Watercooler -- Impressions, philosophical discussion and general banter. Index on first page. All welcome.

    Love to see some AME Raven chatter! I’ve said a while back that I think it’s the better of the two Ravens. It’s good to see you share that sentiment. The treble is special as aaf mentioned. One of the top in the market.
  3. Smirk 24

    Rank the IEM's you've heard

    Any Annihilator 2023 graph on any measurement device will show a very elevated sub/mid-bass. This graph, again, doesn’t show that Anni’s bass is powerful, just that it has an elevated bass quantity. Bass can be both elevated and can lack impact/slam (i.e. not feel “powerful”). Anyway, this...
  4. Smirk 24

    Rank the IEM's you've heard

    Hard disagree on graphs not showing anything definitive about bass quantity. I’d say that’s true for bass quality but bass quantity is very clearly measured and shown—just look at that enormous sub/mid-bass hump. Maybe we differ on the usage of the word “anemic” here, but if it was used in a...
  5. Smirk 24

    Rank the IEM's you've heard

    Agreed with aaf here. Anni definitely does not have the most textured or weighty bass, especially at the $3k USD mark, but it’s definitely not anemic by any stretch. Its mid-bass graphs quite elevated and sounds that way too. That said, it’s definitely the weakest part of the Anni’s FR so I’m...
  6. Smirk 24

    DX320MAX Ti The musical event worth the wait. ROHM X 4. !! NEW Firmware: 2.03 !!

    Yeah that's a reasonable fix, I had a few friends do it that way. Again, I share your frustration with the knob issue but I'm glad you got it resolved.
  7. Smirk 24

    DX320MAX Ti The musical event worth the wait. ROHM X 4. !! NEW Firmware: 2.03 !!

    I had this same issue. I agree that it’s a bit of a bummer. The knobs have a plastic insert with a “D” shaped cutout that fits onto a D-shaft. The plastic insert is adhered to the inside of the knob and becomes loose sometimes. If you reach out to Paul, he can ship you an updated knob that...
  8. Smirk 24

    Symphonium Titan - Impressions and reviews

    I think it may look bigger in that photo because it's slightly closer to the camera.
  9. Smirk 24

    Noble Onyx

    I can see this being the case. I find Final E tips a bit muddy with some pairings while Omnis are high clarity tips.
  10. Smirk 24

    Subtonic STORM: Impressions and Discussion

    I don’t think you’re making anyone think anything other than “they’re being annoying”
  11. Smirk 24

    Subtonic STORM: Impressions and Discussion

    Yes, and if you can’t, it’s a skill issue 😉 If you’re here just to complain about the price and “psychology” and whatnot, can you take it elsewhere? You’re putting a damper on the thread, thanks.
  12. Smirk 24

    Best IEM for under $2500

    The new Melodic Artification Alter Ego is, IMO, the best IEM you can buy at $2500 USD at the moment. It’s a comfortable fit and meets all your requirements.
  13. Smirk 24

    The Watercooler -- Impressions, philosophical discussion and general banter. Index on first page. All welcome.

    Of those I prefer Orbit Saga 8W by a good margin. If money was no object I’d probably own one. That and an SS 8W 😄
  14. Smirk 24

    The Watercooler -- Impressions, philosophical discussion and general banter. Index on first page. All welcome.

    I actually did exactly this with Alter Ego and the Beat Audio Orbit Saga 8W ($7.2k USD). Immediately, the soundstage becomes immense and there are oodles of detail from everywhere. It’s one of the most impressive things I’ve ever heard. I also tried the Beat Audio Cyclone 8W and Billow MK2...
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