ALBA sounds amazing with ONIX ALPHA XI1. I'm using NOS filter. Killer setup/combo for under $300 USD. 👍

Chris Hemsworth vs. Liam Hemsworth 😭

Only used it for couple hours but I'd say the power draw is about the same, avg 10% per hour maybe. I wouldn't say they're in the same league. I put stock Pilgrim in the same league as some popular tribrids as Variations, Oracle, and EST112 ($500-600 range).

I don’t think it’s a stretch. I have the U12t and the stock Pilgrim isn’t that far behind. In terms of sheer resolution, detail retrieval, and surgical precision then sure U12t wins hands down. But imaging, layering and separation, and soundstage I think Pilgrim can hold its own. I think...

Can you do comparison with U12t?

Pilgrim has getting most of my listening time lately. Maybe new toy syndrome...maybe I'm just addicted to it's sound? I don't think "safe" is right word to describe it. Sure it's inoffensive with no harsh peaks. But it's highly engaging, musical, with good PRaT, and not boring at all (depending...

They have a 7 day trial run so at least I can return the Eros if it’s not a significant improvement. I like the stock tuning of Pilgrim, not sure how I’ll feel about the “darker” sounding Noir.

According to this reviewer the Pilgrim + Eros S cable is 95% of the Noir. I just picked up my Pilgrim from the Amazon Prime sale and I really like them. So far it sounds the best paired with WM1AM2, the synergy is excellent. The tuning is fairly neutral and has good technicalities at it's price...

I’ve had my Alba’s for couple weeks now and they’ve become my 2nd favorite single DD IEMs (next to Fiio FD7). The first thing that hit me when I heard them was the note weight/presence. Not necessarily warm but the fullness in the sound, like a warm blanket. But not boomy, overwhelming or...

Yeah, best part of M300 is its form factor. Perfect size and weight. Reminds me of small Sony Walkman or iPod. If only it had 4.4mm balanced output, it'll be perfect.

I have the B2 Dusk and that IEM requires a fair bit of power for it to sound its best. I run them balanced. If you use DSP cable that bypasses the internal DAC/AMP of the M300 I believe. You might be ok with that but I'd still recommend something with a little more power to drive them with...

Still no leather case for this DAP? All I see are clear TPU cases...

I didn't make up the marketing material for them and have no affiliation. 🤷🏻‍♂️ Just offering an alternative option in case someone doesn't want to pay full price for 100% pure silver cable...I can only attest that it sounds as described. Transparent and organic.

Looks like the shielding is SPC but the internal wire is "pure" silver. I use the same cable for HD8XX, it sounds great on those too. 👍

Sure, I posted this in HE1000 thread. https://www.head-fi.org/threads/hifiman-he1000-planar-dynamic-headphone.748334/post-17297342 Just gotta be careful handling it. It's not as thick and robust as other cables but sounds great.

I used pure silver for both HEKV2 and HEKSE. It is the most transparent and not harsh at all. Very clean sounding. You don't even have to spend that much. I found mine on AliExpress for $30.

Apple music offers 1 month free trial I believe when you sign up for new account.

Not necessary anymore. I am returning the old unit.

I purchased another M300 while I was waiting for a solution... The newer M300 has older firmware installed version 1.20_20231212-1639 and I can confirm it sounds just as good as my old one prior to the latest firmware update. The punchy and engaging feeling (soul) to the music is back. So this...

Nope didn't try the rootlessjamesdsp. I was pretty happy with the sound prior to the update. Didn't feel the need to mess with it.

No modifications. Just Apple Music streaming Hi-Res/lossless.

Latest firmware update 1.30_20240126-1851 seem to have ruined the sound for me. :triportsad: Listening through streaming app like Apple Music it now sounds sharp "digital", cold and lifeless. And lost all dynamic range. No longer sounds engaging, musical, smooth, and warm that I used to enjoy...

Craig was a pleasure to deal with! He knew what he wanted and made for easy transaction. Payment was prompt as well. Couldn't ask for a better person to deal with, great all around dude. Wouldn't hesitate to deal with again, highly recommended!

If you're looking for planar I've heard great things about CFA Supermoon and Oriolus Szalayi. Both will be technically closer to the HEKS but maybe out of your budget. An oldie but a goodie is the 7hz Timeless. Popular planar that went for $200 and within your budget but just ok technicalities...

Sounds like you have your answer then. Let me know how it goes, I might get one myself. If only it wasn't so huge, I have limited desk space. The TA-22 is excellent with the HD8xx, great sounding hybrid. 👍