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...

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.

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...

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...

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...

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.

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...

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

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

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

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.

I think it’s 1DD 3BA?

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.

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 😄

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...

I don't have super detailed impressions of Ultron but here goes. I demoed it with Alter Ego off a 320MAX. Compared to Alter Ego's stock cable, there are improvements to resolution, staging, and overall techs. It maintains Alter Ego's neutral warm tone from what I remember. It's less thick/warm...

I tried this pairing at MT. It results in a thicker sound which I liked. I also like the stock cable so it's just a matter of preference/mood.

Porta Pros are unironically very good lol. I use them for work.

I agree with the $500 to $2k and under estimation for mid-fi. So many good sets to be found in this bracket.

Oh, nice! I was curious about it because I wanted a daily/travel DAP. I know you just got it, but do you have any way-too-soon impressions for us?

Agreed with Alter Ego sounding exciting and new. I told a friend of mine this too, that Alter Ego sounds new and fresh. I'm also hard-pressed to fault it. Usually I have to find reasons to purchase something. In AE's case, I'm looking for reason's not to buy it. It's a compelling package. I...

To get the conversation flowing, what are your top mid-fi sets right now? My personal list: Symphonium Titan, Nightjar Singularity, U4s, IER-Z1R, Symphonium Crimson

Nightjar Duality (yet to be released) is in contention for "top" endgame sets for bassheads IMO. If your budget is capped at $1k USD, Titan is a top endgame basshead set too.

I haven't noticed any isolation issues but MusicTeck is also located in a quiet neighborhood so I don't think I can comment on this with confidence.

I didn't ask Leo if he heard my music playing but yes, I believe there's some leakage.