Stellar / State-of-the-art review my dear friend!

Do you think Ascension can hold its own against iems like Ragnar or RN6?

@fabio19 Would have to test it then, very different pricepoints. RN6 is legendary and almost universally praised, I believe that maybe Ascension is a more specialized set for those who like a more rich analog sound instead of super resolving and clean one.

My TOTL IEM experience is more from QDC and Sony. And to them I would say it both Neon Pro and Ascension can keep up.

I have to admit the reading part of your reviews is always very entertaining, however your assessments with the spider graph always leave me a little confused, and I can only deduce that your ratings are based on your personal musical taste which is perfectly fine , but which can be misleading to an extend.
Example the Aurora does not have the mids or bass of a Neon Pro.....not even close....maybe with some music it might match the Neon Pro, but the majority of music genres are way more engaging and satisfying with the NP.
Anyway to each his own.

@Tonytex thanks for your comment, nice to see you reading my review. When we make reviews it will in the end be our opinion, and one mans trash can be another mans treasure. We can try and be as objective as possible, but in the end its our subjective thoughts.

As I mention at top of the spider graph: Each category referring to quality for me, and may change over time. So for me what is good is maybe not good for you, that's how it is and there is never any need to argue.

I love Neon Pro, been in my top 3 for a long time. I also love more music with Neon Pro than the Aurora, but if I do want to listen to classical or jazz the Aurora has more natural sound. Specially due to the dynamic driver, still haven't heard BA bass that can touch same finesse as a good DD. I know you didn't like Aurora as much as me, and that is totally okay. How boring it would be if we all thought the same.

Comprehensive and enjoyable review from @Leonarfd as always. I agree with the iem comparisons. I am sure other owners of both Aurora and NP would agree the mids of Aurora is sweeter and Ascension is even sweeter than Aurora. There is a case for Ascension to be considered Aure Ultra where it has Aure vocal qualities but extended at both ends. It is my pick for the Aur lineup as well.

Thanks for the honest review. I can't imagine the time and efforts that was required to write it. Very good job.

Great read, detailed, and with a broad range of music.

Another banger review that deservingly ended up on the front page. Well done, my friend

It is obvious that a lot of effort went into this review. However I wonder if it is complete without a frequency response graph. Sometimes a picture says more than a thousand words…

Great review like always. I love the passion that goes behind each review. <3

Your best review yet. Thanks for putting in all the effort!

Man your review has me questioning my will to not buy more gear! I'm trying to cut down! Lol
And I'm so in love with the Sony 800ST right now I have second set coming for modifications that open up their musicality. If I try the modifications and I'm not amazed, I might try the Ascension!

Thanks for all the comments

@AlexxxAA85 I love mine, had break from it the last weeks due to other reviews. Put it in my ears last day and it's like wearing your favorite gloves again, perfect for me.

Also understand this will not always be the same for everyone, we all have different tastes.

if that one sounds just a little like OH700VB i ll be seriously think about it as well, very nice job man....

So with the scores being all 9s and 10s, what's the next logical upgrade? Is this the end of the line?

@freeryder05 I mention it in the review its just a subjective score, and may change over time.

10 is just a subjective best from what I have experienced. The matrix where I score is actually changed over time, but the one in the review will most like stay as it was during the review.

I see it like this a 4-star is 8/10, 4.5star 9 and 5 star 10. Most IEMs these days is in the 4-star or above, the hard part is getting full score. Doubt there will ever come anything that would be a full 10 in all categories.

Why I have the spider chart is that it's easy to look at how I position IEMs, easy for people who quickly glance. But also will be looked at wrong if some share it without my disclaimer explaining what it reflects.

So overtime the scoring of an IEM can change based on perspective and experience?

Yeah @freeryder05

Imagine the best sound you have heard is an Blon 03. At that point that will maybe be a 10 in bass for you, but as time goes and you try more you would not rate it more than maybe a 6 of 10.

Similar as my 10 will maybe not be another reviewer 10, we are humans and like different things in audio.
My prefference is always on warmth and organic sound, more than energetic and resolving.

This makes sense. Thanks for explaining!