I wonder how you think about Moondrop Blessing 2 or 3 since you seem to have a lot of problems the tuning of these Allure. Graph-wise (and I haven't listened to these so I might talk out of my backside here), they look very respectable, though not particularly exciting to me. I want more treble and air.

Btw, of course pairing does not make much difference to you since you drive everything through the SH-8S (Power plays a vital role in the "dynamic" of the sound, which can have ripple effect to perceived clarity and layering). I did an experiment with Apple dongle, Aria, and Topping G5 recently. The IEM sounds so different with and without the G5 acting as amplifier in the middle. Since you already have a full sized amp, swapping the DAC side might be a fun evening activity for you.

Here is another subjective review for this IEM.
https://everydaylistening.net/2022/07/24/thieaudio-elixir-review-safe-aint-bad/

I think it might be a driver-side issue or I got a used repackaged set based on the state of the cable. I just found everything sounded off on this iem and it wasn't fun. Even with EQ it went from ok, to better, not amazing. I like the graph of the KiiBoom Allure, but it is just not a graph thing. I tried different tips, different eq, but it just didn't hit the mark for me. Maybe the fit in my ears, or something. Just found it hard to enjoy for me. I do find it enjoyable, just not nearly worth the price that it is. Not that 100 dollars is a lot, but it's an extremely competitive market and I don't find this iem competing. I just started listening to the Olina and I'm super impressed out of the gate.

I'll definitely try things. I might be getting a new dac soon! But we'll see.

Redcarmoose, that's for theaudio Elixer.

Here’s the thing. I totally understand your review. I get where your coming from. But what I would do is burn it in for at least 100 hours and try some different sources. Try some different ear-tips and just see if you feel there is a progress in musical communication. I only posted the extra review to help you understand the nuances here. The Allure is not showy, it’s very understated in a way, where your right the bass does not come-off bombastic or the treble stage awash with sparkles or brightness everywhere. The attributes concern themselves with stuff like completeness and cohesiveness. Yet just possibly the ideas here are not for everyone? I have to check out your profile and see what you actually like? Try burn-in though, that should help with the dynamics.

This may not be your thing except try going the opposite direction than you guess. Meaning try some wide-bore silicone ear-tips after burn-in, and stay with the Allure until you kind-of acclimate to the style of bass represented. Meaning only listen to it for a whole day or two and see if you don’t blend more with what it is trying to do. The cable is not the best, and a little unwilling to go where you want, a different cable works wonders for bringing out detail too, at times. My view is the Allure is worth $200?

I'll try some different things here soon, and try some burn-in to see the difference. I'll update you tomorrow.