First of the Penon 10th Anniversary Special Edition is commemorative. It is simply the IEM that Penon chose to celebrate the store’s 10 years in business. I think that explains the colors of swirly blue sparkles and deep candy red edges? I mean to me the 10th looks nothing like I have ever seen before. And to the contrary, there is nothing about its looks that are understated……nope, this one (here) is a party that Penon will not let us soon forget. Though I forgot to explain, the 10th just doesn’t celebrate the store’s last ten years, it is a shinning example to showcase future ideas being just as important, and possibly more important, than the past. You see Penon pulled a fast one on us…….they made an IEM that sounds almost nothing like anything they have ever made! And while the tune is a well manicured V response……it still escapes me to where I have heard anything like it? There is nothing like it.
There is nothing like it!
I talk about the originality because this idea of sound design is truly a glimpse into the future, especially when you realize that this is now what $499.00 gets you. But more than just the value the 10th represents to the IEM market, there is also a statement. The statement is explaining how Penon improved, that they made a better IEM than their past TOTL Flagship “Volt”……yet priced it at an insane $499.00 instead of the Volt’s $799.00. Let me explain……the Volt is and was one of my favorite IEMs of all time, mostly because it plays everything I hand to it. The Volt is quite simply one of the most well-rounded IEMs I’ve encountered. Yet the 10th Anniversary is also just as well rounded…….except the 10th has better contrasts which in itself makes it more vibrant and vivid. The 10th Anniversary went forward with a bigger, faster and deeper bass ability. The 10th’s treble is brighter becoming as such bigger and involving, but also textured and dense? To think we have two less Sonion EST drivers (playing) in the treble department, than the Volt’s 4 Sonion ESTs? I don’t know how this is even possible, except for new models of Sonion EST drivers? And finally you would think (because life teaches us) that in order to have more someplace that we have to give-up something else? Well……laughing, that is not the case. Yes, the Penon 10th Anniversary has a less involved midrange than the Volt…I mean everything in the world does. But nothing, and I mean nothing is raining on our parade here?
The commemorative/festive Special Edition wouldn’t let you down, I mean how or why would Penon make all these 10 years worth of IEMs with a signature midrange and fail to included it with the Anniversary Edition? What they did is offer a balance, a balance and a new sound to to introduce the next 10 years!
Sound:
Bass/tone technicalities:
We all know that sound signatures (even if great) still only gets us so far if technicalities are in question. And I’m somehow starting off the sound section with technicalities, because that is the single thing that separates the 10th from its price point brothers and sisters………the 10th is simply better…..that’s all. Lets start off with what fireworks the bass drivers do.
10th Anniversary: 2x 6mm crystalline plated biofilm dynamic driver for low frequency
Fan 2: 2 x 6mm dynamic driver for low frequency
The thing is after the Fan 2 had a relatively neutral bass, seeing these drivers once more in action was a reason for attention. You see both have 2X 6mm bass drivers, yet the two responses could not be more different. I would even go so far as to call the 10th bass as opposite to the Fan 2. The 10th bass is a whole different animal. The thing was the Fan 2 took a little finessing to get the bass right, for me anyway. I needed to align the Fan 2 with a warmer DAP and a cable that introduced warmth thus enlightening the sound signature. Where the 10th differs is I can use any cable, any DAP or any ear-tip and reach a level of bass satisfaction. Of course at times there is a slight increase in bass and other times a slight loss, except all these changes are minimal and afford freedom of choice. Basically what I’m trying to say is the bass is never too much or too little, but obviously will be notices of rounder or slightly more physical bass, but never in my cases is it ever too much of deficient? Truly I don’t know how this was done? The reason I bring this up is it is a big deal, and accounts for multiple listeners reporting in on an IEM being this or that. This one concept is of major importance on a public forum, at least trying to understand a particular IEM’s sound profile, it is. But it's most important to you, because it means whatever source/cable you use the 10th with your fine.
Due to the two 6mm in each IEM we are now experiencing a faster take-off and stops. This is why 2 DDs are more effective than one larger on. But more than that, typically they make cleaner bass that holds more detail……and we have that, except this particular style of bass is both big, full and deep, yet speedy. Yep, 2 X bass drivers do both quantity and quality. Smaller faster diaphragms, but two so double the surface area…….simple math, only you will hear it! But more than that, there is a charmingly pure separation into the stage where this bass is focused and detailed holding both texture and oomph.
Treble tone/technicalities:
With half the Sonion ESTs in action (than many IEMs have) you would be forgiven for guessing there may be a loss of something, once again the compromise theme talked about. And again, I don’t have any answers to why nothing is lost? All I’m doing is listening and reporting in as to what I hear. You see we are conditioned to believe that the better the IEM is the more transparent the it is. The more transparent it is the more clear you hear the personality of the DAP. Not enough treble and maybe you hear the playback as dull, or a spicy DAP............then you may encounter too much treble. And while these concepts may be true for the majority of audiophile IEMs…..thats not what is going on here.
This single feature is one of our strong points.
What this means in practical use is if I lend my 10th Anniversary out to a friend, even if he has totally different sounding equipment than I, he will still hear a large extent of the 10th’s character……meaning it will not be that different. Now let that sink-in for a moment. It basically means that no matter how he is powering the 10th, he will arrive at musicality…..in other words synergy. Yep. Let that sink-in. How this is done I’m not sure, but even with-in the Penon/ISN line there are going to be found a wide range of how product responds to signal. The Volt gets 10/10 in this arena, and the 10th also gets 10/10 in this arena. The treble timbre is approached in a true to life demeanor, this means that very little if any metallic tone or steeliness is found. Once again this often is a feature found in a response to different styles of amplification tone. The subtle ways a metallic tone will rear its head is often dependent of source........being brighter tones out of the source can exacerbate the issue, to seemingly bring the new (unwanted) tones to life. And just as powerful, darker warmer amplification, and digital to analogue converters, can subdue such artifacts into a form of non-noticeability. IEMs also have this feature to where they can go over-the-top with being too spicy and/or reveal this timbre issue, or be subservient to whatever the (off) brand BA character passed-up by the main IEM builders here. Some designers try and tune a driver (darker) into sonic positioning regardless of its true demeanor. What I’m trying to say is often builders will get a deal on off-bands and still find a way to utilize the tone regardless of the timbre issue. Though most of the time you will know what they are doing in driver placement as the darker tone is realized, in an attempt to bypass this phenomena. Here Penon have chosen the very best products. So it’s the same as a meal, want a commemorative meal, one that will remembered and stamped into the memory of those that partook of it……then use the best ingredients, and get truthful and provocative results.
2x Sonion EST for ultra-high frequency
1x Knowles BA for high frequency
1x Sonion BA for middle frequency
As we know when cooking there is more to it than just good ingredients. Yet give those ingredients to a master chief and watch how he makes them work. It’s no riddle why I like Sonion BA noise makers, they perform the most realistic tone and timbre in the business. But here there is something more, as while the 10th is not the most detailed, there is a vibrant tonal character which leaves the listener sedated? Still I have to ask myself what else I could possibly ask for? While dramatic and real sounding, the treble never challenges my hearing offering-up stridence or sibilance to be heard. It’s this fine-line of walking just the right path, that is so very hard to put into words? But just like making my more forward and trebly DAP sound inviting and real, the 10th somehow works its magic to also include totally listenable sound from a darker treble source. Meaning both styles of playback sound correct, yet still relay a separate small clue as to their character. It’s more that there is staging changes and instrument size changes which take place from changing DAPs, but never a drive into the bad side of town? Because normally for a treble to be exciting it needs to stay right at that critical line, and not trespass into the heat zone, only here the masterful tuners at Penon have other ideas in store. Believe me, I’m just as surprised (to write this) as you are to read this, and I forgive you for being a sceptic. Simply another trait that Penon has used to reach a level of success that others can only dream of arriving at.
The Penon midrange tone/technicalities:
A lot of fuss has already occurred since the 10th came out. Arriving in May of 2023, I was not the very first at hearing it, but instead had other IEMs to focus my attention on. While just short of 60 days late arriving at the Anniversary party here, I still kept-up to what others disclosed as to the mid-range. Once more people are going to be surprised as finding a first in this style of tune from Penon. And staying with our theme of giving and getting, some few have commented as to the quality of mid-range. I mean most all of Head-fi centers around the fact that a subtle V diminishes the midrange to gain access to the treble and bass…..right. It’s almost like the story about the birds and the bees your parents told you about when you were little. Facts of life right? Wrong again. This is not a story about the birds and bees…..in-fact we can basically do what ever we want if we truly know what we’re doing here. And that’s the key, this is not Penon’s first rodeo, and they surly are not going to leave anything out of their precious 10th Anniversary Model. Nothing is left out, you see.........you can truly have it all, if you play your cards right.
If I question the midrange the first thing I question is vocals. How do they sound? Also concerning midrange, there may be an effect of soundstage from midrange. Not always, but all of us that have done this for any length of time will tell you normally soundstage and midrange ability go hand in hand. But also I need to include midrange is actually the most personal and often the place where folks will have issues. There is a feature of midrange that emphasizes the character more than you think. I say this because often I’m simply enamored by a bass quality, be it the texture or amount of bass, same as treble where many times I’m simply amused as to the character of treble, yet when there is a specific change to how they want to do the midrange, I’m full-on noticing it and not on-board. Now such experimentation can actually be a couple of ways, one the Harman curve has dialed in a pedestrian no-thrills style of tune, one that puts me to sleep even in the middle of the day. That or there will be an annoying boost right an the wrong FR which goes to add clarity but at the expense of making the IEM a time-bomb, you don't know when it will go off into the heat zone, or just marginally arriving at the heat zone, when you least expect it to. Then there is the simply off midrange…….yep! This style of midrange takes artistic leeway to give you the wrong bump into the midrange signature, but the manufactures are hopping you still like it. Why……because they don’t know or understand the ability to tune correctly. Well there is absolutely none of those shenanigans going on here.
The looks:
I will level with you, I wasn’t sure about how the 10th looked when I first saw it. I actually know people that won’t buy something just on how it looks. These are very personal items here, items that actually go inside your body to produce sound, so it’s no wonder that folks are so critical as to looks. But more than that there needs to be a relationship formed in how the IEM represents itself. First off how many IEMs have you seen that you write-off instantly due to how different or wild they look? You just know that upon ownership you can’t look at it day in and day out. Maybe as a group we are spoiled? It is just there is an ocean of IEMs for sale at this moment in time, so we can be choosy. But I knew that the 10th didn’t look exactly like it did in the photos, I simply knew. It’s still a little bright in real life, yet the 10th has to have a look to it, I mean what are they going to do, make an Anniversary IEM and make it black? No, this IEM should show its colors and have a festive vibe to it. How many things in life have an acclimation period to ownership, one that once you’re past the initial shock, it’s all good? The other really important concept has to do with modern marketing, now maybe you don’t want to be a personal billboard (out-and-about) for Penon, still if you are on board with the look and think it’s fun, then all is well. At least you can tell it apart from the rest of the IEMs in your collection.
The thing is the 10th has other plans for you………yep, there is a program that you are jumping on-board whether you like it or not. The 10th is showing you what you like, not the other way around. Yep, it’s like that. This maybe happens due to you just liking the sound? I don’t know, my favorite color for IEMs is black? But the 10th grows on you, then it grows some more, then finally you’re in love with this color and wish all IEMs held this quirky charm. I mean in normal room light it’s actually very subdued? Lol
The Anniversary Accessories Box and Storage Box:
Just when you think you have seen it all, Penon once more out-does themselves. And this introduction I know for sure was not planned-out. You see after the very first 10ths were mailed out, and the product was posted for sale, this wild 2 piece case duo emerged. Somehow at the last minute Penon acquired this case set-up. Now if you’ve had any experience with Chinese made IEMs and their cases included, this case set-up is confusing to say the least. Why? Because all the Chinese cases are fake and an attempt to look like leather, but rarely are in fact. So out-of-the blue to have these two cases as an included feature, different from the stock original pair is way cool. And the two cases include extras too, the felt liner for the bottom of the circular one, the magnetic latch on the small rectangular one. All and all simply another addition to show Penon aren’t messing around here. The fasteners on the big round case are surprisingly well made being they are mounted inside with little gold rivets and seem like that could actually resist the rigors of daily use? Even the inside of the lid is finished with the same glossy leather as the top, going and matching the felt insert. The side buttons can be flipped-over to the side as a way to still keep your IEMs protected at home yet with the case functioning still not latched. The smaller accessory case has a soft unfinished interior and it almost seems too nice to use for the brush, ear-tips and shirt-clip?
Here is the CS819 cable with the older black 2Pin connectors. Since then red and blue 2Pin connectors have been added.
The cable:
Such items as the included CS819 cable have been in use for a few years, being included with the Penon Serial, the Vortex and now the 10th. Such a cable could be looked at as simply a necessity and something Penon just includes so you can use the thing. When in reality it’s a $49.00 cable that has been carefully chosen so if you don’t believe in cables affecting sound, or don’t want to increase your expenditure on the IEM, you’re still guaranteed success. Sonically the CS819 is ever-so-slightly warm, yet still lets the bulk of the signature from your DAP through. In testing I found the CS819 to be relatively transparent while never altering any one point of interest in the signature. Meaning the basic demeanor of your equipment can be left alone, while the ergonomics are fantastic. Remember Penon is first a cable company, they made cables before ever starting on IEMs, so they both understand cables and wouldn’t let the sound signature of their Anniversary IEM be compromised in any fashion.
The build/ear-tips:
The 10th Anniversary is on the big side. Yet a bigger size also has its benefits, while being relatively low-weight at only 4 grams, the size to me is perfect. The shape is also just right. These are in-between medium and big, but they also have a way of blocking outside noise just by their fit. They are at the moment in my ear without a cable just checking the noise occlusion. I have a fan on in the room and can still hear it with no music playing, but the sound is reduced by about 80%. The nozzle length is singularly almost the most important feature. Nozzle length goes and shows two very important aspects of fit. One it is responsible most of the time as far as how far away the IEM is from your ear. The second related feature is if correct you have a wide range of tip choices. These are absolutely perfect in nozzle length. What this does is allow me to use my favorite ear-tips, which are shown in the photographs here and workout with the IEM tested about 80-90% of the time. So I’m using wide-bore but also short length (donuts) for maximum stage and a carefully tuned bass. There is also a wonderful bevel on the end of the nozzle which holds the tips on in the perfect place. None of that having to check positioning each time I put them in my ear. This nozzles actually seem to show a slightly new dimension in design for Penon. Often metal nozzle construction works better, but truly this is an example by example style of fitment, where here it’s really good, just right. Due to positioning and fit/weight there is no strange (weight) forces on the ear-tips which can affect this stye of tip. Here we are given a single vent which makes the bass and other frequencies breath, as well as guaranteeing no internal ear pressure build-up. Such a design uses a single 3D printed medical grade resin build along with a single resin faceplate. The 2Pin connections are perfectly flat/flush at the side, allowing ease of use when rolling cables. As talked about earlier there are 2 6mm drivers which are easily seen, combined with 2 BAs, a Sonion for the mids, and a Knowles BA for the highs. An added Sonion EST X2 set-up has been arraigned for the ultra-highs.
2x Sonion EST for ultra-high frequency
1x Knowles BA for high frequency
1x Sonion BA for middle frequency
2x 6mm crystalline plated biofilm dynamic driver for low frequency
Due to being only 4 grams each but medium-large in size, I personally get optimum fit and placement.
Packaging:
Not only do the 10th Anniversary come with the leather cases, they also come with plenty of stuff to go inside those cases. Nine different high quality silicone ear-tips, an IEM brush, a cable tie, a round felt liner, a shirt clip and of course the IEMs themselves and CS819 cable. The cable has gone through a few changes over the years which would bore you to hear about, but this latest version has red and blue 2Pin plastic connectors. Due to the red and blue painted rings on the cable 2Pin holders the extra colored plastic is a little redundant, yet nice none the less.
Cable rolls:
This is by far one of my most favorite parts of the review. Why? Because I’m not really sure what the outcome will be. I choose the test subjects for a number of reasons, one being instinctual. Yep, never forget to guess as there may be sonic joy to be discovered. Also from reading the forums and seeing the pictures, I got a good idea as to peoples favorite match-ups. Still a few of these cables will be a first to find out what the outcome will be. Also remember cable rolls are incredibly personal as there are quite a few variables in action.
1) Your DAP.............is it warm or dark or bright, or midrangy?
2) What ear-tips are you using and how does it affect sound.
3) Your personal hearing and ear-anatomy.
4) Your sonic preferences. Much of this is not understood, except people like various levels of bass, different levels of treble….different ideas of correct.
Though we do know that commonalities are discovered and (the same cable) can be used across wide groups of people, each with different musical tastes and sonic preferences. These musical affirmations can in-fact be quite common where often many will agree about the sonic results, many times with-out being in communication with one another, spread-out across the world. This discovering later just goes to one more step to offer proof that these cable changes are real. Though not everyone hears them, and many people have different levels of hearing, with no one being any better than the other, or being totally right or wrong in their ideas. As such this style of cable rolling can often align a monitor into better clarity, or subdue and unwanted personality trait which comes about from a particular DAP and IEM use. The best out come can be found to hold a cornucopia of positive results, which means really that we don’t necessarily have to land on a single cable, that many can work out. Typically more well rounded IEMs afford this phenomenon.
Penon Vocal Cable: $69.00
ISN G4 Cable: $99.50
Penon OSG Cable: $299.00
Penon Bass Cable: $79.00
Penon Leo Plus Cable: $249.00
Penon Space Cable: $99.90
Penon Obsidian Cable: $149.00
Let’s start off with many folks extra additive cable, the new Penon Vocal Cable. Also before I get started I want to state again that the included cable is perfectly fine, in fact the first half of this entire review was written while using the include CS819 cable. Reason being is that Penon could have included any cable, but they had an idea as to how they wanted the 10 Anniversary to sound. You can purchase the 10th Anniversary and get 100% of the enjoyment out of it, as it sounds great with the included cable. You never have to change cables. But what we are up to here is sound design, making maybe an IEM just 5% or 8% better, maybe the sound simply fits our ear anatomy better. Remember due to everyone being different, we could be simply altering the DAP and 10th Anniversary IEM to arrive (at times) possibly to the original intended CS819 sound. Other times there are profound changes taking place that are understood and expected in sound character from the cable which is found to occur to be parallel with many different IEMs. Each IEM showcasing its very own rendition of a signal mixed with the personality of the cable.
All testing done with the Sony WM1Z, 10th Anniversary, and wide-bore silicone ear-tips.
First the Penon Vocal Cable:
This particular cable is like a mascot. Yep, a show of zest that has somehow got ahold of Penon. It’s representative of Penon’s message, that good audio and fun audio doesn’t have to cost and arm and a leg, that a good cable is priced still for the masses. Now it does represent Penon, but I’m not so sure about the look representing Penon Audio? I’m more centering in on the value and the imagination brought forth in 2023. So what do we have? We are on offer a wider stage than the CS819, an almost smoother/brighter yet bigger example of how sound can be. As guessed Vocals are more forward and the bass is sequestered into its own zone. But the value here is something more (more to me anyway) there is a fine spreading-out of imaging that is the bee’s knees. Where once the bass is slightly curtailed.......thus what comes about is this stage, think of it as added stage through both balance and ability. What ever is the reason for this I like it, I like it a lot. While there is no denying that there is also a slight thinness present as a shift from stock, but that’s what “audiophiles” are into right? But nothing is out of the ordinary as far as acceptability. All is good, and better than good. I can recommend this as the singular aftermarket cable due to it being incredibly balanced with the 10th Anniversary. Meaning if you just wanted one cable and you wanted to ever so slightly reduce the dynamics (tighten bass and treble) and yet broaden the stage, this would be your ticket.
The ISN G4 Cable:
Penon makes the ISN brand, it represents further ideas of creativity for Penon. And…..well I have a disclosure to make. Since I got the 10th Anniversary 7 days ago, I have been using the CS819 and the ISN G4 50/50. Why? It’s kind a like my go to cable. You know how it is, we are all creatures of habit. We start to favor one thing and keep going. Also the G4 looks great with the 10th Anniversary IEM, at least I think so. The Graphene added to the cable means that it will bring this Graphene character to whatever you hook it up to. Basically it adds soundstage except that stage is a little warmer than straight silver as an add, and it’s kind a note weighty. Yep, less energy than silver and a more thicker outcome, if you can believe it or not?
A little more dramatic than the Vocal……….imaging is slightly bigger and holds an ever so slight tinge of added authority. To sum it all up, this is the note weight I mentioned earlier. But now in my testing, I must admit that the differences were far less noticeable than with other IEMs. Remember at the start of the review I talked about well-roundedness, well this often is a result. Where there are sonic changes is noticeable between cables, it just that everything has been smoothed out by the 10th Anniversary, and we are (it seems) never in any danger of getting into trouble. What I mean by trouble is too hot in areas. I talk like a kid in a candy store saying I’ll have this one and this one. And that’s just how it is, if you want a thicker slightly bigger sound get the ISN G4 over the Penon Vocal. To my ears the boost in midrange (width and tone) and added warmth which goes along with it is the perfect match for the 10th Anniversary.
The Penon OSG Cable:
The OSG is one of my prized cables. In so many ways it’s a fixer of sorts. Like if you had a water leak you would call the plumber, well here the Penon OSG has smoothing abilities. But more than that it adds a blackness of background and has Graphene also which adds Graphene flavor. Once again a little like the last cable in that the OSG thickness up the sound and has a warmer yet thicker midrange, in comparison to straight silver additives. The OSG can add density and clarity to treble too, and even trim-up the bass…..setting it farther back and putting fancy clothes on it. Yep, the OSG is a polisher and offers a slight character all it’s own, that’s why I love it so. You see this blackness of background has a way of adding clarity, where any lost harmonics are cleaned-up and aligned.
Oh Gawwwd!
What is this? Really what style of sorcery is this? This, this is the very best I have heard so far today. Truly I had no idea this would happen, I just got done writing that the 10th Anniversary was slightly unmovable? Boy was I wrong? This isn’t even a question of taste or anything like that? I’m going to leave my past ill directed paragraph in place as a reminder that you can never truly guess what’s going to happen with cables.
So let me explain what I hear:
Stage yep, biggest ever so far. Except there is now space between sonic elements. And the timbre, for once here today it’s better. I have said that before with other try-outs of the OSG, that it was aligning timbre……..if such a thing is true……I don’t know? But there is an open blackness where elements are coming to life. It’s tighter, it’s clearer and deeper, but not in the way copper is thought of deeper, it’s in a 3D alternative universe deeper, a side reality kind of different. Simply the harmonics are more true to how you would want them to be, more real……I guess? This was the singular biggest surprise of the week. Right here. And….I will not go on, but the mids are incredible with the OSG! I have made my point! I’m pretty sure this is the cable that will stay with the 10th Anniversary always and always.
The Penon Bass Cable:
I will admit I did try this for a bit earlier in the week….curiosity got the best of me. Coming out at almost the exact same time, both are dressed as twins. And in so many ways they really are made for one another. The difficult thing that I could not foresee was the previous OSG cable mayhem. I mean that’s a tough act to follow. But once again we are brought size, I mean this is what the folks who are using this combo must be perceiving? That and there is this wonderful coherence to everything. This is more like a Polaroid color photograph verses the Kodachrome 64 color of the OSG. Imagine a tidy smooth world where everything's color is in place. Like looking at a Polaroid snapshot, everything is correctly toned and nothing out of the ordinary. Nothing too bright, nothing too dark. This would be a sound designers goal to hand to his boss, perfect balance. Drums kind a float yet still have authority and texture. Nothing is strange, and things are as intended, yet with a perfect bounce. The bass is there, more than the Vocal Cable, but it is in its place, where due to this place the midrange seems way bigger? Everything is somehow very very connected? Balance, yet not all the contrasts of the OSG. There is a different kind of vividness here, more linear in approach? A total keeper, and now I know why this cable gets recommended as it is a big, big gain over the CS819. A style of spread-out luxury that never ends. Great! Maybe more exactly like the 10th Anniversary sounds all the time, its natural pureness, I know that sounds like a strange to say (natural pureness) about a cable named “Bass”..........but that is how I hear it?
Penon Leo Plus Cable:
The added authority is there, but not the technicolor of the OSG, more airy and pushed up into the highs. Effortless that comes from seeing something way up high drifting in the wind……where is it going? Oh a balloon OK. Where am I going with this, I must be crazy? Except do you actually know you’re crazy if you are? The floating quality could be coming from the music I’m listening to, except I hear this song all the time and it’s never so airy and down right smooth. Really this would be a sound most anyone could get into. The shock is big splashy additives out into the stage making a new stage that you were not informed existed before. Treble it slightly brighter which goes with this airiness. And bass has more definition than the Bass cable and of course the Penon Vocal cable. Probably this would get second place so far? And maybe number one depending on what the listener was after? Not quite as black of background as the OSG, but still utilizing that special feature which adds separation and drama.
Penon Space Cable:
This should be fun. The Space is a doubling-up of the OS133 cable making the firehose bigger in diameter thus more water through. It’s giant and serves the purposes of those brave enough to manhandle it around. Though you will note how it is separated into two parts thus getting an ounce of maneuverability over the Penon Bass cable. Personally there are a number of IEMs that sound like no other with this cable. While the cable almost leaves the sonics alone, the size of imaging is enlarged. I’m from California where everything is bigger, wait that’s Montana, no wait, that is where the sky is big, everything is truly bigger in Texas. So just imagine for a moment that our signature is almost the same, only with bigger size you get separation of elements.
Really the Space cable is way better than guessed. What’s the deal today, no failures like normal? Maybe it was the selection of cables I used? I mean I’m not going to looking for trouble, it ruins the vibe, but if your curious about a cable match-up shoot me a PM and I would be happy to test it out for you if I have it. This once again shows the 10th Anniversary being its total self, 100%. And that is everything to cheer about. Yep, this is top tier playback, bigger than maybe everything as there are no suppressors in action. Just larger than life, and smooth to hilt. And just like I predicted........size of separation that you can look around, it’s so big. I could easily see Penon including the Space as the cable for the 10th Anniversary. Actually it’s better than the Bass and Vocal cables, just due to the clarity at hand. And there is no augmentation to the Bass........you get the feeling the Space is letting it all through!
Now here’s the thing. What started as a mundane cable test process was soon taken to the next level by the Penon OSG cable. Such new sonic attributes were showing that nothing needed to be corrected, only some of the character enhanced, it was a little darker yet surprisingly dramatic? Drama from intensity of vibrancy and blackness of background. Now the Space is probably just as good of cable, some may even like it better than the OSG. Why? More natural that’s why. But more than that, the 10th Anniversary Commemorative Edition has a pureness to it that if a cable comes along and just adds space between the imaging, which in turn opens the size-up, then in many ways that’s all we need as an improvement over stock. You see the 10th is so well balanced that we are never looking for correction, but simply enjoying a slightly different playback. Really the performance of the Space has a way of getting under your skin, and may just be the very best cable additive to our 10th IEM?
The Penon Obsidian Cable:
The perfect (wind-down) cable to end these cable explorations. Now remember, I truly believe in the found well-roundedness of the 10th Anniversary, which means it goes with pretty much every cable…..well at least every cable I tested today. The Obsidian is another cable used often to put our fires, or to align a response more to one’s wishes. The Obsidian with the Noble Audio K-10 Encore was one of the single best cables I ever used with the Encore. Why? It warmed-up the response by adding the girth of gold and smoothed the treble shelf, while still offering it’s own style of stage and subsequent technicalities. Here with the 10th it is drawing down the spacial expansion from the previous Space cable……bringing the intensity down a notch. Smoother more relaxed. The Space has a hint of silver so very crucial to the Space’s exquisite imaging. Where the Obsidian is using gold and copper only (zero silver) and parlaying a more compact and dense response. While I wouldn’t call this sleepy, it’s more going that direction, which double confirms my winner in the Space Cable union today!
Cable tests conclusions:
First off I thought (assumed) the 10th Anniversary was going to be easy going in our cable tests, never showing a hot temper, nor dull personality. And cable tests did go that way, yet there were still surprises, such surprises tell a story. The truth of the story is that the 10th Anniversary is open for improvement, yet easygoing enough to go with many cables. Do not take that easygoing as lifeless or without character, as it’s more about having both correct/balance and true/natural timbre as a response due to driver combinations. Hence we don’t need cables for correction, only adding soundstage at times, or character with other cables combined with soundstage. You see cable-rolls are an avenue to understanding an IEMs personality further, a way to poke-it and at times wake the IEM up, or simmer it down. And while I can’t totally judge which cable you will like best with the 10th, I can tell you that the Vocal Cable and Bass Cable altered the purity to a point, while the result were fun, yet not the bast. So you have a choice of maximum self realization of the character inside of the Space response, or the distilled slight vividness and blackened soundstage of the Penon OSG Cable. Number three goes to the Penon Leo Plus offering a big imaging and slightly more airy communication with the 10th Anniversary than the OSG Cable. And finally the ISN G4, the old standby, kind of like the consistent loyal partner which goes with a large amount of IEMs and delivers the goods. Only here today was a surprise in that it was the most used cable besides the CS819, yet was outclassed by the Penon Space, the OSG and the Leo Plus. What does all this mean? Simply that it’s one persons idea as to playback, for better or worse, except in reality the win-win was so much more perceived than any loses, due to the 10th’s character.
IEM side-by-side comparisons:
This is where we challenge personal memory, and often a new reality is discovered. Here to try and equalize everything I’m using the Sony WM1Z, the Penon OSG Cable and the same ear-tips (except the IER-Z1R) on my favorite IEMs. Left to right top row the Penon Volt, Nobel Audio K-10 Encore and the ISN EST50. Bottom row left to right is the Penon Globe, the 10th and the Sony IER-Z1R.
Penon Volt, 4 Electrostatic, 2BA and 1DD-$799.00
Nobel Audio Kaiser 10 Encore, 10BA-$1850.00
ISN EST50, 2 Electrostatic, 2BA and 1DD-$449.00
Penon Globe, 2BA and 1DD-329.00
Penon 10th Anniversary, 2BA, 2 Electrostatic and 2DD-$499.00
Sony IER-Z1R, 1BA and 2DD-$1698.00
The Penon Volt v the 10th Anniversary:
Starting out many may be on the fence (already having the Volt) and wondering just how different it is from the 10th Anniversary and if it is a valid purchase offering any differences? With the weight of the Volt being 6 grams and the 10th 4 grams there is little difference there. And while the Volt is a smidge wider, the 10th is taller. The nozzle-ends of the 10th are a hair larger in circumference. Part of this may be that you can see the actual sound tubes inside the 10th, where the slightly smaller Volt nozzle uses the resin for the very end of one of sound tubes, and filters making-up the other two. Also the nozzle ends of the 10th have a slightly larger tip holder, being thicker. The OSG Cable really dials in the Volt adding an unexpected additive to the bass, making it really good. While in so many ways the Volt is the opposite of the 10th, especially with how it does strings. Yep, midrange strings are more illustrated and worked-out with the Volt. I can even go ahead and call the strings more real. Volt vocals are also bigger and hold that aspect of real-life that the 10th can’t quite get too. The 10th bass is a little more forward and at the same time sculpted. 10th’s vocals are less detailed but the upper midrange/lower treble takes and adds clarity where that was always one lacking area of the Volt. The 10th is cleaner and while offering a more stripped down midrange approach, it has way more contrast in the end.
The Nobel Audio K-10 Encore v the 10th Anniversary:
The K-10 Encore goes ahead and also improves in the bass department with the Penon OSG cable. Blacker background and wider clarity on offer. Still the very different aspect would be the treble shelf of which Encore almost goes into the no-go-zone……..just right at the edge. Yet inside of that experience we are gifted with a giant soundstage, a bigger upper midrange event, than the 10th ever hoped to achieve. Still after spending a week with the 10th as my main focus, the Encore comes off steely and of a metallic tinge, not that that was something new to me, it’s just the better timbral accuracy of the Penon 10th shows once again a warmer more inviting style of brightness. In all truth the Encore does better with OCC cables, or a cable like the Penon OBSIDIAN or ISN GC4, yet we can still judge both the IEMs together here.
The ISN EST50 v the 10th Anniversary:
The Penon OSG cable happens to be one of my most favorite cables with the EST50, if not the single all time favorite? And this is a rewarding comparison being just like the Volt, the EST50 shares some DNA with the 10th Anniversary. Where in many ways the 10th is a more complete tune with less marginal drawbacks (technically speaking) than the Volt……….still the moment you hear the Volts midrange you stop for a second, you stop to smell the roses. To bass heads the EST50s low end may do the same, to stop them dead in their tracks. As the EST50’s bass is just that much more, more in size yet slightly slower, but more forward. Now here is the confusing part, the OSG does a number to the ISN EST50 vocals making them more vivid, and really I can’t find any fault like I was planning to. Still as far as midrange and treble the 10th comes off more brisk. A shade more vibrant and harmonically complex than the EST50, where I really think this was the goal for Penon designers, to find a wider form of entertainment in the midrange and treble from the EST50, and they succeeded. IMO
The Penon Globe v the 10th Anniversary:
For many the Globe just won’t go away. Meaning at the price and age of it you would think it would have been passed by or bettered by todays ideas of IEM playback. And I know this is getting old, but the OSG is again the best cable to hear with the Globe playback. IMO, I mean if cables make a change and breath new life into an IEM, why not use them. Here is almost perfect balance and vividness in playback, but not quite as large as what the 10th has going on. Less parts inside the little Globe. But less parts also means there is a chance of less congestion, a cleaner truer to life and calmer idea of playback. Obviously the bass doesn’t go as visceral and as showy as what we have daily with the 10th. The Globe is way smaller than the 10th, and while not quite as up-front with midrange and treble-textures and authority. Still the over-all stance is still commendable, as the Globe is simply doing what it does……..and I love it!
The IER-Z1R v the 10th Anniversary:
I had to change ear-tips to get fitment, yet all else is the same. Bigger bass than the 10th, more forward, wide and and tall, also slightly better details inside that. Yet when you start to compare price, well……..IER vocals are better in that they are more delineated and find themselves surrounded by more real instrumentation, but not as much as you would think by the price difference. Three drivers in the Sony compared to the six in the 10th, and this singular more focused playback of less drivers, shows a style of clarity and realness that’s difficult to fight with. Still once you take that away there are actually many traits the two hold in common, as the 10th is the closest Penon has ever come to replay of the Sony house sound.
Music Tests:
The introduction of music ideas delineating the 10th’s response could have been placed anywhere in this review, yet having them be near the end works well. Well because while much of my listening was done with the included CS819 cable, I have (after considerable thought) decided to use the Space cable to finish this review. Why? After spending $499.00 for an IEM, it’s not too much of a stretch to imagine audiophiles spending the extra $99.90 to get the Space cable. Regardless of all the jokes about the Space’s size, it works rather well after you get used to the Space being one of the bigger cables you have experienced. Also take note that due to the 10th Anniversary’s even-steven demeanor, I could have used any source, any cable (tested) and any genre of music. It’s just that (as you know) some music was simply better than other music. Such styles of music are not better for the 10th Anniversary, and often not better for all IEMs in my collection. But in-fact I will be centering on songs I know and love, and have used to judge countless IEMs. Why? The music is simply recorded well and offers a clearer more realistic ideas of where an IEM is going. You see I have (to the best of my ability) remembered how these specific tones have been replayed in the past, and while music memory falls into the truly unscrupulous territory, it is what it is.
Disclaimer:
Before I get started, I just want to make clear that the set-up I am using is sounding fairly the same with either the Sony WM1A or the Sony WM1Z. Now this is almost a contradiction to understanding transparency. Meaning if an IEM is good it reveals the character of the source. And while that may be true in some circumstances, that is not what is taking place here. As a test I confirmed this back to back using the 10th Anniversary and the Space Cable with both the WM1A and WM1Z. I used the very first music selection we are going to go into today. The only thing that was changed were the DAPs as I have the album on both. At times with other IEMs there is either the WM1A which is better or WM1Z which is the star. The Sony WM1A is showing a more mid-centric playback almost the opposite of the renowned warmer and V shaped Sony WM1Z playback. Now typically the overall effect is the bass being faster on the 1A and there being a thicker more substantial bass character to the 1Z. 1A mids are more forward and the 1Z treble is actually brighter and offers a wider dispersion of that exaggerated treble into a stage.
The differences:
Yet while differences are noted and follow along with understood character, the 10th goes ahead and minimizes the two DAP characters, into a style of wonderful listenability, showcasing the very best personality of both players while still minimizing the differences found. Somehow it shows the 10th Anniversary as being able to quantify whole albums into musical listenability no matter what the source. I touched on this at the beginning of the review, but now it’s even more apparent as a concept. I have experienced this before with other IEMs on occasion, but never to this extent. I am positive your results from different sources will parallel my findings.
DCD
Anastasis
Kiko
44.1 kHz - 24 bit
Right-off at 00:00 we are met with a composite of cymbals and drums. The there is a beginning cymbal accent right at the 17 second mark, such stylized sonic forms are most likely a sampler. The drum is deep and provocative here holding all the authority needed to make the start dramatic and involving. At 00:18 the true bass arrives…..how dark and brooding can you be? Brendan Perry uses world instruments like a Turkish Saz Baglama Cogur and a Greek Pegasus Trichordo Bouzouki as well as the good old fashioned Les Paul at times. Though I’m pretty sure the Turkish Saz Baglama Cogur and a Greek Pegasus Trichordo Bouzouki are older in design than the Les Paul? Being the predecessor of the guitar means we are gifted with half understanding these notes as well as an exotic newness that never gets old, or worn out. This album Anastasis is 11 years old, but you wouldn’t know it as it sounds fresh like it was recorded yesterday. Typically the Greek Pegasus Trichordo Bouzouki has only six strings, but the one he used live (to play this song) had 8 strings……….whatever you get the message? At 00:38 this stringed instrument hits, and how successful of an introduction to this song. These guitar notes are also processed into both reverb and what sounds almost like a guitar synthesizer. Probably just a regular old synth but mixed in really well? Whatever it is and however it’s done it’s magical and highly effective being simple yet beautiful. And the 10th grabs hold of the song generating the full-vibe for us to intertwine with, 100%.
Don’t know if you were clued-in at the start, but this is my favorite Penon/ISN IEM ever. After 13 prior Penon/ISN reviews it seems like Penon went ahead and added onto what they learned? While having an internet storefront and physical storefront for the last 10 years Penon actually have been inventing stuff even longer. And while the number 10 remains as a symbol at the end of a cycle, I can’t help but think this is also a statement about the future? Kiko is one of my most favorite songs ever and what better way to enjoy it with than my favorite Penon IEM?
To get back to business here and to try explain the unexplainable, there is little if any off-timbre found with the strange guitar. At 1:01 there is an additional synthesizer added, which may partially explain the sound-effects at 00:38? At 01:13 Lisa Gerrard makes her entrance, and what an entrance it is! Her individual voice is one of the main fascinations here. In this set-up the vocals are complete and in the perfect place in the mix. Any negativity reported (about the 10th) is just not true. There is no way Penon would skimp on vocals on their 10th Anniversary Commerative Edition, no way. In-fact the very reason this IEM gets such love from me is that it is simply the whole enchilada, yep it does it all. The heavy authority of the bass in this song, the slightly faint yet seductive yangqin (a Chinese hammered dulcimer) by Lisa Gerrard. Of course there is a chance that other IEMs do vocals a little better, and of course the Penon Volt has a bigger midrange, except love is blind, blind to any drawback there could possibly be. You know why? We are gifted with a bigger stage than I remember the Volt having, we are totally awarded with more treble, and we are encountering a better defined and sculptured bass. The Penon 10th Anniversary does memorable technicalities and offers a straight forward even, complete and correct FR.
With all these features, Kiko is played-back as good as I ever heard it……on any IEM!
Hans Zimmer & Junkie XL
Batman v Supman OST
New Rules
96 kHz - 24 bit
This is another slightly older recording, but a special one. Yep, one of Head-fi’s own was in-charge of all the audio, everything the music and the talking. But that’s not why I like it, I like it because its technically superior to most OSTs. Little selfish things like the bass has an added distant character that makes this OST one of a kind. The music isn’t too shabby either. New Rules actually has my favorite bass drop of all time. Yep, one single drop. And being my ADHD, OCD, etc…..etc….IEM disorder, I have studied this drop many many times. So much so that I’m pretty sure I know what is sounds like, at least I’m confident about it. We will get into other aspects of this song, except we may as well start at the top? At exactly 01:38 the mother of all things bass takes place. It’s a drop that is somehow performed in a performance soundstage, at least that’s what I’m thinking? Now I’ve heard it all kinds of ways……and I accessed this bass drop the minute I opened the 10th’s package. The CS819 cable does this really really well too, and maybe slightly more detailed but smaller than the Space cable does it. Anyhow…..the twin 6mm DDs nail it, while not totally the fastest or cleanest I’ve ever heard it performed, this judgment call on the 10th being the best Penon has to do with everything, everything the whole package that you get. But in simple terms (the bass drop) gets a 89 out of a perfect 100.
The start of this song shows also shows dramatic percussion. Rewinding to 00:18 the kettle drums hit and I don’t have words to how big they are? All this talk of bigness in soundstage and bass authority may get old, to a normal person, not inflicted with IEM-itus. But to a Head-fi member, to a headphone audiophile, it’s the bread and butter of why we are here, looking for excitement, any way we can get it. I mean I keep rewinding the song and I keep hearing the kettle drums played back over and over, yet each time they sound giant and bigger than I even remember them from 3 seconds ago. It’s this non-stop drama that is the novelty here, and the reason we look for IEMs for entertainment in the very first place. Right before 02:22 and all hell breaks loose there is a sub-frequency galloping, as such it is found and while not the most clear, still present the goods here. Again I’m concentrating on the whole picture here, because there are IEMs that do other specific things well, but it is rare that you find the whole package in place. At 3:15 all heck breaks loose, yep all those lead-up for dramatic purposes, all that work-up, all to this.
Surrounding a throbbing synth metronome we are at the climax, and I was planning to go over the mids and trebles, at least that was the plan, but no, the low-end got the attention. That’s what multiple song reviews are for........completeness. That song was over-the-top really. Don’t listen to it, maybe watch the movie instead.
Hans Zimmer & Junkie XL
Batman v Supman OST
Black and Blue
96 kHz - 24 bit
Black and Blue
Here we are provided with less fireworks. Oh wait…00:43 more reverberated kettle drums………there is no hope for me. Yet to expound on this subject once again, we are shown super fast bass transients due to 2X 6mm woofers doing both the low-down frequency right, but also getting in and getting out just as fast due to the faster moving 2X drivers having 2X the surface area, just like having one 12mm driver only faster to start and stop. The diaphragm is smaller thus being more taunt and offering less out-of-phase movement from driver flex. Thus 2X 6mm are technically superior, if they are implemented right.
Hans Zimmer & Junkie XL
Batman v Supman OST
Black and Blue
96 kHz - 24 bit
This Is My World
The intro a simple somber piano with a background of sampler. Yet at 00:28 the strings start, kind of a reassuring event bringing back and introducing the full-on orchestral theme. This song is very much a balance of noise and confusion.......then relief. After all the strings we meet up once again with quietness as with-in such there is a question of what sounds come next. You see at times it isn’t the music, but the lack of music that creates drama. At 02:04 we are greeted by the chorus once more. Such a choir compounds in efforts to single out a lone voice, a soprano, still backed by her friends, we can hear the faint room reverb. All is well here and we finally found some peace. Then at 4:24 pianos notes are provided. And while not in anyway forward, they are adequate, and serve their purpose. Once more they reintroduce the theme and violins create the center. It’s times like this when the un-explainable happens with the 10th, there is this union of everything.....a oneness? The fact that this particular section holds many elements…the faint piano still, at 4:45 I hear my favorite bass drop one more time…...returning, with more of a double emphasis. Also at 4:45 we hear the strings again………..and it is not any one thing……….if it was I could explain it to you. Because there is nothing really of stand-out noticeability here at this point. Yet there is a completeness and a feeling…..of what I don’t know, but I feel the music? At 5:10 the piano takes the theme and introduces it afresh. Now the strings become etherial and have a faint luster of positivity….and the song ends.
Snoop Dogg
Bush
California Roll (Ft. Steve Wonder)
44.1 kHz - 16 bit
The antique drum machine sounds showcase a simple into which obviously gets real at the bass drop at 00:07. The bass is full and authentic showcasing an analogue feel and groove. Just a side note, this album is the ultimate standard held by many referring to modern bass recordings. Such a walk in the park bass wise is what the 10th Anniversary is about. I know of no other IEM in this price point which displays bass so well. It's detailed……fast yet authoritative and clean. But most of all its correct, meaning it simply natural and the way the music was intended to sound, none of these 1/2 way attempts. Sooo many vocal overdubs to finally meet-up with the Fender Rhodes. And…..just so you know, due to this idea of making an IEM a Hybrid, we are gifted with every style of frequency holding it’s own in separation into the stage. The 2X 6mm, the middle Sonion BA, the Knowles treble BA and finally the Sonion ultra-tweeters. Look there is no doubt the bass is big, it’s maybe bigger than it should be, but that is what is on offer……..bass. Yet at the 01:59 the Fender Rhodes continues its playfulness, found way outside in the mix. A harmonica makes its way in, yet like the Rhodes, the message is a sprinkling of sorts falling into the groove provided by the bass. Yet when you are totally on this bass vacation you start to realize Snoop Dogg is in-charge of everything somehow? Wait, I take the back. The bass and Snoop are as one.
Snoop Dogg
Bush
This City
44.1 kHz - 16 bit
Oh Gawwd. This is why I choose this particular album. Yep it’s all out, a bass happening! This is what bass is, as this is so clear, so truly perfect that it’s like hearing bass for the very first time. This is that ultimate bass standard everyone was talking about…..here right now! And I can feel it, I mean I can actually feel the bass, and not just hear it. If there is only one extra reason to buy these, it’s to listen to how this single song works out. An experience in just how I imagine the producer Pharrell Williams wanted you to enjoy the music.
KMFDM
AMNESIA DUB
IN DUB
44.1 kHz - 24 bit
Rounding this test session off with a favorite. A little talked about, but almost daily listened to song. The stage is what gets you. The way they decided to go ahead and mix this puppy. Yet after hearing Bush, this albums bass is almost normal. Here KMFDM went ahead and introduced a DUB album, which came out in 2020, yet has a timeless appeal. I’m no expert on DUB music, yet this sticks out in my collection as original. I listen to this song everywhere, so maybe it’s not that great, but you know what happens when you listen to almost anything over and over again, you like it, or like it for a while then get sick of it. But it has been a few years and I’m still on-board here, loving every minute of it. It may be the tone of American singer Lucia Cifarelli, bouncing off the rhythm section? It could be (the) just enough sound effects? Of course it’s the bass, as DUB music always has a foundation in bass notes. Yet the difficult thing here is to make it work, to find a balance, even though there are forces against finding that perfect balance. Now I’m going to boil this down to the most simple explanation for you. Her voice, the sexiness and stance her voice has, the fact that with the 10th, it’s truly all I want from her playback. And the effects, those canned horn samples, way out to the edges. At 00:47 the chorus comes in and it’s perfect. I can hear her breath and feel the airiness of the sonic message, it’s her in full-color, despite the tonal fight with the bass, with the 10th it is so separated and real. Truly I can’t imagine this song any different and being this good. Did I pick a song for the 10th that would showcase it attributes, no……………..I simply found a song that I like. At 01:55 there are these sound effects are undefinable, yet they are so correct in that they are these crisp ideas of things echoing and traveling across the stage…..never repeating to be exactly like before. At 03:37 Lucia Cifarelli returns somehow ever more clearly and smoother heard than ever before, her vocals are more than perfect.
Conclusion:
This DUB replay and straight-up Rock and Metal are in the 10th’s zone as far as ability, yet let's not sell it short so fast, because to my ears the 10th plays everything! Of course bass slam and treble authority make the most with-in most modern styles of music, the music even asks for this replay. Electronic genres like EDM, or the band Yello are again super effective in having a network of bass and treble which is both correctly replayed and vibrant yet never hot or too bright. For whatever reason the bass even in Yello is textured and dramatic, being that it was always there, but not always heard with such clean texture and vibrancy. Even Extreme Metal with its heavy trebly guitars and grating vocals are a joy to behold. I used the word joy! The 10th makes all Metal listenable, the heavy blast beats and 100 MPH cymbal strikes all somehow work-out. Most of my infatuation probably results in the bass transients, as truly that is one stand out feature here……..where I’m not looking for the ability but it just shows up…..fast bass, and detailed renditions of bass lines in music you know. And while the Volt showed me how the 10th’s mids take a slight backseat as far as midrange technicalities, a phenomenal midrange is still provided in frequency range and becomes the center of attention at times. It's a Penon! Nowhere is this more important than hearing vocals (in all genres) which are both upfront and the center of attention if called for in the song.
So it’s no secret I think this is the best IEM I have heard from Penon/ISN. I haven’t heard the 10BA 4EST Impact, or the 6BA Turbo, the single BA Sphere, or the Legend, but I have heard all other 13 ear-phones. While the Volt has way better midrange, the 10th Anniversary sounds more elaborate and evolved everywhere else. It’s the 10th’s contrasts that pull on my heart strings, more contrast in the upper treble to bass department than the Volt. Penon has taken everything they have learned and added it here, this is a statement product just as much about the 10 years since they opened their store, but a statement about the future of Penon Audio. It’s maybe where they are going the next 10 years from now? Off to the future…………..
Hans Zimmer & Benjamin Wallfisch
Blade Runner 2049 OST
Mesa
44.1 kHz - 16 bit
Now I wanted to conclude this review by proving a point. Let’s say that you wanted a little more midrange luster, because truthfully the 10th Anniversary is a subtle V response and the Sony WM1Z is also a subtle V. So breaking out the ISN G4 cable and taking the union over to the more mid-centric Sony WM1A may be a solution when at times you want a little more forward midrange in playback. This is exactly just how well rounded the 10th Anniversary is. We are greeted with open and bright piano and the classic Blade Runner theme. Majestic, wide-open and flawless. At 01:48 a bass drum drops then an accompanying low-end synth (you know the Blade Runner kind). We are left complete, not wanting a thing, fully immersed in the tone of playback.
This review was totally easy to write, it wrote itself due to the inspiration at hand. And if you think reading this review that the 10th Anniversary has your name on it, it probably does!
$499.00
https://penonaudio.com/penon-audio-10th-anniversary-iem.html
Currently Penon/ISN manufactures and sells.
ISN Audio Cable Products:
AG8 Cable
C16 Cable
C2 Cable
C4 Cable
CU4 Cable
G4 Cable
GC4 Cable
GD4 Cable
GS4 Cable
H16 Cable
H2 Cable
H8 Cable
H8Plus Cable
8 Core Cable
S16 Cable
S2 Cable
S4 Cable
S8 Cable
SC4 Cable
Solar Cable
Type C Audio Adapter
ISN Audio IEM Products/Earbud products
D02 IEM
D10 IEM
EST50 IEM
H30 IEM
H40 IEM
H50 IEM
Neo 5 IEM
Rambo Earbuds
Rambo II Earbuds
Penon Audio Cable Products
Bass Cable
CS819 Cable
Fiery Cable
Flow Cable
GD848 Cable
HiFi Balanced Adapter
Penon Impact Cable
Leo Cable
Leo Plus Cable
Mix Cable
Neo Cable
Obsidian Cable
Orbit Cable
OS133 Cable
OS133 Adapter
OS849 Cable
OSG Cable
Space Cable
Storm Cable
Totem Cable
Totem Adapter Cable
Totem Adapter Type-C DAC
Vocal Cable
Penon Audio IEM Products
Penon IEM
Impact IEM
Legend IEM
Globe IEM
Serial IEM
Sphere IEM
Volt IEM
Vortex IEM
Turbo IEM
Penon Tail Dongle
63 individual personal audio products
Disclaimer:
I want to thank Penon Audio for the love and for the 10th Anniversary Commemorative Edition IEM review sample.
Disclaimer:
These are one persons ideas and concepts, your results may vary.
Declaimer:
A full seven days of burn-in and listening was achieved to guarantee sound maturity.
Equipment Used:
Sony WM1Z Walkman DAP MrWalkman Firmware 4.4mm and 3.5mm
Sony WM1A Walkman DAP MrWalkman Firmware 4.4mm and 3.5mm
Sony TA-ZH1ES DAC/AMP Firmware 1.03
Electra Glide Audio Reference Glide-Reference Standard "Fatboy" Power Cord
Sony Walkman Cradle BCR-NWH10
AudioQuest Carbon USB
PENON AUDIO TAIL Dongle DAC/Amplifier 4.4mm and 3.5mm
Funniest thing I've read all week!
Ha, thanks so much! Cheers!