Thanks for reviewing - a very good one! I'm choosing something for jazz, soul and funk and also like a bit smooth presentation with no harshness on highs. Did youy like Otis Redding more on R2A, Atlas or X1?

To be honest, any of the three listed would be a decent choice, but for me, if you like a smooth presentation, then the choice is between the R2A and the X1. The X1 is more etched and crisp in presentation but not harsh, whereas the R2A is softer "up top". If your preference is for a smoother sound, once your head adjusts to the R2A's treble presentation (which some people can say is "veiled" until you get used to it) and you get a good seal and fit, it is a great non-fatiguing 'phone for Otis Redding and the like so I'd probably lean that way. Just my opinion, though - as stated originally, any of the three would give you plenty of pleasure. I'm actually putting my R2As up for sale or trade shortly to get rid of some of my IEM inventory, and that has just made me want to listen to Otis through them again!

I'm curious as to why you knocked off a star from the overall rating when the review was overwhelmingly positive?  Outside of a touch of 'bite' in the treble, it doesn't seem like anything you mentioned warrants it?  I've got a set as well, and I really can't find anything wrong with them outside of the crappy and cheap feeling microphone module on that particular cable but as you said, the braided one is a thing of beauty and should be the new benchmark for everyone going forward. 
 
I think for the price/performance ratio, these are easily a 5/5.

With regards to the 4* rating, that was my take on where they are across all the IEMs I have heard to date - they are magnificent for the price, hence the very positive review, but I have heard bits of other sound signatures which I liked more (or thought were done slightly better), hence missing the final notch. At this level of achievement, it seems to be nitpicking to criticise anything about the Atlas as it is a great piece of sound engineering, but if I gave it 5 stars then that wouldn't seem right in my head. Very much looking forward to the Vyrus and Phantom lines, as I suspect the Phantom Master might tick the final boxes in my brain to make it perfect, if what Bob has been talking about on the forums comes to fruition. As with anything like this, it's just my subjective opinion - I'm no sound guru and have a very particular set of preferences so if the sound is perfect for someone else, that is all that matters.

Great review Jackpot. I must agree with your take on the Atlas'. I also have the X1's and these two are my daily drivers and I love both and could not choose between the two so just alternate.
A word about the fit of the Atlas'. I found them very difficult to get a good fit and will be getting the longer filters when they become available, however, I think I found a solution(at least for now) yesterday. I had my X1 box on my desk and just for ****s and giggles I decided to try the silicon tips from the X1's on my Atlas' and, hey bingo, the fit of the Atlas is now MUCH better and the fit is comfortable and I used them for over five hours without any fatigue or discomfort! I thought I would mention this as this has been a bug-bear with the Atlas'. Forgive my long-winded post. Cheers.

Swannie007 - thanks for the tip about the tips. Will definitely try that one out.