634EARS: Impressions, Discussions, and Appreciations Thread
Jan 28, 2024 at 2:31 PM Post #572 of 677
Miroak-2, smooth and delightful IEMs.

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Jan 28, 2024 at 2:38 PM Post #573 of 677
Miroak-2, smooth and delightful IEMs.

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I'm still debating if I want to buy a set. As much as having a flagship LOAK 2 is appealing, I feel like the shape is destined for fit issues, and I'm even still a little worried about the MIROAK-II potentially being a problem. A lot of IEMs don't agree with my ears and historically I've had the most success with 64 Audio/FiR Audio's IEMs due to their very small shells. I'm just not 100% sure what direction I want to go in.
 
Jan 28, 2024 at 3:02 PM Post #574 of 677
I'm still debating if I want to buy a set. As much as having a flagship LOAK 2 is appealing, I feel like the shape is destined for fit issues, and I'm even still a little worried about the MIROAK-II potentially being a problem. A lot of IEMs don't agree with my ears and historically I've had the most success with 64 Audio/FiR Audio's IEMs due to their very small shells. I'm just not 100% sure what direction I want to go in.
Due to their specific housing, 634ears IEMs won't fit everyone's ear canals or ear global anatomy. Playing with tips might improve comfort, but cannot solve all issues. I would say that your ear canals don't have to be too narrow or too "angled" for the IEMs to properly be inserted in your ears. You can send me a picture in PM if you want and I will do my best to figure out if your worries are justified.
 
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Jan 28, 2024 at 3:33 PM Post #575 of 677
Due to their specific housing, 634ears IEMs won't fit everyone's ear canals or ear global anatomy. Playing with tips might improve comfort, but cannot solve all issues. I would say that your ear canals don't have to be too narrow or too "angled" for the IEMs to properly be inserted in your ears. You can send me a picture in PM if you want and I will do my best to figure out if your worries are justified.

Shot you a PM!
 
Jan 30, 2024 at 9:23 PM Post #576 of 677

FYI​

Comparison Test of Titanium Housings​

I created titanium housings through CNC machining as an alternative to the titanium 3D-printed housings used in LOAK-PROTOTYPE, and conducted sound tests.
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The test earphones are made of the same wood and tuning as the LOAK-PROTOTYPE01 (LP01) Snakewood and 02 (LP02) African Padouk demo units currently on hand.
The titanium-bodied earphones (LOAK2 Titanium prototype) are shown in the photo above and are slightly greyish compared to the LOAK2 (stainless steel body).
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The sound of two different earphones with the same tuning was compared.
In terms of appearance and build quality, it’s evident that LOAK2 Titanium (prototype) from this test outperforms. The precisely machined housing follows the design accurately without any distortion or uneven surface finish. In contrast, the 3D-printed housing, due to its manufacturing method, cannot achieve a perfect circular shape as designed, resulting in slight distortion and uneven texture on the surface.

Sound Comparison​

As expected, there are noticeable differences in sound between the two titanium housings. Even though both are titanium, there is a hardness difference between 3D printing and machining, as indicated by the manufacturer, and this difference is reflected in the sound.
The 3D-printed housing earphones produce a smarter (tighter) sound compared to CNC-machined ones. The sound contours are distinct and the response feels quick, creating an open and spacious sound with good clarity. However, there is a slightly stronger presence in the high frequencies.
On the other hand, earphones with CNC-machined housings have a slightly softer sound, and the sound lines feel slightly thicker. Especially in the mid-low range, there is more fullness. While the high frequencies are a bit milder compared to the 3D-printed version, the spatial depth seems to decrease, and the sense of openness in the sound is weaker. Additionally, the sound is a bit slower and smoother than the 3D-printed version, maintaining an overall unified feel.

My Impressions​

Initially, I perceived the difference in sound between the sharp and solid 3D-printed housing and the soft and mild sound of the CNC-machined housing as a matter of personal preference. The difference in sound is minimal, akin to choosing between the highest hardness of snake wood and rosewood in terms of wood selection.
However, after repeated listening, it became clear that earphones with 3D-printed housings sounded more refined and sophisticated, with nuances of sound resonance, gloss and tension that are difficult to capture in a frequency graph.This aspect is challenging to articulate, closer to a subjective feeling of being impressed or not.
Given the slight difference in sound, which may not be apparent without direct comparison, and considering that some aspects can be covered by wood selection, the disparity between the 3D-printed and CNC-machined housings may be more of a matter of personal preference. However, focusing solely on “sound quality,” the comparison between these two earphones suggests a difference in superiority beyond personal sound preferences.

Conclusion (as planned, subject to change)​

To be honest, due to the inherent instability in the 3D-printed earphone housing as a manufacturing process, I had planned to discontinue the use of 3D-printed housings for earphone production. However, after comparing the sound, I am now reconsidering. If I can reduce losses and improve yields through design revisions, it may be possible to continue (although the price will undoubtedly increase). I intend to explore this through trial and error with manufacturing partners.
Nevertheless, the CNC-machined titanium housing has excellent finish quality and a balanced sound, so I plan to finalize it as the LOAK2 with a titanium body.
In accordance with the plan, once the current stock of 3D-printed housings is depleted, I am considering temporarily suspending orders for LOAK-PROTOTYPE. Since the stock is not large, those who prefer the 3D-printed version may want to consider it sooner. While I will continue to explore the possibilities of 3D-printed titanium housings, the price will undoubtedly increase, and the production of the next batch is currently undetermined, so please consider it early.
LOAK-PROTOTYPE03, ahead of schedule, will be discontinued for the production of the 2nd batch and marked as SOLDOUT.
 
Jan 31, 2024 at 12:01 AM Post #577 of 677
Had the opportunity to demo the LP01 Snakewood yesterday
Another great IEM from Musashi San. Slightly warm tonality but it still retained great clarity and transparency

In other news, am letting go of a pair of Loak-T (CL) desert ironwood. Drop me a PM if anyone is interested :)
 
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Feb 1, 2024 at 4:24 AM Post #578 of 677
I would like to sell my Miroak-II Padauk wood. Will include both 634EARS original 3.5mm and 4.4mm cables. All accessories are available except the original cardboard box and the literature. $200 plus shipping. Paypal fees I will bear. Let me know if anyone is interested.

The LOAK-2CL is so similar that I do not need this anymore. Looking to buy an intime Sho with the cash.
 
Feb 2, 2024 at 12:53 AM Post #579 of 677
Thanks for that input. Too much sibilance would definitely become annoying, and "smooth" is a nice word to hear about a sound as long as it isn't muddy. It sounds like the MIROAK-II could be a better match, but that's just a guess based on what you're saying. I do really like the green brass with the black shell. How do you like the fit as far as comfort?
Since I have heard the Miroak2 demo, I would highly recommend to purchase the Loak2 or Loak prototype instead for the overall performance.


Besides, here is my LoakT CL with satine for the wood selection. Still waiting for my Loak Prototype 02.
 

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Feb 2, 2024 at 1:35 AM Post #580 of 677
Since I have heard the Miroak2 demo, I would highly recommend to purchase the Loak2 or Loak prototype instead for the overall performance.


Besides, here is my LoakT CL with satine for the wood selection. Still waiting for my Loak Prototype 02.

I just don't think that shell will work for me or I'd consider it. I can just envision it popping out repeatedly since my ears are small. I am still debating on what I want to do about the MIROAK-II.
 
Feb 22, 2024 at 3:14 AM Post #581 of 677
I would like to sell my Miroak-II Padauk wood. Will include both 634EARS original 3.5mm and 4.4mm cables. All accessories are available except the original cardboard box and the literature. $200 plus shipping. Paypal fees I will bear. Let me know if anyone is interested.

The LOAK-2CL is so similar that I do not need this anymore. Looking to buy an intime Sho with the cash.
Oh this is the post I remembered elsewhere now. Am looking for something that does bass nicely (quality/quantity) among other things of course. Would this set qualify?
 
Feb 22, 2024 at 5:20 AM Post #582 of 677
Oh this is the post I remembered elsewhere now. Am looking for something that does bass nicely (quality/quantity) among other things of course. Would this set qualify?
Which one? The Miroak-II or the LOAK-2(CL)?
 
Feb 22, 2024 at 5:36 AM Post #584 of 677
The miroak-II that you are selling (or is it already sold?) Loak-2 cl price will be out of my budget since they are new.
It is already sold. You can buy fresh from 634EARS. Or i might have something different for you. pm me.
 
Feb 26, 2024 at 5:51 AM Post #585 of 677
Have been writing notes and comparing Serial and Miroak-II, can share later if I get time today. One IEM is going out from the collection now.

Need help. Of these, which should I choose for miroak-ii ? (Teak, Bamboo (laminated wood), African Padauk, and Black Walnut.)
Somehow I feel the stock cable is pretty nice. It is so lightweight and easy to carry, I have been carrying it inside my pocket and listening straight from phone - absolutely loving it. But what better cable do you recommend for it? I believe a silver-plated copper cable will be perfect...but since the cost of the IEM is about $330, I am not exactly willing to use any cable beyond $50.


I don't think the No.10 will be a great idea. The No.10 smoothens and thickens note - not right for Miroak-II's already smooth sound signature.

Edit: I let the seller choose it for me. Too confusing!

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Need help. Of these, which wood should I choose for miroak-ii ? (Teak, Bamboo (laminated wood), African Padauk, and Black Walnut.) Only these are available in my use case.

Looking for classily done bass, spacious warm mids..

Any particular thing from top or all more or less same?

Thanks.
 
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