CanJam Singapore 2025 Impressions Thread (April 5-6, 2025)

[nihalsharma]

Felt fortunate to finally attend CanJam Singapore this year. I had planned to go last year but had to skip it due to work commitments. The vibes at the event were amazing, met some wonderful people and had great conversations. It was incredibly overwhelming (in the best way) to try so many fantastic IEMs and gear, and honestly, pretty exhausting too. Still, I enjoyed every moment of being there. The show conditions are not too ideal for the impressions so take that into consideration when reading the below impressions.

​

Hercules Audio Moses:
I started my first day with the Moses. This was a favorite for many at CanJam New York, and I can clearly see why. The bass is thick and tight, sometimes a bit overwhelming. The presentation felt full and fills the headspace. Technical performance is solid, with a tall soundstage. The upper midrange has a bit of a sizzle, and the treble is airy. Despite the strong and thick bass, the highs remain present and do not feel shadowed. The sound is open and airy. Had great anticipation with it and it delivered

Essence Ears Evolve:
Right beside the Moses were two IEMs from Essence Ears: Evo and Evolve. They offer great value for their price. The Evolve is a balanced set with decent bass, though more midbass would have helped. Vocals sound good.

Essence Ears Evo:
This set focuses more on the midrange. It’s a decent option for the price but not particularly exceptional.

---

Forte Ears:
I was excited about the Forte Ears lineup. The Mefisto is a new release, while the Macbeth being their first IEM, is already highly acclaimed.

Mefisto:
The top end is energetic and slightly sizzly. The bass is tight but not very prominent. Midbass has good quantity, while subbass rumble could be improved. Imaging is sharp, but the shells are large. Overall a good IEM, but I preferred the Macbeth significantly more.

Macbeth:
The bass is tighter and offers deeper subbass compared to the Mefisto. The overall presentation is smoother, with a more spacious and open soundstage. It is less energetic in the upper mids. The bass is slightly shy in the midbass, which reduces impact slightly but not significantly. The shells are large on this one too. I liked it a lot.

---

Jomo Audio:
It was great to finally meet Joseph Mou in person after chatting for a long time.

Serenity:
One of Jomo’s new releases with a 2DD, 4BA, and 2 Planar configuration. Planars are being used more frequently these days due to their space efficiency and cost advantage over ESTs. The bass is deep and textured, with good quantity. The upper midrange is slightly sharp, and the midrange feels a bit thin, I wish it were fuller. Technical performance is strong. Priced at $1600, it’s a good contender in the $1500 range.


Nautic Gleam:
Another new release from Jomo, with a 1DD, 2BA, and 1 Planar configuration. This one was an instant like. It has impactful, strong midbass and a smooth tuning that retains energy. Excellent value for money.

---

Kanek Audio Autumn:
A Hong Kong-based brand, possibly related to Aroma Audio. It features a 1DD, 2BA, and 2EST configuration. The bass is well-textured, with deep subbass and impactful midbass. Imaging and soundstage are impressive. Overall, Autumn delivers a detailed sound and is priced at $1800.

Aroma Audio FieWan:
This was my first time trying the FieWan, and I’ve been waiting for it for a while. It’s still an outstanding IEM. The bass is deep, tight, and very well-textured. The midrange is warm and musical. The sound is resolving without being sharp. Contrary to common feedback, I didn’t find it sharp. The midrange is definitely a highlight.

---

7th Acoustics Asteria:
The lovely folks at 7th Acoustics spent a long time tuning the Asteria, and it shows, it has turned out beautifully. I absolutely loved it, and so did many others at the event. The build quality is excellent and the fit is superb. It’s definitely one of my favorite IEMs.
The bass is tight and very controlled, much better than the Moses in my opinion. This is exactly my kind of bass: not too thick or bloomy. I did find the impact slightly less than the FieWan, but still very satisfying.
The midrange is clean and detailed with great timbre. It likely needs power to shine, probably due to the large dynamic driver coil. Priced at $3800, I found it to be on par with the FieWan. The bass especially is very, very solid.



7th Acoustics Batagor Proto (4BA, 2 Planar):
Still in its prototype phase, this is meant to be an upgrade to one of my favorites—the Supernova. The overall tuning is very nice and likable. It’s a bit energetic in the upper mids, but not overly so.
The bass was good but could use a bit more midbass to round out the experience. I think a lot of others shared this feedback as well.

---

Mysticraft Acoustics:
MA is a brand from Lee and some other folks, one of the most anticipated launches in recent memory. It feels like Lee had been holding back for a long time to finally reveal his magic. They debuted two IEMs: HEX and an unnamed prototype. And trust me, they're outstandingly good.

Unnamed Prototype:
With a configuration of 1DD, 4BA, and 2 Planars, this IEM is bloody good. The bass is solid and deep, thick but controlled, never bloated, with great texture. The overall sound is clean, with warm and lush mids. It sounds very full.
The highs are detailed without being exaggerated. Technical performance is strong, with a tall and deep stage. At $999, it's criminally underpriced and this will remain the unaltered as promised by the man himself. The shells are on the larger side. Compared to the Apostle, which is nearly 2.5x the price, I found this to be much better tuned.

HEX:
Lee’s undisputed champion IEM. Absolutely incredible sound. Bass is solid and bouncy, its thick, textured, and very detailed. The treble is excellent. Slightly less grand than the Fugaku, but still delivers great stage and imaging. Despite using six different driver types, there’s no coherency issue. The sound is realistic and lifelike, almost like full-size headphones.

For me, it stands above the rest, leagues ahead of the Fie Wan, Moses, Mousa, Macbeth, and Asteria and the likes. The HEX simply dominated the floor. The response it received was remarkable; people lined up with anticipation to experience Lee’s magic. I couldn’t get my ears on it the first day as the spot was perpetually occupied, and I had too much to cover, too many IEMs to try. It amazed almost everyone who heard it.

I was lucky to try both the IEMs out of L&P LP6 7th Anniversary Edition, and the sound was so exotic with huge soundstage taking the performance a lot further ahead.

---

Elysian Annihilator 2023:
Tight bass with strong sub and midbass, well-layered and textured. Clean mids, energetic upper mids, and airy, detailed treble. Despite the bass prominence, the sound remains clean.
I liked it, but not too much. There are quite a few IEMs with a similar tuning that do it slightly better, so this felt a bit dated to me.

Campfire Audio Clara:
I was excited to try this, but it didn’t impress me much. The shells are small and ergonomic with a comfortable fit. The sound is thick and overly warm, with strong bass.
There’s a nice balance between sub and midbass, but I didn’t find the bass very tight or controlled. The midrange is warm and lush, may be a bit too much. It was enjoyable, but I expected more.

Melodic Artification:
Didn’t leave a strong impression. I preferred the bass-heavy tuning for its deep impact, good sub and midbass. The midrange is warm and lush, with an open soundstage. Build quality is excellent. The treble is relaxed.
I couldn’t hear much difference between the two tunings, maybe just slight variations in bass and treble quantity.

Subtonic Storm:
This one had been on my list for a long time. The bass is incredibly detailed and well-textured, easily one of the best.
However, it lacked musicality for me. The overall sound felt a bit dry and too neutral, missing enough warmth in the mids. It’s one of those “true to source” IEMs, highly transparent and precise. The bass is excellent and bouncy in a really good way, though.

NightJar Duality:
The bass Monster, but a bit too much bass for my taste. The midrange isn’t entirely overshadowed, but the bass dominates the presentation. I didn’t try the bass switch since it was already more than enough for me. This one also demands a lot of power.

---

Flip Ears Legion:
Met Aries Sales, the man behind the brand. The Legion has received a lot of appreciation since the last NYC CanJam. It has genuinely great bass paired with a nice midrange. The bass is thick and bold with strong impact, yet it doesn’t overpower the higher frequencies.


Flip Ears – Unnamed Proto (Quadbrid):
This is still in its prototype phase. It has less bass than the Legion but is more resolving and airy. It uses EST drivers and is likely priced at more than twice the cost of the Legion.

---

Dita Ventura:
This feels like a flagship in the making. There were two versions, I preferred the black one, which sounded more polished with better bass. It’s expected to be priced above $4K, which I feel is high, but I’m curious to see how the final tuning turns out. At this price point, the competition is intense. The build, however, felt weird and tacky, though I’m sure they’ll improve it.

Dita Audio Prelude:
A very good set for $200, targeting the budget market with an entry-level IEM. I enjoyed the bass—it has a decent soundstage and good resolution. Overall, this should appeal to a wide audience.

---

Sivga Closed-Back Proto (Budget):
Strong subbass and a good stage. The subbass was especially impressive. The midrange could be better but was still quite enjoyable overall.


Sendy Peacock (Flagship):
Nice sub and midbass with a wide soundstage. The midrange is intimate, slightly warm. Upper mids are smooth and pleasant. Build quality is solid. Good value for money headphones.

There was a Sendy Audio DAC/Amp on the table. I really liked its performance. It is supposed to release in May, if I remember correctly.

---

Symphonium Giant:
This IEM has gotten a lot of attention recently and I really liked it too. It offers excellent value for money. The bass has good texture and presence. Upper mids are forward with nice energy. The overall sound is open and detailed. A no-brainer pick. I preferred it over the Titan, which has great bass but can get fatiguing over time.

Nostalgia Audio Pendragon:
Configured with 2DD, 6BA, 4EST, and 2BC drivers. It has strong bass and an excellent midrange. The midbass is well-rounded and stays very controlled. I also liked the build/design. The expected price is around $2500, which seems fair given the configuration.

---

AME Mousa:
This one has been receiving praise since launch. It features thick, slightly slow bass. The midrange has nice timbre, and upper mids are extended without being sharp. The bass can be overwhelming at times. The sound is intense and detailed, but vocals don’t quite stand out, they lack a bit of resolution and clean timbre. The treble lacks some engagement. Still, the overall sound is quite good. Build and design are solid, though the shells are on the larger side. Between this and Moses, the later has more treble energy and sounds airier. I would, may be, this over Moses as it feels more intense and more engaging but need to do a side-by-side comparison to verify.

AME Gaia:
The Gaia features 11 drivers: 4EST, 6BA, and 1DD. It’s bass-light with sharp upper mids. The sound is clean overall, but not particularly engaging.

AME Raven:
This one has a configuration of 4EST and 8BA drivers and no DD. I found the Raven better than the Gaia. It has smoother presentation and better bass impact, especially in the midbass. The midrange is richer and fuller than the Gaia. Upper mids have slight sharpness, but less so than the Gaia.


AME Unnamed Proto:
I don’t know the exact configuration, but it has one DD and one planar driver with some BA drivers and no ESTs. It wasn’t very special for me. It seems to target a lower price range, given AME’s mostly high-end lineup. I found it similar to Gaia, but smoother. The planar driver adds some sparkle. The midrange is warmer, while the bass is just okay and lacks midbass body.


continued....

 

[Onurb8690]

​

Felt fortunate to finally attend CanJam Singapore this year. I had planned to go last year but had to skip it due to work commitments. The vibes at the event were amazing, met some wonderful people and had great conversations. It was incredibly overwhelming (in the best way) to try so many fantastic IEMs and gear, and honestly, pretty exhausting too. Still, I enjoyed every moment of being there. The show conditions are not too ideal for the impressions so take that into consideration when reading the below impressions.

​

Hercules Audio Moses:
I started my first day with the Moses. This was a favorite for many at CanJam New York, and I can clearly see why. The bass is thick and tight, sometimes a bit overwhelming. The presentation felt full and fills the headspace. Technical performance is solid, with a tall soundstage. The upper midrange has a bit of a sizzle, and the treble is airy. Despite the strong and thick bass, the highs remain present and do not feel shadowed. The sound is open and airy. Had great anticipation with it and it delivered

​

Essence Ears Evolve:
Right beside the Moses were two IEMs from Essence Ears: Evo and Evolve. They offer great value for their price. The Evolve is a balanced set with decent bass, though more midbass would have helped. Vocals sound good.

​

Essence Ears Evo:
This set focuses more on the midrange. It’s a decent option for the price but not particularly exceptional.

---

Forte Ears:
I was excited about the Forte Ears lineup. The Mefisto is a new release, while the Macbeth being their first IEM, is already highly acclaimed.

​

Mefisto:
The top end is energetic and slightly sizzly. The bass is tight but not very prominent. Midbass has good quantity, while subbass rumble could be improved. Imaging is sharp, but the shells are large. Overall a good IEM, but I preferred the Macbeth significantly more.

​

Macbeth:
The bass is tighter and offers deeper subbass compared to the Mefisto. The overall presentation is smoother, with a more spacious and open soundstage. It is less energetic in the upper mids. The bass is slightly shy in the midbass, which reduces impact slightly but not significantly. The shells are large on this one too. I liked it a lot.

---

Jomo Audio:
It was great to finally meet Joseph Mou in person after chatting for a long time.

​

Serenity:
One of Jomo’s new releases with a 2DD, 4BA, and 2 Planar configuration. Planars are being used more frequently these days due to their space efficiency and cost advantage over ESTs. The bass is deep and textured, with good quantity. The upper midrange is slightly sharp, and the midrange feels a bit thin, I wish it were fuller. Technical performance is strong. Priced at $1600, it’s a good contender in the $1500 range.


Nautic Gleam:
Another new release from Jomo, with a 1DD, 2BA, and 1 Planar configuration. This one was an instant like. It has impactful, strong midbass and a smooth tuning that retains energy. Excellent value for money.

---

​

Kanek Audio Autumn:
A Hong Kong-based brand, possibly related to Aroma Audio. It features a 1DD, 2BA, and 2EST configuration. The bass is well-textured, with deep subbass and impactful midbass. Imaging and soundstage are impressive. Overall, Autumn delivers a detailed sound and is priced at $1800.

​

Aroma Audio FieWan:
This was my first time trying the FieWan, and I’ve been waiting for it for a while. It’s still an outstanding IEM. The bass is deep, tight, and very well-textured. The midrange is warm and musical. The sound is resolving without being sharp. Contrary to common feedback, I didn’t find it sharp. The midrange is definitely a highlight.

---

​

7th Acoustics Asteria:
The lovely folks at 7th Acoustics spent a long time tuning the Asteria, and it shows, it has turned out beautifully. I absolutely loved it, and so did many others at the event. The build quality is excellent and the fit is superb. It’s definitely one of my favorite IEMs.
The bass is tight and very controlled, much better than the Moses in my opinion. This is exactly my kind of bass: not too thick or bloomy. I did find the impact slightly less than the FieWan, but still very satisfying.
The midrange is clean and detailed with great timbre. It likely needs power to shine, probably due to the large dynamic driver coil. Priced at $3800, I found it to be on par with the FieWan. The bass especially is very, very solid.



7th Acoustics Batagor Proto (4BA, 2 Planar):
Still in its prototype phase, this is meant to be an upgrade to one of my favorites—the Supernova. The overall tuning is very nice and likable. It’s a bit energetic in the upper mids, but not overly so.
The bass was good but could use a bit more midbass to round out the experience. I think a lot of others shared this feedback as well.

---

Mysticraft Acoustics:
MA is a brand from Lee and some other folks, one of the most anticipated launches in recent memory. It feels like Lee had been holding back for a long time to finally reveal his magic. They debuted two IEMs: HEX and an unnamed prototype. And trust me, they're outstandingly good.

​

Unnamed Prototype:
With a configuration of 1DD, 4BA, and 2 Planars, this IEM is bloody good. The bass is solid and deep, thick but controlled, never bloated, with great texture. The overall sound is clean, with warm and lush mids. It sounds very full.
The highs are detailed without being exaggerated. Technical performance is strong, with a tall and deep stage. At $999, it's criminally underpriced and this will remain the unaltered as promised by the man himself. The shells are on the larger side. Compared to the Apostle, which is nearly 2.5x the price, I found this to be much better tuned.

​

HEX:
Lee’s undisputed champion IEM. Absolutely incredible sound. Bass is solid and bouncy, its thick, textured, and very detailed. The treble is excellent. Slightly less grand than the Fugaku, but still delivers great stage and imaging. Despite using six different driver types, there’s no coherency issue. The sound is realistic and lifelike, almost like full-size headphones.

For me, it stands above the rest, leagues ahead of the Fie Wan, Moses, Mousa, Macbeth, and Asteria and the likes. The HEX simply dominated the floor. The response it received was remarkable; people lined up with anticipation to experience Lee’s magic. I couldn’t get my ears on it the first day as the spot was perpetually occupied, and I had too much to cover, too many IEMs to try. It amazed almost everyone who heard it.

I was lucky to try both the IEMs out of L&P LP6 7th Anniversary Edition, and the sound was so exotic with huge soundstage taking the performance a lot further ahead.

---

​

Elysian Annihilator 2023:
Tight bass with strong sub and midbass, well-layered and textured. Clean mids, energetic upper mids, and airy, detailed treble. Despite the bass prominence, the sound remains clean.
I liked it, but not too much. There are quite a few IEMs with a similar tuning that do it slightly better, so this felt a bit dated to me.

​

Campfire Audio Clara:
I was excited to try this, but it didn’t impress me much. The shells are small and ergonomic with a comfortable fit. The sound is thick and overly warm, with strong bass.
There’s a nice balance between sub and midbass, but I didn’t find the bass very tight or controlled. The midrange is warm and lush. It was enjoyable, but I expected more.

​

Melodic Artification:
Didn’t leave a strong impression. I preferred the bass-heavy tuning for its deep impact, good sub and midbass. The midrange is warm and lush, with an open soundstage. Build quality is excellent. The treble is relaxed.
I couldn’t hear much difference between the two tunings, maybe just slight variations in bass and treble quantity.

​

Subtonic Storm:
This one had been on my list for a long time. The bass is incredibly detailed and well-textured, easily one of the best.
However, it lacked musicality for me. The overall sound felt a bit dry and too neutral, missing enough warmth in the mids. It’s one of those “true to source” IEMs, highly transparent and precise. The bass is excellent and bouncy in a really good way, though.

​

NightJar Duality:
The bass Monster, but a bit too much bass for my taste. The midrange isn’t entirely overshadowed, but the bass dominates the presentation. I didn’t try the bass switch since it was already more than enough for me. This one also demands a lot of power.

---

​

Flip Ears Legion:
Met Aries Sales, the man behind the brand. The Legion has received a lot of appreciation since the last NYC CanJam. It has genuinely great bass paired with a nice midrange. The bass is thick and bold with strong impact, yet it doesn’t overpower the higher frequencies.


Flip Ears – Unnamed Proto (Quadbrid):
This is still in its prototype phase. It has less bass than the Legion but is more resolving and airy. It uses EST drivers and is likely priced at more than twice the cost of the Legion.

---

​

Dita Ventura:
This feels like a flagship in the making. There were two versions—I preferred the black one, which sounded more polished with better bass. It’s expected to be priced above $4K, which I feel is high, but I’m curious to see how the final tuning turns out. At this price point, the competition is intense. The build, however, felt weird and tacky, though I’m sure they’ll improve it.

​

Dita Audio Prelude:
A very good set for $200, targeting the budget market with an entry-level IEM. I enjoyed the bass—it has a decent soundstage and good resolution. Overall, this should appeal to a wide audience.

---

Sivga Closed-Back Proto (Budget):
Strong subbass and a good stage. The subbass was especially impressive. The midrange could be better but was still quite enjoyable overall.


Sendy Peacock (Flagship):
Nice sub and midbass with a wide soundstage. The midrange is intimate, slightly warm. Upper mids are smooth and pleasant. Build quality is solid. Good value for money headphones.

There was a Sendy Audio DAC/Amp on the table. I really liked its performance. It is supposed to release in May, if I remember correctly.

---

​

Symphonium Giant:
This IEM has gotten a lot of attention recently and I really liked it too. It offers excellent value for money. The bass has good texture and presence. Upper mids are forward with nice energy. The overall sound is open and detailed. A no-brainer pick. I preferred it over the Titan, which has great bass but can get fatiguing over time.

​

Nostalgia Audio Pendragon:
Configured with 2DD, 6BA, 4EST, and 2BC drivers. It has strong bass and an excellent midrange. The midbass is well-rounded and stays very controlled. I also liked the build. The expected price is around $2500, which seems fair given the configuration.

---

​

AME Mousa:
This one has been receiving praise since launch. It features thick, slightly slow bass. The midrange has nice timbre, and upper mids are extended without being sharp. The bass can be overwhelming at times. The sound is intense and detailed, but vocals don’t quite stand out, they lack a bit of resolution and clean timbre. The treble lacks some engagement. Still, the overall sound is quite good. Build and design are solid, though the shells are on the larger side. Between this and Moses, the later has more treble energy and sounds airier.

​

AME Gaia:
The Gaia features 11 drivers: 4EST, 6BA, and 1DD. It’s bass-light with sharp upper mids. The sound is clean overall, but not particularly engaging.

​

AME Raven:
This one has a configuration of 4EST and 8BA drivers and no DD. I found the Raven better than the Gaia. It has smoother presentation and better bass impact, especially in the midbass. The midrange is richer and fuller than the Gaia. Upper mids have slight sharpness, but less so than the Gaia.


AME Unnamed Proto:
I don’t know the exact configuration, but it has one DD and one planar driver with some BA drivers and no ESTs. It wasn’t very special for me. It seems to target a lower price range, given AME’s mostly high-end lineup. I found it similar to Gaia, but smoother. The planar driver adds some sparkle. The midrange is warmer, while the bass is just okay and lacks midbass body.


continued....

What are your favorites?

 

[nihalsharma]

Continued from part 1...

​

Unique Melody Jet Black:
It has a satisfying bass and a vibrant sound. Mids are warm and fairly prominent, with vocals close to the ear. Upper mids extend well without sharpness or fatigue. The overall sound is resolving, though subbass lacks depth and rumble. The midrange feels a bit artificial—something’s missing. Still, vocals are forward, and it’s comfortable for long listening sessions. A good set, though not anything exceptional.

Noble Audio Chronicle:
Only the bass really stands out for me but that's not quite impactful either. The mids are forward and a bit neutral; they don't carry enough warmth. Treble is decent, and the stage is wide and deep. Vocals could be more prominent. Possibly sounded underwhelming because I tried it right after the HEX. But the price is really too much to ask.

Noble Audio Shogun:
This one offers more bass than the Chronicle, with better midbass impact and slightly deeper subbass. However, the bass isn't as well-textured or detailed. The midrange is warmer and fuller, with more prominent vocals. It’s a bit more fun and exciting than the Chronicle, which I found rather dull. Technically solid, though not the most precise in imaging. Slightly too warm at times.

Noble Audio has to push harder. There are so many exceptionally well-tuned IEMs in the high-end price range, making the Chronicle and Shogun feel a bit outclassed. My two cents!


Vision Ears EXT2:
Didn’t really connect with the tuning on this one. The bass is thick but lacks intensity and detail. Subbass depth is missing. Upper mids feel thin and sharp. Just not for me.

Oriolus Traillii:
I’ve always wanted to try this long-beloved IEM. It has a mid-centric tuning and lacks a nice bass response, especially the subbass. The upper mids are slightly sharp. Resolution is excellent, and the timbre is clean. I don’t want to say anything negative about the Trailli here , but at CanJam, I found a few IEMs I preferred a lot over it for my taste.

PMG Apex SE:
Favorite of many. The Apex SE has thick, strong bass and a grand presentation. Resolution is excellent. Female vocals are slightly sharp, like the Traillii, but the bass is much better here. Subbass could be a bit deeper and rounder, though. Midbass is good, and treble has a slight extra bite. Bass isn’t as bouncy as HEX or Fulgrim. Male vocals are slightly recessed and could use more body. The stage could be taller.

Alpha Omega Fulgrim:
A big surprise for me, but in a way I was expecting it. Met Clement and Henry, the minds behind it. This IEM has an incredible bass response: super tight, slightly warm, well-controlled, and with superb decay. The subbass has excellent depth and rumble, yet the bass never overwhelms the higher frequencies. It does not opt for a very thick and heavy bass, which a lot of good IEMs go for, but does not miss an inch on the impact.
The midrange is lush, prominent, and achieves superb clarity, with a warmth that I really enjoy. Upper mids are beautifully extended. Treble is very detailed but never sharp or fatiguing. On the technical front, it does not compromise at all. Huge soundstage, spanning far and wide in all directions, imaging spot-on.

Overall, a well-executed IEM with a great bass and midrange.


Brise Audio Fugaku:

I had the opportunity to audition the great Fugaku , although not with the most optimal source; I used the Questyle CMA18P, which is quite decent. Yet, even through this setup, the sound was so astonishingly sublime that the whole 18K USD pricing momentarily vanished from my mind. For a moment, I just wished I owned one. Fugaku’s sound was incredibly full, powerful, deeply immersive, and rich in detail. The bass felt so tactile, realistic, and deeply resonant. It was the best bass experience for me. The tuning had such grandness and clarity that I felt as if I could see the music, visualizing each note and interpreting it with incredible ease.

In my honest opinion, the Fugaku may very well be the finest-sounding IEM system I've encountered. Yes, the integrated amp compromises portability and adds to the overall cost, but it undeniably extracts every bit of greatness. I tried other heavy-hitters like the Apex SE, Traillii, and several others, but nothing else left me as awestruck and speechless as the Fugaku.

---

**** Among the IEMs that I tried at the show, in decreasing order of rating (considering my memory serves right): ****

Fugaku > HEX > Fulgrim > Storm > PMG SE > Asteria > Mousa > Fie Wan > Moses > Lee’s Tribrid > Macbeth > Trailli > Mefisto > Alpha Omega Omega > Annihilator 2023 > Chronicle > Shogun > Pendragon > AME Raven > Alter Ego > UM Jet Black > Clara > Duality Vision Ears EXT2 > Gaia

---

In the end, the event left me fully satisfied. I genuinely enjoyed both days. Loved the atmosphere and the energy of everyone in the hobby, as well as the passion of the people building these incredible products. I had hoped to try more headphones, but there just wasn’t enough time. Listening to IEM after IEM can get quite exhausting, and there were so many good ones I couldn’t get to. Maybe next time!

 

[mouyo90]

Continued from part 1...

​

Unique Melody Jet Black:
It has a satisfying bass and a vibrant sound. Mids are warm and fairly prominent, with vocals close to the ear. Upper mids extend well without sharpness or fatigue. The overall sound is resolving, though subbass lacks depth and rumble. The midrange feels a bit artificial—something’s missing. Still, vocals are forward, and it’s comfortable for long listening sessions. A good set, though not anything exceptional.

​

Noble Audio Chronicle:
Only the bass really stands out for me but that's not quite impactful either. The mids are forward and a bit neutral; they don't carry enough warmth. Treble is decent, and the stage is wide and deep. Vocals could be more prominent. Possibly sounded underwhelming because I tried it right after the HEX. But the price is really too much to ask.

​

Noble Audio Shogun:
This one offers more bass than the Chronicle, with better midbass impact and slightly deeper subbass. However, the bass isn't as well-textured or detailed. The midrange is warmer and fuller, with more prominent vocals. It’s a bit more fun and exciting than the Chronicle, which I found rather dull. Technically solid, though not the most precise in imaging. Slightly too warm at times.

Noble Audio has to push harder. There are so many exceptionally well-tuned IEMs in the high-end price range, making the Chronicle and Shogun feel a bit outclassed. My two cents!


Vision Ears EXT2:
Didn’t really connect with the tuning on this one. The bass is thick but lacks intensity and detail. Subbass depth is missing. Upper mids feel thin and sharp. Just not for me.

​

Oriolus Traillii:
I’ve always wanted to try this long-beloved IEM. It has a mid-centric tuning and lacks a nice bass response, especially the subbass. The upper mids are slightly sharp. Resolution is excellent, and the timbre is clean. I don’t want to say anything negative about the Trailli here , but at CanJam, I found a few IEMs I preferred a lot over it for my taste.

​

PMG Apex SE:
Favorite of many. The Apex SE has thick, strong bass and a grand presentation. Resolution is excellent. Female vocals are slightly sharp, like the Traillii, but the bass is much better here. Subbass could be a bit deeper and rounder, though. Midbass is good, and treble has a slight extra bite. Bass isn’t as bouncy as HEX or Fulgrim. Male vocals are slightly recessed and could use more body. The stage could be taller.

​

Alpha Omega Fulgrim:
A big surprise for me, but in a way I was expecting it. Met Clement and Henry, the minds behind it. This IEM has an incredible bass response: tight, slightly warm, well-controlled, and with superb decay. The subbass has excellent depth and rumble, yet the bass never overwhelms the higher frequencies.
The midrange is lush, prominent, and achieves superb clarity, with a warmth that I really enjoy. Upper mids are beautifully extended. Treble is very detailed but never sharp or fatiguing. Overall, a well-executed IEM with a great bass and midrange.


Brise Audio Fugaku:

I had the opportunity to audition the great Fugaku , although not with the most optimal source; I used the Questyle CMA18P, which is quite decent. Yet, even through this setup, the sound was so astonishingly sublime that the whole 18K USD pricing momentarily vanished from my mind. For a moment, I just wished I owned one. Fugaku’s sound was incredibly full, powerful, deeply immersive, and rich in detail. The bass felt so tactile, realistic, and deeply resonant. It was the best bass experience for me. The tuning had such grandness and clarity that I felt as if I could see the music, visualizing each note and interpreting it with incredible ease.

In my honest opinion, the Fugaku may very well be the finest-sounding IEM system I've encountered. Yes, the integrated amp compromises portability and adds to the overall cost, but it undeniably extracts every bit of greatness. I tried other heavy-hitters like the Apex SE, Traillii, and several others, but nothing else left me as awestruck and speechless as the Fugaku.

---

**** Among the IEMs that I tried at the show, in decreasing order of rating (considering my memory serves right): ****

Fugaku > HEX > Fulgrim > Storm > PMG SE > Asteria > Mousa > Fie Wan > Moses > Lee’s Tribrid > Macbeth > Trailli > Mefisto > Alpha Omega Omega > Annihilator 2023 > Chronicle > Shogun > Pendragon > AME Raven > Alter Ego > UM Jet Black > Clara > Duality Vision Ears EXT2 > Gaia

---

​

In the end, the event left me fully satisfied. I genuinely enjoyed both days. Loved the atmosphere and the energy of everyone in the hobby, as well as the passion of the people building these incredible products. I had hoped to try more headphones, but there just wasn’t enough time. Listening to IEM after IEM can get quite exhausting, and there were so many good ones I couldn’t get to. Maybe next time!

Amazing thanks for all the details and your impressions of all those amazings IEMs. About the Fulgrim. How would you describe the soundstage of the Fulgrim I’m really interested in this set. Thanks!

 

[elnineteenth]

Continued from part 1...

​

Unique Melody Jet Black:
It has a satisfying bass and a vibrant sound. Mids are warm and fairly prominent, with vocals close to the ear. Upper mids extend well without sharpness or fatigue. The overall sound is resolving, though subbass lacks depth and rumble. The midrange feels a bit artificial—something’s missing. Still, vocals are forward, and it’s comfortable for long listening sessions. A good set, though not anything exceptional.

​

Noble Audio Chronicle:
Only the bass really stands out for me but that's not quite impactful either. The mids are forward and a bit neutral; they don't carry enough warmth. Treble is decent, and the stage is wide and deep. Vocals could be more prominent. Possibly sounded underwhelming because I tried it right after the HEX. But the price is really too much to ask.

​

Noble Audio Shogun:
This one offers more bass than the Chronicle, with better midbass impact and slightly deeper subbass. However, the bass isn't as well-textured or detailed. The midrange is warmer and fuller, with more prominent vocals. It’s a bit more fun and exciting than the Chronicle, which I found rather dull. Technically solid, though not the most precise in imaging. Slightly too warm at times.

Noble Audio has to push harder. There are so many exceptionally well-tuned IEMs in the high-end price range, making the Chronicle and Shogun feel a bit outclassed. My two cents!


Vision Ears EXT2:
Didn’t really connect with the tuning on this one. The bass is thick but lacks intensity and detail. Subbass depth is missing. Upper mids feel thin and sharp. Just not for me.

​

Oriolus Traillii:
I’ve always wanted to try this long-beloved IEM. It has a mid-centric tuning and lacks a nice bass response, especially the subbass. The upper mids are slightly sharp. Resolution is excellent, and the timbre is clean. I don’t want to say anything negative about the Trailli here , but at CanJam, I found a few IEMs I preferred a lot over it for my taste.

​

PMG Apex SE:
Favorite of many. The Apex SE has thick, strong bass and a grand presentation. Resolution is excellent. Female vocals are slightly sharp, like the Traillii, but the bass is much better here. Subbass could be a bit deeper and rounder, though. Midbass is good, and treble has a slight extra bite. Bass isn’t as bouncy as HEX or Fulgrim. Male vocals are slightly recessed and could use more body. The stage could be taller.

​

Alpha Omega Fulgrim:
A big surprise for me, but in a way I was expecting it. Met Clement and Henry, the minds behind it. This IEM has an incredible bass response: tight, slightly warm, well-controlled, and with superb decay. The subbass has excellent depth and rumble, yet the bass never overwhelms the higher frequencies.
The midrange is lush, prominent, and achieves superb clarity, with a warmth that I really enjoy. Upper mids are beautifully extended. Treble is very detailed but never sharp or fatiguing. Overall, a well-executed IEM with a great bass and midrange.


Brise Audio Fugaku:

I had the opportunity to audition the great Fugaku , although not with the most optimal source; I used the Questyle CMA18P, which is quite decent. Yet, even through this setup, the sound was so astonishingly sublime that the whole 18K USD pricing momentarily vanished from my mind. For a moment, I just wished I owned one. Fugaku’s sound was incredibly full, powerful, deeply immersive, and rich in detail. The bass felt so tactile, realistic, and deeply resonant. It was the best bass experience for me. The tuning had such grandness and clarity that I felt as if I could see the music, visualizing each note and interpreting it with incredible ease.

In my honest opinion, the Fugaku may very well be the finest-sounding IEM system I've encountered. Yes, the integrated amp compromises portability and adds to the overall cost, but it undeniably extracts every bit of greatness. I tried other heavy-hitters like the Apex SE, Traillii, and several others, but nothing else left me as awestruck and speechless as the Fugaku.

---

**** Among the IEMs that I tried at the show, in decreasing order of rating (considering my memory serves right): ****

Fugaku > HEX > Fulgrim > Storm > PMG SE > Asteria > Mousa > Fie Wan > Moses > Lee’s Tribrid > Macbeth > Trailli > Mefisto > Alpha Omega Omega > Annihilator 2023 > Chronicle > Shogun > Pendragon > AME Raven > Alter Ego > UM Jet Black > Clara > Duality Vision Ears EXT2 > Gaia

---

​

In the end, the event left me fully satisfied. I genuinely enjoyed both days. Loved the atmosphere and the energy of everyone in the hobby, as well as the passion of the people building these incredible products. I had hoped to try more headphones, but there just wasn’t enough time. Listening to IEM after IEM can get quite exhausting, and there were so many good ones I couldn’t get to. Maybe next time!

I like your realistic take on those iems.

Fugaku seemd the best thing at the show for me nothing was close.

Fulgrim, the Omega, Hex I needed more time with.

Ventura I tried the white prototype I thought it was bright.

but I liked the perpetua a lot it was organic, natural with great qualities that you can feeI. I ordered the last unit straight away from bloomaudio.

 

[samuraix920]

Seems like not that many people tried the etoile

 

[Alienx]

Cayin RU9 - From the Sources point of view, this is the one that got most of my attention. I had RU6 and RU7, but never really liked Dongles, when I saw this new RU9 it got my full attention straight away. Great idea in making a MagSafe “Dongle”, in this case fully fitted with all the tech you want ( e.g. Real tubes, Bluetooth, RU7 DAC AKM AK9943S (thanks for the correction @Gold Fox ), Line out, 4.4mm… you name it) and it sounds great for a dongle, RU7 on steroids. I can’t wait to see this on the market and get my hands on one

Thank you very much especially for this section of your impressions. RU9 sounds very promising on paper. I understand that it was on display only, and not for trying out yet. I wonder, how it’s going to sound.

 

[GiullianSN]

Thank you very much especially for this section of your impressions. RU9 sounds very promising on paper. I understand that it was on display only, and not for trying out yet. I wonder, how it’s going to sound.

Hey mate, thanks! Where did you see it for display only?

I did spend a good 15-20min with it at Zeppelin room right next to Flip Ears IEMs. I loved it and will definitely keep a close eye in it for when it’s available to buy.

 

[Alienx]

I did spend a good 15-20min with it at Zeppelin room right next to Flip Ears IEMs. I loved it and will definitely keep a close eye in it for when it’s available to buy

I hadn’t caught you had also the opportunity to listen to it. Hence, I thought it was for display only at the CanJam. I’m glad you liked it.

 

[Tex Irie]

SYNERGY. IS. EVERYTHING.

Agreed wholeheartedly. Seeking synergies is like seeking the meaning of life. Through music.

FACTS! say that last part one more time...

 

[Hitchslapped]

Moses against Valhalla impressions?

Liked both but wondering if its a big jump considering one being x2 the price..

Valhalla is more versatile in my opinion. Moses is great for rock, edm, rave type genres but its bass is abit overdone for me and I find it fatiguing after a while. I prefer Valhalla for vocals.

If you’re considering moses, can also look into ff gm or gma. I think that is better than either overall.

 

[studenthifi0]

Curious about any show impression of the new Raal silver interface? Thanks

 

[I lack sleep]

[I also posted this impressions report in the Filipino Audiophile Club (FAC) Facebook group. I may edit portions since I may use Taglish over there. After this post, I will update both posts simultaneously.]
[Photos to follow.]

Another Canjam SG has come and gone. Singapore's always a blast to visit since it's got fresh air (I'm asthmatic, this is a big deal for me), a diverse food scene, and passionate hobby communities. Now, I've attended the last two Canjam SGs (2023 and 2024), and am painfully aware that there will be some IEMs that will have longer queues for demos than others. Knowing this, I arrived in Singapore days early and snuck in some early auditions in Nihilo Gallery, Jaben, Zepp, and The Hangout in between meetups with my friends from the Singaporean rhythm game and audiophile communities, pasabuys (proxy buys), and hikes. Even then, it's barely enough time to demo since Canjam SG has generally been a launching pad for new IEMs to take advantage of the portable audio-focused scene there (and other equally densely-populated Southeast Asian countries).

I'm dividing my impressions by price range (sub-300 USD, 300-1000 USD, 1000-2000 USD, 2000+ USD). I will use a Yay (stood out for me, buy it if you can afford), Kay (merely alright, didn't stand out; don't expect me to say a lot), and Nay (not for me, but your mileage may vary) system for my impressions. THis may differ depending on the price range. For example, when I finally post my impressions on the kilobucks, even some notable tuning flows or even ergonomic issues will send an IEM straight to Nay. Look, if I can't wear a summit-fi IEM for over a minute, there's no point even if it sounds so heavenly. I am spending several thousands of dollars, after all. Usual caveats apply: (i) 15-20 minutes on average unless otherwise stated; and (ii) the same testing setup was used.


Test Gear: iBasso DX320, Penon Liqueur Black eartips
Test Songs: Poet and the Pendulum (Wembley Live) / Nightwish, Heavy is the Crown (Live) / Linkin Park, The World is Burning / Ember Falls, Devil's Spirit / Zircon, Cyaegha (Usao), Rad Dogs / Vivid Bad Squad, Monster in my Closet / Myrath, Akatsuki / Pridask, What do you fight for / Naoki Hashimoto, Midnight Lady / Dirty Androids


GENERAL OBSERVATIONS:

1. This year's Canjam SG saw a lot of experimentation with hybrid configurations, particularly those with microplanar tweeters and bone conduction drivers (both the plate and "BA" type). This all culminated with one of the standouts in the show, the Mysticraft Hex, which included no less than SIX driver types while retaining cohesion and maximizing the benefits of each driver type (e.g., DD bass tactility, EST treble extension).

2. The continued rise of Hong Kong and SEA brands cannot be ignored at this point. I find that these brands retain a boutique-ish mentality of sticking to their vision instead of chasing the latest trends to cater to the lowest common denominator-- and often, they're successful at that (unlike some of the Western brands which I find are continuing to fall off outside their dedicated fanbases). More importantly, there's quite a bit of experimentation over here to push the limits of IEMs (e.g., Subtonic Storm's attempts at mimicking a well-treated studio monitor setup, Elysian's brand of extended treble, as well as FatFreq and Nightjar's 99999 sub-bass). Now, they're starting to enter the budget and lower mid-fi spaces that were once dominated by Chifi.

3. Sorry to everyone, but I'm tired of the race to the bottom mentality that's led to machinegun releases especially in the Chinese market. I get why this happens, but the recent target curves simply don't vibe with me as a listener. That's why I go #2.

4. [#pinoyprayd on] Flipears did well in Singapore! Flipears did well in Singapore! Aegis and Legion sold out! They were even taking preorders! The prototypes were also well-received! [#pinoyprayd off]

A. SUB-300 USD

Yay:

Dita Audio Prelude (TBD, estimated <200; IEM in show was more or less the final tuning, with the retail package to be finalized) - This reminds me of the Dita Project M (which I still like), but with a better controlled treble (i.e., those peaks are either gone or smoothed out), leading to a well-executed mild-V shape with a clean, open, and energetic presentation -- at least for the price range. Add Dita's known strengths in build quality and accessories package, and you have what I consider to be my pick for this year's sub-300 category.

CrinEar Daybreak Prototype (TBD, estimated <200) - I am aware that the CrinEar IEMs track Crinacle's current preferences (as well as recent tuning trends). This leads to an average 5dB sub-bass boost with a controlled midbass and upper bass along with a perceptively "flat" midrange. They tend to differ in the upper midrange + treble presentation and the resulting staging. Of the three CrinEar IEMs (Daybreak, Reference, and Meta), Daybreak has a slightly more energetic presentation, but for me, the boosts in the bass and treble are not enough to be considered a V-shape. Staging was also less congested than the rest of the CrinEar IEMs, as well as several of Crinacle's other budget-fi collabs (e.g., Truthear Zero series). Fit also improved over practically all of Crinacle's previous projects. Close 2nd to the Prelude for me.

Kay:

Kotori Zephyr (150, neutral / EDC set), CrinEar Reference Prototype (TBD, estimated <300, can't say it's "reference" in the way I associate that term with Etymotics and the like as I still detect a fair bit of coloration owing to its mild-V profile; kinda like a subdued Daybreak, but I prefer that one over this-- for sure, someone will veer towards this though)

Nay:

CrinEar Meta (200) - Hear me out. For one, you can't buy this anymore. It's also unlikely that someone will post a second-hand unit. If you ask me, you're not missing out unless you really want to add it as part of your collection. As I've mentioned above, the CrinEar IEMs tend to have a similar presentation until the midrange; it's the upper midrange + treble presentation and the resulting staging where they generally differ. Of the bunch, the Meta came across as particularly congested sounding even for an IEM. This is likely due to the bass boost and a more reserved pinna gain leading to a downsloping treble with a rapid roll-off in the air regions. This also led to hi-hats and cymbals (and other instruments that live in their frequency range) sounding particularly sharp. Those are turnoffs for me!

Noble Audio Knight (289) - Came across as V-shaped, but there's a lack of control in both ends that results in a muffled presentation plus a random peak in the higher registers that turns hi-hats and cymbals into icepicks. Noble's done better than this for sure! With the naming scheme, I was half hoping this would at least be baby Sparty, but we'll have to hope till then. [yes, I would totally grab a baby Sparty]

Campfire Audio Axion (249) - The double whammy of bloated bass and thin, shrill midrange and treble. The one miss in the CFA trio displayed in the show (Alien Brain, Clara, Axion).

Juzear x Z-Reviews Defiant (TBD, but said to be sub-300) - Remember hearing this as a bog standard V-shape with some odd valleys in the upper registers that result in an almost blunted attack, noticeable especially in percussion. Yumu (from Hifigo) asked me to record my impressions for the IEM, so this might change in the final product.

Celest Yaksha prototype (TBD, but knowing Celest, likely sub-300) - Remember this having a laid-back presentation, but goes too far to the point it's dark and veiled. Like the Defiant, Yumu asked me to record my impressions for the IEM, so this might change in the final product.

Tangzu Wan'er 2 (20) - Stepped forward in terms of build (especially the connector) and overall package (Sancai tips are among the better ones), but took several steps back in terms of sound. The Wan'er was an easy listen with a more warm neutral sound profile-- this is Not'er-- the balance is thrown out of whack, leaving a thin-sounding IEM with hardly any perceptible bass. I tried this after Canjam but it's one of the IEMs Sam Audio highlighted for Tangzu, so it counts I guess.

NOT AUDIO RELATED, BUT STILL PART OF THE SHOW:

- Best non-audio related "activity" in the show: Dita Audio vs. Nostalgia Audio's BEYBLADE TOURNAMENT!
- Best non-audio giveaway: CraftEars and LimeEars' Polish sweets-- god knows we need that little bit of sugar to keep us going throughout the show.
- The representative of Artpical Audio randomly did push ups while minding the booth in the last couple hours. He also seems as ripped as Jack Vang. Who will in a "xxx pushups in xxx minutes" challenge between the two? Maybe we shall find out next Canjam!

[Next Part: 300-1000 USD, 1000-2000 USD, 2000+ USD]

 

[pawdiophile]

I find that these brands retain a boutique-ish mentality of sticking to their vision instead of chasing the latest trends to cater to the lowest common denominator-- and often, they're successful at that (unlike some of the Western brands which I find are continuing to fall off outside their dedicated fanbases). More importantly, there's quite a bit of experimentation over here to push the limits of IEMs (e.g., Subtonic Storm's attempts at mimicking a well-treated studio monitor setup, Elysian's brand of extended treble, as well as FatFreq and Nightjar's 99999 sub-bass). Now, they're starting to enter the budget and lower mid-fi spaces that were once dominated by Chifi.

This is what makes CanJam Singapore this year so special!

Singapore (&SEA as a whole) rightfully deserves the title as the golden capitol of IEMs.

 

[I lack sleep]

This is what makes CanJam Singapore this year so special!

Every time I feel burned out by the machinegunned releases, I think of what will come out in Canjam Singapore and poof, I feel better.