[GreenBow]

I always found the N5005 to have ample bass. They also go down lower in frequency than any other transducer I have. It means I hear low bass stuff with these, that my other transducers cut off.

 

[rantng]

Same but I use comply which are the only tips which work for me with these, understand foam is not everyone’s cup of tea.

I'm personally not a fan of foams, but if these ever do go back on sale, I'd be tempted to give them another go with foams.

 

[Turrican2]

I'm personally not a fan of foams, but if these ever do go back on sale, I'd be tempted to give them another go with foams.

yeah, understand but I think they are worth it. You can always use the filters to account for the increased bass if its too much with foam.

 

[rantng]

yeah, understand but I think they are worth it. You can always use the filters to account for the increased bass if its too much with foam.

I only sold mine because I was never able to get a good seal, but I also never tried using foam tips. I normally have fit issues with larger sized shells, but with their smaller size I just couldn't get them to seal properly. I've learned since then to try different tips before discounting an IEM, but even then I'm not a huge fan of tip-rolling.

 

[KindofBluer]

I only sold mine because I was never able to get a good seal, but I also never tried using foam tips. I normally have fit issues with larger sized shells, but with their smaller size I just couldn't get them to seal properly. I've learned since then to try different tips before discounting an IEM, but even then I'm not a huge fan of tip-rolling.

Foam gives the best fit/sound for my ears, but the bass is still buried. I have other phones where the bass is great, so I don’t think it’s my hearing. My reference track for assessing bass is So What, the first track on Miles Davis’ Kind of Blue, which starts of with solo stand up bass, and the instruments come in.

 

[dawningistheday]

I just received some AZLA SednaEarfit Xelastic eartips and I can say already that they are a big improvement to what I was using previously. Highly recommended for the N5005. I will be doing a lot more critical listening with these (including in the car to see if they're better at isolating) and will post about them again soon.

 

[koopig]

I recently got an used one under 300, and I really enjoy it very much. With the reference filter, it sounds very similar to Moondrop Variations (understandable as both follow the Harman target). Bass quantity is more on Variations, but bass quality is better on N5005. Mid is similar. For treble, N5005 has more air (specially mid-high filter, it sparkles). Overall, Variations is more relaxing, and N5005 is more analytical and dry. Only con of N5005 is the plasticky timbre.
I can't decide which i should keep. If you can get N5005 around 3-400 (remember MSRP was 999), it is the best value iem PERIOD.

 

[dawningistheday]

I've seen that Cinacle called its timbre plasticky, but I've never understood that. I can't hear it at all and I'm not sure what it even means. I paid $325 here for a set, and I consider it incredibly worth that price. My only gripe is the finnicky fit which is thoroughly addressed here.

 

[AlexCBSN]

I recently got an used one under 300, and I really enjoy it very much. With the reference filter, it sounds very similar to Moondrop Variations (understandable as both follow the Harman target). Bass quantity is more on Variations, but bass quality is better on N5005. Mid is similar. For treble, N5005 has more air (specially mid-high filter, it sparkles). Overall, Variations is more relaxing, and N5005 is more analytical and dry. Only con of N5005 is the plasticky timbre.
I can't decide which i should keep. If you can get N5005 around 3-400 (remember MSRP was 999), it is the best value iem PERIOD.

I got an adapter from AliExpress from mmcx to the n5005 connector, cable rolling not only helped getting better mids and treble, it also increased soundstage, these pair, obravo Cupid’s and the acoustune 1670ss are pairs that cable rolling does miracles to em.

 

[koopig]

I got an adapter from AliExpress from mmcx to the n5005 connector, cable rolling not only helped getting better mids and treble, it also increased soundstage, these pair, obravo Cupid’s and the acoustune 1670ss are pairs that cable rolling does miracles to em.

I already ordered an adapter. I will do some rolling with my existing cables. I may order Null Audio Arete with n5005 socket

 

[koopig]

I've seen that Cinacle called its timbre plasticky, but I've never understood that. I can't hear it at all and I'm not sure what it even means. I paid $325 here for a set, and I consider it incredibly worth that price. My only gripe is the finnicky fit which is thoroughly addressed here.

When you compare it with Moondrop Variations (which has EST), you can definitely hear its plasticky timbre. Maybe it is not totally fair to compare EST vs BA. I just happen to have both now, so I hear the difference noticeably.

 

[dawningistheday]

When you compare it with Moondrop Variations (which has EST), you can definitely hear its plasticky timbre. Maybe it is not totally fair to compare EST vs BA. I just happen to have both now, so I hear the difference noticeably.

Hmmmm fair enough. I'd like to try an EST eventually but right now I'm happily #teamplastic

 

[rlw6534]

Well, it finally happened again. On sale for $199.99:

https://www.akg.com/Headphones/Earbuds/AKGN5005BLK.html

 

[rantng]

"This item is currently not available."

 

[rlw6534]

"This item is currently not available."

Well, I was able to snag one just before I posted the link. I guess they sold out fast. Terribly sorry for that. I have been waiting for months for the sale price to happen again. I just got the Black Friday email this morning which prompted me to check.