Let me start the impressions with a preview of
Alambic Ears Mavericks...
@Aldo40 lent me a preview sample for a couple of weeks, impressions are that from a prototype but still very further along I'll update these impressions with the final product in my review
Sound
The Mavericks is quite an interesting IEM : it features visceral, toe tapping, bass head level bass presence combined with a balanced midrange with excellent bite and an understated but refined treble.
Bass
Bass is definitely one of the highlights of the Mavericks signature and a fundamental of its physical and even visceral character. It's a deeply seated powerful and punchy bass with a snappy attack but it lingers a bit so while decay is not slow per say it's not a dry and purely clean bass with a reference take but rather a richly textured bass with a soulful presentation. This makes for a very engaging bass and with great speed it’s imparting strong pace, rythm and timing. Mavericks are toe tapping kind of IEM and there is a sub bass tilt that will rejoice bassheads.
Sub bass extension is excellent with a prominent presence when called for. My usual test tracks Aphex Twins "Ageispolis" and Sohn's
"Falling" were so enjoyable with the Mavericks and I went on to L'impératrice "Erreur 404" and and Billie Eilish
"Bury a friend" as I really enjoyed the Mavericks subs so much I took my sweet time. It's really one of the best BA subs I have experienced along with my custom FIBAE7 (I am betting custom Mavericks will be something to behold!). You almost feel like the BA is moving air like a dynamic driver it's quite rare.
Mid bass is superb with great slam and control, the snappy attack means the Mavericks delivers a lot of punch on the leading notes on percussions and Lucy Dixon
"Stormy weather" was a pure joy to listen to I actually cycled twice for good measure. Nenad Vasilic
"Lupafte" is another example of super portraying of the percussions and the weight of the notes is one of the most impressive I have heard. The mavericks clearly excels at this. Yom "Une épopée" is another example. In a totally different genre, Marian Hill
"Differently" was such a treat.
Mids
Given how visceral the presence of the bass is, the Mavericks midrange risked being shadowed and it's a balancing act that Aldo managed brilliantly in my opinion. The Mavericks might provide basshead level bass it also can provide plenty of excitement and refinement via its midrange.
Lower mids are fairly accurate with good body but not dipped for clarity. Instruments fill the space but separation is excellent. Male volcals have plenty of grit and power while remaining uncolored and packing a lot of nuances... Pete Alderton "Malted Milk" and Buddy Guy "Born to play the guitar" were both very enjoyable with the Mavericks.
The Mavericks upper mids are quite outstanding in my opinion, very few IEM manage to provide great bite while never sound harsh. This shows on brass instruments and I have enjoyed saxophones, trumpets and horn greatly with the Mavericks. Female vocals are soulful and quite accurate as well and Freya Ridings
"Lost without you" and Vaiteani "I'm ready" or Juliette Armanet
"L'accident" sent shivers down my spine without ever becoming harsh or sibilant. Camelia Jordana
"Berlin" revealed the Mavericks ability to portray Camelia unique tessitura with great timbral accuracy.
I really was impressed at how mature the mids tuning was for the Mavericks. Carlos Henriquez
"Chuchifrito" is a very good example of how the Mavericks lower and upper mids are balanced. You get great body on Carlos Henriquez double bass but at the same time Michael Rodriguez trumpet reflect on the great upper mids bite that is spot on to my ears. A similar balance can be found in Blue Mitchell
"Na Ta Ka" where the Mavericks provide a vibrant Soul Jazz grooves.
Treble
The mavericks treble is quite balanced, it does feature energy and good presence in the lower section but it's a safe delivery with no excess. A good thing in my opinion given how visceral the Mavericks are down low and how energetic its upper mids is. Upper treble is a bit understated in terms of presence but shouldn't be underestimated in terms of extension which is very good.
As hinted, the lower treble is delicate and refined in its restraints, almost a counterpoint to the exuberant nature of its bass and a balancing act to avoid making the Mavericks a fatiguing IEM (yeah original Vega, I am looking at you!). Don't mistake this for a dull lower treble, as it packs good energy but with restraint. Piano notes are lively and engaging but they won't take you to the edge that treble heads will crave. Electric guitars have good bite and energy but similarly they are safe. For example The Pixies
"Where is my mind" was delightful and enaging but some IEMs might take you further up the ladder to the edge.
The Mavericks upper treble is not very prominent in terms of presence but details retrieval is excellent if you pay close attention. This helps the Maverick provide excellent resolution and separation, as well as precise imaging. The Mavericks are viseral, energetic but refined as well.
