Wanted to make sure I read through the whole thread before making a post just so I didn't blatantly repeat something that might have already been mentioned. Didn't realize it would take me a month to get through all 423 pages, but here we are.
I managed to score a sweet deal early last year on a used pair of iSine10 from Reddit last year, so I think it's safe to say I've had a good amount of time for trial and error with fit, equalization, sources, etc. Used to have an iPhone 7 Plus and gave the Cipher cable a go, but was never really wowed by it. I now currently run it single-ended and plugged into an Opus#1 (balanced VE cable is on the way). Here's what I've learned:
1. These are
very fit-dependent when it comes to sound signature. I've tried the earhooks in multiple positions (forward, centered, pulled back) and have had the most consistently easy fit when the hooks are aligned to the middle position, like so:
An Audeze rep previously published a quick YT video explaining how he recommended you put these on and I think it makes all the difference in the world. Loop on the earclips first, then just use one hand to rotate the planar body until you can feel the tips resting against your tragus. I find I get the best overall bass presence when I don't attempt to insert these at all; those who've mentioned it before are right...these don't require any insertion to sound right.
2. Tips matter. While I never tried trimming a pair of Complys, I've tried a multitude of tips, silicone and foam, and what's worked best for me have been the Auvio wide-bores (which can be found
here). There's also a Small available. Medium, for some reason, doesn't seem to exist. While they do require some coaxing to get over the iSine's nozzles, they stay in place and sliding them on when inverted can be easier for those who aren't as nimble with their fingers:
Just slide them back until they hit the indent at the end of the nozzle and flip the tip back over. Voila! That's legitimately all it takes. For reference, here's how much the tip overhangs the nozzle (basically not at all):
3. I take them with me on commutes and do just fine, even on the bus.
But you're crazy, Neo...all the sound comes in. You can still hear more than enough. Again, fitment is key.
With this setup, I have no issues running the iSine10 out of either my OnePlus 6 or Opus#1 without any EQ. Android users looking for a simple EQ option can either consider UAPP or Neutron if they prefer a PEQ. If I EQ at all, I just run a quick sweep with Neutralizer and manage to produce a curve similar to what
@KMann has provided (minus the 4k boost). If you're looking for something to more closely match Harman Target, I suggest you take a glance
over here and give these a shot. There's options for both Parametric and Fixed-band EQs along with .txt files that you should be able to drop into Peace GUI without issue. Can't comment from personal experience as I run Linux, but hopefully it's plug-and-play.
But do they
need EQ? If you're trying to match a target curve or approximate Cipher, yes, but I'll comfortably say they stand out on their own merits. If you just can't seem to get the right fit or your ear anatomy isn't playing nice, it can certainly compensate. From a technical standpoint, though, the iSine10 is the most capable portable pair I own when run sans-EQ. Love 'em so much I've chosen to name them Venom (only other pair in my collection to earn a name so far have been my beloved 2Cs...aka Liam). Simply not being a iGuy shouldn't be a dealbreaker here. A year later, they still have my steadfast recommendation and could reasonably be the only pair of in-ears you'll ever need.
