[bflat]

Former sIne 20 owner and finally got the i4, I’m picking it up today! Using primarily iPhone and Mac as primary audio source, would the Cobalt be a good portable DAC pairing? And how is the Bluetooth Cipher cable?

Just keep in mind that iPhone has no way to apply system wide EQ so Cobalt will not change that. With the Cipher cable, the EQ is built in and sound is surprisingly good. BT cable sounds ok to meh, but not worth the trouble since it still feels like a wired cable.

 

[caustic386]

Just curious, how are you all getting a good seal with these? Is there some trick to it? Even with the largest aftermarket tips I can find, the flat planar design prevents the nozzle from inserting far enough.

 

[PatrickB]

Just curious, how are you all getting a good seal with these? Is there some trick to it? Even with the largest aftermarket tips I can find, the flat planar design prevents the nozzle from inserting far enough.

I may be wrong, but my impression is these aren’t as dependent on a seal for bass response as typical IEMs are.

I also don’t feel like I get a good seal but it doesn’t seem to effect low end like my Euclid’s since they are open back.

Others with more knowledge may chime in though.

 

[bflat]

Just curious, how are you all getting a good seal with these? Is there some trick to it? Even with the largest aftermarket tips I can find, the flat planar design prevents the nozzle from inserting far enough.

Here is the official Audeze tutorial on fit:

 

[ozz007]

They don't depend on seal. They just need to be in your ear canal.

 

[x RELIC x]

They aren’t actually meant to insert. Try pressing them toward your ear canal gently to ensure a seal around the edge and if the sound doesn’t change then you indeed have a seal without actually inserting them in to your canal.

 

[kryptonite]

Was tempted to get LCD-i4. When I was in hifi store, seller told me those were his favorite IEMS. Hope to try them sometime, unfortunately they don't have much reviews like other hyped IEMS

 

[edwardsean]

They aren’t actually meant to insert. Try pressing them toward your ear canal gently to ensure a seal around the edge and if the sound doesn’t change then you indeed have a seal without actually inserting them in to your canal.

The i4s definitely depend on a seal at the outer edge of your ear canal. Without that seal, you will not get the deep and powerful bass response it is capable of. Dynamics and levels will also suffer somewhat.

The difference with other IEMs is that the seal is meant to just rest at the entrance of the ear canal and not be inserted inside the canal. You will know if the eartips are pushed in too far if the sound is muddy and boomy.

When it comes to the i4s it really is worth experimenting with positioning, different ears tips, and hook placement. They are capable of top-tier reproduction, but the result will depend heavily on the fitment.

 

[stacey]

Just been playing around with the i4, and I think they’re really great. With the Cipher Bluetooth, they sound a lot better than the Sony XM4, and AirPods Pro ( Not surprising considering the price point). Outside of the fact that it’s an open back I’m very happy with the SQ.

Now which one would be a better compliment, Chord Mojo, or Audioquest Cobalt?

 

[jlbrach]

Just been playing around with the i4, and I think they’re really great. With the Cipher Bluetooth, they sound a lot better than the Sony XM4, and AirPods Pro ( Not surprising considering the price point). Outside of the fact that it’s an open back I’m very happy with the SQ.

Now which one would be a better compliment, Chord Mojo, or Audioquest Cobalt?

air pods pro...that aint much of a comparison lol....the i4 is actually outstanding

 

[stacey]

Yeah, I’m new to the TOTL space haha. But the i4 has me fat and happy for SQ.

 

[mcemce13]

I may be wrong, but my impression is these aren’t as dependent on a seal for bass response as typical IEMs are.

I also don’t feel like I get a good seal but it doesn’t seem to effect low end like my Euclid’s since they are open back.

Others with more knowledge may chime in though.

Strange but they are not dependant its unusual since most IEMs change their bass response a lot depending on the seal, but not with the i4's.

 

[PatrickB]

Strange but they are not dependant its unusual since most IEMs change their bass response a lot depending on the seal, but not with the i4's.

Yeah, I assumed it was because they are open and therefore are depending primarily on the large driver diaphragm size to create bass vs pressure. Although as was stated above I’m sure the seal and tips do still play a role. I bought mine from a user here and they came with some ribbed tips. I’m not sure if those are stock.

It was a weird feeling putting them in at first because I’m used to the deep insert and feeling of closure and with these it was more like popping in some Apple EarPods haha. I’m thinking “Are these in all the way?”

 

[jlbrach]

when I first got my i4 it took me a long time to realize they werent meant to inside your ear canal like typical IEM's...it wasnt until I read a review that I realized I was making a mistake trying to put them into my ear....they actually are outstanding

 

[PatrickB]

when I first got my i4 it took me a long time to realize they werent meant to inside your ear canal like typical IEM's...it wasnt until I read a review that I realized I was making a mistake trying to put them into my ear....they actually are outstanding

Definitely. I’m excited to see how they evolve their in-ear designs. I hope they continue to do both the open and closed designs.