[PureViewer4t1]

Just my advice- get the Monarchs 2 no iem can touch it below 2k bucks. Advars are mediocre, waste of money. The Xelentos 1 and 2 are amazing but more on a warmer and relaxed side, not very truthful to the recording but very very nice sounding.

I used AutoEq and EQ of Neutron Player to mimic the frequency response of Monarch II on Xelento. Tonality-wise alone, Monarch is more natural sounding. Xelento is relaxed as you've already stated. I also tried this with Odin's FR and although Odin's tuning makes mids and male vocals (especially metal screams) more engaging, I still prefered the FR of Monarch.
I'd say that Monarch is not a direct upgrade to Xelento, but rather offers a more natural alternative.
I can't comment on technicalities though, as I don't have either Monarch or Odin (but Crinacle rates Xelento "A+", Monarch "S" and Odin "S-").

 

[chortya]

Did anyone objectively compare the wireless neckband of the Xelentos 2nd gen with wired connection and a "better" source like Fiio BTR7 or a decent DAP? I claim to have good hearing and I don't hear significant differences between all 3 connection types with a Xperia IV phone including BTR7.
Just did a longer side by side listening session using Tidal and Iron Maiden tracks. But this is subjective as there are too many other factors especially volume match. I would be interested in objective measured comparison in controlled environment...

 

[zikarus]

They are very different and definitely push the limits of treble, but impressive and will certainly be appealing for some of my library.

Interesting Scuba Devils, as I am thinking about buying another IEM soon - either a Xelento 2 or a Thieaudio Prestige or maybe a Fatfreq MSE - in order to have another, even more detailed flavour besides my IE900.

As you seem to own the IE900 as well as the Xelento 2 and already had the opportunity to listen to a Prestige could you maybe elaborate a bit about their strengths/weaknesses in comparison? Which one of the three mentioned (that you know) would you keep if you were only allowed 2? Do the IE900 and Xelento 2 differ enough to own both or are they quite close to each other?

 

[Scubadevils]

Interesting Scuba Devils, as I am thinking about buying another IEM soon - either a Xelento 2 or a Thieaudio Prestige or maybe a Fatfreq MSE - in order to have another, even more detailed flavour besides my IE900.

As you seem to own the IE900 as well as the Xelento 2 and already had the opportunity to listen to a Prestige could you maybe elaborate a bit about their strengths/weaknesses in comparison? Which one of the three mentioned (that you know) would you keep if you were only allowed 2? Do the IE900 and Xelento 2 differ enough to own both or are they quite close to each other?

I definitely couldn't comment on Prestige in as far as if it would be one I'd keep over the other two - for two reasons: I didn't try it for long enough, and I more often than not gravitate back to single DDs... I like a selection of 'specialist' DDs for various genres and listening scenarios, and for the most part any hybrids I buy don't last long in my collection, with the exception of Fir Audio KR5 as I find that quite unique.

Off the top of my head, I would say X2 is more flexible for my library - I can play absolutely any genre, and they sound at least very good, and often excellent - plus incredibly small, and comfortable, so my top choice when travelling with work etc. I find IE900 more impressive with specific genres, especially from a sub bass to treble balance perspective - mostly more energetic electronic genres. Is it worth owning both? - I guess that depends on what you feel you might like to change or improve on IE900... they are relatively similar, definitely not significantly different - I've recently purchased the Victor/JVC FW10000, and that is an incredibly different set to both, but I find it more of a specialist with very specific genres - in those cases, I'd take it over either X2 or IE900 any day of the week... likewise the Turii Ti, not an all-rounder, but amazing with some genres, and my personal favourite IEM.

X2 has become my go-to DD for easy listening, in any scenario, with any genre - a fantastic all-rounder in every sense... works with any genre, very comfortable, light, good isolation (depending on tips of course), and easy to drive... I love them with my Lotoo Paw 6000 as a great portable solution.

I'll choose IE900 if I want an excellent session with genres like techno, D&B, IDM, to name a few - and often still grab it over X2 when going for a walk - I guess it's more exciting to my ears at least.

Sorry, that probably adds more confusion as opposed to helping!

 

[zikarus]

Thanks for your input, much appreciated...

Tended to think already that X2 and IE900 might be quite close to each other because they are both single DDs alone. And as I am very happy with the IE900 as my daily driver for all kind of genres (Indie, Electronic Jazz and Classical) I definitely look out for something a bit different.

The only thing that sometimes comes to my mind as missing on the IE900 may be even more detail retrieval for a few occasions or just when being in a mood for a less relaxed listening. Therefore the X 2 won't be necessary.

Living in the EU it is much easier to test out the better known brands including Campfire and 64Audio before buying, but is nearly impossible to get a hand on all the interesting Chi-Fi stuff in advance. Going > 1.000 that regularly keeps one from experiments, at least myself, but in this case.... We will see...

Hope you will soon be able to report on the Prestige as this one might be quite a good one, combining the strengths of the Monarch II with a bit more bass.

 

[Scubadevils]

Thanks for your input, much appreciated...

Tended to think already that X2 and IE900 might be quite close to each other because they are both single DDs alone. And as I am very happy with the IE900 as my daily driver for all kind of genres (Indie, Electronic Jazz and Classical) I definitely look out for something a bit different.

The only thing that sometimes comes to my mind as missing on the IE900 may be even more detail retrieval for a few occasions or just when being in a mood for a less relaxed listening. Therefore the X 2 won't be necessary.

Living in the EU it is much easier to test out the better known brands including Campfire and 64Audio before buying, but is nearly impossible to get a hand on all the interesting Chi-Fi stuff in advance. Going > 1.000 that regularly keeps one from experiments, at least myself, but in this case.... We will see...

Hope you will soon be able to report on the Prestige as this one might be quite a good one, combining the strengths of the Monarch II with a bit more bass.

Given than you listen to classical and jazz, I would suggest giving the FW10000 some consideration - it really is a timbre king/queen when it comes to those genres for me, especially the more relaxed end of the scale. Lush, captivating, and incredibly realistic mids with excellent detail retrieval and a large, but emotive soundstage. It would absolutely offer someting different to IE900. Not easy to find in Europe, but I purchased mine from Amazon in Japan with absolute ease - arrived in less than a week. I've only had them since Tuesday, but they've quickly become a favourite for specific genres, and absolutely add something very different to my collection.

I may yet pull the trigger on Prestige, and will certainly report back if I do!

 

[ryanmatic]

Couple of quick impressions of the Xelento 2 Wireless here. For a variety of reasons the first generation Xelento is my favorite IEM, thanks to both its exciting sound and its incredibly comfortable ergonomics. I’ve used them for years with dual flange Spinfits (CP1025 I think) and despite the relatively weak isolation, I’ve always really enjoyed them.

After just a few hours with the Xelento 2 it’s clear to me that Beyerdynamic has improved just about everything regarding the sound. Mids and treble in particular both sound a bit more present and perhaps more natural compared to the originals, and the bass seems a little less dominant on some tracks. I’m also able to use the XL silicone tips without any issue at all (whereas I often could not achieve a reliable seal with the first generation ones), so I’m not sure how much of the sound change between models is influenced by this. The optional “enhancement mode” that’s available when using the neckband also does make a big difference—it emphasizes the “out of your head” feeling of the sound and it really contributes to the feeling that you’re wearing over-ears rather than in-ears. I think it’s quite impressive.

I completely agree with the comments earlier that these IEMs are cozy, and that you can throw just about any music at them and it’ll sound terrific.

My biggest disappointment is with driver flex. I know this is a relatively common thing with both generations of Xelentos as the original set I purchased many years ago exhibited noticeable flex in one earpiece but not in the other. I politely contacted Beyer and requested a replacement; they quickly sent one out and neither earpieces in the replacement set exhibited any flex at all. Imagine my disappointment when unboxing the 2nd generation set and noticing immediately that the driver in the left earpiece flexes when being seated, but the right one doesn’t. I’m sure some combination of my ear anatomy and tip choice (I always prefer silicone as I find foam to be tedious) contributes to this, but in my experience it is not a guarantee in the earpiece design itself. Given how much the Xelento cost, I find this to be kind of unacceptable, and may end up sending them back. I’m not sure yet.

One other little nitpick: given how supremely portable these headphones are, the case for both generations is pretty awful. In my experience the first generation case was not even usable with the wireless dongle without detaching the earpieces from the cable. The second generation case is a little bit better, but getting the hang of folding the neckband and tucking everything in such that the earpieces don’t get scratched or nicked would take some practice. For IEMs that are so unapologetically portable and exquisite, it seems lame that Beyer insists on including a case that feels comparatively low quality and inconvenient (at this price point).

I think that Beyer has achieved something awesome with the sound of these IEMs.

 

[holsen]

Couple of quick impressions of the Xelento 2 Wireless here. For a variety of reasons the first generation Xelento is my favorite IEM, thanks to both its exciting sound and its incredibly comfortable ergonomics. I’ve used them for years with dual flange Spinfits (CP1025 I think) and despite the relatively weak isolation, I’ve always really enjoyed them.

After just a few hours with the Xelento 2 it’s clear to me that Beyerdynamic has improved just about everything regarding the sound. Mids and treble in particular both sound a bit more present and perhaps more natural compared to the originals, and the bass seems a little less dominant on some tracks. I’m also able to use the XL silicone tips without any issue at all (whereas I often could not achieve a reliable seal with the first generation ones), so I’m not sure how much of the sound change between models is influenced by this. The optional “enhancement mode” that’s available when using the neckband also does make a big difference—it emphasizes the “out of your head” feeling of the sound and it really contributes to the feeling that you’re wearing over-ears rather than in-ears. I think it’s quite impressive.

I completely agree with the comments earlier that these IEMs are cozy, and that you can throw just about any music at them and it’ll sound terrific.

My biggest disappointment is with driver flex. I know this is a relatively common thing with both generations of Xelentos as the original set I purchased many years ago exhibited noticeable flex in one earpiece but not in the other. I politely contacted Beyer and requested a replacement; they quickly sent one out and neither earpieces in the replacement set exhibited any flex at all. Imagine my disappointment when unboxing the 2nd generation set and noticing immediately that the driver in the left earpiece flexes when being seated, but the right one doesn’t. I’m sure some combination of my ear anatomy and tip choice (I always prefer silicone as I find foam to be tedious) contributes to this, but in my experience it is not a guarantee in the earpiece design itself. Given how much the Xelento cost, I find this to be kind of unacceptable, and may end up sending them back. I’m not sure yet.

One other little nitpick: given how supremely portable these headphones are, the case for both generations is pretty awful. In my experience the first generation case was not even usable with the wireless dongle without detaching the earpieces from the cable. The second generation case is a little bit better, but getting the hang of folding the neckband and tucking everything in such that the earpieces don’t get scratched or nicked would take some practice. For IEMs that are so unapologetically portable and exquisite, it seems lame that Beyer insists on including a case that feels comparatively low quality and inconvenient (at this price point).

I think that Beyer has achieved something awesome with the sound of these IEMs.

I agree with pretty much everything you have written here. Ioved X1, and am delighted with X2. Both my Gen 1 and 2 exhibit driver flex in both ears, but only with the silicone tips, if I put on the Tennmak Strong Foam (awesome foam - silicone based, don't clip highs, muddy the bass or rip and tear like comply) the flex is gone. I pretty much get driver flex on my left ear with every DD in my collection when using silicone tips, even the EJ07M TriBrid. On the X2 and even with Gen 1 it occured on both sides. I believe it's a combination of ear anatomy, the occlusiveness of silicone and the super thin membrane of that Tesla driver. I've just decided to not let it bother me...
For the SQ we get out of that diminutive little package, it's pretty remarkable.
I've never used the case of Gen 1 or 2, they're pretty impractical. I just put them in a little pouch and stick em in my pocket.

 

[ryanmatic]

Aah ok, that’s good to know. I’ve only ever experienced it with the Xelento, but perhaps switching to other silicone tips would be one way to avoid it. Will give that a try, and check out the Tennmak! Thanks for suggesting.

 

[Scubadevils]

Yes I too have driver flex on the left side, but I’ve experienced it with other sets and I’m not concerned it will become an issue beyond the minor annoyance of a brief and tiny pop on insertion.

 

[Tristy]

If you're worried about driver flex I suggest you stay well away from Empire Ears haha although they state that this is completely normal with their proprietary drivers and offer a lifetime warranty.

 

[holsen]

Aah ok, that’s good to know. I’ve only ever experienced it with the Xelento, but perhaps switching to other silicone tips would be one way to avoid it. Will give that a try, and check out the Tennmak! Thanks for suggesting.

The Tennmaks are awesome. They're cheap as chips, wear like iron, sound like silicone and are super comfortable. Pretty much everyone I've suggested them to have said thanks! $10 is worth the roll of the dice.

 

[chico playero]

The Tennmaks are awesome. They're cheap as chips, wear like iron, sound like silicone and are super comfortable. Pretty much everyone I've suggested them to have said thanks! $10 is worth the roll of the dice.

Which gauge / size do you use for the Xelento 2? I have a pair of Xelento 2 Remote on order from Beyerdynamic EU. I have the originals , which are great. Glad they include a balanced 4.4 cable with new ones. I use the Sony WM1 players , A & Z on balanced with Alo silver 4.4 cables at present. The original Xelento sounds best with the WM1A. My hope is that the gen. 2 will sound better with the 1Z. Both players have Mr. Walkmans DMP - Z1 software. I struggle to not enter and descend into the rabbit hole of audio obsession , but it's a tough one!
Thanks!

 

[chico playero]

The Tennmaks are awesome. They're cheap as chips, wear like iron, sound like silicone and are super comfortable. Pretty much everyone I've suggested them to have said thanks! $10 is worth the roll of the dice.

The Tennmaks are available on Amazon Spain and UK , which is great.As you say , cheap as chips! I use Comply Medium tips and get a perfect seal. Is a Tennmak Medium the same size as a Comply Medium? Thanks again!

PS According to Amazon , a 4.5 is the correct stem guage for Xelento.

 

[holsen]

The Tennmaks are available on Amazon Spain and UK , which is great.As you say , cheap as chips! I use Comply Medium tips and get a perfect seal. Is a Tennmak Medium the same size as a Comply Medium? Thanks again!

PS According to Amazon , a 4.5 is the correct stem guage for Xelento.

Yes sir, that one I use and fits all my Universals including the Xelento!