Beyerdynamic Xelento!

[Kunlun]

I have received my Xelentos, and am still burning them in, but they are starting to sounding truly exceptional with the DX200. The first IEMs I have used that sound like full size headphones, and I have IE800 and K3003. Far more coherent than the latter, far more balanced than former, and in my view, much more comfortable than either, although am yet to find the right tip for my right ear. Supplied cable (non mic) never cuts off or disconnects sound. Beyer have a winner!

As you listen, please give us your impressions on clarity (micro detail retrieval, not just treble spikes giving the appearance of clarity) and treble and bass extension (how high and how deep, not just quantity). Thanks in advance!

 

[scarfacegt]

I already asked this question.But how is the isolation on these?   And what sound signature do they have? Im looking for an headohone/iem with good noise isolation and a warm and fun/engaging sound.   

 

[batracom]

The isolation is on par with IE800 or K3003. Not great, these are not commuter earphones. Of course, this depends on tips. I am not a Comply fan, and do not use foam tips, but I can see isolation increasing with them. The tips are a key component here. As I said, I am still rolling through the vast inventory which came in the box to find the right tip for my right ear. Some lack of isolation might be due to this.
Regarding detail: it depends if you really want the microdetail. My listening is almost exclusively classical, especially older recordings: files are FLAC, but mastering quality is all over the place. So I need resolving, and at the same time to an extent forgiving phones. Too much microdetail means hiss, audience noise, and recording artifacts. The Xelento is very good on both of these fronts. K3003 is at times too clinical, while IE800 is more detailed but has too much warmth and at times sounds unpleasant and unnatural with violins, cellos and the like. Will keep on posting, its still early days. I can say that on the whole, the DX200 edges the Mojo as a source, although I would really hope iBasso come out with a dedicated IEM amp module.

 

[kms108]

The isolation is on par with IE800 or K3003. Not great, these are not commuter earphones. Of course, this depends on tips. I am not a Comply fan, and do not use foam tips, but I can see isolation increasing with them. The tips are a key component here. As I said, I am still rolling through the vast inventory which came in the box to find the right tip for my right ear. Some lack of isolation might be due to this.
Regarding detail: it depends if you really want the microdetail. My listening is almost exclusively classical, especially older recordings: files are FLAC, but mastering quality is all over the place. So I need resolving, and at the same time to an extent forgiving phones. Too much microdetail means hiss, audience noise, and recording artifacts. The Xelento is very good on both of these fronts. K3003 is at times too clinical, while IE800 is more detailed but has too much warmth and at times sounds unpleasant and unnatural with violins, cellos and the like. Will keep on posting, its still early days. I can say that on the whole, the DX200 edges the Mojo as a source, although I would really hope iBasso come out with a dedicated IEM amp module.

Do you have the wired or remote version, I have the wired version, I'm just curious if there is any differences, as the design is slightly different with the wired version having a metal name plate, whiles the remote version having a plastic name plate (from the some earlier photo's).
 
I agree in the tips, it took me a while to decide on which tips to use, with sony, I only use the XXS or XS, but on the Xelento I use the the M size, out of the 5 different sizes. Although the remote version does have 7 different sizes, not including the comly which includes 3 sizes, just like the wired version. the rest of the unused one will be useless.
 
On the Xelento, using different size, the IEM won't fit your ears, they will just fall off or it will take you a long time to get the sound balanced between left and right.

 

[Peter Hyatt]

Although audiophiles are likely to disagree, a careful reading of the company's descriptions, beginning with the TK8 ie, on to the 2nd gen and to the Xelento strongly suggest that it is essentially the same technology, sans fixing the cable/connector issue, slight improvement and offering of smart phone control.
 
 The language indicates no change to the core Tesla technology, which is, itself, stunning and accurate.  
 
I recognize that there are lots of variables in listening experience and in subjectivity.  This includes subtle difference in cable improvement, placement of monitor in ear, song chosen, volume and other listener bias factors.  
 
I do not doubt improvement with the repair issue/cable, and there is a difference with the smart phone cable, but the company's language shows an absence of distinct technology improvement.  When present, it is a great boasting point and something in high priority for the company, thus is it not only in the language, but it is likely to be the opening sentence.  (See original announcements of the Tesla technology made tiny for example).  
 
I don't argue with "trust your ears" arguments. I only point out the carefully prepared official company releases.  
 
I own the TK 8 ie, and purchased the TK 8 ie II cable to replace the original.  I have not heard the Xelento.  If something were to happen to my TK 8ie, I would immediately seek to replace it with whichever of these two was more readily available or on sale.  
 
I listen to them via iPhone and Chord Mojo and will, later this Spring or early Summer, listen to them via Chord Hugo 2.  

 

[potatoe94]

i tried the T8ie & Xelento Remote on the same day under undisturbed conditions , they were extremely different sounding . 
I think it is really worth giving them a side by side demo to see what you really like .

i bought the Xelento Remote on the same day . now im just waiting for my shipment to arrive around next week ! 

 

[zeddun]

i tried the T8ie & Xelento Remote on the same day under undisturbed conditions , they were extremely different sounding . 

I think it is really worth giving them a side by side demo to see what you really like .


i bought the Xelento Remote on the same day . now im just waiting for my shipment to arrive around next week ! 

How would you describe the sonic differences between the two?

 

[batracom]

I haven't heard the T8ie, but Xelento is certainly far less warm than the T5p 2nd gen, or T1 2gen, which I both heard. Its a natural, clear sounding earphone, with tremendous ability to render orchestral soundscapes, even on the subperfect masterings I usually listen to.
The fit is comfortable but requires trial and error, as the tips rotate around the bore, and therefore need fine tuning beyond size selection.
@kms108 - mine is the Remote, which is the only version which came out in the European markets. We never had the Wired. Agree with you on tips. On cable, I can confirm what I said previously - absolutely zero connection problems with the supplied non mic cable. Have the remote one too, but haven't tried it.

 

[kms108]

I haven't heard the T8ie, but Xelento is certainly far less warm than the T5p 2nd gen, or T1 2gen, which I both heard. Its a natural, clear sounding earphone, with tremendous ability to render orchestral soundscapes, even on the subperfect masterings I usually listen to.
The fit is comfortable but requires trial and error, as the tips rotate around the bore, and therefore need fine tuning beyond size selection.
@kms108 - mine is the Remote, which is the only version which came out in the European markets. We never had the Wired. Agree with you on tips. On cable, I can confirm what I said previously - absolutely zero connection problems with the supplied non mic cable. Have the remote one too, but haven't tried it.

Can you show some photo's of the case in different angles, it seem like a better case than the one I have, I had the Xelento wired that was only released in china and Hong Kong, Cost is about USD 750 or GBP 600.
 
I didn't give any though about the remote cables, I never even use any remote (handfree) on any smartphone, and for a very expensive IEM, it's a waste to use it on a smartphone, along with a degrading of SQ against a non remote cable.

 

[batracom]

 

[kms108]

Thanks, the case does look and works better than mine, my stock case is so small, and our local agent gave a suggested way to use the case, they suggest to disconnect the cable from the IEM before putting in the case, which is crazy.  Can I also ask, although you do get a tight connection (IEM and Cable) does the MMCX connector turn, on my cable my right side IEM can loosely turn, but not very loose, although it does turn, it does have a tight single click connection. 

 

[Gilles De Rais]

Although audiophiles are likely to disagree, a careful reading of the company's descriptions, beginning with the TK8 ie, on to the 2nd gen and to the Xelento strongly suggest that it is essentially the same technology, sans fixing the cable/connector issue, slight improvement and offering of smart phone control.

 The language indicates no change to the core Tesla technology, which is, itself, stunning and accurate.  

I recognize that there are lots of variables in listening experience and in subjectivity.  This includes subtle difference in cable improvement, placement of monitor in ear, song chosen, volume and other listener bias factors.  

I do not doubt improvement with the repair issue/cable, and there is a difference with the smart phone cable, but the company's language shows an absence of distinct technology improvement.  When present, it is a great boasting point and something in high priority for the company, thus is it not only in the language, but it is likely to be the opening sentence.  (See original announcements of the Tesla technology made tiny for example).  

I don't argue with "trust your ears" arguments. I only point out the carefully prepared official company releases.  

I own the TK 8 ie, and purchased the TK 8 ie II cable to replace the original.  I have not heard the Xelento.  If something were to happen to my TK 8ie, I would immediately seek to replace it with whichever of these two was more readily available or on sale.  

I listen to them via iPhone and Chord Mojo and will, later this Spring or early Summer, listen to them via Chord Hugo 2.  

Hi Peter,

Not sure what you're driving at with this post. I don't think anyone believes there is a difference in the technology between the AK and the Beyer versions. They are differently voiced, which seems to be a common theme in all reviews - both professional and enthusiast. There are many ways to change the voicing without impacting on the core technology. This article may shed some light.
http://www.brentbutterworth.com/headphone-voicing.html

Regards,

Giles

 

[Peter Hyatt]

I know there are those who believe it is an "improved technology", which is not in the company's language. This was discussed in 2016 with the 2nd gen of the AK T8's release.

 

[potatoe94]

  Potato, Giles, and others...
 
First, I appreciate the respectful responses. 
 
Secondly, I know there are those who believe it is an "improved technology", which is not in the language.  This was discussed in 2016 with the 2nd gen of the AK T8's release. 
 
As to the varying differences, I agree.  
 
Giles, you describe it well, as "voicing."  
 
My only point is the basic technology that was used to reduce the T1 (and such) Tesla into the tiny monitor.  They are essentially all likely to be very close with subtle differences.   My first T8ie was, indeed, one of the defective models and got a replacement.  I have used an aftermarket cable and got the Mk ii cable, though I am not sure there is a difference.  I love the sound that this yields, but my reference point is the gorgeous sound of the T1.2  
 
Interestingly enough, I actually like the sound when I listen to the Chord Mojo and add a small amp!  I know its terribly subjective, but I do.  
 
I like it when using the T1.2 (600 ohm) but not when using the TK8 ie.  I can't explain the reasoning, though. (I have the Hugo 2 on order).  
 
I hope to be able to hear for myself the Xelento.  My point is just the basic technology and any possible misunderstanding of the advertising, when going from TK 8ie to the second gen, and then on to the Xelento.  It may be of no consequence to most, but I know a few people wondered.  The info may be of interest to those seeking to learn about the Xelento.  They would do well to read the comments and reviews here, as well as with the AK T8's view points. 
 
Overall, most people love them so much that they abided under having to send back the originals and when offered refund or replacement, most all took the replacement!
 
Having not heard the Xelento, in considering the original tech, the T1 and the TK 8, my guess is that it has similar "fidelity", clarity and definition that I find stunning.  
 
Stunning.  

Should bring the T8ie to meet Xelento if you have the chance . They sound worlds apart , and it would also be an interesting demo for you , if you like the Beyerdynamic sound .
But with this said , i believe there would also be 2 different groups of people , some will like the T8ie better , some will like the xelento better .

The Xelento is full of emotion and there's alot of "energy" and liveliness to it , makes it really pleasurable and interesting to listen to . 
This "energy" probably comes from the sub bass and mids region, this triggers alot of the ASMR through my listening period .
The soundstage of the Xelento is also wider than that of the T8ie . There's alot going on , and you could probably tell it the moment it plays . 

I hope there is someone whom have tried both and can more accurately describe their differences. 

i feel that if anyone that likes the IE800 & Beyer T90's sound , you would most probably like this one too . 

 

 

[zeddun]

Has anyone had a chance to try both the Xelento and the Campfire Audio Vega? Being both TOTL dynamic driver IEMs I would be interested to read impressions of those who have tried both.