I haven't tried any of the new 4 Chromatic series, b/c I keep reading reviews about them that most of them have the typical CA good bass, but "smooth" or "relaxed" treble (except maybe the all BA Ponderosa). And even the above partial quote about from a new BlackStar owner with a perceived W-shape sound and "the treble isn't too strong."
I have the Dorado 2020, which I love for the bass and technical abilities, but it fits that similar description: strong bass but relaxed treble, so I EQ some treble up where I can. But so many people seem to be treble sensitive, and the market seems to cater to that for the most part, IMO.
Where do go in the CA line (without going way over $1K) for an IEM that is a TRUE W or V sound, meaning that the trebles ARE strong with the bass?
I haven't tried any of the new 4 Chromatic series, b/c I keep reading reviews about them that most of them have the typical CA good bass, but "smooth" or "relaxed" treble (except maybe the all BA Ponderosa). And even the above partial quote about from a new BlackStar owner with a perceived W-shape sound and "the treble isn't too strong."
I have the Dorado 2020, which I love for the bass and technical abilities, but it fits that similar description: strong bass but relaxed treble, so I EQ some treble up where I can. But so many people seem to be treble sensitive, and the market seems to cater to that for the most part, IMO.
Where do go in the CA line (without going way over $1K) for an IEM that is a TRUE W or V sound, meaning that the trebles ARE strong with the bass?
I'm pretty sure I tried out the Dorado 2020 at one point and my thoughts were that I didn't mind it, but I wasn't totally blown away for the price and the driver flex was a little annoying. My memory is very hazy otherwise, but your description is probably accurate. I could still splurge for the Black Star if I pick up some extra cash, although it's unfortunate that there's no real easy way to try it other than buying it.
I haven't tried any of the new 4 Chromatic series, b/c I keep reading reviews about them that most of them have the typical CA good bass, but "smooth" or "relaxed" treble (except maybe the all BA Ponderosa). And even the above partial quote about from a new BlackStar owner with a perceived W-shape sound and "the treble isn't too strong."
I have the Dorado 2020, which I love for the bass and technical abilities, but it fits that similar description: strong bass but relaxed treble, so I EQ some treble up where I can. But so many people seem to be treble sensitive, and the market seems to cater to that for the most part, IMO.
Where do go in the CA line (without going way over $1K) for an IEM that is a TRUE W or V sound, meaning that the trebles ARE strong with the bass?
I think there’s just a lot of misinterpretation here. I think manufactures are just better at removing unnatural peaks and sibilance so descriptions have evolved. I would consider the Annihilators treble to be ‘smooth‘ and ‘effortless’ and they have arguably the best treble on the market. What are some sets that display your treble preference?
Hey Guys! I'm Chris with Campfire. Some of you may know me from trade shows and/or the CA help desk.
We’ll be hanging out in some of the ongoing CA threads and starting some official threads as well. Happy to answer questions and field any feedback from the community. Thanks for keeping the conversation flowing re: the Chromatic Series and BlackStar!
Hey Guys! I'm Chris with Campfire. Some of you may know me from trade shows and/or the CA help desk.
We’ll be hanging out in some of the ongoing CA threads and starting some official threads as well. Happy to answer questions and field any feedback from the community. Thanks for keeping the conversation flowing re: the Chromatic Series and BlackStar!
Sure thing! The new models featuring our dual-magnet dd really show just how much driver treatment comes into play. Cascara has a much more prominent bass response, definitely further on the emotional engagement end of the spectrum, but the DD being full range really creates a nice cohesion to the signature.
BlackStar, as some have noted, is a bit more on the balanced/analytical side of things. The bass is definitely more reserved and probably more tight/accurate than many may expect. But it still has some of that characteristic DD impact and flavor. To my ear, one of the defining characteristics of BlackStar is the mid/vocal performance, with it being pretty forward with great texture and detail.
Same driver, totally different implementation and tunings. I haven't had a chance to A/B these directly, but I'll try to take some time to do so this week.
I haven't tried any of the new 4 Chromatic series, b/c I keep reading reviews about them that most of them have the typical CA good bass, but "smooth" or "relaxed" treble (except maybe the all BA Ponderosa). And even the above partial quote about from a new BlackStar owner with a perceived W-shape sound and "the treble isn't too strong."
I have the Dorado 2020, which I love for the bass and technical abilities, but it fits that similar description: strong bass but relaxed treble, so I EQ some treble up where I can. But so many people seem to be treble sensitive, and the market seems to cater to that for the most part, IMO.
Where do go in the CA line (without going way over $1K) for an IEM that is a TRUE W or V sound, meaning that the trebles ARE strong with the bass?
I have a Dorado 2020, a BS, and am now demoing Bonneville. I believe you would probably be happy with either BS or Bonneville. Both have a nice extended treble, much more so than Dorado.
I'm not sure which I like better yet...think I'm leaning towards Bonneville, but need more time to really understand their differences. Either are great.
Sure thing! The new models featuring our dual-magnet dd really show just how much driver treatment comes into play. Cascara has a much more prominent bass response, definitely further on the emotional engagement end of the spectrum, but the DD being full range really creates a nice cohesion to the signature.
BlackStar, as some have noted, is a bit more on the balanced/analytical side of things. The bass is definitely more reserved and probably more tight/accurate than many may expect. But it still has some of that characteristic DD impact and flavor. To my ear, one of the defining characteristics of BlackStar is the mid/vocal performance, with it being pretty forward with great texture and detail.
Same driver, totally different implementation and tunings. I haven't had a chance to A/B these directly, but I'll try to take some time to do so this week.
Sure thing! The new models featuring our dual-magnet dd really show just how much driver treatment comes into play. Cascara has a much more prominent bass response, definitely further on the emotional engagement end of the spectrum, but the DD being full range really creates a nice cohesion to the signature.
BlackStar, as some have noted, is a bit more on the balanced/analytical side of things. The bass is definitely more reserved and probably more tight/accurate than many may expect. But it still has some of that characteristic DD impact and flavor. To my ear, one of the defining characteristics of BlackStar is the mid/vocal performance, with it being pretty forward with great texture and detail.
Same driver, totally different implementation and tunings. I haven't had a chance to A/B these directly, but I'll try to take some time to do so this week.
Thanks. Is one personally more comfortable for you than the other? What kinds of music do you enjoy and how do you think it works with each? If you're going off memory to some extent, I totally understand. I really do appreciate the feedback as I'm very much still considering either model.
I think there’s just a lot of misinterpretation here. I think manufactures are just better at removing unnatural peaks and sibilance so descriptions have evolved. I would consider the Annihilators treble to be ‘smooth‘ and ‘effortless’ and they have arguably the best treble on the market. What are some sets that display your treble preference?
Well my post and your response illustrates how hard it is for different people to describe sound!
When I wrote "relaxed", I mean "suppressed" or very rolled off. And, "smooth" is probably the best goal in treble so that it is even and not spikey.
As far as sets that display my treble preference, you can look in my sig line to see what I've tried, but nothing more expensive than the Dorado, which I bought used here and really like with some treble bump with EQ. The Moondrop Variations was very refined and nice sounding, with good sub-bass, but again the EST driver treble was too safe, without much energy or lift.
The Ikko OH10 has maybe the best bass + treble mix I've heard, with a nice wide soundstage, but it's not the most resolving at only $200.
Maybe I just need to save while and wait for a Bonneville show up in the classifieds that I can afford.
Hey Guys! I'm Chris with Campfire. Some of you may know me from trade shows and/or the CA help desk.
We’ll be hanging out in some of the ongoing CA threads and starting some official threads as well. Happy to answer questions and field any feedback from the community. Thanks for keeping the conversation flowing re: the Chromatic Series and BlackStar!
No problem, starting with the bass, Bonneville will have a more pronounced bass response, with more sub extension and rumble, while BlackStar's is tighter, more reserved, but still has some of that nice DD texture. To my ear, one of the defining characteristics of BlackStar is the mid-presentation, which is really highlighted and more forward than Bonneville's mids. Bonneville's mids, while not recessed, aren't quite as forward as BlackStar, especially when factoring the relative positioning of the surrounding frequencies.
The difference in highs are interesting and a bit harder to describe for me. Technically, Bonneville has more high-end extension but shorter peaks in its tuning relative to BlackStar's high peaks. When placed in context, I hear a bit more sparkle from BlackStar, while Bonneville feels a bit 'smoother.'
I instantly connected with Bonneville, as it hits so many boxes for my personal taste. I really enjoy BlackStar as well, but it would be more of a 'specialist' for me when I want to really connect with emotive vocal performances and genres that don't lean as much on stuff like sub-bass. This last part is purely my personal preference, I think many would find BlackStar to be an everyday earphone.
Thanks. Is one personally more comfortable for you than the other? What kinds of music do you enjoy and how do you think it works with each? If you're going off memory to some extent, I totally understand. I really do appreciate the feedback as I'm very much still considering either model.
I find them both comfortable and easy to wear for long sessions. That being said, the comfort advantage goes to the Chromatic Series, that universal shape is an aggregate of all of the inner-ear impressions we've received over the years (with some tweaks of course), and they fit me like a dream. The shells are really lightweight too, so they're like wearing the ghosts of IEMs haha.
I listen to a pretty wide range of things; hip-hop, techno, rock, funk, RnB, indie, jazz, to name a few. I don't listen to much country, blues, metal, and probably some others I'm not thinking of at the moment.
If I'm doing hip-hop or electronic I'm reaching for Cascara for sure. I think there's some overlap between the two for stuff like rock and funk, would depend on mood. Stuff with really intimate or emotional vocals/lead instruments I'd lean BlackStar.
Was checking out the new Kali Uchis with Bonneville via DC Elite and my Iphone 15Pro today
Listened to the whole album, amazing digital production and very enjoyable,
In terms of gear, I can’t imagine spending even more doing anything for anyone in terms of on the go enjoyment, the B and the Ibasso dongle hit it big time as the Elite is on the analytical side and the warm mid thump of Boneville makes for A class sound together
Was checking out the new Kali Uchis with Bonneville via DC Elite and my Iphone 15Pro today
Listened to the whole album, amazing digital production and very enjoyable,
In terms of gear, I can’t imagine spending even more doing anything for anyone in terms of on the go enjoyment, the B and the Ibasso dongle hit it big time as the Elite is on the analytical side and the warm mid thump of Boneville makes for A class sound together
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