[XERO1]

They're very similar, with the same driver and any difference between more down to the specific tuning and acoustics of the Vega's shell. I hear a small edge to the Vega in terms of clarity and soundstage, but I haven't done vigorous side by side testing.

For me, one clear advantage for the Vega is that have a much easier time achieving a good seal with the Vega and the wrap around cable design as opposed to the Atlas which hangs straight down, but that's going to be more of a personal preference.

So to your ear, would you say the Vega 2020 and the Atlas have a similar tuning?

If so, that will be a deal-breaker for me, because the Atlas had way too much bass for my taste.

 

[audio123]

Hey All,

Were excited to release a few new IEMs. Enjoy.

Ken



Dorado 2020:

Since 2016, Dorado’s original release, we have developed a remarkable series of high-fidelity hybrid IEMs that have gone from niche to popularized as some of the very best in the world.

Dorado 2020 breathes new life into the name and the legacy of our first hybrid with a fresh take on its classic hybrid design. One balanced armature and one dynamic driver. No cross-over, no complications. We’ve found these distilled pairings reproduce sound more faithfully, with improved resolution and cohesion than those with over-complicated cross-over schemes.

The result is a true hybrid in design and sonic presentation.

Hybrid Earphone Design
10mm A.D.L.C. Diaphragm Dynamic Driver (Mid+Low)
Single Custom Balanced Armature (High)
All-new Black Ceramic body style
Brass Spout with 'Midnight Grey' PVD finish
Custom Beryllium / Copper MMCX

Tech Specs:
SPL: 94 dB @ 1k: 18.52 mVrs
Frequency Response: 5 Hz - 22 kHz
Earphone Impedance: 10 Ohm @ 1k

MSRP $1099



Vega 2020:

Revisiting a popular design is not a task to be taken lightly. Critical and commercial success engenders good feelings and raises the expectations for the inevitable sequel.

Vega 2020 takes all the excellent and innovative aspects of the original 2016 design and improves upon them. Redesigned larger dynamic driver. Improved material selection and design. It’s all here, new and improved for 2020.


Dynamic Driver
Full Range 10mm A.D.L.C. Diaphragm Dynamic Driver
All new Ceramic body style
Stainless Steel Spout with High Polish Finish
Custom Beryllium / Copper MMCX

Tech Specs:

SPL: 94dB @ 1k: 19.86 mVrs
Frequency Response: 5 Hz - 20 kHz
Earphone Impedance: 36 Ohm @ 1k

MSRP $899

Congratulations on the launch! Very excited to test them soon.

 

[noper]

The Vega looks like candy. Really cool. Looking forward to impressions.

 

[Vore]

The Vega look absolutely gorgeous, wow.

 

[Rockwell75]

Hey,
So I've tested the Vega and Dorado – as well as several other sensitive IEMs – with the KANN Alpha, and I can attest that the noise floor is, well, through the floor, and there is 0 noise on anything that I've tested on the KANN Alpha's Low Gain setting.

A AK DAP with 4.4...now that is a tempting prospect. I've always wanted to try an AK but 2.5 has always been the deal breaker.

 

[Jmop]

That frost white

 

[soundblast75]

Why no love for Dorado so far?
Well i bought them, first ones in UK

 

[Tristy]

Major hifi has put out some pretty contentious reviews (in my eyes anyway)... stating that these stray quite far from the originals. The dorado is said to be on the more balanced side.

 

[soundblast75]

Major hifi has put out some pretty contentious reviews (in my eyes anyway)... stating that these stray quite far from the originals. The dorado is said to be on the more balanced side.

Yeah, i have a feeling that guy did not experiment with tips enough if he perceives them bass light.
I would know for sure tomorrow when i get them tho..

 

[Tristy]

Yeah, i have a feeling that guy did not experiment with tips enough if he perceives them bass light.
I would know for sure tomorrow when i get them tho..

Look forward to your impressions!

 

[knopi]

Nice see how design matters too, normally I would not buy original Vega but this white ceramic Vega is eyes cather.

 

[chimney189]

I'd have to agree with what's been said.. the Vega looks great with that white color.

 

[stephenkostas]

So to your ear, would you say the Vega 2020 and the Atlas have a similar tuning?

If so, that will be a deal-breaker for me, because the Atlas had way too much bass for my taste.

Yes. If you thought the Atlas had too much bass, you're probably going to find that the Vega also also has too much bass. There are some minor refinements but the same general tuning.

 

[Tristy]

Yes. If you thought the Atlas had too much bass, you're probably going to find that the Vega also also has too much bass. There are some minor refinements but the same general tuning.

Thanks for chiming in. Would you say that the Vega 2020 has more bass than the Dorado 2020?

 

[stephenkostas]

Thanks for chiming in. Would you say that the Vega 2020 has more bass than the Dorado 2020?

I'd say that the Vega sounds like it has more bass than the Dorado, but it's complicated (or maybe I'm making it more complicated than it needs to be)? The quantity of bass is about the same, but that it's more balanced out by upper mids and treble on the Dorado. So where the Atlas/Vega are more of a traditional V-shape, but with a small high-mid/treble peak that's lower than the bass peak, I'm hearing something more Harman target-ish from the Dorado with an upper-mids and treble elevation that provides more substance in that range and balances out the bass a bit more.

So you would probably feel like the Dorado has a little less bass than the Vega, not because there's actually less bass, it's because there's more of everything else in the signature. I'm not sure if that entirely makes sense, but that's just how I'm hearing it personally.