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I'd say PAW Gold is neutral but not bright or analytical.
Just a heads up on anyone considering the purchase of the Nova. I noticed that it is out of stock on the CA website but is still available on Massdrop at the moment.
I have a feeling the intent is to fulfill MD orders first (at $339 it's an awesome discount), where MD is limited to 200 units with 117 already claimed/purchased. Once MD is over in 5 days, I'm sure Nova will be available on Campfire website at full price.
Aww, snap! If I hadn't bid on Savant today, I'd be picking Nova up. As it is, I'll have to wait...
Can anyone tell me who is the most influential IEM guru?
As you know already, Tyll from Innerfidelity is a famous headphone guru but doesn't seem to review IEMs that often.
(Innerfidelity's Wall-of-Fame currently lists Kaiser 10, UE Miracle, JH13 Pro FreqPhase and others.)
That was done a while ago, since than many innovative design has come out. Arguably the most technically proficient IEM is the kse1500, however it is an all in one approach.Can anyone tell me who is the most influential IEM guru?
As you know already, Tyll from Innerfidelity is a famous headphone guru but doesn't seem to review IEMs that often.
(Innerfidelity's Wall-of-Fame currently lists Kaiser 10, UE Miracle, JH13 Pro FreqPhase and others.)
the one and only @ljokerl
Thanks, audio123.
I found the rating system really helpful. http://theheadphonelist.com/headphone-list/
Sadly, no review of any CFA model on the website.
Andromeda seems to be ok with the Centrance Hifi Skyn and Shozy Alien, a little more sparkle on the high end of the Alien.
Different signatures for sure but not that much different. Near identical with the Andromeda.
Good with both.
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Jupiter.
*I swapped out the newer cable from the Nova to the Jupiter so all the Campfire IEMs were similar.
Faaarrrkk. I haven`t listened to the Jupiter since I got the Andromeda, quite a different kettle of fish.
Could be the new cable too.
*New cable (from the Nova).
Fairly similar to the Andromeda, no extreme differences, Alien a little more airy/sparkle..
*With original cable.
Same as new cable, different sig slightly. but still no extreme differences.
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Back to the Nova.
I think I am getting A/B fatigued.
Definitely the Andromeda and Jupiter are above the Nova in price and performance.
Its close, very close to what I wrote before.
Both are good sources with a slightly different flavor.
The Shozy seems to take off some of the low end sub bass. But sometimes its needed such as Rammstein `du hast`.
It seems source dependent. Ever so slightly.
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Lets throw the DITA the Truth into the mix.
I will take off the reference tips and put on the ML Spiral Dots as I did with the Campfire Audio gear.
Dita prefers the Skyn.
Reference tips
Close but I think its a synergy match for the Skyn.
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Advanced AcousticWerkes W300u
No real change.
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Paiaudio MR3
no major change. Skyn warmer low end, more flat reference.
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My summary.
I am guessing that Nova is to some extent varied with Daps which is the same for many an earphone.
The differences though audible with analytical listening sessions are not that extreme.
Either some bass roll off, or added sparkles at the high end.
Either of which could probably be solved by some clever tip rolling to bring up the bass, or extend the treble according to ones preferences.
Half my battle is that I have the Andromeda and Jupiter to compare against to Nova..
Two drivers vs four and five is a bit of a bully situation.
Does it sound good? Yes. I think it is a good all rounder.
Next I might do some tip rolling with it and see what happens.
*I hope todays garbled impressions as i went about my day were helpful in some way.
cheers
expat.
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EDIT:
Nova again. Centrance Hifi-Skyn vs Seiun hi res player
Very similar sound signatures.
The Skyn edges out in power and performance.
Nova still shines.