[01BXTR]

He liked Andromeda (2020) enough to give them his A+ though

Very true, if seemingly almost begrudgingly

 

[iFi audio]

Very true, if seemingly almost begrudgingly

Could be, but only crinacle alone knows how he truly feels about that

Regardless of these ratings, that table is very impressive and probably very useful to many folks into C/IEMs

 

[amarkabove]

I’ve not a/b tested andro and Holocene, and I think I’d want to do that before a blind buy, since part of andro’s charm is the imaging and staging, and I’ve heard that’s where the Holocene falls apart a bit.

I find the Holocene’s more neutral/analytical than the Andros. They do not have quite the depth as the Andros but the still have good staging. Imaging is much the same in that they aren’t on the Andros level, but they are no way a slouch. The only thing really lacking on the Holocene’s is the sub bass. It’s there, but definitely not featured.

I actually prefer the Holocene’s for mixing and production work because they are a good reference neutral with plenty of mids.

 

[01BXTR]

I find the Holocene’s more neutral/analytical than the Andros. They do not have quite the depth as the Andros but the still have good staging. Imaging is much the same in that they aren’t on the Andros level, but they are no way a slouch. The only thing really lacking on the Holocene’s is the sub bass. It’s there, but definitely not featured.

I actually prefer the Holocene’s for mixing and production work because they are a good reference neutral with plenty of mids.

I’ll see if I can get a pair cheap used and then compare potentially could work.

 

[amarkabove]

Using the medium stock foam tips.

Quick A/B with the OG Andros - the Andros are better in every respect. The chart with the mids recessed on the Saber is accurate and noticeable. At least with what I’ve listening to so far.

The Saber’s definition is just missing in that range compared to the Andros and I find that’s a range I really like to hear.

I’d be interested to know what using the Andro cable on the Sabers does to its sound.

 

[torifile]

I’d be interested to know what using the Andro cable on the Sabers does to its sound.

That’s easy enough to check. I’ll let you know. Once the kids are settled for the night, I can get some listening time in.

 

[torifile]

No noticeable change when using the andro cable on the saber. Still just missing something in the mids.

Listening to Waxahatchee Out in the storm. I’m very familiar with this record. The soundstage is kind of crowded and the mids in Katie’s voice just aren’t there.

Volume is also lower on the Saber than the Andros so it’s hard to get a volume match when switched back and forth.

Vocals are not as clear and the reverb that’s prominent throughout the vocal tracks gets squished to the main vocals. Harmonies are also not as separated.

Overall, the Saber don’t match the Andros in any way. At least in the music I’ve used thus far. I hate to say that because I really like CFA and their tuning generally. These aren’t doing it for me.

If these were my only IEMs, I’m sure I’d be happy with them but they’ve got some tough competition. The Andros are just more lively and musical to my ears. I am not a reviewer and I don’t know what’s “right” as far as various curves. I just know what I like and the sound from the Andros is what appeals to me.

Next up is the Holocene. For the rest of tonight, though, I’m just going to enjoy my favorite record with my favorite IEMs.

(On another note, I’m really happy with the way my iPhone is driving my Andros. Maybe the Saber need more power. I’ve got a Shanling M6 Pro I could try them with. Later.)

 

[sleepdeprecation]

@torifile thank you so much for sharing your thoughts, from what you’ve said I think you’ve definitely confirmed these aren’t the IEMs for me, despite looking incredibly cool.

 

[ayang02]

Just got these today!





On first listen, I can echo the “mids with some reverb” impression. The sub bass is also a bit lacking as well.

I’ll give them more time to open up and do some tip-rolling.

 

[ostewart]

No noticeable change when using the andro cable on the saber. Still just missing something in the mids.

Listening to Waxahatchee Out in the storm. I’m very familiar with this record. The soundstage is kind of crowded and the mids in Katie’s voice just aren’t there.

Volume is also lower on the Saber than the Andros so it’s hard to get a volume match when switched back and forth.

Vocals are not as clear and the reverb that’s prominent throughout the vocal tracks gets squished to the main vocals. Harmonies are also not as separated.

Overall, the Saber don’t match the Andros in any way. At least in the music I’ve used thus far. I hate to say that because I really like CFA and their tuning generally. These aren’t doing it for me.

If these were my only IEMs, I’m sure I’d be happy with them but they’ve got some tough competition. The Andros are just more lively and musical to my ears. I am not a reviewer and I don’t know what’s “right” as far as various curves. I just know what I like and the sound from the Andros is what appeals to me.

Next up is the Holocene. For the rest of tonight, though, I’m just going to enjoy my favorite record with my favorite IEMs.

(On another note, I’m really happy with the way my iPhone is driving my Andros. Maybe the Saber need more power. I’ve got a Shanling M6 Pro I could try them with. Later.)

Try them with some silicone tips and a different source, would be interesting to hear your thoughts.

Also the Andromeda is superb, but it's over twice the price of the Saber and uses 5 BA's instead of 2 DD + 1 BA so kind of apples and oranges in terms of a comparison, but it's still good to hear your thoughts as many know the Andromeda sound so it's a handy reference

 

[Ace Bee]

Will be hanging around here looking for more impressions... But from the initial impressions, doesn't really look up my alley. I love my mids, and while it's okay if they sit a bit behind, I simply can't tolerate if they do not have the engagement factor. Looks like Saber misses out on that.

 

[Zabens]

These look incredible but I honestly don't think the sound signature is for me. I'm still considering them just to have something completely different from what I usually enjoy... and they're sexy af.

 

[Sebastien Chiu]

Looks like mine got the dreaded delivery delay to tomorrow.

My Equinox did however get in, so it's going to be a really fun week for my ears!

 

[iFi audio]

These look incredible

This might sound silly, but Saber actually looks great enough that pulling the trigger because of that is quite tempting

 

[TjFont]

I’m an Andro 2020 owner who has been waiting for a CA hybrid that would hit the mark for me. Polaris? too “V”. Dorado? too expensive. Mammoth? too many mixed reactions. Onyx? I bought one on impulse but haven’t opened it yet. (It might become a birthday gift for my son.)

Now Saber intrigues me yet again. I’d be interested in comparisons between it and the IEMs I mentioned.