100% Bonneville. Best IEM I’ve heard with metal, Astrolith is good too but more analytical and faster. Bonneville sounds more engaging and the bass is much more satisfying for metal imo.What's the best bet for an all-rounder (current production) CFA IEM that has a thick, textured, and dynamic presentation that goes especially well with rock and metal and won't totally punish me if I listen to a poorly recorded track? Also would be hoping to run it off my iPhone with a very small dongle like the FiiO KA11.
I was thinking that Cascara, Dark Star, or Bonneville are probably the best choices? Would Clara maybe fit in this group?
Latest Thread Images
Featured Sponsor Listings
You are using an out of date browser. It may not display this or other websites correctly.
You should upgrade or use an alternative browser.
You should upgrade or use an alternative browser.
Campfire Chat - Official Campfire Audio 2024 Thread!
- Thread starter CFA Chris
- Start date
Yeah I'm thinking Bonneville or Cascara would be best for what I'm looking for since early impressions make it sound like Dark Star and Clara might be tamer and less dynamic than these two.100% Bonneville. Best IEM I’ve heard with metal, Astrolith is good too but more analytical and faster. Bonneville sounds more engaging and the bass is much more satisfying for metal imo.
Bonneville seems like it would give me a larger stage, more precise imaging and higher resolution/microdynamics than Cascara, and also more air and sparkle in the treble? Does anyone here prefer Cascara to Bonneville? I'm assuming Bonneville has the possibility of exposing more flaws or being more fatiguing with harsh recordings?
Andromeda goldI’d love to be proven wrong about BA bass, but I haven’t heard any of the examples listed here.

Ghisy
500+ Head-Fier
- Joined
- Jul 6, 2010
- Posts
- 533
- Likes
- 283
I have the Bonneville and Cascara are on the way soon. But I got to try them both in stores.Does anyone here prefer Cascara to Bonneville?
They're different beasts I'd say: Bonneville are great all-rounders with a satisfying bass presence; Cascara are all about the bass and perfect for EDM or hip-hop. They fit different moods for me (well, they will when my Cascara are finally here).
Depends on what you're looking for really.
fejnomit
Headphoneus Supremus
Yes and yes. Bonneville is a no-brainer. Miss mine.Bonneville seems like it would give me a larger stage, more precise imaging and higher resolution/microdynamics than Cascara, and also more air and sparkle in the treble?