[Lemondante]

I have not only tried but acquired all of them actually (Classic, 2020, SE and LE) - yes, I guess that I am a little bit crazy

I must say that I do not really agree with audio123's review (quoted by ehjie): while the 2020 definitely has some specific qualities that the Classic has not (sonically: the mids, and of course the smaller shelf, that most people tend to prefer), I would not say that the 2020 are technically "better" than the Classic (as audio123 implies).

Whether one would say that the Classic / SE / LE are "better" than the 2020 or that the 2020 are "better" than the Classic / SE / LE is really a matter of personal preference, and it should be noted that there is definitely no "big" sound difference between all the Solaris models - they are really all in the same ballpark, with each having its own little specificities that make them just a little bit different.

Personally, I would say that I prefer the LE over the 2020 (although I still use the 2020 from time to time, especially when travelling), but I totally understand how other people can actually prefer the 2020 over the Classic / SE / LE.

At the end of the day, when comparing the 2020 and the LE (or the 2020 and any other Solaris really), I would say that the most important thing to consider (over the slight differences in sound) is really the size of the shelves.

It took some time for me to get used to the Classic's big shelves (in the first weeks I could not really use them for more than 1 hour straight), but somehow I did get used to them, and now I am able to use them for several hours without any fatigue (other than the "normal" fatigue that you can have depending on the style of music and on the type / quality of recording / mixing, of course).

So:

- if you do not mind the big shelves, I would say that you should maybe go with the LE (as they are a limited edition that is still available and as they are maybe a little bit closer to what I would call the "classic" Solaris sound than the 2020 - although, again, that's really a matter of personnal preference),

- and if you do mind the big shelves (or really prefer the smaller size of the 2020 and / or its sound, if you have the possibility to compare them), than you should definitely go with the 2020, which are great IEMs that are definitely in the same ballpark / at the same level of quality as the other Solaris models...

Hope this helps!

Thank you very much for your help. I do care about the size considering I need to take the IEM out with me. So I'd probably go with the 2020 version.

 

[BowWazoo]

Good choice.
The 2020 is the best I have ever heard.
(And I was owner of the D8000, Utopia and Empyrean).

 

[BowWazoo]

Fantastic product.
It makes the Solaris sound more sophisticated.
Definitely more hifi than the original silicone tips.

 

[ExpatinJapan]

Fantastic product.
It makes the Solaris sound more sophisticated.
Definitely more hifi than the original silicone tips.

You seem to be having quite the journey from your earlier ‘set in stone’ assertions.

Exciting times of discovery i am sure.

enjoy

 

[BowWazoo]

None of my statements are set in stone.
They always reflect the current state of knowledge.

I am already very excited about the ++.
Unfortunately, the seller is not very sociable

 

[boxster233]

Fantastic product.
It makes the Solaris sound more sophisticated.
Definitely more hifi than the original silicone tips.

Even better than final e type?

 

[justsomesonyfan]

azla sedna > all other ones imo.

final E is bad imo compared to other ones due to the narrow bore.

 

[PawanKadole]

Which is that cable on Solaris?

 

[BowWazoo]

@boxster233

I don't like the Final e-type at all.

 

[ehjie]

Which is that cable on Solaris?

Leo Plus

 

[pstefan98]

After going through a lot of audio gear this past year (SE535 > Andromeda 2020 > HD800S > Solaris 2020 > KEF LS50 Wireless > Now nothing) I think I am ready to invest into IEMs again.

I find myself missing the warm enveloping sound signature of the Solaris 2020, but I see now that a new Special Flower Edition has been released.

I’m not sure where to go from here

 

[gnahra]

After going through a lot of audio gear this past year (SE535 > Andromeda 2020 > HD800S > Solaris 2020 > KEF LS50 Wireless > Now nothing) I think I am ready to invest into IEMs again.

I find myself missing the warm enveloping sound signature of the Solaris 2020, but I see now that a new Special Flower Edition has been released.

I’m not sure where to go from here

I owned the 2020, SE, and I now own the LE.
If you can stand the fit issues of the OG/SE/LE, in my humble opinion, the LE bests the 2020 - more textured mids, much wider and more hologtaphic stage, and slightly smoother treble. Despite some of the much more expensive IEMs in my collection, I come back to the LE quite frequently. It’s a winner.

 

[pstefan98]

I owned the 2020, SE, and I now own the LE.
If you can stand the fit issues of the OG/SE/LE, in my humble opinion, the LE bests the 2020 - more textured mids, much wider and more hologtaphic stage, and slightly smoother treble. Despite some of the much more expensive IEMs in my collection, I come back to the LE quite frequently. It’s a winner.

Thanks for your recommendation! I’m definitely eyeing it. The treble on the 2020 was definitely edgy at times to my taste so it’s interesting that you mentioned the LE’s treble is smoother.

 

[justsomesonyfan]

I owned the 2020, SE, and I now own the LE.
If you can stand the fit issues of the OG/SE/LE, in my humble opinion, the LE bests the 2020 - more textured mids, much wider and more hologtaphic stage, and slightly smoother treble. Despite some of the much more expensive IEMs in my collection, I come back to the LE quite frequently. It’s a winner.

how does LE compare to SE?

 

[BowWazoo]

Regarding the size of the case, I have to say this:
The 2020 is at the limit for my ear.
The case should definitely not be bigger.
I must mention that I do not have small ears...