[nraymond]

Covid killed a few boutique audio companies - RHA, Audiofly, Onkyo, Aiwa for example. Even Sennheiser as you said, had to sell away their consumer wing.

Sad, but it is kind of a survival of the fittest game going on. The audio hobby is considered "discretionary spending". Consumers will know whether something is providing good price-to-performance or not. CHIFI generally are much cheaper than some of these boutique brands and if a company rests on their laurels, and continue selling overpriced gear without innovating, then they may face the music (literally).

I don't know the details of RHA and Audiofly, but I would not characterize what happened to Onkyo and Aiwa as something caused by COVID. The fall of Onkyo is due to Gibson (the guitar company), which I talked about back in 2017 here:

https://www.head-fi.org/threads/gibson-facing-some-challenges.867057/

Aiwa lost their profitability in the late 1990s and was bought out by, and became a sub-brand of, Sony in 2003 (Sony had been a majority stake holder in the Aiwa company for many years). Sony tried to keep Aiwa going as a sub-brand but gave up in 2006. In 2015 the Aiwa brand name was bought by US company Hale Devices for use in selling products with that brand in the US and a few other regions. Hale Devices also renamed themselves to "Aiwa Corporation". In 2017 Towada Audio in Tokyo bought the Aiwa brand rights from Sony. In 2021, Aiwa Corporation in the US filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy. Towada Audio continues to make and sell Aiwa branded products in other countries.

I'm not sure what connection there could be between Sennheiser selling their consumer business to hearing aid specialist Sonova and COVID.

 

[NymPHONOmaniac]

wth, im super overwhelmed....this is what convince me to make a youtube channel...anyway, i receive my very first Penon IEM today, the SERIAL 3DD IEM, its a request, i choose them cause of my love for UM 3DT triple DD. I'm extremely impress by number of accessories and quality of them. Ill let them burn in a bit since even if im not obsess about burn in it would be dumb to not do it for 3 dynamic drivers imo will try to share some first impressions later today...

 

[NymPHONOmaniac]

i just saw the kz pr1 hifi. are there any noteworthy alternatives in this pricerange and planar magnetic? otherwise i will go for them

it seem planar IEM price begin to drop....you can find Tinhifi Panda for 95$ now, i would take this over any KZ iems, but thats just me.
as well, since Tangzu will release a new Zetian upgrade very soon, it might have a price drop too...if it ever go under 100$, it would be insane value.
https://www.aliexpress.com/item/1005004171317012.html

 

[helloh3adfi]

wth, im super overwhelmed....this is what convince me to make a youtube channel...anyway, i receive my very first Penon IEM today, the SERIAL 3DD IEM, its a request, i choose them cause of my love for UM 3DT triple DD. I'm extremely impress by number of accessories and quality of them. Ill let them burn in a bit since even if im not obsess about burn in it would be dumb to not do it for 3 dynamic drivers imo will try to share some first impressions later today...

Did they still have the Serial with black logo? Nowadays they print silver logos.

 

[AmericanSpirit]

Anyone recommend a pair of budget Bluetooth headphones that don't sound horrific and have good range. They are for my wife who really doesn't care too much about how they sound.

The plan is to buy a transmitter from ali (with claimed long range) and connect it to the back of a Sonos zoneplayer. We've had Sonos for well over 10 years, she has her play lists on it and has no desire to learn or try anything else.

If you are able to find AKG N400 for $49.99 (right now it went back to $130-150), it’s highly recommended, especially for your wife.
-The case design reminds me of Audi, pure black aluminum metal with subtle black letters
-the IEM has very long range
-adjustable ANC (so in the office, HVAC noise could be eliminated by your ANC slider adjustment, or on the flight engine noise)
-auto play/pause if you remove TWS from ear canal, pretty modern function you’d expect from good TWS
-tunable sound reproduction thru AKG app, with surprisingly great sounding single dynamic driver(Samsung’s high-tech driver maybe), wide sound stage
-Sound quality is better than Moondrop’s Sparks/nekocake, AirPods Pro if tuned to your favorite personal hearing preferences(HRTF)
-the touch controls can be adjusted on the housing, track&volume is adjustable thru taps
-talk thru and ambient aware mode by one swipe on TWS
-case is wirelessly chargable, just like AirPods pro

 

[SenorChang8]

wth, im super overwhelmed....this is what convince me to make a youtube channel...anyway, i receive my very first Penon IEM today, the SERIAL 3DD IEM, its a request, i choose them cause of my love for UM 3DT triple DD. I'm extremely impress by number of accessories and quality of them. Ill let them burn in a bit since even if im not obsess about burn in it would be dumb to not do it for 3 dynamic drivers imo will try to share some first impressions later today...

Since you like your bass, you will enjoy the Serial. Not basshead quantity but definitely quality bass that doesn’t overshadow anything. I’m still in awe of mine. They also appreciate some power and scale well with sources.

 

[SenorChang8]

My AQ0 is currently burning in, first impressions very promising and look forward to hearing it more. I was surprised it only took 11 days (synchronicity lol) to arrive from the 11/11 sales.

 

[AmericanSpirit]

Salnotes Zero: See Audio Yume with much more natural timbre with a cost of a set of ear tips.

-Amazingly clean tuned single DD
-Direct competition to Moondrop Chu and Tripowin Lea
-Bass floor sounds like Blessing 2, but with smoother transient, a bit more like Yume’s note touch( maybe Zero is using elastic diaphragm, not sure if it’s LCP, but much like the one used for Yume)

-lean, clean, diffusion field neutral, one of the “final conclusion” tuning, closes tuing from Mid to Treble is See audio Yume.

-Mid is similar to both Lea and Salnotes Zero

-Treble is much brighter, technically I feel Lea and Chu is 0.1 steps ahead, but almost no difference.

-Imaging is best of all 3

-Stock ear tips looks & feels cheap… I changed to spriral dot

-Salnotes zero also sounds like Timeless, one of best tuned clean sounding IEM.

-Housing Material is cheap plastic, as well as “ all you need is IEM” style basic packaging: not a good option for gifting for packaging

-I can see Classical genre lover would find Zero the best runner among Chu/Lea/SalZero $20 beast trio

VS Moondrop Aria OG(metal filter removed) -recabled to KBEAR 24 core SPC (around $20) : pretty similar cable with initial edition bonus cable that came with Kato

Aria still is a step above in terms of technical aspects, tonality wise Aria and Sal Zero is both tuned right, Aria has thicker notes fuller body. So if you find Sal Zero too colorless, Aria may be a good step up.

VS Moondrop Kato:
Technically Kato is 2-class above Sal Zero, but the tonality of Kato is on brighter, and analytical side. Also the tone on Kato is very solid, it works great with chamber/brass, but sometime could be cause some exhaustion. If you prefer softer tonality, Sal Zero works better.

TL;DR
Salnotes Zero is an IEM with Clean, light touch, crystal clear tonality and a very good imaging and natural timbre

IMO you don’t need blessing2 or Yume, Salnotes Zero is less analytical than those two, while with similar tuning, but it sounds more natural. If not the plastic shell, cheap stock ear tips, Salnotes Zero could be easily my pick over Chu/Lea.

To 7Hz: if only Zero is equipped with Lea class aluminum housing/Chu class nice package, and “not so cheap looked ear tips” < this is very important, people do judge content by outlook, it will be one of the best option for a holiday gift. I do hope to have this IEM as a TWS…!

Overall: B-
Tonality: A+
Technicality: C
Wow factor: S+, Sal Zero reminds me I’m living in a world of 2022. A $19 IEM sounding like an IEM that costed few hundred bucks if not higher…wow this thing sounds amazing.

Ear Tip rolling: due to poor stock ear tips, I guess many of us would try tips roll. I found Spiral Dot++ matches pretty well, or any wide opening bore ones. AZLA’s xelastec Crystal works too.

Not recommend with High Gain source; the core value of delicacy does not come with power. Try to have low gain output and lay back on your sofa couch, relax, then you will notice the difference. It’s not that bass lacks energy, with high gain, bass imaging will be rather flat, have Zero a relaxed gain, then you will find 3D bass presentation.

 

[DBaldock9]

Anyone recommend a pair of budget Bluetooth headphones that don't sound horrific and have good range. They are for my wife who really doesn't care too much about how they sound.

The plan is to buy a transmitter from ali (with claimed long range) and connect it to the back of a Sonos zoneplayer. We've had Sonos for well over 10 years, she has her play lists on it and has no desire to learn or try anything else.

You might consider the Avantree Aria Pro 2 (w/ANC) (2022), Bluetooth 5.0, aptX/-HD/-LL / FS / SBC, 32-Ω, 20Hz-20KHz, Sealed back, 40mm Dynamic, Internal Mics, Detachable Boom Mic, can also use 3.5mm TRS [Retail, $99.99]

I'm using an Avantree DG80 transmitter at work, and it easily reaches 50+ feet through cubicles (not solid walls). They also offer the DG60 Long Range model, with external antenna.

 

[NymPHONOmaniac]

Since you like your bass, you will enjoy the Serial. Not basshead quantity but definitely quality bass that doesn’t overshadow anything. I’m still in awe of mine. They also appreciate some power and scale well with sources.

didnt even burn in yet and im already in awe for their chunky layering, indeed bass is textured, thick and weighty yet don't over hit too hard, just slight energic punch....this is rich holographic presentation too, wide and enveloping, so nice...paired with my SMSL SU9+SH9 right now...

 

[NymPHONOmaniac]

Did they still have the Serial with black logo? Nowadays they print silver logos.

dont know mate, love the look of these even if its true the logo get lost in wood panels patterns...

 

[JAYAUDIO88]

Salnotes Zero: See Audio Yume with much more natural timbre with a cost of a set of ear tips.

-Amazingly clean tuned single DD
-Direct competition to Moondrop Chu and Tripowin Lea
-Bass floor sounds like Blessing 2, but with smoother transient, a bit more like Yume’s note touch( maybe Zero is using elastic diaphragm, not sure if it’s LCP, but much like the one used for Yume)

-lean, clean, diffusion field neutral, one of the “final conclusion” tuning, closes tuing from Mid to Treble is See audio Yume.

-Mid is similar to both Lea and Salnotes Zero

-Treble is much brighter, technically I feel Lea and Chu is 0.1 steps ahead, but almost no difference.

-Imaging is best of all 3

-Stock ear tips looks & feels cheap… I changed to spriral dot

-Salnotes zero also sounds like Timeless, one of best tuned clean sounding IEM.

-Housing Material is cheap plastic, as well as “ all you need is IEM” style basic packaging: not a good option for gifting for packaging

-I can see Classical genre lover would find Zero the best runner among Chu/Lea/SalZero $20 beast trio

TL;DR
Salnotes Zero is an IEM with Clean, light touch, crystal clear tonality and a very good imaging and natural timbre

IMO you don’t need blessing2 or Yume, Salnotes Zero is less analytical than those two, while with similar tuning, but it sounds more natural. If not the plastic shell, cheap stock ear tips, Salnotes Zero could be easily my pick over Chu/Lea.

To 7Hz: if only Zero is equipped with Lea class aluminum housing/Chu class nice package, and “not so cheap looked ear tips” < this is very important, people do judge content by outlook, it will be one of the best option for a holiday gift. I do hope to have this IEM as a TWS…!

Overall: B-
Tonality: A+
Technicality: C
Wow factor: S+, Sal Zero reminds me I’m living in a world of 2022. A $19 IEM sounding like an IEM that costed few hundred bucks if not higher…wow this thing sounds amazing.

Ear Tip rolling: due to poor stock ear tips, I guess many of us would try tips roll. I found Spiral Dot++ matches pretty well, or any wide opening bore ones. AZLA’s xelastec Crystal works too.

Not recommend with High Gain source; the core value of delicacy does not come with power. Try to have low gain output and lay back on your sofa couch, relax, then you will notice the difference. It’s not that bass lacks energy, with high gain, bass imaging will be rather flat, have Zero a relaxed gain, then you will find 3D bass presentation.

That's the same rating I gave the Zero Tonality is insane for $20. I put an Olina filter over it and it made the bass/note-weight better while taming some uppermids. Give it a try if you have some filters Goes from B- to B in my books after the small mod. Just ordered the Hexa,. exicted to hearthat too.

 

[AmericanSpirit]

That's the same rating I gave the Zero Tonality is insane for $20. I put an Olina filter over it and it made the bass/note-weight better while taming some uppermids. Give it a try if you have some filters Goes from B- to B in my books after the small mod. Just ordered the Hexa,. exicted to hearthat too.

Great! Yea I have spare filter from Aria, KXXS.

 

[baskingshark]

I don't know the details of RHA and Audiofly, but I would not characterize what happened to Onkyo and Aiwa as something caused by COVID.

I'm not sure what connection there could be between Sennheiser selling their consumer business to hearing aid specialist Sonova and COVID.

Well during the first few months of covid, many jobs were lost, lockdowns were mushrooming everywhere, and consumers couldn't go to shops or had less disposable money to spend. Audio is a discretionary hobby, and I'm sure with lay-offs, many would have rather saved for essential food over audio (unless we are diehard audiophiles haha).

As for Sennheiser, they not only produce audio gear, but they are a big player in the pro audio scene. I do stage monitoring every few weeks in a band and realize a lot of big concerts and stage events utilize Sennheiser's speakers, expertise and equipment and staffing.

During covid, many such large scale events were scrapped, and hence this did affect their earnings. They had to sack many staff: https://en-de.sennheiser.com/newsroom/sennheiser-presents-2019-results-and-announces-job-cuts due to the loss of income. It is no surprise some of these boutique brands folded or had to sell off some parts of the business to stay afloat.

If you are able to find AKG N400 for $49.99 (right now it went back to $130-150), it’s highly recommended, especially for your wife.
-The case design reminds me of Audi, pure black aluminum metal with subtle black letters
-the IEM has very long range
-adjustable ANC (so in the office, HVAC noise could be eliminated by your ANC slider adjustment, or on the flight engine noise)
-auto play/pause if you remove TWS from ear canal, pretty modern function you’d expect from good TWS
-tunable sound reproduction thru AKG app, with surprisingly great sounding single dynamic driver(Samsung’s high-tech driver maybe), wide sound stage
-Sound quality is better than Moondrop’s Sparks/nekocake, AirPods Pro if tuned to your favorite personal hearing preferences(HRTF)
-the touch controls can be adjusted on the housing, track&volume is adjustable thru taps
-talk thru and ambient aware mode by one swipe on TWS
-case is wirelessly chargable, just like AirPods pro

Speaking about AKG, AKG's flagship, the N5005, is apparently on sale here at $199 USD: https://www.harmanaudio.com/akg/AKG+N5005.html

It has 4 tuning nozzles and apparently was selling around $1K ish a few years back. Apparently comes with a BT cable and normal 2.5 and 3.5mm cables. But seems the cable is proprietary which is sad.

 

[AmericanSpirit]

Well during the first few months of covid, many jobs were lost, lockdowns were mushrooming everywhere, and consumers couldn't go to shops or had less disposable money to spend. Audio is a discretionary hobby, and I'm sure with lay-offs, many would have rather saved for essential food over audio (unless we are diehard audiophiles haha).

As for Sennheiser, they not only produce audio gear, but they are a big player in the pro audio scene. I do stage monitoring every few weeks in a band and realize a lot of big concerts and stage events utilize Sennheiser's speakers, expertise and equipment and staffing.

During covid, many such large scale events were scrapped, and hence this did affect their earnings. They had to sack many staff: https://en-de.sennheiser.com/newsroom/sennheiser-presents-2019-results-and-announces-job-cuts due to the loss of income. It is no surprise some of these boutique brands folded or had to sell off some parts of the business to stay afloat.



Speaking about AKG, AKG's flagship, the N5005, is apparently on sale here at $199 USD: https://www.harmanaudio.com/akg/AKG+N5005.html

It has 4 tuning nozzles and apparently was selling around $1K ish a few years back. Apparently comes with a BT cable and normal 2.5 and 3.5mm cables. But seems the cable is proprietary which is sad.

Yea… thanks for sharing. I was aware od that that N5005 and it’s very tempting. If only $199 comes with further discount (I’n looking at Black Friday/Cyber Monday), I cannot stop my finger.

Looked the webiste again, AKG must heard us. “Lowest price it is already. No Black Friday Sale”

I’m telling myself “why you need any more IEMs? While you have dozens more already top-notch ones, what’s the point? It’s waste of money. Spend on some good dinner with your family instead”
But still “want to know AKG’s ex-flagship IEM, N400 is proved as Starfield TWS, now N5005 is 4BA+1DD, ain’t it gonna be Blessing2 wireless for $199? “ voice hovers and echoes