ADDENDUM: I also compared the KZ ZS5 against the Sphear. Now that was a complete disaster for the ZS5...a slaughter: tinny and hollow vs. full and warm. While the Sphear don't have the most spacious and open sound (compared to higher end models), it is super fun.
Let me remind You that this is purely Your subjective opinion
Sometimes I think that You are maybe too "locked" into Sphear sound signature (fanboy? already found Your personal holy-grail?) and don`t let Your brain adjust to other sound signatures nor try different gear pairings.
Honestly, I listen my ZS5v1 with my desk and portable gear with no marks of "tinny" sound and that "hollow" You seem to be disgusted of might be actually open airy soundstage (which ZS5v1 is very well know for by now) but Your ears/brain doesn`t seem to preceive it so (need longer time to adjust?).
I mean, I listen Fidelio X1 with my modified Aune T1 with Siemens E88CC goldpin (~300$ tube rarity, gosh!) and if I compare it to ZS5v1 with modified iBasso DX50 - they are like 98% "same" sounding with huge "holographic" soundstage with great detailed mids (just distant presentation - preference thing) and highs, with
slight overall U-shaped signature (again, preference thing). And I can`t, just can`t call ZS5v1 not sounding "full" nor does it sound "cold", rather slightly warmish.
Not trying to argue with You again, just saying that ppl hear and perceive sound differently and add many other factors like ears anatomical differences, tips being used, source gear, amping, music choice, sound preference (we all have it!) etc. ...one is not right or wrong. Audio is mostly purely subjective!
After months I still regard the Magaosi Bk50 as the best earphone in my collection, it is a clear step above KZ zs5, Emi ci880, **** 4in1, urbanfun hybrid, Swing ie800, Seahf awk009, and the Boarseman cx98 and kr49.
They sound as an energetic V-shaped but very smooth and coherent. Bass is precise and deep, mids are clear and not recessed, treble is what I like most: airy and sparkly, INSANELY DETAILED. Wide soundstage with
Fantastic instrumental separation.
I don't see anything will beat and replace my Bk50 anytime soon.
Yeah, they have lost their glory in these threads but I agree - they sound smooth and coherent with great details. Personally I still prefer ZS5v1 for more neutral-sided signature and more details in mids & bass. BK50 only weak point to me is in its dynamic driver, which sometimes gets slightly "woolly" or too "bass oriented" to some extent depending what music You listen.
Still - geat sounding IEM that I hope doesn`t dye soon, a rare breed among hybrids.
I still have mine but haven`t finished modding shells and changing cable. Btw, for me, best tips for making them little better balanced and open-sounding, were Philips UE red core, wide bore, thin "skirt" silicones - give them a try
Btw, Otto, You should try BK50, they are good and You might even like them.
