So,
Sen'f'er DT'9 has arrived and I have first impressions for you people. As an opening note, DT'6 is my all time favourite and therefore bar for comparison.
DT'9 is a hybrid DD + Knowles BA IEMs with MMCX connection, at the moment you can get it from Ali at around 20 USD.
- IEMs: look solid and expensive although will naturally be a fingerprint magnet given gloss metallic surface. They feel tangible but not heavy or bulky. Very comfortable. 4/5
- Packaging: while overall modest, it includes a surprisingly good cable, although with fairly small V-fork so hope you don't have huge chin! 3.5/5
- Sound: I have not seen the frequency response graph for this but I feel this is what should be called a W-signature. It has good extensions on both ends (although more at the top) and very forward mids, more than in your average "neutral" IEMs (think DT'6). Clarity, especially in mids are like nothing else, in some songs I have heard back vocals or third guitar for the first time! Subbas extension is good and tight but not the deepest in the world just slight pleasant rumble especially from electronic bass. Highs are extremely clear, natural with minimal harshness even at high volumes - not sure if it is Sen'f'er's skillful tuning or Knowles BA is actually that good. Several words about soundstage -DT'6 was particularly legendary with its big and holographic soundstage which sounded like you stand 5-10 meters from the stage in a mid-sized venue. DT'9 is about you standing in front of a stage in a small room, I guess this is what is called "intimate". Instrument placement is still good, layering and separation is still outstanding and there is a decent sense of three dimensions but it is just that - intimate. 4.5/5
- Tips: I first tried them with Rock Zircon M eartips which (for my ear anatomy) achieve total seal and in that set-up bass is to big and too boomy bleeding into mids. With something that provides good but not absolute seal (some Spinfit for me) it properly shines with good soundstage, analytical level of details with just enough sparkle and punch to make it fun.
So DT'9 replaces DT'6 as my daily IEM, for now, as it has next level of clarify and detail while being same or only marginally worse on other aspects (subbass, soundstage).