ERLKöNIG Impressions
Best universal that I have ever heard!!!
Too bad the ERLKoNIG doesn't come in a custom version as I would very much love to do a full review. However, in a universal format, I still get a reasonably good seal and the best performance I can imagine from a universal. When I cup my ears, the performance does improve so I know that even at the top of the heap, there is more to give in a custom format.
If you read my ELYSIUM review, you know that I am very impressed with all Vision Ear's top tier lineup including the ELYSIUM, VE8, and the ERLKoNIG. VE has infused magic to both their bass and their full-sized presentation even at low volumes that I have not heard anywhere else. This means, even at low volume, the musicians sound full-sized, on the same stage, coherent, and detailed. Adding volume provides more layering, additional detail and nuances, euphonics, and increases the character of the 3D landscape. As a low volume listener, this is a very welcome change. I can turn up the volumes without adding sibilance, just increased magic until I cannot take it anymore. This describes the ERLKoNIG and why I am so impressed. It has been described as the VE8 on steroids which I agree, and then some. The ERL and VE8 are dryer than the ELY which is the main difference. The ELY mids are dynamic driver driven and have a richer tube-like quality to them that makes them extremely emotional. The dryer VE8/ERL are truer to the original recording and more exciting. But all three are true to the VE house sound which makes them all excellent. Therefore, I would love to have a VE8 or ERL to sit alongside my ELY to add more excitement when I am looking for that. So in choosing between the VE8 and the ERL, this is heartbreaking as the ERL is better, but I am a customs guy due to seal problems so I would have to go VE8 to get a custom fit. Please VE, please offer a custom option for the ERL - it deserves it.
Best universal that I have ever heard!!!
Too bad the ERLKoNIG doesn't come in a custom version as I would very much love to do a full review. However, in a universal format, I still get a reasonably good seal and the best performance I can imagine from a universal. When I cup my ears, the performance does improve so I know that even at the top of the heap, there is more to give in a custom format.
If you read my ELYSIUM review, you know that I am very impressed with all Vision Ear's top tier lineup including the ELYSIUM, VE8, and the ERLKoNIG. VE has infused magic to both their bass and their full-sized presentation even at low volumes that I have not heard anywhere else. This means, even at low volume, the musicians sound full-sized, on the same stage, coherent, and detailed. Adding volume provides more layering, additional detail and nuances, euphonics, and increases the character of the 3D landscape. As a low volume listener, this is a very welcome change. I can turn up the volumes without adding sibilance, just increased magic until I cannot take it anymore. This describes the ERLKoNIG and why I am so impressed. It has been described as the VE8 on steroids which I agree, and then some. The ERL and VE8 are dryer than the ELY which is the main difference. The ELY mids are dynamic driver driven and have a richer tube-like quality to them that makes them extremely emotional. The dryer VE8/ERL are truer to the original recording and more exciting. But all three are true to the VE house sound which makes them all excellent. Therefore, I would love to have a VE8 or ERL to sit alongside my ELY to add more excitement when I am looking for that. So in choosing between the VE8 and the ERL, this is heartbreaking as the ERL is better, but I am a customs guy due to seal problems so I would have to go VE8 to get a custom fit. Please VE, please offer a custom option for the ERL - it deserves it.
![IMG_5585[1].JPG](https://cdn.head-fi.org/a/10404120.jpg "IMG_5585[1].JPG")
