impressions between z1r, U12, Solaris,vx and Kse?
I don't want to hijack this thread but here is my order of preference and short description of each:
KSE1500: Unbeatable transparency, detail, treble and dynamic range. 2nd best bass I've ever heard (nobody expects this but ask any kse owner, it goes LOW). Needs EQ for musical enjoyment; fine with stock tuning with great recordings. Not much soundstage height, good width, above average depth. KSE1200 is not good unless you EQ at your source (quite an ordeal of fine tuning). Just buy kse1500 if you can. Only in-ear that holds up to flagship level over-ear headphones like Susvara, Raal in terms of "sounds real" factor.
U12T: Incredible bass for BA, overall reference tuned with touch of fun - superb tuning. Superb 3D stage and proportioned in all 3 axis'. Best plug-an-play I've tried.
Z1R: Exraordinary bass (best yet for me), although boosted for my taste and lingers a touch too long. Tuning is mediocre, but technicalities overshadow it in a way and makes for an easy to listen and forgiving iem across any material you throw at it. I prefer my M9 for its tuning, and even that is a bit too warm to be called reference. Very open and expansive sound. NOT a reference iem.
Anole VX: I tried this one for about 20 mins, A/B'd with the KSE1500, sou my experience was a bit "disappointing" given its hype. Tremendously well-tuned and definitely the most "Reference-tuned" I've heard. Proportional in all 3 axis', but not as open as U12t. Bass is quick and punchy, but not the same realism as any in this list, yet arguably cleaner than everything (a bit dry). Great evenness across Fr with a bit too much sparkle for my taste (i like reference tuned but in iem's I tend to be more sensitive to treble, VX is doing its job, it's just a bit too technical sometimes). Great iem but hard to justify for musical enjoyment. Playing with the switches always take away from its magic more than anything.
Solaris: Honestly, I've heard 3, and there is a bit of variance. Mine was the most "analytical/ transparent/ clean" I've heard, but it was also a double edged sword. Frequency response-wise, love it - honestly the best reference-like response with touch of fun of the lot, but sadly a grade below in resolution, imaging compared to all the above. Mine was a bit too energetic in the upper mids and highs, a bit too much bite in the crunch area, but my friend's was more tame there. Soundstage width is amazing and wide, height tall, but barely any depth. Bass sounds a bit limp/ too dry like the VX.
So I really really want to get on this iem tour
!