[bukumurah]

Not a lot more I can talk about based off my impressions of demo units apart from the fact that it's neutral, has intimate imaging and sterile to the point of sounding... flat.

Thank you so much for sharing your impression on the PP8.. they sound like really boring iems (to you) LOL.. if I may ask, which aspects of their performance made them earn their current S- rank?

 

[BananaOoyoo]

Lime Ears Model X Review: Two-faced​

Introduction

The Model X is Lime Ear's quad driver model that was first released back in late 2017. As with most other boutique-style companies, the Model X was offered only in custom and universals only existed as demo units for distributors and sellers. I myself have tried the Model X demos before and have ranked them at A- a few months ago. Now, Lime Ears is offering the Model X in universal shells commercially and have provided me with a unit for a full review.

Lime Ears Model X Universal

The Signature

The most defining feature of the Model X has to be its switch system. Now yes, what was once a feature exclusive to kilobuck IEMs has now been gaining relevancy on the IEM stage in recent years, with many cheap chifi models now sporting switches. However, most switches seem to be rather specific with their changes with most opting for rather focused frequency boosts, most popular being boosting the bass. Lime Ears takes a rather unique (for now at least) direction with their Model X switch, changing the overall signature of the IEM quite drastically.

On what I dub "neutral mode" (switches down), the Model X is... well, neutral. A little like the UERM in a way with some extra upper midrange, so it's what I'd personally define has slightly coloured due to the small tilt in tonality towards the higher frequencies. More or less completely flat from the bass to the lower mids so it fulfills the classic textbook definition of sterility and being "reference" in that regard.

Turning up the switches to what I dub as "warm mode", the Model X could be an entirely different IEM and I'd be none the wiser. There is a wide band boost in the lower frequencies as well as a slightly reduction in the upper mids and treble, which balances out the tonality nicely. Even in this mode though, it's not that warm and still less warm than something like the Massdrop Plus. Lime Ears intends for the "bass boost" switch to be used for low volume listeners per the equal loudness contour, though objectively speaking it's not quite accurate since they'll require a much higher sub-bass increase than what is tuned in. But let's just throw the textbook out the window for now.

The Bad

To be absolutely clear, the Model X is a very capable all-rounder (moreso with its dual signatures) and so these aren't hard flaws, more like shortcomings that any potential buyer should be aware of.

For one thing, the treble tilt can get a little hot. It's not quite screaming in your face demanding damping, but it gets fatiguing for sensitive people like me who can appreciate a rolloff. That said, it's just emphasised but not splashy, so it retains definition and control despite its brightness. I can see the Model X being a "makes you wince" kind of sound for many people but at least it has the resolution and definition to justify the use of foam.

Bass is another issue but it's pretty much a guaranteed talking point on the "The Bad" section of my reviews if it's a pure BA IEM. I do have my biases and I'm not afraid to talk about them; the Model X's low end doesn't hold a candle to any of my hybrid or DD IEMs and so sounds limp and inarticulate in comparison. That said, even in the realm of BA IEMs the Model X also doesn't have particularly good "BA bass". It still fails to convey the authority and darkness of a bass drum in an orchestral piece or the proper rumble of a deep synth note. Of course you can still hear the notes, but my usual criticisms of BA bass apply here, no escaping that.The characteristics of the bass itself don't change much between modes, with only the overall volume getting louder or softer depending on the switch position.

Additionally, there's a hint of that crunchy, plasticky aftertone that's a sign of the good ol' BA timbre. Thankfully it's not too obvious and I've definitely heard worse, but that is something to look out for if you're sensitive to that kind of phenomenon. Rather common in these kinds of reference-style BA IEMs so given the amount of it I'm hearing, I'm willing to close one eye.

The Good

Let's shift the fluff out of the way; the Model X is very good bordering on exceptional. What I feel is its strongest point is the way that both modes are tuned. I've let no less than ten people have a go at the Model X and there was almost a 50/50 split between those who prefer it in "neutral mode" versus those who prefer it in "warm mode". Small sample size but it's hard to argue that the Model X can offer something to almost everybody. As I've said before: "neutral to warm in a pinch", though it is to be noted that the Model X is capable of both proper neutral as well as proper warmth, nothing half-baked with either.

That being said, tuning is nothing if not backed up by technical proficiency, especially in the kilobuck realm. But obviously I've avoided talking about technicalities in "The Bad" section for a reason here. The Model X scores high marks across the board, nailing resolution, definition, tonal balance and attack speed and achieving passing grades for timbre and decay naturalness. There is virtually no smearing of notes even on the warm mode, remaining clean and defined even on my busiest metal tracks. Furthermore, there is almost no sacrifice in technicalities when going neutral to warm mode, a nice surprise given the amount of monitors I've listened to that fall apart with just a small emphasis in the lower midrange.

Neutral mode tends to bias percussions and plucked strings more, though the bias shrinks on warm mode. Depending on your tracks and genres, there isn't an emphasis of one instrument type over the other and the tone is well presented, perhaps one of the best in my recent pool of review units.

Conclusion

Proper tuning, proper technicalities, proper use of a switch. Not much to say, the all-rounders are always the hardest to praise.

Perhaps I'll get some flak for doing this only after getting a review unit, but my reputation will survive. Lime Ears deserves this.

Rank adjustment: A- A

The universal Model X isn’t new thing - they’ve been available locally for at least the past year or so. That said, nice review (and a very nice iem by Lime Ears)

 

[Piotr Michalak]

The universal Model X isn’t new thing - they’ve been available locally for at least the past year or so. That said, nice review (and a very nice iem by Lime Ears)

In fact it is Up to this date Lime Ears did custom ordered universals sometimes, like every other CIEM company if you ask them to do it. But this is the first truly universal off the shelf model, and the difference is in metal tube box, 3 types of tips incl. mandarine, spinfits and comply, and most importantly, the metal nozzle, which is quite nice and not many universal-CIEM IEMs have this.

 

[ctaxxxx]

@crinacle, have you heard the Focal Elegia or Clear at all? My jaw problems keep me from using the headphones for very long...

Do you know any IEMs similar, or if you haven't heard them, any IEMs that are more neutral toned with full male vocals? My IEMs and MDR-Z1R all have that Japanese tuning, so something with a more western tuning is preferred, where male vocals shine.

[redacted]

I'd consider the CE-5 to be more female-biased. Things like the Phantom, UE18+ Gen 2, VE8 or N8 would be male biased (with the VE8 being the most vocally-neutral of the lot). At $1k there's also used TG334s you can scout out for (actually I'm trying to sell mine, conflict of interest alert!).

Sorry for the old reply, but how do the InEar Prophile 8 and SD5 compare in the mids compared to the IEMs in your reply above? (male or female biased specifically)

Any IEMs under $1K that come to mind? $1K is kind of my upper limit, unless I really feel like pushing it.

 

[BananaOoyoo]

Lime Ears Model X Review: Two-faced​

Introduction

The Model X is Lime Ear's quad driver model that was first released back in late 2017. As with most other boutique-style companies, the Model X was offered only in custom and universals only existed as demo units for distributors and sellers. I myself have tried the Model X demos before and have ranked them at A- a few months ago. Now, Lime Ears is offering the Model X in universal shells commercially and have provided me with a unit for a full review.

Lime Ears Model X Universal

The Signature

The most defining feature of the Model X has to be its switch system. Now yes, what was once a feature exclusive to kilobuck IEMs has now been gaining relevancy on the IEM stage in recent years, with many cheap chifi models now sporting switches. However, most switches seem to be rather specific with their changes with most opting for rather focused frequency boosts, most popular being boosting the bass. Lime Ears takes a rather unique (for now at least) direction with their Model X switch, changing the overall signature of the IEM quite drastically.

On what I dub "neutral mode" (switches down), the Model X is... well, neutral. A little like the UERM in a way with some extra upper midrange, so it's what I'd personally define has slightly coloured due to the small tilt in tonality towards the higher frequencies. More or less completely flat from the bass to the lower mids so it fulfills the classic textbook definition of sterility and being "reference" in that regard.

Turning up the switches to what I dub as "warm mode", the Model X could be an entirely different IEM and I'd be none the wiser. There is a wide band boost in the lower frequencies as well as a slightly reduction in the upper mids and treble, which balances out the tonality nicely. Even in this mode though, it's not that warm and still less warm than something like the Massdrop Plus. Lime Ears intends for the "bass boost" switch to be used for low volume listeners per the equal loudness contour, though objectively speaking it's not quite accurate since they'll require a much higher sub-bass increase than what is tuned in. But let's just throw the textbook out the window for now.

The Bad

To be absolutely clear, the Model X is a very capable all-rounder (moreso with its dual signatures) and so these aren't hard flaws, more like shortcomings that any potential buyer should be aware of.

For one thing, the treble tilt can get a little hot. It's not quite screaming in your face demanding damping, but it gets fatiguing for sensitive people like me who can appreciate a rolloff. That said, it's just emphasised but not splashy, so it retains definition and control despite its brightness. I can see the Model X being a "makes you wince" kind of sound for many people but at least it has the resolution and definition to justify the use of foam.

Bass is another issue but it's pretty much a guaranteed talking point on the "The Bad" section of my reviews if it's a pure BA IEM. I do have my biases and I'm not afraid to talk about them; the Model X's low end doesn't hold a candle to any of my hybrid or DD IEMs and so sounds limp and inarticulate in comparison. That said, even in the realm of BA IEMs the Model X also doesn't have particularly good "BA bass". It still fails to convey the authority and darkness of a bass drum in an orchestral piece or the proper rumble of a deep synth note. Of course you can still hear the notes, but my usual criticisms of BA bass apply here, no escaping that.The characteristics of the bass itself don't change much between modes, with only the overall volume getting louder or softer depending on the switch position.

Additionally, there's a hint of that crunchy, plasticky aftertone that's a sign of the good ol' BA timbre. Thankfully it's not too obvious and I've definitely heard worse, but that is something to look out for if you're sensitive to that kind of phenomenon. Rather common in these kinds of reference-style BA IEMs so given the amount of it I'm hearing, I'm willing to close one eye.

The Good

Let's shift the fluff out of the way; the Model X is very good bordering on exceptional. What I feel is its strongest point is the way that both modes are tuned. I've let no less than ten people have a go at the Model X and there was almost a 50/50 split between those who prefer it in "neutral mode" versus those who prefer it in "warm mode". Small sample size but it's hard to argue that the Model X can offer something to almost everybody. As I've said before: "neutral to warm in a pinch", though it is to be noted that the Model X is capable of both proper neutral as well as proper warmth, nothing half-baked with either.

That being said, tuning is nothing if not backed up by technical proficiency, especially in the kilobuck realm. But obviously I've avoided talking about technicalities in "The Bad" section for a reason here. The Model X scores high marks across the board, nailing resolution, definition, tonal balance and attack speed and achieving passing grades for timbre and decay naturalness. There is virtually no smearing of notes even on the warm mode, remaining clean and defined even on my busiest metal tracks. Furthermore, there is almost no sacrifice in technicalities when going neutral to warm mode, a nice surprise given the amount of monitors I've listened to that fall apart with just a small emphasis in the lower midrange.

Neutral mode tends to bias percussions and plucked strings more, though the bias shrinks on warm mode. Depending on your tracks and genres, there isn't an emphasis of one instrument type over the other and the tone is well presented, perhaps one of the best in my recent pool of review units.

Conclusion

Proper tuning, proper technicalities, proper use of a switch. Not much to say, the all-rounders are always the hardest to praise.

Perhaps I'll get some flak for doing this only after getting a review unit, but my reputation will survive. Lime Ears deserves this.

Rank adjustment: A- A

In fact it is Up to this date Lime Ears did custom ordered universals sometimes, like every other CIEM company if you ask them to do it. But this is the first truly universal off the shelf model, and the difference is in metal tube box, 3 types of tips incl. mandarine, spinfits and comply, and most importantly, the metal nozzle, which is quite nice and not many universal-CIEM IEMs have this.

Huh, my local distributor has had a universal Model X available since at least early 2018 and probably even earlier (metal nozzle and all, though I’m not sure about the included accessories because I didn’t end up buying one ). Maybe it was just a Korea-only thing then.

They had a recent launch event for a “limited edition” universal Model X though... maybe that’s the same version everyone else is talking about, just not as a limited edition product?

 

[He Is Emil]

Huh, my local distributor has had a universal Model X available since at least early 2018 and probably even earlier (metal nozzle and all, though I’m not sure about the included accessories because I didn’t end up buying one ). Maybe it was just a Korea-only thing then.

They had a recent launch event for a “limited edition” universal Model X though... maybe that’s the same version everyone else is talking about, just not as a limited edition product?

Hah, indeed, there was universal version manufactured in cooperation with wonderful distributor in Korea. And it's, like you noticed Korea-only. So up to this point it's been available to 0,65% of world population!
Also last year we have released limited edition of both Model X and Aether with some crazy-awesome accessories. And again it was available only thorough distributors (altough in several countries) since they found their happy owners pretty quickly.

Equipped in experience from these two short runs we have taken another step to finally make this line of universals. With optimal build, accesories, and everything.
#truestory

 

[BananaOoyoo]

Hah, indeed, there was universal version manufactured in cooperation with wonderful distributor in Korea. And it's, like you noticed Korea-only. So up to this point it's been available to 0,65% of world population!
Also last year we have released limited edition of both Model X and Aether with some crazy-awesome accessories. And again it was available only thorough distributors (altough in several countries) since they found their happy owners pretty quickly.

Equipped in experience from these two short runs we have taken another step to finally make this line of universals. With optimal build, accesories, and everything.
#truestory

Thanks for the clarification! I really liked the Model X (and Aether), and I thought you guys did a great job with the fit on the universal shells. Actually, I did wonder why I almost never saw Lime Ears universals on sale outside of Korea - so I’m glad I found out why

IMO, both iems are really easy to recommend.

 

[xmr0613]

Just got to borrow my colleague's new Jomo Trinity SS today, tried for quite a few hours and compared intensively with my KSE1500. For those of you who are interested in the comparison of them:

Trinity SS is much more organic and textured in bass region, the decay is slower and the impact is much bigger than the faster and lighter presentation of KSE. This is an obvious DD bass, even reminded me of the bass of Legend X at times(obviously not as much volume, but Trinity's bass in general is not light at all).
Vocal is relatively recessed, at least comparing to the KSE, great amount of details in this region though. At times I feel singers are further away from me, for both male and female vocals, and there's also this added "breathiness" that's hard to describe.
Treble is extremely detailed and well defined, but surprisingly, not as "bright and peaky" as I would imagine for an IEM with dual est tweeters. Actually the KSE is much brighter than the Trinity SS. I do tend to agree with Crin's impression that the Trinity SS lacks some of the treble extension at the very top.
In general I feel the Trinity SS version is warm to slightly V-shape, if I take Prophile 8 as "neutral" and KSE1500 as "bright".

In terms of technical performance, honestly it's too hard to call. Despite being less "bright" than the KSE, the Trinity is every bit as detailed, and that's probably the first IEM that makes me feel this way. Due to the higher energy at treble region, KSE does sound a little more "transparent" to me, but I don't hear either pair has clear edge in resolution or speed over the other here.

Due to the sound signature difference, I find myself enjoy Trinity SS a little more on works from Massive Attack, Jamie XX, Steven Wilson and such, and I liked KSE more on Fleet Foxes, Cocteau Twins, Phoenix and alike.

Hope this is helpful for people who are interested in the Trinity SS!

 

[frankqxq]

Perhaps the most comprehensive and updated ranking I have ever seen, appreciate your dedication.

 

[bibit69]

No QDC 8SS/H, demoted?

 

[Extrasensory]

Is switching from BGVP DM6 to Sony IER-M9 a good move?

ps. I suggest to do an average MSRP price for each tier.

 

[bukumurah]

Is switching from BGVP DM6 to Sony IER-M9 a good move?

ps. I suggest to do an average MSRP price for each tier.

You will be moving from a somewhat bright v-shape signature (to my ears) to a very refined, neutral-warm signature.. is it what you are after?

 

[chinmie]

Is switching from BGVP DM6 to Sony IER-M9 a good move?

ps. I suggest to do an average MSRP price for each tier.

You will be moving from a somewhat bright v-shape signature (to my ears) to a very refined, neutral-warm signature.. is it what you are after?

agreed. the M9 is much more polite and smooth in presentation compared to the DM6. I'd say it's not really apple to apple comparison

 

[crinacle]

Whizzer A-HE03 "Kylin" Review: Mundane​

Introduction

The Kylin is Whizzer's newest hybrid flagship, sporting one dynamic and two balanced armature drivers. The Kylin was kindly provided to me by Linsoul Audio.

Purchase from Amazon
(I do not earn any revenue from these links.)

A Slight Tangent

I'm going to forego my usual "The Bad/The Good" style for a good reason: the good points of this IEM is that it is, at best, slightly above average. That's mostly on the resolution of the midrange which is adequate but also nothing rather special in comparison with its competition.

When I say "mundane", that's really the best descriptor I can give the Kylin. I've gotten virtually zero desire to listen to it more past my first time because it doesn't offer anything that makes me want to. I'd call it plain water but that's giving too much credit. It's more like this dubious glass of something that tastes vaguely like water but with an odd aftertaste that makes you think it's not. Now imagine that you have an obligation to finish this glass of... "a thing" so that you can talk about its taste. It's not horrible, it won't make you puke nor will it make you sick but you avoid it all the same.

If you're familiar with me outside the forums, you'd know that I like to call such average IEMs "things". The Kylin is exactly that: "a thing". Sound-wise, it doesn't have a distinction and sounds like a generic hybrid. My worst fear.

The Sound

Fluff out of the way, let's start with the bass. It's the first thing you notice with the Kylin since there is quite a lot of it, though not of particularly good quality. There is a lot of bloat but it's mostly due to the skewed tonal balance rather than the transients of the bass itself. The decay isn't too bad and the attack is blunted but I've heard worse. Decent sub-bass response but overshadowed by the looming presence of midbass. This issue is also exacerbated by the recessed midrange, which literally muffles instruments every time the bass hits. Not a great start for what's meant to be the star of the show.

Speaking of midrange, I don't usually use the word "distant" but it's the first thing that comes to mind when I listen to the Kylin's portrayal of vocals, particularly males. Tone wise it's passable in that it doesn't make me immediately yank them out of my ears, but there's just something that I can't put my finger on. Some sort of uncanny valley where it's just slightly wrong and it's not much, but enough to drive me crazy (or in this case, just not want to listen more). And again, the midrange practically disappears whenever you throw a halfway bassy track on the Kylins. EDM fans need not apply.

Treble is mushed up and blunted. It doesn't seem to carry a lot of energy which is quite a detriment considering that treble would be the one thing to balance out the gobs of midbass. In a way it sounds almost veiled but not quite; it's not like you're listening through a pillow but more like someone accidentally turned the tweeter slightly down.

Imaging suffers from the same "it's not bad not good either" pattern. It's solidly average though it does sound like the overwhelming midbass/lower mids are congesting the stage. A bit of the in-your-head effect going on but nothing too drastic.

Choice Comparison

BGVP DMG
Probably a little too heavy-handed of a statement but I do believe that there really isn't a point in getting a Kylin when the DMG exists. Both have a midbassy signature and relatively subdued treble, though the biggest distinction is in tonality. While the DMG is surprisingly excellent and doesn't illicit a lot of complaints on my end, the Kylin has the mids as one of its weakest points, second only to its bass response. Speaking of which, the DMG's bass (as bad as it is) is still better tuned than the Kylin's which gives me a bass-induced headache in record times.

Conclusion

An average IEM in an extremely competitive area of the industry. Not a good combination.

Final rank: C-

 

[listen4joy]

hope you will review the Kanas Pro.