I've had the Bravado MKII's for long enough now that I can share some impressions. First of all, the packaging, accessories and product quality is everything you'd expect from a high end IEM maker. Kudos to
@Jack Vang and company.
I listen to mostly electronic music with some classic rock thrown in (e.g. Dire Straits, Styx, Eagles, etc.). Preferred sound signature is V or U shape with elevated sub-bass and sparkly treble. The Bravado MKIIs deliver in that regard.
Most listening was done on my ES100 bluetooth device (iPhone AAC source, 2.5mm balanced) and secondarily on my Sony NW-ZX300a DAP (FLAC or 320 MP3, 4.4mm balanced) at moderately loud volumes. All devices were set to flat (i.e. no EQ).
The star of the show with the MKII's is the sub-bass. It's elevated, smooth with great texture and doesn't infringe on the other frequencies. There is some mid-bass but I don't notice it as much as compared to my next best IEM, JVC HA-FW01. The Bravado provides an overall cleaner listening experience between the two. There is some really great slam for EDM which is right up my alley.
Mids are clear, but are a few steps back in the mix compared to the bass and treble. The HA-FW01 vocals are more forward which I like over the Bravados. The Bravado still does mids well on classic rock tracks that don't have heavy electronic bass runs.
I'm not the best judge of treble since I'm older now. I have nothing to fault though with what I'm hearing out of the Bravado. Cymbals and high pitch electronic sounds sound natural and present. I like the treble on both the MKII's and FW01's.
I'm not the best judge of soundstage or imaging either. However, I will comment that L/R instrument separation is very good with sounds being "outside the head" and vocals more towards the middle.
Now for some minor nitpicks:
1) The cable, even though great quality, has too much memory at the ear pieces. I'm using an alternate one I happened to have on hand.
2) Lots of driver flex. Apparently, this is inherent to the driver design. It didn't seem to go away with some tips I tried. However, I finally settled on Sedna Xelastic tips as the ones best for me and the flex does go away after a short period. I contacted EE and they stated their lifetime warranty will cover the IEMs against any damage caused by driver flex (but there shouldn't be any).
3) Shirt clip would be a nice addition considering the price.
Final thoughts: the Bravados are wonderful for EDM and good for rock. They provide what I would call a "smooth yet detailed" listening experience. If you like bands like Infected Mushroom, pop these in your ears and you'll be in hog heaven. The HA-FW01s are also stellar IEMs since they can be obtained for less than half the cost of the Bravados and IMO provide a great listening experience also.
thank you
