Evolving the UM Reference: A New Chapter for the Mason Series—Mason Nuit Étoilée & Soleil Tombé
Feb 9, 2024 at 5:01 PM Post #181 of 202
MM is carbon fiber, the metal inner shell won't work well with BCDs. We have a workshop manufacturing titanium components. Let the titanium work well with BCDs is a task we were and will constantly work on.
The shell of all Mason FS and AP were stabilized cactus roots. We tried to source the material within Asia back in 2019 but no luck. So we explored an American supplier that has the craftsmanship to make the perfect coloration and details we want. Trust me, the direct material of a pair of shells( w/o labor, import taxes, yields, overhead all that) can buy a pair of Mext. I ensure the quality is top notch.
The new 2-pin sockets are tight, very tight. It will be hard to change cables initially. But the shells can hold the force. I have changed the cable several times, they are still shining.
Your customer service personnel and several review sites list MM as having a titaniun inner frame. If this is not the case, perhaps corrections need made.
 
Feb 9, 2024 at 6:41 PM Post #182 of 202
What you see in that photo is not exclusive to that particular Soleil Tombé. I’m sure that it looks like that not because someone chose not to push the connector all the way in, but because the design of the IEMs itself wouldn't allow it, at least not comfortably.

Jewel and Rn6, to name a few, have similar thing, but they’re not $8500.

In my opinion, Soleil Tombé should have better integration of the 2-pin connector to the shell like what we can find in Traillii which is more ideal for me, or at least like the one Mentor has.



1. You know there are different standards with 2Pin sockets? The pictures of the Jewel shows a (third party) recessed two pin cable that is plugged into a non-recessed socket! No wonder it sticks out. The original Jewel cable does not stick out.
2. The picture of the UM Soleil Tombé seems to show that only on one side the connector does not sit flush. To me, that is a hint, that it just isn`t inserted properly on this picture. Of course only UM (or someone who has seen the IEMs in real) can clarify.
 
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Feb 9, 2024 at 6:44 PM Post #183 of 202
1. You know there are different standards with 2Pin sockets? The pictures of the Jewel shows a (third party) recessed two pin cable that is plugged into a non-recessed socket! No wonder it sticks out. The original Jewel cable does not stick out.
2. The picture of the UM Soleil Tombé seems to show that only on one side the connector does not sit flush. To me, that is a hint, that it just isn`t inserted properly on this picture. Of course only UM (or someone who has seen the IEMs in real) can clarify.
On both recessed and non-recessed two-pin, the copper pins should never be exposed if the cable is properly fit.
 
Feb 9, 2024 at 6:49 PM Post #184 of 202
On both recessed and non-recessed two-pin, the copper pins should never be exposed if the cable is properly fit.
Ok, now I get what you mean! :thumbsup: True. In deed it sometimes happens if one swaps cables...seems the different makers of sockets and connectors seem to sometimes measure differently. Should not happen. And especially should not happen if cable and IEM come from the same company. But again, I am not sure if this is the case with the Soleil Tombé. If so, I absolutely agree with you!
 
Feb 9, 2024 at 10:28 PM Post #185 of 202
Your customer service personnel and several review sites list MM as having a titaniun inner frame. If this is not the case, perhaps corrections need made.
The rounded frame layering outside is titanium.
 
Unique Melody Feel free to reach out to us at any time! To reach me personally, leave me a PM or email me at umwang@uniquemelody.org and I'll get back to you as soon as I can! Stay updated on Unique Melody at their sponsor profile on Head-Fi.
 
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Feb 11, 2024 at 11:38 PM Post #186 of 202
anyone who bought AP to get a TOTL UN IEM is stupid.

UM didn’t release AP. It’s not a UM IEM. It’s Cayin’s limited edition TOTL IEM, co-designed with and produced by UM.

Anyone who didn’t get this, didn’t bother to read.
yeah what a bunch of dummies totally a Cayin IEM, good thing it comes with a UM TOTL DAP
 
Feb 16, 2024 at 10:29 AM Post #187 of 202
Been rocking my Mason RHs for about two years now, and they're hands down the best in-ears I've ever owned. Tried out the APs, and while they were decent, the mid-bass was just a touch too punchy for my taste. Any word on the new Masons? Wondering if they lean more towards the RH's refined tuning or the AP's punch.
@UniqueMelody
 
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Feb 16, 2024 at 10:51 AM Post #188 of 202
Been rocking my Mason RHs for about two years now, and they're hands down the best in-ears I've ever owned. Tried out the APs, and while they were decent, the mid-bass was just a touch too punchy for my taste. Any word on the new Masons? Wondering if they lean more towards the RH's refined tuning or the AP's punch.
@UniqueMelody
The new Mason has less mid-bass quantity than AP.
 
Feb 16, 2024 at 8:25 PM Post #189 of 202
Been rocking my Mason RHs for about two years now, and they're hands down the best in-ears I've ever owned. Tried out the APs, and while they were decent, the mid-bass was just a touch too punchy for my taste. Any word on the new Masons? Wondering if they lean more towards the RH's refined tuning or the AP's punch.
@UniqueMelody
Mason and AP are tuned very differently. Mason has less forward mid-bass and gives a more linear bass from the sub-bass to the mid-bass.
 
Unique Melody Feel free to reach out to us at any time! To reach me personally, leave me a PM or email me at umwang@uniquemelody.org and I'll get back to you as soon as I can! Stay updated on Unique Melody at their sponsor profile on Head-Fi.
 
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Feb 23, 2024 at 10:17 AM Post #191 of 202
Thanks! @UniqueMelody
The new PW cable looks intriguing as well. Can you tell me more about that new cable?
How does it compare to the original FTS or Orpheus?
The sound of the new FTS Pro is similar to the original FTS, the core materials are the same as the FTS, but the shielding is upgraded to the newer material and new structure. We tested different cables from Peter, including some new structures and new materials, but we found Mason still best with the FTS line. In the past, we used the OG FTS for Red Halo, but we received a few comments saying the stock cable sounds excellent but the ergonomics aren't perfect. So the top priority of the new FTS pro is improving the ergonomics, there are also a few improvements such as background darkness.
 
Unique Melody Feel free to reach out to us at any time! To reach me personally, leave me a PM or email me at umwang@uniquemelody.org and I'll get back to you as soon as I can! Stay updated on Unique Melody at their sponsor profile on Head-Fi.
 
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Feb 29, 2024 at 4:27 PM Post #192 of 202
This pair of IEM doesn't have that WOW factor upon first listening. But it's very comfortable to listen to for hours. Wish I could avoid talking about the price... I think it might be wise for UM to sell the IEM without the PW FTS cable, since most people who wants to buy it probably have a very figured-out system including a TOTL cable as well. It's definitely not an IEM for everyone.
 
Mar 20, 2024 at 5:17 AM Post #193 of 202
Big shout out to @Uncle Wilson of Jaben Singapore for sending me the demo unit of the Mason FS Soleil Tombe, before I would be unavailable for a month or so. Very kind of him.

I do not think unboxing photos have been shared as yet. Hence, I am sharing them below. :)

Well, I shall have this gorgeous pair for a couple of days before I send them back to Jaben Singapore.


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Mar 20, 2024 at 11:42 PM Post #194 of 202
So I have had some time with the Soleil Tombe. I basically listened first on the Sony 1ZM2, and then the Shanling M9+ and the LP6Gold.

I have not been following the Mason FS range since the Fusang from a few years ago. Reason is simple. Because I am very happy with the Fusang. I tend to describe the Mason FS range as being slightly "cerebral" where the nuances and delicate balance of the range tends to come to the fore. It does very well for vocals or mids centric music.

So, when I put on the Soleil Tombe, I was surprised by how much there has been uplifting of the Mason FS range since the Fusang. Whilst it was certainly a very nice listen on the 1ZM2, it scaled up with the M9+ and especially the LP6 Gold. This pair of IEM will scale up with the chain for sure!

What I did say to @Uncle Wilson at Jaben SG, who had sent me this pair for my impressions, is that it the new UM BCD technology and its implementation was stellar! There is much greater note weight, greater impact and excellent density. In fact, when I was listening to Chinese ACG off either QQ Music or Apple Music, there were many parts where I thought I was listening to a full sized headphone, and an excellent pair at that. I also enjoyed the fact that the soundstage was very large and the spatial cues were correct.

I will confess that I also enjoyed the cable that UM worked with PWA to improve upon the FTS into the FTS Pro for the Soleil Tombe. I know that some retailers will offer a discount for the Soleil Tombe. However, I am not sure that the discount would cover the cost of a cable of this quality. And which was developed especially to be paired with the Soleil Tombe.

The Soleil Tombe will go back to Jaben Singapore on tomorrow, being Friday afternoon. But the memory of the great work that has been done by the UM team will linger for quite while longer in my mind, I suspect. :)

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May 8, 2024 at 7:04 AM Post #195 of 202
I’d like to express my gratitude to Uncle Wilson from Jaben Singapore for providing me with the opportunity to demo the UM Mason Soleil Tombe.

My listening sessions were mainly with DAP - Shanling m9 (m9 & kobo 475), L&P p6pti, and LP6AE; desktop - Dethonray M1, Shanling m30 pro and Onix Miracle. I own UM Mason Fusang CIEM (OG), Indigo CIEM, and MM CIEM. My impressions focused on comparing the new Mason - ST with OG Mason, as each UM product line is different.

In general, I noticed that ST follows the OG, which is known for its details and separation. It sounds slightly wider and less warm. It’s very smooth and cohesive. It exhibited a more natural and analog character.

ST pairs well with my selection of DAPs and desktops. However, to maximize its potential, it’s noticeable when I listened with M1 and Miracle, both under “IEM mode” and M30 pro (Tube / high gain). The extra quality power from the desktop adds very well-controlled note weights.

Although the ST I demoed is a universal IEM, I paired it with Eletech Baroque eartips, and the seal is as good as my other UM CIEMs.

To conclude, UM did a good job updating its Mason product line with new BCD tech. Paired with a good choice of source, it’s a relaxing and inviting listening experience with a natural and linear bass transition that doesn’t compromise on depth.

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