[proedros]

i had to check how my Zeus fares next to UE18 , i am fine

se5 is the only one that seems better indeed, but i can live with number 2 for now

besides Zeus sounds great so the wise man within me whispers to my ear 'you are more than fine you lucky person - enjoy the music'

 

[subguy812]

i had to check how my Zeus fares next to UE18 , i am fine

se5 is the only one that seems better indeed, but i can live with number 2 for now

besides Zeus sounds great so the wise man within me whispers to my ear 'you are more than fine you lucky person - enjoy the music'

If it was ranked #20 and you love it it shouldn't matter what one person's opinion is, your opinion is what counts. However, if you need validation for things you like...okay. I sold the U18 before I decided to sell my Zeus and have read others that think the U18 is the better than Zeus.

 

[474194]

Once your in this territory, it's just preferences and nitpicking. Just enjoy what one has...

I'm more 'system'-focused than 'iem'-focused. I don't think I would reach the holodeck phase with just the 'iem' alone.

@ray-dude made a good post about the entire system today.

https://www.head-fi.org/threads/cho...official-thread.831345/page-729#post-14042561

My strict preferences are no off-the-shelf DACs and no off-the-shelf cables. I'm only interested in Prelude, SE5U, UE18+ and now Phantom because that's the sig I prefer. Nothing wrong with other IEMs, just a individual preference. I respect the rankings, but it's a guide not something absolute.

So priority on this foundation:

1) No off-the-shelf DACs. Chord only.
2) No off-the-shelf cables. Prefer the boutique, self-made cables and materials with no soldering.
3) CIEMs signature that fits.

So the iem is 3rd priority. It's just a individual preference and making sure the chain is solid.

I would never invest in a off-the-shelf DAC in a flagship DAP. I rather have a nice cable and Hugo2 for the same/lower price.

Just my 2 cents...

 

[soullinker20]

last time I auditioned the UE18+, was able to bring my Hugo 2
the sound changed a lot from direct to sp1k to using H2.Everything became a bit more crisp, bass was taut, vocals became cleaner(more details soon as I had short time), highs were even more detailed in spades.. maybe it's a synergy. one thing I can think of, I don't know if I will be listening to them alone straight from DAP without my H2

 

[Mimouille]

You guys want to wait until black Friday to buy somethings? That's like 6 months, equivalent to 60 years in audiophile time. We be listening to music through synaptic electrodes by then guys.

 

[Decreate]

I guess it's time to let 'em burn...

 

[EagleWings]

I guess it's time to let 'em burn...

Either you are the first owner of the Phantom, or you are the masked legend. Both are cool.

 

[Decreate]

Either you are the first owner of the Phantom, or you are the masked legend. Both are cool.

Wow...talk about bringing back memories...it has been many years since I last read a copy of the Phantom...feeling really old now...

 

[EagleWings]

Wow...talk about bringing back memories...it has been many years since I last read a copy of the Phantom...feeling really old now...

He he. Right? Time flies..

Btw, please do share some pics of the Phantom when you get a chance.

 

[Decreate]

He he. Right? Time flies..

Btw, please do share some pics of the Phantom when you get a chance.

Here's a pic of the current setup I'm using them with. WM1Z and PW Audio 1960 4wire cable.

 

[ezekiel77]

Here's a pic of the current setup I'm using them with. WM1Z and PW Audio 1960 4wire cable.

It's been a long journey, but I believe you've arrived at endgame city!!

 

[Decreate]

It's been a long journey, but I believe you've arrived at endgame city!!

I hope so coz I'll hate to end up eating sand when I retire due to a lack of savings.

 

[soullinker20]

Here's a pic of the current setup I'm using them with. WM1Z and PW Audio 1960 4wire cable.

GORGEOUS!

I see you do also have a Plus5, could you kindly please make a comparison to them

 

[EagleWings]

Here's a pic of the current setup I'm using them with. WM1Z and PW Audio 1960 4wire cable.

Thanks man.. Sweet looking setup.. Black and Gold.. Love that Phantom design..

 

[Decreate]

GORGEOUS!

I see you do also have a Plus5, could you kindly please make a comparison to them

I would love to; however I would need to get the right earpiece fixed first but meeting up with Gavin seems to be a little difficult nowadays...