[flinkenick]

Of course. Evil people.

I think this dog discussion needs some nuance.

I prefer cats There, I've said it.

 

[Mimouille]

Just some initial impressions between the two - as always, just my opinion so don't take it too seriously.

Atlas

• Outstanding bass (both quantity and quality). It actually improves on the Vega slightly for me in terms of both texture and tightness - it does have a big presence though, so if you are a bass-allergic sort of audiophile, this won't be the IEM you are looking for
• Mids are improved on from the Vega, now sit a little more forward in the mix. Very rich and full in sound, but carry plenty of detail and clarity.
• Treble is somewhere between the Vega and Andromeda in implementation. More linear than the Vega, and adds a slight dash of sparkle / air on top of the more solid lower ranges. Loses the spike the Vega had, so sounds smoother and less aggressive on hotter tracks. Again, note weight leans more towards thick than delicate.
• If I had to guess, probably a W shaped sound - difficult to categorise, as everything is emphasised.
• Doesn't overplay the bass of it isn't there in the mastering of the track, but will bring it out to play if it is.
• Sonic image is the biggest I've heard in an IEM. Not soundstage - that is a good size, but not to HD800 or Andro proportions. The physical size of the instruments in your head is just huge. It's like someone has done a pinch and zoom on the sound. Difficult to describe, but massively engaging and immersive.
• Technical ability is good - detail retrieval and resolution is high, but this isn't a detail monster when tiny consists it to something like the Zeus, and the sheer oomph of the tuning can occasionally distract from the fine detail on display underneath
• Build is exceptional - feels great in the hand, looks great, new twisted cable has zero stiffness or microphonics
• If you have large ear canals, can be fiddly to get a good fit due to weight of housings when wearing them down - I use CustomArt moulded silicone custom tips I had done a while back and they lock the Atlas in place and give great sound
• Sound can be varied by tip, so quite dependent. Final E-series possible more balance, CA foamies give slightly more warmth, etc
• Sound is huge, thick, but actually quite balanced overall. Not balanced in the traditional sense, it's more an impression of balanced where everything is turned up to 10 across all frequency ranges but still sounds remarkably cohesive, and doesn't overshadow the other frequencies.
• Dynamics are high - it's a little behind the Vega in this regard due to the lack of treble spike, but dull moves serious air and drives engagement in the music
• Bass presence gives the same sort of physical impact you feel in a live music venue
• Overall, this is probably the most enjoyable "musical" tuning I've heard, and takes the Campfire "house sound" to a natural conclusion. It is the IEM I reach for over everything else in my collection at the moment. If you are a fan of reference or strictly flat/neutral signatures, this probably won't be for you, though - it's not tuned to appeal to everyone, and the bass quantity sites take a bit of getting used to initially.

IE800s

• Build looks cheap in comparison. Cable is thin and rubbery, and looks like a cosmetic downgrade from the IE800 (never seen the original in the flesh, though)
• They have taken understated to a whole new level. Matte black finish and rubber/plastic cable gives the impression of the 800s being a fairly entry level model
• Accessories are good - like the fact 4.4mm and 2.5mm are included in the standard package
• Fit is fiddly for me, as I have large ear canals. Proprietary tip connector and ultra short nozzles remove a lot of tip-swapping options. Fits perfectly in my fiancee's tiny ears though
• Sound is beautifully balanced, but can be quite polite and laid back - not the most dynamic
• Nice tilt in the sub bass to give a low end solidity and extension to the sound, and slopes down into the mid bass. Not as bassy as the Atlas, but has great texture and quality. Can still slam a little when required.
• Organic mids, with good natural resolution and clarity. Medium note thickness. Nice edge to guitar and strong instruments due to relatively light weight.
• Highs are beautifully smooth. Not overly airy, but no sharpness or harshness and excellent extension.
• Soundstage is possibly the same size as the Atlas, but feels bigger as the instrument size is smaller on the stage. Separation feels more distinct over the Atlas as a result.
• Tuning is a gentle U shape, with mugs sitting in quite a neutral position - the Goldilocks zone (not too forward or too backward)
• Tone of the monitor is more towards a slightly warm neutral, whereas the Atlas has a warmer and richer tonality
• IE800s requires more power to drive, but not huge amounts
• More of an "audiophile" tuning, with no major areas of emphasis apart from the sub bass. The balance makes it feel more laid back than the Atlas, and can be a little lacking in dynamism as a result
• Remarkably relaxing and smooth sound you can drift into.

Will put some proper A/B in my review of the Atlas which will be posted pretty soon, but the takeaway is that for me personally, they are both great sounding IEMs but I prefer the Atlas. It sounds like a really well mastered live album from your favorite band, full of energy and zing, and bone rattling sound. The IE800s sounds more like an Unplugged album from the same artist - more downbeat and considered, but can lack a little life from time to time.

Hope that helps?

This is great, and seems to confirm what I heard (not side by side though). I think the IE800s might suit me better, as I tend to get fatigued by the Atlas kind of thick. I listen for long periods, and thickness sounds congested after a while. Will certainly try again though

 

[Mimouille]

​

Hi Mim,

Sorry I am not sure how I didn't see the question and then I saw your post today...I had to go back 6 pages to see it..lol

I am on the road for work and don't have either of those with me. Since you mentioned it, that would be a interesting comparison. When I get home I give each a quick listen and give a quick + and - between the two. Sorry for not seeing your post.

I will say that Atlas is not a quick listen IEM. The bass is incredible and has quality as well quantity, mids are not overly recessed however the details are very present, maybe two rows back as opposed to at the stage. The treble extends well and has a sparkle but is not harsh, using Final tips.
The IE800S is smooth by comparison. I know you thought the IE800S was bass heavy, at first. I am incredibly addicted to the sound of Atlas, one of the best I have encountered overall. The signature and how lively and engaging the Atlas have captivated me.

Thanks, will wait for your impressions, no rush.

 

[Mimouille]

I think this dog discussion needs some nuance.

I prefer cats There, I've said it.

No wonder the IEM you helped tuned (or didn't) sounds like screaching felines. Or maybe it's the cable...

 

[Deezel177]

I think this dog discussion needs some nuance.

I prefer cats There, I've said it.

Deezel177 has left the chat.

 

[Mimouille]

Deezel177 has left the chat.

Didn't know you spoke French

 

[junix]

I think this dog discussion needs some nuance.

I prefer cats There, I've said it.

Dogs can be our best friends..
..but the cat will never tell the police where you've hidden the drugs.

 

[491326]

I think this dog discussion needs some nuance.

I prefer cats There, I've said it.

.......

the power of christ compels you

 

[proedros]

dog is god spelled backwards

case closed.

 

[ranfan]

Dog, or cat. IEM, or earbud. One gets attached deeply, while the other just barely. Both can bring joy to the owner. Why can't we all co-exist?!

Ladies and gentlemen, may I present to you one of my absolute favourite sub-$1000 products of the year...

Jomo Audio Haka - The Boy Wonder

​

Very nice review!

 

[491326]

Why can't we all co-exist

dogs and cats sure, but iems and earbuds never
please read my signature

 

[tim0chan]

dogs and cats sure, but iems and earbuds never
please read my signature

U have to try the ve zen one day, it'll change your perception of earbuds completely

 

[ctsooner22]

I think this dog discussion needs some nuance.

I prefer cats There, I've said it.

Just change the talk to animals and we all bite...There I said it!

Nic, I'm a dog person (three Yorkies). I do however LOVE *****cat's too ....'There I said it'...and many were thinking it....well some...

 

[Wyville]

I think this dog discussion needs some nuance.

I prefer cats There, I've said it.

The problem is that cats have an unfair technological advantage...

Without that cats are easily dealt with by sheer presence of mass...

In the end though... It's all good!

 

[491326]

Without that cats are easily dealt with by sheer presence of mass...

it appears, not always