[Wyville]

Perhaps something people here might not have seen yet but are interested in (I remember them being discussed a month or so ago), @ryanjsoo just put up his review of the Hyla CE-5 over at the Headphone List:
http://theheadphonelist.com/hyla-ce-5-review-rhythm-over-melody/

 

[klaimzlgd]

What's the pros and cons of UM Maestro V2 against Zeus XR?
I love good vocals, and i know zeus delivers that, but how does Maestro fairs with Zeus? I have read reviews but have yet to fully grasp Maestro's sound signature wholly yet, would someone help me out please :>

 

[PinkyPowers]

What's the pros and cons of UM Maestro V2 against Zeus XR?
I love good vocals, and i know zeus delivers that, but how does Maestro fairs with Zeus? I have read reviews but have yet to fully grasp Maestro's sound signature wholly yet, would someone help me out please :>

If Nic's review isn't enough, I think nothing short of an audition will give you a better notion of this IEM. Sorry, you are hoping for the impossible here. Words alone can only go so far to describe sound.

 

[Incarnation]

Hey guys, with the current trend heading towards wireless and removal of the headphone jacks of phones, is it still wise to purchase a high end iem or cable? Just askin for opinions

 

[Deezel177]

Hey guys, with the current trend heading towards wireless and removal of the headphone jacks of phones, is it still wise to purchase a high end iem or cable? Just askin for opinions

If you're strictly talking about high-end IEMs and cables, then I personally think so. Wireless audio's farthest reach so far has been in the mainstream market (even from big companies like Sennheiser and Audio-Technica), with little-to-no influence at all in the audiophile space. Although artisan companies like PlusSound have begun manufacturing cables with wireless modules, I believe it's more along the lines of it's-there-if-you-need-it, rather than it's-the-next-best-thing! The two companies I mentioned previously have also just released flagships that have nothing to do with wireless audio, and I think that goes to show that - aside from convenience - wireless audio simply can't compete with wired products in terms of raw performance. I'm not saying you can't find pleasure in non-flagship items; some of my favourite products ever aren't summit-fi at all. But, based on what's currently out there on the market, wireless audio simply can't cut it in the high-end.

 

[kendosperling]

I'm comparing the AV2 to the Prelude at the moment, and they have several key differences. The most immediate discrepancy is the upper-midrange and treble. The AV2 sounds like it has its dip in the lower-treble; around 8-10 kHz. The Prelude places its dip closer to the 5 kHz range. This means the Prelude has superior articulation, while the AV2 has the smoother and more rounded signature. The former performs better in terms of clarity (especially when it comes to female vocals and snare drums), while the latter blends the leading edge of notes with overtones to create a sense of fullness in the stage. The AV2 lifts its upper-treble for transparency - adding air and clarity to the stage - but instruments still have this lack of bite that may take time to adjust to. The Prelude also doesn't have as much of a lower-midrange lift as the AV2 does, meaning its notes aren't as full, though they are better resolved and similarly bodied. The AV2 is also much more centrally-focused - lacking the Prelude's width - and thus sounds less laid-back. The AV2 has more sub-bass than the Prelude does, but the Prelude's low-end has infinitely better tone and PRaT. Overall, both have similar forwardness and body when it comes to vocals, but the Prelude is the better performer when it comes to the elements surrounding the vocals. If your ultimate priority is vocals, the AV2 will suffice (especially for the price). But, if you can spend more for the Prelude, it'll reward you with a much wider stage, a more natural bass, and a more agreeable vocal-to-top-end tone.

May i bother you again...
I was nearly all set on the warbler when i discovered a custom art harmony 8.2 for nearly half the original price and considering them also. I read in your review of FIBAE 2 that you also own them. Could you state if they might also fit the bill? The review in the shootout implies a mild midcentric ciem if i recall correct.

 

[Deezel177]

May i bother you again...
I was nearly all set on the warbler when i discovered a custom art harmony 8.2 for nearly half the original price and considering them also. I read in your review of FIBAE 2 that you also own them. Could you state if they might also fit the bill? The review in the shootout implies a mild midcentric ciem if i recall correct.

The Harmony 8.2 is less vocal-focused than the Prelude or the AV2. It is a smooth and thick-sounding IEM, but the H8.2 is more fun-sounding and musical than it is centrally-focused or vocally-inclined. Personally, I'd go for either the AV2 or the Prelude if vocals were my main concern, and - trust me - this isn't just because I'm too lazy to write another set of impressions.

 

[kendosperling]

The Harmony 8.2 is less vocal-focused than the Prelude or the AV2. It is a smooth and thick-sounding IEM, but the H8.2 is more fun-sounding and musical than it is centrally-focused or vocally-inclined. Personally, I'd go for either the AV2 or the Prelude if vocals were my main concern, and - trust me - this isn't just because I'm too lazy to write another set of impressions.

Thanks again...

 

[Incarnation]

If you're strictly talking about high-end IEMs and cables, then I personally think so. Wireless audio's farthest reach so far has been in the mainstream market (even from big companies like Sennheiser and Audio-Technica), with little-to-no influence at all in the audiophile space. Although artisan companies like PlusSound have begun manufacturing cables with wireless modules, I believe it's more along the lines of it's-there-if-you-need-it, rather than it's-the-next-best-thing! The two companies I mentioned previously have also just released flagships that have nothing to do with wireless audio, and I think that goes to show that - aside from convenience - wireless audio simply can't compete with wired products in terms of raw performance. I'm not saying you can't find pleasure in non-flagship items; some of my favourite products ever aren't summit-fi at all. But, based on what's currently out there on the market, wireless audio simply can't cut it in the high-end.

I see......yeap i was referring to the ToTL territory. The reason being I'm afraid after spending lotsa money on a ToTL combo, after awhile it becomes somewhat obsolete and if i need to sell for funds it will be hard to get about with it.

I understand where you're coming from. Most wireless iems still have connection issues and do not sound as good as even similarly priced wired ones. Thanks a bunch

 

[fuhransahis]

Finding myself surprised to like Fourte more than U18 so far. Based on impressions and my own past preferences I would have stayed away from it, as I thought it would be too bright.

I find U18's mid bass to be too prominent in comparison to the rest of the frequencies, and vocals too recessed (both modules). Fourte is decidedly brighter but has deeper and more natural sub bass, and vocals and mids are more forward. Imaging is clearer as are details and a taller, all-around more holographic soundstage. Despite it being brighter and a bit colder it is certainly not dry or boring at all.

U18 bass quality is good until you compare with the Fourte's DD again - I'm sticking with dynamics or at least hybrids for sure. Despite my limited experience with BA bass I find they sound a little like tiny micro-fart expulsion cannons

Despite both IEMs being great in their own rights, neither one will be my next purchase. And, not at all trying to debate whether their price is justified or not, IMO and compared with the only other flagship IEM I've owned, the Vega, they absolutely do not warrant the price difference based on performance. More like a different tuning with perhaps a slight, and I mean maybe like 2%, better technical performance.

 

[Bina]

Since there is few fans of PW Audio cables in this thread, you might be interested in new CIEMs brand from Hong Kong, where PW Audio plays really big part.
You can read more about it here: https://www.head-fi.org/threads/flicker-ear-ciems-in-collaboration-with-pw-audio.870915/

 

[Ike1985]

Finding myself surprised to like Fourte more than U18 so far. Based on impressions and my own past preferences I would have stayed away from it, as I thought it would be too bright.

I find U18's mid bass to be too prominent in comparison to the rest of the frequencies, and vocals too recessed (both modules). Fourte is decidedly brighter but has deeper and more natural sub bass, and vocals and mids are more forward. Imaging is clearer as are details and a taller, all-around more holographic soundstage. Despite it being brighter and a bit colder it is certainly not dry or boring at all.

U18 bass quality is good until you compare with the Fourte's DD again - I'm sticking with dynamics or at least hybrids for sure. Despite my limited experience with BA bass I find they sound a little like tiny micro-fart expulsion cannons

Despite both IEMs being great in their own rights, neither one will be my next purchase. And, not at all trying to debate whether their price is justified or not, IMO and compared with the only other flagship IEM I've owned, the Vega, they absolutely do not warrant the price difference based on performance. More like a different tuning with perhaps a slight, and I mean maybe like 2%, better technical performance.

The U18 midbass is where the magic is... = P

 

[Mimouille]

Since there is few fans of PW Audio cables in this thread, you might be interested in new CIEMs brand from Hong Kong, where PW Audio plays really big part.
You can read more about it here: https://www.head-fi.org/threads/flicker-ear-ciems-in-collaboration-with-pw-audio.870915/

You mean the same guy who managed to sell a pure copper cable for 2k$

His lineup seems interesting though.

 

[Bina]

You mean the same guy who managed to sell a pure copper cable for 2k$

His lineup seems interesting though.

You are right, I think for fans of PW Audio cables his new CIEMs might be too cheap, apparently missed chance

 

[ezekiel77]

Whatever you do, Flicker Ear, never put your logo in all caps.