[Wyville]

Right! I couldn’t really recall what their tease from a week or so ago said, but, yeah, it probably is a hybrid. My mistake.

Someone in this thread was very quick to dissect this picture:

 

[mashuto]

Pretty sure they are hybrids (DD + 4 x BA).

Now that has me more interested than if it was 5ba. I really don't need any more iems right now, but there are definitely some upcoming releases around that price point that have me very interested.

 

[Wyville]

Now that has me more interested than if it was 5ba. I really don't need any more iems right now, but there are definitely some upcoming releases around that price point that have me very interested.

From what I understand the 5x5 aim to really push performance at this price point, so that is a really good development (rather than just pushing the top end higher).

 

[Deezel177]

From what I understand the 5x5 aim to really push performance at this price point, so that is a really good development (rather than just pushing the top end higher).

Agreed. It's pushing product-naming conventions too. I'm not aware of any other IEM that's named after an emoji for their mammalian mascot, despite how difficult it may end up being to pronounce.

 

[twister6]

Well, the cat... I mean, the bunny is out of the bag! Posted this one a few days ago on Head-pie FB audio group page. Was just joking around about trying to catch it by setting a trap using my kids "feed the bunny" old game

and yes, as other mentioned, this is hybrid Gonna make one delicious rabbit stew once I'm done cooking it, I mean, when I'm done with a burn in

 

[KuroKitsu]

Because @Colors is a weirdo and loves Sony DAPs, I managed to do some listening off the ZX300, ZX2 with the Viento, MW10 and Trio last weekend.

3 part impressions this time: 2 Sony DAPs and a revision of the Viento

ZX300: "What is my purpose?"

I know the ZX300 is what the Andromeda was suppose to be tuned off. All I can say is that I'm surprised they ended up sounding better on other superior sources. The Viento said no to this pair up and the Trio was passable, speaking to 64's work on it. MW10 thankfully was not tuned off it. It's this weird person child that I feel shouldn't exist.

ZX2: Sony please consider releasing this with your proprietary OS?

And

Viento: Could you please play louder? I can't hear youuuuuuuu!

I have a love/hate relationship with android based daps (Mostly hate owing to battery life/management), so I didn't expect much. The ZX2 actually impressed me, a warm lively signature that's not offensive in any way. Paired well with all 3 iems. I did prefer the Sony OS more than Android though since Android was fairly laggy. I would describe the ZX2 as what people describe the 1Z on a less refined level. Perhaps Sony should consider slapping their OS on it rather than Android, and maybe add a 4.4 input to release this as the ZX3 and positin it as a mini 1Z.

The ZX2 + Viento pair up actually warrants an addendum to my prior impressions of the Viento. I called it overly polite when it's more that the Viento is heavily source dependant. So more Hayate (of Combat Butler fame) than say Alfred Pennyworth.

Coming from the 1A, the ZX2 brough the Viento to life. Going through the likes of Beat It, Piano Man and Hard to Say I'm Sorry presented a very intimate and dynamic sound that I heard for the first time. Combined with the "tied for VE8" timbre lead, dare I say the Viento impressed me enough to get my feet tapping through out.

While source situational, when considering the price I would actually rate the Viento above the VE8, buttttttttt for one glaring issue: the soundstage.

So you say: Kuro it seems like you were just going to crown the Viento as timbre king over the VE8, now you mention an issue?

Well, yes. It was an oversight in hindsight, but I really was a bit awestruck by the synergy of this pairing that I may have neglected to test the soundstage. So the audiophile's standard: Hotel California (Hell Freezes Over original recording of course). And I wasn't impressed, the dynamics I heard coming from studio albums were dead and the overly spaciousness of the recording just hit the sound with a boring bean. No more feet tapping. It was an odd feeling, so I relistened to the track 5 more times just to be sure.

The one downfall I found with the Viento's soundstage? (I can still heard the guitar solo) How it scales with the track. For a general studio recording, this is fine. Dynamics are good, super enjoyable. But when you get to a live recording or something done in a bigger space? There seems to be too much space and the resultant sound ends up dissapating in that space before reaching your ears. I don't expect the same presentation certainly, but I want some sort of dynamic and excitement even with spacious recordings.

TL: DR
ZX300 has no purpose
ZX2 might be a poor man's 1Z
Viento is source dependant and better for studio recordings

 

[Deferenz]

Here is my take on the Thummim with some comparisons to Erlkonig, Odin and Sultan. I also posted this on the MMR thread. Thank you @Barra for arranging these tours. It has to be a lot work.

https://www.head-fi.org/showcase/metal-magic-research-thummim.24369/reviews#item-review-24538

Good review. The Thummim really does sound fun.

 

[Ookamikun]

Hi guys,
okay, so I finally had the time to test your recommendations of IEMs and wanted to share my impressions.
I mainly listened to Avenged Sevenfold during the testing.
I probably don't have the proper vocabulary, yet and am not that versed in the HiFi space so forgive my amateurish notes.
I especially have one question regarding the Andromeda.

Andromeda:
- Instrumentals were great and had a full sound
But:
- I wasn't able to get a good fit, at all
- Vocals sounded very sharp and if the singer lisped.
I was quite surprised by this.
Could it be that the model was somehow damaged or is that something common to the Andromeda?

Solaris:
- Overall same great impression for instrumentals with more bass
- But it had the same lisping sound as the Andromeda.
This made me think that it might actually be the tuning of this line and not a proplem with the specific in-ears I testing

Sony IER-M7:
- Really well balanced overall
- No "wow"-effect but it was fun to listen
- Quite a big IEM but it fit well
I wanted to try the IER-M9 but it wasn't available for testing at that time.

Unique Melody Mavis:
- Didn't like it at all.
- Especially at that price it underperformed in my eyes

Unique Melody Mason II
- Overall good but highs were too sharp.
- Also quite expensive for what they delivered.

FlipEar Axis:
- Intense bass!
- Highs were a bit sharp but less so than the Andromeda/Solaris and still pleasant to listen to

CustomArt Fibae7
- This sounded awesome all around
- It was quite a hassle to make it fit but since it's a CIEM that shouldn't be a problem in the end
- Once the fit was there it was super fun to listen to.

Westone W60:
- Accustomed warm sound
- Improvement in all areas
- But it has the same muffled overall sound as the UM3X

Side note:
Intime Sora:
- That sounded incredibly well, lol.
- At ~$50 I was surprised that it sounded that good.

UM3X (my current IEM):
- I realised that it sounds kinda muffled...
- Great, now I need a new IEM...

Those were my impressions. I will probably test next weekend again.
I am currently leaning towards the Fibae7 but if you guys have any other suggestions please let me know!
With the Fibae7 the budget would go up to ~$1300.

 

[ranfan]

@Ookamikun The Soras are really good for their price. DD bass while retaining a clear sound overall.
But for me I'd go for the F7 for the more complete sound

 

[Animagus]

Hi guys,
okay, so I finally had the time to test your recommendations of IEMs and wanted to share my impressions.
I mainly listened to Avenged Sevenfold during the testing.
I probably don't have the proper vocabulary, yet and am not that versed in the HiFi space so forgive my amateurish notes.
I especially have one question regarding the Andromeda.

Andromeda:
- Instrumentals were great and had a full sound
But:
- I wasn't able to get a good fit, at all
- Vocals sounded very sharp and if the singer lisped.
I was quite surprised by this.
Could it be that the model was somehow damaged or is that something common to the Andromeda?

Solaris:
- Overall same great impression for instrumentals with more bass
- But it had the same lisping sound as the Andromeda.
This made me think that it might actually be the tuning of this line and not a proplem with the specific in-ears I testing

Sony IER-M7:
- Really well balanced overall
- No "wow"-effect but it was fun to listen
- Quite a big IEM but it fit well
I wanted to try the IER-M9 but it wasn't available for testing at that time.

Unique Melody Mavis:
- Didn't like it at all.
- Especially at that price it underperformed in my eyes

Unique Melody Mason II
- Overall good but highs were too sharp.
- Also quite expensive for what they delivered.

FlipEar Axis:
- Intense bass!
- Highs were a bit sharp but less so than the Andromeda/Solaris and still pleasant to listen to

CustomArt Fibae7
- This sounded awesome all around
- It was quite a hassle to make it fit but since it's a CIEM that shouldn't be a problem in the end
- Once the fit was there it was super fun to listen to.

Westone W60:
- Accustomed warm sound
- Improvement in all areas
- But it has the same muffled overall sound as the UM3X

Side note:
Intime Sora:
- That sounded incredibly well, lol.
- At ~$50 I was surprised that it sounded that good.

UM3X (my current IEM):
- I realised that it sounds kinda muffled...
- Great, now I need a new IEM...

Those were my impressions. I will probably test next weekend again.
I am currently leaning towards the Fibae7 but if you guys have any other suggestions please let me know!
With the Fibae7 the budget would go up to ~$1300.

CA Andromeda is a bit tip dependent and has peaks in the 7-10kHz region which can bring out a bit of sibilance in some songs. You need to tip roll and experiment to get the best fit and balance. I personally use foam ear tips for best fit and to make it more even in that range.

You can give these a shot, most of them being within your budget. You can read my take on them on Twister6/Head-fi. Of course, this is my personal opinion, so you should definitely audition and try these for yourself if any of these interest you.

• Craft Ears Four (~$645) - 4BA drivers. Nice loose take on Harman Target-ish tuning with smoother lower treble and interesting tia driver style upper treble - fun and immersive. They are known for their CIEM designs and quality.
• Moondrop S8 ($699) - 8BA drivers. Moondrop's Harman Target tuning with good bass quantity, accurate instrument tonality and timbre as well as upper mids gain for good instrument definition. Soundstage is nice but tuning takes the cake.
• ItsFit Fusion ($950) -1DD+2BA+1Magnetostatic drivers. Nice attractive tuning with good fun bass and treble. Different ear tips change the magnetostatic treble response (slightly north of neutral). I use Azla Sedna, Spiral Dots or foam ear tips for best fit and balance. Soundstage is nice open and airy. You can go the CIEM route too as ItsFit have very cool shell designs and quality.
• Shozy Pola39 ($950) - 1DD+2EST drivers. It's like Fusion with a bit more mid-bass presence, easier upper mids and a slightly different treble character. Treble response again depends on choice of ear tips but it has a sizzly zing factor which makes songs exciting and lively. Foam ear tips worked best for me for fit and sound balance. Nice open and wide soundstage.
• CustomArt Fibae7 (~$1100) - 7BA drivers. Very good, close to Harman target tuning with good upper mids definition, tonality, easy smooth treble and nice defined bass response. Nice wide soundstage which is highly immersive. They're know as a high quality CIEM maker too and make some very cool CIEM shell designs.
• Lime Ears Aether R ($1300) - 6BA drivers. Fun, exciting, precise imaging with very good separation and layering of instruments. Bass is more neutral and controlled, with more mid-bass than sub-bass. Forward upper-midrange, good treble extension and a nice wide soundstage. It benefits even more from some good tip rolling. Again, Lime Ears CIEMs are very good and I would suggest going that route with Lime Ears since they specialise in that and make some very cool shell designs.
• BGVP EST12 ($1428) - 8BA+4EST drivers. One of the most comfortable universal shell fit for me. It has one of the nicest bass to upper mids tuning. It has accurate tonality and timbre, good bass definition, clean lower mids, good gain in upper mids which is slightly easier than Harman target, good lower treble support for upper mids, mid-treble is slightly on the easy side with good neutral extension in upper treble. Nice attractive immersive soundstage. 3 switches give you some nice tuning options.

 

[arijitroy2]

CA Andromeda is a bit tip dependent and has peaks in the 7-10kHz region which can bring out a bit of sibilance in some songs. You need to tip roll and experiment to get the best fit and balance. I personally use foam ear tips for best fit and to make it more even in that range.

You can give these a shot, most of them being within your budget. You can read my take on them on Twister6/Head-fi. Of course, this is my personal opinion, so you should definitely audition and try these for yourself if any of these interest you.

• Craft Ears Four (~$645) - 4BA drivers. Nice loose take on Harman Target-ish tuning with smoother lower treble and interesting tia driver style upper treble - fun and immersive. They are known for their CIEM designs and quality.
• Moondrop S8 ($699) - 8BA drivers. Moondrop's Harman Target tuning with good bass quantity, accurate instrument tonality and timbre as well as upper mids gain for good instrument definition. Soundstage is nice but tuning takes the cake.
• ItsFit Fusion ($950) -1DD+2BA+1Magnetostatic drivers. Nice attractive tuning with good fun bass and treble. Different ear tips change the magnetostatic treble response (slightly north of neutral). I use Azla Sedna, Spiral Dots or foam ear tips for best fit and balance. Soundstage is nice open and airy. You can go the CIEM route too as ItsFit have very cool shell designs and quality.
• Shozy Pola39 ($950) - 1DD+2EST drivers. It's like Fusion with a bit more mid-bass presence, easier upper mids and a slightly different treble character. Treble response again depends on choice of ear tips but it has a sizzly zing factor which makes songs exciting and lively. Foam ear tips worked best for me for fit and sound balance. Nice open and wide soundstage.
• CustomArt Fibae7 (~$1100) - 7BA drivers. Very good, close to Harman target tuning with good upper mids definition, tonality, easy smooth treble and nice defined bass response. Nice wide soundstage which is highly immersive. They're know as a high quality CIEM maker too and make some very cool CIEM shell designs.
• Lime Ears Aether R ($1300) - 6BA drivers. Good tuning, precise imaging, separation and layering of instruments. Bass is more neutral and controlled, with more mid-bass than sub-bass. Wide soundstage. It benefits from some good tip rolling. Again, Lime Ears CIEMs are very good and I would suggest going that route with Lime Ears since they specialise in that and make some cool shell designs.
• BGVP EST12 ($1428) - 8BA+4EST drivers. One of the most comfortable universal shell fit for me. It has one of the nicest bass to upper mids tuning. It has accurate tonality and timbre, good bass definition, clean lower mids, good gain in upper mids which is slightly easier than Harman target, good lower treble support for upper mids, mid-treble is slightly on the easy side with good neutral extension in upper treble. Nice attractive immersive soundstage. 3 switches give you some nice tuning options.

No love for the Tansio Mirai Zodiac?

 

[Animagus]

No love for the Tansio Mirai Zodiac?

I haven't tried it, don't know how it sounds.

 

[davidmolliere]

I haven't tried it, don't know how it sounds.

Few reviews out there but I have written one for the curious : https://www.head-fi.org/showcase/tansio-mirai-zodiac.24209/

 

[ranfan]

+1 love for Warbler Prelude ($1100) I'm listening to it right now, certainly my favourite-sounding IEM. The mids sublime, true and pure. And it's further highlighted by the smaller-sized bass. Perfect for listening to vocals and acoustic music. You can try mine if you'd like @Ookamikun

 

[davidmolliere]

+1 love for Warbler Prelude ($1100) I'm listening to it right now, certainly my favourite-sounding IEM. The mids sublime, true and pure. And it's further highlighted by the smaller-sized bass. Perfect for listening to vocals and acoustic music. You can try mine if you'd like @Ookamikun

Been meaning to get those for a while... nothing new up at Warbler btw, it's been some time...