Forte Ears Macbeth: Preview, Impressions & Measurements

[latte06]

Someone might've ask/answered this but curious to see other peoples input. I have Macbeth and I would say it checks out all the boxes for what you can possibly ask in a good IEM. I'm thinking if I should go for the ambition cable to hear Macbeth to the fullest but at the same time on the fence if I should just get a PMG APX SE. For those that have listened to both, do you think getting the ambition cable is worth getting and listen to Macbeth at its "fullest potential"? Or rather get the PMG APX SE. Like I would be 100% fine getting the ambition cable if that comes near to what the reviewers rave about the PMG APX SE.

 

[Aetherhole]

Someone might've ask/answered this but curious to see other peoples input. I have Macbeth and I would say it checks out all the boxes for what you can possibly ask in a good IEM. I'm thinking if I should go for the ambition cable to hear Macbeth to the fullest but at the same time on the fence if I should just get a PMG APX SE. For those that have listened to both, do you think getting the ambition cable is worth getting and listen to Macbeth at its "fullest potential"? Or rather get the PMG APX SE. Like I would be 100% fine getting the ambition cable if that comes near to what the reviewers rave about the PMG APX SE.

Or why not both!? lol

Just kidding. Ambition just elevates the Macbeth experience, so if you are looking for more of the same, I would do the Ambition cable. However, if you are looking for different, PMG APX SE will offer a different sonic experience all together. I think they are very different sounding IEMs.

 

[vladzakhar]

Totally agree. Better to buy another IEM then super Kilobuck cable. Not big cable believer anyway. Just got $30 cable for my Macbeth off Amazon and it sounds exactly the same as the stock cable. But much nicer looking and very comfy.

 

[Aetherhole]

I actually do think cables matter, but especially with the Macbeth the sonic difference between the stock eletech cable and the Ambition cable is quite a big leap (although I admit this is a relative leap). That said, It is just enhancement to all the things you know and love with the IEM itself.

PMG on the other hand is more U-shaped in response, versus the W shape of the Macbeth. Slightly recessed mids, different bass presentation and timbre, and different treble presentation.

 

[fejnomit]

I also say get both. The enhancement to your life of having two TOTLs is greater than a single cable can provide... Plus what if you don't like what the Ambition does to your Macbeths? Or don't hear that much difference to stock? You will have a harder time and take a much bigger hit selling a cable than the Apx SE, which will sell pretty instantly Just my two cents..

 

[NJoyzAudio]

Latte06

Interesting question, as Macbeth with/without Ambition IMO is complimentary to the PMG APX SE.
As others have mentioned above you could own both.
The sound between the 2 is different enough to allow this.
I was lucky enough to hear/have some time with the PMG APX SE at CanJam, and while it is definitely an IEM worthy of TOTL moniker, maybe it is just me but there was something in the sound signature that made me walk away.
I do own the Ambition cable and it does add to the overall sound of Macbeth and takes it up a notch.
As at the time of CanJam So Ca, I already had my Ambition cable and was able to (as well as one can at the show) A/B the 2, and again and IMO, it was an easy decision to walk away, and use my money on other items I auditioned at the show.
But YMMV.

As to the comments of selling the Ambition cable if you don’t like it, I’m inclined to disagree, but it’s just IMO.
Forte Ears is sold out of Ambition and Riccardo has said they will NOT be making anymore Ambition cables. What’s left unsold are what’s left in dealers stock, and that appears to be low also.
There have been people posting want to buy ads on the classifieds and earlier in this thread someone posted if anyone gets the urge to sell their Ambition let them know.
I don’t think Ambition if listed would last long, but that is IMO.

But I get it, it’s a major investment to buy blind
I was fortunate enough to be able to have time with the final prototype build of Ambition, to be able to A/B it against Sonnet of Adam and it was a step up (a large step up) from Sonnet Of Adam.
I could not “unhear” what I had heard on the final Macbeth prototype using Ambition and Sonnet of Adam and well the rest is history.
I’ve paired Macbeth with other TOTL cables at CanJam and while Macbeth does respond to other cable changes I’ve never regretted my purchase of Ambition.
Very early in this thread, just before CanJam SO CA I did post my thought on cables I was able put on Macbeth and I don’t think I’m contradicting myself or saying anything new today.

Just wanted to weigh in and this is truly IMO. And Your mileage will most definetly vary.
Hope this helps and does not just add to confusion.

 

[xrhk]

I heard that there’s a new prototype from Forte Ears at Canjam HK. Did anyone have the chance to experience it?
I was there but I got the news after I left the expo…

 

[warrenpchi]

I heard that there’s a new prototype from Forte Ears at Canjam HK. Did anyone have the chance to experience it?
I was there but I got the news after I left the expo…

The first rule of Fight Club...

 

[menacing]

The first rule of Fight Club...

Them's be fightin' words!

I heard that there’s a new prototype from Forte Ears at Canjam HK. Did anyone have the chance to experience it?
I was there but I got the news after I left the expo…

Riccardo did mention that he took feedback from users who tried them out at the show and hopes to have a secondary prototype ready for NYC.

 

[emdeevee]

Cross post from Penon thread:

And this insane beauty, and beastie, has arrived...Penon Totem Ultra!!! Double the wire, double the fun!? First impressions after 12 hours of burn time (not enough for this beast!) is holy sh1t$! As luck would have it, my Rival is currently out with a buddy (Totem 2w is stock cable), so the obvious second choice for listening is Macbeth...i mean look at that color esthetic!!! Like they were made for each other!

Macbeth owners looking for an upgrade cable that's not called Ambition , and will not cost like Ambition, Totem Ultra may be just the thing! Should be released by Penon any moment!

 

[Cirilion]

This looks great! I‘m very curious how Rival is compared to Macbeth. Maybe you can post some impressions!?

 

[cradon]

Looks very similar to the Liquid Links Venom.

 

[fabio19]

I'm listening to Macbeth on Tour......5 minutes in. It sounds really good. Just a little bright on the mid-highs, but it has a high level of technique and clarity.
Compliments to the builders...........

 

[emdeevee]

Looks very similar to the Liquid Links Venom.

But looks are deceiving! It's silver, palladium plated silver and gold plated copper!

 

[warrenpchi]

But looks are deceiving! It's silver, palladium plated silver and gold plated copper!

That sounds very much like Eletech's Iliad (you'll hear it soon) which is "Flawless Monocrystal Silver + Palladium Plated Silver + Gold-Silver Alloy."