[regancipher]

Any examples of LDAC working without hiccups yet though? most reviews I'm reading includes people turning LDAC off for better connectivity

The only LDAC product I had hiccups on was the Liberty 3 Pro, and even that seems to have resolved itself with firmware updates. Both the new Soundpeats products are fine, Edifier NeoBuds Pro and Huawei Freebuds Pro 2 all completely stable. I'm guessing the problems are when you put too much distance between your buds and your source, which I don't tend to do though

 

[erockg]

How about Comet and Satsuma? Those are/were cheaper, not sure if they are still around these days though.

I don't know if the market is really there yet for "high end" TWS models... At least not how we might define high end around here. To the rest of the world this model is very indulgent already.

Plus the standards are evolving so fast, not sure it makes sense to buy a $500-$1k TWS that will feel obsolete in a year or two.

The Noble Fokus Pro comes close. They're a phenomenal entry. No frills, but triple driver, beautifully sculpted, great soundstage and separation. Jim and his team at Noble killed it. They sell out all the time. Granted, not as good as my IEMs, but nonetheless, good stuff.

 

[erockg]

Doesn't it seem like everything gets obsolete in a year or two? That's why I bought a Fiio BTR7 and just use that. Admittedly it isn't as convenient as TWS but I don't worry about the sound quality...

I don't even keep my tech gear around that long to worry! Better to flip it after a year or two, so stuff still has equity, unless it's something I truly love.

 

[erockg]

Any one here still/previously used the Lypertek pureplay Z7? What are your sound quality and comfort impressions?

Had them a long time ago. Same shell and internals as the Noble Falcon Pro which our OOP. Noble's are tuned better IMO. They fit/insert deep. The first time I got the Z7, the tip of the buds broke off because they're metal and cheaply glued. Personally, I'd pass, unless you've got a steal on your hands.

 

[erockg]

You guys might be interested in this: https://www.techpowerup.com/301869/campfire-audio-launches-orbit-their-first-true-wireless-earphones

I'll be trying these as soon as my Audio46 points vest. Thanks for the link!

 

[erockg]

Glad I can be of assistance. Do give them at least a week of listening, but I find them wonderful. For an added bonus, check them out at least once using straight usb-c to usb-c wired.

Soooo... love my PX8 and then somehow ended up with the Focal Bathys too. Ugh. Dude, they are killer as well. Different sound signature. Both stellar entries. I blame in on the Holidays.

 

[chinmie]

LDAC choice is a bit of a toss right now for me.. The difference of SQ compared to AAC or APTX is small, and unnoticeable to most people in their usual usage scenario: noisy places with streaming services (especially for most casual listener)

Even for those who can notice the difference, which is usually increased treble sparkle, usually we can replicate it on AAC/APTX using EQ, while on some people they might not like the increased treble.

For most people in head fi, they would opt to use wired solution or bluetooth DAC amps when they want to really listen to music. At least that what i do personally.

While AAC/APTX have a real advantage to LDAC in real usage scenario: better bluetooth connection/range and longer battery life..i personally would choose that over slight increase in treble any time.

Of course there would come the time where LDAC would be improved to the point where it would have the same signal stability and battery life as AAC/APTX. I'd say currently it's not the time, maybe another year or two.

 

[FullCircle]

The Noble Fokus Pro comes close. They're a phenomenal entry. No frills, but triple driver, beautifully sculpted, great soundstage and separation. Jim and his team at Noble killed it. They sell out all the time. Granted, not as good as my IEMs, but nonetheless, good stuff.

.... and that was our first "FoKus" product launch

 

[erockg]

.... and that was our first "FoKus" product launch

Next one will have 4 BA and Transparency!

 

[FullCircle]

Next one will have 4 BA and Transparency!

 

[project86]

Doesn't it seem like everything gets obsolete in a year or two? That's why I bought a Fiio BTR7 and just use that. Admittedly it isn't as convenient as TWS but I don't worry about the sound quality...

Not necessarily. I still use some old but excellent custom IEMs made by @FullCircle which even predate his Noble Audio days. They still sound amazing! The fundamentals don't change nearly as fast as Bluetooth standards, and there's no battery to wear down either.

 

[Lifter59]

Not necessarily. I still use some old but excellent custom IEMs made by @FullCircle which even predate his Noble Audio days. They still sound amazing! The fundamentals don't change nearly as fast as Bluetooth standards, and there's no battery to wear down either.

Agreed. I still have a pair of Westone UM3x that are alive and well as well as a pair of UE11’s gen 1.

 

[FullCircle]

Not necessarily. I still use some old but excellent custom IEMs made by @FullCircle which even predate his Noble Audio days. They still sound amazing! The fundamentals don't change nearly as fast as Bluetooth standards, and there's no battery to wear down either.

Hide that photo!

That makes me feel old!!!

 

[Ghisy]

Not their fault that Qualcomm scrapped the support of LDAC on their newer Socs.

Really? That sucks!

Anyway, I'm probably sticking with wired for now. Just got a pair of Final ZE3000 on the cheap, in case I need some TWS.

 

[project86]

Hide that photo!

That makes me feel old!!!

You and me both sir. Those were the days... our kids were still little, I was just dabbling with reviews for fun, and you were just tinkering with CIEM designs for your own knowledge. Things have really come a long way since then!

But also:

To this day perhaps my all time favorite design.