Wait for it drumroll...with a case
Going fully Wireless IEMs. Too soon? Or are we there yet?
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PixelSquish
Previously known as idiotekniques
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it's that touches do nothing. If i put them in the case and then back out again, when they reconnect they work fine. I think the app is pretty intuitive. I'm going to guess it's likely the android 15 beta 4 software I'm on.
PixelSquish
Previously known as idiotekniques
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Wait for it drumroll...with a case
You have a superthin case on. Like I said, I'm using the Peak Design Everyday case, it's known as a sleek but normal sized case. I'd say most people with cases use average sized cases. At least that I see in person everyday and all over the place. I'm not going for the lower percentage users, such as naked users and those with very thin cases. I'm talking about what most people use - a dongle for a phone on the go should be designed for what the vast majority of users are doing.Wait for it drumroll...with a case
These are not above average sized cases:
https://www.peakdesign.com/pages/mobile
productred
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- price - Well that's relative - you can almost get to the top of the game with just a few hundreds bucks. Add up costs for wired system much higher and we are talking about several thousands. Of course you may get much better SQ but still, that's relative.
- another item to remember to keep charged - Just one item that can be fully charged in a breeze, instead of DAP (and amp for some)
- limited battery run time - Not as limited as DAP (or DAP/amp)
- limited battery service life - Not too much difference to your multi thousand DAP, maybe just a tad shorter.
- exhausted battery = IEMs in the bin - True, but that's just several hundred bucks that lasts at least 2 years - and by that time you'd want something new with vastly newer tech. I am not into new driver/speaker techs, not fully convinced newer = better, but then I am pretty sure BT chips are newer = much better
- no cable means if you accidentally drop one it may be gone forever - Same with IEMs, with a few cable swaps you 2-pin IEMS are at the same risk of losing one side as that of a TWS
- potential wireless connection issues (to be fair, cables can get damaged so maybe a fair trade-off) - Not that of a problem for newer chips. On the other hand cables get snapped every now and then too.
- potential for functional obsolescence through software revisions - that's why it's just a few hundred bucks and the battery may die out after a few years. The same risk applies to DAPs though to a lesser degree, but then you probably paid thousands for it and still have to pair it with an IEM
- (tiny) battery fire risk, but if it does happen whilst wearing that is potentially irreversible catastrophic hearing damage - come on...............
HardstyleLoco96
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First impressions of the Alpha & Delta KS100 Hybrid.
Not trying to hype these. But these actually sound like an iem. A good iem. The low end has nice texturing, great slam, great punch and dynamics. Mids are forward, clear, clean, detailed enough. And highs have good sparkle, not bright or fatiguing. Eartips and a good seal are a must. Stock tips did not work for me. They sounded crap. Couldn't get a good seal at all, this is first quick listening impressions. But listening to Alice In Chains - Would. Just that bass guitar at the start, I knew these were going to be good as soon as I used Dunu S&S tips. To say, I like how these sound more than the Hifiman Svanar JR.... I mean it, these sound very nice from first quick listening impression.
I'm letting them charge and later will give more impressions. But there are some little things that irk me while maybe not a big deal.
1. Have to use the supplied charging cable and USB A charging adapter. I tried using a USB C Samsung adapter and cable but it wouldn't charge the iem case unfortunately.
2. Now this may be fixed by using Tangzu Tang Sencai eartips. But !!driver flex!! These are not ported, so inserting the iem, there is driver flex. It's not bad, but it's there... But isolation is extremely good.
Build is gorgeous, photos do not do these justice. They feel very high quality. And sound has left a lasting impression, I just want to get back to listening. Will try eq and see if anything improves. And the case. It's solid. Pretty weighty for it's size and feels very sturdy.
Not trying to hype these. But these actually sound like an iem. A good iem. The low end has nice texturing, great slam, great punch and dynamics. Mids are forward, clear, clean, detailed enough. And highs have good sparkle, not bright or fatiguing. Eartips and a good seal are a must. Stock tips did not work for me. They sounded crap. Couldn't get a good seal at all, this is first quick listening impressions. But listening to Alice In Chains - Would. Just that bass guitar at the start, I knew these were going to be good as soon as I used Dunu S&S tips. To say, I like how these sound more than the Hifiman Svanar JR.... I mean it, these sound very nice from first quick listening impression.
I'm letting them charge and later will give more impressions. But there are some little things that irk me while maybe not a big deal.
1. Have to use the supplied charging cable and USB A charging adapter. I tried using a USB C Samsung adapter and cable but it wouldn't charge the iem case unfortunately.
2. Now this may be fixed by using Tangzu Tang Sencai eartips. But !!driver flex!! These are not ported, so inserting the iem, there is driver flex. It's not bad, but it's there... But isolation is extremely good.
Build is gorgeous, photos do not do these justice. They feel very high quality. And sound has left a lasting impression, I just want to get back to listening. Will try eq and see if anything improves. And the case. It's solid. Pretty weighty for it's size and feels very sturdy.
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March78
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I’m using the N5 with iPhone 15 pro with standard Apple case. The N5 dongle fits without any problem with this case.
helmutcheese
Headphoneus Supremus
Mine will fit but I use a 24pin USB magnetic charger kit when I need to charge phone fast (If I forgot) as normally I just use a wireless charger so would need use the other part to do so and it works for audio/data the exact same speed etc as if wired including 140w charging (I can remove it) but primarily the Dongle is for PC use for me.
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HardstyleLoco96
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Incoming
Impressions.
For both I used Dunu S&S tips. But then went to Divinus Wide Bore tips. To see what changes.
Hifiman Svanar JR Vs Alpha & Delta KS100 Hybrid.
Immediatly what struck me was how different they both sound. The Svanar JR are much smoother and rounded. A more laidback listening experience. Nothing is jumping out at you, you could listen to them for hours. Staging felt slightly larger but imaging was a little blury compared to the KS100 Hybrid. At times, I felt guitars, vocals, drum kicks/hits just felt a little blunt and that snap was just lacking for my personal experience. While the sound was easy to listen to. It just felt a little boring. Dynamics are decent but nothing to write about. Overall, for all day listening or just sitting back. They are good. But I crave a little more in the sound quality. Though again, it's a very smooth and easy listening experience. This is with the Dunu S&S tips. With the Divinus Wide Bore. I felt all the above just became more in a negative way. It sounded to open and airy and low end became soft. I feel with the Svanar JR, longer eartips are the way to go. This is with LDAC and Hifi Mode.
Now Alpha & Delta KS100 Hybrid/AD15. Dunu S&S
First thing that struck me was the low end. It hits like a jackhammer. Maybe too much... But I like it haha. There is more texture and detail to be heard. Whatever dynamic driver that's being used... It's a good one. The low end can be a bit much for some, but eartips and slight eq can fix this. The mids are more forward, there is more clarity and detail to be heard. That snap and grunt I was craving from the Svanar JR are present here. Vocals, guitars just feel more alive. The lows and mids compliment eachother very nicely. Truly an engaging listening experience. Things are a little more in your face, so stage feels slightly smaller but imaging is more neatly placed and I can hear detailes more clearly. Overall, I prefer this presentation more. Treble has nice energy, it can get a little sparkly at times but not hot. There is nice air but not too much to become bothersome. Good detail here and again, more to be heard.
Swapping to the Divinus Wide Bore tips. Everything just opens up and becomes alive. While not as deep of a seal, I find the wider bore help clean up the lows and reduce them. There's still heaps of low end and maybe still a bit much for some. But it sounds much cleaner with great texturing. Mids have good clarity and things smoothen up a notch (Refined). Treble gains a bit more air and stage becomes larger while imaging is just as pin point, maybe more so. The stage feels larger with the Divinus Wide Bore, larger than the Svanar JR.
This is a quick comparison, if anyone has more questions. Feel free to ask
.
I didn't test or compare mic quality or any other functions. Stritcly sound quality and that's it.
Considering the Svanar JR cost me $299 AUD, can be had for a little less. And the Alpha & Delta KS100 Hybrid (AD15) can be had for $153 AUD + shipping $15. So $168 AUD. If strictly looking for sound quality and all other features aren't as important to you. This is amazing value for money. It's more closer in sound quality to the Noble Fokus Mystique and Svanar LE. Overall extremely happy with the purchase and worth the money.
This is the EQ I use for them.
Impressions.
For both I used Dunu S&S tips. But then went to Divinus Wide Bore tips. To see what changes.
Hifiman Svanar JR Vs Alpha & Delta KS100 Hybrid.
Immediatly what struck me was how different they both sound. The Svanar JR are much smoother and rounded. A more laidback listening experience. Nothing is jumping out at you, you could listen to them for hours. Staging felt slightly larger but imaging was a little blury compared to the KS100 Hybrid. At times, I felt guitars, vocals, drum kicks/hits just felt a little blunt and that snap was just lacking for my personal experience. While the sound was easy to listen to. It just felt a little boring. Dynamics are decent but nothing to write about. Overall, for all day listening or just sitting back. They are good. But I crave a little more in the sound quality. Though again, it's a very smooth and easy listening experience. This is with the Dunu S&S tips. With the Divinus Wide Bore. I felt all the above just became more in a negative way. It sounded to open and airy and low end became soft. I feel with the Svanar JR, longer eartips are the way to go. This is with LDAC and Hifi Mode.
Now Alpha & Delta KS100 Hybrid/AD15. Dunu S&S
First thing that struck me was the low end. It hits like a jackhammer. Maybe too much... But I like it haha. There is more texture and detail to be heard. Whatever dynamic driver that's being used... It's a good one. The low end can be a bit much for some, but eartips and slight eq can fix this. The mids are more forward, there is more clarity and detail to be heard. That snap and grunt I was craving from the Svanar JR are present here. Vocals, guitars just feel more alive. The lows and mids compliment eachother very nicely. Truly an engaging listening experience. Things are a little more in your face, so stage feels slightly smaller but imaging is more neatly placed and I can hear detailes more clearly. Overall, I prefer this presentation more. Treble has nice energy, it can get a little sparkly at times but not hot. There is nice air but not too much to become bothersome. Good detail here and again, more to be heard.
Swapping to the Divinus Wide Bore tips. Everything just opens up and becomes alive. While not as deep of a seal, I find the wider bore help clean up the lows and reduce them. There's still heaps of low end and maybe still a bit much for some. But it sounds much cleaner with great texturing. Mids have good clarity and things smoothen up a notch (Refined). Treble gains a bit more air and stage becomes larger while imaging is just as pin point, maybe more so. The stage feels larger with the Divinus Wide Bore, larger than the Svanar JR.
This is a quick comparison, if anyone has more questions. Feel free to ask
.I didn't test or compare mic quality or any other functions. Stritcly sound quality and that's it.
Considering the Svanar JR cost me $299 AUD, can be had for a little less. And the Alpha & Delta KS100 Hybrid (AD15) can be had for $153 AUD + shipping $15. So $168 AUD. If strictly looking for sound quality and all other features aren't as important to you. This is amazing value for money. It's more closer in sound quality to the Noble Fokus Mystique and Svanar LE. Overall extremely happy with the purchase and worth the money.
This is the EQ I use for them.
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Luke Skywalker
Headphoneus Supremus
Does anyone have the NOBLE AUDIO FOKUS TRIUMPH | XMEMS?
The HIFIMAN SVANAR looks interesting too
The HIFIMAN SVANAR looks interesting too
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MonochromeFashionLawyer
100+ Head-Fier
I never thought of TWS this way but that makes sense. That’s a lot of tech to fit into an earbud. I can imagine that TWS will get thicker with time by cramming more tech & features in them. I myself am not a fan of the stem or lollipop style TWS but all that stuff has to go somewhere.
regancipher
100+ Head-Fier
My thoughts on the Air Pro 4 - includes binaural ANC and sound samples, and call tests in some busy locations
Nightshifter
100+ Head-Fier
They already arrived and after a short listen I think they are a no brainer for 56€.
Better than the Sony WF-1000MX4 sound wise (basshead here).
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PixelSquish
Previously known as idiotekniques
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Alright the AKG N5 have been working well since last night, I do suspect it's being on beta Android giving it hiccups sometimes. These are nice. I realized the real purpose of the dongle is not to be on the phone and I was mistaken about that, so that is not an issue, and I am loving it plugged into my desktop. I go out, walk the dog listening to these on bluetooth, come back home, and I can take a zoom call on the dongle plugged into my desktop seamlessly. So far nobody has complained about my sound quality. I will do test calls and check on people's opinions of the sound.
As I mentioned before I feel the app is pretty intuitive. The ANC seems good as well, a bit too much hiss with my AC on but I will A/B it with the MTW4 and Elite 10 sometime this week to really see where it stands. I like the SQ, it has a sound signature I enjoy with a bit of a bass boost in the EQ, which is a nice EQ in the App. I do need to use Wavelet Limiter to boost the overall volume a bit, as I do with the Elite 10. Only the MTW4 have the volume I like built in. I will be trying to set up the personal-fi on the AKG and see how that does compared to MTW4 sound customizing feature. I feel the AKG have more stage than the MTW4, but have a bit less slam and richness, but not by a lot. It's still a lovely sound.
Voice Thru mode is solid, I saw my buddy today on a dog walk, and I could hear him perfectly. There was not much of any sidetone for my voice in Voice Thru mode, but perhaps I can change that in the app.
As I mentioned before I feel the app is pretty intuitive. The ANC seems good as well, a bit too much hiss with my AC on but I will A/B it with the MTW4 and Elite 10 sometime this week to really see where it stands. I like the SQ, it has a sound signature I enjoy with a bit of a bass boost in the EQ, which is a nice EQ in the App. I do need to use Wavelet Limiter to boost the overall volume a bit, as I do with the Elite 10. Only the MTW4 have the volume I like built in. I will be trying to set up the personal-fi on the AKG and see how that does compared to MTW4 sound customizing feature. I feel the AKG have more stage than the MTW4, but have a bit less slam and richness, but not by a lot. It's still a lovely sound.
Voice Thru mode is solid, I saw my buddy today on a dog walk, and I could hear him perfectly. There was not much of any sidetone for my voice in Voice Thru mode, but perhaps I can change that in the app.
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clerkpalmer
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The Triumph have been sold out and on back order for months. It seems Noble is having production issues on its releases.
The Svanar are amazing. Particularly on sale.
Is the AKG N5 Hybrid dongle only for Windows? I use a Mac Mini M2 Pro as HTPC...
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