Going fully Wireless IEMs. Too soon? Or are we there yet?

[Stouthart]

Hello

Seeking advice, has anyone compared ldac 660k vs iPhone aac? Which is is more superior?

https://archimago.blogspot.com/2023/08/part-ii-comparison-of-bluetooth.html

"As you can see, both the iPhone 11 (2019) and iPhone 14 Pro (2022) performed really well on the tests. THD+N scored better than -70dB and TD+N better than -65dB. These numbers are similar to the best that LDAC 909kbps achieved in Android. But the great thing is that Bluetooth transmission using AAC is only at 256kbps with the iPhones which means improved reliability (no dropouts) and range."

 

[absolutnie]

https://archimago.blogspot.com/2023/08/part-ii-comparison-of-bluetooth.html

"As you can see, both the iPhone 11 (2019) and iPhone 14 Pro (2022) performed really well on the tests. THD+N scored better than -70dB and TD+N better than -65dB. These numbers are similar to the best that LDAC 909kbps achieved in Android. But the great thing is that Bluetooth transmission using AAC is only at 256kbps with the iPhones which means improved reliability (no dropouts) and range."

Depends on your testing rig LDAC can be better than AAC
https://addictedtoaudio.com.au/blog...-the-bluetooth-codecs-which-performs-the-best

 

[Not so fat head]

All compression codec’s throw out information (masking). Even redbook CD is compression of the original analog info.
Some just do it better than others, it’s all about discarding frequencies that are masked buy louder passages in the music.

 

[galaxygrrl]

Yes! A new Noble TWS is coming! Love the red. They are so pretty @FullCircle has teased this. But @932566z found it.

 

[absolutnie]

https://fccid.io/2AT8X-FOKUSAMADEUS/Users-Manual/user-manua-8273741

 

[cresny]

Interesting, looking at reviews of the Technics AZ100 make me wonder if I do want to try them. Having said that I am enjoying the heck out of the AZ60M2 and those probably have a similar bass oriented sound as they are more bassy and warm than the AZ80, so who knows...

In my search I ended up also looking the JBL Tour Pro 3 have to say listening to mic samples by Soundguys the JBL trounces the AZ100, was surprised how good the JBL sounded and I have read they have excellent wind noise cancelling as well which is important where I live.

I like the idea of the dual drivers of the JBL too which might be good for my old man ears . But at $429CAD I will again be waiting for inevitable sale...

Did try the LDAC version of beans style JBL introduced last year and found they did elevate the JBL in sound quality so feel the Tour Pro 3 might just be the one to wait for.

Having said that will continue to read others impressions and contemplate my next big purchase...

EDIT: Picky Audio flips thos mic tests on their ear, the AZ100 sounded much better. So have a feeling this is dependent on the review process. I like the Picky Audio guy because you see he is using the exact same process every time.

I have the az100 and JBL Tour Pro 3 as well as the Galaxy buds pro 3. They are all different from each other. It's been a while since I've really done any critical listening but for me the az100 is the most "natural" sounding, while the jbl's have the most detail. I also have the AKG N9 over ears and It seems to me that whatever DSP magic they do is similar to the JBL. They are both very good sounding.

The dark horse is the Galaxy buds pro 3 which I use exclusively with my Samsung tablet, though it is easily the best in call quality. The gbp3 on the tablet is amazing and I expect it would be the same on a Samsung phone. When watching movies it seems like the sound is coming from outside my head.

I used to use the jbl's on the bike but the stem got really annoying so I use the Technics now. The technics don't seem to have a wind mode but the fit makes it a toss-up. From what I recall, The gbp3 we're not very good in wind but I haven't tried them outside since I got them at release. I'll try them again with any updates and see if they got better. If they do well they may be the best of the bunch for a Galaxy phone.

 

[dweaver]

I have the az100 and JBL Tour Pro 3 as well as the Galaxy buds pro 3. They are all different from each other. It's been a while since I've really done any critical listening but for me the az100 is the most "natural" sounding, while the jbl's have the most detail. I also have the AKG N9 over ears and It seems to me that whatever DSP magic they do is similar to the JBL. They are both very good sounding.

The dark horse is the Galaxy buds pro 3 which I use exclusively with my Samsung tablet, though it is easily the best in call quality. The gbp3 on the tablet is amazing and I expect it would be the same on a Samsung phone. When watching movies it seems like the sound is coming from outside my head.

I used to use the jbl's on the bike but the stem got really annoying so I use the Technics now. The technics don't seem to have a wind mode but the fit makes it a toss-up. From what I recall, The gbp3 we're not very good in wind but I haven't tried them outside since I got them at release. I'll try them again with any updates and see if they got better. If they do well they may be the best of the bunch for a Galaxy phone.

I also have the GB3P with my S23 Ultra and they are really quite nice. The wind is still an issue with them though. Best wind noise I own are the Elite 10 which are good in constant wind.

I do miss have a BA / dynamic driver hybrid for details, which is the appeal of the JBL. But could also just try the Status Between Pro ANC at less than half the cost of the JBL or possibly the Epic Lab from JLAB.

 

[galaxygrrl]

Interesting, looking at reviews of the Technics AZ100 make me wonder if I do want to try them. Having said that I am enjoying the heck out of the AZ60M2 and those probably have a similar bass oriented sound as they are more bassy and warm than the AZ80, so who knows...

In my search I ended up also looking the JBL Tour Pro 3 have to say listening to mic samples by Soundguys the JBL trounces the AZ100, was surprised how good the JBL sounded and I have read they have excellent wind noise cancelling as well which is important where I live.

I like the idea of the dual drivers of the JBL too which might be good for my old man ears . But at $429CAD I will again be waiting for inevitable sale...

Did try the LDAC version of beans style JBL introduced last year and found they did elevate the JBL in sound quality so feel the Tour Pro 3 might just be the one to wait for.

Having said that will continue to read others impressions and contemplate my next big purchase...

EDIT: Picky Audio flips thos mic tests on their ear, the AZ100 sounded much better. So have a feeling this is dependent on the review process. I like the Picky Audio guy because you see he is using the exact same process every time.

I really like the AZ100s and think they are the best TWS you can buy at that price point But I might wait for the new Sonys come out of you like Sony’s sound signature. Rumors are of a July launch date.

 

[dweaver]

I really like the AZ100s and think they are the best TWS you can buy at that price point But I might wait for the new Sonys come out of you like Sony’s sound signature. Rumors are of a July launch date.

Unless Sony does something game changing like a hybrid of some sort I have tried the past 3 iterations and all fall short for sound quality. Each has been better than the year before but never truly satisfying.

 

[galaxygrrl]

Unless Sony does something game changing like a hybrid of some sort I have tried the past 3 iterations and all fall short for sound quality. Each has been better than the year before but never truly satisfying.

That is fair, they are not my favorite.

 

[Tommy C]

Who else is rocking with the AirPods 4 ANC?

So I have been using the AirPods 4 ANC primarily as my daily driver for the last 2 months and yesterday I used my Shure TWS hooked up the SE215 Special Edition which are normally very comfortable but man after using earbuds for so sticking something deep in the ears for more than 2 hours wasn’t fun.

Also, the Airpods 4 ANC received a new FW not long ago. After the most recent FW update the Spatial audio sounds too bright to my ears also there is not need to do sound compensation thru the settings as the default sound option provides meaty sound signature without being bright, which I prefer.

 

[BigZ12]

Yes! A new Noble TWS is coming! Love the red. They are so pretty @FullCircle has teased this. But @932566z found it.

#neverred (I hate Arse, ManUre and Pool...)

 

[GreatGeorge]

Yes! A new Noble TWS is coming! Love the red. They are so pretty @FullCircle has teased this. But @932566z found it.

@FullCircle

Hey! Just wanted to share a thought about the tuning direction.

I really think it would make a big difference if you tuned these headphones closer to the Harman target curve. It’s not just a trend — the Harman curve is based on tons of blind listening tests and research, and it consistently matches what most listeners perceive as balanced and natural.

It gives tight, controlled bass, clean mids, and smooth highs — without being fatiguing or boring. A lot of successful headphones follow this curve or a variation of it, and users usually respond very positively.

I believe tuning closer to that curve could really unlock the full potential of these headphones and help them stand out in a competitive market.

Thanks for considering this — I really appreciate the work you’re doing!

Please please please please please

And LDAC 990 if it's possible

 

[clerkpalmer]

Yes! A new Noble TWS is coming! Love the red. They are so pretty @FullCircle has teased this. But @932566z found it.

A couple of things. First, is this the announcement that was supposed to be made on 5/25 and then was pulled back? Second, it looks like a return to the old very wide bore style that causes so many people fit issues which is disappointing.

 

[erockg]

A couple of things. First, is this the announcement that was supposed to be made on 5/25 and then was pulled back? Second, it looks like a return to the old very wide bore style that causes so many people fit issues which is disappointing.

Unless my eyes deceive me, looks like a metal tip similar to the Triumph... and probably a little SOS (Slipping Out Syndrome). Hope not.