[Septimus]

I don't agree that IT03 + i5 sounds very warm/dark.  It's probably because of the subbass making this illusion of being dark specially from a new pair of IT03 (not yet fully burned in).  Mine's probably between 150-200 hours since I already lost count after 100 hours.

My only complain with this DAP is that the UI isn't as fluid and organized as it should be.  I mean, I was expecting a bit more fast and easy to navigate UI.  SQ-wise, I have no complaints.  I love the bass quality, though it's warm sounding really, but not overly warm.  It kind of gives more energy to the IT03 when paired.  Doesn't smooth out the treble like other colored DAPs.

If the Opus#1 proves to be better overall, I might have to let go of this wonderful DAP since I only use streaming from my phone and it's not that often that I do so.  I hope it pairs well with IT03.  Headfonics has a review of this IEM paired with both Opus#1 and i5.  You might want to check it out if you haven't seen it.  Here's the link: http://headfonics.com/2016/10/the-it03-by-ibasso/

Well I guess pre burn in performance is not too important as thats over after some time.
I guess I don't mind the UI Bering a bit laggy and such. I'm used to that from my budget smartphone
I did already read the review but I always rather read the opinions of more than one person.
I think I will just get the IT03 i5 combination. The website I plan on ordering the i5 from provides 30 days refund which I could use if I don't like the pairing or if you would say that the opus performs way better once you received it.

 

[SemRumo]

Just odered the Linum Music Cable. Lets see how it sounds

 

[jamato8]

I have been using the IT03 balanced. They open up even more and the natural layered and dynamic sound is very enjoyable. I am now using them over my well done JH13Pro FP and they are very good. There is a little more transparency on the JH but there is a musicality to the 03 that just makes extended listening enjoyable and I don't get bored with the sound as they bring a certain life to it. 

 

[nmatheis]

I have been using the IT03 balanced. They open up even more and the natural layered and dynamic sound is very enjoyable. I am now using them over my well done JH13Pro FP and they are very good. There is a little more transparency on the JH but there is a musicality to the 03 that just makes extended listening enjoyable and I don't get bored with the sound as they bring a certain life to it. 

Just curious, does running them balanced alter your perception of the mids at all? If so, how?

 

[egzbuen]

How does this IEM pair with the Fiio x5i and x5ii?

Sent from Nokia 3210

 

[jamato8]

Just curious, does running them balanced alter your perception of the mids at all? If so, how?

The mids are a little fuller. I like the 03 balanced and single ended. You get a little more texture of the sound balanced but again, like the mids, I  honestly like both SE and balanced. Oh, and the soundstage is a little larger and deeper but not by a lot and it depends of course on the music. 
 

How does this IEM pair with the Fiio x5i and x5ii?

Sent from Nokia 3210

Yes, they sound fine out of them. Clean and musical, IMO. 

 

[nmatheis]

The mids are a little fuller. I like the 03 balanced and single ended. You get a little more texture of the sound balanced but again, like the mids, I  honestly like both SE and balanced. Oh, and the soundstage is a little larger and deeper but not by a lot and it depends of course on the music. 

Thanks for that. I've got a balanced ALO Litz cable I should try out...

 

[Cloudtastrophe]

coming up on about 200 hours, quick note:
 
Sound signature is becoming much more balanced than straight out of the box. Treble and bass have settled into place and are now much more in line with the midrange. sub bass still elevated.

 

[windcar]

I got a cheap mmcx cable from aliexpress and cannot tell the audio difference between this and the stock cable.
I got my doubt about the claim that the stock cable is of very high quality. 
 
Here is the cable I tried:
https://www.aliexpress.com/item/Hot-Selling-1-2M-5N-OFC-OCC-single-crystal-copper-Earphone-Cables-HiFi-Earphone-Wire-For/32704431278.html

 

[windcar]

IBasso has released their own 2.5mm balanced cable CB12 for it03.

Taobao sellers are offering this cable for an additional 300 rmb when they buy the IT03. That works out to be around $45USD. Please do not overpay for this cable.

 

[twister6]

  I got a cheap mmcx cable from aliexpress and cannot tell the audio difference between this and the stock cable.
I got my doubt about the claim that the stock cable is of very high quality. 
 
Here is the cable I tried:
https://www.aliexpress.com/item/Hot-Selling-1-2M-5N-OFC-OCC-single-crystal-copper-Earphone-Cables-HiFi-Earphone-Wire-For/32704431278.html

 
What is your source, DAP? smartphone?  But regardless of that, many people don't hear a difference between $10 and $500 cables.  Doesn't mean it's not there.  We all have different ear sensitivity, different perception of sound, and use different sources to drive headphones where an upgrade cable might not make a big difference when listening from lo-res source.  I tell you this, my wife doesn't hear significant difference between my $25 and $2500 iems, and I think all of her makeup stuff looks the same to me

 
I usually tell people, of you can't hear the difference, consider yourself lucky since you can reach audio nirvana on a budget

 

[audio123]

   
What is your source, DAP? smartphone?  But regardless of that, many people don't hear a difference between $10 and $500 cables.  Doesn't mean it's not there.  We all have different ear sensitivity, different perception of sound, and use different sources to drive headphones where an upgrade cable might not make a big difference when listening from lo-res source.  I tell you this, my wife doesn't hear significant difference between my $25 and $2500 iems, and I think all of her makeup stuff looks the same to me

 
I usually tell people, of you can't hear the difference, consider yourself lucky since you can reach audio nirvana on a budget

so true mate.

 

[Paul - iBasso]

  I got a cheap mmcx cable from aliexpress and cannot tell the audio difference between this and the stock cable.
I got my doubt about the claim that the stock cable is of very high quality. 
 
Here is the cable I tried:
https://www.aliexpress.com/item/Hot-Selling-1-2M-5N-OFC-OCC-single-crystal-copper-Earphone-Cables-HiFi-Earphone-Wire-For/32704431278.html

They may be selling a high quality cable at a very low price. Ours is a high quality cable that we tested against a number of other cables with some that cost 100s of dollars.

 

[windcar]

   
What is your source, DAP? smartphone?  But regardless of that, many people don't hear a difference between $10 and $500 cables.  Doesn't mean it's not there.  We all have different ear sensitivity, different perception of sound, and use different sources to drive headphones where an upgrade cable might not make a big difference when listening from lo-res source.  I tell you this, my wife doesn't hear significant difference between my $25 and $2500 iems, and I think all of her makeup stuff looks the same to me

 
I usually tell people, of you can't hear the difference, consider yourself lucky since you can reach audio nirvana on a budget

I am using a PC soundcard. Creative ZXR to be precise, rated at 124SNR at the headphone output, with burr brown DAC chip. And I can clearly hear a difference between this cable and a silver coated cable I have. The silver coated copper has enhanced treble and lower bass.

 

[tienbasse]

  I am using a PC soundcard. Creative ZXR to be precise, rated at 124SNR at the headphone output, with burr brown DAC chip. And I can clearly hear a difference between this cable and a silver coated cable I have. The silver coated copper has enhanced treble and lower bass.

Very typical of SCC cable indeed.
I don't really believe cables are differentiated by price, it's more a question of material and strand diameter.
I like the synergy between SCC cables and the IT03.