OH, these are definitely bass boosted my friend. In fact the IT07 are also bass boosted. If you want a good neutral reference, listen to the OG P1 planars.
Having said that, I find the bass ok on the Timeless. The problem I have had with them stems in my ortho DD experience. They are indeed better than a lot of DD IEMs, but if you compare to a really good ortho, you will hear that that Timeless has a boosted (non linear) mid-bass hump, and the texture is not as good (the CCA CRA, though even more bass boosted, have a much more linear bass frequency range). Yes, they are faster and more textured than a typical DD, but again, in comparison to a great ortho, they aren't as good. A great ortho can have boosted bass while remaining super fast and textured at the same time (something DD makers have striven for for years
).
The mids aren't buttery smooth and in-line with the rest of the frequency like other good planars are (ie, they are recessed). Using the type of driver that is supposed to be this capable, they should have show-cased the mids (not meaning to overcook the upper mids like the Chinese like to do for illusionary clarity). The treble is a bit of the same. With great orthos, you can have such wonderful separation and clarity, but I find there to be a bit of grainy(ness) to them, and not quite as airy and revealing as they could be. Once again, it is better than a typical DD, but it isn't up to snuff where planar is concerned. Take a listen to the P1, and while they may not be tuned to everyone's liking, you can hear the quality of the ortho DD in all frequencies.
Having said all of this:
- I find them an excellent compliment to the IT07 as @jamato8 said.
- With the bit of EQing from the Timeless thread I posted a bit earlier, they are improved so much, that I put them higher on the notch against the IT07.
- Also, remember that I am making comparison to what I KNOW orthos CAN sound like (regardless of tuning). The issues with the Timeless are a combination of (what I believe to be) a cheaper driver, mixed with a bit of off tuning that exacerbate the issues with the driver itself.
I really do love the Timeless, and think they are fantastic, but they aren't end game for planar IEMs for me. I am still on the lookout (maybe the P1 Max will do it for me?!).....
I HAVE tried listening to the Timeless out of a phone and a couple lesser DAPs, and the DX300 11.2 and 12 really do bring out the best in these IEMs for sure. I would not fault anyone if they WERE indeed their end game planar IEMs.
+1
I will keep my Timeless though, much like the CCA CRA, they ARE a very fun listen...
Dude! That totally sux! I have yet to send mine in for the play/pause button not working (broken off in the body of the DAP) from the same time you sent yours in the first time. I figured I would wait until all of the COVID related shipping issues settle out a bit, because I was basically told that it would more than likely have to be shipped back to China from email response.
Now, I have a secondary issue with my Amp11.2. The 2.5mm jack has broken loose on the board, and moves around when plugged in, and when moved a certain way, sound cuts out. I may have a look at it and see can I solder it myself, but If I am sending the unit back, I may just hold off until then.
It DOES soldier on though...