This is likely my last post on this topic, as I've had several days of consistent results, and even changing equipment today (From G7/ Mojo to G7/ ALO Rx) confirmed the same combinations.
After burn-in, and the first time I've EVER noticed significant changes during burn-in, here are my final combinations by preference (Filter/ tip).
1. Pink/ pink- great general use combination, balanced but not "reference," clear, articulate, girthy in the bass, but not overwhelming or over-warm, just a solid general listening combo with wide staging and proper (but not exceptional) detail retrieval. It's the most consistent and coherent of the filter combinations I've tried through my sources.
2. Red/ red- More dynamic, impactful, visceral in the bass and crystalline in the highs. This is about as V-shaped as I get, and it's a great way to listen to modern musical styles. Pop, hip hop and similar beat-driven genres benefit most from this combo, but it can get a little thick in the mid-bass region. Soundstage is HUGE, while detail retrieval takes a back seat to overall presentation.
3. Green/ black- This is a very vocals-forward, "reference" tuning that balances well enough, but the real purpose of this combo is to draw out details, textures and nuances in the music. This is a great combo for live recordings of rock shows, for instance, or to pull that last little bit of detail from a baritone aria. While some might like the overall tone for general listening, this combo isn't really what the Aten does best, but can be useful in certain circumstances. It does showcase the incredible versatility of these IEMs.
4. Gold/ blue- a specialist combo that turns the Atens into a tube-driven console record player. Really, it does a marvelous job of recreating that intimate, warm feeling I grew up with. For me, it's an instant nostalgia trip- I fell in love with music in front of one of those record players, and every time I use this combo, it brings me back. Gold/ blue isn't articulate, it isn't detailed, it isn't even particularly spacious, but it's magic, nonetheless.
Isolation? Not much. Volume can overcome this to an extent, but lawnmowers, air conditioners and motorcycle gangs are the Aten's kryptonite. No one would suggest a set of Sennheiser HD 600s for isolation, and they shouldn't expect supreme isolation from R2s, either. That said, these have soundstage to die for, and a tangible sense of space unmatched by any other IEM I've tried. The Atens are an experience as much as (or even more than) they are a product. If that sounds like your cup of tea, well, you have found your IEMs, with 2 potential caveats.
1. They are a challenging fit. What I mean by that is that I have very large ear canal openings, and finding a fit that did not irritate my ear was a challenge. Our 5' 1" daughter can't wear them at all- they simply do not fit inside her ears. With enough tenacity, they will fit the majority of folks in-between, but they aren't as easy or universal as, say, Shures, Westones or any number of recent semi-customs.
2. They are a boutique product in every sense. Expect small niggles like mandatory burn-in (yes, really), sometimes difficult and finicky filter/ tip installation, some minor cosmetic issues, etc. If you enjoy the charm of bespoke products, these will be right up your alley. If you're an OCD perfectionist, you may find some minor irritants. I fall into the former camp, and I am in love.
