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goodvibes
Headphoneus Supremus
- Joined
- Dec 28, 2009
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Got them last night and will do my review here as most of the particulars have been covered. One correction on an earlier review is that these come with the ADEL S1 module, not the B1.
1st the Zen 2. I really like these. They have plenty of bass without masking any mids and the top is very smooth yet informative without the BA etch while still maintaining the clarity that they are noted for. Extended in a very natural way without calling attention to the fact. I think this is a steal for most folks as the hold up well to noisey environs with a bit of extra bass weight while not masking any of the mids when surroundings are quiet. The have a touch of mid presence which is nicely balanced with the bass weight. I'm a neutral kind of guy so when I say the bass never gets in the way, I mean it. It's a voicing choice and I think they pulled it off beautifully on both these IEMs. The very natural mid to high balance without any sort of phasiness etc is a great indicator that these guys know their craft. I like a little presence bump as it sounds a bit more there to me.
What you get here is a fun and slightly warm IEM that is still natural/neutral and not U shaped and I really appreciate that. It allows you to hear into the music without throwing 'detail' in your face in an unnatural way. I experimented with tips and modules and what I liked best was some Complys with the foam cut to the end of the plastic ring and a G1 module. Gave it a fun present open quality that belied its price. It's mids are better than any 2 way that I've previously come across with no sense of crossover. I love the design. The tip shape and angle is simply awesome. I can't imagine anyone not getting a comfortable fit with these and tips stay put. Lots of good thought and design here.
Zen 4. This is a more refined take on the same theme. It goes a bit lower, the mids a bit smoother. It sounds a bit warmer because of the smoother mids but has at least as much actual clarity as the Z2. It can take on complex passages and resolve all that's there, it just isn't up front. Gives it a dryer take. Same smooth extended top and more even from lower mid to very top. A bit more bass amplitude than the Z2 but just a bit. Again, this one came with the ADEL S1 module. I again prefered the G1 and think the B1 would also be viable here (no longer have on to try). I could see this being a go to for classical listeners. Most won't find these as warm at all since their sources won't be as warm as mine (QP1r) as it was not that warm on my AK120 or phone. It's a voicing choice to allow it a universal acceptance while not robbing them of goodness.
Overall, I feel these are both very good values but thing the Zen 2 is a real steal and very voiceable. With the great tips and accessories supplied they both represent outstanding value. These have enough bass to hold up to a B1 module for those that want neutral to lean sig. I personally lean towards neutral but actually prefer to favor this side of the preference issue as neutral is lean when on the go and unrelenting of source.
Just a note. I listened and played with these for only about an hour. That's a testament to these as there were no oddities or nasties to work around and they are close to right without phasey nonsense or artificial creation happening here. Solid engineering and sound.
1st the Zen 2. I really like these. They have plenty of bass without masking any mids and the top is very smooth yet informative without the BA etch while still maintaining the clarity that they are noted for. Extended in a very natural way without calling attention to the fact. I think this is a steal for most folks as the hold up well to noisey environs with a bit of extra bass weight while not masking any of the mids when surroundings are quiet. The have a touch of mid presence which is nicely balanced with the bass weight. I'm a neutral kind of guy so when I say the bass never gets in the way, I mean it. It's a voicing choice and I think they pulled it off beautifully on both these IEMs. The very natural mid to high balance without any sort of phasiness etc is a great indicator that these guys know their craft. I like a little presence bump as it sounds a bit more there to me.
What you get here is a fun and slightly warm IEM that is still natural/neutral and not U shaped and I really appreciate that. It allows you to hear into the music without throwing 'detail' in your face in an unnatural way. I experimented with tips and modules and what I liked best was some Complys with the foam cut to the end of the plastic ring and a G1 module. Gave it a fun present open quality that belied its price. It's mids are better than any 2 way that I've previously come across with no sense of crossover. I love the design. The tip shape and angle is simply awesome. I can't imagine anyone not getting a comfortable fit with these and tips stay put. Lots of good thought and design here.
Zen 4. This is a more refined take on the same theme. It goes a bit lower, the mids a bit smoother. It sounds a bit warmer because of the smoother mids but has at least as much actual clarity as the Z2. It can take on complex passages and resolve all that's there, it just isn't up front. Gives it a dryer take. Same smooth extended top and more even from lower mid to very top. A bit more bass amplitude than the Z2 but just a bit. Again, this one came with the ADEL S1 module. I again prefered the G1 and think the B1 would also be viable here (no longer have on to try). I could see this being a go to for classical listeners. Most won't find these as warm at all since their sources won't be as warm as mine (QP1r) as it was not that warm on my AK120 or phone. It's a voicing choice to allow it a universal acceptance while not robbing them of goodness.
Overall, I feel these are both very good values but thing the Zen 2 is a real steal and very voiceable. With the great tips and accessories supplied they both represent outstanding value. These have enough bass to hold up to a B1 module for those that want neutral to lean sig. I personally lean towards neutral but actually prefer to favor this side of the preference issue as neutral is lean when on the go and unrelenting of source.
Just a note. I listened and played with these for only about an hour. That's a testament to these as there were no oddities or nasties to work around and they are close to right without phasey nonsense or artificial creation happening here. Solid engineering and sound.
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