@davidmolliere now that you have a bit more time with the CL2, how would you compare it to the Phantom, especially when it comes to subbass/vocals/mids?
Yeah I have basically lived with the CL2 in my ears since I got them
The CL2 are tuned differently from the Phantom.
The biggest difference is the Phantom is much thicker, there is much more body and weight to the notes and it's also warmer. I don't mean that the CL2 is thin and cold, just that it's tuned to get you a lot of air and it's more leaning towards neutral. Both are very natural, but the Phantom is natural warm where the CL2 is neutral natural (if that makes sense)
The bass are similar, with nice physical sub bass, I think CL2 extends further but Phantom has more density so overall it has more impact (and Phantom probably has a touch more mid bass).
Mids are tuned with some similarities in the sense that lower mids are clean and upper mids gives them very articulate mids, but again weight and body differ greatly so the Phantom has that almost tactile feeling while the CL2 has better separation and air and a more neutral tone.
Highs is where they differ the most, and it affects the whole CL2 signature as it has more treble extension and sparkle (part of it is also that highs on the Phantom have a warmer tone, I never found them lacking at all contrary to some, just a different take).
The CL2 has sharper attack across the range, and it's also quite faster across the range, the 10mm planar is really amazing in that respect giving a sense of pace, rythm and timing that is really something to behold. I even wonder if it's not faster than the VE8. You get the sense it can tackle whatever you throw at it. I already enjoyed this with the i4 but to a lesser extent since it didn't have the same snap and sparkle that gives you shiver on hi hats and provide some nice bite to instruments (in particular electric guitars are a treat).
Vocals are neither recessed nor forward, pretty balanced in the mix but farther than the Phantom which is more intimate. I enjoy the Phantom mids more for vocals, especially male vocals as the CL2 lower mids dip is more accentuated than the Phantom. For female I'd say it's a closer match although I prefer the intimacy of the Phantom and it's warmer tone. Phantom convey emotion better with more texture, maybe the CL2 will gain a bit more as it further burns in. As far as instruments go, I prefer woods and woodwinds on the Phantom, but guitars (especially again electric guitars), brass are clearly amazing on the CL2 and overall Jazz and Classic shine.
Additional note : I have been mainly running the CL2 with the DX200/AMP8 (reference for most of my comments), but I think I like it better with Mojo. I suspect warmer and bassier source will make the CL2 match my preferences even a bit better. Mojo has more weight and body taking the CL2 furthering my enjoyment. I suspect Fio X7II would be a good match as well. I'll try them with the SP1000 at a meetup but I am not sure I am going to like the treble.
I also believe that's why I find the BT neckband to be a great implementation with smooth sound, extra mid bass and vocal forwardness. YMMV.
