I only have the D02. The sound signature of the D02 is more fun and exciting in general, with boosted bass, though the upper midrange glare is too much for me without mods. The soundstage and imaging are the second best of any single DD IEM that I’ve heard thus far (1st is the NM2+). The MEST in comparison is quite different. It is a technical beast, particularly with the bass and treble. The bass is very fast, detailed, articulate and nuanced, but the quantity is a lot less than the D02, with more of a sub bass bias. It does take EQ really well though. The MEST is a treble-head‘s dream IEM. The treble is so incredibly well extended, and while the treble is prominent, it is not harsh due to the drivers and design. Treble detail is also the best I’ve ever heard. If one is very treble sensitive though, I recommend finding a way to try before you buy. The midrange is neutral, with good weight, but the upper mids are not boosted, and some may miss some of the “bite”. Imaging and soundstage are on a different level compared with all of my other IEMs. It is very holographic, with very precise and non-hazy instrument placement. No blurring or compression of instruments either. Hope this helps some.
Of the ones that have been in the head-fi marketplace, I'm positive that 80% of which have been the V2. My understanding is that there was a only a short run of the V1 and many of which were bundled with early sets of the V2. Someone please correct me if I'm off-base here though (@Dsnuts )
Then my sincere recommendation is to just enjoy what you have and not worry about that little extra that you may be missing out on. While the MEST is really impressive, it won’t ”change your life”. I still really enjoy the D02.
Hardly! Just trying to keep it real. We all need it from time to time as it’s so easy to get lost in the rabbit hole. At least I know I do.
Sorry, I can’t help there as I’ve never heard the H40. Maybe @Dsnuts will chime in. Based on the D02, however, the soundstage and especially the imaging is on another level, even though the D02 is exceptional for a single DD. The H40 is a hybrid so it is still different. The tuning of the MEST is quite different from the D02 as well, with quite a bit less bass, much less upper midrange, and much more extended treble.
I really like how the CP145 tips sound on the D02 also. They actually fit those ultra wide nozzles well. NiceHCK LitzOCC seems to be a really good copper cable (the Rhyme is actually a copper cable, but has some foil wrap around some of the cores). I personally actually like an all-silver cable best for the D02, like the NiceHCK LitzPS (or PS Pro).My ISN D02 arrived today (UK) and I have to say the hype is real and they are a beautiful looking set of IEM's
I absolutely love them already and I've only been listening for 45mins on my DX200 (AMP5), I also got the Spinfit CP145 tips and have them on. I'm using the stock cable at the moment and did manage to hear a bit of brightness on Karen Carpenters voice on 'Close To You' although Stevie Nicks sounds fantastic on 'Everywhere'
I had ordered the KBear 'Rhyme 8 core UPOCC Copper & Silver' and also the KBear 'Thorough 16 core silver plated cable' but unfortunately I'm in dispute with them at the moment as the delivery I received was for CPU RAM from a company called Avanshare. I've never heard of them and i've no idea how that managed to be delivered to my home?
Under normal cisrcumstances I would re order but KBear aren't being very helpful in discussions on AE. Can anyone recommend another copper and silver cable I could order under $30.
Oh and that soundstage
