Dsnuts
Headphoneus Supremus
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- Jun 20, 2011
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So ISN has finally moved over to a 2 pin configuration. The new slick all blue box is a brand new design for the ISN crew and I was told the version I have is finalized meaning everything is brand new on the EST50 down to the new case they included with the box.
Build quality is superb and the shell shape and size is pretty much identical to the old ISN H40. I can post a pic side by side next to the H40 and it looks like the same shell. So if the H40 fit nicely for you the shells are practically the same.
What is different however is ISN has taken off the kid gloves for this one. The large shells incorporate 5 drivers, hence the naming scheme which always makes sense with ISN IEMs. EST50 incorporates a 10mm dynamic +2BAs + 2EST drivers. This driver configuration has been done before but at a much higher cost https://penonaudio.com/oriolus-percivali.html.. The difference from something like this Oriolus Percivali vs the EST50.. Hmm well the cable itself probably cost half the price of that IEM. As per sound. I have no idea just how the EST50 would stack up to that but I do know how it stacks up to previous ISN earphones.
In looking at the graph for the EST50, it has a striking resemblance to the Penon Volts more so than the H40. I can say to my ears these are some where in between the refinements and balancing of the Volts with the dynamism and staging of the H40 so the pricing is correct.
So what makes the EST50 worth 100% more in price gain over the H40? It is a much more refined H40 with a sound tuning/ balancing similar to the Penon Volts. That smooth rich musicality with a deep wide dimensional stage is there. Each portion of the sound design got a reboot. Everything has weight to it from the lowest of bass notes to the highest of the treble. Everything has excellent texture to the sound again from the lowest of bass notes to the highest of treble notes. I can hear subtle but clearly refined aspects of the tuning that makes them sound as engaging as the ISN brand has ever produced. This sound is everything you loved about the H40 but more refined. Sound profile is as tall as it is deep with that wide stage you all loved about the H40s.
ISN earphones are all about musicality getting that full body of sound and this time around the treble gets a bit more cooking in the oven and now has ESTs to give it some air some pop a realness to treble notes that much higher end earphones exhibit. The balancing, the superb coherency and the tonal qualities are expertly crafted to get you an earphone that is as engaging as anything I have heard all year. These are by far ISNs best sounding earphones and this is using the ISN S8 which comes included with it.
Be warned however I can tell the EST50s are not 100% full on and the bass dynamics are a bit rough out of the box but after letting them play for a few hours I can hear how the sound is shaping up and yes these only have about 3 hours of run in meaning I fully expect them to sound even better than what I am reporting here.
So why buy the Volts if the EST50s sound this good? Well Volts takes this particular sound to yet another level as it incorporates 2 highly regarded Sonion BAs for mids. EST50s are using a single BA. A double BA configuration if done correct gives a greater sense of layering and I do notice a bit wider stage on the Volts otherwise the sound balancing/ tuning and the rich tonal qualities are very similar. Yet the EST50 has its own character.
Sound is superbly dynamic, it is encompassing, it is lavishly unapologetically rich in tone, vocals sound superb, Imaging is right up there with much higher end offerings. Treble detail is most definitely a step up from the H40s smoother silkier in tone, I will have to compare them but these remind me a bit of the recent Tansio Marai Land in dynamics but with more forward mids.
If you guys have never owned an EST tribrid. I really cant think of a better one to get into right now than these. Two very enthusiastic thumbs up from me. More to come.
These are begging me to try some nicer cables.
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