[Capo Dei Capi]

I like 01 bass more(DQ6 sounds like it's missing a chunk of bass FR), but overall DQ6 sounds way more natural and better to me. 01 sounds very...recessed or something, and the tiny shells don't help for fit. My 01 had a loose connector on one side, too. Certainly not screaming "good build quality". But I like ZAX and CKX more than DQ6, as well. We'll see where AST fits in soon

I see you the FH3, how do they compare to both of the above?

I was thinking of getting a pair, but if they are only marginally better it may not be worth it.

 

[PhonoPhi]

Listening to AS12 right now. Very clean top to bottom.
If these had DD timbre I'm pretty sure I'd be done "collecting".

That said, the presentation and resolution are more than acceptable as a trade-off.

AS12 is not my first choice for EDM, the CKX is more appro.
Still, I give the AS12 an 8.5/10 rating with EDM because the "good old 22955" do a great job.
Best low frequency definition I've heard to date. Having dual 22955's give the AS12 an impressive balance of density and smoothness.




Regarding the new AST, I don't think I can pass it up because it has the new "s" line balanced armatures that are fantastic to me when it comes to timbre for a balanced armature.

Likewise, I'll probably swap out the nozzle to improve the tone, imaging and separation.







PLENUE V is equipped with Cirrus Logic's CS43131, a cutting-edge DAC that offers ultra-high-resolution sound.

• DSD Native : Up to DSD128
• SNR : 126dB
• THD+N : 0.0004% (24bit, 48kHz)
• Stereo Crosstalk : -124dB
• Output : 1.73Vrms
• Output Impedance : 0.5Ω
• Playback Time : Approximately 41 hours (MP3, 128kbps)

https://www.amazon.com/COWON-Plenue-Hi-Res-Player-Formular/dp/B07D53LVYV/ref=mp_s_a_1_7?dchild=1&keywords=Cowon+Plenue&qid=1622651924&sr=8-7&th=1&psc=1






If it's off-line "sound" and capability your after then go for a Cowon.
Really no need to go looking for more unless you "need" TOTL screens or a smartphone-like interface.

If you just want an inexpensive taste get the Plenue V.
If you want to get it over and done with in one shot get the Plenue R2.










https://www.amazon.com/Kmrlim-FDBRO-8-Upgrade-Earphone-Pattern-Replacement/dp/B08T95K1C2/ref=mp_s_a_1_4?dchild=1&keywords=FDBRO+3.5mm+QDC&qid=1622650727&sr=8-4&th=1&psc=1#immersive-view_1622650967355





or



https://www.amazon.com/FAAEAL-High-...ords=FAAEAL+cable+2+pin&qid=1622654429&sr=8-5

My DAC quest became fairly involved.
I am still happy with Tempotec V1A as a DAP/transport - two SD cards (I am spoiled to carry all my limited music collection with me), good battery life, MSEB. V1A even has AK4376(?) DAC and works in a BT mode well, as a good bottom line option.
Then to expand on V1A, using it as a transport, I planned to use USB DACs. But other than Sonata HD pro, balanced USB DACs, need more power and do not work with V1A, much to my dismay; even Sonata strains V1A too much.
Fiio BTR5 works in a DAC mode, but in this mode its battery life is under 3 h 15 min...

So all in all: I am after a DAC with a battery and balanced 2.5, as small in size/weight as possible.
My tentative choice is Fosi HD3PRO (ES9038Q2M, SA9227) at $80, but I would appreciate other DAC options under $150.

 

[AmericanSpirit]

SO SKS are the better choice since the price are almost similar?

yea, if SKS is $29 and is better tunes. Vertical upgrade it will be.

 

[RikudouGoku]

My DAC quest became fairly involved.
I am still happy with Tempotec V1A as a DAP/transport - two SD cards (I am spoiled to carry all my limited music collection with me), good battery life, MSEB. V1A even has AK4376(?) DAC and works in a BT mode well, as a good bottom line option.
Then to expand on V1A, using it as a transport, I planned to use USB DACs. But other than Sonata HD pro, balanced USB DACs, need more power and do not work with V1A, much to my dismay; even Sonata strains V1A too much.
Fiio BTR5 works in a DAC mode, but in this mode its battery life is under 3 h 15 min...

So all in all: I am after a DAC with a battery and balanced 2.5, as small in size/weight as possible.
My tentative choice is Fosi HD3PRO (ES9038Q2M, SA9227) at $80, but I would appreciate other DAC options under $150.

Qudelix 5k is a reputable choice.

 

[r31ya]

My DAC quest became fairly involved.
I am still happy with Tempotec V1A as a DAP/transport - two SD cards (I am spoiled to carry all my limited music collection with me), good battery life, MSEB. V1A even has AK4376(?) DAC and works in a BT mode well, as a good bottom line option.
Then to expand on V1A, using it as a transport, I planned to use USB DACs. But other than Sonata HD pro, balanced USB DACs, need more power and do not work with V1A, much to my dismay; even Sonata strains V1A too much.
Fiio BTR5 works in a DAC mode, but in this mode its battery life is under 3 h 15 min...

So all in all: I am after a DAC with a battery and balanced 2.5, as small in size/weight as possible.
My tentative choice is Fosi HD3PRO (ES9038Q2M, SA9227) at $80, but I would appreciate other DAC options under $150.

If you don't have problem with size, Xduoo XD05 Basic/plus is a great DAC/AMP
If you do have problem with size and didn't quite need the bluetooth thing, E1DA 9038D DAC/AMP dongle is pretty damn good.
Alternatively you could go for Xduoo Link2 with its 150mw@32 power.
There is a older SMSL Idea too.
If you have more budget go for IFI.

 

[CT007]

I see you the FH3, how do they compare to both of the above?

I was thinking of getting a pair, but if they are only marginally better it may not be worth it.

I would take FH3, L3, ZAX, or YBF over them any day. L3 being the smoothest and most spacious, and definitely above avg bass or better. YBF closely as spacious, with 2nd nicest bass. FH3 seriously killer bass, good, avg space with nice imaging, but merely OK treble, and edgy/aggressive. ZAX has impresively natural treble, with solid bass, but not very defined(and that's OK).

L3 or YBF for gaming. FH3 or ZAX for music. If you want to save money, I would try ZSN Pro(ZAX Jr.), VK4(BASS) and DQ6(balance & tone).

 

[AmericanSpirit]

I just made a return on Amazon for a defective security camera and received $100 refund on balance, which pushed my back to order AST from KZ official shop, 138+tax.

AST incoming in 2-3weeks. Let’s see if AST is ZAX 2.0 or ASX 2.0. And I’d like to see if AST could get any closer to $100 beast TRI Starsea. It’s already 0.5 Blessing2 Dusk and Mangird Tea Hopefully Bellsing or Tenhz BAs and KZ tuning to start some miracles they did for KZ SKS.

 

[boredbuyingstuff]

I just made a return on Amazon for a defective security camera and received $100 refund on balance, which pushed my back to order AST from KZ official shop, 138+tax.

AST incoming in 2-3weeks. Let’s see if AST is ZAX 2.0 or ASX 2.0. And I’d like to see if AST could get any closer to $100 beast TRI Starsea.

Did you go black or white? Waiting mine and can't wait for your input as you have a lot of IEMs on hand to compare it.

 

[AmericanSpirit]

Did you go black or white? Waiting mine and can't wait for your input as you have a lot of IEMs on hand to compare it.

I usually pick blark/grey type but this time I went clear, as black BAs inside is more visible for some visual entertainment

 

[IEMbiker]

Quick update AST with new type sound tube. Look nice in clear shell. ( picture from buyer review).

 

[AmericanSpirit]

Quick update AST with new type sound tube. Look nice in clear shell. ( picture from buyer review).

That’s better!
I’m regretting getting clear ASX due the opaque sound tube, and the shell was too big. It looked like KZ simply assembled BAs by glue..

 

[eclein]

Has anybody heard the AST yet? (Edit) ordered Silver set and will update when I get them.

 

[PhonoPhi]

Has anybody heard the AST yet? (Edit) ordered Silver set and will update when I get them.

CCA global store just informed upon my inquest that my AST still was not shipped after more than a week ("tight supply"), sad and no more any orders from them, definitely.

 

[eclein]

Sorry to hear of your troubles, I hope it gets worked out soon for ya. I ordered through Amazon from Linsoul and they said they had stock we’ll see how it goes, they didn’t have any green variants though. Mine still has to come from China I believe as my delivery date is basically next month.

 

[IEMbiker]

That’s better!
I’m regretting getting clear ASX due the opaque sound tube, and the shell was too big. It looked like KZ simply assembled BAs by glue..

agree, the shell just too big, my ear pain after an hour of usage but I like the sound after rewired the 29689 BA.
I don't have a measurement device or else will share the graph.