SpaceOperaVillain
100+ Head-Fier
I'm thinking about ordering a couple of pairs more of the ZAX. IMO this was more interesting as a multi-BA IEM since it used several different model drivers in the configuration compared to ZAS or the AST/ASX series. On a balanced cable and amp the ZAX is the closest I have to something that sounds "holographic".
I checked AliExpress earlier this morning with the AST in mind, but saw that it's selling for about $160 in USD (147 euro) to get it shipped to me here in France. I've got to draw a line somewhere, and this is it: that's just more than I'm willing to pay for a pair of KZ phones. A big part of me wants to experience these for myself but I don't have a headphone problem that these really solve for. I can get a backup pair of SRH840s as they're on sale now for 99 euro, and none of the IEM I've had sound as good as those do under decades long experience with configuring PEQ to my own ears. Most of these don't sound as good as my 32 euro AKG k52. A big problem for IEM for me is that taking them in and out is a real PITA since I work from home and also spend a considerable amount of time on zoom calls. Between biobreaks, coffee runs, meals, and the honey-do list it's just tiring. I can slap my Shure's on my noggin' in a flash and they're comfortable to wear all day, every day. The IEM form factor is a lot more convenient for being on the go but the reality is that I'm stuck mostly behind my desk, which really diminishes my desire for investing too much into them.
Hear, hear. the Heart Mirror on the E1DA's "vinyl" preset is also a near perfect IEM when run direct on a balanced cable. I have to admit that I grab for the GK10s at least once on a daily basis. The piezo treble doesn't hurt my tinnitus, the mids are very detailed and the bass is thicc for the discerning listener who knows what they want and isn't afraid to adjust 2 or 3 sliders on the EQ. They're also easy to fall asleep with since the shells are pretty small.
Final Audio A4000, Tanchjim Oxygen, BQEYZ Spring 2, Moondrop's KATO, and KBEAR Aurora have all been on my watch list but I haven't pulled the trigger on any of them. I reviewed a pair of TRI Meteors and thought they were great, but somewhat forgettable given how many other IEM have effectively the same sound quality at around the same price. They're very good, at a good price. ChiFi is so competitive that people are looking for perfect for peanuts, so they get looked over which is kind of a shame. The BA definitely works in those and the beryllium thing does put out some nice bass. They're also cheaper than most of the rest of their catalog, and knowing my own ears, I think I'd find the premium single DDs a bit boring. The Heart Mirror is enough.
To repeat what @baskingshark has already said, mid-fi is the HiFi summit. That magical line around 300 is about as good as it gets, with prices going exponentially higher for fractionally better sound quality. This is true for most things in life. A 10 million dollar house sitting empty doesn't look nor feel any more impressive than an $800,000 house with nice furnishings and nicely executed landscaping. Focus on the appliances and the furniture: by that I mean cables, amps, tips, and options.
There was a time period where I was psyched about wearing these while cycling to work since there wasn't a headband to interfere with my helmet. Unfortunately the ear hooks just never stayed put while being active and I ended up reverting back to the old skool cheapo Senny or Sony buds depending on how long they the wires lasted before getting chewed up with daily use. That was a long time ago, though. I'm way too fat for cycling, now. LOL
I checked AliExpress earlier this morning with the AST in mind, but saw that it's selling for about $160 in USD (147 euro) to get it shipped to me here in France. I've got to draw a line somewhere, and this is it: that's just more than I'm willing to pay for a pair of KZ phones. A big part of me wants to experience these for myself but I don't have a headphone problem that these really solve for. I can get a backup pair of SRH840s as they're on sale now for 99 euro, and none of the IEM I've had sound as good as those do under decades long experience with configuring PEQ to my own ears. Most of these don't sound as good as my 32 euro AKG k52. A big problem for IEM for me is that taking them in and out is a real PITA since I work from home and also spend a considerable amount of time on zoom calls. Between biobreaks, coffee runs, meals, and the honey-do list it's just tiring. I can slap my Shure's on my noggin' in a flash and they're comfortable to wear all day, every day. The IEM form factor is a lot more convenient for being on the go but the reality is that I'm stuck mostly behind my desk, which really diminishes my desire for investing too much into them.
Hear, hear. the Heart Mirror on the E1DA's "vinyl" preset is also a near perfect IEM when run direct on a balanced cable. I have to admit that I grab for the GK10s at least once on a daily basis. The piezo treble doesn't hurt my tinnitus, the mids are very detailed and the bass is thicc for the discerning listener who knows what they want and isn't afraid to adjust 2 or 3 sliders on the EQ. They're also easy to fall asleep with since the shells are pretty small.
Final Audio A4000, Tanchjim Oxygen, BQEYZ Spring 2, Moondrop's KATO, and KBEAR Aurora have all been on my watch list but I haven't pulled the trigger on any of them. I reviewed a pair of TRI Meteors and thought they were great, but somewhat forgettable given how many other IEM have effectively the same sound quality at around the same price. They're very good, at a good price. ChiFi is so competitive that people are looking for perfect for peanuts, so they get looked over which is kind of a shame. The BA definitely works in those and the beryllium thing does put out some nice bass. They're also cheaper than most of the rest of their catalog, and knowing my own ears, I think I'd find the premium single DDs a bit boring. The Heart Mirror is enough.
To repeat what @baskingshark has already said, mid-fi is the HiFi summit. That magical line around 300 is about as good as it gets, with prices going exponentially higher for fractionally better sound quality. This is true for most things in life. A 10 million dollar house sitting empty doesn't look nor feel any more impressive than an $800,000 house with nice furnishings and nicely executed landscaping. Focus on the appliances and the furniture: by that I mean cables, amps, tips, and options.
There was a time period where I was psyched about wearing these while cycling to work since there wasn't a headband to interfere with my helmet. Unfortunately the ear hooks just never stayed put while being active and I ended up reverting back to the old skool cheapo Senny or Sony buds depending on how long they the wires lasted before getting chewed up with daily use. That was a long time ago, though. I'm way too fat for cycling, now. LOL
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haha
