PINNACLE P1 CAN USE M6 PRO EAR TIPS
I have noticed that many P1 owners also have the M6 Pros (“M6p”), just as I do. I thought I would share what I have discovered in my ear tip searches for these IEMs. Shortly after buying the P1, I noticed the M6p and P1 nozzles were functionally identical: P1 nozzle = 4mm long, 4mm in diameter; M6p = 5mm and 4mm, respectively. The ear tips are thus interchangeable. (I do not own digital calipers; measurements are as accurate as I can get with a small plastic ruler.)
M6 PRO
I have enjoyed Etymotic ER6i and HF5s for about 12 years combined and I am comfortable with triple flange ear tips (“3fl”). I tried all included tips and initially settled on the M6p large 3fl. After some experimentation, I found the large 3fl with the smallest flange clipped off was the most comfortable; that is what I use currently. Comply tips have never worked for me on any IEM.
PINNACLE P1
P1 large 3fl offered a passable fit but poor sonics. The sound was muffled and my measurements seemed to indicate why. Tube length of the large 3fl measures 16mm, the IEM nozzle, 4mm: insertion depth of the unsupported part of the tip is 12mm (ear tip tube length minus nozzle length). Looking at a diagram of the ear canal, I believe that 12mm portion either protrudes into a narrow part of the canal or into the curve and is bent or squeezed, thus muffling the sound. (The P1 and M6p large 3fl are identical by my measure.) A large 3fl clipped to 2fl was better but somehow still lacking.
P1 large 2fl has a short tube at 8mm and a large bore so I thought - hmm...near field monitor?...should sound great! Many Head-Fiers like them and I also loved the clarity, extended bass, smooth treble. I could not, however, obtain a consistent seal. Even after careful insertion, the seal would break on its own or with the slightest jaw movement.
I explored what other Head-Fiers used and was considering the popular SpinFits and SpiralDots. It was at that point I discovered the P1/M6p ear tip similarities and tried M6p tips on the P1.
MY P1 “EUREKA” - THE SMALL M6PRO TRIPLE FLANGE TIP
The ergonomically designed P1 body seems to flow into the ear and the nozzle oozes directly into the canal. Side by side, the superiority of this P1 profile over the M6p is clear. For me, this placement of the nozzle closer to the ear canal opening enables the small M6p 3fl to work on the P1 and not the M6p.
I had tried M6p small 3fl tips on the M6p but dismissed them immediately. The M6p body stops flat outside the ear canal and the nozzle protrudes from there. On the M6p, the small 3fl sits loosely in my canal and does not form a seal. This was certainly NOT the case on the P1 body.
The small M6p 3fl tube length measures 12mm; with the 4mm length of the P1 nozzle, insertion depth is 8mm. Additionally- large flange diameters measure: 12mm on sm 3fl, 14mm on lg 3fl; smallest flanges measure: 8mm on sm 3fl, 10mm on lg 3fl. The result? For me, the modest, conical shape (i.e., smaller flanges, shorter length) of the M6p small 3fl on the P1 slides in effortlessly and seems to be a custom fit in my ear canal. I immediately get an Etymotic-like isolation with no vacuum effect and hours of comfort. Detail, soundstage, bass impact and treble extension for me all seem spot-on, satisfying. No other M6p or P1 tip came close. These are easily the most comfortable tips of any I have tried on the P1.
The M6p small 3fl tips are available directly from Mee Audio. I use black (or gray) and clear with clear on the right. I can’t always find the little bump on the right cable easily!
CONCLUSION
Take a look at all M6p ear tips and check to see if one happens to work for you on the P1. The M6p 2fl might work better than the small 3fl for some P1 users. It has the same 8mm insertion depth as the small 3fl but for me, is not as comfortable due to the larger inner flange diameter.
(Aside: This is my first post. I would like to thank Brooko for his thorough, concise, well-written reviews. Brooko is the reason I have the P1’s and the Fiio X5 II for my portable pleasure!)