Thanks for the tip and I did just that and felt like I opened Pandora's box! Now my simple question turned into a bunch of questions. So in a way I'm disagreeing with you but thanking you for the reminder!
Thanks to
@CoiL and
@ozziecook for your perspectives! Really appreciate all the info going back many pages and continuing in these last couple days.
I went from curiosity about the standard KPE vs IT01 to comparing modded versions of each, by the way those mods change the IEMs in different directions but somehow toward one another.
I'm not sure if I can make a decision without a demo and this question was prompted because I'm borrowing an IT01 which I find great! You may laugh but I'm comparing it to my DMG which have many hours on them and I feel so far they have similarity. At first I was having a little Buyer's Remorse after hearing the IT01 but then realized I had spacer-modded the IT01 and was using a Spiral Dot tip vs a Sony Hybrid on the DMG. The modded IT01 (spacer and Spiral Dot) still delivers great bass but with this intoxicating air. I switched the DMG from a Sony Hybrid to the Spiral Dot and now there's air and bass on the same scale, maybe more. That subbass of the IT01 also adds that extra meat to drums that I feel can't be ignored and I'm fairly certain the DMG lacks, need to listen more.
Also, another nice thing about the DMG is that it doesn't need a spacer mod because the stem design limits tip travel. It takes time but ever time I learn something new in this hobby, I have to revisit everything I thought I knew. Lol
In any case, so awesome having this sound quality for not so much money, but not too little to be quite honest. I'm also coming to an odd realization that when I start with an IEM, it's usually too treble hot initially out of the box which I correct with tips and over time I seem to be gravitating back to Spiral Dots once the treble calms down. They really offer the best presentation of space and for my ears, the L fit great.
So to tie this all back to the KPE, I listen routinely to the DMG, DM6 and T3 and other not so interesting (at the moment) IEms. The IT01 is great IEM to demo and took me by surprise and thus so got me thinking about the KPE (which I've read this entire thread but somehow tuned out all the great IT01 comparison info, selective reading at its best) so I'm trying to see what the next step will be. Some comments on the KPE are very attractive (soundstage, subbass, no exaggerated mid bass, addictive mids, no sibilance, great imaging) and others make me run (less bass than DM6?). I've heard the KPE referenced as a direct upgrade to the T3 which is like a middle of the road sound but after hearing the IT01, I'm wondering how comparable they are, maybe a merging of the T3 with the IT01 which I think fits the bill.
Any comments help but in the end, I think getting my hands on a pair will be the only way to hear what you all are saying.
Thanks!