[davidmolliere]

@davidmolliere which ones did you try, David? The standard ones, or the S(mall) ones? The standard ones should be around 50% bigger than the Andros, give or take a bit.

The standard ones, but after the Solaris they look small

 

[geagle]

Lol, gotcha

 

[justrest]

So I had at last the chance to get an audition of the PP8... and was *very* impressed.

First the fit is superb really close to CIEM fit with a material that is very very nice to touch kudos InEar. A very linear IEM, with both switch off a reference tuning that is in no way boring it's much more musical than I expected. Very very natural and non fatiguing. I love the bass on the PP8, even with the switch off you get great extension (very nice subs), a lot of detail and just the right amount of mid bass to keep things fun. The switch on bring a bit more kick but it's not overdone. Same goes for the treble switch InEar went for a more conservative boost than say the Flamenco with its switches. Switches are more a fine tuning of sort than a signature switch for me. I was very impressed by the PP8 and could get one eventually if a good deal pops up (anyone ?). Isolation is top notch as well, but comfort is just amazing really.

I could certainly use those has the reference IEM, a great reference point especially for reviews...

PP8 is by far the best universal earphone I have ever used in terms of fit and isolation. Sound is also amazing. I never forget that clarity and separation.
If I find a good deal, I'll definitely jump on it.

 

[noplsestar]

So I had at last the chance to get an audition of the PP8... and was *very* impressed.

First the fit is superb really close to CIEM fit with a material that is very very nice to touch kudos InEar. A very linear IEM, with both switch off a reference tuning that is in no way boring it's much more musical than I expected. Very very natural and non fatiguing. I love the bass on the PP8, even with the switch off you get great extension (very nice subs), a lot of detail and just the right amount of mid bass to keep things fun. The switch on bring a bit more kick but it's not overdone. Same goes for the treble switch InEar went for a more conservative boost than say the Flamenco with its switches. Switches are more a fine tuning of sort than a signature switch for me. I was very impressed by the PP8 and could get one eventually if a good deal pops up (anyone ?). Isolation is top notch as well, but comfort is just amazing really.

I could certainly use those has the reference IEM, a great reference point especially for reviews...

compared to most of the other TOTLs of other brands the PP8 seems to be a good deal to begin with
Most people in Germany and Austria buy them at Thomann.de but I don’t know if you can get them cheaper in France.

By the way, could you describe some differences with the Solaris?

 

[davidmolliere]

compared to most of the other TOTLs of other brands the PP8 seems to be a good deal to begin with
Most people in Germany and Austria buy them at Thomann.de but I don’t know if you can get them cheaper in France. By the way, could you describe some differences with the Solaris?

No you can't get them cheaper, and yes it's fairly priced like the Solaris. I intend to get them second hand though, too much spending lately...

Comparison to the Solaris, well... the Solaris have a more exciting tuning especially by way of its treble which is a key differentiator between the two. The Solaris have much more livelier treble, it's quite present in the mix while remaining smooth they have amazing energy, even weight you can "feel" them hit hats are just so yummy. Not that the PP8 is lacking in treble detail and extension (especially with treble switch ON), it's pretty great as well but the excitement is on the Solaris side. The Solaris are more grandiose, mainly thanks to a significantly bigger soundstage there is more air between instruments. Mediums on the Solaris are thinner than the PP8, they have less body and weight in the mids, I think the PP8 have a more accurate timbre as well the Solaris being warmer there. There is a few similarities I think between the PP8 and the VE8 there, the PP8 is kind of a reference VE8 of sorts with more bass impact (even with bass switch OFF). Bass wise I'd say the PP8 has a more natural bass, again the Solaris are tuned for grandeur, with mind boggling subwoofer quality in the sub but less mid bass and a softer attack than the PP8 so overall I'd give the edge to the PP8 on the oomph factor in the bass department especially with bass switch ON. There is more kick, the attack is more frank. There is something of the Phantom in the PP8, but it's not as thick and it's a bit brighter, with more air.

 

[misteral201103]

No you can't get them cheaper, and yes it's fairly priced like the Solaris. I intend to get them second hand though, too much spending lately...

Comparison to the Solaris, well... the Solaris have a more exciting tuning especially by way of its treble which is a key differentiator between the two. The Solaris have much more livelier treble, it's quite present in the mix while remaining smooth they have amazing energy, even weight you can "feel" them hit hats are just so yummy. Not that the PP8 is lacking in treble detail and extension (especially with treble switch ON), it's pretty great as well but the excitement is on the Solaris side. The Solaris are more grandiose, mainly thanks to a significantly bigger soundstage there is more air between instruments. Mediums on the Solaris are thinner than the PP8, they have less body and weight in the mids, I think the PP8 have a more accurate timbre as well the Solaris being warmer there. There is a few similarities I think between the PP8 and the VE8 there, the PP8 is kind of a reference VE8 of sorts with more bass impact (even with bass switch OFF). Bass wise I'd say the PP8 has a more natural bass, again the Solaris are tuned for grandeur, with mind boggling subwoofer quality in the sub but less mid bass and a softer attack than the PP8 so overall I'd give the edge to the PP8 on the oomph factor in the bass department especially with bass switch ON. There is more kick, the attack is more frank. There is something of the Phantom in the PP8, but it's not as thick and it's a bit brighter, with more air.

I find this fascinating (about to be a little off-topic though). I heard the Solaris at CanJam Shanghai and heard NOTHING like what you describe. To me they sounded thick, syrupy, really undefined. I have the Nighthawks, which some people describe as 'veiled' and while I will happily agree that they are far from treble-centric, they are still clear to my ears. The Solaris was a very quick 'no' for me. I have also found the Andromeda to be disappointing, though not as bad as the Solaris. Amazing how very different the experience can be from one person to another and a very clear indicator that other people's opinions are only guidelines - one MUST audition future gear!

The PP8, on the other hand, was love at first...listen. Everything I have looked for in an IEM - definition, balance, soundstage, musicality - all there and then some. I never thought I would spend so much on an IEM. And yet I agree with @noplsestar - though clearly an investment-level financial commitment when viewed in isolation, when you try to find their equal among other TOTL units, you're hitting much higher prices. For the quality of sound they deliver, they are actually a bargain!

 

[normie610]

So I had at last the chance to get an audition of the PP8... and was *very* impressed.

First the fit is superb really close to CIEM fit with a material that is very very nice to touch kudos InEar. A very linear IEM, with both switch off a reference tuning that is in no way boring it's much more musical than I expected. Very very natural and non fatiguing. I love the bass on the PP8, even with the switch off you get great extension (very nice subs), a lot of detail and just the right amount of mid bass to keep things fun. The switch on bring a bit more kick but it's not overdone. Same goes for the treble switch InEar went for a more conservative boost than say the Flamenco with its switches. Switches are more a fine tuning of sort than a signature switch for me. I was very impressed by the PP8 and could get one eventually if a good deal pops up (anyone ?). Isolation is top notch as well, but comfort is just amazing really.

I could certainly use those has the reference IEM, a great reference point especially for reviews...

Yes I totally agree! Thinking of getting this instead of the new Sony 1ZR IEM. I’m planning to get the new Burl wood version, no treble and bass switches though. The Burl wood version has the same tuning as both switches turned on.

 

[davidmolliere]

Yes I totally agree! Thinking of getting this instead of the new Sony 1ZR IEM. I’m planning to get the new Burl wood version, no treble and bass switches though. The Burl wood version has the same tuning as both switches turned on.

The wood version look sweet but I kind of like the black mate material...

Unless wood alter the sound which it very well could...not sure if the whole shell is wood...switches are nice to have (especially bass ON treble OFF on some tracks) although I could be happy with both switches OFF so the 8L version would work for me. Yes the 8VS version is both switches ON.

I find this fascinating (about to be a little off-topic though). I heard the Solaris at CanJam Shanghai and heard NOTHING like what you describe. To me they sounded thick, syrupy, really undefined. I have the Nighthawks, which some people describe as 'veiled' and while I will happily agree that they are far from treble-centric, they are still clear to my ears. The Solaris was a very quick 'no' for me. I have also found the Andromeda to be disappointing, though not as bad as the Solaris. Amazing how very different the experience can be from one person to another and a very clear indicator that other people's opinions are only guidelines - one MUST audition future gear!

The PP8, on the other hand, was love at first...listen. Everything I have looked for in an IEM - definition, balance, soundstage, musicality - all there and then some. I never thought I would spend so much on an IEM. And yet I agree with @noplsestar - though clearly an investment-level financial commitment when viewed in isolation, when you try to find their equal among other TOTL units, you're hitting much higher prices. For the quality of sound they deliver, they are actually a bargain!

Interesting... I own the NightHawk as well and they are much thicker to me, treble are well totally opposites to the Solaris obviously since it's so lively and exciting there while the NightHawk are better than most people give them credit for but exciting is not the word I would use. On the flipside PP8 and NightHawk share a linearity accross the range but the PP8 has clearly better clarity and transparency, the NH are darker and thicker.

I wonder if you had the right tips to audition the Solaris really, as it's clearly so different that there is an issue... I have ditched the Final E tips right away when getting the Solaris as it totally messes up the signature (as obviously will any tip that obstructs the nozzle by being much narrower than the nozzle). I still don't get why Campfire is including them with it.

Other factors are sources, high OI sources will mess up the FR, overly warm sources are definitely not the best as well. Curious there on what was the setup when you auditioned them... Syrupy and undefined is clearly totally opposite of what I am hearing. I just went to a meetup where 12 people auditioned them and never came accross a similar feedback.

 

[normie610]

The wood version look sweet but I kind of like the black mate material...

Unless wood alter the sound which it very well could...not sure if the whole shell is wood...switches are nice to have (especially bass ON treble OFF on some tracks) although I could be happy with both switches OFF so the 8L version would work for me. Yes the 8VS version is both switches ON.

I read somewhere that since BA drivers use sound tube to channel the sound, the type of housing material shouldn’t affect the sound. However, my PP8 dealer here told me that he tried the wooden version of StageDiver 5 vs non-wooden version, and there is a noticeable difference in sound. According to him, the wooden version of SD5 sounds more open and engaging. I’d love to compare them if I have the opportunity. But I have my mind set on those sexy PP8 VS brown Burl wood version

 

[misteral201103]

I read somewhere that since BA drivers use sound tube to channel the sound, the type of housing material shouldn’t affect the sound. However, my PP8 dealer here told me that he tried the wooden version of StageDiver 5 vs non-wooden version, and there is a noticeable difference in sound. According to him, the wooden version of SD5 sounds more open and engaging. I’d love to compare them if I have the opportunity. But I have my mind set on those sexy PP8 VS brown Burl wood version

For what it's worth, my two cents about ditching the switches - don't!
I love the PP8 with neither switch engaged - loads of detail and if I want extra bass I have it on my amp.
I tried with the bass switch on, and yes, it's fantastic (it really is!) - but there are many tracks I listen to (notably classical) where I don't want that extra bass. If yours is always engaged, you have no choice. For me, I leave the bass switch off and use the amp to boost if I feel the need.

More importantly....

These little wonders are really picky with tips. It took me a lot of testing and swapping to discover that my best bet (all things considered) was a size smaller spin-fit than I would normally use. However, although this was the best match I could get, I still lost a bit too much of the high frequencies for my liking. Ah!! The treble switch!! I have that engaged and I'm in heaven, don't need to change them again. But I did have that choice, and I needed it. So for me, to not have switches but have it constantly in v-shape would be a real shame.

But that's me, my funny ears and my taste in music and sound signature. Might not be true for you. But I do recommend you audition both side by side if you can, to make sure you are making the best choice for you.

 

[mrhizzo]

Anyone with one Prophile 8 small version looking to sell it?

 

[BartSimpson1976]

Big thumbs up to the guys from InEar. They send me the PP8s for trying without asking any deposit whatsoever.
It is a great IEM, exactly the step up from the Etymotic ER4XR but keeping the tonality.
Unfortunately for me the fit was horrible, painful after 20 to 30 minutes. So I either have to wait for a custom version
or continue living with my Etys..

 

[rantng]

Did you try the regular or small ‘S’ version?

 

[misteral201103]

The wood version look sweet but I kind of like the black mate material...

Interesting... I own the NightHawk as well and they are much thicker to me, treble are well totally opposites to the Solaris obviously since it's so lively and exciting there while the NightHawk are better than most people give them credit for but exciting is not the word I would use. On the flipside PP8 and NightHawk share a linearity accross the range but the PP8 has clearly better clarity and transparency, the NH are darker and thicker.

I wonder if you had the right tips to audition the Solaris really, as it's clearly so different that there is an issue... I have ditched the Final E tips right away when getting the Solaris as it totally messes up the signature (as obviously will any tip that obstructs the nozzle by being much narrower than the nozzle). I still don't get why Campfire is including them with it.

Other factors are sources, high OI sources will mess up the FR, overly warm sources are definitely not the best as well. Curious there on what was the setup when you auditioned them... Syrupy and undefined is clearly totally opposite of what I am hearing. I just went to a meetup where 12 people auditioned them and never came accross a similar feedback.

Very interesting about the tips - I wonder if that was the issue. My wife reported exactly the same impressions as me. Since it was at the CA stand, if their provided tips are not best suited, it may well have been the source of the problem. Source for testing was Fiio X5iii running through Xduoo XD05 with Burson V5i - my portable rig and what I used to demo most gear that weekend. A little warmer than neutral but not much.

I'm sure something was going on though, because nobody would rave about what I heard and you are not the only one who has expressed delight in the Solaris!!!

 

[noplsestar]

The tips I settled on are the Symbio N peeled.
I also heard that the material of the housing should not (and could not) alter the sound of BA‘s. But you never know.

@davidmolliere I would stick to the PP8 with both switches. You‘ve got more possibilities. It would be a shame not to use them. When listening to classical music you might want to turn them off. When listening to EDM you might want to activate them (or just one of them). Also dependent on your source and tips you can always accommodate. And since the price is the same ... how I see it you‘d have to love the sight of the wood to make that purchase. But otherwise I‘d stick to the PP8s version.