Hey All,
Reviving an old thread as I just got in a set of the Primo 8 iems from massdrop for 149.99, which seems like a good deal considering 4 BA drivers in each housing.
My goal in purchasing the primo 8 headphone was to get a more neutral sound signature (compared to RHA MA750) with greater detail across the entire sound spectrum. Essential less boomy in the bass, more mid forward, and smoothness in the treble. After reading reviews and reviewing the measurements posted on innerfidelity I thought they were worth a shot.
Amps: Benchmark DAC1 USB, Schiit Vali 2, Audioquest Dragon Fly Black
DAP: Ibasso DX90
After about 20 hours of burn in I have to say I'm very disappointed so far. The bass is fine, and not over emphasized, but the mids and treble are so harsh that it makes them pretty much non-listenable. A good example of the harshness is the song Far Far Away by Wilco, which is an acoustic folk/rock track. Tweedy's vocals are piercing especially when he sings a word starting with 'S'.
Well recorded drums don't sound real. A good example is a track by Mogwai called Helps Both Ways from Come on Die Young. They sound so natural, powerful, and airy even through the RHA MA750. With the primo, i guess they are more forward but the air and realism vanishes.
These comments are based on all amps and DAPs above. I know I probably need to break these in for another 100 hours at least (I have them plugged into the benchmark on Roon Radio non-stop), but the sound overall is pretty terrible thus far.
I'm wondering if anyone else has noticed this with new Primo 8s? Could it be the latest manufacturing run? Does the sound change drastically after break in?
Thanks in advance for any feedback.
Shahram