Ocharaku Flat-4 KAEDE (Maple)

[audionewbi]

That's a lot of praise! How are you feeling about its treble quality (and quantity) compared to other phones you have? Are you using the stock comply or spinfits?

It is enough for me however I swap between tips. When I want more bass I use comply tip but the special spin fit tip are great for improving string articulation of guitar or piano.

 

[recarcar]

It is enough for me however I swap between tips. When I want more bass I use comply tip but the special spin fit tip are great for improving string articulation of guitar or piano.

I am enjoying this earphone very much also. Recording quality aside, I am finding the treble to be a tiny bit "grainy" but that is my only complaint. Otherwise, a wonderful phone IMO. 

 

[audionewbi]

I am enjoying this earphone very much also. Recording quality aside, I am finding the treble to be a tiny bit "grainy" but that is my only complaint. Otherwise, a wonderful phone IMO. 

What music do you listen to mostly?

 

[recarcar]

What music do you listen to mostly?

I usually listen to a mix of a lot of stuff. Nothing very consistent. But as far as the Kaede goes an example of the treble could be this:
 
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7paoM2cghjI&list=RD7paoM2cghjI
 
The recording is treble tilted to begin with but the Kaede seems to accentuate this in recordings just a bit (especially around the third minute). Nothing major, but it's distracting to me every now and then. FWIW, I have had a few phones that accentuate treble, and out of all of them, I think the Kaede does it the best. It just seems that it accentuates glare in recordings that have it as opposed to it just being "transparent" IMO. 

 

[audionewbi]

I will listen to mine tonight and report back.

 

[recarcar]

Kaede might just make me sell off my other non-isolating IEMs. Like every phone I have owned, it has some flaws, but what it does well, it does better than all my other IEMs. It is even getting more attention than some of my open backs for certain things. 

 

[audionewbi]

Yea this thing is addictive. I have stop using it for a week, going to see if I still feel the same about it after a prolong absences from it.

It has been hard but part if my ritual for testing gears.

 

[recarcar]

Always a great idea to take a step back!
 
These aren't replacing any of my open phones but it's incredibly nice to have something that I don't feel like I'm missing too much on and that I can transport easily. I may follow your lead and spend a few days with some other DD IEMs before I part with anything 

 

[noxa]

I am currnetly completely iem less for the first time in years and I need to find another pair, I have been intrigued by Ocharaku for a long time but never got round to trying a pair, I am considering the Kaede ii, Kuro or the FAD Heaven VIII, can anyone give any opinions?

 

[recarcar]

Kaede II is unreal with this track
 
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dwUWTut1bh4
 
None of my phones, regardless of form factor, renders this track as impressively as the kaede. It is completely immersive. I almost forget that I am wearing these things with this track. 

 

[electroboye]

Hi everyone,
 
How are you all doing?
 
Please note: Before making this post I have thoroughly checked on this forum and I did not find the information that I seek hence posting this question. In case if I have overseen a similar post, please kindly accept my apologies and really appreciate if you can kindly point me to the right link.. Thanks!
 
Purpose of this post:
To seek recommendation on "What IEM I should consider buying" from the expert's community here.So far the IEM's I had held were the entry level audiophile IEM series. I seriously think it is time for me to graduate to the next level of audio experience, hence I have gathered all my nerve to shell out some dollars to get the beast that is worth it.
 
To put things in to perspective:
 
Current Collection:-
1.Boss - AE2i Audio Noise Cancelling
2.Atomic Flyod - HiDefDrum
3.Final - Heaven IV
 
Genres I like to listen:-
Mainly: Progressive House, Chill out, Vocal Trance & Hip Hop
Occasionally: Pop & Instrumental
 
Application:-
-Mostly I listen through my smartphone and Laptop
-Does not intend to couple with Amp and/DAC

Based on my research I have the following contenders:-
1.JVC HA-FX1200 - USD523 (on Stereo) 
2.Westone UM PRO 50 - USD 749.99(on Amazon)
3.Ocharaku Flat 4 Kaede Type II - USD 738 (on Price Japan)
4.Final audio design FI-BA-SS - USD 735(on Price Japan)
5.Dita Audio ANSWER (Truth Edition) - USD894(on Price Japan)
6.Fitear Parterre - USD 857(on Price Japan)
 
**Should I consider any other serious contender in this range, please let me know to count
 
Based on my research all the six had their share of good reviews but I am particularly inclined towards Ocharaku Kaede Type II and Dita Audio answer(Truth) because these two model specifically had some outstanding reviews, whereas for the other 4 models I did not manage to see similar outstanding/awesome positive feedback(this does not mean they are bad, may be my search was not broad enough). Hence I am writing here to seek proof points for me to make an informed IEM buy
 
Regarding Audition:-
- I have not auditioned any of these yet.Next week I will try JVC and Final, however other 4 models are unavailable to audition in Singapore(I live here)
 
#Edit#
I figured out a shop in Singapore where I can audition "Dita Answer(Truth)" 

Now that I have reached the end of my post, I now anxiously await your valuable recommendation/feedback

. When you have a minute, please kindly help

 
Many Thanks in advance for helping me out, sincerely appreciate it!
 
Have a good day
 
Kind Regards,
Raja

 

[Ultrainferno]

Nathan just published his Flat 4 Kaede Type II review on HFN:
 
http://www.headfonia.com/review-ocharaku-flat-4-kaede-type-ii-tremendous-wood/

 

[cooperpwc]

  Nathan just published his Flat 4 Kaede Type II review on HFN:
 
http://www.headfonia.com/review-ocharaku-flat-4-kaede-type-ii-tremendous-wood/

 
I always enjoy shigzeo's reviews. Interesting that the Kaede 2 comes with Spin-Fit tips. I might have to get some to try with the original Kaede. Comply TS-200 work great though.
 
shigzeo implies that the Type II is unlimited which is interesting. It certainly costs less at US$650. The original was around $900-$1000 and the limited edition run of 200 was all made from the same piece of maple wood.
 
Anyway very happy with what I have and glad that others can enjoy the ride. 

 

[recarcar]

   
I always enjoy shigzeo's reviews. Interesting that the Kaede 2 comes with Spin-Fit tips. I might have to get some to try with the original Kaede. Comply TS-200 work great though.
 
shigzeo implies that the Type II is unlimited which is interesting. It certainly costs less at US$650. The original was around $900-$1000 and the limited edition run of 200 was all made from the same piece of maple wood.
 
Anyway very happy with what I have and glad that others can enjoy the ride. 

Would be great if it was unlimited! The price I believe is the same or almost the same in Yen as the original, but the exchange rates to the dollar (in the favor of the dollar now) are radically different now then when the original version came out. 

 

[cooperpwc]

  Would be great if it was unlimited! The price I believe is the same or almost the same in Yen as the original, but the exchange rates to the dollar (in the favor of the dollar now) are radically different now then when the original version came out. 

 
Good point and well possible. (Piano Fortes from Price Japan are way down in price because of exchange rates.)