[flu_fighter]

Hi all,

Newer audiophile here, thought I'd post my impressions of the Isabellae after having them for a couple days. I consider myself to be biased towards a "warm-neutral with boosed mid-bass" sound signature, as I've used HD650s daily for years. I've been looking for an IEM upgrade for a while now, and the Isabellae looked interesting enough, even though I heard it leaned on the brighter side.

I drive my IEMs off an E1DA 9083D.

Sound signature: Bright V-shape with emphasized mid-bass

Bass: Excellent, I'm a huge fan of DD mid-bass in particular and I believe the Isabellae does it quite well. Reasonably textured and punchy mid-bass. Sub-bass is present but not the star of the show.

Mids: Most immediate thing I noticed is the beautiful, refined vocals. Both male and female vocals sound tonally correct, with male vocals slightly on the leaner side. Lower midrange is too recessed for my tastes. I would say it's "airy," but not thin. More of a delicate presentation. Occasional sibilance in female vocals, but I'm very sensitive.

Treble: I've always listened to darker gear before so I'm not qualified to say too much here. I personally find it to be a bit too forward, as it can sometimes out-compete the midrange presence. But that's just my tastes. Didn't notice any peakiness or fatigue from the treble.

Soundstage: I'd describe as "intimate," and I believe that's one of the reasons vocals sound so great on the Isabellae.

Imaging: "Alright."

Detail: Acceptable, although I find it can struggle on some complex passages (I listen to a lot of prog metal).


Overall I'd say its not my cup of tea, but that's not a hit against the quality of the IEM. It's just not my preferred sound signature.
I think it excels at acoustic and vocal tracks. Demo'd it to a friend who listens primarily to that type of music and he found it to be fantastic.


Thanks for reading!

I don't listen to prog metal that much, but I find Isaellae does black metal and thrash metal quite well.

 

[marklivia]

Do we know what/who makes the cable is that comes with the Isa? I love it flexibility, texture and sound.

 

[hardpike]

I did bet on the Isa for my first IEMs; I was looking for the best tunning for classical, opera and jazz.
I cannot be more happy. I am wildely enjoining them.

Thank you guys for the guidance to make the right choice.

 

[Kiats]

Took the plunge on the Isa. Big fan of DDs. One thing I will have to say though: gosh! The stem is even thicker than the Traillii! I had a hellish time trying to change ear tips when I found that the medium stock tips did not quite get me a good seal. I suspect they are a bit stiff and so kept pushing the Isa out. Switched to Azla SednaEarfitLight and much better. Same big bore so that treble energy is not compromised. Nice seal so none of the bass is lost either.

Most of the listening has been on the Shanling M8. Reminds why I enjoy single DDs so much.

 

[Alino]

Do we know what/who makes the cable is that comes with the Isa? I love it flexibility, texture and sound.

The announcedly unofficial seller HifiGo is the only one I red specifying in the Isabellae technical notes
"High-purity silver-plated cable with 4.4mm balanced termination."

 

[Joe-Siow]

New affordable CEMA cable!

 

[musicday]

Took the plunge on the Isa. Big fan of DDs. One thing I will have to say though: gosh! The stem is even thicker than the Traillii! I had a hellish time trying to change ear tips when I found that the medium stock tips did not quite get me a good seal. I suspect they are a bit stiff and so kept pushing the Isa out. Switched to Azla SednaEarfitLight and much better. Same big bore so that treble energy is not compromised. Nice seal so none of the bass is lost either.

Most of the listening has been on the Shanling M8. Reminds why I enjoy single DDs so much.

Congratulations. How do you compare them to IE900?

 

[Kiats]

Congratulations. How do you compare them to IE900?

Thanks @musicday . I must confess I have yet to have an opportunity to try out the IE900. Perhaps someone who has may be able to provide some impressions?

 

[HiFlight]

Congratulations. How do you compare them to IE900?

I have owned both, and to put the comparison very simplistically, the Isa simply presents the sound of instruments and vocals in a more realistic and lifelike manner, at least to my ears. The IE900 did fit my ears better but in this case, sound trumped comfort and I returned the IE900.

 

[musicday]

I have owned both, and to put the comparison very simplistically, the Isa simply presents the sound of instruments and vocals in a more realistic and lifelike manner, at least to my ears. The IE900 did fit my ears better but in this case, sound trumped comfort and I returned the IE900.

Wow, didn't expect that. Thank you for your quick write impressions.

 

[Scubadevils]

I have and love both, I'll share some impressions over the next few days.

 

[lafeuill]

New affordable CEMA cable!

MS series 22AWG ? I'm waiting for mine, to pair with another single DD, my JVC FW01.

Hope I'll be able to get a listen to Isa eventually.

 

[Joe-Siow]

MS series 22AWG ? I'm waiting for mine, to pair with another single DD, my JVC FW01.

Hope I'll be able to get a listen to Isa eventually.

Sharp eyes. Yeap, it is the MS series 22 AWG

Note that you have the Pipa series, may I know how this cable sounds?
Thanks!

 

[lafeuill]

The Pipa pairs beautifully with the A8000, but I haven't tried it on my other iems. Similar to the Hulk with VE8, it's a cable that gives a feeling of being completely adequate for the final flagship. Bass + treble control and extension, mids naturalness, stage dimension and coherency : it's all there. That's synergy in my book. Voice tessitura and string textures / vibrancy are particularly a treat.

 

[kadinh]

Been eyeing the Isabellae for a while, wanting to hear any suggestions. Between the UM 3DT, Moondrop Variations, Thieaudio Oracle, possibly Mini MEST, and Isa, which one would compliment (or outperform) my DUNU SA6 best?