Unfortunately I feel this is something that will only be found when you get to hear it yourself. I honestly cannot find any with the listening experience and I’ve heard basically every relevant TOTL IEM.
Oriolus Traillii Electrostatic Hybrid IEM discussion thread
- Thread starter tgx78
- Start date
Unfortunately I feel this is something that will only be found when you get to hear it yourself. I honestly cannot find any with the listening experience and I’ve heard basically every relevant TOTL IEM.
TBH I'm not sure if many of the acclaimed TOTLs these days have obvious weaknesses. I myself don't have enough experience so can't comment too much on this. There are a few nice Traillii reviews in the forum with comparisons between Traillii and other well known TOTLs, maybe that can help you? I'd suggest you take them with a grain of salt and prefer those that are more neutrally worded: https://www.head-fi.org/showcase/oriolus-traillii-jp.24343/reviews
But really, don't let the hype get to you, I'd suggest you try it first, because everyone has their own preferences, and those may lead to "strengths" or "weaknesses" perceived by individuals. I don't think there is a single IEM that can "rule them all" for everyone, and that definitely includes Traillii, as it has a more traditionally balanced sound.
Last edited:
@tgx78 thanks for the image credit. I accredit that to my wife’s new Samsung phone capability!
I’m still doing some trial and error to dial in my ideal usage and form solid opinions I can post here. Including a comparison to my Noir.
I can say though off the bat it’s the best IEM that I have heard. That’s to my ears...I’m sure others will not enjoy it that much, and that’s perfectly fine too.
Just two quick observations:
- I prefer my Sedna short by a wide margin. A lot more comfortable and still gets the bass very right. I struggle with the CP155 because of the length and deeeeep fit. If you look at the stock tips I suspect the Traillii was designed closer to be a shallow fit.
- It likes power. On my R8, there was a marked improvement using turbo mode. Not talking just volume. I still use low gain and dial it back a few clicks compared to non-turbo, and the sound seems more dynamic and expressive.
I’m still doing some trial and error to dial in my ideal usage and form solid opinions I can post here. Including a comparison to my Noir.
I can say though off the bat it’s the best IEM that I have heard. That’s to my ears...I’m sure others will not enjoy it that much, and that’s perfectly fine too.
Just two quick observations:
- I prefer my Sedna short by a wide margin. A lot more comfortable and still gets the bass very right. I struggle with the CP155 because of the length and deeeeep fit. If you look at the stock tips I suspect the Traillii was designed closer to be a shallow fit.
- It likes power. On my R8, there was a marked improvement using turbo mode. Not talking just volume. I still use low gain and dial it back a few clicks compared to non-turbo, and the sound seems more dynamic and expressive.
Last edited:
Just to add, not sure if it’s been mentioned, but there’s a phenomenal review with comparisons to several top tier IEMs by @twister6 which can be found here.
tgx78
Member of the Trade: tgxear
Apparently there are quite a few Traillii users in Korea
I will try to dig up some impressions
Last edited:
tgx78
Member of the Trade: tgxear
Lukewarm impressions from Korea
Just in regards to the elephant in the room, being price. A couple things to consider:
- I could replace all my IEMs and aftermarket cables as the Traillii looks to be ticking all boxes. Selling those I’ll probably end up in the green, so there is that perspective on value. The corollary or course is that one can buy several great IEMs with cables for the price of one bird.
- The pitchforks come out when people see the $6k price, which includes a $2k+ cable. Yet, same people often buy $2-3k+ IEMs and talk about the vast improvement their $2k cables make. Again a corollary here....would be great if the Traillii was offered with a cheaper, more basic cable at a lower price. Same can be said for the likes of the Odin.
- I could replace all my IEMs and aftermarket cables as the Traillii looks to be ticking all boxes. Selling those I’ll probably end up in the green, so there is that perspective on value. The corollary or course is that one can buy several great IEMs with cables for the price of one bird.
- The pitchforks come out when people see the $6k price, which includes a $2k+ cable. Yet, same people often buy $2-3k+ IEMs and talk about the vast improvement their $2k cables make. Again a corollary here....would be great if the Traillii was offered with a cheaper, more basic cable at a lower price. Same can be said for the likes of the Odin.
I love the bird but I also really liked the sound of the Thummim, better than LX or Wraith, the fit did not work for me. I have large ears any sharp edges on the topside of IEMs somehow seem like they are cutting my outer ear, so did not buy it. If I could find that level of Lshape quality in one I could actually wear I would add it to compliment the more musical and balanced Traillii, the live sound of the Mest, the vocals of the Elysium, and the understated near perfection U12T. For me all bases than covered, to answer every time of day, mood, and genre. If only 1 the bird would be it.
Last edited:
Perfect art does exist. Cezzane’s last painting, Pat Metheny on guitar, Jaco on Bass, the song Golden, and so much more. For audio gear though you are likely right.
michaelc
100+ Head-Fier
- Joined
- Jun 1, 2012
- Posts
- 232
- Likes
- 274
bluestorm1992
Headphoneus Supremus
Don’t worry about this. Many of us think audio cables are just like jewelries. If it makes it sound better, then this is a bonus.
As for sound, the cable absolutely changes it. It is just a matter of magnitude. Meanwhile, I want to note that digital cables do very little, if anything, to the sound. I once bought an expensive USB cable and it does nothing to the sound whatsoever.
Last edited:
Hi,
concerning weaknesses, I can only think of 2 for the moment. First one being the price obviously and second one (as I already shared in Nick’s shootout thread) is the microphonics of the cable. So it’s not a problem with the IEM per say...
Except for that, they are my personal ideal IEMs. Compact, one of the most comfy I’ve tried, very likely the best noise isolation for a universal fit I tested, super light weight...
Sound-wise, I won’t say they are the best either, because I don’t think such thing exists. Everything is always a matter of preferences, but for me they are the perfect match. They somehow regroup the aspects of all the IEMs that I like into a fantastically balanced and musical performance. From the DD like sub bass / bass from Z1r, Elysium‘s organic mids, Odin‘s crazy details and i4’s open back soundstage realism. They very likely don’t match or surpass each of these sets in their specialties, but they get so incredibly close that it makes it one of the most accomplished device without a doubt.
Also, as previously mentioned, I still seem to prefer the sound experience that I get from my i4 overall, but I need to spend more time listening to the Traillii to really get a final opinion. It might just be the fact that I’m so used to listen to the i4. Also, I’m a huge open back headphone sound fan so, that could be a factor...
I’ll be able to give more feedback when I receive my customized Traillii (just color, not fit) next month... the pain from waiting is killing me!!!
Users who are viewing this thread
