I'd like to know how does the O400 compare with Clariden,SH-2, and S8F from memory.
As per your request, here are early impressions of the O400 vs. the Gaudio Clariden, P-EAR-S SH-2 and Fearless S8F.
I have listened to the SH-2 and the Clariden this afternoon and took notices while comparing the three IEMs.
FEARLESS S8F (8BA)
The O400 surpass the S8F in every aspect in my opinion and, I insist, from memory. Bass is hitting harder and is cleaner. More midbass presence on the S8F. Mids are thinner on the S8F, slightly warmer on the O400. The S8F upper mids might create discomfort at times, especially if the track has been averagely recorded, by showing sibilance, especially with vocals. The treble is well extended and lots of details in both cases. The O400 has better separation and if the soundstage is narrower than on the Fearless, it is more realistic, with a superior imaging.
The O400 are tuned close to perfection for my taste. The S8F are not bad IEMs, far from it, but lack the refinement of the O400.
P-EAR-S SH-2 (2BA)
These are complementary. The SH-2 are warmer and laid-back compared to the O400. It has a very good bass, but while it pounds as hard as the O400, the SH-2 are a tad more boomy and less precise. The soundstage is narrower on the SH-2 and the resolution two steps behind. The treble is less energetic on the SH-2, but not rolled-off. It’s inoffensive, yet with all details available, but not presented with the same
Maestria and natural.
An analogy might help you further: the O400 are like a complex Negroni mixed with the finest Vermouth and Gin, while the SH-2 are like a plain whisky coke. Thing is, someday I rather drink a whisky coke over a Negroni, depending on my mood.
GAUDIO CLARIDEN (3BA)
Aside from my CIEM (P-EAR-S UT-3), the Clariden were my favorites out of my all BAs IEMs...so far. The O400 and the Clariden share a common DNA in their tuning and are very musical to my ears. They seem to be on par in terms of resolution and separation. Imaging also is outstanding in both cases. The Clariden are a little bit colder than the O400. In percentage terms, maybe 10% colder and 15% brighter. Just a hint. No sibilance or harshness to be found in any case. I would give the bass for the O400 and the treble presentation for the Clariden.
At the moment, I cannot pick a winner and it will be difficult in any case, both are an achievement in their respective tuning. Finally, I am much more familiar with the Clariden and I need to spend some weeks with the O400, in order to fine-tune this comparison.
Remark: I listen to music at pretty high volume. I know, it’s not good. What I really like with the O400 is that you don’t need to crank up the volume to get a full and detailed sound coming from the IEMs.
For the time being, I am digging the impactful yet tight bass, the sweet neutral mids and the fantastic resolution and imaging of the O400. They absolutely shine with well-recorded music. Honeymoon phase continues…