Just received the OH300 and OH500, wanted to weigh in with further impressions and some beauty shots, these new cables and gloss housings are just stunning (if an absolute pain to photograph).
The earphones have new resin housings that are larger but also smoother than the Primacy earphones. They lock more firmly into the ear and are fully sealed with improved isolation. That said, some may miss the Primacy's more compact dimensions and metal construction. The new cable is a delight, a handmade 8-core unit with SPC conductors. We rarely see this kind of quality from factory, good stuff!
Sonically, both pursue very similar signatures and both clearly take note from the Primacy earphones while taking on their own unique approach. The core focuses on sub-bass, vocals and smoothness remain. However, this is where similarities end.
The OH300 is a mellow earphone like the New Primacy. However, Oriveti’s latest brings a deeper-reaching, punchier and smoother bass and a more extended midrange, especially with regards to the upper-midrange that is now slightly emphasized where before it was attenuated. Meanwhile, lower-treble remains smooth while a bump in the middle-treble aids openness. It also sports a larger stage.
The OH500 has a very similar presentation, but with greater midrange and treble clarity in addition to even further extension and a notable bump in resolution. Its bass has more heft than the OH300 at the cost of a touch of speed. Its highs are crisper on behalf of a twin-peak granting greater foreground detail presence. The OH500 has sharper imaging and an even larger soundstage.
These are two fine IEMs and a great comeback from Oriveti who have evidently been taking their time to do things right. Though fans of the comapny have waited 2 long years since the New Primacy, Oriveti have ensured their wishes have not gone unanswered. Happy listening!
p.s. Am I the only one who can't get the earphones to fit properly in the case? I feel like it's too shallow to accommodate the earphones with ear tips?
Interesting! I've been using the ONP constantly for two years now, and they're still doing great. The stock cable is still in good condition as well. Overall, the OH300 and 500 both feel like side-grades rather than upgrades, so I don't think I'll be buying either of these. Despite that, I do have a few questions:
1. Is the cable easier to replace? The ONP had a very tight fit on the MMCX side, which made me scared to remove the cables. Fortunately, the cables are good, so no worries.
2. How is the angle of the MMCX jacks? On the ONP, they are almost vertical, whereas I would've liked to see a more angled connection (45-60degs).
3. What tips have people used on the OH300/500?
4. Any comparisons to ~$1000 IEMs, especially the Andromedas or the Rai Pentas? I'm most curious about these two IEMs as my next pair.
1. The MMCX is reasonably tight on this too, the stock cable rocks though!
2. They angle forward about 45 deg+
3. Azla tips for less sub-bass and more high freq presence, Spiral Dots for a more U-shaped sound.
4. Don't have the RAI, but vs Andro, OH500 is more W-shaped where Andro is more linear. Andro has less sub-bass, more mid and upper-bass with a warmer sound. Mids are warmer on the Andro and more vocal forward on the Orivetis. Andro is brighter, crisper lower-treble, more upper-treble so it sounds sparklier. The Andro has better extension and resolution, it is a faster sound where the Oriveti is smoother and its bass is more extended.
