PLANAR IEMs fans thread-Impressions, suggestions, ranking list, techs

[originalsnuffy]

I know. All I can say is I have both and it's not close. We'll see what the consensus is over time.

What makes you say the MP145 is so much better than the Aether? Not contesting your opinion by the way, just want to understand what went into your thinking.

 

[backdrifter]

Can you remind us of your thoughts on the two and what you prefer and why? I assume its the Aether and the 145 we are talking about?

If so, I am interested primarily because I don't have either but remain intrigued. Both the Aether and the 145 seem to be on the larger side, whereas the Letshuoer S12 range is a bit smaller methinks. But then again the key is how the overall ergonomics works for each listener, and a lot of variables come into play.

I hadn't elaborated, but I will share some observations.

MP145: poor fit, great assortment of nozzles and ear tips, feels like quality, boomy and excessive bass even with the silver nozzles, which are my favorite, spectacular mid- and high-range clarity and realism, a sense of soundstage and depth I haven't heard from anything else, very resolving in the mids and highs.

Aether: good fit, feels like plastic, light and comfortable, more balanced tonality, yet there is a shrillness to some frequencies (I usually don't use an equalizer so I haven't identified it yet) and it's a bit too light in bass for me, no impression of soundstage or depth to speak of, instruments not nearly as separated.

I listen to classical music, and I appreciate it when the instruments sound rich and life-like. The MP145 does that well, despite some excessive bass. If you aren't A/B-ing them, the Aether sound great, but back-to-back, it's obvious the MP145 is superior for the above reasons. Andy said the Aether is very tip- and source-dependent, but I doubt there is any combination of variables that can make the Aether a true competitor to the MP145.

 

[originalsnuffy]

I hadn't elaborated, but I will share some observations.

MP145: poor fit, great assortment of nozzles and ear tips, feels like quality, boomy and excessive bass even with the silver nozzles, which are my favorite, spectacular mid- and high-range clarity and realism, a sense of soundstage and depth I haven't heard from anything else, very resolving in the mids and highs.

Aether: good fit, feels like plastic, light and comfortable, more balanced tonality, yet there is a shrillness to some frequencies (I usually don't use an equalizer so I haven't identified it yet) and it's a bit too light in bass for me, no impression of soundstage or depth to speak of, instruments not nearly as separated.

I listen to classical music, and I appreciate it when the instruments sound rich and life-like. The MP145 does that well, despite some excessive bass. If you aren't A/B-ing them, the Aether sound great, but back-to-back, it's obvious the MP145 is superior for the above reasons. Andy said the Aether is very tip- and source-dependent, but I doubt there is any combination of variables that can make the Aether a true competitor to the MP145.

Good write-up.

I wonder if you have any versions of the Letshuoer S12 range in your gear kit? I have the OG S12 and the S12 2024, and while I like both I really like the S12 2024. It has a balanced, almost silky sound. I had bought the MP143 thinking it might be a more comfortable version of the 145 but it seems the tuning is different so its apples and oranges. Even though I have some interest in the MP145 I think I will just wait until a more comfortable iteration comes out. Your comments about the bass gave me a bit of pause. On the other hand, as you have noted as have others, the 145 have great imaging.

 

[backdrifter]

Good write-up.

I wonder if you have any versions of the Letshuoer S12 range in your gear kit? I have the OG S12 and the S12 2024, and while I like both I really like the S12 2024. It has a balanced, almost silky sound. I had bought the MP143 thinking it might be a more comfortable version of the 145 but it seems the tuning is different so its apples and oranges. Even though I have some interest in the MP145 I think I will just wait until a more comfortable iteration comes out. Your comments about the bass gave me a bit of pause. On the other hand, as you have noted as have others, the 145 have great imaging.

Sorry, I don't have anything from Letshuoer. The only other planars I have are the PR2 and the Galaxy Buds3 Pro. For years before that, I was an Etymotic guy. I still enjoy them.

I probably would have steered away from the MP145 if I had understood how they present bass. As an Ety guy, I wouldn't have wanted any part of that. But that would have been unfortunate because their positive traits (for me) are so special. I don't want to suggest it's bad, consumer audio level bass. It's just out of proportion, but not so much that your brain can't adjust to it.

Not sure if that helps you decide what to do. My plan was to wait years if necessary for something to come along that might be better than the MP145, but the Amazon price on the Aethers knocked me off my plan. I'm going to try to abstain from new purchases for a while!

 

[originalsnuffy]

Sorry, I don't have anything from Letshuoer. The only other planars I have are the PR2 and the Galaxy Buds3 Pro. For years before that, I was an Etymotic guy. I still enjoy them.

I probably would have steered away from the MP145 if I had understood how they present bass. As an Ety guy, I wouldn't have wanted any part of that. But that would have been unfortunate because their positive traits (for me) are so special. I don't want to suggest it's bad, consumer audio level bass. It's just out of proportion, but not so much that your brain can't adjust to it.

Not sure if that helps you decide what to do. My plan was to wait years if necessary for something to come along that might be better than the MP145, but the Amazon price on the Aethers knocked me off my plan. I'm going to try to abstain from new purchases for a while!

Right now I am staying pat with my purchases. I am in the process of cutting my collection size in half and not really looking to add at this point.

 

[avishifi]

Hey everyone, just wanted to share my full review of the Timeless II

https://www.head-fi.org/showcase/7hz-timeless-ii-14-5mm-planar-universal-iem.27766/review/37830/

Would love to hear what do you think of the Timeless II!

 

[originalsnuffy]

Hey everyone, just wanted to share my full review of the Timeless II




https://www.head-fi.org/showcase/7hz-timeless-ii-14-5mm-planar-universal-iem.27766/review/37830/

Would love to hear what do you think of the Timeless II!

Those reviews are quite positive.

Interesting to me that a common comparison is the Letshuoer S12 2024. A year ago it would probably have been the Hidizs MP145.

Oh, and I was so enjoying getting my collection down to a manageable size.

 

[avishifi]

Those reviews are quite positive.

Interesting to me that a common comparison is the Letshuoer S12 2024. A year ago it would probably have been the Hidizs MP145.

Oh, and I was so enjoying getting my collection down to a manageable size.

Yeah, planar driver iems has been making a really good progression. And the competition is really tough, I think the Kiwi Ears Aether is a great planar and it is priced really well, it is cheaper than the Timeless II and S12 2024 and I think it gives the best value. I have not tried the s12 2024 though, but compared to the og S12, there was made a good progression

 

[originalsnuffy]

Yeah, planar driver iems has been making a really good progression. And the competition is really tough, I think the Kiwi Ears Aether is a great planar and it is priced really well, it is cheaper than the Timeless II and S12 2024 and I think it gives the best value. I have not tried the s12 2024 though, but compared to the og S12, there was made a good progression

I have the OG S12 and the 2024. The 2024 is definitely smoother, but the OG is a plenty fine unit still I have been fiddling with the simple mods on the s12 like putting micropore tape over the vents and it seems to smooth out the treble a bit (by boosting the bass). Turns out that at one time S12 modding was "a thing".

The new Timeless looks like an upgrade, which is good. I no longer get excited about side grades or downgrades. I own four IEMs and that is probably two too many. If I purchased a new planar I suppose I would sell the Hidizs MP143 which is a fine unit but not as fine as the 2024.

 

[backdrifter]

I hadn't elaborated, but I will share some observations.

MP145: poor fit, great assortment of nozzles and ear tips, feels like quality, boomy and excessive bass even with the silver nozzles, which are my favorite, spectacular mid- and high-range clarity and realism, a sense of soundstage and depth I haven't heard from anything else, very resolving in the mids and highs.

Aether: good fit, feels like plastic, light and comfortable, more balanced tonality, yet there is a shrillness to some frequencies (I usually don't use an equalizer so I haven't identified it yet) and it's a bit too light in bass for me, no impression of soundstage or depth to speak of, instruments not nearly as separated.

I listen to classical music, and I appreciate it when the instruments sound rich and life-like. The MP145 does that well, despite some excessive bass. If you aren't A/B-ing them, the Aether sound great, but back-to-back, it's obvious the MP145 is superior for the above reasons. Andy said the Aether is very tip- and source-dependent, but I doubt there is any combination of variables that can make the Aether a true competitor to the MP145.

Well, crap. The Aethers are breaking in and sounding much better. I should have waited before airing such a strong opinion. (shuffles off...)

 

[originalsnuffy]

Well, crap. The Aethers are breaking in and sounding much better. I should have waited before airing such a strong opinion. (shuffles off...)

It looks like the top planar contenders now are the Aether, 2024, Timeless II, and MP145. Missing anything?

 

[cn11]

So I just took a chance on a pair of the new-ish Madoo Typ622's here on the boards. I'm really glad I did. It's quite an interesting (and intoxicating) IEM. While I'm only in my first day of listening with it, I'm fairly confident I've got a solid idea of what the SQ is all about. If you like midrange, this set is just sublime. It may have the most seductive midrange I've ever heard. It's just so full, rich, grand in scale, tonally right... yet detailed, layered, and super precise in vocal and instrument placement. After all the struggles through the last couple years with a myriad of IEMs letting me down through flat, recessed, thin, boring, tonally off mids, or spike-filled harshness... this is really satisfying, and surprising. Soundstage space is also quite good, with immense height and depth. Could use a tad more width though. The only other nitpick for me with these is the low end - it could stand to be a bit more slamming (of course). But it's definitely acceptable in most listening sessions. What a nice IEM!

 

[sparty09]

It looks like the top planar contenders now are the Aether, 2024, Timeless II, and MP145. Missing anything?

Fatfreq Quantum is seriously phenomenal too. One of my favorites right now.

 

[RedCurry]

Fatfreq Quantum is seriously phenomenal too. One of my favorites right now.

Agreed. And the modules make a subtle but nice difference to the sound. Can't stop listening to mine.

 

[audioaura]

Fatfreq Quantum is seriously phenomenal too. One of my favorites right now.

Totally feel you—the hype is real on the Quantum. I saw it’s already sold out on their site, which says a lot. That tuning really seems to have struck a chord with a lot of people. Are you using the Superstage module?