PMG Audio Impressions Thread

[NYanakiev]

As a new owner of the brilliant APX SE, I was surprised by the lack of a dedicated thread for PMG Audio products.

Time to right that wrong

 

[NYanakiev]

To get this going, I thought I ought to share what brought me in the APX SE camp.

I went to CanJam London to meet up a bunch of friends and was not on the lookout for any new gear. My Traillii Ti was very much at the pinnacle of what I wanted to achieve from a presentation perspective.

I spent the day I was there trying out a whole bunch of old and new iems, including Storm, Raven, Noble’s Onyx and a number of others. I was getting ready to leave for the day when a mate told me I can’t go without at least trying @piotrus-g ’s new creation.

Lo and behold, it ended up being the star of the show for me with a big and bold sound signature presented in a way I saw as complementary to Traillii Ti.

Very excited to finally have it- I was worried it would disappoint after the long wait but owning it has been a blast thus far.

Curious to hear from other lucky owners

 

[bossfan48009]

I had similar impressions. I have Traillii Ti. I even went as far to get the Sovereign Symphony 8 wire and I was happy. I bounced between Ti, Amber Pearl, Xe6 and I rediscovered my love for Odin. Ifi Go Pods sound amazing with Odin btw. Detail and image monster even over the BT.

Xe6 was a go to for portability. I simply hated it for a year and it collected dust and then I brought it out and paired it with OTL cable and my LP P6 Pro and N30 LE and I was blown away. The brain burn in was simply crazy good and I got the "hype" from a year to a year and a half ago.

Enter the WC thread and the next big thing. There were Can Jams and the reports coming back on the APX SE were solid. I even had it in my cart at MT as I emailed to ask if it was available and they told me they had one left. I considered quickly and passed. It sold the next morning.

So now you have FOMO and PMG isn't going to produce anymore. I got obsessed with the classifieds. The folks who had the unit were blown away by it. Reviews so positive. Low and behold my search was over in two weeks and I grabbed one of the first units in the secondary market. Number 77. I may never look back...although you never say never in this hobby.

The entire presentation suits my listening preferences. The soundstage is wide. I get the holographic images I loved about MM...although still not at that extent....The detail retrieval is amazing. I can feel the strings. The guitars. The mids are just right. The highs are unreal on certain songs in terms of that hi hat or cymbal. But to me, it's the bass that makes this set a legend. The planar/DD and crossover combination just makes me smile when listening to Pink Floyd One of These Days. It takes the best of the Xe6 bass in a different presentation and makes it all APX SE own.

Taken all of these attributes together and the set isn't going anywhere anytime soon. It sets the standard in my collection. I'm not out to diss any particular IEM, but I played my Rn6 today...it was my favorite two years ago....something was missing. APX SE has that magic I used to feel in Rn6. Piotr has set the bar incredibly high and I will continue to enjoy this set for many days to come. The tuning is incredibly unique and I question it being labeled a "specialist". So far all of my catalog plays amazingly well through APX SE. I'm not a hip hop, trance, EDM guy, but jazz, classical, folk, blues, classic rock, etc.

One final thought. Luxury Precision awesome. Cayin N30 LE awesome. But through my Sovereign Symphony 8 Wire a Cadisi High Fi Balanced 4.4 mm Headphone Amplifier, the Sovereign IC and Sony DMP-Z1 that is where the set goes to legendary for me. I haven't heard Fugaku. I imagine it is incredible as those I read with respect have high praises for it. But short of that, DMP-Z1 is where it's at for me and the APX SE. Hours upon hours of listening bliss.

Thanks for starting the thread. I hope those are as excited and enthusiastic as we are about the APX SE.

 

[jwilliamhurst]

I had similar impressions. I have Traillii Ti. I even went as far to get the Sovereign Symphony 8 wire and I was happy. I bounced between Ti, Amber Pearl, Xe6 and I rediscovered my love for Odin. Ifi Go Pods sound amazing with Odin btw. Detail and image monster even over the BT.

Xe6 was a go to for portability. I simply hated it for a year and it collected dust and then I brought it out and paired it with OTL cable and my LP P6 Pro and N30 LE and I was blown away. The brain burn in was simply crazy good and I got the "hype" from a year to a year and a half ago.

Enter the WC thread and the next big thing. There were Can Jams and the reports coming back on the APX SE were solid. I even had it in my cart at MT as I emailed to ask if it was available and they told me they had one left. I considered quickly and passed. It sold the next morning.

So now you have FOMO and PMG isn't going to produce anymore. I got obsessed with the classifieds. The folks who had the unit were blown away by it. Reviews so positive. Low and behold my search was over in two weeks and I grabbed one of the first units in the secondary market. Number 77. I may never look back...although you never say never in this hobby.

The entire presentation suits my listening preferences. The soundstage is wide. I get the holographic images I loved about MM...although still not at that extent....The detail retrieval is amazing. I can feel the strings. The guitars. The mids are just right. The highs are unreal on certain songs in terms of that hi hat or cymbal. But to me, it's the bass that makes this set a legend. The planar/DD and crossover combination just makes me smile when listening to Pink Floyd One of These Days. It takes the best of the Xe6 bass in a different presentation and makes it all APX SE own.

Taken all of these attributes together and the set isn't going anywhere anytime soon. It sets the standard in my collection. I'm not out to diss any particular IEM, but I played my Rn6 today...it was my favorite two years ago....something was missing. APX SE has that magic I used to feel in Rn6. Piotr has set the bar incredibly high and I will continue to enjoy this set for many days to come. The tuning is incredibly unique and I question it being labeled a "specialist". So far all of my catalog plays amazingly well through APX SE. I'm not a hip hop, trance, EDM guy, but jazz, classical, folk, blues, classic rock, etc.

One final thought. Luxury Precision awesome. Cayin N30 LE awesome. But through my Sovereign Symphony 8 Wire a Cadisi High Fi Balanced 4.4 mm Headphone Amplifier, the Sovereign IC and Sony DMP-Z1 that is where the set goes to legendary for me. I haven't heard Fugaku. I imagine it is incredible as those I read with respect have high praises for it. But short of that, DMP-Z1 is where it's at for me and the APX SE. Hours upon hours of listening bliss.

Thanks for starting the thread. I hope those are as excited and enthusiastic as we are about the APX SE.

I had a similar feeling when I heard the APX Se. While it’s not absolutely perfect, it’s a wonderful iem in so many ways. Bass texture is bliss! I hope to be able to own one someday. I’ll have to leave that up to the universe though.

I’m curious, how did you find it with The P6pro ti99 and the bigger Lp6 ti?

The DMP is rather warm source like the P6pro black. So I’m guessing you like how those sources tone down the APX se mid treble bite? Or maybe I’m totally wrong haha.

 

[bossfan48009]

I had a similar feeling when I heard the APX Se. While it’s not absolutely perfect, it’s a wonderful iem in so many ways. Bass texture is bliss! I hope to be able to own one someday. I’ll have to leave that up to the universe though.

I’m curious, how did you find it with The P6pro ti99 and the bigger Lp6 ti?

The DMP is rather warm source like the P6pro black. So I’m guessing you like how those sources tone down the APX se mid treble bite? Or maybe I’m totally wrong haha.

You are exactly right and when you add the SS 8 wire it gets warmer. I haven't checked out the tubes yet as others have talked about. Just the Nu Tubes in the N30LE and I still find myself preferring the SS mode.

The LP does the liquid analog trick for me. I can't describe it any other way than that. Notes flow effortlessly and in perfect harmony with the presentation. When I'm on the go it would be what I turn to portability wise.

 

[NYanakiev]

I had similar impressions. I have Traillii Ti. I even went as far to get the Sovereign Symphony 8 wire and I was happy. I bounced between Ti, Amber Pearl, Xe6 and I rediscovered my love for Odin. Ifi Go Pods sound amazing with Odin btw. Detail and image monster even over the BT.

Xe6 was a go to for portability. I simply hated it for a year and it collected dust and then I brought it out and paired it with OTL cable and my LP P6 Pro and N30 LE and I was blown away. The brain burn in was simply crazy good and I got the "hype" from a year to a year and a half ago.

Enter the WC thread and the next big thing. There were Can Jams and the reports coming back on the APX SE were solid. I even had it in my cart at MT as I emailed to ask if it was available and they told me they had one left. I considered quickly and passed. It sold the next morning.

So now you have FOMO and PMG isn't going to produce anymore. I got obsessed with the classifieds. The folks who had the unit were blown away by it. Reviews so positive. Low and behold my search was over in two weeks and I grabbed one of the first units in the secondary market. Number 77. I may never look back...although you never say never in this hobby.

The entire presentation suits my listening preferences. The soundstage is wide. I get the holographic images I loved about MM...although still not at that extent....The detail retrieval is amazing. I can feel the strings. The guitars. The mids are just right. The highs are unreal on certain songs in terms of that hi hat or cymbal. But to me, it's the bass that makes this set a legend. The planar/DD and crossover combination just makes me smile when listening to Pink Floyd One of These Days. It takes the best of the Xe6 bass in a different presentation and makes it all APX SE own.

Taken all of these attributes together and the set isn't going anywhere anytime soon. It sets the standard in my collection. I'm not out to diss any particular IEM, but I played my Rn6 today...it was my favorite two years ago....something was missing. APX SE has that magic I used to feel in Rn6. Piotr has set the bar incredibly high and I will continue to enjoy this set for many days to come. The tuning is incredibly unique and I question it being labeled a "specialist". So far all of my catalog plays amazingly well through APX SE. I'm not a hip hop, trance, EDM guy, but jazz, classical, folk, blues, classic rock, etc.

One final thought. Luxury Precision awesome. Cayin N30 LE awesome. But through my Sovereign Symphony 8 Wire a Cadisi High Fi Balanced 4.4 mm Headphone Amplifier, the Sovereign IC and Sony DMP-Z1 that is where the set goes to legendary for me. I haven't heard Fugaku. I imagine it is incredible as those I read with respect have high praises for it. But short of that, DMP-Z1 is where it's at for me and the APX SE. Hours upon hours of listening bliss.

Thanks for starting the thread. I hope those are as excited and enthusiastic as we are about the APX SE.

Thank you for sharing! On the matter of amplification, I was considering getting the L&P EA4 but had nearly discounted the need for an amp as capable given that both the Ti and APX SE are easy to drive.

I know both iems scale well but I am curious if I really need anything beyond my Hugo 2 for a portable/transportable solution as Hugo 2 even does well driving Storm.

 

[Ike1985]

I had a similar feeling when I heard the APX Se. While it’s not absolutely perfect, it’s a wonderful iem in so many ways. Bass texture is bliss! I hope to be able to own one someday. I’ll have to leave that up to the universe though.

I’m curious, how did you find it with The P6pro ti99 and the bigger Lp6 ti?

The DMP is rather warm source like the P6pro black. So I’m guessing you like how those sources tone down the APX se mid treble bite? Or maybe I’m totally wrong haha.

Aren't you the guy that annouced you quit the hobby and sold all your gear? Now you're after APX SE?! I told you you'd be back (assuming you are the guy).

 

[slumberman]

Thank you for sharing! On the matter of amplification, I was considering getting the L&P EA4 but had nearly discounted the need for an amp as capable given that both the Ti and APX SE are easy to drive.

I know both iems scale well but I am curious if I really need anything beyond my Hugo 2 for a portable/transportable solution as Hugo 2 even does well driving Storm.

I don’t think you need one for the aforementioned IEMs, especially if you already own a capable desktop setup you’re happy with that you can share with your IEMs.
That said, EA4 is very desktop like in terms of portrayal, so if you want more transportability from a desktop like device, it could be the ticket.

 

[bossfan48009]

Thank you for sharing! On the matter of amplification, I was considering getting the L&P EA4 but had nearly discounted the need for an amp as capable given that both the Ti and APX SE are easy to drive.

I know both iems scale well but I am curious if I really need anything beyond my Hugo 2 for a portable/transportable solution as Hugo 2 even does well driving Storm.

As mentioned, they are easy to drive, so I don't know if you need anything further than your Hugo 2. I haven't ever heard Hugo 2, so I can't compare. However, with the DMP-Z1 I am good with utilizing a Cadisi Balanced 4.4 Headphone Amplifier and the DMP and it provides more power to the chain and I'm happy. This unit also is great to use with your P6 Pro and you can take it on the go. Ali Express is where you can purchase it. The N30 LE is great on it's own. I have double amped the Ibasso D16 and PB5 with the N30 LE and it sounds more smooth and holistic however, N30 standalone is capable enough to let the APX SE shine.

 

[bossfan48009]

This is one of the best purchases I have made in 2024. Someone in the L&P thread suggested it to bring out more power in the P6 Pro. Couldn't agree more. You will notice it immediately and the unit works awesome across your different amps and DAP's. The only thing is I wish they cut out the cable inlet because it gets challenging keeping your inter connect and cable to stay inserted. With PW cables they stay inserted. But a thicker cable you will be challenged. However, the upside in stage and presentation and note weight far outweighs this negative.

https://www.aliexpress.us/item/3256...cEkGE78N&utparam-url=scene:search|query_from:

 

[Pelilin]

Out of curiosity. Its been awhile apx se has been sold out world wide and it has found home in so many head fiers. I wonder now what cable are you guys using for apx se and why? Is the stock lacking or maybe it is the best pair for it? Also what eartips are you guys using with it?

 

[jwilliamhurst]

This is one of the best purchases I have made in 2024. Someone in the L&P thread suggested it to bring out more power in the P6 Pro. Couldn't agree more. You will notice it immediately and the unit works awesome across your different amps and DAP's. The only thing is I wish they cut out the cable inlet because it gets challenging keeping your inter connect and cable to stay inserted. With PW cables they stay inserted. But a thicker cable you will be challenged. However, the upside in stage and presentation and note weight far outweighs this negative.

https://www.aliexpress.us/item/3256805389476512.html?spm=a2g0o.productlist.main.1.1635x7TZx7TZX2&algo_pvid=2bc5634e-8d32-4766-bf7c-52c99a46019f&algo_exp_id=2bc5634e-8d32-4766-bf7c-52c99a46019f-0&pdp_npi=4@dis!USD!69.99!53.89!!!69.99!53.89!@2101ea8c17326212689756615e1a9b!12000033610397476!sea!US!6152902612!X&curPageLogUid=ZZtKcEkGE78N&utparam-url=scene:search|query_from:

Well I just scored this for $34 thanks to black Friday deals and some Ali express coins I had saved up. Thanks for the tip. Excited to try it out.

 

[briantrinh86]

Nice to see Apx se gang here!
I just got it couple of days after long long waiting time and it was totally worth.
Apx se is very special iem with big impact clean bass and pleasant mid treble.
Every time when the bass hit an impact that was so satisfied. I think apx se bass is one of the best bass iem in the market right now maybe except for fugaku.
Resolution is like 8k TV compare to any totl iem ive owned like feiwan , ragna, jewel…
Eartip roll and daps rotate are playing a key role for apx se. When u find a good seal eartip and synergy dap u will be appreciated what capabilities apx se could bring.
Im currently using rs8 and with stock cable and azla sednaearfit light. Apx se is super comfortable to wear for long session listening.
Enjoy your Apx se guys!

 

[briantrinh86]

Well I just scored this for $34 thanks to black Friday deals and some Ali express coins I had saved up. Thanks for the tip. Excited to try it out.

I saw u pm a apx se listing . hope u can find a good deal on this set my friend! its really really fantastic iem.

 

[jwilliamhurst]

I saw u pm a apx se listing . hope u can find a good deal on this set my friend! its really really fantastic iem.

I agree! I’ve heard it and would love the chance to own one. Unfortunately my bank account says otherwise atm.

I could sell Macbeth but it’s too special to me to ever do such a thing. That one is a forever iem for me personally. APX se will be too once I’m able to get one down the road