[Griffith]

What makes you rate the cheaper KSE 1200 over the KSE 1500 ?

SNAP, same question as above poster

Increased price does not always correlate to better sound quality, specially in the multiple-kilobuck market.

 

[MudEnjoyer]

A tier - Sony EX800ST

Do you listen to these stock or with EQ/mods?

 

[Griffith]

Do you listen to these stock or with EQ/mods?

Stock.

 

[psikey]

Increased price does not always correlate to better sound quality, specially in the multiple-kilobuck market.

Think we all know that so not really needs saying

So to OP, same question what's the improvement ?

 

[efejoao]

What makes you rate the cheaper KSE 1200 over the KSE 1500 ?

SNAP, same question as above poster

SO, interesting question and I am glad someone noticed. The KSE 1500 is dependent on its built in DAC which is HORRIBLE. You can not bypass it.
The KSE 1200 you can pair with any DAC/DAP because it's just an AMP, not an AMP/DAC combo as the 1500. Believe me, I have had both and they are not the same. The IEMs themselves are the same but the AMP or AMP/DAC combo makes a huge difference in sound. Go for the cheaper as it is better

 

[psikey]

SO, interesting question and I am glad someone noticed. The KSE 1500 is dependent on its built in DAC which is HORRIBLE. You can not bypass it.
The KSE 1200 you can pair with any DAC/DAP because it's just an AMP, not an AMP/DAC combo as the 1500. Believe me, I have had both and they are not the same. The IEMs themselves are the same but the AMP or AMP/DAC combo makes a huge difference in sound. Go for the cheaper as it is better

Thanks, I never realised that ! After only recently stumping up for a used set of IER-Z1R I won't be looking for any more IEM's for a while, but as a Shure fan have been interested in the KSE range.

 

[efejoao]

Increased price does not always correlate to better sound quality, specially in the multiple-kilobuck market.

I completely agree on this and this is a very good example

 

[efejoao]

Thanks, I never realised that ! After only recently stumping up for a used set of IER-Z1R I won't be looking for any more IEM's for a while, but as a Shure fan have been interested in the KSE range.

The Shure KSE 1200 is an IEM/System that I am very passionate about because it's the only fully portable electrostatic system and its sound is very specific. The only way I can describe is balanced, highly resolving, and effortless. But, with any high resolving IEM, you need a high-end source to make it shine, otherwise it will sound crappy and not special. This system is very sensitive to recording/mastering quality so, bad recordings sound even worse on it. This is most definitely not an all arounder: it would be my second or third pair of IEMS and I enjoyed it mostly with instrumental and movie scoring.

 

[Tybot]

I'll take a swing at this!

1. FiR Xe6
2. UM Multiverse Mentor
3. Audeze LCDi4
4. Sony IER-Z1R
5. UM Indigo
6. Penon 10th
7. MMR Balmung
8. AüR Neon Pro
9. Penon Serial
10. Sound Rhyme SR7

1) I love the Fir Xe6. Decided I had too many TOTL and passed. Got a Rapt-go Hook X that is similar sounding IMO. Really like it.
2) Should have Multiverse in a couple days. Looking forward to hearing them.
3) I certainly assume (and hope) you EQ the heck out of the LCDi4. Love them and I don't usually run EQ, but on those...

 

[Funkuponatime]

JH Audio Layla > QDC 8sh > DC Neptune > UE TF10

 

[Rockwell75]

My current top 10:

1) Campfire Trifecta
2) Nightjar Singularity
3) Fir Rn6
4) VE Pink prototype
5) Elysian Annihilator
6) Oriolus Traillii
7) Campfire Supermoon
8) VE Phonix LE
9) VE EXT
10) Campfire Dorado 2020

 

[SpaceInvader77]

Decided to give an update. Once again I am only going to list models that I own or have owned in the past.

Based off the last time I updated this list, some models have moved positions.

I also added two (polarizing) models to the top of the list. Ragnar and Trifecta. Two very different ends of the tuning spectrum, sometimes variety is good!

1. Noble Audio Ragnar
2. Campfire Audio Trifecta
3. Campfire Audio Supermoon
4. 64 Audio Tia Fourté
5. Campfire Audio Solaris 2020
6. 64 Audio A12t
7. FiiO FH9
8. UM Mest MKII
9. Noble Audio Fokus Mystique
10. Campfire Audio Andromeda 2020
11. 64 Audio Duo
12. Thieaudio Monarch OG
13. FiiO FH7
14. FiiO FH5
15. Campfire Audio Orbit

 

[malith]

My current order is:

[1] - Sound Rhyme SR8
[2] - Sound Rhyme DTE500
[3] - 64 Audio U4s
[4] - Technics TZ700

Want to hear:

Aür Audio - Neon Pro
Alambic Ears (any of them, Mentawai probably)
JUZEAR 41t

Any updates?

 

[srinivasvignesh]

Aroma Audio Jewel
Fir Rn6
Sony IER-Z1R
Noble Audio Viking Ragnar
Oriolus Trailli
Audeze LCD i4
Noble Audio Katana (with the right tips and cable, otherwise meh..)
(Tied with above) 64 Audio Tia Fourte
QDC Gemini
64 Audio u12t
64 Audio Trio
QDC Anole VX
Thie Audio Monarch MKI
Noble Audio Kublai Khan
Shure SE846

 

[cn11]

Any updates?

My list is in flux right now because I have the Mentawai and Penon Turbo on the way. It may change around.

But at the moment I'd say it's like this:

[1] - SR8 (still)
[2] - Penon 10th Anniv.
[3] - TZ700

But I've been spending just about all my time lately with two more reasonably priced IEMs... the Neo 5, and Penon Serial.