[RikudouGoku]

	Blon Z300	Blon BL-03 (modded)
Sub-bass	+	-
Mid-bass	-	+
Lower-mids	+	-
Upper-mids	-	+
Treble	=	=
Upper-treble	=	=
Soundstage	-	+
Imaging	-	+
Separation	=	=
Macro-detail	=	=
Micro-detail	-	+
Timbre	=	=

The modded BL-03 is better for my library, mostly because the Z300 is going a bit too far in having BOTH MORE (and a tad slower/looser) mid-bass AND a much smoother upper-mids/mid-treble tuning so it ends up being a bit too much. This mainly bottlenecks the dynamic range in the Z300 and stage is also smaller than the Bl-03. But if you arent going to mod the BL-03 or risk the pain of tip-roll hell (that fit is horrible for a lot of people) then the Z300 is gonna be a much safer (and I assume, havent heard stock BL-03 in years) better sounding iem than the STOCK BL-03 and includes a much better cable than the infamous one in the BL-03 and has a much better body shape.

Music wise, I would not recommend this for classical, OSTS nor jpop/rock. But works wonders for hip-hop (Lil Wayne – Lollipop, Yung Joc – its going down), R&B (Always Never – Worst) and metal/rock (Linkin Park).

Overall, I sure am glad that Blon, after like 4 years FINALLY have managed to make an iem that I can actually recommend and not just their one-hit wonder (Bl-03). If you want the BL-03 (stock) but dont wanna risk a poor fit, then this is a great alternative But if you do want to take the risk and also are fine with putting in some work of your own to mod it, then the BL-03 is still the best blon I heard so far.

Rank: A-

Review score: 4.5/5

 

[Atek2019]

Hi, how about this cable from XINHS ?
https://www.aliexpress.com/item/1005004394231380.html

thanks

 

[paulwasabii]

Hi, how about this cable from XINHS ?
https://www.aliexpress.com/item/1005004394231380.html

thanks

That is one of the related stores, I think this is the XINHS official version of the 7N dark brown:
https://www.aliexpress.us/item/3256801551947168.html

 

[RikudouGoku]

2023-09-06: Hidizs MP145

Disclaimer: Thanks to Hidizs for sending me a free unit (without needing a full review).
Disclaimer 2: This is NOT a collab with me, no matter how close the graph looks (lol).

I start with the boring and the worst parts of this iem first to get that out of the way. The build, SUCKS. Firstly, it is a not a very ergonomic shape and it has some pretty sharp corners as well (which thankfully does not come into contact with my ears during use but only when I’m taking out or putting them into my ears).

Secondly, the shell quite big for a single Planar driver.

Lastly, the venting is not implemented well as there is some slight pressure build up along with slight driver flex for me.

So overall, all those factors combined meant that it isn’t a comfortable iem for me to use and I felt sore after only a few minutes.

Now If I haven’t already scared you away, here are the comparisons:

	MP145 (Low FR nozzle)	Timeless (modded)
Sub-bass	+	-
Mid-bass	=	=
Lower-mids	+	-
Upper-mids	+	-
Treble	+	-
Upper-treble	=	=
Soundstage	=	=
Imaging	=	=
Separation	=	=
Macro-detail	=	=
Micro-detail	-	+
Timbre	+	-

Overall, MP145 is just a solidly better iem over the (modded) Timeless. With pretty much the same level of technicalities but with much improved tonality that is very DD-like and with a much more natural timbre. Although if you prefer a thinner note-weight and more Planar-like tonality and timbre, then the Timeless is more fitting.

	MP145 (Low FR nozzle)	EA500 (red nozzle)
Sub-bass	+	-
Mid-bass	+	-
Lower-mids	+	-
Upper-mids	-	+
Treble	+	-
Upper-treble	-	+
Soundstage	-	+
Imaging	=	=
Separation	+	-
Macro-detail	+	-
Micro-detail	+	-
Timbre	=	=

MP145 is beating the EA500 in pretty much everything. EA500 will be more fitting for people wanting less bass, thinner note-weight and more upper-mids though.

	MP145 (Low FR nozzle)	Orchestra Lite
Sub-bass	+	-
Mid-bass	+	-
Lower-mids	+	-
Upper-mids	=	=
Treble	+	-
Upper-treble	-	+
Soundstage	-	+
Imaging	-	+
Separation	=	=
Macro-detail	=	=
Micro-detail	-	+
Timbre	+	-

DD-like Planar vs DD-like BA, results in the DD-like Planar (MP145) being the closer sounding to a DD. MP145 is better than the Orc Lite in tonality and timbre, while losing only when it comes to the stage size and quality (imaging). Orc Lite does have much less bass, less warmth and thinner note-weight though so it is less of a rival and more of a complement.

	MP145 (Low FR nozzle)	MDR-EX800st (modded + PEQ)
Sub-bass	-	+
Mid-bass	-	+
Lower-mids	+	-
Upper-mids	+	-
Treble	+	-
Upper-treble	+	-
Soundstage	-	+
Imaging	=	=
Separation	+	-
Macro-detail	+	-
Micro-detail	+	-
Timbre	-	+

PEQ Preset for the EX800st (modded):
Preamp: -10db
Low-shelf: 25hz, Q:0.6, gain: 4db
Low-shelf: 50hz, Q: 0.7, gain: 5.5db
Low-shelf: 100hz, Q: 0.7, gain: 6db
Peak: 2000hz, Q: 2, gain: -2db
Peak: 3987hz, Q: 2.53, gain: 6.1db
Peak: 5595hz, Q: 4.28, gain: -9.4db
Peak: 6117hz, Q: 1,14, gain: 1.5db
Peak: 8000hz, Q: 5, gain: -2db
High-shelf: 10 000hz, Q: 0.7, gain: 4.5db

My favorite iem (EX800st) got beaten pretty hard honestly, although I still do believe the EX800st is still the uncontested bass and stage king amongst iems along with some very impressive timbre (very realistic playback), its other aspects got butchered pretty badly by the MP145. So, unless you want an iem that does those 2 factors extremely well (a one trick pony), the MP145 is going to be the better choice.




Conclusion: If you want a DD-like (tonality & timbre) Planar (technicalities and driver) tuned almost 1:1 to what I would personally do if I had a Planar collab, then this is it. However, do be aware of the shell (size/shape) I mentioned earlier. Welcome to the S+ rank club.

Here is the link they asked me to include (not an affiliate link): https://www.kickstarter.com/project...rge-planar-hifi-iems-9-sound-types?ref=beql6b

 

[RikudouGoku]

2023-10-24:

Tanchjim ONE DSP:

Bullet shaped, not symmetrical and is on the bigger side for a bullet iem, not particularly comfortable for me but not bad. Nozzle size at the lip is 6.4mm and under it is at 4.9mm, bigger than average be aware of that, although not a problem for me.

Is honestly nothing special WITH STOCK configuration, clean sounding, lacking some mid-bass, a bit shouty upper-mids but besides that nothing stands out as bad or too good. Meh.

Stock rank: B



With PEQ however, it does improve a lot, specifically with my preset it solves the mid-bass issue and shoutyness

Custom PEQ rank: A-

However when it comes to the technicalities it is nothing special and there are some (older) and cheaper iems with better tech than this (like the DQ6 with the stage size, CRA (before stealth revision) resolution and Bl-03 with timbre). So I dont really recommend this for people that already have a solid collection of iems BUT it is a GREAT starter iem to get since you can do a lot of things with it thanks to the custom PEQ in the app. It is also a good recommendation for collectors since the DSP cable (is removable and 2pin) can be used on other iems if you want to use the custom PEQ function.



Just to note about the custom PEQ function with the ONE iem, it doesnt really respond too well to it and with sub-bass I say up to around 3db boost is all it can handle before the bass quality drops like a stone. Upper-treble is a similar case, as boosting it over 5db doesnt really have much of an effect. Besides that you can adjust in single decimals (like +2.5db) and down to 1hz. Only peak filters though and no low/high-shelfs. Just a BIG WARNING, DO NOT TRY TO ADJUST FREQUENCIES ABOVE 20 000hz, I tried that and the volume got insanely loud and it permanently made one of them about half as loud as before.



Here is the link to the app that I uploaded since some people cant get into their site or download it from there:
https://mega.nz/file/SVREiKRD#FLf2QpoAEEPdptZjabaZBjvAxe4vgEqK-AOIs8r4Jmg


Hype 2 comparison with other iems coming sooner or later.

Although I do need to mention right away that it is a really big iem and venting is not implemented very well as there is a very tight seal and some pressure with it,so it is very uncomfortable for my ears, be aware of that. The nozzle size at the lip is 6.2mm and at 5.4mm under the lip, so it is quite the big nozzle.



Teaser picture.

 

[RikudouGoku]

2023-11-04: ThieAudio Hype 2

Non-Sound: The Hype 2 is a VERY big iem so right away I can say that if you have a similar ear size to me or smaller, you should stay away from this as it is VERY uncomfortable for me. The size is not the only issue I have with this, the vent implementation of it is not done well either (no vent on the inside, a single vent at the side) as there is quite the seal and even some pressure with it (akin to BA-iems although not to that extent) so that alongside the huge size makes it a very uncomfortable iem personally. Cable is a bit unique with its twisted braiding with a working chin-slider and metal hardware, it is a bit heavy though.

Comparisons:

	ThieAudio Hype 2	Dunu Vulkan
Sub-bass	=	=
Mid-bass	-	+
Lower-mids	+	-
Upper-mids	-	+
Treble	+	-
Upper-treble	+	-
Soundstage	-	+
Imaging	-	+
Separation	-	+
Macro-detail	=	=
Micro-detail	+	-
Timbre	+	-

They both have pretty similar bass texture overall, the Vulkan does have a bit more mid-bass and is more to my liking as the Hype 2 bass is just tad too tight for my preferences. The sub-bass extends a bit further down on the Hype 2 but rumbles a bit less than the Vulkan. Mids are a trade off between cleaner male vocals on the Hype 2 but a bit more forward on the Vulkan. Treble is better on the Hype 2 as it sounds cleaner, airier and still smoother. Tech wise they are not too different except for the soundstage where the Vulkan is MUCH bigger but that is also due to the Hype 2 stage being quite a bit below average. Timbre and coherency are better on the Hype 2 so it does sound more natural overall. I would take the Vulkan if you want something a bit more balanced overall but if you prefer something cleaner and a bit closer to my own target then the Hype 2 is better.

	ThieAudio Hype 2	Hidizs MP145 (low Frequency nozzle)
Sub-bass	=	=
Mid-bass	-	+
Lower-mids	-	+
Upper-mids	=	=
Treble	-	+
Upper-treble	=	=
Soundstage	-	+
Imaging	=	=
Separation	+	-
Macro-detail	=	=
Micro-detail	-	+
Timbre	-	+

Mid-bass is very similar between them just that the MP145 has more quantity while keeping the same quality (although a slight texture lose compared to the Hype 2) and is preferable to me. Sub-bass is even more similar but the MP145 rumbles just a tad more while the Hype 2 extends just a bit lower. Male vocals have more warmth and is more tonally accurate on the MP145. Female vocals are slightly more forward on the Hype 2 but otherwise quite similar, smoother on the MP145 though. Treble is extremely similar but the Hype 2 is a little bit peakier than the MP145. Technicalities are pretty similar but better on the MP145 except the separation which is a bit better on the Hype 2. MP145 is the better iem to me and unless you prefer an iem with less warmth and smoothness, the MP145 is the one I would go for. (Although you can get less warmth from using the one of the other 2 nozzles on the MP145 so the Hype 2 doesn’t really stand much of a chance here when you also consider the price difference.)

	ThieAudio Hype 2	Kiwi Ears Orchestra Lite
Sub-bass	+	-
Mid-bass	+	-
Lower-mids	+	-
Upper-mids	-	+
Treble	=	=
Upper-treble	=	=
Soundstage	-	+
Imaging	-	+
Separation	-	+
Macro-detail	-	+
Micro-detail	=	=
Timbre	+	-

The Hype 2 bass is essentially just an upgraded Orc Lite bass with more texture and extension but otherwise extremely similar presentation with the tightness/speed. Male vocals are more tonally correct on the Hype 2 with more warmth where the Orc Lite is a bit lacking there. Female vocals are quite a bit better on the Orc Lite though with more clarity and forwardness. Treble is smoother on the Hype 2 but airier and cleaner on the Orc Lite. Technicalities are mostly similar except the stage and imaging that are quite a bit better on the Orc Lite. Timbre is better on the Hype 2. Get the Hype 2 if you want something warmer and smoother but otherwise the Orc Lite is better.


Overall: While the Hype 2 is tuned pretty well and there aren’t really any BIG flaws (except the really small stage) I also believe it is overhyped (no pun Intended) and it is in a weird spot where it isn’t a specialist iem that only excels at a few factors but neither is it fully a versatilists since it isn’t that versatile on what it can do. That combined with the issues with the comfort means that while I do think it is a good iem, it is not a solid default recommendation, especially at the price it is at.

Rank: A

 

[o0genesis0o]

2023-11-04: ThieAudio Hype 2







Non-Sound: The Hype 2 is a VERY big iem so right away I can say that if you have a similar ear size to me or smaller, you should stay away from this as it is VERY uncomfortable for me. The size is not the only issue I have with this, the vent implementation of it is not done well either (no vent on the inside, a single vent at the side) as there is quite the seal and even some pressure with it (akin to BA-iems although not to that extent) so that alongside the huge size makes it a very uncomfortable iem personally. Cable is a bit unique with its twisted braiding with a working chin-slider and metal hardware, it is a bit heavy though.

Comparisons:

	ThieAudio Hype 2	Dunu Vulkan
Sub-bass	=	=
Mid-bass	-	+
Lower-mids	+	-
Upper-mids	-	+
Treble	+	-
Upper-treble	+	-
Soundstage	-	+
Imaging	-	+
Separation	-	+
Macro-detail	=	=
Micro-detail	+	-
Timbre	+	-

They both have pretty similar bass texture overall, the Vulkan does have a bit more mid-bass and is more to my liking as the Hype 2 bass is just tad too tight for my preferences. The sub-bass extends a bit further down on the Hype 2 but rumbles a bit less than the Vulkan. Mids are a trade off between cleaner male vocals on the Hype 2 but a bit more forward on the Vulkan. Treble is better on the Hype 2 as it sounds cleaner, airier and still smoother. Tech wise they are not too different except for the soundstage where the Vulkan is MUCH bigger but that is also due to the Hype 2 stage being quite a bit below average. Timbre and coherency are better on the Hype 2 so it does sound more natural overall. I would take the Vulkan if you want something a bit more balanced overall but if you prefer something cleaner and a bit closer to my own target then the Hype 2 is better.

	ThieAudio Hype 2	Hidizs MP145 (low Frequency nozzle)
Sub-bass	=	=
Mid-bass	-	+
Lower-mids	-	+
Upper-mids	=	=
Treble	-	+
Upper-treble	=	=
Soundstage	-	+
Imaging	=	=
Separation	+	-
Macro-detail	=	=
Micro-detail	-	+
Timbre	-	+

Mid-bass is very similar between them just that the MP145 has more quantity while keeping the same quality (although a slight texture lose compared to the Hype 2) and is preferable to me. Sub-bass is even more similar but the MP145 rumbles just a tad more while the Hype 2 extends just a bit lower. Male vocals have more warmth and is more tonally accurate on the MP145. Female vocals are slightly more forward on the Hype 2 but otherwise quite similar, smoother on the MP145 though. Treble is extremely similar but the Hype 2 is a little bit peakier than the MP145. Technicalities are pretty similar but better on the MP145 except the separation which is a bit better on the Hype 2. MP145 is the better iem to me and unless you prefer an iem with less warmth and smoothness, the MP145 is the one I would go for. (Although you can get less warmth from using the one of the other 2 nozzles on the MP145 so the Hype 2 doesn’t really stand much of a chance here when you also consider the price difference.)

	ThieAudio Hype 2	Kiwi Ears Orchestra Lite
Sub-bass	+	-
Mid-bass	+	-
Lower-mids	+	-
Upper-mids	-	+
Treble	=	=
Upper-treble	=	=
Soundstage	-	+
Imaging	-	+
Separation	-	+
Macro-detail	-	+
Micro-detail	=	=
Timbre	+	-

The Hype 2 bass is essentially just an upgraded Orc Lite bass with more texture and extension but otherwise extremely similar presentation with the tightness/speed. Male vocals are more tonally correct on the Hype 2 with more warmth where the Orc Lite is a bit lacking there. Female vocals are quite a bit better on the Orc Lite though with more clarity and forwardness. Treble is smoother on the Hype 2 but airier and cleaner on the Orc Lite. Technicalities are mostly similar except the stage and imaging that are quite a bit better on the Orc Lite. Timbre is better on the Hype 2. Get the Hype 2 if you want something warmer and smoother but otherwise the Orc Lite is better.


Overall: While the Hype 2 is tuned pretty well and there aren’t really any BIG flaws (except the really small stage) I also believe it is overhyped (no pun Intended) and it is in a weird spot where it isn’t a specialist iem that only excels at a few factors but neither is it fully a versatilists since it isn’t that versatile on what it can do. That combined with the issues with the comfort means that while I do think it is a good iem, it is not a solid default recommendation, especially at the price it is at.

Rank: A

Ey, fancy seeing you reviewing stuffs again mate

 

[RikudouGoku]

Ey, fancy seeing you reviewing stuffs again mate

Just a few things here and there that still gets sent to me.

 

[bloodyslowride]

I don't know how much you can affect the stuff that gets sent to you but if it ever comes your way it would be interesting to hear your take on any of the following:

• 7Hz Sonus
• Tangzu Fudu Verse 1
• Kiwi Ears Quartet
• Tin Hifi P1 Max
• Binary Acoustics x Gizaudio Chopin
• AFUL P5
• Yanyin Canon II

Loving your work, RG. Carry on!

 

[RikudouGoku]

I don't know how much you can affect the stuff that gets sent to you but if it ever comes your way it would be interesting to hear your take on any of the following:

• 7Hz Sonus
• Tangzu Fudu Verse 1
• Kiwi Ears Quartet
• Tin Hifi P1 Max
• Binary Acoustics x Gizaudio Chopin
• AFUL P5
• Yanyin Canon II

Loving your work, RG. Carry on!

Hey thanks. I do actually have the Tangzu Fudu coming since I found out it included the Tang Sancai and the Divinus tips which I do not have, alongside the Simgot EA1000.
The rest of them I doubt I be getting or have no interest and have actually declined before (Sonus and the Quartet).

 

[bloodyslowride]

Hey thanks. I do actually have the Tangzu Fudu coming since I found out it included the Tang Sancai and the Divinus tips which I do not have, alongside the Simgot EA1000.
The rest of them I doubt I be getting or have no interest and have actually declined before (Sonus and the Quartet).

Good to hear about the Fudu.
Why did you decline the Sonus and the Quartet? The measurements look in your ballpark.

 

[RikudouGoku]

Why did you decline the Sonus and the Quartet? The measurements look in your ballpark.

Nothing in them excited me about hearing it and I do not have much time to spend on this since I have my RikuBuds going on so I prefer to only take the stuff I am genuinely interested in.

(https://rikubuds.com/)

 

[Kyonnie]

Hey thanks. I do actually have the Tangzu Fudu coming since I found out it included the Tang Sancai and the Divinus tips which I do not have, alongside the Simgot EA1000.
The rest of them I doubt I be getting or have no interest and have actually declined before (Sonus and the Quartet).

When you finally receive the Tang Sancai and Divinus Eartips can you compare and give an impression?
I'm interested in the two because both claims to help with airflow/venting of IEMs TIA!

 

[RikudouGoku]

When you finally receive the Tang Sancai and Divinus Eartips can you compare and give an impression?
I'm interested in the two because both claims to help with airflow/venting of IEMs TIA!

Yes I will definitely have a section in my Fudu post regarding those tips for sure. (hopefully they fit/seal for me otherwise I cant really talk about them.)

 

[RikudouGoku]

Well, how is it going guys? Anyone´s wallet still alive during this sale season? Mine sure is not, as I just ordered the Little Bear B4X and the GAD AD3 tube amps.

Why did I order those 2? Well, aside from wanting more glowy things, i just got a way to get some pretty reliable measurements on source output impedances and the unloaded max output voltage.

https://docs.google.com/spreadsheet...zTm4ei7HEfP8AI1zxswrMw2ho/edit#gid=1852662866
For those that dont know, the unloaded max output voltage is the same data you can see here on both ASR and L7 sites.

Will add more of my sources into it over time, but so far the KAEI TAP 2 mini is quite impressive with its VERY low OI, as I expect the other tube amps I just ordered to have an OI in the double (whole number) digits. And the default dongle rec, the JCALLY JA3 being pretty much an ultra tiny apple dongle (sameish output power and OI).




Oh and RikuBuds? Well, GAS3 should not be too far away.