[timkwokphoto]

Lyala is just too expensive and not appealing enough for me so I went with the KSE 1500 and had mixed feelings about it. I drive it with an AK 380 via Line-out and also my iPhone via USB

hi,

any difference in sound quality between ak380 and iphone, paired with the kse 1500?

I've been using opus 2 and my iphone 7+ to be paired with the 1500, however i didn't really notice a lot different in terms of sound quality.. My iphone 7+ source is spotify, and my opus 2 source is dsd file..

maybe I need to listen more.. hahaha

 

[bmichels]

hi,

any difference in sound quality between ak380 and iphone, paired with the kse 1500?

I've been using opus 2 and my iphone 7+ to be paired with the 1500, however i didn't really notice a lot different in terms of sound quality.. My iphone 7+ source is spotify, and my opus 2 source is dsd file..

maybe I need to listen more.. hahaha

The KSE ´s internal DAC is really the weak part of the KSE, so you really need to use analog line-in with the AK380 and then the KSE will shine.

 

[Audiofail]

do you have insight news about this ??

The KSE ´s internal DAC is really the weak part of the KSE, so you really need to use analog line-in with the AK380 and then the KSE will shine.

Don't buy the AK380 yet. The latest SP1000 just came out from Astell&Kern. Also, you can try SONY WM-1Z

 

[Audiofail]

hi,

any difference in sound quality between ak380 and iphone, paired with the kse 1500?

I've been using opus 2 and my iphone 7+ to be paired with the 1500, however i didn't really notice a lot different in terms of sound quality.. My iphone 7+ source is spotify, and my opus 2 source is dsd file..

maybe I need to listen more.. hahaha

I guess there are quite some differences. FIrst of all, the KSE-1500 sourced with my iPhone 6 had a sound stage that was more neat and better at locating the sound elements. However sourced by the AK380, the KSE-1500 had better sound texture. Even though the spacial relations were not as defined.

 

[Shure or bust]

Layla ii has a V shape signature compared to kse 1500. Only iem that comes close is RE-2000.

 

[bmichels]

Layla ii has a V shape signature compared to kse 1500. Only iem that comes close is RE-2000.

did you tried the RE-2000 ? how good is it ? can you describe how it compare to the KSE1500 that is for me (so far) still the best IEM that I have heard.

 

[haiku]

Layla ii has a V shape signature compared to kse 1500. Only iem that comes close is RE-2000.

But the Layla II have this rich and luxurious sound for me, with this wonderful sparkle and air in the treble region, that I love so much. It is also the best balanced iem that I know.
So if I should rank my iems, I´d say
1. Layla II
2. KSE1500
3. SE846

 

[bmichels]

But the Layla II have this rich and luxurious sound for me, with this wonderful sparkle and air in the treble region, that I love so much. It is also the best balanced iem that I know.
So if I should rank my iems, I´d say
1. Layla II
2. KSE1500
3. SE846

This is interesting because the big plus for the Layla is that it does need an additional amp like the Shure. I will try it in London' CanJam.

 

[haiku]

This is interesting because the big plus for the Layla is that it does need an additional amp like the Shure. I will try it in London' CanJam.

Exactly. I listen to it with the balanced cable by the way.

 

[haiku]

Now, don´t get me wrong. On sound quality alone, the KSE1500 is my Nr.1 by far. But it´s not very practical for every day use. It´s always quite a fiddle for me to get the seal right, and I also don´t find it usable for outdoor listening, because of the amp. So I grab the Laylas most of the time.

 

[bmichels]

Now, don´t get me wrong. On sound quality alone, the KSE1500 is my Nr.1 by far. But it´s not very practical for every day use. It´s always quite a fiddle for me to get the seal right, and I also don´t find it usable for outdoor listening, because of the amp. So I grab the Laylas most of the time.

regarding fit for the KSE1500, I got the best seal with this tripple flange.

 

[haiku]

Thanks, I´ve tried them, but they don´t work for my ears. I get the best seal with the large foam tips.

 

[timkwokphoto]

I guess there are quite some differences. FIrst of all, the KSE-1500 sourced with my iPhone 6 had a sound stage that was more neat and better at locating the sound elements. However sourced by the AK380, the KSE-1500 had better sound texture. Even though the spacial relations were not as defined.

I see.. thanks..

I tried a/b/c-ing with dx200, opus 2 and iphone 7+..

I think the opus 2 and kse 1500 doesn't get along because of the major clipping.. Most of my songs (flac/dsd file) got lots of clipping. yes so many reds in dac indicator.. I don't have real explanation to back it up but i think it's something to do with opus 2 output voltage is too high..

I tried ibasso dx 200 with kse 1500, everything play nice. less clipping.. Fuller bodied in terms of vocal, more musicality then the iphone 7+

now, I'm kinda in a dilemma:
- whether to sell my opus 2, change to ibasso dx 200. and get another pair of iem (dark/warm sound sig to compliment the kse 1500)
- or.. stick with iphone 7+ and mojo, sell my opus 2 and don't get anymore dap or iem

Thanks, I´ve tried them, but they don´t work for my ears. I get the best seal with the large foam tips.

doesn't work with my ears as well

 

[Shure or bust]

I'd take the re2000 over the Layla ii and Tia forte.

 

[bmichels]

I'd take the re2000 over the Layla ii and Tia forte.

did you listened to all 3 ? Can you please elaborate why you prefer the RE2000 over the Fourte (that I was considering to buy for my SP1000) ?

thanks