[Ziadax]

I have been looking, but it seems as if there are no DD IEMs that can compete with the TOTL Hybrid and BA models, except maybe the IER-Z1R which is amazing, if you can afford it and have the ears to fit it!

Honestly you may be right. While I've definitely heard some impressive technicalities from pure DD models a lot of them have less than pleasing tonality that starts getting to you after the honeymoon phase of "oh wow all the microdetails". The M9 might just be the best compromise of near top technicalities but also with a tuning that doesn't reek of BA timbre, and unlike the Z1R it actually fits comfortably for long listening periods. Still though, it's really mind blowing how 10-11 years later the EXK is still competitive if you can EQ out those treble peaks.

 

[surfgeorge]

If you have the chance you should try Dita Fidelity. It's the best DD I've tried.

Thanks for the advice! I didn't have them on my radar but will keep them in mind!

 

[vietzerg]

I just bought a used pair of EX1000 and there was some black, soft, sticky substance on the two ridges of the nozzles (it's like melted plastic - see picture below for the area). Does anyone somehow know what that could be? My guess is that it could be chipped paint.

 

[Raketen]

I just bought a used pair of EX1000 and there was some black, soft, sticky substance on the two ridges of the nozzles (it's like melted plastic - see picture below for the area). Does anyone somehow know what that could be? My guess is that it could be chipped paint.

A little difficult to judge from the pixture if it's material damage or cosmetic. The grey-ish paint on that part & the body has some tendency to flake/peel off over time, I think due to moisture or chemicals from skin/sweat exposure - at least, my set had that happen and I think a few other users have commented on it.

Another possibility is it could be residue from plastics, which have a tendency to break down/outgas & fuse with things they're attached to- an eartip left on in storage perhaps, although can't say I've ever had htis happen with eartips before (have experienced it w/ rubber bands etc...)

 

[deafdoorknob]

I just bought a used pair of EX1000 and there was some black, soft, sticky substance on the two ridges of the nozzles (it's like melted plastic - see picture below for the area). Does anyone somehow know what that could be? My guess is that it could be chipped paint.

Ek1k + sticky substances usually = old micropore residue or wrong touch up paint

 

[vietzerg]

Thank you guys for the response. I cleaned it all up.

I removed the original filters due to discolouration and maybe wax residue on them. Now I'm looking for an alternative to tame the treble - ideally a new set of filters. Any ideas?

 

[Uebelkraehe]

I just received a used pair in excellent condition and so far they surpass all my expectations. Soundstage, imaging, details and bass are still very obviously top notch. These are only very early impressions and are therefore of course still subject to change, but if they hold up it makes me wonder a bit how much progress was actually made in the last 10 years concerning IEMs...

 

[heimis]

I use my IER-Z1Rs about 10% of the time... The other 90% are spent on the EX1000 and I even have a spare new pair just in case something happens^^
I keep buying headphones and IEMs but I always go back to the EX1Ks

 

[Whitigir]

I use my IER-Z1Rs about 10% of the time... The other 90% are spent on the EX1000 and I even have a spare new pair just in case something happens^^
I keep buying headphones and IEMs but I always go back to the EX1Ks

I love my EX1k as well !!! It is like a miniaturized Hd800S lmao

 

[darockymn]

Yo guys! I just got my ex1000. Plugged into my zx1. Coming from high Ohm IEM, I notice a slight hissing on quiet tracks. Is this normal?
Anyway around it?

 

[RikudouGoku]

Yo guys! I just got my ex1000. Plugged into my zx1. Coming from high Ohm IEM, I notice a slight hissing on quiet tracks. Is this normal?
Anyway around it?

Ifi Iematch might help.

 

[Raketen]

Yo guys! I just got my ex1000. Plugged into my zx1. Coming from high Ohm IEM, I notice a slight hissing on quiet tracks. Is this normal?
Anyway around it?

That era of Sony DAPs are notorious for hiss, surprised you have not noticed it before- although it may also be related to the sensitivity or frequency response of the particular IEM and less audible with others.

 

[AlexCBSN]

Just wanted to swing by to praise once again the king of kings, ex1k will forever be a one of a kind headphone, today I enjoyed “the ocean - Phanerozoic II” with em… it was a ride, separation on this is beyond me

 

[darockymn]

I must say they sounded terrible out of the box. Lacking detail with treble distortion.
But the sound stage and separation is pretty good
Lets see how it goes after some burning in.

 

[auronthas]

Zard fan (@darockymn), where and how did you manage to get new EXK now ?