Chessnaudio
100+ Head-Fier
My Tantalus arrived. The timbre and tone ! Oh my! What a treat! I've never been this stunned since I got into hifi. What a masterpiece @tgx78 !
TGXEAR discussion thread.
Reebonz
100+ Head-Fier
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Alpha is here, and the first thing I noticed was the unreal soundstage... I swear I heard things coming from behind me!
This time the stock foam is perfect, tonality is the most realistic out of all the rest of the lineup.
I also feel the Alpha has the deepest low end extension of all earbuds I have heard. Some songs are vibrating my skull hard.
Absolutely love these earbuds, they're my favorite, for now at least
normie610
Headphoneus Supremus
I assume you drive them out of the iCAN?
Alpha is here, and the first thing I noticed was the unreal soundstage... I swear I heard things coming from behind me!
This time the stock foam is perfect, tonality is the most realistic out of all the rest of the lineup.
I also feel the Alpha has the deepest low end extension of all earbuds I have heard. Some songs are vibrating my skull hard.
Absolutely love these earbuds, they're my favorite, for now at least
Reebonz
100+ Head-Fier
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Driving them with the Ferrum Erco, a very powerful amp as well.
Congrats! You have some impressive headphones and IEMs listed in your signature - I wonder how the Alpha stacks up against them! I guess in time you will know how often you reach for the Alpha vs other gear
Alpha is here, and the first thing I noticed was the unreal soundstage... I swear I heard things coming from behind me!
This time the stock foam is perfect, tonality is the most realistic out of all the rest of the lineup.
I also feel the Alpha has the deepest low end extension of all earbuds I have heard. Some songs are vibrating my skull hard.
Absolutely love these earbuds, they're my favorite, for now at least
drewbadour
100+ Head-Fier
Thought I'd leave my thoughts here cause I have been absolutely enamored with these two sets - Alpha and Serratus are my two favorite sets of all time:
Serratus:
Amazing separation, clarity, and presentation. Imaging and stage very good. Beautiful balanced/neutral tuning from bass to treble. Center images very well - almost like speakers. Timbre is spot on - everything sounds so natural and right. I liken it to the U12T but without the wonky timbre. Super addictive to listen to! Also very distracting because it demands my attention - I can't listen to this during work hours or I will end up just listening to the music intently!
Alpha:
Similar to Serratus in technicalities as far as details and stage - I do think Serratus does center imaging and separation slightly better but that might be something psychoacoustic due to Serratus mids being slightly pulled back compared to Alpha. This is not bassy by any means but the bass is very high quality and textured. Tonally a touch of warmth with a very satisfying note weight. Mids on Alpha are absolutely sublime. Best vocals I've heard across IEMs, headphones, and buds. But the star of the show that makes this my favorite set at the time of this writing - this is the first time I've heard any audio gear reproduce the violin so well - listening to Gil Shaham perform Bach's Sonatas and Partitas for Solo Violin nearly brought tears to my eyes with how expressive and beautiful the violin sounds. I went back to a/b with other sets that I thought did violin well and they all sounded a bit lacking.
These two sets fill two different roles for me - the Serratus is the all-rounder that does everything incredibly well and that I can always count on for an enjoyable listen. And while the Alpha is not as well-rounded (mostly due to bass quantity), it does what it does well so well that it just blows my mind. Highest praise for both of these sets - kudos to @tgx78 for creating these two masterpieces!
Serratus:
Amazing separation, clarity, and presentation. Imaging and stage very good. Beautiful balanced/neutral tuning from bass to treble. Center images very well - almost like speakers. Timbre is spot on - everything sounds so natural and right. I liken it to the U12T but without the wonky timbre. Super addictive to listen to! Also very distracting because it demands my attention - I can't listen to this during work hours or I will end up just listening to the music intently!
Alpha:
Similar to Serratus in technicalities as far as details and stage - I do think Serratus does center imaging and separation slightly better but that might be something psychoacoustic due to Serratus mids being slightly pulled back compared to Alpha. This is not bassy by any means but the bass is very high quality and textured. Tonally a touch of warmth with a very satisfying note weight. Mids on Alpha are absolutely sublime. Best vocals I've heard across IEMs, headphones, and buds. But the star of the show that makes this my favorite set at the time of this writing - this is the first time I've heard any audio gear reproduce the violin so well - listening to Gil Shaham perform Bach's Sonatas and Partitas for Solo Violin nearly brought tears to my eyes with how expressive and beautiful the violin sounds. I went back to a/b with other sets that I thought did violin well and they all sounded a bit lacking.
These two sets fill two different roles for me - the Serratus is the all-rounder that does everything incredibly well and that I can always count on for an enjoyable listen. And while the Alpha is not as well-rounded (mostly due to bass quantity), it does what it does well so well that it just blows my mind. Highest praise for both of these sets - kudos to @tgx78 for creating these two masterpieces!
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SBranson
Headphoneus Supremus
That mirrors my experience pretty much exactly, including the distraction induced by the Serratus and the sublime effects of the Alpha with the music that it plays so well.
It makes me realize how spoiled I have been. From previously having the VE Elysium and the Trailli, and currently the Diana Phi and though our local meets, hearing the Jewel, the Fir totl, VE totl etc etc.. I am basically judging @tgx78 ’s earbuds against the best and the stupidly expensive.. even more stupidly so considering what these sell for. Just from that last little meet up only a few weeks ago I think that a few of the iems had technicals that beat the Alpha but none had the timbre. Further the Alpha is so balanced that all the others really showed how they can only seem to do one thing right.
I forget that, having had access the top, in terms of price, that these hit a budget where I imagine they would absolutely be the best available. I have the alpha in right now listening to this wonderful album and the music is so nice. The violin has so much character and the plucked notes of the theorbo resonate so beautifully.
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SBranson
Headphoneus Supremus
Just about had a heart attack earlier. I was getting my Alphas for tonight’s listening and just about dropped them into my mug of tea. Missed by about 1cm.. that would not have made me happy.
I am sorry to inform you but flathead welfare services have been alerted and will be visiting you shortly. Have those earbuds prepared for a pick-up while they assess your ability to own and parent god-tier earbuds. Knock! Knock! Well go and answer that door... only advice I can give you is make no excuses, be forthcoming, truthful, and cooperative. Good luck!
SBranson
Headphoneus Supremus
Ha ha…. seriously though I think I will get another place to put my tea. On the same shelf as my gear is an accident waiting to happen..
tgxear Serratus Sound Signature Chart
tgxear Serratus Sound Signature Plot
Primary = Mid-Centric - Aggressive
Secondary (Strong) = Forward Mids (sibilance & shout very rare and recording dependent)
Secondary (Strong) = Neutral - Flat (balanced, honest and with great top-to-bottom extension)
Secondary (Weak) = Airy
Secondary (Weak) = Sharp > Detailed (would not go as far to as to say it reaches 'critical' in its character)
Tertiary (Complementing) = Warm (complementing its detail-orienated secondary signature, managing to retain organic character)
Tertiary (Opposing) = none
Breakdown of tgxear Serratus Sound Signature Plot
The primary sound signature is 'mid-centric-aggressive' sitting in a quite central-forward position on the chart. As you can see, it only just edges its way into the aggressive quadrant and this is not a slight or insult by any stretch (read on). This placement is largely owed to the Serratus displaying two strong secondary sound signatures of 'forward mids' with a 'neutral-flat' tonality. This reveals a weak secondary sound signature I would describe as 'sharp & detailed' with great transparency. Importantly, this revealing nature is far from unpleasant and never becomes 'critical' and is far from 'thin & tinny' or 'shrill and sibilant' in its expression. The weak secondary sound signature of 'airy' gives vocals and instruments a vital and dimensional character to them. A complimenting tertiary 'warm' sound characteristic sits beneath thanks to a well controlled but spirited bass and this helps to keep timbre and tonality closer to the organic side of the spectrum and control the 'sharp & detailed' tendencies.
Closing Remarks
This is a HiFi earbud if there ever was one. What isn't captured on the sound signature chart are the intangibles - staging, resolution, imaging and so on. The stage is well proportioned with very good instrument separation presenting a cohesive picture of live performances, while offering a highly resolving and transparent lens to enjoy them through. The Serratus is a balanced, detailed-orientated transducer at its heart, backed up by a great technical ability. @tgx78 has managed to tune possibly the most naturally revealing earbud I have had the pleasure of listening to. It captures and holds your attention in the best of ways!
Disclaimer
I have noted differences in tonal profile and technical presentation dependent upon the power provided to these high impedance buds. Notable properties that change are stage dimensions, instrument separation, perceived clarity, bass response quantity and quality. The Serratus (and the Alpha at 600ohm) both improve, in my opinion, with more power but ultimately it is up to the listener to decide if the changes are tonally and technically preferable. The above observations were made on a Schiit Valhalla 2 amp providing 800mW at 300ohms.
tgxear Serratus Sound Signature Plot
Primary = Mid-Centric - Aggressive
Secondary (Strong) = Forward Mids (sibilance & shout very rare and recording dependent)
Secondary (Strong) = Neutral - Flat (balanced, honest and with great top-to-bottom extension)
Secondary (Weak) = Airy
Secondary (Weak) = Sharp > Detailed (would not go as far to as to say it reaches 'critical' in its character)
Tertiary (Complementing) = Warm (complementing its detail-orienated secondary signature, managing to retain organic character)
Tertiary (Opposing) = none
Breakdown of tgxear Serratus Sound Signature Plot
The primary sound signature is 'mid-centric-aggressive' sitting in a quite central-forward position on the chart. As you can see, it only just edges its way into the aggressive quadrant and this is not a slight or insult by any stretch (read on). This placement is largely owed to the Serratus displaying two strong secondary sound signatures of 'forward mids' with a 'neutral-flat' tonality. This reveals a weak secondary sound signature I would describe as 'sharp & detailed' with great transparency. Importantly, this revealing nature is far from unpleasant and never becomes 'critical' and is far from 'thin & tinny' or 'shrill and sibilant' in its expression. The weak secondary sound signature of 'airy' gives vocals and instruments a vital and dimensional character to them. A complimenting tertiary 'warm' sound characteristic sits beneath thanks to a well controlled but spirited bass and this helps to keep timbre and tonality closer to the organic side of the spectrum and control the 'sharp & detailed' tendencies.
Closing Remarks
This is a HiFi earbud if there ever was one. What isn't captured on the sound signature chart are the intangibles - staging, resolution, imaging and so on. The stage is well proportioned with very good instrument separation presenting a cohesive picture of live performances, while offering a highly resolving and transparent lens to enjoy them through. The Serratus is a balanced, detailed-orientated transducer at its heart, backed up by a great technical ability. @tgx78 has managed to tune possibly the most naturally revealing earbud I have had the pleasure of listening to. It captures and holds your attention in the best of ways!
Disclaimer
I have noted differences in tonal profile and technical presentation dependent upon the power provided to these high impedance buds. Notable properties that change are stage dimensions, instrument separation, perceived clarity, bass response quantity and quality. The Serratus (and the Alpha at 600ohm) both improve, in my opinion, with more power but ultimately it is up to the listener to decide if the changes are tonally and technically preferable. The above observations were made on a Schiit Valhalla 2 amp providing 800mW at 300ohms.
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Serge Bernamej
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Just ordered the Alpha ! I shall give my impressions when they arrive.
cocolinho
Headphoneus Supremus
just ordered the Serratus 
. I will give some impressions vs FF3 (well I know already they will be vastly different sounding) & my favorite Willsound MK2 Special Edition
Can't wait!
. I will give some impressions vs FF3 (well I know already they will be vastly different sounding) & my favorite Willsound MK2 Special EditionCan't wait!
Looking forward to seeing more impressions roll in.
The Alpha is performing some real magic tonight with this track. A 17min acoustic, percussive journey with some great positional cues and tests of timbre - close your eyes, turn the lights off and strap in. At about the 9:30 mark a deep drum comes in with a very atmospheric effect that reveals the dimension and bass quality the driver can produce.
The Alpha is performing some real magic tonight with this track. A 17min acoustic, percussive journey with some great positional cues and tests of timbre - close your eyes, turn the lights off and strap in. At about the 9:30 mark a deep drum comes in with a very atmospheric effect that reveals the dimension and bass quality the driver can produce.
I'm still waiting on my serratus and tantalus to come back before I spill any beans. I loaned them to a great friend. Those aint leaving anymore after this
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