TGXEAR discussion thread.

[maceto]

WHY FLATHEADS?​

First debuted by the Trio-Kenwood Corporation in December 1981, flathead earbuds are a non-isolating member of the personal earphone family, which includes in-ear monitors (IEMs), ear hooks, and side earplugs and typically offer the following attributes:

• comfort (easy-to-fit; lightweight and cool for extended listening)
• mobility (robust build; minimalist footprint; ultra portable)
• open-air (airy speaker-like presentation; natural-sounding timbre)
• non-occluding (non-isolating for optimal ‘situational awareness’)
• hygienic (easy-to-clean; low-cost, easily replaceable foam cushions)
• price-performance ratio (excellent return on investment)
• variety (wide assortment of colors, impedances, and signatures)
• diy potential (straightforward build process; affordable components)
• low-profile (defeats all known partner reconnaissance technologies)

Definitely concur with the following:

Flathead Earbuds ≠ In-Ear Monitors (IEMs)​

In-Ear Monitors (IEMs) = Closed-Back Headphones​

Flathead Earbuds ≈ Open-Back Headphones​

This is all so fascinating - I am 99% ready to pull the trigger

 

[tgx78]

I should pull my earbud measurements down haha.. they are so bad.

 

[o0genesis0o]

I should pull my earbud measurements down haha.. they are so bad.

The graph does not seem right. How do you measure the serratus?

 

[maceto]

I should pull my earbud measurements down haha.. they are so bad.

I think they can’t be compared is the point… because if people rave as much as they do - they are so different its hard to see why they would, if comparable.

 

[tgx78]

The graph does not seem right. How do you measure the serratus?

PCV tubing to artificial silicone ear attached to the IMM-6

 

[o0genesis0o]

PCV tubing to artificial silicone ear attached to the IMM-6

I notice you have a 711 coupler as well. Any reason why you don't attach the silicone ears directly to the coupler for measurement?

Nice headphones, btw. Is that a Meze?

 

[tgx78]

I notice you have a 711 coupler as well. Any reason why you don't attach the silicone ears directly to the coupler for measurement?

Nice headphones, btw. Is that a Meze?

Yep Meze, I will try again with the IEC711. I think I got worse results with it before.

 

[SBranson]

I have published my review of the Alpha here - I hope people find it useful and not mere 'gushing' with verbosity (which is very hard to avoid when you find your 'perfect' bud). Thank you @tgx78 for creating this little gem!

Excellent review. I feel a bit guilty of “gushing” at times as these are pretty close to my perfect transducer with one other that is the perfect complement…. But as you say it’s hard not to adore these earbuds.

 

[syazwaned]

I should pull my earbud measurements down haha.. they are so bad.

haha..I prefer Woodyluvr and Ian91 graph, it is easier to understand.

 

[ian91]

I am now torn between the Serratus and Alpha for my next bud purchase ( yes i am hooked on buds now ).

Considering that i will probably be using a Questyle M15 dac/amp to power them, i reckon the Serratus will work better due to the lower impedence?

Your signature points to a preference for a more resolving sound signature, which in this case is the Serratus. Maybe start there? The impedance is a factor to consider but the relationship isn't black and white. Anyway, you seem to share the same love for buds as me. My IEMs don't see much action these days...!

Excellent review. I feel a bit guilty of “gushing” at times as these are pretty close to my perfect transducer with one other that is the perfect complement…. But as you say it’s hard not to adore these earbuds

Thank you! Yep, every time I put the Alpha and Serratus in is a treat.

 

[Wil]

Your signature points to a preference for a more resolving sound signature, which in this case is the Serratus. Maybe start there? The impedance is a factor to consider but the relationship isn't black and white. Anyway, you seem to share the same love for buds as me. My IEMs don't see much action these days...!



Thank you! Yep, every time I put the Alpha and Serratus in is a treat.

Thank you for the reply! I reckon i shall go with the Serratus first - seems like a safe bet for my first TGX bud.

Buds are akin to listening to a nice full range speaker ( think large Tannoy Golds ). Not the last word in detail as compared to IEMs but the coherency and timbre are all there for me. IEMs can be fun but can come across as too etched or detailed.

And Earbuds are so much more comfortable lol.

 

[hongky]

Is there any comparison between Tantalus & Alpha ?

Thanks

 

[nymz]

​

 

[nymz]

Is there any comparison between Tantalus & Alpha ?

Thanks

I will have a comparison between the 3 made soon, but I'm overly dragged by IEM reviews so I wouldn't hold my breath until next week.

 

[Dsnuts]

https://www.head-fi.org/showcase/tgxear-serratus.25974/review/29353/
Been enjoying the Serratus more than I have to admit. It is hard to take these things out of my ears when I have other IEM reviews I have to attend to. Might as well get it done was my thought. Great job Jim. It seems pretty unanimous as far as how people view the Serratus. I think to get this level of sound in an IEM format would cost a whole bunch more money. I come from mostly a strict IEM background and these buds have pretty much demanded attention since the day I got them. If these are the first set of buds Jim has been making. I am scared to think where his designs will go next. Well-deserved universal praise on this one.