The discovery thread!

[MD Rohit]

I received the new FAAEAL Tulip yesterday and was quite impressed with the case and accessories so I thought I'd share a few pictures real quick. All of the accessories are included inside the case, which makes unboxing very simple. The case actually has a built in tip holder, which I haven't seen before, and the IEM holder can be removed for more storage space. The stock cable is one of the nicest I've seen under $200. Overall the accessories are really impressive for the $80 price tag. I haven't spent much time listening to them yet, so I will wait to make my impressions after burn in. The Tulip has a V-shaped tuning that I like so far, but I'll run it through its paces in due time.

same here i received same cable version

 

[coreyco]

Well from what i learn listen to he 1000se i dont listen new hifimans but dont have any doubt they will be very strong lineup these unveiled, aryas, he 1000, susvara dont any doubt maybe strongest lineup in the world.

From what I’ve heard of the HE1000se, and even without trying the newest HIFIMAN models yet, I’ve got no doubt their lineup is incredibly strong

 

[pk4425]

Sounds like the perfect set! Too bad I really dislike that red-black color scheme. And likely too expensive with tariffs anyway.

Aren't all IEMs too expensive for Americans with the tariffs? Call me crazy, but I'm not spending even $50 on an IEM or cable that used to cost $25-30. NFW.

Wondering (and caring) out loud about my American brethren who suffer from IEM FOMO and buy a lot of new models. Thankfully, I'm the antithesis of that, but I sincerely ask how you avid purchasers in America are coping?

Not sure why I'm asking all these questions, I said no more iem purchases until mussolini and his band of incompetent lying nitwits are all gone...

You're in Canada -- BC, right? You're paying higher tariffs with Carney, too?

 

[JCPen047]

Been daily using Focal Utopia 2022 for a long hours listening.
The only problem is they spoil every other headphone.

It was the next level. Insane clarity, like rediscovering songs you thought you knew. With a good amp, they just breathe: wide stage, tight low-end, smooth highs. Super comfy too and wow premium feel without the bulk.

Lately been eyeing the HiFiMAN Susvara... gotta see what the fuss is about.
Any suggestions?

 

[NymPHONOmaniac]

Man what an intense non stop listening session i have with ISN EBC80....like being in IMAX cinema for 5 days straight up...never going out.

Then publishing result here:
https://www.head-fi.org/showcase/isn-audio-ebc80.27750/reviews#review-37866

Pros:
-in and out of your head holographic musicality
-warm yet not dark W shape balance
-atypical yet cohesive and highly immersive sound experience
-dense round punchy bass with wide vibrant rumble
-BC cheat the bass warmth by boosting instrument and vocal presence
-anamorphic vocal that kiss listener with great proximity
-out of this world soundstage
-muscular macro dynamic that doesn’t induce fatigue
-good note weight for drum, piano, cello, violin etc
-crisp yet delicate ultra highs that make percussions snappy and guitar sparkly
-best implementation of sonion BCD have heard yet (i tend to dislike timbre of it)
-even if tuned to be musical, technical performance is excellent
-nice accessories and modular cable

Cons:
-not the most textured and define mid bass (warmish)
-not the cleanest background and spatiality
-not the most vivid EST treble (2 est compromise)
-not most generous in micro details
-source capricious and sensitive (13ohm)
-big chunky shell might not fit small ears

I praise alot the crazy cinematic 4Dimension (yes 3D+in your head) soundstage of those cause it's very first hybrid with BC that truely wow me in that regard, even UM Mest Mk3 sound super closed and in your head compared to those ultra spacious holographic EBC80....but did it mean its just a one trick poney? Absolutely not, its 60% musical and 40% technical in sound balance imo
Macro dynamic is super articulated, wide and hefty, mids are upfront and superbly layered, treble has snappy attack and delicate energy...
I need to try lot of source and eartips to achieve full potential of EBC80. Something to note, and that i explain a lil in my review.

Anyway, their not doubt this is my no1 ISN crush for now.

Not sure which other tribrid with BC can truely compete with those soundstage + fun and versatile enough musicality wise but any suggestion welcome!
Give a read and Like. I compare EBC80 to Um Mext, BGVP Phantom and Soundrhyme DTE900.

 

[cagix]

Been daily using Focal Utopia 2022 for a long hours listening.
The only problem is they spoil every other headphone.

It was the next level. Insane clarity, like rediscovering songs you thought you knew. With a good amp, they just breathe: wide stage, tight low-end, smooth highs. Super comfy too and wow premium feel without the bulk.

Lately been eyeing the HiFiMAN Susvara... gotta see what the fuss is about.
Any suggestions?

Brother was on sesion with utopia 2022, abyss diana dz, final audios d 8000, pro. Pretty hard fight all was strong final best bass. He liked all bought abyss diana dz and i think he was right. He still think about d 8000 pro it was second best for him.

 

[Ineras]

You're in Canada -- BC, right? You're paying higher tariffs with Carney, too?

Yezzir, work is bigly affected. I take care of a fabrication shop for custom hydraulic power unit builds. We import a ton of steel and aluminum products from Amurica. We've been getting lots of price increase notices from US vendors. Worst I've seen so far is 44%, then it could get hit with another 25% tariff at the border.

Random squig thrown in to keep it audio-related...

 

[Hypops]

Packing up all my audio gear in boxes and hiding it away in a closet has been a revelation. Turns out, I really like the Symphonium Meteor. I didn't realize just how much until I let myself consider selling it. I felt a bit like the Junk Lady in the movie Labyrinth. I simply can't let it go. It doesn't have quite the same uncanny stage depth that the KE Punch does, but the midrange on the Meteor is magical. Nothing else I've heard compares.

yes I think they're far from volare in sound quality too, but it makes me think that Z is deeper in measurements theme than he usually claims ('i'm just listening, no need to graph, blablabla...')

It's the engineers who need to figure out how to translate collaborator feedback. I'd imagine the depth of a collaborator's involvement in a product varies a lot from person to person, manufacturer to manufacturer, and project to project. I wouldn't be surprised if Z is more impressionistic in his tuning feedback rather than technically specific (i.e. "more sub-bass," "less presence," etc). More so than others, his focus seems to be much more on the visual aesthetics side compared to other influencer collabs.

More and more we see inears released with DSP equiped USB cable.
Is there some models are there that would work with our collection and can be PEQ?

IMO these really should be called "DAC cables" rather than DSP cables since their big advantage is that you don't need a separate dongle to connect to your phone. The DSP/PEQ part of the DAC cable is just a bonus. Depending on the flexibility of the proprietary DSP software, there's no reason why you couldn't use one of those DAC cables with any other set.

Aren't all IEMs too expensive for Americans with the tariffs? Call me crazy, but I'm not spending even $50 on an IEM or cable that used to cost $25-30. NFW.

Wondering (and caring) out loud about my American brethren who suffer from IEM FOMO and buy a lot of new models. Thankfully, I'm the antithesis of that, but I sincerely ask how you avid purchasers in America are coping?

You're in Canada -- BC, right? You're paying higher tariffs with Carney, too?

I think most of us in the US are relying on Amazon's pre-tariff stockpiling because, yeah, there's no way I'm paying Trump Tax prices if I can avoid them. I actually spent a good chunk of my evening last night with my partner investigating which Chinese companies do final assembly, distribution, etc. in the US so we can avoid the steepest increases across a variety of our household expenses. Ridiculous. For me, the tariff situation has put most luxury expenses on hold. I have to hope that even President Nepo-Baby's staunchest backers are going to be pissed once they realize they can't buy their cheap s&$^ so cheaply anymore.

 

[lgcubana]

1

its what I have. I’m going to consider adding the Burson V7 classics.

I don't know how effective OP amp swapping is in your particular setup, but I'm a recent believer in the technology, specifically the application of Burson V7 Classics.

In my itty bitty Class D amp (Fosi ZA3), going from the stock Texas Instrument NE3522P to the Burson V7 Classics was a marked improvement. Note weight, headroom, width, . .

 

[JCPen047]

Brother was on sesion with utopia 2022, abyss diana dz, final audios d 8000, pro. Pretty hard fight all was strong final best bass. He liked all bought abyss diana dz and i think he was right. He still think about d 8000 pro it was second best for him.

Thanks for the feedback! Sounds like an awesome session.
I’ll definitely put D8000 Pro as a option too.

 

[perrew]

Packing up all my audio gear in boxes and hiding it away in a closet has been a revelation. Turns out, I really like the Symphonium Meteor. I didn't realize just how much until I let myself consider selling it. I felt a bit like the Junk Lady in the movie Labyrinth. I simply can't let it go. It doesn't have quite the same uncanny stage depth that the KE Punch does, but the midrange on the Meteor is magical. Nothing else I've heard compares.

Think the Meteor measures quite close to the SR9s.

 

[gadgetgod]

I just received the Letshuoer DX1, absolute banger for vocals. I was listening to a Qawwali track, which is regional music here, and the voice of the female singer just gave me goosebumps. Will share in-depth review impressions later. Here are a few beautiful pictures:-

 

[FreeWheelinAudioLuv2]

oh hey, requal is taking one of the team,
apparently he bought KZ AM16.
https://www.kztws.com/products/kz-am16?variant=47127205216507

AM16 seems to have new Bass BA that seems to be misnumbered as 30095.
in the marketing material, promising low low range up to 5hz like crin recently does with their unit.
tough without proper soundtubing and woofer size i wonder if it add anything to the sound.

It seems finally the new bellsing mid-range BA 29689 that in AS24 goes down to sub$100 iem,
so its not just bunch of 31736 for mid-high range like most kz recent big hybrids

it seems also feature bigger crossover board.
and KZ new cable as options... not sure whether the new cable is exclusive to the type-c end or also for 3.5mm jack one. out of all thing KZ decide to improve the mic in the new cable. i suppose new tech from their TWS division.



kz currently experimenting with more linear bass (KZ ZS12 Pro) and still figuring out treble sweet spot like the brighter KZ ZA12.
let's see how this one actually gonna goes, that straight-ish upper mid to treble somehow looks like planar than BA (but with a drop in what 15k?)



Requal seems to take the bass enhanced version taking account compesating for bass BA.

all in all, we'll how it gonna goes in two weeks or so.

I would have easily taken one for the team, but us U.S, citizens are at a distinct disadvantage in Chi-fi at the moment.

But I do want to thank HiFiGo for providing me the opportunity to get the FiiO M21. Ended up canceling my order with Voptronics. HFG FTW!

PENON Archangel



OOTB Impressions. ( Documented Experience )





I was greeted with both switches in the OFF position. Let’s just say I was a little surprised by what I was hearing. Felt like super Balanced , almost politely presented EBC80. ( keeping in mind That I haven’t Burned these in yet)

Once I turned Switch ONE to the ON Position. (I knew I was in party town now)







Thunderous BASS , textured full and “grab you by the (proverbial starting with a B)” (Like a bold rich full strong bodied coffee in the morning.)



Mids are glorious ( vocals and acoustic instruments are just so refined and full of clarity )



Treble is sooooo crystal clear , refined and resolving . ( seriously so clear you could hear a pin drop in the in amongst the music mix )



Soundstage is Immersive - Various songs Felt like musical notes were dancing on the inside of my skull. While Some tracks sounded like a flower unfolding with several element’s (riffs) and instrument positioning created a layering that I’d not heard before on my other IEM’s. Just Wild !




Comparing between IEM’s is a little difficult so early. But if I had a guess right now I’d say… If the H60 , the TSMR SHOCK and EBC80 had a Threesome. The result would be a Penon Archangel. (There are immersive elements of the SHOCK , thunderous bass, H60 style mids with Shock immersion, and with treble DNA almost a EBC80 match. )



Listening was conducted on HiBy R3 Gen 2 , Astell&Kern CA1000T, and iBasso DC-Elite with Audirvāna.

Much more listening to be had , please take with a gain of salt, as I’m a hobbyist. not an experienced reviewer.

I will put these on the burn in station for some time to develop like a film processed photo.

So It’s safe to say I’m on a honeymoon with the Archangel.

The Archangel is my favorite IEM at the moment, but I got it in DU mode, as the bass is that UD or UU mode is far too intrusive. Bass heads will love it to pieces, but for jazz, rock, or any music other than bass dominant tracks, it's a bit of overkill. Nice descriptions, as that pretty much fits my own impressions.

@Ozboyblu so glad you are smitten, may your honeymoon last into the golden years! One comment (bolded) that surprised me your comparison to EBC80 treble as the Archangel is BA but EBC80 is electrostatic. I've never been a fan of BA treble timbre and with the advent of electrostatic almost always prefer those. Can you eleaborate on the similarities as well as differences in high frequencies between Archangel and EBC80? Thanks!

Sure, What I mean by “Treble DNA almost a EBC80 match” I’m talking about refined detailed presentation. But not specifically the differences in drivers BA or EST tone or timber. So I guess it surprised me given the EBC80 has 2 x EST. I’m meaning that Archangel has surprised me, given a similar clarity very close to the same DNA. Hope that makes things clearer. Much more listening to be had before I can eleaborate much more.

They are not the same as far as texture, and as he stated, he means in the refinement and clarity of the delivery. As fat as texture and tonality, they are not the same. There is a slight, and I mean slight BA sheen to the harmonics and tonality of the Archangel, but there's also greater note weight than the EBC80. Less brittle, with more crispness and air in the upper harmonics of the Archangel, but it's a similar flavor of extension and detail. They both shine cleanly and with a excellent level of control (no stridency or metallic kiss), but with different texture and weight (BA vs EST).

Amazing impressions! Can't wait for mine to arrive.

You're gonna love it, but I still caution, the shells are BIG (even though the nozzles are more comfy than the H60). Just be cognizant of that. BIG shells.

A hot take here, I am liking the black and red color, faceplate is also not that bad looking

The black and red are great. This is a beautiful IEM in both looks and sonics. Slap a colorway matching cable, and it's even better!

Ngl that shell looks sinister. Wish they included better tips though.

Yeah, the tips are useless.

hot sticky mess? Which reminds me of Sinners, damn good movie. Same hot and sticky vibe as From Dusk till Dawn, but a bit more serious.

How's the BCD implementation? Massive stage like Shock, or leans more like EBC80?

Any hint of sibilance?

Could you please try 4.2 bass, 3.9 treble on Shock and compare with your favorite Archangel setting once it's done cooking.

Not sure why I'm asking all these questions, I said no more iem purchases until mussolini and his band of incompetent lying nitwits are all gone...

Can't speak on the Shock, but compared to the EBC80, the stage created by the BCD is more natural with the Archangel. It's got a dimensionality to it, but it's not exaggerated. There's a spaciousness to it, where it's a very full scene, but spatial cues and instrument placement are all quite natural and clean without the usual exaggerated spacing and staging of most other BCD sets.

Aren't all IEMs too expensive for Americans with the tariffs? Call me crazy, but I'm not spending even $50 on an IEM or cable that used to cost $25-30. NFW.

Wondering (and caring) out loud about my American brethren who suffer from IEM FOMO and buy a lot of new models. Thankfully, I'm the antithesis of that, but I sincerely ask how you avid purchasers in America are coping?

You're in Canada -- BC, right? You're paying higher tariffs with Carney, too?

It's saving me my cheddah. Sure, there's some things I'd like to hit on, but paying more than double for something at the moment (as I illustrated the other day, it's $209.00 for items that cost $70.00 atm. No thanks.). HiFiGo did me a solid with the M21, otherwise, I'd be looking away from that too. Gives me the opportunity to immerse myself in my rotation, without constant new distractions.

 

[Hypops]

Think the Meteor measures quite close to the SR9s.

Bass, yes. Midrange and treble, not so much. Also, the Meteor is all BA, so those bass measurements aren’t reliable anyway. In my ears, the Meteor is nowhere near as bassy or warm as it graphs.

 

[GroovyAudio]

You're gonna love it, but I still caution, the shells are BIG (even though the nozzles are more comfy than the H60). Just be cognizant of that. BIG shells.

Indeed they are big from the pictures I saw but I put my faith on those smaller nozzles that they gonna do the trick for my small ears. I have a lot of eartips now to try, hopefully something will work. I guess they are going to hang outside of my ear but they are light shells so should be fine, I hope. I'm actually a bit nervous about the fit so fingers crossed.
I already have my test tracks ready