The discovery thread!

[ToneDeafMonk]

Just purchased … another IEM. (My last for a long time lol.) ONLY because I got a $20 off coupon if I use Sezzle through Amazon. (Also, the pressure of snatching up Amazon local shipping sets to evade tariffs was a factor here.)
So I have a Shanling Tino incoming for about $50! Dual DD that people say is a bit more on the musical side of things, which might be the answer to my concern that the Castor Pro Bass was too … dry or thin in the mids. It will be my first Shanling set and I’m kinda excited. Plus, I love the look.

I love the Tino, Lost my set ....it's somewhere

 

[FreeWheelinAudioLuv2]

https://nypost.com/2025/05/08/busin...to-as-low-as-50-as-soon-as-next-week-sources/

Let's hope these rumors are true!

50% is still so nutty lol. slowly dying inside.

My reaction is the same as Dandelion. 50% is still way too high. Still would make, say a KZ that was selling for $15.00 still sell for $40.00. So a cheap XINHS cable will still be close to $100. So mid fi IEMs will still be close to what we would have paid for the H60 or the Elysian Pilgrim or the Estrella for a low mid-fi IEM, so they need to come down to 25%, or pre groane insanity. Until then, it's a big nope from me.

Are you thinking about something like this?

https://ivipq.com/collections/earph...8934501-7492975-39060312-7492976-39060315-0-0

Or, where can I find something that me in the States?

Here's a few that would be excellent for the Project M

https://www.aliexpress.us/item/3256808670162848.html

https://www.aliexpress.us/item/3256807713116427.html

https://www.aliexpress.us/item/3256806596864080.html

https://www.aliexpress.us/item/3256802034028327.html

Just purchased … another IEM. (My last for a long time lol.) ONLY because I got a $20 off coupon if I use Sezzle through Amazon. (Also, the pressure of snatching up Amazon local shipping sets to evade tariffs was a factor here.)
So I have a Shanling Tino incoming for about $50! Dual DD that people say is a bit more on the musical side of things, which might be the answer to my concern that the Castor Pro Bass was too … dry or thin in the mids. It will be my first Shanling set and I’m kinda excited. Plus, I love the look.

The problem I see is that you're not really looking for musical, as the FIVE is most definitely musical, and you found it too thicc. This is the thing. Musical usually is accompanied by thicc midranges, that are not typically transparent and detailed, which is how you like your sonics, which is why many of your recs are just that (CVFGDFG2V, Jaws, ZVX Pro, Castor, QKZ ZXN, Aether, and EW300). I imagine the Nautilus might be the same too? FIVE? Didn't like it. H20? Didn't like it. S12 (2024)? You didn't like it. The running theme of those IEMs? Musical and thicc'er midrange. Why would you spend money searching for musical and Shanling's thick and warm tuning?

I guess it's good to stretch your wings maybe? LOL

The ultimate Tangzu Wan'er showdown!
2 VS original (OG) VS SE!

Each IEM is outfitted with cables and tips that I think enhance the sound the best. (2 and SE on pure copper cables, OG on silver-plated.) Playback is R4 through DC-Elite.

Song 1: "Unity" by Royksopp. Winner: Wan'er 2
When I switched from the 2 to the OG, it was like a cloud covering the sun. Literally. The 2 is just THAT much more CAPABLE with the bass, and the electronic treble sizzle. Aaaaand... the SE isn't any better than the OG here. It has quite a chunk less bass, and the treble is... SLIGHTLY clearer, but not enough of an improvement to make it sound better overall. The 2's treble is definitely a but more forward than any of the other sets, and the bass is SO much better and cleaner while not sounding too warm like the OG.

Song 2: "Everything Is" by Gungor. Winner: Wan'er 2
Almost like the warmer male vocals on the OG better than the 2 here... But when the first chorus hits, it's a mud-fest. The 2 is just way more competent and detailed. The SE's sound isn't as warm as the OG here, which is nice, but again, it fails to maintain clarity and incisiveness during the intense chorus. In this regard, the Wan'er 2 is EASILY in the ranks of very resolving and capable single DD IEMs like the ZVX Pro and Kefine Klean. (Not sure if it could reach the hushed echelons of the SP01, but it's certainly an aspiring apostle!)

Song 3: "Red Virgin Soil (Live)" by Agnes Obel. Winner: Wan'er 2
In a non-vocal piece like this, I thought maybe the differences in clarity would be harder to determine... well, it's not. The OG just is more... almost hazy or blurry compared to the 2. The SE sounds a little clearer than the OG, but it's still not on par with the 2.

Song 4: "Halfway to Heaven" by Celine Dion. Winner: Wan'er 2
Again, the 2 is just SO clear and detailed, those opening chimes sound AMAZING. The OG's warmer sound DOES sound fairly good with this older song, but realistically, it's technically inferior (pun intended!) The SE's bass is too light... the bass is just anemic coughs on the drums here. Again, the 2 takes the victory here. It doesn't sound too bright or clinical, but while it's not as warm as the OG, I still think it wins the battle here, although fans of warm, organic sound MIGHT prefer the OG.

Song 5: All is Soft Inside" by AURORA. Winner: Wan'er 2
The 2 is bright, clean, yet portrays this soft music and vocals quite sweetly. When the bass line kicks in, it's definitely clear and punchy, but not overbearing, just like the song should be played. The OG is again, smooth and melodic. This is easily the best song out of the five for the OG, even though the bass isn't as clearly defined as on the 2. I could almost see myself liking the OG again if I just listened to music like this! The SE's treble/vocals also sounds good here, and the cellos near the beginning sound cleaner than the OG. But again, the bass is rather light, and hard to hear above the elevated vocals, at times.

So it's a clean sweep for the Wan'er 2! Often, when it's a closer battle, I listen to some more song comparisons other than these main 5 I usually use. Such efforts are clearly not needed here because the 2 is just THAT good.

I had been hanging on to the OG and the SE till the bitter end, but the 2 is just SO much better, it puts them to shame. So, two more IEMs are going in the CULL pile. As pretty as they are on the outside, the internals just aren't measuring up to 2025 standards, much less their own COMPANY'S new standards of awesomeness. I'll be listening to the very appropriate "Anthem" by Epsen Eriksen Trio on the Wan'er 2 as I pack up the Wan'er [blue/gold edition] and the stunning copper/pearl SE

~In summary, I think the Wan'er 2 sounds MUCH nicer than the price suggests. If you thought the Wan'er OG was an amazing bargain, prepare to FAINT when you hear the 2.

***What other showdowns would anyone want to see, among my Owned IEMs in my signature, obviously. I intended at least a few: a planar showdown, and a single DD showdown.

I owned the OG Wan'er and the SE. Sold both. Neither really hit me in the feels. Probably because I demand more treble air and extension at the budget sector, as well as orbital soundstage, since the Trio, ST7, and Libra X all deliver stunning soundstage for the price (oh and these Fengru IEMs all deliver stage). So yeah, Wan'er's just didn't have that sauce for me.

Oh dear, at it again....

Anyway, despite my early resistance to the Aether hype train, I have to say that I have hardly taken it out of my ears over the last couple of weeks. Nothing else has had much of a look in.

Today is wfh and new music Friday. Today's treat Thom Yorke and Mark Pritchard

It has long been established that the Aether hype is real. I will have the Aether in my ears, to levy my own comments and impressions about them by next week, along with the CFA Alien Brain. I look forward to both, and seeing if it lives up to FWAL2 hype.

btw, @pk4425, you've been very quiet. It's always good to share your 100th impression of the Aether or the Hype 2. It's ok. It really is. I do the same with the H60 or the Trio.

Campfire Alien Brain. So great.

Can't wait! You got me PSYYYYYYYYYYYYYYCHED!!!!

---

To be fair, @ToneDeafMonk , you love pretty much all Shanling, because that's tuned right down your alley. You like that musical and thicc midrange, that's bassy, and still delivers details, but not too much air or extension in the treble. This is not his preference, hence who he likes the Jaws and I forget which other recent brighter IEM you reviewed that he liked but you hated?

 

[Argha]

but as a metal music IEM

Poor mixes sound so good

something I could use outdoor

I think these are made for doing chores TBH.

Great impressions, I am still waiting for mine to arrive

Had to wait for so long for my unit due to custom uncle's lazy ass fingers

 

[ToneDeafMonk]

I posted this in the mid-priced cables thread; however, I’m posting here for a little more attention…

I'm needing some advice for a cable to use my Project M's. First, I love the staging that the Project M brings to the table. Additionally, I like the bass control it has. Now, this is all while using the stock cable.

I don't want to lose then great attributes of the Project M; however, I would like to add more weight to the sound, especially in the vocals. Now, I don;’ want to lose the highs at the same time.

Is there such a thing as a Gold Plated pure Silver cable?

Just got this in and then bought a second set

I just found this on AliExpress:
C$101.08 | ZiSin-46 4-Core Litz HIFI Earphone Upgrade Cable With 3.5/2.5/4.4mm MMCX/QDC/TFZ 0.78 2Pin For MK4 Legacy2 Blessing3 Variations
https://a.aliexpress.com/_m06pqwL

I do like different sets: Yeah I do love bassier thicker sets that great technical performance and stage.

Loved the Surface Sooooo..Much

But tonights Chill Time is with the amazing DITA Audio Project M and the IBasso Audio DX340 with the NUTUBE AMP14 oh boy this is so good!

Also got notice of a New EPZ Dongle the TP35PRO in this baller color and ow links up to a companion app for EQ and stuff?

Same price as old one.
Now sports 3.5 TTRS mic output and The EQ can be set with the app.
Getting one soon to try out.

 

[gadgetgod]

Had to wait for so long for my unit due to custom uncle's lazy ass fingers

Start importing via DHL now my friend

@ToneDeafMonk bro I will wait for your impressions on the Ice Labs Prismatica. I saw on FB that you will be getting it soon. I love that IEM immensely haha, probably among the best bass in All-BA IEMs.

 

[ToneDeafMonk]

Start importing via DHL now my friend

@ToneDeafMonk bro I will wait for your impressions on the Ice Labs Prismatica. I saw on FB that you will be getting it soon. I love that IEM immensely haha, probably among the best bass in All-BA IEMs.

I have a EPZ 520 i love also 5 BA so it will be fun comparison

 

[FreeWheelinAudioLuv2]

Poor mixes sound so good

I think these are made for doing chores TBH.

Had to wait for so long for my unit due to custom uncle's lazy ass fingers

Yes. You are 100% right. The Defiant's secret sauce is that it makes even the crappiest mixes sound good. I imagine that's why it's such a metal BOSS. It has to be able to handle schitt mixes. Good call.

Just got this in and then bought a second set

I just found this on AliExpress:
C$101.08 | ZiSin-46 4-Core Litz HIFI Earphone Upgrade Cable With 3.5/2.5/4.4mm MMCX/QDC/TFZ 0.78 2Pin For MK4 Legacy2 Blessing3 Variations
https://a.aliexpress.com/_m06pqwL

I do like different sets: Yeah I do love bassier thicker sets that great technical performance and stage.

Loved the Surface Sooooo..Much

But tonights Chill Time is with the amazing DITA Audio Project M and the IBasso Audio DX340 with the NUTUBE AMP14 oh boy this is so good!


Also got notice of a New EPZ Dongle the TP35PRO in this baller color and ow links up to a companion app for EQ and stuff?

Same price as old one.
Now sports 3.5 TTRS mic output and The EQ can be set with the app.
Getting one soon to try out.

Thanks for the share, but we can't see that. Nici has locked out the U.S. Same with Trusted and GY. ivipQ and XINHS have some still open, but mostly just their now ridiculously "priced" IEMs (aka the ones above $400). So yeah, gotta needle in a haystack it and get lucky lol Sadly, the cable that would have been IDEAL Project M cable for his desired synergy would have been the XINHS HA015, which is the perfect alloy mix for the P-M, and which I have on my ISN EBC80 (even bought a second one when my cat gnawed the other one. Still works good, just has unsightly tape on it), but the page is 404.

Here's the cable I currently have on my Project M, which is spot on synergy in all ways, but it's currently ridiculously priced.

https://www.aliexpress.us/item/3256804319483787.html

Yeah, the P-M loves TOOBS and r2r.

---

I discovered 100% certified and jedi mind trick verified synergy sisters!! The ISN EBC80 + Sony NW-A55 + FiiO Q1 II (with FiiO L27 IC). The bass whoops!! It bangs!! The BCD helps create stage and atmosphere that is typically a weak link with Sony DAPs. Plus the Sony house sound helps with the EST timbre. It's a perfect synergy!

*I'm feeling deja vu*

 

[ToneDeafMonk]

Tubes! And NUTUBE and Volume Wheel!

 

[FreeWheelinAudioLuv2]

Tubes! And NUTUBE and Volume Wheel!

What is it?

---

So I was able to get this for $50.00 on Ebay. NiceHCK NX7 MK III. I was surprised to find it, as this is no longer available, and though every single NX7 series IEM failed on me (minus the NX7 MK IV, but I sold that one off recently, so it didn't really get the chance), so it probably makes me insane that I would chase this NX7 MK III down, it was actually one of my bass addictions. The dual CNT driver (not many dual CNT out there in the wild) just hits differently. Uniquely textured. It's snappy, speedy, punchy, and yet resolute, and also has sub bass, so that it's impactful and balanced across the bass FR. Not to mention clean and transparent midrange, and a well executed treble, with air and shimmer without the sibilance and peakiness of the previous NX7 iterations, it's the most tastefully done V of all the NX7's. NiceHCK offered me a review discount for the NX8, as a consolation when my NX7 MK III died, but I declined. Didn't want an NX8. The MK IV sucked. I'm thinking the same of the NX8. Glad I waited. Should be in my ears by Monday?

 

[Ichos]

What is it?

Cayin RU-9?

 

[Ozboyblu]

Unboxed this AFUL (Maths Equation) P7. Will post some impressions later. Early Listening on DC-Elite was not that good, until I changed the already fitted stock small ear tips to medium tips to get any bass. But very worthy purchase so far.

I applaud your dedication to not miss a single thing.

Thanks I’m behind again lol. Page 10,048

Yeah, not a fan, I'm afraid. I probably just got too used to DX180's simplicity and very rare freezes.

DX180 was on my short list of DAP’s.

But this is on the way now. Should be Delivered Today.

It's with me! Give me a day or two to gather my first thoughts.

I’m sure you will like H60.

Really liking the P7 so far.


PS. Will catch up on the rest of the thread soon.

 

[FreeWheelinAudioLuv2]

Cayin RU-9?

Yeah, that's what it is, but still no release date or price.

 

[Ichos]

Yeah, that's what it is, but still no release date or price.

Not yet determined. They are going to have some kind of prototype at the Munich High End show.

 

[Okcerg]

My reaction is the same as Dandelion. 50% is still way too high. Still would make, say a KZ that was selling for $15.00 still sell for $40.00. So a cheap XINHS cable will still be close to $100. So mid fi IEMs will still be close to what we would have paid for the H60 or the Elysian Pilgrim or the Estrella for a low mid-fi IEM, so they need to come down to 25%, or pre groane insanity. Until then, it's a big nope from me.

Not sure I understand how these tariffs work. Why the super inflated prices on Aliex? Like the XINHS XH198 you posted for $536!?! Europe price is $64!!

Isn't 50% tariff on a $15 set:
15 + (15*0.5) = $22.5

And 25% tariff on a $15 set:
15 + (15*0.25) = $18.75

And the current 145% tariff on a $15 set:
15 + (15*1.45) = $36,75

(Thank God my phone's got a calculator)

 

[mikaik]

Just got this in and then bought a second set

I just found this on AliExpress:
C$101.08 | ZiSin-46 4-Core Litz HIFI Earphone Upgrade Cable With 3.5/2.5/4.4mm MMCX/QDC/TFZ 0.78 2Pin For MK4 Legacy2 Blessing3 Variations
https://a.aliexpress.com/_m06pqwL

I do like different sets: Yeah I do love bassier thicker sets that great technical performance and stage.

Loved the Surface Sooooo..Much

But tonights Chill Time is with the amazing DITA Audio Project M and the IBasso Audio DX340 with the NUTUBE AMP14 oh boy this is so good!


Also got notice of a New EPZ Dongle the TP35PRO in this baller color and ow links up to a companion app for EQ and stuff?

Same price as old one.
Now sports 3.5 TTRS mic output and The EQ can be set with the app.
Getting one soon to try out.

Is your Project-M getting a sliight yellow tint? I'm pretty sure mine are no longer 100% clear.