The discovery thread!

[MakeItWain]

Also, I've been wondering where both @MakeItWain and @pk4425 have gotten to? Both have been MIA for over a week. They both off on a two-person hike of the Andes together?

Aha. I've been around just been buried with work, personal things, and general trying to really get caught up on submitting things. I'm behind by like 30 pages. Hopefully next week will have two vids dropping and I'll be able to be more active.

Quill is more balanced sounding than it looks in the bass, but oh my goodness, I’ve basically listened almost straight for 2 hours… note weight, midrange and treble weight is so, so good.

---

Speaking of bass!

I would be remiss if I didn't drop something off.

FlipEars Aegis review drop! This is a 1 DD + 1 BCD IEM. In my video and a few other places, I didn't have the opportunity to confirm but per the marketing material, the Aegis actually has a different DD than the FlipEars Legion. Same size, just different.

As usual, here's a general breakdown of pros/cons!

Pros: -Warm, bassy sound
-Bass is deep, punchy, engaging, bassier sounding than the Legion
-Mids are forward, excellent detail with instruments and vocals are full and excellent. Note weight is phenomenal. Very full presentation on mid range.
-Treble is pleasant, smooth
-Technical performance is good - soundstage is amazing, good overall separation
-Accessories are amazing! Seriously, great collection of tips, cable, carrying case.
-Gorgeous looks, smaller shell size could be a better fit vs Legion

Cons: -Not as balanced as Legion - this is a more musical, colored presentation of music.
-Treble is tilted down so wouldn't satisfy people craving balance or treble
-Ideally, neutral source is King here as it's already pretty colored in tonality. Can get a bit tooooo warm with Tubes (not a bad thing but finding the right balance is good)
-Not as technical as Legion. Bass can sound a bit softer/boomier.

Overall: the Aegis is one of my favorite basshead sets under $1k and is the best blend of bass, warmth and engagement.

It's a 5/5 for me and an easy recommendation. It is so dang guuuuud.

 

[Erkil]

I first posted this in the watercooler thread, and someone quickly pointed out that maybe the folk there are in a different price class. So.......

Hey Guys: It has been a while since I dipped my toes into a thread. I have been happy over the past year with my Tangzu HBB Heydays, yet want to move forward with a set that is a bit better in treble and a bit better in bass slam and impact. Still looking at about $200 max.

I heard my friends Hype 4 a few weeks ago and was duly impressed. Wondering if there is anything close for about half what that sells for.

Also looking for an interim piece to buy immediately for under $50. I have had a few of these DD iems over the years and the one that stood out was the Titan S, although it was a bit prickly in the lower treble. Klean caught my eye, but not sure.

Any thoughts and ideas will help me so much. I appreciate the wealth of recent experience, especially of the chifi discovery guys. While I have been here for over 20 yrs, I only buy a set or so every year or so.

And the reason I did not post in the recommendation thread is that it gets no responses. I have tried that route in the past.

Maybe ZiiGaat x HBB: Arcadia would suit you perfectly? . I think it would be exactly as you described vs Heyday.

 

[Redcarmoose]

R E V I E W
https://www.head-fi.org/showcase/kiwi-ears-atheia.28059/reviews#review-37981

Atheia by Kiwi ears:
A coaxial driver configuration that is also angled enabling two stage responses, as you can put the headphones on backwards and change the cable terminals.
14.5mm x 50mm:

Exquisite top venting: Complete sound blockage so as not to disturb your significant other!

Build to die for:

Every style of the aluminum alloy build (except for the rods) is finished perfectly flat black, no matter where on the headphone.

 

[jbfps116]

I first posted this in the watercooler thread, and someone quickly pointed out that maybe the folk there are in a different price class. So.......

Hey Guys: It has been a while since I dipped my toes into a thread. I have been happy over the past year with my Tangzu HBB Heydays, yet want to move forward with a set that is a bit better in treble and a bit better in bass slam and impact. Still looking at about $200 max.

I heard my friends Hype 4 a few weeks ago and was duly impressed. Wondering if there is anything close for about half what that sells for.

Also looking for an interim piece to buy immediately for under $50. I have had a few of these DD iems over the years and the one that stood out was the Titan S, although it was a bit prickly in the lower treble. Klean caught my eye, but not sure.

Any thoughts and ideas will help me so much. I appreciate the wealth of recent experience, especially of the chifi discovery guys. While I have been here for over 20 yrs, I only buy a set or so every year or so.

And the reason I did not post in the recommendation thread is that it gets no responses. I have tried that route in the past.

CKLVX CK2V.
One of the best bargains right now (assuming you don’t worry about tariffs,)
Class-leading bass, and far extended treble brilliancy that doesn’t sound fatiguing.

Wow, this is good info. First one I checked was the EW300 via Paul Wasabii's review. His biases align fairly well with mine. And I am impressed. My impression of most Simgot models were that they would be way to lean and bright for me, yet this one seem worthy. I still have to vet?? the others of course , but I am very appreciative of the suggestions.

Cheers!

This is an amazing budget pick. It comes with warmer nozzles if you don’t want a bright sound. You can also use gold-plated copper cables to give it a smoother sound.

Ultra-budget: KZ ZVX Pro. Insane value.

 

[jaz2097]

Neutral Never Sounded This Good – A Dive Into the Kinera Thorking"

Pros

• Surprisingly comfortable despite its size
• A balanced / natural sound signature tuned for clarity and resolution
• Separation and Imaging is class leading
• Good soundstage
• Very easy to drive
• Very good isolation when music is playing

Cons

• Stock cable could have been better
• Heavy shells

This is my first time with a Kinera IEM though I have used their cables in the past. Thank you to the AG group for providing me with a chance to review this gorgeous IEM.

Musical Preferences – I like listening to EDM and Lo-fi music along with a bit of other genres thrown in.

Build Quality and Comfort – The body is made of a sandblasted and oxidized aluminum and it was good to wear even though its summer out here. This IEM is quite large and chonky but quite comfortable to wear. I used it with Divinus velvet standard tips for this review. They stayed put in my ears. I asked my friend who has smaller ears to try this out and he found it extremely comfortable so chances are there it may fit well for most ears. Its weight is on the heavier side but thanks to the secure fit there was no discomfort. I used this while travelling to office and noticed that it has excellent isolation once music is playing.

Cable used – The stock cable provided is thin, light weight and quite decent but I used a Effect Audio 8W Ares cable for this review. I think it pairs wonderfully with this IEM and I felt a slight improvement in the bass compared to the stock cable.

Sources used and drivability – This IEM has a low impedance of 10 ohms and is extremely easy to drive. I had no issues running it off dongles such as the Cayin Ru7 and the Acoustune AS2002. Usually the AS2002 dongle gets quite warm during use but with this IEM it stayed quite cool. It ran perfectly well with the Hiby R4 too. So, this one can be easily used for portable or stationary use.

Sound Impressions - The first thing that you notice is the immense clarity and the wide soundstage. All instruments are given their own space in the mix. Everything sounds pristine with good separation and clarity. This is a neutral IEM but each element in the mix stands out.

Bass – The Thorking comes with a single DD handling the bass and it does a wonderful job. This IEM has a neutral tuning and does not emphasize the bass too much. Still, it’s quite enjoyable and can present itself when called for. The bass texture is also excellent. I listened to a lot of EDM tracks and never felt it lacking bass or impact. This may not be suitable for bassheads or folks looking for a meaty / thick mid bass focused sound.

Midrange – The vocals feel very natural and one can easily make it out from the mix as there is no bass bleed. Both Male and female vocals sound good with good body and note weight. Even though it has a neutral profile vocals sound exciting and fun. I mostly listen to EDM and lofi music but I enjoyed listening to a lot of vocal tracks while testing as they sound fantastic.

Treble – The treble quality is exceptional with immense clarity and resolution. Micro details can be enjoyed easily through tracks. There is absolutely no sibilance and its extremely easy to listen to this IEM for extended durations. The treble is also airy.

Soundstage – It’s got a wide soundstage with good depth. This IEM had excellent imaging and I could pin point out different instruments wrapped around me. Out of all the IEMS I had the pleasure of testing this one nails the imaging. This combination of wide soundstage and excellent imaging can be a perfect to watch movies and TV shows along with music.

Conclusion - I am primarily a basshead and prefer good bass in my IEMS but despite being a little light on the bass I enjoyed this IEM. The extreme clarity in the mids and treble was very refreshing and I thoroughly enjoyed my time with the Thorking.

 

[linconleandro]

Hi, guy
Has anyone bought an IEM cable made of UPOCC material? For transparency, is it better than OCC 7N plated with palladium silver?
Any new releases?

 

[Hypops]

Hi, guy
Has anyone bought an IEM cable made of UPOCC material? For transparency, is it better than OCC 7N plated with palladium silver?
Any new releases?

Both types refer to the "Ohno Continuous Cast" method, but AFAIK "UPOCC" is the generic term ("UP" just means "ultra-pure"), while "7N" is a specific degree of purity (to seven digits, or 99.99999% purity). UPOCC could be 8N or 7N, but it could also be a slightly less pure 6N, 5N, or 4N OCC. I usually assume that if a cable manufacturer calls their material "UPOCC," it's probably on the lower end of the purity scale. Otherwise, they'd advertise its purity level.

I don't buy cables based on how they sound, but I do buy them based on their materials/build quality. When I'm shopping for cables, I try to stick to 7N OCC. I also stay away from hybrid cables and any conductor materials that aren't copper (mostly because copper is a known quantity that has long been the audio industry standard). As for plating, some folks claim they can hear a difference. I can't. IMO plating is only there to minimize the natural corrosion/oxidation process of copper.

 

[linconleandro]

Both types refer to the "Ohno Continuous Cast" method, but AFAIK "UPOCC" is the generic term ("UP" just means "ultra-pure"), while "7N" is a specific degree of purity (to seven digits, or 99.99999% purity). UPOCC could be 7N, but it could also be a slightly less pure 6N, 5N, or 4N OCC.

I don't buy cables based on how they sound, but I do buy them based on their materials/build quality. When I'm shopping for cables, I try to stick to 7N OCC. I also stay away from hybrid conductors and any conductor materials that aren't copper (mostly because copper is a known quantity that has long been the audio industry standard). As for plating, some folks claim they can hear a difference. I don't. IMO plating is only there to minimize the natural corrosion/oxidation process of copper.

If you can help me?!
Regarding your experience with materials and sound, which one would you recommend NICI, Xinhs or IvipQ?
https://pt.aliexpress.com/item/1005006181448767.html
https://pt.aliexpress.com/item/1005004169927151.html
https://pt.aliexpress.com/item/1005008276237004.html

 

[Hypops]

If you can help me?!

Happy to give some input, but remember that I buy cables for build quality, not for sound.

Regarding your experience with materials and sound, which one would you recommend NICI, Xinhs or IvipQ?
https://pt.aliexpress.com/item/1005006181448767.html

This is a graphene cable. I stick to copper. But many folks around here like graphene for its supposed impact on sound. I have owned and used a graphene cable in the past. It worked.

https://pt.aliexpress.com/item/1005004169927151.html
https://pt.aliexpress.com/item/1005008276237004.html

I'm in the US, so I'm geo-blocked from both of these offerings unfortunately. But Xinhs and iviPq are excellent cable manufacturers. I don't have any direct experience with NICI. Usually in the description, there are a few details I pay close attention to. I look for the conductor material, the type of core/winding structure, and the connector/plug material. Even better is when cable manufacturers also give you an impedance rating. Unless you're trying to deliberately color the sound, lower is better (< 0.3 Ω is good; < 0.2 Ω is excellent).

 

[linconleandro]

Happy to give some input, but remember that I buy cables for build quality, not for sound.


This is a graphene cable. I stick to copper. But many folks around here like graphene for its supposed impact on sound. I have owned and used a graphene cable in the past. It worked.


I'm in the US, so I'm geo-blocked from both of these offerings unfortunately. But Xinhs and iviPq are excellent cable manufacturers. I don't have any direct experience with NICI. Usually in the description, there are a few details I pay close attention to. I look for the conductor material, the type of core/winding structure, and the connector/plug material. Even better is when cable manufacturers also give you an impedance rating. Unless you're trying to deliberately color the sound, lower is better (< 0.3 Ω is good; < 0.2 Ω is excellent).

I didn't know about UPOCC in graphene. Is it really possible?

 

[pk4425]

Also, I've been wondering where both @MakeItWain and @pk4425 have gotten to? Both have been MIA for over a week. They both off on a two-person hike of the Andes together?

Appreciate the search party for my whereabouts. I'm not in South America -- I'm in Indiana.

I'm working the Indy 500. 8 a.m.-9 p.m. every day for 20 straight days. Fingers welded to a keyboard and eyes glued to a laptop screen non-stop. Every day is like riding the Banzai Pipeline on a long board and just hoping you make it to shore in one piece.

You'll see my name on many stories at these two sites (https://www.indycar.com/ and https://www.indynxt.com/), and I edit every one that doesn't have my byline. Also source, size and post all photos, post all stories, direct my two writers and arrange the order of all editorial and video content on both sites. I'm also the mayor of the Island of Misfit Toys for media members with questions and needs because I've been around so long.

My days:
6:30 a.m.: Get up. Shower. Eat. Light workout.
8 a.m.: Get to track. Start balls-out work.
9 p.m.: Get back from track. Cook dinner. Eat. Watch hockey.
11 p.m.: Go to bed.

Rinse, wash, repeat for 20 straight days, and I'm in the midst of 41 consecutive days without a day off due to races before and after the 500. I know there are far more taxing jobs, but this month is my annual ultimate test of mental and physical stamina. It's relentless sausage grinder -- probably why I want to retire after next season. I've done this for 30+ years, and I turn 60 at the end of this month. Sometimes I feel like I'm 80.

So, yeah, I'm going to be scarce posting and reading here until June. Good timing, though, as the Mango Maggot's import taxes on the American people (let's call them what they are, folks) have evaporated my interest in nearly all new models, as @FreeWheelinAudioLuv2 said. Plus, I'm quite stoked with my current lineup and content to wait out this madness or pursue new models on the used market down the line.

Carry on, boys. Happy listening. I'll eavesdrop when I can. Hope you're all well, and Happy Mother's Day to the moms in your life.

Thanks.

 

[Leonarfd]

Kiwi Ears Septet and Kiwi Ears Astral

Two new deliveries this week, unpacked them today for a photoshoot and some listening. Busy schedule forward in my life, but I will try and give them daily ear time at work or at home. Both of them sound good for me, with a little less brightness on Astral than Septet that I prefer. Septet is probably more technical and fast, with the Astral a little smoother and relaxed.

 

[Hypops]

Aha. I've been around just been buried with work, personal things, and general trying to really get caught up on submitting things. I'm behind by like 30 pages. Hopefully next week will have two vids dropping and I'll be able to be more active.

---

Speaking of bass!

I would be remiss if I didn't drop something off.

FlipEars Aegis review drop! This is a 1 DD + 1 BCD IEM. In my video and a few other places, I didn't have the opportunity to confirm but per the marketing material, the Aegis actually has a different DD than the FlipEars Legion. Same size, just different.

As usual, here's a general breakdown of pros/cons!

Pros: -Warm, bassy sound
-Bass is deep, punchy, engaging, bassier sounding than the Legion
-Mids are forward, excellent detail with instruments and vocals are full and excellent. Note weight is phenomenal. Very full presentation on mid range.
-Treble is pleasant, smooth
-Technical performance is good - soundstage is amazing, good overall separation
-Accessories are amazing! Seriously, great collection of tips, cable, carrying case.
-Gorgeous looks, smaller shell size could be a better fit vs Legion

Cons: -Not as balanced as Legion - this is a more musical, colored presentation of music.
-Treble is tilted down so wouldn't satisfy people craving balance or treble
-Ideally, neutral source is King here as it's already pretty colored in tonality. Can get a bit tooooo warm with Tubes (not a bad thing but finding the right balance is good)
-Not as technical as Legion. Bass can sound a bit softer/boomier.

Overall: the Aegis is one of my favorite basshead sets under $1k and is the best blend of bass, warmth and engagement.

It's a 5/5 for me and an easy recommendation. It is so dang guuuuud.

Appreciate the search party for my whereabouts. I'm not in South America -- I'm in Indiana.

I'm working the Indy 500. 8 a.m.-9 p.m. every day for 20 straight days. Fingers welded to a keyboard and eyes glued to a laptop screen non-stop. Every day is like riding the Banzai Pipeline on a long board and just hoping you make it to shore in one piece.

You'll see my name on many stories at these two sites (https://www.indycar.com/ and https://www.indynxt.com/), and I edit every one that doesn't have my byline. Also source, size and post all photos, post all stories, direct my two writers and arrange the order of all editorial and video content on both sites. I'm also the mayor of the Island of Misfit Toys for media members with questions and needs because I've been around so long.

My days:
6:30 a.m.: Get up. Shower. Eat. Light workout.
8 a.m.: Get to track. Start balls-out work.
9 p.m.: Get back from track. Cook dinner. Eat. Watch hockey.
11 p.m.: Go to bed.

Rinse, wash, repeat for 20 straight days, and I'm in the midst of 41 consecutive days without a day off due to races before and after the 500. I know there are far more taxing jobs, but this month is my annual ultimate test of mental and physical stamina. It's relentless sausage grinder -- probably why I want to retire after next season. I've done this for 30+ years, and I turn 60 at the end of this month. Sometimes I feel like I'm 80.

So, yeah, I'm going to be scarce posting and reading here until June. Good timing, though, as the Mango Maggot's import taxes on the American people (let's call them what they are, folks) have evaporated my interest in nearly all new models, as @FreeWheelinAudioLuv2 said. Plus, I'm quite stoked with my current lineup and content to wait out this madness or pursue new models on the used market down the line.

Carry on, boys. Happy listening. I'll eavesdrop when I can. Hope you're all well, and Happy Mother's Day to the moms in your life.

Thanks.

I dunno… I smell a cover up.

But seriously, good to hear from you both. Good luck in your respective occupations! I just hit my big downtime for the year (my academic year just ended last week), so I’m looking for the party!

 

[ToneDeafMonk]

Having some fun this Mother's Day
I bought these on AliExpress they were supposed to be a beyerdynamic Xelento 2 1:1 clone
With some Divinus Tips 350 Mesh filter they make a pretty fun set.

 

[Ineras]

How did you manage to remove the stock DC-E volume knob? Mine seems really stuck, feels like something's gonna break if I try to force it off.