The discovery thread!

[WallofSoundz]

Those tariffs are reciprocal to the 100% plus tariffs placed on China by the United States. It isn't an official embargo, but might as well be. By definition, a tariff is a tax on the importer, which in the case of Aliexpress, is you. If Amazon imports iems from China they pay the tariff and pass the cost to you. A tariff is essentially an additional tax. There was an exemption for goods under $800 at one time, but that exemption is gone. Thus the prices you see at Aliexpress.

I do agree with you, this is an unofficial embargo but the store decided this for themselves. (The reply is to you, but ignore the rant below. Lolz.)

I didn't add enough detail earlier. Most of their items are IEM cables were between $30 and $80 in the past based on materials and configuration.
Now, after tariffs they increased tenfold on average per item in their shop.
$50 now cost $500+ - for a CABLE!

The G08 4-core cable's listing on Google has not updated to their new prices, but if I go to that item it costs 20 times the original amount>>>>

When you add this to your cart it says "Incl. import charges; est. other taxes: $32.40"

That's not even their higher end cables which are around $800 now. XINHS just decided they didn't want anyone with dollars to do transactions with them.
A 100% tariff should not be combated with a 900% price increase to the consumer.

This behavior is not deserving of a defense by any standard.

Now, I assume they will obviously return their prices to normal when trade fixes itself, but actions like these are outrageous even if temporary.

To add a little more info, usually on Aliexpress the company can choose to no longer ship to a country instead of leave the listing up.
Some fool might buy this...

 

[Leonarfd]

Ordered the new 634ears LOAK-PROTOTYPE 00 that has a monitor type tuning, as I am a little sensitive to upper mids and high frequencies I have been excited for something like this to be made. Many of the 634models been quite aggressive in the pina, with some exceptions being a little tamer like Tenora and TX02.

So a set that is less colored and more flat could be perfect for my taste, hopefully it should arrive before I travel to Munich this weekend so I can take it with me for the travel. Ordered the brass closed back, actually my 4th model from 634ears and will be interesting to see if it can top my flagship tc02.

Information from Masashi about the model:

LOAK-PROTOTYPE 00
LOAK-PROTOTYPE 00 (Monitor Sound Tuning Model)

Front : Titanium(CNC)
Body : Titanium(3D Printing)
Rear : Wood,Brass.

This is a custom-built LOAK2 model featuring monitor-style sound tuning. It was originally created as a test unit, but the sound turned out to be exceptional, so I’d like to introduce it.

The housing is based on the LOAK-PROTOTYPE, and two versions were produced: one with a brass backplate, and another open-back type using African Blackwood.

LOAK2-TX01 and TX02 are known for their rich, bold, and powerful sound signatures, but they don’t particularly excel in resolution or clarity. To explore a more modern sound, I created this test model by applying tension to the diaphragm, resulting in a sharper, high-resolution sound with clear and well-defined notes.

By tuning the driver this way, it becomes capable of delivering delicate, fast-reacting sound. However, this also tends to produce sharpness in the high frequencies. To address this issue, I implemented a two-layer filter system: one directly in front of the driver to suppress the harshness, and another inside the front nozzle of the housing to reduce resonance.

As a result, the treble remains very mild and easy to listen to, without making the overall sound too soft. It retains delicacy and precision. Additionally, this dual-filter design reduces internal reverberation and coloration, contributing to a highly neutral and honest tonal balance.

Normally, increasing the density of filters in the front nozzle leads to a smoother and more listener-friendly sound at the expense of losing treble extension and micro-detail. However, in this test model, because the driver tuning emphasizes sharpness and intensity, the filters bring it back into balance, achieving a pleasant, well-rounded sound. The closest current model would be the TX03, but this tuning feels even smoother and more transparent.

While this kind of honest and straightforward sound may not be ideal for those who enjoy boldness, reverberation, or rich ambiance, it’s an excellent match for analytical or monitor-style listening.

The closed type with a brass back is slightly stronger in sound than the open type with an African blackwood back. On the other hand, the open type seems to provide a more natural and uncoloured sound.

I am currently developing ideas for a new earphone model, and this test helped me explore what kind of sound signature I should pursue before moving into driver and housing design. While the sound is the complete opposite of the dynamic, expressive tuning found in TX01 and TX02, I personally find it extremely listenable—natural, uncolored, and impressively well-balanced.

What stood out most is that the treble remains smooth and easy to listen to without harshness or fatigue—yet it doesn’t come at the expense of clarity or extension. It feels like the testing was well worth the effort.

 

[perrew]

The Armor could be the most fun iems i tried in the last year.
They have outstanding bass, energetic and dynamic sound.
I just can't stop using them.
They probably the 3rd iems that i would give them 5/5 star.
My second best purchase of the year (after the sound rhyme SR8).
This year i got iems like 64 Audio U4S, Softears Studio 4, BGVP Phantom, EJ07, moondrop Kadenz, SLT6, Punch, Himalaya.
So saying that they are my 2nd favorite this year is unbelievable achievement.

Did you use the stock cable on the SR8s or try anything else you liked?

 

[krafty]

Wow if you all keep this HYPE train up for the Archangel, I might be more and more tempted by it, no matter how I feel about the looks.

I tried looking for these this morning and I couldn't find them. Is it me or possibly not showing certain things to US customers?

 

[Hypops]

I tried looking for these this morning and I couldn't find them. Is it me or possibly not showing certain things to US customers?

They don't show up for me (I'm also in the US), but I won't mention why because the mods keep deleting any of my posts with the "t" word in it.

 

[pk4425]

Any guidance as to why the mods keep deleting my posts any time I mention tariffs, but other posters seem to be fine discussing them? Heck, other posters seem to be able to get away with name-calling leveled at the current US president without getting posts deleted. Is that just because someone keeps reporting my posts? It's becoming annoying and increasingly frequent.

A post I made about the "improved" tariffs today got deleted, too. Whatever. It's not my forum; I don't make the rules.

This stuff isn't that important to me that I'm going to get worked about crossing over an imaginary line, even if it seems like that line shifts. That's fine. Again, it's their forum; I just visit here.

 

[Vonbuddy]

Mine got deleted today, too. Whatever. It's not my forum; I don't make the rules.

This stuff isn't that important to me that I'm going to get worked about crossing over an imaginary line, even if it seems like that line shifts. That's fine. Again, it's their forum; I just visit here.

This site does not allow political discourse, and any diversion from tariffs to political discourse will be deleted. I can speak to this firsthand. The tariffs as a price issue might be ok, but there is no discussion regarding why they exist.

 

[ICYGENIUS]

Hello friends, I often hear the question, is it really possible to get a noticeable increase in sound quality just by replacing the cable?
With cable Penon ASOS, you can!
And not just at the level of “seeming”, but with concrete changes in the stage, articulation, transparency and flow.
And in this very detailed and structured review I will tell you in detail how this audiophile cable affects the sound in real conditions.
I tested ASOS with different IEMs from the technical and analytical ISN H60 to the more neutral and warm Penon Quattro and the result was much more interesting than you might expect!

Pros: Combined conductivity - copper-silver core alloy + monocrystalline copper gives an excellent combination of density and transparency in sound.
High quality silver plating - emphasizes detail, improves attack, and makes upper frequencies cleaner and more refined without being too harsh.
Balanced delivery - the cable does not color the sound, but emphasizes its strengths: the stage becomes wider, the midrange becomes more intelligible, and the bass becomes more collected.
Excellent macro and micro dynamics - adds a sense of air, depth, volume, especially when connected to balanced sources.
Ideal for hybrid IEMs - helps to better connect the work of different drivers (dynamic and armature), making the delivery merged and whole.
Supports 2.5mm / 4.4mm balance and SE 3.5mm - the versatile 3-in-1 modular connector covers all connection options at once, without unnecessary adapters.
Lightweight and flexible - despite the 8 cores, the cable is soft, doesn't chafe, fits comfortably behind the ear, and doesn't pull the IEM down.
No microphonic effect - no rustling sounds when moving, which is especially important for comfortable portable listening.
Reliable connectors and fittings - quality assembly with carbon fiber inserts and metal retainers inspire confidence in durability.
Transparent insulation of high class - not only protects, but also emphasizes the beauty of conductors, aesthetically the cable looks expensive.
Improved quality even with budget IEMs - the cable unlocks the potential of not only flagships, but also gives a boost to mid-range headphones.
Audiophile character without kinks - the sound becomes cleaner, more voluminous and technical, with excellent preservation of naturalness in sound delivery.

Cons: It is quite heavy compared to other cables that you may come across, but I think it can be forgiven for the sound

Welcome to the detailed review: https://www.head-fi.org/showcase/penon-asos.26795/review/37998

 

[nikbr]

Something came. Something big came.

Thanks to AG tours I can finally spend some time with these blingies! It's the Letshuoer Cadenza 12.

 

[Hypops]

A post I made about the "improved" tariffs today got deleted, too. Whatever. It's not my forum; I don't make the rules.

This stuff isn't that important to me that I'm going to get worked about crossing over an imaginary line, even if it seems like that line shifts. That's fine. Again, it's their forum; I just visit here.

I 100% agree. Ordinarily it's not an issue for me, and I totally get why a post gets deleted. But lately, it's been happening arbitrarily and more often. I've had a handful of posts deleted that I thought were well within the realm of non-political discourse. One was even restored (without any dispute from me). Just gets annoying when it keeps happening, even when I go out of my way to avoid what I think the mods might find "political." And, yes, this is not a public forum. Totally with you.

If this keeps up, I'm just going to shift to a different forum (most of the folks here also regularly post elsewhere anyway).

 

[FreeWheelinAudioLuv2]

Is this a new cable? It’s not on their website…

Also, heard, this morning on the news, that the reciprocal trade tariff will be reduced to 10%, for 90 days. Now, this is the reciprocal tariff; however, what was the tariff prior to the increase on electronics, like IEM’s and cables? Also, the de minimis exemption is not being discussed.

So, what does this truly mean?

It means the golden age of CHEAP is over. Boils down to that, then hopefully things will go back to normal, but for the time being, goods won't be as cheap as before. Maybe add $5.00 to the price tag now? $5.00-$8.00 more PER ITEM.

Alright guys, I've managed to fix the cable with my Penon Archangel. Thanks so much @Dsnuts for your suggestion to use a hairdryer. The iem are now sitting better in my ears and I don't need to spend money on another cable so that's a win for me.

I've listened last night for a about an hour using NF MS42 S size eartips, BUT get this, despite being a very chunky iem, every eartip works with it, I can't believe it honestly. I mean TRI Clarion, Divinus Wide Bore, EVEN the Tangzu Normal and wide bore works, what magic is this?? I was never able to use those tips on my other iems but Archangel nozzles somewhat makes them work. I haven't tested them in the long run how they feel in my ears but now I have so many option to choose from and all of them changed the sound to the point where I don't even know what to pick. I would say a wide bore tip will work better on Archangel but it will take a while for me to test them all.
For now with NF MS42 S size works and after an hour of listening there was a slight discomfort on my right ear, but not the left one surprisingly. With H60 6.9mm nozzles after 30-35 minutes of listening I was having a lot of pain in both of my ears so I'm glad Archangel seems to fit a lot better (more test to be done here).

Now that I rambled a lot about eartips and comfort, well, how do they sound??

OH MY GOD! So... words... difficult to find them to describe this beauties. Just wanna say a BIG THANK YOU to @FreeWheelinAudioLuv2 for his comparison with H60! You're the man, mate! This is the UPGRADE that I've wanted after departing with my beloved H60. I mean WOW!!! Archangel is a pure monster, A H60 on steroids if I may.
I don't know about EBC80 and Shocks, I didn't have these iems to test but for me this Archangel is THE UPGRADE to my H60.

The bass... those carbon nanotubes are not joke folks. The bass is visceral, tight, punchy, I mean my MG800 has a very good subbass with a very good rumble but Archangel is simply in another league. Just wow!

Mids
Do you expect anything other than simply magical?
We have the Penon mids here: sweet, creamy and syrupy. Exactly like H60!
Intruments, male and female voices sound incredible. I had tears in my eyes while listening last night. I don't remember who posted a few pages ago a song by Men I Trust - To Ease You. Incredible song so I decided to look more into them and I absolutely love this band. Emma's voice is angelic and Archangel truly shows that.



Another band that I discovered thanks to @FreeWheelinAudioLuv2 is Magnolia Park and their new album VAMP. The song "Crave" is my favorite and it sounds thunderous on Archangel.



There are some OST from Need For Speed: Porsche Unleashed 2000 that I enjoy. I don't know if you guys played NFS in your childhood but I grew up with this games. I really recommend you to give these OST a try. Made by Saki Kaskas (RIP) and Rom Di Prisco.



Also some cool guy made these covers from NFS II OST:



There's also another great composer Mellow Sonic that made remixes of these OST's. Check it out if you have time!


Treble
Very extended, lots of sparkles but never fatigue and this comes from a guy who is treble sensitive. This treble reminds me of Fiio FA19 which cost $1000. I admit I didn't like the tunning of FA19 but the treble stood out to me. On Archangel I was shocked! Those sonion BA's are showing every detail, every nuances like a champ. Simply outstanding! I'm not really a treble guy, I just don't care that much because bass and mids are more important to me BUT this treble is just mind blowing to me.

The Soundstage
An explosion of sound coming from all directions, man and I thought my MG800 has a huge soundstage and indeed they have BUT Archangel goes to another level completely. I guess those BC drivers really help with the stage expansion. I've never heard anything this big before.

I just can't ended here. I need to say more about this Archangel. We all like to listen to music here but I believe the most important aspect is how these iems make you feel while listening.
Archangel takes you on a trip like you're in a another dimension, just you and the music surrounding you. Guys, is just... an ethereal thing. I know I've praised this so much but for me this is it, the end game iem. I can't possible ask for more because Archangel gives you everything you want. This iem represents the saying "you can have your cake and eat it too".
I won't lie saying I won't ever purchase another iem but at $800 I'm set. I would probably explore the $300 market just for curiosity sake.

Thank you for reading this far!

You're welcome, my friend. Anytime. It's always fun, and yes indeed, it is the pure UPGRADE to the H60. No doubt. So much so, that I try not to listen to the H60 after the Archangel, as to not introduce any performance bias into my H60 listening pleasure. You did a fantastic job of describing the Archangel. Spot on! Yeah, these things are playing in the clouds in my rotation. WORTH. EVERY. PENNY. Penon did it again.

Messaging with XINHS this morning on Aliexpress. They are saying the final tariff right now, to the US, is 34%. I’m still trying to figure out where the extra 24% is coming from. Do we know what the original tariff was, prior to the massive rise in tariff?

Sounds to be XINHS is fudging with the tax, so they can continue to charge more for their cables? I got one thing to say to them for that, and it's something I can't say here without risk of banning. I already see some stores bringing down their pricing accordingly (like for my IEM cases), so if XINHS doesn't follow suit soon, they will be on my no-fly zone list.

This seems like a solid choice, shame it doesnt have DSP capacity for OS other than android. You mentioned that its able to drive various IEMs, I just wanted to check if you have tried them on some really power hungry sets like the deuce or scarlet?

That’s actually good question. It’s defo interesting to see the steady flow of review units despite the tariffs. The common approach which we are all familiar with is marking them as "sample" or "evaluation unit," which usually allows them to bypass regular import duties since they are usually non commercial items and depending on the declared value and purpose. Additionally, i am assuming some companies might be using distribution hubs in regions with more favorable trade agreements before shipping to the US, effectively sidestepping direct import fees.

Between you and @Hypops, this makes a lot of sense. This is probably the case?

I do agree with you, this is an unofficial embargo but the store decided this for themselves. (The reply is to you, but ignore the rant below. Lolz.)

I didn't add enough detail earlier. Most of their items are IEM cables were between $30 and $80 in the past based on materials and configuration.
Now, after tariffs they increased tenfold on average per item in their shop.
$50 now cost $500+ - for a CABLE!

The G08 4-core cable's listing on Google has not updated to their new prices, but if I go to that item it costs 20 times the original amount>>>>


When you add this to your cart it says "Incl. import charges; est. other taxes: $32.40"

That's not even their higher end cables which are around $800 now. XINHS just decided they didn't want anyone with dollars to do transactions with them.
A 100% tariff should not be combated with a 900% price increase to the consumer.

This behavior is not deserving of a defense by any standard.

Now, I assume they will obviously return their prices to normal when trade fixes itself, but actions like these are outrageous even if temporary.

To add a little more info, usually on Aliexpress the company can choose to no longer ship to a country instead of leave the listing up.
Some fool might buy this...

As I mentioned above, this is blatant price gouging (revenge pricing), and hopefully folks like cary, in direct talks with XINHS, will help in bringing them to their senses?

I tried looking for these this morning and I couldn't find them. Is it me or possibly not showing certain things to US customers?

You have to reach out to Penon directly in DM. You'll be pleased when you do.

Only two more things to add....

The Juzear x ZEOS Defiant is a BEAST!! So any of those initial positive impressions that have come in....I AGREE %

Also, the H20 is such a fun IEM. Now the Defiant is like a less mid bassy, cleaner and clearer H20, yet both are musical.

 

[Hypops]

The Juzear x ZEOS Defiant is a BEAST!! So any of those initial positive impressions that have come in....I AGREE %

I was already interested in the Defiant based solely on its looks (the green one, obvs). Sounding great is a bonus!

 

[Jamsblast]

Hello Folks!, my review for this Niche tuned IEM, the FAAEAL Tulip, is up, enjoy it!:
Review of the FAAEAL Tulip by Jamsblast

 

[pk4425]

If this keeps up, I'm just going to shift to a different forum (most of the folks here also regularly post elsewhere anyway).

I'm sure those forums also have no-politics rules that are somewhat malleable, too. As they say, the grass isn't always greener ...

As I said, I'm just a guest here. I call no shots, therefore I won't complain about moderation. Just grateful Head-fi exists, in general, as an alternative to the pu pu platter of horrible advice, idiocy and misinformation at less-niche places like Reddit and X.

 

[Hypops]

I'm sure those forums also have no-politics rules that are somewhat malleable, too. As they say, the grass isn't always greener ...

As I said, I'm just a guest here. I call no shots, therefore I won't complain about moderation. Just grateful Head-fi exists, in general, as an alternative to the pu pu platter of horrible advice, idiocy and misinformation at less-niche places like Reddit and X.

Spoiler: OT: deleted posts

I agree (again?). It's not the "no politics" rule I'm annoyed by. I understand and (mostly) agree with its purpose. This place would be a hellscape without it. But something's busted with the reporting or enforcement of the policy when multiple non-political posts get deleted for being political.