The discovery thread!

[GroovyAudio]

Man, the time and effort you put into this Ear Tip post is Unbelievable. Congratulations on being pinned to the disco thread first page. This post reads like a documentary and I’m totally here for it.

Nice photos, and impressions.

Thanks! It took a couple of hours. The hardest things were the pictures, like the correct angle and lighting.

As for Archangel, I've just sold it today, sadly. This is the last time I'll buy big iems, guys. I'm just tired of hoping these iems will fit me. I should have learned my lesson a long time ago but here we are, better late than ever.
I'm gonna stick with $200-$300 range from now.
Also Hifigo shipped the DDHiFi Surface today so I'll share my impressions when they arrive in 10 days.

 

[jotaerre]

8 DAC chips is also the original DX260.

Yes, I know. But 8 seems exaggerated to me. It's a matter of marketing?

 

[Aetherhole]

Just cross posting this from the WC and the Quill threads. Here’s my review of the Quill Satin:

https://www.head-fi.org/showcase/quill-acoustics-satin.28190/reviews#review-38082

Would welcome impressions and comments!

 

[mathe0]

Great purchase, this will only grow on you further. I've said it multiple times already, it's a pausegame set. And a looong pause at that. Try different sources if you've got the chance, midbass is tremendous to my ears.

Totally agree with you - it’s definitely a pausegame set! I don’t plan on buying any new IEMs for the next few months, I’m just going to enjoy these and explore their full potential.

That said, I’d love to hear your thoughts on source pairing. Right now I’m using a Tempotec V6 and an iBasso DC04 PRO, but I’m starting to look for my next source. There are so many options out there that I’m honestly a bit lost. Any recommendations?

 

[nikbr]

I/O Volare vs Ruviest Prelude

• 1DD+4BA+4EST vs 1DD+6BA
• ~600€ vs ~350-400€
• Black vs Colourful

So this is an interesting comparison of two IEMs I enjoy quite a bit. First one has been loaned to me by @bithalver (thank you!) while the second one I have bought myself. So, I desperately need the second one to win! LOL, no, I'll keep this fair and square. Here are my thoughts, iBasso DX180 is my source of choice.

Bass
For the low lows I still reach for The House of The Rising Sun by alt-J and TuKa and Summer by Emeli Sande. Prelude is noticeably (30% less volume needed) easier to drive (probably the lack of ESTs). After volume matching it rumbles very convincingly. Both of these songs have multiple low notes in a sequence which gives me a fair amount of info about just how precise and rich that subbass is. It's much more present and upfront on the Prelude. I do however prefer the thickness and solidity of Volare's lows. Ascending into that midbass, where I like to use Take The Power Back by RATM, I must say I hear a similar sort of qualities in that both are quick and not overly bloated which allows this beautiful finesse and makes both sound very agile. I slightly prefer how sub-to-midbass correlation functions on the Volare with just a tad less roundness and thus a more crafted sound. So, Volare is the talented quiet kid, vs Prelude - the egocentric yet skilled bully.

Midrange
Volare shows more delicacy and spoils the listener with ample stage size and openness. Prelude isn't too far behind, but still noticeably so. Resolution and detail retrieval too, are more impressive on the Volare. Prelude instead goes for a bolder richer midrange with better note weight, most noticeably in piano pieces. The extra bass quantity can be a bit much occasionally, but it's not as noticeable unless you do this sort of immediate A/B. Both present vocals very realistically, but Volare goes a step further with higher placement and fantastic microdetails. Brass and strings are all thicker on Prelude, tough to choose a winner. The midrange is more vivid and natural on the Volare.

Treble
ESTs vs BAs. And quite noticeably so. ESTs deliver another layer of crystal clarity and make the notes more tangible and airy. The BAs in Prelude, however, are a real work of art as well. They can boogie and never get upset or metallic. It's a joyous listen where bass carries the song while treble offers a pleasant counterweight despite the lesser quantity. Sibilance is handled spectacularly on both. Overall, they cannot match Volare's ESTs and fall short in technical prowess.

What is a clear takeaway is that Volare is a true masterpiece. Prelude offers something different and tasteful, but these two are not as interchangeable as I thought. Prelude is the better basshead IEM and can be a more enjoyable listen in certain scenarios where bass has to be right in the forefront, but Volare strikes the balance of musicality and technicality that is hard to match. However, right after this A/B I sat there glued with Prelude in my ears and struggled putting them down - this just does something right.

 

[Ichos]

Yes, I know. But 8 seems exaggerated to me. It's a matter of marketing?

No. I am going to put it simply. With "lesser" chips, like the CS43198, the engineer must use four or eight pieces to get the maximum performance with four or eight channel parallel output. The flagship ESS chips have an eighth channel already embedded. You can use only one piece and get the same kind of performance.

 

[Redcarmoose]

Massive Multi Quote


I was using the stock tips with Pheonixia , so maybe some different tips will bring some more bass.


I use the same NOS - (Non over sampling) with the Snowsky Echo Mini. This to me is Bit Perfect Playback where sample rate and bit rate switch automatically based on the track playing. (CD quality 16 bit/ 44khz or Hi-Res 24 bit / 48Khz or greater )


Glad you like H60.


Thanks for this. It’s true can mean different things for other DAP’s and DAC’s as in Filter options.


I like the Prelude faceplates. Nice impressions. Something to consider.

LOL falling asleep and purchasing on Ali Express is dangerous. I should know. Got 10 items on the way.


I like your in-depth Wan’er 2 Battle. Such a great set for so cheap.


The P7 hasn’t been getting the attention it deserves with archangel around. But I will make some time for them soon to try out TOOBs. So glad I have them, they really fit in with the rest of the AFUL Family.




I’m looking forward to this set. It may not be my preferred sounds preferences. But Kiwi Ears have been on fire lately. Well except for Airoso maybe.


Thanks. They are a smashing set.


Man, the time and effort you put into this Ear Tip post is Unbelievable. Congratulations on being pinned to the disco thread first page. This post reads like a documentary and I’m totally here for it.


Stories like this one above are so helpful , thanks for sharing.


I didn’t have the JM21. But from what I have read, I’d say the battery would outlast JM21. Hoping @FreeWheelinAudioLuv2 can give some insight into his past experience with JM21 now he has the M21.


I’m loving the terminology




Nice photos, and impressions.


I really enjoyed this clip.


What do you think of AM16? Better than Zenith?

Also what have you tried your Prism Wild Boars on so far?


It’s really is a great DAP for the price.


LOL this is so true.


Such an Awesome review. Another Penon Favourite of mine.


After seeing this graph, I’m almost glad my KB16 order didn’t work out.


Great Impressions. Agree with mostly everything you had to say here.


Might try Septet on the A&K CA1000T if isn’t to my preferences on other sources. I’ve managed to save the i3 MK III with the CA1000T.


Nice list of preferences in order. Glad I PTT on the Kiwi Ears Astral Now.

Also looking forward to your impressions of the AFUL P7.


Great Reviews.!


Thanks for this . I’ll be sure to compare when I get the Kiwi Ears Étude in.


Vzonia VP-07 is worth keeping an eye out for.


Really like your Deep Dive Comparo with Archangel and EBC80.


Awesome ! Looking forward to your impressions.


Like how you broke down the Archangel Cable and IEM cost. This is how I justified pulling the trigger on them.


I’ll look out for your comparison with the KB16. Nice!


VP-07 size and fit is better for me than the Pheonixia


Nice purchase. Congrats. Thinking it will be a good replacement for the KB16 order.


Like the prelude faceplates. Do you think having both would be complimentary ?


I read this somewhere also but can not seem to find it. Would be a blind buy for me , if it were true.


Nice first impressions and photo’s as always.. These are looking promising. I can’t wait to get these in my ears now. only a week to wait.


haha yeah just for MAY 17th. LOL.

No I’ve banned myself until June now. No more purchases until June.


I reckon the VP-07 has way more sub bass rumble vs the Phonenixia. It’s make the Pheonixia bass sound polite in comparison. But I also must try different ear tips cause they may make a big difference. When I compared them both using stock ear tips and the DC-Elite.


LOL MS13 (photoshopped tattooed IEM’s )

You are making a convincing use case for the Clarinet now.


Glad you enjoy VP-07. Your impressions are very much close to how I hear them. Love the way your describe the DD Bass - full throated., textured and elastic.

When I hear the VP-07 I almost relate it to the TSMR ARMOR with the similar elastic bass.

I was almost going to purchased the VP-03 , but stopped myself last minute. I also liked the faceplate on the 03.

Great comparison. Thanks for sharing.



So Glad you like the M21. This DAP Rocks.

Looking forward to you trying out Desktop Mode. with SUPER High Gain.

Yes, I may sound like a Kiwi ears fanboy, but out of the only three factory tours I have seen filmed, theirs was super cool. I mean the factory was way more futuristic than I expected. Why doesn’t everyone make factory videos, if they can? It seems like a great way to market your brand by showing how clean (equipped) and organized the place that generates the actual IEMs can be!

The crazy amounts of IEM builds they do, even for a style of IEM from way long in the past they are able to re-make a batch again for future listeners. Where I was impressed probably just because I had no idea the Kiwi ears factory was so beautiful, careful and organized! Cheers!

 

[bixby]

I got my Simgot EW300s this weekend. After spending time burning and tip rolling in addition to nozzle swaps and foam inserts, they are just not for me. Biggest complaint is a lack of meat on the bones and lack of lower mid dynamics. I did appreciate the presence region and some of the treble sparkle, yet it did not sound natural on female vocals like Alison Kraus, too thin and pinched. The gold nozzle was a mess, for me.

Bass was pretty good but still had some of the DD softness that steered me to planars.

What the heck do I do now, under $70 or so for a backup IEM may just not be feasible or do I go for a "fun" sig like the Sivga Que or ????

For now the Heydays are happily back in my ears.

 

[DenverFi]

Some very late impressions with the Pilgrim Noir.

I put some final type e tips on and immediately had to check if I had audio passing through to my active speakers, the bass felt that impactful. Drums sound incredibly lifelike as well.

Original tips were, I believe, spinfit W1s but those never really worked well for me and usually killed the bass. I do actually have a pair around here so might A/B them but this set with these tips is very spectacular. I don’t see them in stock anywhere so not sure if they’re discontinued or what.

 

[Jmop]

Tanchjim Bunny and Zero Ultima are both easy recs, with Bunny being more musical and Ultima being a bit more technical. I have to agree with Paul in that the Ultima is basically like their Origin, the value here is crazy if you like that airy signature with super tight bass. The Ultima cuts down on hiss like a champ and works great with my Shozy Alien, but that emphasizes the sub bass more which I’m not crazy about. Still, I’ll be damned if it doesn’t sound very very good in quality. And the Bunny, such musical texture, I absolutely love this bass to mids response. Treble is a touch a thin but we’re talking about a budget set here, and I haven’t even tested it with a balanced cable. Incredible grabs for the price, these little drivers really be pumping their hearts out.

 

[thaslaya]

Catching up on the thread from the weekend. Before I get into the multiquote, I wanted to share a few things. First, I have another review to share for those interested. This time it's the Elysian Apostle (Head-fi and blog) and what a damn fine IEM it is! Finally an Elysian that I truly loved and a big shout out to @EnigmaFotos for allowing me to try it out. I find the bass to be much better than the Annihilator as well as the overall balance. It hits just about everything well for a V-shaped tuning in my eyes although I would like a bit more mid-bass and bigger impact. For the $1800 price tag, I think it is well worth the investment, if you have the disposable income of course .

Second, I want to shout out my fellow San Diegan, @zkmd. We met up yesterday for a short listening session and just to shoot the breeze. He's a very cool dude and I'm always glad to get the opportunity to meet others in the community and compare gear or just talk life. I was able to try a few of his IEMs including the FATfreq Grand Maestro, Crinnears Meta, and Tangzu Wu Zetian Legend. I like the GM much better than the Maestro SE but maybe not as much as the Mini. It's less bright and has great bass but there's still a little zing in the treble for my tastes and the Mini is just so fun! The Meta is a very interesting one. The build quality is awesome and the cable is really nice. The shells are a little smaller than I thought they'd be and the fit is very comfortable. I brought along the Ziigaat Lush to compare and the good news for me is that I prefer the Lush. The treble of the Meta is a little brighter and the Lush just has a slightly smoother and darker tuning that I gravitate to. The Legend was maybe the biggest surprise. I thought it was going to be downright bad for me but it's actually quite smooth and the treble, while bright, is actually well behaved. I could see it being a little fatiguing over long sessions but it has a very uniquely clean and clear sound. I definitely understand why people like it, especially those that aren't treble sensitive. Still, I would want some more bass though .

Also congrats to @nikbr and @ToneDeafMonk for their front page features! Keep up the good work fellas!

---

Man as much as i admire the previous designs of CFA, this one looks the worst so far Personal subjective opinion though.

I've not really loved previous designs but I agree that this is a MAJOR step in the wrong direction

Love the enthusiasm and this surely sounds great! Only one little tiny thing bothers me - take off that protective foil on the 2pin connectors!

Lol I'm glad I wasn't the only one that noticed.

I'm glad we agree on other things because I could not disagree with you more about these two IEMs! Alien Brain is an odd-looking one, for sure, but it's so funky and ugly that it's looped back around to awesome. By contrast, ugh, that Mefisto looks like a thrift store brooch or part of Great Aunt Ethel's box of gaudy costume jewelry. It's the reason I'm not compelled by the two new FlipEars releases (Legion and Aegis), despite both having tunings I'd probably love. They look like cheap die-cast brooches.

Add me to the "Don't agree with this guy's design tastes" list . I love the Aegis and Legion and abhor the Alien Brain

If the bass sounds like polite coughs when it should be thumpy, I’m out!

Lol yes this is accurate. The M8 is definitely not about that bass life. It's uniquely neutral though and I still enjoy it but it's far from my normal preference.

Project M is among my all-time Favorite IEMs. I mean this IEM just hit the sweet spot everytime I listen to it.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

A Beautiful Tale of two Artistic IEMs from LUA

LUA is a new and emerging brand from Taiwan, a sister brand to Rossi&Wing, the mighty name behind the extraordinary R&W First Light. My first interaction with R&W was when I tried their First Light, which was showcased at the Canjam Singapore back in 2024. Not to exaggerate anything, but that IEM sounded special, well, it should be because it costs $7700. I got into talks with the brand CEO, discussing his thoughts behind his products. I learned that the owner himself is a big geek. Our discussions went deeper with talks of Angelology and Demonology. Later on, I realised how his products are getting named, “First Light, Morningstar, etc.” Really a geeky soul, later, I also learned he has written a book on the same topic as well (however, it is in Chinese).

Later on in 2024 itself, R&W developed a new brand called LUA. LUA is more focused on reaching a mass audiophile audience with its more affordable yet still unique presentation. LUA showcased three products to the world through their social media: the Serendipity, the Synchronicity, and the Celestian.
Serendipity is the most affordable of the lot, priced at $590, the Synchronicity is the middle ground priced at $790, and the Celestian is going to be its flagship for now, priced close to $1500~1600. So far, Serendipity and Synchronicity have been launched worldwide, while the Celestian is planned for release later this year. I honestly got a chance to audition the Synchronicity courtesy of a friend, sadly, he never got his unit back from me. I liked the pair so much that I grabbed the unit from him. I planned on releasing its impressions for the community, but I was waiting for the Serendipity to arrive for me as well. The shipment reached me last week, and here I am, after spending the whole weekend with both these beauties. I am going to pen down my impressions today.

First of all, the Unboxing experience. If you talk to Zephon Wing, the CEO of LUA and R&W, you will get to know how deeply he cares about everything associated with his products. The package of both IEMs is identical, yet unique. Serendipity comes in a Purple colour package, while Synchronicity comes in a green-themed package. Both the packages match the colour theme of the pairs developed by a skilled artist. In simple words, art lovers are in for a great experience. Inside, we have the pair along with the stock cable, an artistic design card that shows you the inspiration by the artist for the pair, and a perfume sample from HOKKI. I love the fragrance of Serendipity; it is more fruity, while the fragrance associated with Synchronicity has a refreshing tone. There’s also an artistic design cloth which is going to act as a safekeeping cloth for the IEMs in both packages. It has the same design inspiration, which we can see on the back of the package as well as on the card inside the package.
While the pair doesn’t come with a lot of accessories, they come with a lot of design value and show how much care some boutiques do for even the simple things associated with their products. I would like to raise a complaint here, though. While everything else is pretty good, inspiring, artistic, and appealing, I would have loved a carry case to be included with the IEMs. That would make carrying them much easier.

One thing I would like to add here, the stock cables are developed by Melodia, another associated brand to R&W. I got a Melodia 1984(Blue-Black Sleeved Cable) with Synchronicity. The brand has told me that this one has two kinds of pure copper material cores. And the Serendipity is bundled with Melodia 1986(Black sleeve), which is a silver-plated copper cable. I have been told that both the IEMs are bundled with Melodia 1986 by default.

Design & Build:-
Coming on to the design and build quality, both the IEMs look spectacular. First things first, the Serendipity that I have is Serendipity Monet. It’s a special limited edition variant, which is limited to only 50 units worldwide. The difference from the standard version is mainly in its design. This one has this really beautiful combination of Pink and Blue colored sparkles. It doesn’t change colours in light reflections.

Shape-wise, the Synchronicity is also identical to the Serendipity however, its colored sparkles are different. And since this is the normal retail unit, not a limited edition one, it changes colours based on the light angle falling on it. Most of the time, I get to see Green and Golden sparkles on the set.

While both pairs look identical in shape, the Serendipity is a bit smaller in comparison to the Synchronicity. Both the IEMs have some kind of internal chamber design made by the brand for some sound modifications, a requirement done to achieve their desired sound profiles. I had no issues with fit; however, if I apply too much pressure or wear a helmet on top of my head while listening to any of the two IEMs, I get a vacuum build-up issue. No such issues when I use the pair normally as I should.

Driveability and Scalability:-
Not too demanding, works well with most sources; however, with a better source, they sound cleaner and crispier. Most of my time with both these IEMs has been done on BTR17 and R8ii, both work well. Now on to the sound impressions part.

Sound:-
First, I would like to talk about Synchronicity, an IEM I have enjoyed for more than 20 days now.

Vocals that would bring tears to your eyes, yes, this is how I would explain the sound of Synchronicity. The pair provides an outstandingly beautiful vocal rendition of both male and female singers. In recent times, there have been many beautiful IEMs with supremely beautiful vocals. I am talking about IEMs such as Letshuoer Mystic8, 7Th Acoustics Supernova, etc., despite having both of them, I find the Synchronicity to sound very special, and very beautiful for vocal-centric genres. The clarity, the texture for female vocals are insanely good on the Synchronicity. Vocals also sound a bit forward, nothing that would hurt or sound sharp at all. The bass region has very good clarity as well, with the main focus on the sub-bass section. The sub-bass sounds rumbling, thunderous. The treble region is crisp and very clean in its presentation. I also notice the Synchronicity to have good details in the treble region. Soundstage feels a bit immersive. The pair sounds highly cohesive as well.

IMO, Synchronicity packs outstanding vocals with a strong sub-bass presence and crisp treble region. It maintains good clarity throughout the soundstage and feels immersive. Now it’s time to talk about Serendipity.

Serendipity sounds like the mirror opposite of Synchronicity. It has more mid-bass, less forward vocals, and darker treble. It has a charm of its own, and no, I am not talking about looks only. Soundwise, Serendipity sounds more powerful with a stronger lower end region. It has good rumble in the sub-bass, however main focus here is on the Mid-bass region. It is more weighted, however, slightly slower in comparison to the Synchronicity. Drums have a more natural decay, while the bass guitar has a more heft to it on the Serendipity. Midrange takes a slight step back from the powerful mid-bass. Vocals, despite being slightly recessed, show good clarity and texture. They have a slight warm tone to them on the Serendipity. Instruments in the midrange also have a slight warmth to them. The treble region is safe and sound, it is a bit dark on the pair here. Technically, the soundstage feels more open and slightly bigger than what we have on the Synchronicity. Instrument separation and details are good enough, however, they are better on the Synchronicity imo.

Overall, how would I summarize these two crazy looking IEMs? Well, what can I say? I love both of them. They both sound unique and have a different appeal. In my case, I love the sub-bass, the vocals, the high-resolution clarity of the synchronicity, while at the same time, I love the mid-bass punch, bigger stage, and safer treble of the Serendipity. IMO, both the IEMs are designed for different genres of music. I noticed the Synchronicity to work well with POP, Bollywood, Rock, Mid-centric genres, and the Serendipity complements EDM, Hip-Hop, Bollywood(dance kinda) genres.

Well, that’s about my initial take on both these beauties. I will be spending more time with both these sets over the next few weeks, and soon I will come up with a detailed video review on them. Thanks for reading!!

Gorgeous photos of some beautiful shells!

The bass stands out to me most. It's got so much impact and strength, with rumble (blows the bass of the JM21 completely out of the water), yet it's capable of delivering note incisiveness, which is very very VERY important to ME.

When I hear you say incisive, my ears do this:

Can't wait to compare some stuff live in person at CJ with you to see just how different we hear things

Massive Multi Quote

You weren't lying! I think you may have stolen the crown from @bithalver for most quotes in a single post! No easy feat I assure you

 

[Carpet]

I got my Simgot EW300s this weekend. After spending time burning and tip rolling in addition to nozzle swaps and foam inserts, they are just not for me. Biggest complaint is a lack of meat on the bones and lack of lower mid dynamics. I did appreciate the presence region and some of the treble sparkle, yet it did not sound natural on female vocals like Alison Kraus, too thin and pinched. The gold nozzle was a mess, for me.

Bass was pretty good but still had some of the DD softness that steered me to planars.

What the heck do I do now, under $70 or so for a backup IEM may just not be feasible or do I go for a "fun" sig like the Sivga Que or ????

For now the Heydays are happily back in my ears.

Around $70, both ISN H20 and ivipQ IQ-14 Shanhai are good choices of you want something warm and emotive with a bit of weight in the bottom end. Neither will win over people looking for something clean, dry and analytical.

 

[BlueA]

Do you really need 8 DAC chips?

And it goes beyond because those are multichannel so they can handle multiple entries but knowing the mental illness of customers
they multiply the dacs and use only one entry of each so they can draw a complexe chart that you now see in every presentation page.

It of course generate lot of heat as the process is not the 3nm standard and deplete the battery much faster...

So in 2020 the ES9080 was the first 8 channels by itself but grey hairs (deep pockets targets) can ear sound differences if you multiply dacs.

CS43198 is 2 channels out so a total of 8 channels on the ibasso 860 mk2 and 110 decibels isolation per channel.
7 channel is front, back, roof cinema installation but dap need more channels than this.

Stereo is ... 2 channels and most people use basics mp3 on lowfi format from streaming on top of BT ^^

 

[bixby]

Around $70, both ISN H20 and ivipQ IQ-14 Shanhai are good choices of you want something warm and emotive with a bit of weight in the bottom end. Neither will win over people looking for something clean, dry and analytical.

Thanks for the ideas. I see A'zon US sells the ISN but seller and shipper is Penon. If it is coming from outside the US, that is a big problem right now. Do you know if Penon has a US warehouse? Don't see the ivipQ on A'zon.

Any thoughts about the Sivga Que? I think I am firmly enlisted in the low pinna gain army. Years of trying lots of DDs in the under $100 space with wicked Harman tuning has burned me out to stuff I thought I liked in the past like Titan S, Sony MH755, Dunu Kima Classic, etc. If it were not for the crappy QC, I may have actually kept the Blon HBB.

 

[Carpet]

Thanks for the ideas. I see A'zon US sells the ISN but seller and shipper is Penon. If it is coming from outside the US, that is a big problem right now. Do you know if Penon has a US warehouse? Don't see the ivipQ on A'zon.

Any thoughts about the Sivga Que? I think I am firmly enlisted in the low pinna gain army. Years of trying lots of DDs in the under $100 space with wicked Harman tuning has burned me out to stuff I thought I liked in the past like Titan S, Sony MH755, Dunu Kima Classic, etc. If it were not for the crappy QC, I may have actually kept the Blon HBB.

Settling for a cheap option currently in stock within your border might be the best option in the meantime. Recent KZ dynamic drivers are real standouts in the budget sector. Something like CCA Trio, Balanced Vader, Bass version of Castor pro, Libre balanced etc. might be in stock within US. Or (God forbid) make do with your current gear until prices recover. AliExpress has good discounts in the Summer Sale at the end of June or the 11/11 sale in November. I usually try and wait for those anyway.

Hopefully by then tariffs will have been dismissed as a complete failure, and the US dollar will not have completely collapsed.

New Zealand is currently waiting for the next election to eject our own coalition of right wing clowns. At least Canada and Australia had a prior example of how to screw up a democracy BEFORE they voted! Hoping our economy doesn't crater to badly before we have a chance to restore sanity.

Moving beyond economic doom and gloom I am waiting on a replacement unit for ivipQ Shanhai which has a fault in one driver on the left side. I only picked it up when cranking the volume up and noticed an intermittent click which blew out into static/distortion as the volume further increased. Absolutely no problems with getting that rectified and I should have replacement unit in a few says. It was really nice to get good service rather than the run around I've had from some other suppliers. Also have Letshoeur DZ4 and Soloist in Transit. I have a tendency to pick up older models other than always chasing flavor of the month. More feedback and better discounts being a big incentive. Some times there are very good products that got lost in the rush with other models being hyped to the moon and back. I also like variation in gear, I always find it funny when people chase a particular tuning and EQ to try and make everything sound the same. Would that be like having a harem and insisting all your Wives were clones that behaved identically? If that is really the way to go, then that would make my Wife right, and there is no point to having more than one (IEM I assume)!