The discovery thread!

[GroovyAudio]

Hi!
I also have small ears, so I've learned to stick with single-DD IEMs for my own sanity and comfort. Since you have tried very capable IEMs in the past, maybe a $200–$300 single DD IEM will not satisfy you. Waiting for the Shortbus Anomaly, which its creator says has the capabilities of a tri-hybrid and the tuning of the Dark Magic and Letshouer Ej07, could be a good idea if the tuning appeals to you. I don't know the price now, but I think it's around $500-$600.

Thanks! I'll keep an eye out.

 

[Vamp898]

I have nothing left. This the first time since I started this hobby where I don't own anything.
Yea, I agree I had to try Archangel to see if they fit and looks like my faith on those 6.2mm nozzles slapped me in the... ears I guess haha.
All my iems that I've sold were on the big loss from me, sadly. My country is poor so selling locally at almost the full price it's kind of impossible, especially this being a niche hobby. Most people just own an airpod or galaxy buds and that's all they know. I was lucky to find a few prople like me with this hobby and mostly I sell to them at a very good discount. The guy I sold my Archangel to was very happy to receive this good offer and he messaged me that Archangel is now his daily driver. I'm glad for him!

I hope too Surface will be good cause I'm tired of this buying and selling thing. Looking at my sold iem list makes me very sad. More than half of them didn't fit me and it was the half that I've enjoyed more. My frustration can't be described at this point.

That is why i sold everything and got an Custom Studio Reference Monitor.

No more earpieces ever again, no more comfort issues or worry about fit, they just fit 100%, high isolation, the average lifetime is >=15 years and it cannot be sold (I mean it can, but you get almost no money back, it makes absolutely no sense to sell a custom IEM).

Also because they all sound pretty much the same (with very small variations that are mostly in the bass region to compensate for different listening volumes and/or Versions with Bass-Boost), you can choose by design, maker (All i found are made in the country you order them), they are easy to repair with very good warranty and so on.

Most Custom IEM, you can step on them, crush them into pieces and they'll repair it for about 1/10 of the price. Its literally a buy once and be happy forever product.

Custom Studio Reference IEM aka Hobby Killer

The only real disadvantage is that they take pretty long to make. Depending on the maker 10~45 days(!)

 

[sistoz]

Thanks! I'll keep an eye out.

If you are interested, he explains the tuning idea and everything about the shell design very well in this video.

 

[perrew]

Titanium Film Driver Magic: Early Look at Sound Rhyme SR1

So I’ve been spending some time with the Sound Rhyme SR1, and honestly, I wasn’t expecting much at first—but I’m actually really enjoying it. The build is surprisingly premium for the price. The shell is made from 3D-printed resin using German ENVISIONTEC equipment, and it feels solid and smooth—something you usually see on more expensive models. And the cable it comes with? Not your typical cheap stock cable. It’s a high-purity oxygen-free copper cable, and just having that cable alone feels like a win. That’s already a big plus right out of the box.
Now, about the sound: the SR1 uses a 9.2mm dual magnetic titanium film dynamic driver, and you can really hear what that driver brings to the table—tight bass, clean and quick response, and a punchy, lively character. Titanium film drivers are known for their speed and clarity without being harsh, and that’s exactly what you get here. It’s not aiming for ultra-analytical detail like some multi-balanced armature sets, but it’s musical, engaging, and fun to listen to. There’s energy, good air, and enough weight where it counts. It especially shines with jazz, rock, folk, classical, and R&B — genres that benefit from emotion and atmosphere more than just sheer technicality. At around $59, it really feels like great value.
Just to be transparent, I didn’t buy this myself—Penon Audio kindly sent me this unit through Brother Chi Kong Hui’s generosity. But I want to be clear: I’m not affiliated with Penon, I don’t work for them, and I’m not getting paid to say any of this. This review is 100% my honest opinion. And like I always say, Your Mileage May Vary. Even if multiple reviewers cover the same gear, impressions can differ a lot depending on your source, your listening experience, your favorite sound signature, and your personal preferences. So take what I say — and what any reviewer says — with a grain of salt.
Full review coming soon.

Nice to finally see a review of these! Have you tried any other SRs? If its the regular SR cable it might be SPC.

 

[Khumbaba]

Guys, in your opinion is there any advantage using this type of nozzle filter:

Top Pro

over this more open type?

Mest mk2

I mean, the type of filter used on Top Pro, stops in good part the sound coming out from tubes? Or not?

Also Canpur 622B... what happens if you remove the filter? The sound comes out without obstacles, so it will be better or not?

 

[jazzzy]

How many of you find Origin better than Archangel if price is no issue ?

 

[gadgetgod]

How many of you find Origin better than Archangel if price is no issue ?

Aren't they similarly priced?

 

[BS5711]

Guys, in your opinion is there any advantage using this type of nozzle filter:

Top Pro


over this more open type?

In one of his videos a while back @redrol said that based on his testing of the S12 and the S12 Pro the more open grill on the Pro was a considered part of the different tuning along with the foam filter in the nozzle that the original S12 didn’t have.

The later S12 2024 has the much finer grill like the original S12 and like the one pictured above. I don’t believe that is coincidental and is very likely a intentional part of the tuning.

I removed the coarse open grills of my S12 Pro and replaced them with the same very fine ones pictured and the same as on the S12 2024 and there is a subtle but noticeable difference in the treble with problematic sibilance cut back a little.

I don’t think there is an advantage as such or one is inherently better than the other more that they are likely used as part of the tuning. If you swapped from fine to coarse it might make a notable difference depending on the stock tuning and the reverse would also hold true of course.

 

[Okcerg]

Got my "ivipQ-80 Sakura Chord HiFi High-purity Single Crystal Copper Earphone Upgrade Cable" today. Very nice timbre on this one.

Compared to "ivipQ -526 24 Core Silver Plated Earphone Upgrade Cable", the Sakura polishes the treble edges just a smidge* and the bass is full and warm.
I got the Sakura for $30 with a coupon, thanks to @Ozboyblu, but now it's down to $22, without coupons. A STEAL!** The 526 is only $15, also realy really great value!




80 Sakura:
https://www.aliexpress.com/item/1005008918492309.html
526:
https://www.aliexpress.com/item/1005006414436179.html

*Copyright Akros
**Copyright FWAL2

 

[Thieme]

Guys, in your opinion is there any advantage using this type of nozzle filter:

Top Pro


over this more open type?

Mest mk2


I mean, the type of filter used on Top Pro, stops in good part the sound coming out from tubes? Or not?

Also Canpur 622B... what happens if you remove the filter? The sound comes out without obstacles, so it will be better or not?

Another user wrote about this before. Was it @saldsald ?
I feel like the more open filters are better. The closed ones feel more like a wall where sound gets trapped behind. I put a open type metal nozzle filter on my Delci and it feels like that made it sound better but I also took away the cotton filter on it so it isn't a 1 on 1 comparison, on top of that I don't really trust my aural memory a lot.
The Thieaudio Origin also has the closed type filter but that was a little expensive to experiment with and it is good I didn't because I sold it quite soon after.

Edit: can go back a bit through the quotes as well
https://www.head-fi.org/threads/the-discovery-thread.586909/page-9398#post-18520308

 

[Vamp898]

Guys, in your opinion is there any advantage using this type of nozzle filter:

Top Pro


over this more open type?

Mest mk2


I mean, the type of filter used on Top Pro, stops in good part the sound coming out from tubes? Or not?

Also Canpur 622B... what happens if you remove the filter? The sound comes out without obstacles, so it will be better or not?

The Advantage: Its a very cheap and fast method to tune the IEM
The Disadvantage: It lowers sound quality and gets clogged easily and is hard to clean.

So i'd say, you don't want that.

 

[Wahid]

A little share for you today.
Another Chinese company without any class.

I posted a mini review on a DDHIFI cheap dongle, and I did a comparison to the only other one I had a Akliam PD3.

Now to me the DDHIFI offering was clearly better built and most importantly sounded better.

While not as full featured - missing a RGB Light, not as powerful, more expensive $39 vs $29

I didn't expect the Owner of Akliam to message me on FB messages and ask me to remove my post.

I just did a year end video praising the PD5 and PD6 because I thought they were your best better for a inexpensive solution.


Some of these companies who give you products to review no charge samples this is what you get.

Anyone who thinks getting gear for free or discount doesn't have any hitches think again you just don't see the other side of some of these companies

Sorry if you have mistaken me for a paid shill!

Wow.. Insane behaviour.. But I am buying pd5 anyway..

 

[jbfps116]

Titanium Film Driver Magic: Early Look at Sound Rhyme SR1

So I’ve been spending some time with the Sound Rhyme SR1, and honestly, I wasn’t expecting much at first—but I’m actually really enjoying it. The build is surprisingly premium for the price. The shell is made from 3D-printed resin using German ENVISIONTEC equipment, and it feels solid and smooth—something you usually see on more expensive models. And the cable it comes with? Not your typical cheap stock cable. It’s a high-purity oxygen-free copper cable, and just having that cable alone feels like a win. That’s already a big plus right out of the box.
Now, about the sound: the SR1 uses a 9.2mm dual magnetic titanium film dynamic driver, and you can really hear what that driver brings to the table—tight bass, clean and quick response, and a punchy, lively character. Titanium film drivers are known for their speed and clarity without being harsh, and that’s exactly what you get here. It’s not aiming for ultra-analytical detail like some multi-balanced armature sets, but it’s musical, engaging, and fun to listen to. There’s energy, good air, and enough weight where it counts. It especially shines with jazz, rock, folk, classical, and R&B — genres that benefit from emotion and atmosphere more than just sheer technicality. At around $59, it really feels like great value.
Just to be transparent, I didn’t buy this myself—Penon Audio kindly sent me this unit through Brother Chi Kong Hui’s generosity. But I want to be clear: I’m not affiliated with Penon, I don’t work for them, and I’m not getting paid to say any of this. This review is 100% my honest opinion. And like I always say, Your Mileage May Vary. Even if multiple reviewers cover the same gear, impressions can differ a lot depending on your source, your listening experience, your favorite sound signature, and your personal preferences. So take what I say — and what any reviewer says — with a grain of salt.
Full review coming soon.

wait... is this the successor to the SP01?

i was browsing around for Wan'er 2 (the black one getting sold out in my country local market)

then i finally found Libra-X in my local market for around $9,
is it still worth it or i just jump to ZVX pro for $15?

---

in another news, BGGAR seems to love Juzear Defiant

Libra X is good for lighter but snappy bass, but like all the Libras, I think the treble is a tad too crispy. The ZVX Pro is also crispy treble, but the overall sound is more full because of the bass. If you want a warmer, bassier sound, the ZVX original is also still good, IMO.

I have nothing left. This the first time since I started this hobby where I don't own anything.
Yea, I agree I had to try Archangel to see if they fit and looks like my faith on those 6.2mm nozzles slapped me in the... ears I guess haha.
All my iems that I've sold were on the big loss from me, sadly. My country is poor so selling locally at almost the full price it's kind of impossible, especially this being a niche hobby. Most people just own airpods or galaxy buds and that's all they know. I was lucky to find a few prople like me with this hobby and mostly I sell to them at a very good discount. The guy I sold my Archangel to was very happy to receive this good offer and he messaged me that Archangel is now his daily driver. I'm glad for him!

I hope too Surface will be good cause I'm tired of this buying and selling thing. Looking at my sold iem list makes me very sad. More than half of them didn't fit me and it was the half that I've enjoyed more. My frustration can't be described at this point.

WOW... I can't imagine having to sell all my IEMs because of fit! I feel for you, bro!
I do NOT have large ears, and there have been quite a few IEMs that caused my ears to ache... That's why I invest heavily in tips, because with my massive "tip bank," I can make almost ANY IEM fit me well. It does take a lot of experimentation though. short-flanged tips work well with chunky shells I find. For instance, the XINHS HS80 is VERY chunky... I use the shortest-flanged tips I've ever seen! [INfilter TPE tips for TWS] and they're quite comfortable now. SADLY those tips are not on AE anymore for US. Glad the package included 3 pairs! Whizzer SS20 and Azla Max tips also are fantastic. But on many IEMs, I can use more "normal" tips like Penon Liqueur or the "regular" generic silicone ones.

 

[GroovyAudio]

WOW... I can't imagine having to sell all my IEMs because of fit! I feel for you, bro!
I do NOT have large ears, and there have been quite a few IEMs that caused my ears to ache... That's why I invest heavily in tips, because with my massive "tip bank," I can make almost ANY IEM fit me well. It does take a lot of experimentation though. short-flanged tips work well with chunky shells I find. For instance, the XINHS HS80 is VERY chunky... I use the shortest-flanged tips I've ever seen! [INfilter TPE tips for TWS] and they're quite comfortable now. SADLY those tips are not on AE anymore for US. Glad the package included 3 pairs! Whizzer SS20 and Azla Max tips also are fantastic. But on many IEMs, I can use more "normal" tips like Penon Liqueur or the "regular" generic silicone ones.

Thanks, bro! I'm sad about it but at the same time life goes on, other iems will come, even better ones than what we have now at $200-$300. In the meantime I also have lots manga to read and anime to watch. It's a good thing iems are not my only hobby

 

[jbfps116]

WELL the scores are IN for the CCA Trio and XINHS HS80 Jupiter Rings! This, my friends, was a fierce battle, and I wasn't sure until the last song which would end up on top! It's hard to score two VERY different IEMs that BOTH sound superb. I tried my best to be nitpicky about the flaws, while taking into account the differing tonalities, both of which I find enjoyable.

CCA Trio: 92/100, so high S-tier! This makes it EASILY the best bang-for-your-buck IEM in the UNIVERSE [that I've tried.] Bass that SLAMS, detailed and competent overall sound that doesn't shrink back at intense music passages, and a CLEAR, revealing tonality that just edges being too dry, but stays JUST musical enough to put it ahead of the more clinical Vader Balanced [score: 90] It offends me that such an ugly IEM sounds so GOOD, but I'm happy once they hit my ears.
The Trio is now my #3 IEM of all time! Insane, I know. It's truly an all-rounder, and its big, bold sound, very flexible bass tuning via switches, and PRICE make it worthy of that #3 spot, even if some more famous and more expensive IEMs might have more "magic" and special sauce. The Trio sounds tonally accurate and it just sounds amazing on MORE genres, all the time. Sure, people might get offended it ranks higher than, say, the H60, but hey... These are MY ears lol.

XINHS HS80: 93/100, so High S-tier, and TIED WITH SECOND PLACE! [CK2V].
These dreamily-designed IEMs have a similar spacey, dreamy sound. There's lushness, while maintaining clean bass that could use just a HAIR more sub-bass punch, but realistically, it's a wonderful bass response. The stage is very spacious, and the treble detail is amazing while not sounding too dry or clinical. Vocals are elevated for sure... something that usually is great but occasionally makes a nasal voice sound... even more nasal. It's hard to accurately describe the sound of the HS80... they sound like nothing else in my collection. They have a similar colored sound that is a bit magical, like the H60. [I should really A-B those two for further research!] Overall, the HS80 is a unique IEM that will surprise you the more you listen to it, but remember, CABLES matter here... I changed the cable from the Black Dragon to the almost identical-looking one that came with the Phoenixia, [silver-plated copper] and it sounds better.

NOW... an IEM will need to get at least 90/100 to get into my top 5!