The discovery thread!

[theintention]

It is better to read some of the reviews that is out, like from Dsnuts. It didn't seem to me as the most technical IEM, but for pure musicality and fun its excellent (if you like loads of bass that still have natural tuning that's not dark or to much V shape). As you could see on my previous post the measurement is very similar to Origin, so it doesn't shock me I liked Archangel. Comfort is probably better on Archangel, while technical level is most likely best on Origin. I had quite limited time with it, why I say its better to read a full review instead.

A less technical/more musical Origin honestly sounds perfect

 

[MD Rohit]

Kinera Verdandi
with
Effect Audio Signature Series Ares S II Cable

​

Okay so I’ve been using the Kinera Verdandi for a pretty long time now. Overall it’s a really interesting IEM with some unique characteristics. But I noticed a small issue in certain areas of the sound – specially the upper mid-range. To my ears, that part felt a bit too forward. Now, for some people that might actually sound exciting or engaging, and it does add a certain personality to the IEM. But for me and few others who tried it, it felt slightly too neutral there – like it was missing a bit of body or warmth.

So I tried pairing it with different copper cables to see if that improves anything. And honestly, that did help to a good extent. But things really changed when I got my hands on the Effect Audio Ares S II cable. After pairing it with the Verdandi, I haven’t really unplugged it since.

It’s like this cable just brought a new life into the Verdandi – or maybe added a whole new character. The upper mids now sound fuller, warmer and less harsh. The bass also feels more deep and full-bodied, with much better control. Treble feels smoother too. And the technical parts – like soundstage, imaging, detail – all got slightly better. Overall musicality is improved a lot compared to the stock setup.

For now, I feel like this is the best cable for my Verdandi. I know synergy is a personal thing, but for me this pairing just works.

I’m still testing this cable with some other IEMs and setups, so hopefully I’ll bring a full review soon. But for now, if anyone is looking for a premium cable that sounds great and looks amazing, I think Effect Audio cables are definitely worth checking out. They really nailed the build quality and the sonic performance here.

If you're someone who wants one good cable that can work with different gear and you plan to keep it in your collection long-term, I feel like this Ares S II could be a solid pick.

More updates coming in future posts!

 

[blacksesame]

It is better to read some of the reviews that is out, like from Dsnuts. It didn't seem to me as the most technical IEM, but for pure musicality and fun its excellent (if you like loads of bass that still have natural tuning that's not dark or to much V shape). As you could see on my previous post the measurement is very similar to Origin, so it doesn't shock me I liked Archangel. Comfort is probably better on Archangel, while technical level is most likely best on Origin. I had quite limited time with it, why I say its better to read a full review instead.

Indeed ive read through all the reviews plus other comments. Im trying to get more perspective on it... any case i bit the bullet and purchased it .. so ill find out soon enough

 

[PhonoPhi]

... Waiting for @PhonoPhi to get the KZ AM16 regular version to see how it turns out.

I have received AM16 balanced today (8 days since the order, 7 days since shipped by kztws - nice, a good reason to pay a bit more to them -$56 for the balanced for the records).

Here are the bass and balanced versions of AM16 side by side with the same/matched cable (a nice emeralrs/jade one for the 'best possible cable tuning" from KBEar/KeepHiFi).

The same signature of "AM16" on both- try to find a very subtle difference - your audiophile quiz of the day

Main comparison of the two AM16 is clearly with AS16 Pro X - the previous pinnacle of the same driver count.
Our 120+ year old grand piano is acknowledged for the photo-ops

Well, what can I say in few words - for me, balanced makes all the sense, as @FreeWheelinAudioLuv2 smartly pointed out - the balanced is the way to go with KZ (and I am a bass-lean person for the records). Then, I did read the feedback on KZ thread that the bass one offers not enough bass for some. I can't imagine how it can be - but preferences do vary, as well as tips and sources.
To report mine - wide-bore TRI Clarion got a very good seal for me, and made all frequencies thrive well. Questyle M15C as a source helps a lot with the agility of the bass. (This source may be a bit too much for all-BAs, but I just loved it with hybrids and used for this comparison for simplicity).
The balanced AM16 is my preferred bass levels. I was silly in a retrospective to order bass version first, but is/was very much happy to experience it.
AS16 pro X sits in between AM16 bass and balanced with the bass level for me. The metal nozzles of AS16 Pro X (and many older KZ) is what I miss the most in new KZ. AM16 got a new transparent resin matrix, surely looking nicer, if it is important to you.
Treble is a bit more refined with AM16, as well as the mids are more present with AM16
If you thought that more bass could work better for your AS16 pro - bass version of AM16 will deliver more!
If the bass was a bit too imposing with AS16 pro- then AM16 balanced will do well.
AS16 pro went as low as $35. Is $50-60 price for AM16 justified - yes, for me. If you can snap AM16 at around $45 or so- it is surely a great deal, IMLO.

P. S. AS24 and Sonata are a bit at the different level for me. I thought to include them in the comparison, but they are different - more bass lean, subtle, just a different design for a different sound signature that resonates more with me for its subtledty and refinement, while AM16 is surely more engaging IEM and great at $50 or so.

 

[jbfps116]

I have received AM16 balanced today (8 days since the order, 7 days since shipped by kztws - nice, a good reason to pay a bit more to them -$56 for the balanced for the records).

Here are the bass and balanced versions of AM16 side by side with the same/matched cable (a nice emeralrs/jade one for the 'best possible cable tuning" from KBEar/KeepHiFi).

The same signature of "AM16" on both- try to find a very subtle difference - your audiophile quiz of the day

Main comparison of the two AM16 is clearly with AS16 Pro X - the previous pinnacle of the same driver count.
Our 120+ year old grand piano is acknowledged for the photo-ops

Well, what can I say in few words - for me, balanced makes all the sense, as @FreeWheelinAudioLuv2 smartly pointed out - the balanced is the way to go wirh KZ (and I am a bass-lean person). Then, I did read thevfeedback on KZ thread that the bass one is not enough for some. I can't imagine how it can be - but preferences do vary, as well as tips and sources.
To report mine - wide-bore TRI Clarion got a good seal for me, and make all frequencies thrive werll. Questyle M15C as a source helps a lot with agile bass. (This source may be a bit too much for all-BAs, but I just loved it with hybrids and used for this comparison for simplicity).
The balanced AM16 is my preferred bass levels. I was silly to order bass first, but is very much happy to experience it.
AS16 pro X sits in between AM16 bass and balanced with the bass level for me. The metal nozzles of AS16 Pro X (and many older KZ) is what I miss the most in new KZ. Treble is a bit more refined with AM16, as well as mids are more present with AM16
If you thought that more bass could work better for your AS16 pro - bass version of AM16 will deliver more!
If the bass was a bit too imposing with AS16 pro- then, AM16 balanced will do well.
AS16 pro went as low as $35. Is $50-60 price for AM16 justified - yes, for me. If you can snap AM16 at around $40-45 - it is surely a great deal, IMLO.

Good comparisons! It sounds like the AM16 Balanced is the way to go! I might someday buy another KZ all-BA set, and it will be either the Sonata or AM16 Bal. I don't actually own an all-BA set right now... While I liked the AS24 I had, I thought the sound was a bit too mids-forward and maybe just a tad dry.

Although... I DO like my bass, and you said the AM16 Pro was the least bassy, then AS16 Pro X, then AM16 Bass... I HAVE heard reports though of the AS16 Pro X being sibilant or harsh in the treble. Can you confirm? All three of these sets, along with the ZSX Pro have been recently posted on KZTWS website. [and the new AS16 and AM16 are the same price!] Looking at the KZ graphs, the Bass version actually looks better to me haha.

There's also a sale on the Sonata...

Also, they're trying to sell the EDX Ultra for $22! HAHA... that thing is several generations outdated??? And the ZVX Pro is like $18 on their site??? no WAY the EDX Ultra is better haha.

 

[Ineras]

Some funky products coming out from Colorfly.

 

[r31ya]

Good comparisons! It sounds like the AM16 Balanced is the way to go! I might someday buy another KZ all-BA set, and it will be either the Sonata or AM16 Bal. I don't actually own an all-BA set right now... While I liked the AS24 I had, I thought the sound was a bit too mids-forward and maybe just a tad dry.

Although... I DO like my bass, and you said the AM16 Pro was the least bassy, then AS16 Pro X, then AM16 Bass... I HAVE heard reports though of the AS16 Pro X being sibilant or harsh in the treble. Can you confirm? All three of these sets, along with the ZSX Pro have been recently posted on KZTWS website. [and the new AS16 and AM16 are the same price!] Looking at the KZ graphs, the Bass version actually looks better to me haha.

There's also a sale on the Sonata...

Also, they're trying to sell the EDX Ultra for $22! HAHA... that thing is several generations outdated??? And the ZVX Pro is like $18 on their site??? no WAY the EDX Ultra is better haha.

EDX Ultra? you could find one in single digit pricing.
yeah, at $22, KZ ZVX Pro or Wan'er 2 or Tanchjim Bunny will be better options.

---

Two new things in AM16 compared to AS16, is the very new gen Bass-BA, the new version 22955 and the more premium Sonata/AS24's mid-BA.
the new drivers performance seems to correspond to the early impression praise.

 

[Ace Bee]

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

Ahh a fellow otaku! What are you reading now?

I have my hands full with Omniscient Reader's Viewpoint, Eleceed, Usogui, Goblin Slayer, One Piece, The Beginning After The End.

Too bad HCLW is not updating regularly. Waiting for the new season of Tower Of God. And god knows when One Punch Man will start again. Kuroshitsuji started again now that's a relief.

 

[r31ya]

Ahh a fellow otaku! What are you reading now?

I have my hands full with Omniscient Reader's Viewpoint, Eleceed, Usogui, Goblin Slayer, One Piece, The Beginning After The End.

Too bad HCLW is not updating regularly. Waiting for the new season of Tower Of God. And god knows when One Punch Man will start again. Kuroshitsuji started again now that's a relief.

i would recommend to read the OG One's version One Punch Man,
he started to release chapter again and its pretty awesome.
tough finding a complete collection of it would be a bit difficult now.

 

[rawrj]

What do we know about the TangZu Tianpeng? Kinda intriguing

 

[r31ya]

What do we know about the TangZu Tianpeng? Kinda intriguing

Their Wukong promo also start getting around,

They noted this as their Flagship.
they have teased this iem since like late last year,
then brought a version of it to canjam in early this year,
finally seems they've finalized the tuning and setup by may.
Tangzu said that they will bring the final version to HK Expo in August.

it seems that this iem going to be their top of the line flagship.
... as far as i remember, there are no news for the setup or pricing.
and due to to chifi tendency to use the same legend as naming source, i actually mistook a different brand mid-fi iem with the same name "WuKong" as Tangzu one.

 

[rawrj]

I certainly like those shells more, curious what a TangZu flagship will cost. So far the only bit of detail I found on the Tianpeng is that I believe it's a pzt BC driver.

 

[r31ya]

I certainly like those shells more, curious what a TangZu flagship will cost. So far the only bit of detail I found on the Tianpeng is that I believe it's a pzt BC driver.

IF Tianpeng already cost $590, WuKong might be close to Kilobuck territory.

 

[superuser1]

I have received AM16 balanced today (8 days since the order, 7 days since shipped by kztws - nice, a good reason to pay a bit more to them -$56 for the balanced for the records).

Here are the bass and balanced versions of AM16 side by side with the same/matched cable (a nice emeralrs/jade one for the 'best possible cable tuning" from KBEar/KeepHiFi).

The same signature of "AM16" on both- try to find a very subtle difference - your audiophile quiz of the day

Main comparison of the two AM16 is clearly with AS16 Pro X - the previous pinnacle of the same driver count.
Our 120+ year old grand piano is acknowledged for the photo-ops

Well, what can I say in few words - for me, balanced makes all the sense, as @FreeWheelinAudioLuv2 smartly pointed out - the balanced is the way to go with KZ (and I am a bass-lean person for the records). Then, I did read the feedback on KZ thread that the bass one offers not enough bass for some. I can't imagine how it can be - but preferences do vary, as well as tips and sources.
To report mine - wide-bore TRI Clarion got a very good seal for me, and made all frequencies thrive well. Questyle M15C as a source helps a lot with the agility of the bass. (This source may be a bit too much for all-BAs, but I just loved it with hybrids and used for this comparison for simplicity).
The balanced AM16 is my preferred bass levels. I was silly in a retrospective to order bass version first, but is/was very much happy to experience it.
AS16 pro X sits in between AM16 bass and balanced with the bass level for me. The metal nozzles of AS16 Pro X (and many older KZ) is what I miss the most in new KZ. AM16 got a new transparent resin matrix, surely looking nicer, if it is important to you.
Treble is a bit more refined with AM16, as well as the mids are more present with AM16
If you thought that more bass could work better for your AS16 pro - bass version of AM16 will deliver more!
If the bass was a bit too imposing with AS16 pro- then AM16 balanced will do well.
AS16 pro went as low as $35. Is $50-60 price for AM16 justified - yes, for me. If you can snap AM16 at around $45 or so- it is surely a great deal, IMLO.

P. S. AS24 and Sonata are a bit at the different level for me. I thought to include them in the comparison, but they are different - more bass lean, subtle, just a different design for a different sound signature that resonates more with me for its subtledty and refinement, while AM16 is surely more engaging IEM and great at $50 or so.

much appreciated! how about pressure buildup and how many vents does it have. Thanks

 

[Ace Bee]

i would recommend to read the OG One's version One Punch Man,
he started to release chapter again and its pretty awesome.
tough finding a complete collection of it would be a bit difficult now.

I actually read online, on mangazone app. Can you tell me on which site OPM is being updated? Cause it surely is not being on mangazone.