The discovery thread!

[Barndoor]

Yes, well as long as you get the Aether enough power then you are qualified to make judgments like so. But the Aether is very boring from just a phone, or Apple Dongle! Still something as popular as the Aether gets a lot of arrows shot its way, being high profile and all.

Had a play with the Aether on a dap today for the first time.
Up until now I've been using desktop level amplification (mostly Hifiman EF600 and iFi Zen Can signature).
Running it balanced with ivipQ-516 (7NOCC) cable.
The RS2 is a dap I consider to be under powered at only 320mW balanced.
For the Aether this turned out to be the case, leaving it lifeless and boring. The magic had been sucked out.
Swapping to the CA1000T and all is good again!

I'm not sure it is right to say that only people using desktop power "are qualified to make judgements". Everybody needs to be aware that if they want to get the magic out of the Aether then they need to be able to give it some juice and shouldn't buy if that is not their pathway in this hobby.

 

[WAON303]

Early Mangird Top Pro shilling live.



Graphs pretty well, I think this will sell super well like it's predecessor, haven't heard the OG Top but it was very well received. FC-Construct was the only reviewer who didn't enjoy the Top but he claims the Top sounded "Bassy and muddy" something no one else has said about the Top's sound.

Top Pro has the same driver config as the forgotten Hype 10 but is much cheaper.

Shell reminds me a lot of the high end Thieaudio stuff, it's not for everyone but I quite like it.

 

[RedCurry]

Early Mangird Top Pro shilling live.



Graphs pretty well, I think this will sell super well like it's predecessor, haven't heard the OG Top but it was very well received. FC-Construct was the only reviewer who didn't enjoy the Top but he claims the Top sounded "Bassy and muddy" something no one else has said about the Top's sound.

Top Pro has the same driver config as the forgotten Hype 10 but is much cheaper.

Shell reminds me a lot of the high end Thieaudio stuff, it's not for everyone but I quite like it.

I didn't like the OG Top either. Found the bass too slow and not coherent with the rest of the frequencies. But maybe that's just me.

 

[domq422]

Howdy, everyone.

It’s been a while. I’ve been off all forms of audio forums for a few months now. I won’t be 100% back, but I did want to say that I hope all of my buddies here are doing well and also I wanted to say thank you to those who reached out personally, you know who you are. That really does mean a lot to me and it won’t be forgotten

 

[Redcarmoose]

Had a play with the Aether on a dap today for the first time.
Up until now I've been using desktop level amplification (mostly Hifiman EF600 and iFi Zen Can signature).
Running it balanced with ivipQ-516 (7NOCC) cable.
The RS2 is a dap I consider to be under powered at only 320mW balanced.
For the Aether this turned out to be the case, leaving it lifeless and boring. The magic had been sucked out.
Swapping to the CA1000T and all is good again!

I'm not sure it is right to say that only people using desktop power "are qualified to make judgements". Everybody needs to be aware that if they want to get the magic out of the Aether then they need to be able to give it some juice and shouldn't buy if that is not their pathway in this hobby.

I was simply addressing his saying the Aether didn't have enough bass, so I was saying as long as you are driving it with enough juice then you then know if the bass is in your wheelhouse or not. Not using a phone or Apple Dongle, I said that, you are not quoting me in my entire quote? I still stand by my views that someone would not enjoy the Aether from just a phone, I mean other IEMs are better from a phone for less money.

Did I use the word desk-top? LOL

Yes, well as long as you get the Aether enough power then you are qualified to make judgments like so. But the Aether is very boring from just a phone, or Apple Dongle! Still something as popular as the Aether gets a lot of arrows shot its way, being high profile and all.

It is true I’m a Kiwi ears fanboy. They have my sound, and while maybe the regular Kiwi ears sound is not for everyone, it is true the bass at times can be interpreted as careful. I’m just starting my Etude review, and did a little listening yesterday and the bass the way it was set-up was very careful and clean....even with BCD! But the wild part is I have made the Etude sound a bunch of ways, meaning change ear-tips, cable and DAP and it is a whole different animal. Still I’m going to try and give the review as much objective power as I can. That may be showing how the Etude can be many things? But the other Kiwi ears bass that was very different was the Atheia full-size. That headphone had a prominent mid-bass hump, still offering sub-bass but it was overpowered by the hump. Then there was a prominent 2.5kHz peak, then the treble was sloping after that. Talk about color! Still what can I say, I like it too? I have reviewed almost pretty much all they make except the original Orchestra and one small DAC/Amp. I still hold the Quintet in high regards as well as the Quartet, which came out in 2023....it came out around May I think?

 

[FreeWheelinAudioLuv2]

Damn, hbb comparing Top Pro with Storm and saying he prefers the Mangird.

Howdy, everyone.

It’s been a while. I’ve been off all forms of audio forums for a few months now. I won’t be 100% back, but I did want to say that I hope all of my buddies here are doing well and also I wanted to say thank you to those who reached out personally, you know who you are. That really does mean a lot to me and it won’t be forgotten

Good to see you here. I asked about you a bit back. Glad you're apparently doing well?

I was simply addressing his saying the Aether didn't have enough bass, so I was saying as long as you are driving it with enough juice then you then know if the bass is in your wheelhouse or not. Not using a phone or Apple Dongle, I said that, you are not quoting me in my entire quote? I still stand by my views that someone would not enjoy the Aether from just a phone, I mean other IEMs are better from a phone for less money.

Did I use the word desk-top? LOL

Agree 100%. The Kiwi Ears Aether is not an IEM you buy if you are a. using a smartphone b. don't have a powerful dap or dongle dac in your possession. Better to buy the cheaper Letshuoer S08 if you want planar flavor, and it's much easier to drive to it's potential than the Aether, but deliver juice to the Aether, and it becomes a BEAST. The most refined, punchy, and well rounded and stagey planar I've ever heard.

 

[Redcarmoose]

Good to see you here. I asked about you a bit back. Glad you're apparently doing well?

Agree 100%. The Kiwi Ears Aether is not an IEM you buy if you are a. using a smartphone b. don't have a powerful dap or dongle dac in your possession. Better to buy the cheaper Letshuoer S08 if you want planar flavor, and it's much easier to drive to it's potential than the Aether, but deliver juice to the Aether, and it becomes a BEAST. The most refined, punchy, and well rounded and stagey planar I've ever heard.

Yes!

 

[Jmop]

You guys think the original R3 Pro is worth a look around $100? I mean it’s an ultra portable dual CS14131, if anything it’ll be my transport since I’ve sold my other HiBys lol.

 

[alexandros a]

Hi guys, just wrote a few things about the YanYin Canon Pro IEM here:

YanYin Canon Pro review
https://www.headphoneer.com/yanyin-canon-pro-review/

YanYin Canon Pro vs Kiwi Orchestra Lite
https://www.headphoneer.com/kiwi-ears-orchestra-lite-vs-yanyin-canon-pro-comparison-review/

YanYin Canon Pro vs Thieaudio Hype 4
https://www.headphoneer.com/thieaudio-hype-4-vs-yanyin-canon-pro-comparison-revie
w/

A GEM !!!!!!!!!!!!!! .......................AND ONE OF THE MOST ROMANTIC SIGNATURES I VE ENCOUNTERED THUS FAR OVER THIS HOBBY FOR SURE !!!!
........DARK & OBSCURE MAJESTY................!!!

---

So......good morning everyone from Athens,Greece ..............
my usual report regarding the latest set having right now in hands follows right after............

well this is certainly not bad....
NOT BAD AT ALL AS A MATTER OF FACT.........

talking about THIEAUDIO ORACLE MKIII ................Have interrupted burn in process last night this one have reached till now aproximately 70 hours of continuous burn in ....and me have allready started getting really nervous not having a listen sooooo............ it's actually REALLY GOOD..........i am a basshead besides other things ....and i crave for some impact as i have repeated numerous times over this along with other threads ......but this is not the only thing that matters in any set.....ORACLE MKIII is not about IMPACT ....it's about vastness ...it's about extented stereo images ...it's about openness of the stage ..........it's about clear translucent vocals and deep detail retrieval ability...........it's about creating BIG MIDRANCE IMAGES and smooth extended non fatique highs...........the least you ll notice upon first listening it ll be IMPACT...sure it has a sub bass ooomph which will probably cover most of audiophile's needs but certainly not for bassheads.....either people craving for strong emphasis over mid bass...its sub bass orientated obtaining a mild emphasis down below 60Hz and very very balanced overall....The highs stand out coming out velvety smooth obtaining no grain or glare absolutely natural with all the details and relaxing as well not so energetic ...very very impressive highs YES this is something really to be mentioned on ORACLE MKIII.....First thing came in mind upon last night's listening was an A to B test against ISN EBC80 so spent a couple of hours doing so ......both very good performers in different sonic categories but you can judge for yourselves reading my observations right after this one......at this brief comparison i go as far as suggesting which one suits anyone's taste and which one anyone should prefer according to his/hers sound prefferences.
.................BURN IN goes on there for at least 100 total hours so......a complete -full review on ORACLE MKIII will follow during this weekend........Enjoy :

Head-to-Head: THIEAUDIO Oracle MKIII vs. ISN Audio EBC80​

Two Philosophies of Refinement — Clarity vs. Musicality​

Both the THIEAUDIO Oracle MKIII and the ISN Audio EBC80 stand at the intersection of technical prowess and musical engagement, but their executions couldn't be more distinct. Oracle MKIII is about reference-style balance, spatial resolution, and detail finesse, while EBC80 goes for emotional connection, rich timbre, and a warm, immersive tuning.


Let’s break them down across key sound performance areas to help you decide where your preferences land.

Bass – Subtle Precision vs. Emotional Weight

• Oracle MKIII: consists of two 10mm dynamic drivers arranged in an isobaric design housed in a chamber and focused primarily on sub-bass extension, offering tight, clean low-end control with fast transients and no midrange intrusion. It's a bass that underpins the soundstage rather than dominates it — more about definition and texture than physical slam.
• ISN EBC80: Utilizes a quabrid setup, including Bone Conduction, which adds a visceral dimension to the bass response. Sub-bass reaches deep and rumbles with physicality, while mid-bass carries warmth and body. It’s a more emotional and colored low-end, giving music richness and energy, especially in genres like indie, jazz, and electronic.

✔ Verdict:

• Oracle MKIII = Analytical, lean, textured
• EBC80 = Musical, warm, immersive

Midrange : Clarity vs. Intimacy

• Oracle MKIII: Midrange is slightly recessed, prioritizing space and layering over forwardness. Vocals are clean, well-separated, and transparent, but may feel a touch distant compared to more mid-forward monitors. Ideal for instrumental complexity and maintaining air between elements.
• ISN EBC80: Here the EBC80 shines — the midrange is more present, romantic, and musically inviting. Vocals are lush, intimate, and full-bodied, with a natural smoothness that flatters both male and female voices. Instruments have a richer timbre, though sometimes at the cost of absolute separation.

✔ Verdict:

• Oracle MKIII = Clean, spacious, neutral
• EBC80 = Lush, emotional, inviting

Treble : Airy Extension vs. Velvet Smoothness

• Oracle MKIII: This is Oracle’s standout feature. The twin EST drivers deliver exquisite upper treble extension, micro-detail, and shimmering spatial cues with almost no fatigue. Ideal for critical listening, ambient, and classical genres. It’s a sparkle-rich treble, but very well controlled.
• ISN EBC80: Uses EST drivers more conservatively. Treble here is smoother, darker, and more relaxed. It offers great resolution, but is tuned to avoid sharpness, making it perfect for long sessions and sensitive listeners. Microdetail is still present, just not pushed forward.

✔ Verdict:

• Oracle MKIII = Brilliant, airy, refined sparkle
• EBC80 = Smooth, relaxed, non-fatiguing

Soundstage & Imaging – Studio Space vs. Musical Bubble

• Oracle MKIII: Wide, holographic, and layered. Instruments are placed with surgical accuracy, and there’s a real sense of 3D depth. It delivers a monitor-like spatial map — perfect for dissecting mixes and locating cues.
• ISN EBC80: Stage is spacious but more immersive than analytical. There’s width and decent depth, but it feels more like a musical space than a dissected one. Imaging is accurate, though not as sharply defined as Oracle’s.

✔ Verdict:

• Oracle MKIII = Layered, neutral, expansive
• EBC80 = Engaging, rich, warmly enveloping

Technical Performance – Transparency vs. Cohesion

• Oracle MKIII: Offers high-resolution detail, excellent transient handling, and clean separation. It excels with complex tracks and showcases tiny nuances clearly. The tuning leans studio reference, revealing everything — for better or worse.
• ISN EBC80: Technically capable, but more tuned for enjoyment than dissection. It trades a bit of raw resolution for cohesiveness and timbre realism. Excellent layering and dynamics, just not as micro-focused as Oracle.

✔ Verdict:

• Oracle MKIII = For detail lovers and mix analysts
• EBC80 = For musicality and engagement seekers

Build, Cable & Accessories

• Oracle MKIII: Solid resin shell, ergonomic and lightweight. Comes with a good-quality modular cable, decent tips and case. Functional, but not boutique.
• EBC80: Heavier shell due to internal complexity but still comfortable. Build feels robust. Cable is slightly more premium in feel, with better aesthetics and texture.

✔ Verdict:

• EBC80 = Slight edge for visual design and feel
• Oracle MKIII = More universal fit and weight comfort

Summary Table – Oracle MKIII vs. EBC80

Feature	Oracle MKIII	ISN EBC80
Bass	Sub-bass focused, tight, controlled	Rich, warm, immersive with BCD authority
Midrange	Clear, spacious, slightly pulled back	Romantic, intimate, lush
Treble	Airy, extended, EST detail	Smooth, natural, dark-tilted
Soundstage	Wide, holographic, layered	Wide, engaging, more immersive
Imaging	Sharp, positional accuracy	Natural, coherent
Detail Retrieval	High-definition, studio-grade	Musically revealing, not aggressive
Timbre	Transparent, slightly dry	Warm, analog, organic
Technical Skill	Analytical, reference	Musical, forgiving
Fatigue	Low, but detailed	Very low, ideal for long sessions

Final Verdict – Which One Is for You?

Choose THIEAUDIO ORACLE MKIII if........

• You’re after studio-grade tuning, treble air, and spatial microdetail
• You want to dissect layers and locate elements in the mix
• You prefer a transparent, wide-open midrange
• You enjoy critical or immersive listening of ambient, classical, acoustic, or electronic
• Treble sensitivity is not your main concern

Choose ISN EBC80 if......

• You want a musically rich, emotionally satisfying signature
• You love lush mids and full-bodied vocals
• You’re sensitive to bright treble and value long-session comfort
• You listen to indie, jazz, vocal-centric, or relaxing electronic
• You value timbre realism and analog warmth

..............more comparisons against other sets will take place any day now and will be posted over my review on ORACLE MKIII during this weekend...stay tuned...enjoy the music.............

 

[superuser1]

I was simply addressing his saying the Aether didn't have enough bass

Just for the record, i used the Shanling UA3 with the Aether

 

[FreeWheelinAudioLuv2]

Sadly, my vacation went by in a flash, and though it was a blessing, tomorrow, it's over. So now, I'll start sharing daily trio's again, and my impressions of the M21 in JM21 mode.

@Jmop - Hiby R3 II is GOLD. Look into that one.

 

[Redcarmoose]

Just for the record, i used the Shanling UA3 with the Aether

Whatever way you found them work for you, as with all of us bass is subjective! Cheers! I have the UA3 and love it, love that guy, it is classic!

New Bone Conduction Driver review..............the Kiwi ears Étude!
https://www.head-fi.org/showcase/br...s-Étude-hybrid-iem.28201/reviews#review-38113

 

[Khumbaba]

FC-Construct was the only reviewer who didn't enjoy the Top but he claims the Top sounded "Bassy and muddy" something no one else has said about the Top's sound.

Infact with Top Pro they tamed the mid bass:

 

[Jmop]

@FreeWheelinAudioLuv2 Is it just me or does the Bunny do layering actually pretty damn good? Also cuts down on hiss, sounds great out of my Shozy Alien, wondering how much I’m missing not going balanced?

 

[roflokek]

Good to see you here. I asked about you a bit back. Glad you're apparently doing well?

Agree 100%. The Kiwi Ears Aether is not an IEM you buy if you are a. using a smartphone b. don't have a powerful dap or dongle dac in your possession. Better to buy the cheaper Letshuoer S08 if you want planar flavor, and it's much easier to drive to it's potential than the Aether, but deliver juice to the Aether, and it becomes a BEAST. The most refined, punchy, and well rounded and stagey planar I've ever heard.

I'm waiting for your verdict on kz am16

Infact with Top Pro they tamed the bass:

followed the meta... fr is almost identical to odyssey