[unifutomaki]

I didn't like the basshead switch tuning on the X1 too, even though I'm a basshead. Thought that it was too bloated in the midbass and that impinges on the mids. The bass quantity will no doubt please bassheads, but the quality of the bass leaves a lot to be desired.

Yep, it's clear which of the two tunings received the bulk of the care and attention here. It's kinda impressive how they made the exact same transducers sound either brilliant and resolving or horrid and terrible with the flick of a switch alone. The fact that the basshead tuning is the default OOTB position is confounding and might even spoil an otherwise positive presentation and first impression (well, that and the garbage tips).

The X1 is definitely growing on me though. While I found it somewhat intense, maybe even somewhat tiring out of the box, my brain is adjusting well. It definitely sounds distinct from my TD06, ZAX and Super Spaceships, and it is quite unlike anything else I've heard previously, so it's a keeper on that basis alone.

 

[DBaldock9]

My preferred source is an LG V30. Do you have any recommendations for a balanced out to go with it? The internal DAC is very good and I'm currently feeding a small Fiio amp via the phone's analog out, but if there's a portable DAC+Amp with battery and a balanced out, I'm not opposed to using that DAC instead of the V30's.

I've got a TempoTec Sonata BHD ($67) on order from Amazon, and it should be here this weekend.
.
Synopsis of Amazon product description - TempoTec Sonata BHD, USB Type-C to 2.5mm TRRS Balanced output, Dual CS43131 DAC chips (32-Bit/384-KHz, DSD256, SNR: 129dB, THD+N: -113dB, Output: 120mW/32ohms, 20mW/600ohms) for Android Phone / PC / MAC, but NOT for iPhone. It has hardware volume buttons which are independent of the software volume control done on the source.

 

[Barusu Lamperouge]

Yep, it's clear which of the two tunings received the bulk of the care and attention here. It's kinda impressive how they made the exact same transducers sound either brilliant and resolving or horrid and terrible with the flick of a switch alone. The fact that the basshead tuning is the default OOTB position is confounding and might even spoil an otherwise positive presentation and first impression (well, that and the garbage tips).

The X1 is definitely growing on me though. While I found it somewhat intense, maybe even somewhat tiring out of the box, my brain is adjusting well. It definitely sounds distinct from my TD06, ZAX and Super Spaceships, and it is quite unlike anything else I've heard previously, so it's a keeper on that basis alone.

Thanks for your impressions. A mid centric set is actually a strong proposition in the sub 50 category. That should be enough motivation for potential buyers.

 

[Nimweth]

Just got OpenHeart Resin and all I can say is wow...
For $30 this thing beats bl-01 anytime of the day.
Not even burnt-in.
@Nimweth where are thee pics? Gonna rob them for a while

Hi. Here are my photos of the Open Heart. You may use them how you wish.

 

[Nimweth]

Kinera released it's latest IEMs, the Norn. It's a 4ba+1dd hybrid. The ba drivers are from Knowles and the dd is titanium plated. The price is set at $499. This looks awesome.
https://hifigo.com/products/kinera-norn-1dd-4ba-iems

Which Norn is it? Urd, Skuld or Verdandi? Lol

 

[iFi audio]

It's not a bright sound and has Burr-Brown chips, and it reminds me of a very 'Western' sound I got in the 80's and 90's from my HiFi.

You nailed it. Our house sound includes a touch of warmth and in general fatigue-free (no sharp edges, piercing highs or anything of the sort) character.

 

[IEMusic]

If only Kinera would team up with a company like Moondrop, Tanchjim, ThieAudio, iBasso, or Dunu.

 

[jwbrent]

Hi. Here are my photos of the Open Heart. You may use them how you wish.

Looks like a great value at such a low price. I like the name of the company!

 

[Gesugao]

If only Kinera would team up with a company like Moondrop, Tanchjim, ThieAudio, iBasso, or Dunu.

Or Crinacle to fix their tuning. Kinera X Crinacle Twilight

 

[FreeWheelinAudioLuv2]

KZ hit a homer with the DQ6.

 

[FreeWheelinAudioLuv2]

I decided to pull the trigger on either the Dita Truth or the Dunu Zen. I've been vacillating back and forth between the two of these! UGH!

 

[baskingshark]

I decided to pull the trigger on either the Dita Truth or the Dunu Zen. I've been vacillating back and forth between the two of these! UGH!

The only correct headfi solution is to get both. #YOLO FOMO

 

[courierdriver]

The only correct headfi solution is to get both. #YOLO FOMO

Lol! The problem with that approach (at least for me, anyway) is that I can't even afford to buy 1 set; nevermind 2!

 

[baskingshark]

Lol! The problem with that approach (at least for me, anyway) is that I can't even afford to buy 1 set; nevermind 2!

Haha I was kiddin about that.

I know covid is raging in certain areas, and assuming there's no lockdown, and if there's some local audio shops, might be a cheaper option to go down and audition some sets if possible. Hygeine is a worry, though the shops I've been to do sterilize the eartips with alcohol wipes after an audition session. Not sure if they wipe down big headphone pads though.

I know some audiophile friends of mine even resort to using an Amazon abuse technique where they buy stuff from Amazon and just return it if they don't like the sound. They go thru multiple CHIFI each month via this. I've not tried that, but not sure if Amazon will ban them sooner or later?

 

[FreeWheelinAudioLuv2]

no place to audition. for those who've heard the Zen, what are the highs like? Are they smooth? airy? Extended? Are they more MT300/CCA CST or Mofasest Trio/Sony Z5?