[RikudouGoku]

I was interested in it. But after finding out the cable ain't detachable, decided to skip.

How is the sound BTW?

One of the best budget iems out there. Great tuning, elevated but clean bass (NOT basshead quantity). Treble has very slight piezo timbre.

The issue is, they have crap QC. This is my replacement unit, with allegedly controlled QC, but it still manages to have channel imbalance in the upper-treble that is actually notiecable.

(first unit with garbage QC.)

 

[unifutomaki]

One of the best budget iems out there. Great tuning, elevated but clean bass (NOT basshead quantity). Treble has very slight piezo timbre.

The issue is, they have crap QC. This is my replacement unit, with allegedly controlled QC, but it still manages to have channel imbalance in the upper-treble that is actually notiecable.

(first unit with garbage QC.)

While I don’t have a standardised way to prove it (yet), my set sounds as it should to me. So if mine also have a channel imbalance, it’s at least minor enough that I can’t hear it

I’ve been listening to them for more than 6 hours at this point (including watching an entire online live concert with them), and I rather like them. They might become my on-the-go wired beaters, replacing the CH3T.

Assorted impressions of the Sora Light 2019:

• Good bass extension with ample sub-bass. Midbass is fairly tight and fast, which allows for a pleasing degree of clarity in the mids.
• Unlike many budget sets, both male and female vocals are presented with similar emphasis and resolution. Guitars and piano are clean and detailed.
• Treble is airy and well-extended without being piercing or unpleasant. They pass my cymbal test - cymbals sound like metal plates being struck instead of an indistinct hiss.
• Soundstage is average. Imaging is left/right/center.
• Next to the CH3T, these have a more forward, aggressive tuning. In comparison, the CH3T have a very relaxed, laid-back, almost unhurried signature.
• The CH3T have more midbass bloat than the Sora Light.
• Macrodetail is better on the Sora Light; microdetail is comparable between the two
• These are easier to drive than the CH3T.

Non-sound stuff:

• No-nonsense packaging. I like. Cuts down on waste and really no one cares that much.
• Tangly, kinda springy cable. I hope it settles in with time so it doesn’t keep trying to work itself into a coil.
• Build quality is nothing to write home about. The CH3Ts feel like a more premium product despite costing less.
• Actually good noise isolation. I wasn’t expecting this from bullet IEMs but I took them out to a diner, rode on a bus, and walked along the street. With these in my ears, I wasn’t bothered by my surroundings at all.
• These are a set that I have to use foamies with in order to avoid an unpleasant vacuum forming in my left ear.

 

[AmericanSpirit]

Just in case if anyone missed the deal:
AKG official shop is on xmas sale, and they are selling AKG N400 for 47.99USD, with 2 day-air free shipping within US(via UPS).
https://www.akg.com/Headphones/Earbuds/N400NCTWS-.html

I just received and this immediately become best sounding TWS to my experience, that means it’s better than AirPodsPro, Moondrop Sparks/Nekocake, KZ/CCA TWSs, and those of Bose, etc. (with exception of LDAC wireless moduled regular IEMs)

I received a $50 giftcard from my company as xmas gift and this served at it’s best purpose I actually ordered 3 of them, 2 for gift and 1 for my personal use.

If I rate AirPodsPro on universal IEM scale, it would be hit pretty high to 72/100.

And this N400 would hit near somewheere 75/100, where Moondrop’s Starfield is running as a pace holder. N400 could be referred as Starfield with ANC in a form of TWS, in SQ sounding not far on both IEM. Even for it’s original MRSP $149, as an ANC TWS, I would say it’s good.

For 47.99, I feel sorry for AKG/Harman/Samsung that they had to drop this lineup because of harsh competition over non-SQ related sector such as usability and ANC usefulness.

It’s definitely a premium made, TWS itself is IPX7 water proof, with aluminum made casing and TWS, a good buy

[fit] isn’t sophisticated level of how Apple developed their AirPodsPro, it interferes with your canal touching area. Probably 5 hour fully charges listening may need some break for my case

Tip roll result : AZLA smaller sized Zelastec would do a good job(xelastec for AirPodsPro hardly worked due to ANC interference, so this surprise me that Xelastec actually worked well with AKG’s ANC)
Stock tips are similar matetials with Final E tips, with shorter nozzle.

 

[04gto]

Just in case if anyone missed the deal:
AKG official shop is on xmas sale, and they are selling AKG N400 for 47.99USD, with 2 day-air free shipping within US(via UPS).
https://www.akg.com/Headphones/Earbuds/N400NCTWS-.html

I just received and this immediately become best sounding TWS to my experience, that means it’s better than AirPodsPro, Moondrop Sparks/Nekocake, KZ/CCA TWSs, and those of Bose, etc.

I received a $50 giftcard from my company as xmas gift and this served at it’s best purpose I actually ordered 3 of them, 2 for gift and 1 for my personal use.

If I rate AirPodsPro on universal IEM scale, it would be hit pretty high to 72/100.

And this N400 would hit near somewheere 75/100, where Moondrop’s Starfield is running as a pace holder. N400 could be referred as Starfield with AND in a form of TWS, in SQ sounding not far on both IEM.

It’s a good buy

I just ordered these for my son yesterday morning and they are out for delivery today. Turns out the warehouse is only about thirty miles from my house. Thanks for the feedback. Everywhere I have read so far makes it seem like they sound good enough that you might actually forget you are wearing wireless ANC earbuds, which is what I am hoping for. I will definitely be doing some testing right after my son opens them on xmas day.

 

[AmericanSpirit]

I just ordered these for my son yesterday morning and they are out for delivery today. Turns out the warehouse is only about thirty miles from my house. Thanks for the feedback. Everywhere I have read so far makes it seem like they sound good enough that you might actually forget you are wearing wireless ANC earbuds, which is what I am hoping for. I will definitely be doing some testing right after my son opens them on xmas day.

Yes for tech-side it’s only bare-foot AAC/SBC, not supporting fancy AptX adaptive or LDAC, HWA, those lossless codec, but hey! It’s very satisfying, definitely one of best solution to get better sound out of daily use iphone/androids.

 

[Nimweth]

I am testing a new 8 core copper cable from Fedai at Amazon.com. I have tried it with the BQEYZ Summer and Shuoer Tape Pro and it sounds great. Really impressed by the improvements compared to the stock cables. Review coming soon here is a link to the product:

https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B09GN1GXG1?ref=ppx_pt2_mob_b_prod_image

 

[baskingshark]

New Whizzer Kylin single DD incoming. HE03D.

https://www.facebook.com/WhizzerAudio/posts/1040496469860237

 

[1clearhead]

Hello fellow head-fier’s...

Here’s a quick impression of the CCA CRA and KZ ZEX PRO

Plus, a quick comparison between CCA CRA vs BFB LARK, CCA CRA vs KZ ZEX PRO, and KZ ZEX PRO vs CCA NRA vs KZ ZEX.

Click on the link below...
https://www.head-fi.org/threads/knowledge-zenith-kz-impressions-thread.698148/post-16720520

Enjoy!

-Clear

 

[FreeWheelinAudioLuv2]

Timeless continues to impress me. These things go toe to toe with the DUNU EST 112, which are about $300 MORE than the Timeless. I'm also still enjoying the RE800 silver as well. Not quite at the level of the Timeless or the EST 112, but really, it's so in the ball park for a single dynamic driver, it's nitpicking. The Timeless delivers effortless sound quality while playing pretty much EVERY genre in my collection, which is vast. Even the most sketchy mastered black metal comes across not just listenable, but it's able to pick out and separate the most congested tracks. This is no easy feat. Most of my collection has some difficulties, with the exception of the NX7 mk III, which until the Timeless, and to a lesser extent the EST 112, was the king of death and black metal replay. The planar speakers are just so fluid, technical, and resolving. These have to be the kings of the $200 price bracket. I read a couple other reviewers say this same thing, and usually I'm quite wary of this type of hype, but I'm really agreeing. The 7 Hertz Timeless is probably the new reigning King of the $200 price bracket. They legit play in the same field as a $200-500 priced IEM, and only lose some ground when pressing $600 and above (for the more well reviewed in that class). The bass is the star of the show. supple, fast, resolving, and hard hitting. It can dig deep when called upon, or just speed along furiously when called upon. It's more versatile and resolving than any dynamic driver I own or have heard in the past, and again, the only bass that comes to mind similar would be the dual CNT bass from the NX7 mk III. It takes a dual bass driver to get close to a single planar. Resolution and timbre and precise treble extension are where the Timeless separates itself. It's simply a beautifully tuned IEM in those categories, and it has very little weaknesses (maybe the vocal midrange isn't world class and presence a bit less than the treble and bass), but again...nitpicking. For $200, you're not going to achieve perfection, so getting this close at this price is a welcomed surprise. I'm done buying for awhile. No need for the KZ ZEX, latest CCA, or more expensive DUNU or Fiio, ISN, or whatever new discovery is released or down the pike...unless we get the Timeless Pro? Then maybe???

EDIT : Gear used (Sony A55 + Fiio Mont Blanc amp with Cardas cable or Hiby R2 with no amp). great synergy with these DAPS.

 

[bryaudioreviews]

Tin T3 Plus, BQEYZ Autumn, Aune x1s GT, Cat Ear HITAM - Another Quadruple Review ​

One of these is severely overhyped IMO

Announcement : Shameless self-plug, but I've just created my own headfi thread. If you are interested in my reviews, feel free to give me a follow there! You can ask me anything and I'll do my best to answer. Click here for the link to my thread or find it as part of my head-fi signature. link to thread here.​

Tin HiFi T3 Plus - $69usd, 1DD. To sum up the Tin T3 plus in one sentence, it is: "Great Harman tuning, cheap driver, underwhelming technicalities". The Tin T3 Plus is yet another Harman tuned IEM in this market oversaturated with Harman tuned IEM. Is it better than its more expensive competitors though? In my very honest opinion, not really. However, let's start by stating what's great with the Tin T3 Plus. Smooth Harman tuning, good bass quantity, natural and open mids, smooth treble, wide soundstage, and $10usd cheaper than the Aria.

Although Tin T3 Plus has good tuning, I find its technicalities to be below average. Soundstage here is good. With good width and decent height, but transients are smeared and soft, imaging is a bit hazy, bass lacks any sort of texture or definition (one-note-y bass), extensions on both ends isn't the greatest, and detail retrieval is meh at best. For those that have tried the Aria, just imagine the Tin T3 Plus as a level below in terms of technicalities. Overall, pretty underwhelming as these are hyped to the moon (with some reviewers giving them 5/5). Sure, the tuning here is good, but Tin HiFi could've opted for a better driver as the LCP driver inside the T3 Plus sounds "cheap". With mediocre technicalities, bass/treble extension, and the biggest issue of them all, its bass… as the bass here lacks any sort of definition and texture.

With Aria only being $10usd more, I don’t see any reason why would you want to save that $10usd. With $10usd more, you are getting a similarly Harman tuned IEM with slightly better technicalities, slightly better bass, slightly better extension and much better accessories. The thin stock cable, soft eartips, and carrying pouch of the Tin T3 Plus is pretty bad, especially when put side to side with the Aria.

If Tin HiFi priced the Tin T3 Plus around $55usd, I would've given this a higher score. But at its retail price of $69usd, I'd rather spend $10usd more for the Moondrop Aria. Sorry Tin Hifi, use a better driver or price your products lower next time. - 3.5/5


BQEYZ Autumn - $199usd, 13mm 1DD driver. I'll start off this review by saying that I love the BQEYZ Autumn. With 3 interchangeable tunings (treble, normal, bass), a huge 13mm 1DD driver, great fit, great tuning, and above-average technicalities, the BQEYZ Autumn is an absolute beast.

Let's start by talking about the interchangeable tuning. BQEYZ uses magnets for their interchangeable bass ports, and I have to say that this is hands down the best execution of an interchangeable filter I've tried and seen. Changing the filters are so effortless and easy, it makes me ACTUALLY wants to change filters for once. In terms of sound, with "normal" mode, the tuning here is Harman-like, with a slight added sparkle up top in the 4kHz treble region. With "bass" mode, I'd describe it as Harman-warm… imagine KBEar Aurora but with better technicalities. With "treble" mode, I'd describe the sound as neutral bright…. Imagine HZSound Heart Mirror, but with a much bigger driver and a more open presentation. Keep in mind that the slight 4kHz peak will be there no matter the tuning mode you choose. So if you are sensitive to lower treble, the Autumn might not be for you.

Out of the 3 tuning choices, my favourite is "normal" mode as it is the most balanced of all. "Bass" mode adds note weight, warmth, thickness and punch to the bass; but it can be too bassy at times. "Treble" mode tames the bass, "tightens" the bass with better-perceived bass texture, makes midrange open and transparent; but vocals can be a bit too forward and the 4kHz peak becomes quite noticeable (and peaky at times). "Normal" mode is like the perfect medium: with good note weight, good bass texture, good warmth, warm natural midrange, and sparkly treble without any hint of peakiness.

In terms of technicalities, the BQEYZ is no slouch too. BQEYZ Autumn has a huge presentation thanks to its big 13mm 1DD driver. With a huge expansive soundstage, "out of your head" imaging, and above-average detail retrieval. Now, in terms of resolution, I personally find the Tanchjim Oxygen to be a notch above, and KBEar BElieve to be a lot more resolving than the BQEYZ Autumn. However, those IEMs aren't without their own issues too. I'll compare them in my BQEYZ Autumn full review so stay tuned if you are interested.

The BQEYZ Autumn isn't perfect too. The 4kHz peak, microdetail retrieval isn't the best, and imaging although wide, isn't the most accurate and sharp. However, the pros outweigh the cons here.

I have been using the Autumn for almost 2 weeks now, and I have to say… I really like the Autumn. Although not perfect, it got a lot of things right. With great OOTB tuning, interchangeable tuning, great soundstage, above-average technicalities, the BQEYZ Autumn is hard to hate and easy to love. Great job BQEYZ. - 4.5/5


Aune X1s GT - $319.99usd, desktop DAC/Amp. The 8th Generation of the Aune X1s series. Sabre ES9038 DAC, 4 special filter ("drive") modes, PLL (Phase Locked Loop) Technology, with a maximum output power of 1200mW at 32 Ohms (BAL) and 320mW at 32 Ohm (SE)… its no surprise that the Aune X1s GT is a very powerful DAC/Amp combo.

In terms of sound quality, I would describe the Aune X1s GT to be warm-neutral, musical yet resolving. Soundstage is very wide, instrument separation is great, transients are sharp and clean, bass is tight and punchy, midrange is neutral and transparent, and treble is really well extended with no hints of harshness or sibilance. Overall sound signature I would describe as neutral, with a slight hint of warmth - or some might call it, warm neutral. It is pretty dynamic too, maybe just a hair under the Zen CAN. Imaging is pretty spot on and accurate, and it images wide.

Now, depending on the filter that you chose (there's 4 in total), there will be some slight differences in terms of SQ. There are 2 modes, each with 2 different algorithms: Standard Mode (general / headphone) and Pure Mode (general / headphone). Since my testing is done mostly with headphones, I find that setting the x1s GT to "headphone" just sounds better than "general". Dynamics are better, bass is punchier, overall sound isn't as flat nor dull.

In terms of the difference between Standard Mode and Pure Mode, Standard mode sounds like a "slow roll-off filter". It is smoother more natural sounding, edges are slightly rounded off and smoothed, not as sharp, bass not as tight. However, to my ears, sounds like there is a hint more mid-bass, which can make bass come off as punchier and "bloatier" depending on how you want to see it. Vocals just a hint more relaxed, not as tight sounding.

Pure Mode, on the other hand, is probably a faster filter. Edges are sharper, punchier tighter bass, speedier transient…

After testing out all 4 filter ("drive") modes for a week, my personal favourite is Pure Mode (headphones). However, I can also see myself using the Standard Mode (headphone) too with headphones like Sennheiser HD600 and KBEar BElieve. As long as you are using the "headphone" algorithm and not "general", you're fine.

In terms of power, the Aune X1s GT is no slouch too. It is able to drive everything that I throw at it, including the Final e5000 in balanced mode. Keep in mind that the Tri TK2 (BAL) and iFi Zen DAC (BAL) both failed to drive the Final e5000.

Overall, I am very impressed with the Aune X1s GT. In my full review, I will go through each of its outputs, specs, filter modes, and compare the Aune X1s GT with other sources like the iFi Zen DAC, iFi Zen CAN, Tri TK2, and many more. Stay tuned! In the meantime, here's my rating - 4.5/5


CatEar Hitam - $25usd, 1DD. Some might recall that I've already reviewed this like a month ago. However, it was DOA (Dead On Arrival), with very bad driver flex and channel imbalance. CatEar Hitam saw my review and was kind enough to send me a new pair immediately. The representative on AliExpress also told me that they have "enhanced the stability of all CatEar Hitam and retested them at the factory". Even though my first unit came with very bad channel balance and driver flex, I am glad that CatEar took action immediately and sent me a new pair.

They also retuned the HITAM after my evaluation. As you can see from the FR graph below, they drastically reduce the bass, making the HITAM much more balanced sounding. Bass isn't as boomy dark and dull, and midrange now is much clearer. Technicality wise, it is still pretty bad. With hazy imaging, bad detail retrieval, and below-average instrument separation. Soundstage is average.

However, with everything fixed now, is the CatEar Hitam finally good enough for recommending? Sadly, the answer is still no. At $25usd, it seems like the CatEar Hitam is more of a "consumer-grade" product rather than an "audiophile-grade" product. The 5kHz peak is still very much present, the $5usd TRN MT1 is much better tuned, and the $20usd Tanchjim Tanya is miles better than the CatEar HITAM in comparison at around the same $25usd price.

Thank you CatEar for listening to feedback and taking the initiative to fix what needs to be fixed. However, it is still not good enough. I can't really recommend the CatEar Hitam to anyone other than cat lovers, thanks to the pretty presentation and packaging. Other than that, I can't recommend the CatEar Hitam. - 2.5/5


Thank you for your time and thanks for reading. As usual, all FR graphs are shown below. If you guys have any further questions, feel free to ask and I will answer them to the best of my ability.

Huge thanks to Tinhifi, BQEYZ, Elle Zhou, Aune audio, CatEar for sending these out for review. The Tin T3 Plus was heavily discounted and the Aune X1s GT is a review tour unit. Others I received free of charge. I am not at all compensated by them and all thoughts and opinions are my own. Purchase links here (non-affiliated):

1. Tin Hifi T3 Plus - https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_pulldZb (link provided by Tinhifi. I do not get any kickback)
2. BQEYZ Autumn (Hifigo) - https://hifigo.com/products/bqeyz-autumn
3. Aune x1s GT (Hifigo) - https://hifigo.com/products/aune-x1s-gt-dac-with-headphone-amp
4. CatEar Hitam (Aliexpress) - https://www.aliexpress.com/item/100...=a2g0o.store_pc_home.hotSpots_6001935610397.0

 

[Ace Bee]

Here is my last review of 2021. I have to say I disliked more than I liked in this iem.

https://www.head-fi.org/showcase/moondrop-kato-new-single-dynamic-driver-iem.25413/review/27533/

 

[Nimweth]

Here is my review of the Fedai 8 core cable:
https://www.head-fi.org/threads/low...se-bang-for-buck-cable-thread.891911/page-487

 

[Vladimir 198]

Once upon a time promised a cable review: https://aliexpress.ru/item/1005002308016313.html?spm=a2g39.orderlist.0.0.357d4aa6R33B05
Short:
The softness and comfort are amazing, the color is gorgeous, a little heavier than the complete set from Spring2, but slightly, the earhooks seemed to me much more comfortable than on the complete set from Spring2. The connectors are flawless. I would like to see such a cable on all my headphones, I liked it so much .
When listening through BQEYZ Spring 2 (XDuoo Link 2, CEntrance DACportable), - no difference in sound was found (in comparison with the complete Spring2 cable).
Not an expert opinion, not a reason for controversy - this is just my subjective opinion.

 

[holsen]

Here is my last review of 2021. I have to say I disliked more than I liked in this iem.

https://www.head-fi.org/showcase/moondrop-kato-new-single-dynamic-driver-iem.25413/review/27533/

Thanks @Ace Bee could you comment a little on thos spring tips? I've been thinking about picking up a set but so many questions with not much info. I note from your review that you received the Size L - what size do you normally take and and how did these fit. If I read the specs, the Spring L is about as wide as a typical M so I'm curious as to whether I buy the M or the L. Also, if you still have them, could you measure to diameter of the opening (bore); are they medium or wide bore?
Thanks

 

[mochill]

Thanks @Ace Bee could you comment a little on thos spring tips? I've been thinking about picking up a set but so many questions with not much info. I note from your review that you received the Size L - what size do you normally take and and how did these fit. If I read the specs, the Spring L is about as wide as a typical M so I'm curious as to whether I buy the M or the L. Also, if you still have them, could you measure to diameter of the opening (bore); are they medium or wide bore?
Thanks

They run small , but have wide bore. I'm using LG but think if they had XL it'll be perfect