The discovery thread!

[Redcarmoose]

Just read your Force 1 review. I still cannot get over the fact that they come in a massive paper box yet do not have a carrying case. (And I still think that they look like knock-off JH audio with the flying man logo). How do they hide the vents?

Btw, still can't believe that you don't have Blessing 2, given the scale of your collection.

Do I see Moondrop Stellaris in your signature??

Missed the question on vents.

The top vent is under the faceplate area, so it looks like a small tube in photos......though I didn't really try to capture it. The other vent is near the nozzle end. I did cover this in the review, though there is a lot to read, so I forgive you!

See the tube? Also on the other IEM you can see it under the "r". The front one would bite you if it were a snake!

 

[Redcarmoose]

Nice, mine will probably come soon! haha

I get reprimanded for my enthusiasm in this thread.

Though all I will say is, don't worry be happy! You in no way will regret this one!

 

[o0genesis0o]

Missed the question on vents.

The top vent is under the faceplate area, so it looks like a small tube in photos......though I didn't really try to capture it. The other vent is near the nozzle end. I did cover this in the review, though there is a lot to read, so I forgive you!

See the tube? Also on the other IEM you can see it under the "r". The front one would bite you if it were a snake!

Gotta give it to TFZ for the craftsmanship of this unit. Stuffing a DD inside a filled resin shell and venting it with precise tubing is hard. I'm not compelled enough to add this one to my collection, but I will keep an eye on the brand. Thanks for the response.

 

[nymz]

Planar double drop coming in hot: TANGZU Wu Zetian and RAPTGO Hook-X reviews are live!

TANGZU Wu Zetian - Review

RAPTGO Hook-X - Review​

---

Hope you enjoy the reading and have a nice rest of the week/weekend.

 

[kappazeta78]

The "knock-off JH audio" of the winged female is actually a car hood ornament, so JH Audio can't have total copyright. Everyone barrows everything at times, that's the beauty of art. But the cardboard box is heavy at 334 grams full and 258 with everything taken out. But yes, I wonder what people think of it in shops, though probably we are simply paying to ship that dead weight around the world. The thing is, I myself need to get in touch with the buyer mindset. And if in fact this was a $79.00 purchase...............and the most expensive IEM purchase the person ever made, plus they were planning on using them for ten years total, than such a box opening experience would be justified. And they do sound like an IEM that (if you blend with the sound signature) you could actually keep and enjoy for ten straight years!




The Stellaris is arriving any day.

https://www.head-fi.org/showcase/supertfz-force1.26015/reviews#review-29241

I read your review on the force1 and owning the trn ta1 max (which i see in your signature) I was wondering how they sounded compared to them: could you give me some quick impressions on this comparison please?
Thank you very much!
ps: your reviews are among the best that can be found here

 

[Redcarmoose]

I read your review on the force1 and owning the trn ta1 max (which i see in your signature) I was wondering how they sounded compared to them: could you give me some quick impressions on this comparison please?
Thank you very much!
ps: your reviews are among the best that can be found here

Ok, remember this is by memory as it’s late, and....I can’t turn any lights on to do side-by-sides. But actually I spent a ton of time with the TRN TA1 Max just recently as that was a big part of the review I just posted for the TRN ST5!

To be truthful I almost like the TRN TA1 Max more than the TRN ST5 as it comes off smoother to me, and slightly more analog than this new ST5. But the killer is the TA1 Max sounds horrible from a phone, as you need power to help the TA1 Max perform. So both of these comparisons will be from memory but using the Walkman WM1A and 4.4mm balanced power. The TA1 Max is slightly simpler and offers not as refined response as the Force 1. So remember too, the Force 1 is way more money! But the TA1 Max has a charm, just not as spread out and open (or balanced) as the Force 1. Truly the Force 1 inspired me to write that review. I don’t ever have to make such a long winded review as that Force 1 review. I was trying to get my points across for people to take notice of what the Force 1 truly is! I could have put out 1/2 the effort or even put out 1/3 of what was in that review, but I became inspired. The problem is both IEMs came with not so great cables. The TA1 Max can be forgiven as it’s a cheep IEM, the Force 1........well you read my review.

The Force 1 is the ultimate stepping stone if you like the TRN TA1 Max but you want to jump into another league, just buy it! No worries needed here, as both are great, but the tune of the SUPERTFZ Force 1 is insane! Both IEMs share a warmish smooth style of the same response. Yet, you get what you pay for, plus more magic with the Force 1. It’s a higher definition TV, of a bigger size, yet working with much of the same tones!

By the way, easy comparisons as both are driving the exact same direction, it’s just the Force 1 is a bigger, faster and more expensive car! It’s a little unfair, but a big part of that review was the ISN SC4 cable at $99.90.....extra. That cable even changed the Pinestone Sea into a special IEM, so the Force 1 is great with any cable, but takes on a whole new life with the SC4. And with that SC4.........the combo of the two is a lot more money.......way more than the purchase of the TRN TA1 Max. So much of the focus of that review was Force 1 and ISN SC4.

 

[4ceratops]

Ok, remember this is by memory as it’s late, and....I can’t turn any lights on to do side-by-sides. But actually I spent a ton of time with the TRN TA1 Max just recently as that was a big part of the review I just posted for the TRN ST5!

To be truthful I almost like the TRN TA1 Max more than the TRN ST5 as it comes off smoother to me, and slightly more analog than this new ST5. But the killer is the TA1 Max sounds horrible from a phone, as you need power to help the TA1 Max perform. So both of these comparisons will be from memory but using the Walkman WM1A and 4.4mm balanced power. The TA1 Max is slightly simpler and offers not as refined response as the Force 1. So remember too, the Force 1 is way more money! But the TA1 Max has a charm, just not as spread out and open (or balanced) as the Force 1. Truly the Force 1 inspired me to write that review. I don’t ever have to make such a long winded review as that Force 1 review. I was trying to get my points across for people to take notice of what the Force 1 truly is! I could have put out 1/2 the effort or even put out 1/3 of what was in that review, but I became inspired. The problem is both IEMs came with not so great cables. The TA1 Max can be forgiven as it’s a cheep IEM, the Force 1........well you read my review.

The Force 1 is the ultimate stepping stone if you like the TRN TA1 Max but you want to jump into another league, just buy it! No worries needed here, as both are great, but the tune of the SUPERTFZ Force 1 is insane! Both IEMs share a warmish smooth style of the same response. Yet, you get what you pay for, plus more magic with the Force 1. It’s a higher definition TV, of a bigger size, yet working with much of the same tones!

By the way, easy comparisons as both are driving the exact same direction, it’s just the Force 1 is a bigger, faster and more expensive car! It’s a little unfair, but a big part of that review was the ISN SC4 cable at $99.90.....extra. That cable even changed the Pinestone Sea into a special IEM, so the Force 1 is great with any cable, but takes on a whole new life with the SC4. And with that SC4 it’s a lot more money.......way more than the purchase of the TRN TA1 Max. So much of the focus of that review was Force 1 and ISN SC4.

Sincere regards, but there is one statement in your post that I cannot agree with. You write that "But the killer is the TA1 Max sounds horrible from a phone, as you need power to help the TA1 Max perform".

In the case of the TRN TA1 Max, these are IEMs that don't really need power from the amplifier. They are extremely easy to drive, which is confirmed not only by my experience, but also by their parameters: impedance 22 ohms / sensitivity 118 db. SuperTFZ Force1 are a bit more power-hungry according to their parameters: impedance 32Ω / sensitivity 105dB.

I myself use the TA1 Max on the balanced output of my DAP, and I have to go very low with the volume. For comparison, I just tested them on the single output of a regular phone (POCO X3 pro) and I have to say that he has more than enough power to feed them. I also didn't notice any significant change in the nature of the sound for the worse when using them with my phone.

The overwhelming majority of published reviews also agree that the TA1 Max is easy to drive. I would rather not be intimidated by their demand on amplifier power, because the reality is different.

 

[fidshimmer]

anybody have the new Hisenior Mega5p?

https://www.hisenior-iem.com/products/meag5p-hybrid-iem

I ordered a set Aug 8 and they arrived an hour ago.

First impressions, Female vocals are forward and very warm. Bass is natural and has nice sustain. Treble is highly resolving but not strident, sibilant or tiring. Soundstage is large and imaging is good. Overall sound quality is very musical and lush. Sub bass seems balanced and does not muddy mid bass, it does come across strongly and although these are vented there is sensation of pressure pulsing on tracks with extreme low frequency. I did not experience any driver flex. The all resin shells are well made and have a fairly significant wing keeping them in place.

Build quality is good, packaging is in a nice pelican style case. Nice selection of tips included. Cable is 3.5mm terminated and seems of good quality. It is a bit stiff, but is untangled and not microphonic.

Some tracks with impressions

Ambrosia "Nice Nice very Nice" Sound is very layered and soundstage is wide, Male vocals are warm and forward.

Bobtown "Don't Fear the Reaper" Interesting bluegrass version of BOC classic. Banjo and acoustic guitars are very well defined with note seperation and have good "sparkle".

Donald Fagen "Morph the Cat" Bass and sub bass are clean and not overpowering. The sound is very balanced. These are not for a bass head.

Ravel "Le Tombeau de Couperin" woodwind quintet version by Baltic Woodwind quintet. I am a longtime bassoon player, the tone and timbre of the instruments seems spot on to me. Very relaxed and natural sounding.

evaluated with SMSL D6 Dac into SMSL HO 100 amp. low gain

 

[cqtek]

I know you just gave an example as to the Meow’s sound, but how do you like it, in general?

I'm an avowed bass lover. I have only tried it for half an hour and it lacks burning. Very good clarity, but I like something more balanced that doesn't demand so much from my ears. In my humble opinion I think it is an IEM for short to medium but intense listening.

 

[Surf Monkey]

I'm an avowed bass lover. I have only tried it for half an hour and it lacks burning. Very good clarity, but I like something more balanced that doesn't demand so much from my ears. In my humble opinion I think it is an IEM for short to medium but intense listening.

IKKO OH10 Obsidian. Excellent bass, rich midrange, treble that sparkles but doesn’t pierce. They’re my go-to for bass heavy tracks.

 

[Carpet]

I'm an avowed bass lover. I have only tried it for half an hour and it lacks burning. Very good clarity, but I like something more balanced that doesn't demand so much from my ears. In my humble opinion I think it is an IEM for short to medium but intense listening.

Tipsy TTROMSO Pinestone Sea or TRI I3 PRO are worth a look if you like mid-bass. Both are good for all day listening. Treble-heads need not apply!

 

[cqtek]

IKKO OH10 Obsidian. Excellent bass, rich midrange, tremble that sparkles but doesn’t pierce. They’re my go-to for bass heavy tracks.

Thank you very much for your recommendation. I will take it into account

https://www.head-fi.org/showcase/ikko-oh10.23876/reviews#review-23305

 

[Surf Monkey]

Thank you very much for your recommendation. I will take it into account

https://www.head-fi.org/showcase/ikko-oh10.23876/reviews#review-23305

Ha!

Well, in that case, consider the Tipsy Ttromso mentioned by @Carpet above. I really like mine. They’re like being wrapped in a big, warm blanket.

 

[cqtek]

Tipsy TTROMSO Pinestone Sea or TRI I3 PRO are worth a look if you like mid-bass. Both are good for all day listening. Treble-heads need not apply!

As I said, I'm an avowed bass lover. But this humble reviewer does not live by bass alone. I'm leaning more and more towards more balanced profiles. I also like analytical and detailed profiles. And I prefer full musical mids, with good bass support and treble that is explicit, extended, but not overly excited.
If I had to choose a profile on my Squig.link it would be very similar to the Letshuoer S12, however I don't think it's my best, I would have liked better technicalities.
I rate the Rose QT9 MK2s above them. Although I enjoy many IEMS that I've been lucky enough to review... And of those to come, Letshuoer D13 and TRI KAI are other good contenders, though not on the technical side, but much more fun and musical.
Thanks for your advice.

Unfortunately, I have not yet been able to test superior IEMS such as the current Tribrids or the big single dynamics.... Come on, all that range above 300$.

I'm still looking for my favourite IEMS. That makes the search exciting and trying out new models to enjoy or review will always be nice.

 

[TheVortex]

anybody have the new Hisenior Mega5p?

https://www.hisenior-iem.com/products/meag5p-hybrid-iem

I ordered a set Aug 8 and they arrived an hour ago.

First impressions, Female vocals are forward and very warm. Bass is natural and has nice sustain. Treble is highly resolving but not strident, sibilant or tiring. Soundstage is large and imaging is good. Overall sound quality is very musical and lush. Sub bass seems balanced and does not muddy mid bass, it does come across strongly and although these are vented there is sensation of pressure pulsing on tracks with extreme low frequency. I did not experience any driver flex. The all resin shells are well made and have a fairly significant wing keeping them in place.

Build quality is good, packaging is in a nice pelican style case. Nice selection of tips included. Cable is 3.5mm terminated and seems of good quality. It is a bit stiff, but is untangled and not microphonic.

Some tracks with impressions

Ambrosia "Nice Nice very Nice" Sound is very layered and soundstage is wide, Male vocals are warm and forward.

Bobtown "Don't Fear the Reaper" Interesting bluegrass version of BOC classic. Banjo and acoustic guitars are very well defined with note seperation and have good "sparkle".

Donald Fagen "Morph the Cat" Bass and sub bass are clean and not overpowering. The sound is very balanced. These are not for a bass head.

Ravel "Le Tombeau de Couperin" woodwind quintet version by Baltic Woodwind quintet. I am a longtime bassoon player, the tone and timbre of the instruments seems spot on to me. Very relaxed and natural sounding.

evaluated with SMSL D6 Dac into SMSL HO 100 amp. low gain

I have one on loan from a viewer but have not used it much so far but very well balanced tuning.