The discovery thread!

[W0lrince]

KZ PR1 (Hifi) early impression, apparently natural-leaning on warm




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Hifi ver VS Bass ver (kz published graph)

Edit: can't wait for a 29.99$ planar iem

 

[ChrisOc]

I figure that might also interest some people here:
PROblemdetected posted some details that he found of FB about the Kinera Gumiho driver, which might explain why KZ's representative is being annoyed by it.
It does not excuse his behaviour, and I actually find their version of planar interesting, as the results are quite good (but different) than the planars drivers we had up until now.
https://www.head-fi.org/threads/kinera-qoa-discussion-thread.964627/page-2#post-17161876
After all, and even if it's not "like" the other planars, it is still a planar, albeit using a different technology and giving different results.
My guess is that it might give other companies some ideas for cheap and frankly quite good drivers for the price.

You are absolutely right, there is nothing wrong with trying something new, in some circles it might be called innovation, in other circles it might be called deception.

We would still be in a beautiful "Flintstones" city without people trying something different.

The key is to be honest and say you have a custom (Planar Magnetic, DD or BA) driver.

 

[kmmbd]

My take on the Sony NW-A55 Walkman, which is the most fun I've had with an audio player in ages. It's rather difficult to find these days, but once you go the modded firmware route, it's one worth keeping in collection.

Full review: https://www.head-fi.org/showcase/sony-nw-a55-dap.24824/review/29260/

 

[FreeWheelinAudioLuv2]

My take on the Sony NW-A55 Walkman, which is the most fun I've had with an audio player in ages. It's rather difficult to find these days, but once you go the modded firmware route, it's one worth keeping in collection.

Full review: https://www.head-fi.org/showcase/sony-nw-a55-dap.24824/review/29260/

My modded version is my most used DAP. All the others fail to deliver the sound of these. If the stage was a tad wider, it would be the DAP value of the universe.

 

[Dsnuts]

ww

The Fiio FH7s is basically the closest to a 5.1 system set up for your ears. Yes, it is minus one speaker but the way these things image in a large space and how these have a physical bass is seriously entertaining. Fun does not mean it can't have versatility and these things sounds amazing for movie watching, gaming and for your music. I suppose you have to be a bass fan to like this one as it does have a big physical bass end and uses the same DLC dynamic as their flagship hybrid the FH9. These come remarkably close to the sound performance of the FH9 minus some extra BAs in the mix for $200 less. Purists need not apply but for folks that love them some beefy bass. Fiio folks are well known bassheads. I mean why else would you implement THX amplification in your DAPs?

These specialize in their imaging. These have a crazy holographic dimensional imaging like you wouldn't believe, which makes up for the bass hump they got going on but you know what. Nothing Fiio does is done accidently. These clearly mimic the sub-woofer experience. So in a way they are actually utilizing that large and in charge 13.6mm DLC dynamic fed through what they call an S tube in the FH7S. The end results, these will rumble in the jungle. Accuracy be damned, I will take a fun signature over an overly neutral flat non emotive sound any time. You don't look into an earphone like these to look for neutrality! Lol. Etymotic's these are not. My take on the FIio FH7S https://www.head-fi.org/showcase/fiio-fh7s.26057/review/29262/

 

[r31ya]

Akros review and breakdown on celest gumiho



The difference between SPD and traditional Planar. Yeah, it seems to be a attempt to have Planarlike driver at lowest cost.
it shows some difference compared to traditional DD in sound apparently
Manage to replicate the agility (at cost of DD impact it seems) but not the details and as expected they add BA to cover that lack of details on the SPD.

 

[r31ya]

per KZ own graph of KZ PR1 , (Ianfann post 7k is flatter than kz published graph, possibly coupler differences)



digitized by evasb from kz discord, PR1 standard-bassy (red) vs PR1 Hifi (green)


KZ PR1 Hifi vs Timeless.

 

[Redcarmoose]

Edit:

 

[Penon]

Aune Flamingo ​

32Bit/768k DSD512 Coaxial USB DAC Audiophile Tube Headphone Amplifier​

Vacuum tube

Op-amp

DSD512

32Bit/768k

DoP128

aptX HD(Bluetooth edition only)

LDAC(Bluetooth edition only)

6.35mm interface

Variable lilne-out

Low-jitter oscillator

OLED

OP +BUF amp

±voltage

Infinite knob

All-aluminum remote(optional)

https://penonaudio.com/aune-flamingo.html

 

[gadgetgod]

A

Aune Flamingo ​

32Bit/768k DSD512 Coaxial USB DAC Audiophile Tube Headphone Amplifier​

Vacuum tube

Op-amp

DSD512

32Bit/768k

DoP128

aptX HD(Bluetooth edition only)

LDAC(Bluetooth edition only)

6.35mm interface

Variable lilne-out

Low-jitter oscillator

OLED

OP +BUF amp

±voltage

Infinite knob

All-aluminum remote(optional)

https://penonaudio.com/aune-flamingo.html

A budget tube amp with single-ended output. Looks interesting, what's the DAC chipset here @Penon ?

 

[Penon]

A

A budget tube amp with single-ended output. Looks interesting, what's the DAC chipset here @Penon ?

It's Es9038Q2M

 

[gadgetgod]

It's Es9038Q2M

Interesting!! Thanks for the reply.

 

[Ichos]

Interesting!! Thanks for the reply.

I have tested a prototype at the Munich High End show and it sounded very interesting.

 

[gadgetgod]

I have tested a prototype at the Munich High End show and it sounded very interesting.

I am keen on it too let's see if I can arrange the budget.

 

[activatorfly]

TRN ST5 first impressions:

I get how some could think the treble/upper midrange could be slightly bright and intense. My first player, the Sony WM1A was absolutely bright, and slightly forward with the treble/upper midrange intensity. Though a fast change to the TA desktop showed the TRN ST5 to be very revealing of source. With the TA desktop smoothness the ST5 was really in the zone........the detailed and acceptable intensity zone, though not sure what it will be like listening long term, or post burn-in? The Sony WM1Z will be interesting as it also has a forward brighter treble.......where the Sony 1A is more midrange forward. But at least it seems workable, though maybe slightly more bright and intense than the TRN BAX, going by memory? The BAX (as I remember it) had a slightly more plush treble, of course due to EST personality. Still for the money they are asking, the ST5 is truly something special I think? Still only moments into the listening, but first impressions are an important thing, and lead the way to what ever options surface later.

Construction is remarkable. I'm not using the included cable, but just simply clicked on the BAX cable and wide-bore tips. But the overall feel/size is much more accessible than the BAX, with a common size and weight. Fit due to the nozzle angle is great, as well as insertion depth. Fit and finish of the complete IEM structure is really something to behold, with clean lines and seamless feel-proof construction! It can only get better with burn-in, at least that has always been my IEM experience so far.

Bass at this point (going off BAX memory) seems more curtailed......but also there is a probably more accessible sonic balance, where many are not going to find the ST5 as flamboyant or bombastic.........thus less contrasty than the BAX? Simply more mainstream-tune maybe? I'm still wondering if the detail I'm hearing in real or due to such intense forwardness of the BAs.......maybe both? I kinda knew this is what we would have before opening the box, but guessed it slightly more relaxed treble beforehand? Lets see what burn-in does! I'm hopping the upper midrange will open-up and the treble will become slightly more relaxed? Still nothing I can't deal with if it stays like this. As far as I'm concerned there are ranges of brightness and forwardness and everything isn't always so black and white.

https://www.linsoul.com/products/trn-st5

https://www.headphonesty.com/2022/09/review-trn-st5/
It's interesting how in this review he states that: "TRN ST5 – ST Stands for Sonically Tepid" !!