The discovery thread!

[Redcarmoose]

S12 has an overly sharpened sound, though it can be calmed down a bit with slight modding and powerful amp. The overdone treble also messes up with the timbre of string instruments. Details / separation are very good, and bass hits deep and textured, though.

IMHO, it sounds very similar to Sundara headphone. It could be suitable for many listeners, given how popular the Sundara is (when I visited my local hi-fi store, more often than not, I'll see a customer walking out with a Sundara). Personally, I prefer something milder around 5k and 8k.

Yes, I’m just now starting to learn about how with both treble and midrange accentuations.....that the timbre can start to sound off......at times. It’s really a series of gradations where with balanced armature (mostly) it can be a situation where they if they choose to leave the details buried......then everything blends. But.... if they choose to make a frequency focus of having the frequencies stand out in the response..........it will in turn will go to accentuate the mild steely timbre..... making it noticeable. With Planars it’s not exactly metallic, but slightly off. Where in my uses (even though Knowles invented the BA) Sonion seems to offer a slightly more realistic midrange, where Knowles has started to perfect the super-tweeter. But there has been a few times where guitar chords came off way more complex and realistic with the Sonion BAs.

As far as ESTs, they offer the best upper treble (often) but they don’t have the ability to do lower treble!

Personally I like Hybrid BA setups more than Planars but typically the ones that are more pricey, where if someone was wondering where bang-for-the-buck is in the IEM market today, I would have to say a choice of Planar IEMs......especially in the $150 range, if you are into that sound.

While I haven’t heard the S12, I can imagine that in many ways the “Wu” is an advancement in that they were able to arrive at a more widely accessible tune, just by curtailing the treble. But you and I know that really it’s the whole sound, the whole balance that needs to be set right. It’s also of course both FR and technicalities which are looked for.

 

[Surf Monkey]

Yes, I’m just now starting to learn about how with both treble and midrange accentuations.....that the timbre can start to sound off......at times. It’s really a series of gradations where with balanced armature (mostly) it can be a situation where they if they choose to leave the details buried......then everything blends. But.... if they choose to make a frequency focus of having the frequencies stand out in the response..........it will in turn will go to accentuate the mild steely timbre..... making it noticeable. With Planars it’s not exactly metallic, but slightly off. Where in my uses (even though Knowles invented the BA) Sonion seems to offer a slightly more realistic midrange, where Knowles has started to perfect the super-tweeter. But there has been a few times where guitar chords came off way more complex and realistic with the Sonion BAs.

As far as ESTs, they offer the best upper treble (often) but they don’t have the ability to do lower treble!

Personally I like Hybrid BA setups more than Planars but typically the ones that are more pricey, where if someone was wondering where bang-for-the-buck is in the IEM market today, I would have to say a choice of Planar IEMs......especially in the $150 range, if you are into that sound.

While I haven’t heard the S12, I can imagine that in many ways the “Wu” is an advancement in that they were able to arrive at a more widely accessible tune, just by curtailing the treble. But you and I know that really it’s the whole sound, the whole balance that needs to be set right. It’s also of course both FR and technicalities which are looked for.

This NX7 MK IV is sounding better and better to me as they run in. Is NiceHCK sending you a pair?

 

[Redcarmoose]

This NX7 MK IV is sounding better and better to me as they run in. Is NiceHCK sending you a pair?

NiceHCK NX7 MK4?​

That looks cool, I'm glad you're happy with it. I could probably request it, yet I have enough to work-on at this point in time. I know that sound sacrilegious to post such thoughts here? But I have 17 or 18 maybe...........things on the way. So? I can't review everything! I would like to though. Cheers! I know 18 reviews is not a lot for some reviewers, but with the attention I try to give each one, it's a lot.............plus more will be added maybe, soon.........I am grateful and consider myself lucky. I have turned down some products.

 

[christianfps]

Hi guys, I have a bunch of questions recently. I've been thinking how much can a single DD IEM can perform? What's the price of its diminishing returns? When do you opt for another type of transducer? Go for hybrid setups or go for planar? And generally what's the best type of transducer? These are the questions the go through my head every time I look at my cart on AliExpress. Haha!

 

[o0genesis0o]

Hi guys, I have a bunch of questions recently. I've been thinking how much can a single DD IEM can perform? What's the price of its diminishing returns? When do you opt for another type of transducer? Go for hybrid setups or go for planar? And generally what's the best type of transducer? These are the questions the go through my head every time I look at my cart on AliExpress. Haha!

Single DD can be quite good in technical performance. I love the raw resolving ability and bass of IE900 and Final A8000 and the thumping dynamic of Zen Pro. I admit that I like the complexity of multi-drivers setup, especially the ones with exotic drivers (at least for bragging ). However, there is something simple and honest about a well-done DD that I find very appealing.

Based in my limited experience with planar IEM (S12), I would still prefer planar for budget and mid-fi over multi-BA. Due to how much flexibility you can get with multi-BA tuning, a lot of things can go wrong. Meanwhile, those 14.x mm planars are more or less “right” and easy to adjust. Too harsh? Add a bit of filter or micropore on the nozzle. Want less midbass? Tape the back vents. Meanwhile, if a multi-BA goes wrong, it’s a complex modding process (I don’t know how besides that it is hard ).

(Btw, my full recommendation this 11.11 season? Still Fiio JD7 and a replacement cable.)

 

[Redcarmoose]

Hi guys, I have a bunch of questions recently. I've been thinking how much can a single DD IEM can perform? What's the price of its diminishing returns? When do you opt for another type of transducer? Go for hybrid setups or go for planar? And generally what's the best type of transducer? These are the questions the go through my head every time I look at my cart on AliExpress. Haha!

Strangely all the methodologies have their inherent pluses and minuses. Like DDs which are positioned with-out crossovers and are full-range..........promote a style of cohesiveness which can't often be found anywhere else. Though it's a double edged sword in that the (Hybrid) disjointedness is often admired for exactly the separation and thrills that comes with its defects. So at times the defects become the attribute. FR will probably end up 80% of why you yourself like an IEM. That means study reviewers which already have reviewed stuff you know and love and look for parallels in how they have encountered your past IEM. Thus a reverse IEM review. Such clues will give you a chance to see if that same reviewers ideas coincide with your views on the next purchase. Meaning find reviews that reads exactly how you judge an old IEM, then take the new review as possibly true to make an additional purchase........then go from there. There are no best transducers, only a mixture of what you want. Though each person will have a list of a few products which perform slightly better than their price would have you believe.........still that often is based on FR. With that said, I personally don't have a FR target curve......which means there are a few FR styles I go for. Again that's finding a reviewer which holds importance in the very same things you do. Mine is really note weight as a special priority......so that's one thing I center on. Though keep in mind there somehow always seems to be a price to performance quota that holds stuff in place.......though when we become enchanted with an IEM......such price to performance ratio seems to be changed.......but only changed so far. Meaning if you jump up to the $600 bracket from the $100 dollar bracket, you will notice how things have changed. We basically look at driver methodologies and center on each style as offering a sound...........with-in that sound........some are better examples and some are lesser........still at times people subjectively have different options even inside of that. But typically there is no "one" driver method which is best, only utilization of those methods within your FR which becomes of value to you personally.

IEMs like the Penon SERIAL have gone and used 3DDs, which in-turn disrupted the known values as they have separation inside the stage but bypass much of the timbre issues that are known to come with Hybrids. Thus the SERIAL is a Hybrid.......but of 3 different DD types. So it has the decay of DD, but the fullness of soundstage different than a single full-range DD.

 

[christianfps]

We basically look at driver methodologies and center on each style as offering a sound...........with-in that sound........some are better examples and some are lesser........still at times people subjectively have different options even inside of that. But typically there is no "one" driver method which is best, only utilization of those methods within your FR which becomes of value to you personally.

This is basically the reason why this hobby is so amazing! You will have the constant urge of trying something new since you're on the quest of trying something that fits you or look for something that you might use depending on the mood.

Single DD can be quite good in technical performance. I love the raw resolving ability and bass of IE900 and Final A8000 and the thumping dynamic of Zen Pro. I admit that I like the complexity of multi-drivers setup, especially the ones with exotic drivers (at least for bragging ). However, there is something simple and honest about a well-done DD that I find very appealing.

Exactly! There are so much variables to IEMs and transducer that will just keep you hooked out of curiosity. Man the JD7 really is such a deal! Don't make me buy more than one IEM for 11.11! hahaha!

 

[jmwant]

Aful Performer5, a new IEM from a new brand.

 

[Redcarmoose]

This is basically the reason why this hobby is so amazing! You will have the constant urge of trying something new since you're on the quest of trying something that fits you or look for something that you might use depending on the mood.

Exactly! There are so much variables to IEMs and transducer that will just keep you hooked out of curiosity. Man the JD7 really is such a deal! Don't make me buy more than one IEM for 11.11! hahaha!

Well, there could be something to be said of what the “Wu” does for the under $150 category! Where if a new person found another member loving 3 IEMs they already have and use, then they see that they purchased the “Wu” and fell down the Planar rabbit-hole, it could be their first....and last planar purchase...and they would be happy for awhile regardless of (the) new schiit coming out. But depending on mood even the under $20 Salnotes Zero would fit a different playback style.....so under $200 total a “new-member” would have much of the bases covered if he/she flowed with the presentation and FR.

Plus both the Zero and “Wu” fit, so there is no worry for that, also!

 

[Carpet]

This is basically the reason why this hobby is so amazing! You will have the constant urge of trying something new since you're on the quest of trying something that fits you or look for something that you might use depending on the mood.

Exactly! There are so much variables to IEMs and transducer that will just keep you hooked out of curiosity. Man the JD7 really is such a deal! Don't make me buy more than one IEM for 11.11! hahaha!

I failed at that!

Some pixies dragged my phone out overnight and hit buy on an AQ0. Plus another MMCX cable.
Gotta change the unlock code!

 

[r31ya]

"PR1 PRO is coming, the accessories will be upgraded, and price will be updated as well. For those buyer who bought the PR1 (balanced edition /HIFI Version) or PLA13 enjoyed a half of price from updated price with same accessories as previous version. For new buyers want to buy the PR1 PRO , no a half price but enjoy better accessories, new eartips & upgrade cable." from kz!

KZ Actually listening on our complain about accesories...
Seriously, they are listening to our complains but in the same time, they are also an ass to talk to. Its a weird PR.

Btw is this just a acc update or also carries the second gen planar driver? The one touted as "50% more performance" Without any metrics

 

[Carpet]

Well, there could be something to be said of what the “Wu” does for the under $150 category! Where if a new person found another member loving 3 IEMs they already have and use, then they see that they purchased the “Wu” and fell down the Planar rabbit-hole, it could be their first....and last planar purchase...and they would be happy for awhile regardless of (the) new schiit coming out. But depending on mood even the under $20 Salnotes Zero would fit a different playback style.....so under $200 total a “new-member” would have much of the bases covered if he/she flowed with the presentation and FR.

Plus both the Zero and “Wu” fit, so there is no worry for that, also!

Funnily enough I was thinking that Salnotes Zero and something like a CRA, would cover someone starting out. Two complimentary signatures for $35. Probably a much better option than sinking $50 to $100 into one IEM, when you have no idea what will suit your preference.

 

[Carpet]

I have a KZ PR1 arriving any day. I wonder if it’s pertinent to write reviews for?

Just prefix any KZ review with "This already outdated product"!

 

[Redcarmoose]

Funnily enough I was thinking that Salnotes Zero and something like a CRA, would cover someone starting out. Two complimentary signatures for $35. Probably a much better option than sinking $50 to $100 into one IEM, when you have no idea what will suit your preference.

Yes, but still the profound ability both in FR and technicalities make the “Wu” a special purchase, even for those just wanting to get their feet wet. Meaning the planar gifts are special, you have the “Wu”?

But again there are a lot (almost endless) amounts of CRA IEMs, are you describing the planar CRA, I have no experience with that one. I only report on what I have heard 99.9% of the time.

 

[Carpet]

Hi guys, I have a bunch of questions recently. I've been thinking how much can a single DD IEM can perform? What's the price of its diminishing returns? When do you opt for another type of transducer? Go for hybrid setups or go for planar? And generally what's the best type of transducer? These are the questions the go through my head every time I look at my cart on AliExpress. Haha!

All I can suggest is balance your purchases. If you have three single DDs and a hybrid, try a planar or an all BA set next. If everything you own is from KZ, try something by a different manufacturer. You don't want to end up with similar IEMs with slight incremental improvements on the same sound. That will give you one IEM that sounds better than a bunch of others that do the same thing, only not as well.

Variety is the seven deadly herbs and spices!