The discovery thread!

[o0genesis0o]

Question. How do we know when a peak is due to a coupler?

You can move it around by playing with insertion depth. But, if an IEM measures flat around 8k, it tends to have a dip there in subjective listening

Edit: the shape of the rest of the response also slightly change if you change the insertion depth. Maybe that’s why we hear IEMs differently.

 

[thaslaya]

It's a very nice set. I'll post a Youtube review in a few days on the Truthear Nova. I might do a head-fi review, but I'm struggling to see a ton of value in doing head-fi reviews. It is a challenge as many of them I feel get little to no interaction from the community.

Not sure about other people but my main source of reviews is headfi. I truly appreciate anyone that posts reviews here!

 

[SynaestheticA]

You can move it around by playing with insertion depth. But, if an IEM measures flat around 8k, it tends to have a dip there in subjective listening

Edit: the shape of the rest of the response also slightly change if you change the insertion depth. Maybe that’s why we hear IEMs differently.

Cheers for the answers.

Does that mean the peak is due to the coupler tho or will a human ear also hear it meaning that there is just an 8k peak in the iem? I just see '8k coupler peak' being mentioned pretty regularly and am curious is all.

 

[saldsald]

Hi All,

I was able to purchase the other Truthear Nova at SoCal Canjam. Below is my quick review of the Truthear Nova ($150 usd) vs Truthear Zero Red ($50 usd):


Testing was done on my iBasso DX320Max Ti and I used JVC Spiraldots ++ Medium size for both iems during testing.

Tonality:
Mostly similar. Nova is brighter than red but with a smooth treble response (like Red) so although it elevates the treble relative to Red, it doesn't hurt my ears.

Dynamics:
Nova wins here in macro department. In micro department, I'd also give Nova the win here for being more textured

Imaging:
Nova more defined than Red across the stage width. Instrument separation more apparent with Nova.

Stage:
I'd give Nova a bit more width. Depth is the same across both iems.

Timbre:
A bit of a toss up, atm Red sounds more metallic.

Conclusion: Seems like an easy upgrade from Zero Red to Nova if you wanted to spend the extra $100 usd ($50 usd to $150 usd). You also do get more accessories with Nova.

Bonus: Compared to Moondrop Blessing 3, I'd easily pick Nova. The tonality of the Nova in the upper mids and treble is more pleasant for my ears and the bass performance outdoes Blessing 3 in dynamics. Also Nova is less than half the cost! For those looking to buy a Blessing 3 or Blessing 2 Dusk, I'd urge you to wait a bit for Truthear to officially release the Nova.

Thanks!
-tamtrum

Nice, but these days they are charging us more for IEMs with a resin shell and some unknown BAs. TangZu Fudu (2BAs), Simgot EM6L and then this even costs more. This kind of config used to be in the $30-70 range.

 

[tamtrum]

Nice, but these days they are charging us more for IEMs with a resin shell and some unknown BAs. TangZu Fudu (2BAs), Simgot EM6L and then this even costs more. This kind of config used to be in the $30-70 range.

You can say it’s bananas! Such is the hobby. Thankfully things exist at all price points which is wonderful

 

[baskingshark]

IFI Hip Dac 3

- 2 USB-C ports: one for audio and the other for charging
- Underside contains iFi’s iEMatch for high-sensitivity transducers
- Burr-Brown DAC chip
- Up to 400mW into a 32-ohm, with output voltage of 6.3V into 600 ohms from the balanced output.
- Hi-res PCM and DXD audio data supported at sample rates up to 384kHz, alongside DSD from 2.8MHz to 12.4MHz (DSD64, 128 and 256).
- 2,200mAh battery offers up to 12 hours of playtime

https://www.head-fi.org/threads/introducing-hip-dac-3-the-legacy-continues.970028/

 

[mochill]

What a rookie mistake I had the Yanyin Canon all packed and up for sale, but decided to give it another listen ... and now I'm unsure whether to sell it or not

Don't sell

 

[o0genesis0o]

Cheers for the answers.

Does that mean the peak is due to the coupler tho or will a human ear also hear it meaning that there is just an 8k peak in the iem? I just see '8k coupler peak' being mentioned pretty regularly and am curious is all.

The peak exists in your ears as well. Deeper fit = pushing the peak up to upper treble = "smoother" and "more extended" treble (or no treble, if your hearing is not great anymore). I shared some thoughts about this phenomenon when talking about the impact of fit on sound quality of Helios (https://www.head-fi.org/showcase/symphonium-helios.25536/reviews#review-31597).

The U12T with TIA tweeters is another example. When I use a shallower fit with spin-fit CP145 (roughly around the same time when I reviewed the MEST Mk3), I complained quite a bit about the spicy peak somewhere around 8-12kHz that can make cymbals and hats painful. That problem is resolved entirely when I wear the U12T properly (deep fit, ear pieces resting against the concha). It should be noted that the MEST MkIII fits deeper by default to ensure the BCD works properly. Another example I can think of is The Elysian Acoustic Labs Gaea. Deeper fit resolved all of the treble spiciness that I complained about (but it is still spicy in the upper midrange region).

What I learned from experimentation with tips and fits lately is: wear your IEMs properly. Each IEM is designed for a particular wearing depth. How deep? Just remove the ear tips and rest the body of the earpieces against the concha of your ears. That's how deep you should fit. The challenge becomes finding the ear tips that can seal well at that depth, without making your ears itchy or hurting. My experience with most of my IEMs have improved when wearing them the way they are supposed to be worn.

 

[InvisibleInk]

The peak exists in your ears as well. Deeper fit = pushing the peak up to upper treble = "smoother" and "more extended" treble (or no treble, if your hearing is not great anymore). I shared some thoughts about this phenomenon when talking about the impact of fit on sound quality of Helios (https://www.head-fi.org/showcase/symphonium-helios.25536/reviews#review-31597).

The U12T with TIA tweeters is another example. When I use a shallower fit with spin-fit CP145 (roughly around the same time when I reviewed the MEST Mk3), I complained quite a bit about the spicy peak somewhere around 8-12kHz that can make cymbals and hats painful. That problem is resolved entirely when I wear the U12T properly (deep fit, ear pieces resting against the concha). It should be noted that the MEST MkIII fits deeper by default to ensure the BCD works properly. Another example I can think of is The Elysian Acoustic Labs Gaea. Deeper fit resolved all of the treble spiciness that I complained about (but it is still spicy in the upper midrange region).

What I learned from experimentation with tips and fits lately is: wear your IEMs properly. Each IEM is designed for a particular wearing depth. How deep? Just remove the ear tips and rest the body of the earpieces against the concha of your ears. That's how deep you should fit. The challenge becomes finding the ear tips that can seal well at that depth, without making your ears itchy or hurting. My experience with most of my IEMs have improved when wearing them the way they are supposed to be worn.

All Etymotic users nod in agreement

 

[baskingshark]

All Etymotic users nod in agreement

The hit classic "HOW DEEP IS YOUR LOVE" is dedicated to the deep insertion Etymotic IEMs!

 

[Redcarmoose]

Hisenior Mega5P 4BA+1DD Hybrid 2Pin 0.78mm Audiophile IEM HiFi In-ear Earphone
$239.00

First impressions 10/07/2023

Very balanced as a take on Harman yet with some nice (warmth) Pizzaz, whatever that means? Comes with a 3 in 1 Cable and a nice 1010 case? Very very balanced yet clear due to utilizing all those BAs........not bad timbre and just an amazing soundstage. Really more bang for the buck (in contrast) from the $370-$470 realm? Hard to imagine any more sound for this style of money........sexy, understated and classy......need I say perfect? Fits like a glove as it is actually very small, somehow? Not really missing anything as far as a sound response goes..........just right.

I was actually surprised at how good they do vocals?

 

[Zerstorer_GOhren]

The hit classic "HOW DEEP IS YOUR LOVE" is dedicated to the deep insertion Etymotic IEMs!

Hahahahaha how deep is your love and in your ear

 

[SynaestheticA]

The peak exists in your ears as well. Deeper fit = pushing the peak up to upper treble = "smoother" and "more extended" treble (or no treble, if your hearing is not great anymore). I shared some thoughts about this phenomenon when talking about the impact of fit on sound quality of Helios (https://www.head-fi.org/showcase/symphonium-helios.25536/reviews#review-31597).

The U12T with TIA tweeters is another example. When I use a shallower fit with spin-fit CP145 (roughly around the same time when I reviewed the MEST Mk3), I complained quite a bit about the spicy peak somewhere around 8-12kHz that can make cymbals and hats painful. That problem is resolved entirely when I wear the U12T properly (deep fit, ear pieces resting against the concha). It should be noted that the MEST MkIII fits deeper by default to ensure the BCD works properly. Another example I can think of is The Elysian Acoustic Labs Gaea. Deeper fit resolved all of the treble spiciness that I complained about (but it is still spicy in the upper midrange region).

What I learned from experimentation with tips and fits lately is: wear your IEMs properly. Each IEM is designed for a particular wearing depth. How deep? Just remove the ear tips and rest the body of the earpieces against the concha of your ears. That's how deep you should fit. The challenge becomes finding the ear tips that can seal well at that depth, without making your ears itchy or hurting. My experience with most of my IEMs have improved when wearing them the way they are supposed to be worn.

I guess what that would leave me to ask is if it's right to call it a 'coupler peak'?

(Not arguing, just learning here )

If the peak occurs in your ears as well, can't we consider it an iem peak? Or if being pedantic an 'insertion/depth peak'?

All I mean when is when I see someone say a peak is a 'coupler peak' to me that says I should ignore that part of the graph (or take some db off). But I'm still going to notice the peak when it's in my ears.

Or am I just completely misunderstanding the terms being used?

 

[PhonoPhi]

I guess what that would leave me to ask is if it's right to call it a 'coupler peak'?

(Not arguing, just learning here )

If the peak occurs in your ears as well, can't we consider it an iem peak? Or if being pedantic an 'insertion/depth peak'?

All I mean when is when I see someone say a peak is a 'coupler peak' to me that says I should ignore that part of the graph (or take some db off). But I'm still going to notice the peak when it's in my ears.

Or am I just completely misunderstanding the terms being used?

Very good questions.
The resonant peak(s) (there can be several) is/are the property of the overall system - that is the resonant cavity formed starting from an IEM at one end,, IEM nozzle, the tip and one's ear on the other end. Within this cavity, the energy of vibrations (sound) is transferred from the IEM transducers to the ear drum. Both these vibrating elements are a part of the resonant system.
A staggering complexity, considering individual ear anatomies, insertion depth, tips, etc.

 

[DynamicEars]

I guess what that would leave me to ask is if it's right to call it a 'coupler peak'?

(Not arguing, just learning here )

If the peak occurs in your ears as well, can't we consider it an iem peak? Or if being pedantic an 'insertion/depth peak'?

All I mean when is when I see someone say a peak is a 'coupler peak' to me that says I should ignore that part of the graph (or take some db off). But I'm still going to notice the peak when it's in my ears.

Or am I just completely misunderstanding the terms being used?

If it's on graph, it's in the sound.

That's what I learnt through time, derived from what Crinacle said. 8khz peak is just a point as a mark of same depth insertion to many IEMs. There are no additional peak (db) that made by the coupler.