[PhonoPhi]

For the lithium-magnesium "hype of the year" - this alloy has been developed for aviation/aerospace industry, with the main advantages of its lightness, relatively high strength and ability to cast large items, such as fuselage parts.
As for obvious limitations - both magnesium and lithium, especially the latter are prone to oxidation.
While for large bulk items, the oxudation may be manageable with the proper coatings or relatively negligible surface oxide layerr, for few micron-thick IEM membranes, oxidation, especially in high humidity is definitely a problem.
So I would not personally touch lithium-magnesium at all, but I understand that fancy reveiwer-propelled hype trains will inevitably go... to their bust.
Beryllium.and carbon (DLC, nanotubes or "graphene") are the best materials, based on physicochemical properties. Then implementation is everything for the functional properties of capable and enjoyable IEMs.

 

[Echalon]

For the lithium-magnesium "hype of the year" - this alloy has been developed for aviation/aerospace industry, with the main advantages of its lightness, relatively high strength and ability to cast large items, such as fuselage parts.
As for obvious limitations - both magnesium and lithium, especially the latter are prone to oxidation.
While for large bulk items, the oxudation may be manageable with the proper coatings or relatively negligible surface oxide layerr, for few micron-thick IEM membranes, oxidation, especially in high humidity is definitely a problem.
So I would not personally touch lithium-magnesium at all, but I understand that fancy reveiwer-propelled hype trains will inevitably go... to their bust.
Beryllium.and carbon (DLC, nanotubes or "graphene") are the best materials, based on physicochemical properties. Then implementation is everything for the functional properties of capable and enjoyable IEMs.

Lithium and magnesium are both extremely reactive as elements, but such alloys of the two metals are actually very resistant to corrosion. That’s one of the properties that make them suitable for aviation. It’s like sodium and chlorine: both volatile and poisonous, but put them together and you have common table salt.

 

[PhonoPhi]

Lithium and magnesium are both extremely reactive as elements, but such alloys of the two metals are actually very resistant to corrosion. That’s one of the properties that make them suitable for aviation. It’s like sodium and chlorine: both volatile and poisonous, but put them together and you have common table salt.

Your sodium chloride example is not relevant in the context and is brutally incompetent, sorry!
Both lithium and magnesium are metals, chlorine is non- metal, so sodium chloride is stable but it is a ionic compound (salt) and is brittle and not suitable at all for membrane coatings.
Lithium-magnesium alloys are metallic, and their corrosion problems are well documented in the scientific literature.

 

[kaeswiss]

 

[theintention]

god damn I need to brush up on my metal sciences before coming here now? lol chillllll

 

[Echalon]

Your sodium chloride example is not relevant in the context and is brutally incompetent, sorry!
Both lithium and magnesium are metals, chlorine is non- metal, so sodium chloride is stable but it is a ionic compound (salt) and is brittle and not suitable at all for membrane coatings.
Lithium-magnesium alloys are metallic, and their corrosion problems are well documented in the scientific literature.

The mention of sodium chloride was illustrative. Here is a paper published in Nature: https://www.nature.com/articles/s41529-020-0121-2

Quote:
“These alloys have shown the ability to provide an excellent combination of strength, ductility, and corrosion resistance.”

I understand that you are well intentioned, trying to warn people off a material you view as compromised, but the combination of those two metals is not as alarming as it first appears.

 

[bithalver]

Ok you guys ready for a discovery?

I have the first CIEM from Hisenior to sport thier new ABV ( Ambient Vent ) System

Your nickname is printed on them ? How cool is THAT !

 

[dharmasteve]

For the lithium-magnesium "hype of the year" - this alloy has been developed for aviation/aerospace industry, with the main advantages of its lightness, relatively high strength and ability to cast large items, such as fuselage parts.
As for obvious limitations - both magnesium and lithium, especially the latter are prone to oxidation.
While for large bulk items, the oxudation may be manageable with the proper coatings or relatively negligible surface oxide layerr, for few micron-thick IEM membranes, oxidation, especially in high humidity is definitely a problem.
So I would not personally touch lithium-magnesium at all, but I understand that fancy reveiwer-propelled hype trains will inevitably go... to their bust.
Beryllium.and carbon (DLC, nanotubes or "graphene") are the best materials, based on physicochemical properties. Then implementation is everything for the functional properties of capable and enjoyable IEMs.

I doubt that the Magnesium-Lithium alloy (edit) is just Mg and Li...other metals, maybe Al or Zinc, or some other stabilising agent. If Lithium touches water, it really goes off, If Magnesium burns it gives that amazing, beautiful, brilliant white flame. It would have to be stabilised.

 

[cobrabucket]

 

[PhonoPhi]

The mention of sodium chloride was illustrative. Here is a paper published in Nature: https://www.nature.com/articles/s41529-020-0121-2

“These alloys have shown the ability to provide an excellent combination of strength, ductility, and corrosion resistance.”

I understand that you are well intentioned, trying to warn people off a material you view as compromised, but the combination of those two metals is not as alarming as it first appears.

First of all, it is not "Nature" (as in a "prestigous hyped journal") publication, but just one of the NPG journals in their apprehensible commercialization.
Then I am sure that you did not go past the abstract of this paper. The corrosion problems are well outluned in this paper and for thin membranes (as in IEMs) it is a real problem.
Just look the data if the Fig. 6 that the corrosion rates are notably higher than that of conventional magnesium alloys and can't be acceptable for ca. 10 micron-thick IEM membranes.

god damn I need to brush up on my metal sciences before coming here now? lol chillllll

Just buy and/or hype something - and you will perfectly fine here, not ever risking to possibly engage your brain - my profound apologies for any threats otherwise.

I doubt that the Magnesium-Lithium ally is just Mg and Li...other metals, maybe Al or Zinc, or some other stabilising agent. If Lithium touches water, it really goes off, If Magnesium burns it gives that amazing, beautiful, brilliant white flame. It would have to be stabilised.

These alloys are actually Mg and Li, see the paper cited (if interested). For bulk items, like airplane parts, corrosion can be managed reasonably. The strength of those alloys is a strong motivating factor to work it out.
But then the thin films - really futile, all the oxidation/burning, exactly my simple point.
I am really sorry - I do not want to bring more science than needed...

 

[Echalon]

But then the thin films - really futile, all the oxidation/burning, exactly my simple point.
I am really sorry - I do not want to bring more science than needed...

Even paper/biocellulose has been used successfully in diaphragms, and it is hardly corrosion resistant.

Honestly, it would take a specialist to make really valid comments on these materials. I know that my years as a postgraduate researcher in physics are insuffficient, having worked in a different discipline.

Please can we leave this as us being appreciative that you are watching out for the community, but that such alloys are probably (not definitely) appropriate for making diaphragms.

Apologies to all for going off-topic with this.

 

[FlacFan]

@PhonoPhi and all others in that Li-Mg discussion:

The best of IEM's withat stuff inside is this:

Rub the two ear pieces and you have a battery....

Cheers

 

[domq422]

NiceHCK F1 Pro + Cyan Cable

Just going to share a short impression on the F1 Pro, got it free from NiceHCK in exchange for some sharing online.

https://www.aliexpress.com/item/1005006228604236.html

Never had any NiceHCK IEM before, but I have had many of their cables. This is a planar IEM with a 14.2mm driver, same as what is in other models like S12 or Timeless. I still think there has been a change in driver material of the planar, the new gen of planars has gone away from the hollow metallic timbre that I really disliked.

The package is surprisingly good, plenty of tips. A small hard case, I prefer larger ones but it's still a nice addition. The supplied stock cable is 4.4mm in SPC, I have a few cables almost the same. It's a very nice and ergonomic cable that also looks very nice, and sounds alright.

I also got the Cyan Cable that instead have a fabric outer layer, it's an okay cable but I really dont feel its a upgrade from the stock cable.

Maybe you haven't heard any planar IEMs in a while, or you dismissed them due to the timbre being off. This is a good and cheap planar to try again, much more musical and fun sounding.

Gone is the harsh metallic sound, bass also has a more convincing sound to it. It's still a planar so decay will be on the faster sound, but it can slam really good and should please most people.
Very fun on bassy electronica, and never sound slow or boring.

Midrange is also quite good, I find it a little thin sounding. But I do prefer a more forward midrange that is richer, would say the midrange is quite neutral. Just lacks a little soul, it lack the nuances of a DD and comes off a little sterile.

Treble is well extended with a good amount of air, don't find it peaky or tiresome. Maybe some slight elevation over what is natural, but also balances well with the bass.

Soundstage is nothing special, it's not bad but not good either. Resolution is pretty good as planars usually are, but it's not a step above the earlier planars.

Some photos besides the Letshuoer S15 and S12 Pro, I find the shell of S15 to be the most ergonomic with S12 close second. I am maybe one of few who like the material and design of the shell of the S15, even if the faceplate is not that nice. All 3 of them are small and should fit most people.

I would say that F1 Pro is 90% of what S15 is, S15 does have a better midrange and smoother tuning. Bass is very similar on both of them, and it's hard to pick a winner. Soundstage is larger on S15, but this can be a personal thing. Its a huge price difference here, that alone can make F1 Pro better for many.

S12 Pro is quite different, and I find F1 Pro a good step up. Sound more natural be it bass, mids or treble. Very similar to have the S15 was over the S12 Pro, the metallic sound of S12 Pro is gone. Bass has much more depth and fullness to it, not lacking the dynamics.

I do recommend the NiceHCK F1 Pro, it's a solid planar release. I am more of a DD guy myself, but even so I had a very good time with F1 Pro. Music I like the most with F1 Pro is maybe electronica or metal, it can play other genres also. But the speedy and clean nature of the planar suits fast music. More photos under in the spoiler, cheers.

Spoiler: More photos

I just need to say that you’ve become one of My favorite reviewers in this hobby.

Between your easy to follow and concise words to your absolutely stunning photos, it sums up to be the complete package. Not to mention, you’re a freaking fantastic dude. Just all around solid.

Thanks for sharing again, brother. I aspire to reach The level you’re at right now.

 

[r31ya]

Hopefully Hifri is not too busy with his IEMs production and find time to dissect EA500LM (if he compared it with the 5x pricier 1 LM-DD, Ikko OH5 Asgard would be even nicer)

 

[domq422]

The Wu is definitely a wonder

That IEM is just one of those weird outliers, every time I pick them up, I’m immediately impressed. I often forget how engaging the sound sig is. I also perceive the sound stage to be quite spacious on them so it’s such a nice experience.

god damn I need to brush up on my metal sciences before coming here now? lol chillllll

FACTS, bro! all the chemistry talk has me time traveling back to high school, we definitely don’t need those types of arguments in this thread