[Jaytiss]

 

[baskingshark]

I’ll be interested to see how the Kiwi Singolo does in a mono y mono, to your prized Moondrop Variations.

Haha not a fair comparison as different price brackets and different driver config.

But FWIW the tonality between the Singolo and Variations is similar - ie mid-bass tuck, all sub-bass focused, with some upper mids boost.

Singolo has better timbre and more sub-bass rumble. Variations has better technicalities, though it is leaner in the lower midrange (sounds more sterile as such).

How do you like your MP145s?

MP145 is really a good planar IEM to consider, melds timbre, tonality and technicalities well. Has 3 tuning options and doesn't have the usual planar timbre in some other planar IEMs.

MP145 also has a humongous soundstage (if amplified well and fitted well), but the shells are very large, so those with smaller ears might have an issue with ergonomics. Best to see if you can audition a pair to try before purchasing.

 

[thaslaya]

Spoiler: Collaboration

just kidding

I’m finally doing a collaboration!

Can't tell if you're serious or joking

 

[theintention]

normal AliExpress things

 

[thaslaya]

normal AliExpress things

Damn that price is definitely too good to be true

 

[o0genesis0o]

Can't tell if you're serious or joking

That does sound like Red’s motto. What would his collab sounds like? Super sensitive to cable and amp?

 

[thaslaya]

That does sound like Red’s motto. What would his collab sounds like? Super sensitive to cable and amp?

I'm more curious about the cost

 

[baskingshark]

Who has multiple kidneys to sell?

The Audio Technica HPA-KG NARU tube amp beckons.

USD $108,000.00. Obscene number of zeros yes. Only 2 pairs of kidneys unfortunately.

4.4 mm (balanced) and 6.3 mm (single ended)
Impedance selector switch allows you to choose the appropriate impedance (32–80 ohms, 80–250 ohms, 250–600 ohms)
2x JJ ECC83S tubes plus 2x Takatsuki TA-300B tubes
Wooden side panels

 

[Singaravelan]

That does sound like Red’s motto. What would his collab sounds like? Super sensitive to cable and amp?

Why are you offering harassment? Is being sensitive to anything in life bad? May be you should try? Is it the Aussie streak in you? Fwiw, my iem sensitive to hearts also; kind-hearted generous souls will hear it better, maybe?

 

[sgtbilko]

KiwiEars Orchestra Lite
$249
8x Balance Armature Drivers



Tuning
These are bass-absent, upper-mid forward, and shouty. The HiBy R8 II is the best source I had available with this IEM, and it is passable with tracks that are inherently bass-heavy to start with; anything that isn’t feels thin and shouty, especially female vocals. Not good.

Summary
This is really not a good IEM at all. I can handle bass-lite, for example the Campfire Andromeda 2020 has been a favourite of mine for several years now; but at least the way bass is implemented on Andro, is with a nice a shelf of mid-bass that provides needed warmth. Andro’s resolution & detail are also so much better than this. Yes Andro is/was much more expensive, but I think you are much better off saving the $250 and looking elsewhere.

Great summaries!

My only small observation is on the Orchestra Lite. I'm surprised you found them light on bass and thin & shouty up top, as treble is one area where they are quite tamed. Clearly we all hear differently, but my pair have more than enough bass and are overall more mid-centric.

Maybe you've got a duff pair? I certainly would not class them as 'not good', but neither would I say they are class leading. Decent, yes.

 

[o0genesis0o]

Great summaries!

My only small observation is on the Orchestra Lite. I'm surprised you found them light on bass and thin & shouty up top, as treble is one area where they are quite tamed. Clearly we all hear differently, but my pair have more than enough bass and are overall more mid-centric.

Maybe you've got a duff pair? I certainly would not class them as 'not good', but neither would I say they are class leading. Decent, yes.

He was using the same unit that I used to write my review. I’m wondering whether there is fit problem, or the unit has become defective during the review tour

 

[Leonarfd]

What's worth considering in the $1k bracket $1.4k Bracket (with some flexibility) these days for bass and mid focused IEMs? Ideally with a DD and not losing much on the treble front. I kinda feel like I miss EST drivers, too, as I've enjoyed ones that have them. I know you won't get an Xe6 for that money, but think along those lines; a warm leaning w-ish shape that keeps its sense of separation without letting the bass dominate everything. Comfort is important, too. I know there are some obvious options, but figured I'd pick peoples' brains.

Campfire Audio Bonneville $1.4k is maybe the funniest and fullest sounded IEM I have used, punchy deep and big bass. Full sounding midrange, and due to the upper mids having a dip it's never tiresome. Crisp and detailed treble, overall just very resolving for such a fun and thick sounding set.
And comfort is among the best.

But under $1K I bet Szalayi is good option as I trust my bass aficionado, also the DTE900 is very good with full bass and midrange of high quality (fit and sensetivity to upper mids can be a problem)

But for me hard to beat Bonneville, shipped to a friend now so he can try. Good for me as it have been stealing almost all mye eartime and screw up my upcoming reviews

And I love purple, exist in black for the rest

 

[pradiptacr7]

Great summaries!

My only small observation is on the Orchestra Lite. I'm surprised you found them light on bass and thin & shouty up top, as treble is one area where they are quite tamed. Clearly we all hear differently, but my pair have more than enough bass and are overall more mid-centric.

Maybe you've got a duff pair? I certainly would not class them as 'not good', but neither would I say they are class leading. Decent, yes.

You can check my review, it has a quality mid-bass emphasis and I found Highs are just average at best

 

[pradiptacr7]

The first time we reviewed ultra-budget IEMs. It is actually very nice for the beginner Audiophiles.
- https://www.head-fi.org/showcase/hidizs-ms1-galaxy.26704/reviews#review-33316

 

[Redcarmoose]

The original GO bar board and the new K2HD equipped Kensei board. This new model encasement is made from stainless steel where the original was aluminum. This new Kensei has improved power supply and clock circuitry! Can you figure out which one is the new ifi Kensei GO bar?

Original aluminum encasement below.