[Zerstorer_GOhren]

Probably the cheapest phone with a good Hi-Fi DAC that I've bought for a bargain price, US$25. LG X4 2019 with ESS DAC pair with @HiByMusic Crystal 6 Mk.II, I also use this one on my Koss Porta KPH40.

 

[activatorfly]

Fender Rhodes & acoustic guitar - Rhapsody's authentic timbre & orbital stage presentation = pure BLISS !!

 

[Singaravelan]

Fender Rhodes & acoustic guitar - Rhapsody's authentic timbre & orbital stage presentation = pure BLISS !!

Good to see @Tamizhan 's fav cca Rhapsody back in the chatter. He was its long time pimp!

 

[baskingshark]

The AFUL Explorer is a 1DD + 2BA hybrid, that was previously called the Performer 3 during pre-production.

Tech-wise, AFUL has installed some special resonating acoustic tube in this IEM, unlike a conventional acoustic tubing.

Sound-wise the Explorer can be described as neutral with a generous sub-bass boost. Quite a special tuning compared to the dime-a-dozen Harmanish stuff we see every week.

8 kHz is a coupler artefact peak.

It seems this bass tubing really works to confers big bass, so it is nice to see that AFUL is experimenting with exotic tech (case in point: the previous AFUL MagicOne has some special nautilus acoustic tube that uses air pressure to down-throttle frequencies and boost sub-bass, which is a weakness in single BAs like the MagicOne).

The Explorer is smooth in the upper mids and treble, but does not lack resolution. Sub-bass is big, with a fast and textured bass (it has even better bass quality than the more expensive AFUL Performer 5). Note edges are somewhat blunted to remove fatigue. Technicalities are at least above average to good, in terms of soundstage, imaging and micro-detailing, which is commendable considering this is not a steroid boosted treble type IEM that gives "fake clarity". Will need to do some A/B testing against other hybrids and report back regarding technicalities. From initial OOTB listening, perhaps maybe a nitpick would be some BA timbre for acoustic instruments.

The Explorer is small in profile, and fits well, with above average isolation. Also easily driven.

Overall, this is a promising hybrid. Definitely something different from the usual Harman suspects, but also incorporating some well-implemented novel tech.

 

[o0genesis0o]

The AFUL Explorer is a 1DD + 2BA hybrid, that was previously called the Performer 3 during pre-production.




Tech-wise, AFUL has installed some special resonating acoustic tube in this IEM, unlike a conventional acoustic tubing.




Sound-wise the Explorer can be described as neutral with a generous sub-bass boost. Quite a special tuning compared to the dime-a-dozen Harmanish stuff we see every week.



It seems this bass tubing really works to confers big bass, so it is nice to see that AFUL is experimenting with exotic tech (case in point: the previous AFUL MagicOne has some special nautilus acoustic tube that uses air pressure to down-throttle frequencies and boost sub-bass, which is a weakness in single BAs like the MagicOne).

The Explorer is smooth in the upper mids and treble, but does not lack resolution. Sub-bass is big, with a fast and textured bass (it has even better bass quality than the more expensive AFUL Performer 5). Note edges are somewhat blunted to remove fatigue. Technicalities are at least above average to good, in terms of soundstage, imaging and micro-detailing, which is commendable considering this is not a steroid boosted treble type IEM that gives "fake clarity". Will need to do some A/B testing against other hybrids and report back regarding technicalities. From initial OOTB listening, perhaps maybe a nitpick would be some BA timbre for acoustic instruments.

The Explorer is small in profile, and fits well, with above average isolation. Also easily driven.

Overall, this is a promising hybrid. Definitely something different from the usual Harman suspects, but also incorporating some well-implemented novel tech.

Ohh, so that's why its bass is so addicting. Look at the bass shelf This is the best bass and stage AFUL has ever achieved, IMHO. It's a shame that it's not more detailed and incisive. Perhaps with a finalised version of Cantor, we will have it all.

I think our impressions are nearly 100% matching, except the BA timbre. I listened to Sibelius concerto today and some larger orchestral works but I can't hear that problem. Perhaps I just don't know BA timbre.

Btw, mate, you spoiled the graph for me.

 

[r31ya]

hmm... KZ is looking for reviewer

the form

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdjbA9IXmxpftBNbxdSEW2g_9LFzPex-M8lwZsdeCVqYDqLsQ/viewform

the youtube channel + Facebook group to follow

https://www.youtube.com/@officerkz9245
https://www.facebook.com/groups/393894122913366/

 

[Zerstorer_GOhren]

Ohh, so that's why its bass is so addicting. Look at the bass shelf This is the best bass and stage AFUL has ever achieved, IMHO. It's a shame that it's not more detailed and incisive. Perhaps with a finalised version of Cantor, we will have it all.

I think our impressions are nearly 100% matching, except the BA timbre. I listened to Sibelius concerto today and some larger orchestral works but I can't hear that problem. Perhaps I just don't know BA timbre.

Btw, mate, you spoiled the graph for me.

You and @baskingshark really drives my excitement on this one.

 

[o0genesis0o]

You and @baskingshark really drives my excitement on this one.

I’m listening to this album introduced by Darko. It sounds awesome with W4 and Explorer.

The bass is so satisfying.

I think this IEM either “scale” with more power or quite transparent to the source. I prefer it with W4 more than R3ii

 

[Singaravelan]

You and @baskingshark really drives my excitement on this one.

Available for purchase? Or reviewers unit?

 

[Zerstorer_GOhren]

Available for purchase? Or reviewers unit?

Tour

 

[gadgetgod]

You and @baskingshark really drives my excitement on this one.

Mine will also arrive in the next few days, maybe next week.

 

[archdawg]

New cable day.

I got a ivipQ-330 model IEM cable in the mail today and been putting it to good use with my TSMR-X as I was hoping they would look okay together (nervous smile).






1. Product Name: ivipQ-330
2. Brand: ivipQ-
3. Model: 4-Core Earphone Upgrade Cable
4. Number of Cores: Five Elements+Single Crystal Silver Plating Palladium+Rare Earth Alloy Copper+Single Crystal Silver Plating Palladium+High Conductivity 7N OCC+Oil Immersed Graphene Plating Palladium+Rare Earth Alloy
5. Single Strand Diameter: 1.5mm
6. Cable Structure: LITZ
7. Skin Material: Medical Grade PVC
8. Length: 1.23m
9. Plug Type: 4PIN XLR/3.5mm/2.5mm/4.4mm straight type optional
10. Connector: MMCX/0.78mm 2PIN/TFZ/QDC/IE900
11. Plug Material: Pure Copper Electroplating
12. Diverter Material: Using resin material

Link to the cable:
https://www.aliexpress.us/item/3256...st_main.5.38491802j9Z2XT&gatewayAdapt=glo2usa

How does it sound? Not ready to jump into that just yet but it sounds an awful lot like the last cable I had on it which was a cheaper XINHS K08 with 2 strands of gold, silver and palladium graphene five element alloy cable wire. I sure do love these cables.

I bought one of those ivipQ cables during their last sales for ~13€ and soundwise on some of my single DDs w. different DACs/dongles it's suprisingly close to my way more expensive XINHS pure silver cable. Not a big fan of the outer woven material as it can get stained easily but otherwise €€ well spent.

79,18€ | ivipQ 501 7N OCC 4N Sterling Silver ,With MMCX/2Pin 3.5/2.5/4.4mm/QDC/2PIN For HOLA KATO Winter LAN Cadenza Aria A5000
https://a.aliexpress.com/_EGuOOU7

 

[Redcarmoose]

https://penonaudio.com/penon-os849.html $99.90
https://penonaudio.com/penon-gs849.html $99.90
https://penonaudio.com/penon-gd849.html $99.90
https://penonaudio.com/Penon-OCC849.html $99.90

Penon OCC849 Single Crystal Copper HiFi Audiophile IEMs Cable
Type-4 Litz configuration

Description
6n single crystal copper silver-plated cable
8 strands, single strand is 49 cores, a total of 8 × 49.
The plug contains 68% copper
The solder joints is silver – contained tin
Carbon fiber metal splitter and CNC integrated slider
Cable length: 1.2M

The OS849, GS849, GD849 and new one the Penon OCC849. Where in early 2018 the first of the series the OS849 cable was released. As such it was 68% Crystal Copper and a 32% silver core. Versatile and thick, really there was nothing like it at the time that came with an IEM. 6N purity with 8% silver in the copper wire plating. 49 stands and 8X49 stands in total so that’s how they got the name. The original OS849 cable costs $99.90 and provides a grand service and noticeably different from this new OCC849 cable. Where the original OS849 becomes more airy into how it deals with sonics, not being weighted down by the 68% copper plug of this new OCC849. I mean really there is a use for both, have a darker IEM that you want to gain stage expansion really both the OCC849 and the original OS849 do that. The difference is the OCC849 is more heavy gaining lower midrange details and added heft. Still there is nothing at all wrong with what the original does. In fact it was amazing just how well rounded of a cable the original was, never coloring the sound, but moving forward to add definition and stage over most included cables. Later in my review I will go over more details about how these two cables are different. Yet there is a good feeling finding a cable Penon released in early 2018 that still performs grand arranging the details and stage to make any modern day IEM shine. Really it is almost like pure silver in how it adds energy, yet balanced to the fact that it is a copper/silver plated cable really in the end. That simply means we don’t have to worry about the OS849 ever getting too hot or bringing too much energy to out listening.


The GS849 and GD849:
These came after the OS849 and while still the build of the original OS849 brought new flavors of density due to the metallurgy make-up. The GS849 is a hybrid cable while still versatile it contains 18K Gold which adds density and thickness in comparison to the original OS849.

I used the Penon Volt today for testing as the volt is incredibly balanced, not too dark or too bright anyway. Yet it is revealing enough to easily show the character of each cable and how they are different. Now the best part about today was that there were never any fires to put out, or dullness to try and add clarity too. As such it was simply different flavors of good. Now that will not always be the case with other IEMs, but at least today it the Volt was always correct and even sounding, yet there was a specific character from each cable which in the end shined through!

In fact yesterday it was a little daunting to think I would compare all four cables and need to note how they performed, when in reality this write-up ended one of the easiest things to do. Like almost changing the EQ on your stereo and reporting in how each setting sounded.

The GS849 is still 18K gold plated OCC copper and the other half is silver plated OCC copper making 8 cores of 49 stands each thus 849. So it is simple in playback……..here we are offered a denser playback and owning slightly more weight than the original OS849, yet not the total warmth and copper sound of (maybe) the plug……….but whatever is doing it, the OCC849 is just a tad warmer despite the GS849 added note weight and density. Where to really get into this mess, the GS849 has a new and different midrange. A kind of beautiful imaged midrange, which showed a more vibrant color than the original OS849, yet still more airy and flying slightly higher, as not as grounded as the OCC849. Yet this may be my favorite cable of the bunch. I know you were thinking I was going to say this new OCC849 was best, and it may be with other IEMs…….but today with the Volt this takes the cake. And they really are all very different.

The GD849:
More 18K Gold! Coming out in September of 2020 it was a few years later than the original OS849. Here we are witnessing a cable with weight and authority, kind-of still vivid, but less on the vivid scale. Like the ISN GC4 there are very specific reasons you may want to included this cable, or if the ESTs in the Penon Volt are too hot for you……..which would make you a different outsider, but it could maybe happen…….then you may want to use the GD849 with the Volt. Because remember the Volt is so well rounded that none of the outcomes today were bad, just that each held a new and different tone slightly which could maybe go in order?


Volt uses:

1. GS849
2. OS849 tied to 3. OCC849

And finally last the GD849

Your results may very depending on IEM in use, DAP, ear-tips and personal preference.

Cheers!

The Penon OCC849:

The OS849:

The GS849:

And finally the GD849 with all of its bling:

Thank-you for reading!

 

[activatorfly]

Todays portable listening rig...

 

[DynamicEars]

Link to Castor Bass mod https://www.head-fi.org/threads/the-discovery-thread.586909/post-17739901

Castor Bass is much better than Harmanish version, after mod it's beast. Advices and experience taken from @DynamicEars are priceless. I'm using materials and applying his techniques to most iems I have.

About D-Fi vs Polaris, I can say only that both are very good.

D-Fi has an interesting timbre: a bit rounded, glassy, vibrant - acoustic. Tonally vocals are closer, but hide the edges a bit too much

Polaris (dduu is my favorite setting) sounds softer, vocals are more backwards and relaxed, timbre I can describe as "matte", but interestingly they also give the impression of a being more detailed.

Glad the mod can helped you out, I did lot of mods too recently, will post it here but I really need to catch up what is happening here on earth these few weeks.

The AFUL Explorer is a 1DD + 2BA hybrid, that was previously called the Performer 3 during pre-production.




Tech-wise, AFUL has installed some special resonating acoustic tube in this IEM, unlike a conventional acoustic tubing.




Sound-wise the Explorer can be described as neutral with a generous sub-bass boost. Quite a special tuning compared to the dime-a-dozen Harmanish stuff we see every week.


8 kHz is a coupler artefact peak.

It seems this bass tubing really works to confers big bass, so it is nice to see that AFUL is experimenting with exotic tech (case in point: the previous AFUL MagicOne has some special nautilus acoustic tube that uses air pressure to down-throttle frequencies and boost sub-bass, which is a weakness in single BAs like the MagicOne).

The Explorer is smooth in the upper mids and treble, but does not lack resolution. Sub-bass is big, with a fast and textured bass (it has even better bass quality than the more expensive AFUL Performer 5). Note edges are somewhat blunted to remove fatigue. Technicalities are at least above average to good, in terms of soundstage, imaging and micro-detailing, which is commendable considering this is not a steroid boosted treble type IEM that gives "fake clarity". Will need to do some A/B testing against other hybrids and report back regarding technicalities. From initial OOTB listening, perhaps maybe a nitpick would be some BA timbre for acoustic instruments.

The Explorer is small in profile, and fits well, with above average isolation. Also easily driven.

Overall, this is a promising hybrid. Definitely something different from the usual Harman suspects, but also incorporating some well-implemented novel tech.

Wow I always complained about too loud pinna gain but this one is really shallow pinna gain, do they sounded dark and thick?

Btw glad can open head-fi again but wow I need to catch up 200-ish pages. Is there any new dongle with superior soundstage / imaging recently? KA17?