The discovery thread!

[-rowan-]

In terms of sound, do you think the fan3 is a worthy upgrade to the fan2?

Absolutely. For one, it has way better (and more) bass by any measure. Fan 3 is not a basshead iem but its bass easily hits harder and deeper than Fan 2.

And then there’s the switch. With BC off, it feels like a competent Fan 2 upgrade with better bass. With BC on is where it hits different and that holographic surround sound effect kicks in.

I can fully confirm that K01 is better for bass and enhance low-frequency and switching from OCC849 to K01 on H60 will give you extra punch

for me K01 is no worse than OCC849 and can match it and even outperform if you like bass

One thing I’ve realised about Penon cables - and which folks should be aware of - is that they’re relatively midcentric, not unlike their IEMs. They will enhance bass to some degree but... I haven’t tried the cable you mentioned, but I’ve been messing with cables from NiceHCK and other chifi cable makers lately and it isn’t too difficult to find one, two or five that add more meat to the low end.

For instance, putting the DearOrpheus (dear lord I hate the name and may have to say this every time I have to mention the cable) on the Fan 3 brings noticeably greater extension and weight to its bass, coming from the Space. And like the Space, it also helps create a spacious stage. A rather nice pairing, and one I might explore further.

 

[MakeItWain]

I don't mean to sound course, but if the Supermix 4 sounds kilobuck, then I will presume that the H60 sounds like the SUBTONIC STORM, because at least to my ears, the Supermix 4 doesn't sound as good as it's price bracket brother, the Tri i3 III, let alone anything in the kilobuck territory. Simgot must include crack in some of their units? OR...more accurately...there's no accounting for ta---ears?

Man, I didn't believe in kilobuck magic until I tried the Annihilator and the Diva. So, yeah, I have no dog in this fight anymore.

I bought my set from Walter White.

 

[Okcerg]

Man, I didn't believe in kilobuck magic until I tried the Annihilator and the Diva. So, yeah, I have no dog in this fight anymore.

LOL!!

 

[mathi8vadhanan]

Ya you’re probably right. Without having tried the SM4 I have a feeling it is a far different set overall than the 61T. And I know that’s what the OP was saying I’m just a little unsure of the off kilter mids and treble comment personally

I did like the 61T bass, I was just saying that, I needed time to adjust to the bass quantity difference, when going from SM4 to 61T (and vice versa).
But whenever I wanted to enjoy more of the sub-bass rumble, the mids and highs got shouty.
Also, the lack of back vent for DD was causing suction effect and fit issues with some tips.

 

[bschnell9]

I did like the 61T bass, I was just saying that, I needed time to adjust to the bass quantity difference, when going from SM4 to 61T (and vice versa).
But whenever I wanted to enjoy more of the sub-bass rumble, the mids and highs got shouty.
Also, the lack of back vent for DD was causing suction effect and fit issues with some tips.

Interesting! I am very prone to shouty vocals and overly splashy cymbals (as I listen fairly loud) and I can crank the 61Ts and can’t find an ounce of it overbearing. Simgots tuning way beyond what I can take.

I’m using the Feaulle H570 tips. Thankfully no pressure buildup for me.

 

[Ryokan]

The WG T-ONE has jumped back up into the top 3 for me. Since I got this "new" set, replacing my defective OG set, they've reclaimed their position in my 1st rotation, and currently I'd rank/rate them just behind the ISN H60 and the Tri i3 mk IIII. Love the LIVE tonality, the stage and spatial cues are fantastic, as is the bass response. Reggae music comes to life in a special way. Very balanced as well. My favorite single DD for sure.

It's like Wacky Races


Some totl's are better than others, and a good 'budget' iem will be close to a poor kilo buck totl but no comparison to a good one, just based on my experiences.

 

[bschnell9]

Listening to one of my favorite albums ever Dave Mathew’s Live at Fenway with the 61T and H60 and the spatial cues are incredible on both. Can’t pick a winner. The drums on this album are sublime and all the instruments flowing around is magical

 

[mathi8vadhanan]

Interesting! I am very prone to shouty vocals and overly splashy cymbals (as I listen fairly loud) and I can crank the 61Ts and can’t find an ounce of it overbearing. Simgots tuning way beyond what I can take.

I’m using the Feaulle H570 tips. Thankfully no pressure buildup for me.

I mostly align with @Jaytiss ranking list. He had also ranked 61T a tier above SM4.

 

[FreeWheelinAudioLuv2]

Man, I didn't believe in kilobuck magic until I tried the Annihilator and the Diva. So, yeah, I have no dog in this fight anymore.

Yeah. The Elysian Annihilator 2023 sounds like my slam dunk END GAME unicorn IEM, from every possible description and impression, but the price would also be ENDGAME....for my marriage and financial health.

 

[kaeswiss]

What's the best all-BA set under $200 or even under $100?

 

[mathi8vadhanan]

Back to discovery, someone in Hugo 2 thread, recommended the Porta Pros.
I have seen these popup here and there in YT videos, first time trying these. These are amazing for $30, needless to say my ear-holes getting a well deserved rest.

 

[Redcarmoose]

2012? do you mean 2002 as I was wearing these around 2003/4 hauling 40ft container boxes.

Yes, maybe it’s difficult to find the actual date of release.

That's because for ear buds, they do sound really good. They are also highly bootlegs for a reason. Verified good sound.

There really was a lot of MX500 bootlegs. Though you can tell if they are original from the included storage case.

 

[MakeItWain]

Yeah. The Elysian Annihilator 2023 sounds like my slam dunk END GAME unicorn IEM, from every possible description and impression, but the price would also be ENDGAME....for my marriage and financial health.

If I ever go through a midlife crisis, my wife is already prepared for me to spend it on audio gear. This will be my convertible purchase.

Possibly until @thaslaya records me trying the Storm and then my goal posts move again.

 

[pradiptacr7]

What's the best all-BA set under $200 or even under $100?

Probably Kiwi Ears Orchestra Lite

 

[pradiptacr7]

Late night review time..!! Have a great weekend and good night from here..!! Cheers.