The discovery thread!

[kaeswiss]

What is your primary music source file?

I have a Plex server for my FLAC library and use Tidal for streaming/discovery.

• At Home: Streaming lossless with PlexAmp (home network) or Tidal (web)
• On the go: Offline lossless downloads with PlexAmp or Tidal

Late night mail call. Was on a mission for my wife on some viral Christmas Nutcrackers and only just got to unpack these...

Miroak-II Granadillo

These look dope. How do they sound? Any similarities to other IEMs you've heard before?

+1 to this. I regularly ask for my usual preferences - no earhooks, 2-pin connectors to fit recessed sockets - and they are always happy to oblige.

Fun story - here is the most extreme customisation I’ve asked for. XINHS had a 2-wire silver-palladium cable that I liked enough to ask them about the possibility of making an 8-wire version and they not only obliged, but apparently liked it enough to continue making and selling more.

So this is the result:



The pics in the listing are the ones they took of my cable after completing it. They must have made many more and I’m a bit surprised they didn’t redo them after the cable took off.

Is that the 8w version of this silver palladium cable? That's funny because I'm pretty sure it was you who recommended the 2w variant last year and I bought it to pair with the Penon 10th.
https://www.aliexpress.us/item/3256805170840805.html

iBasso DX180 - SONY WM1AM2 - HIBY R8

Each of their built in music player and screen comparison, other than more resolution the R8 II and WM1AM2 is similar. The DX180 is more contrast full and vibrant.


Side comparison:

It's great to see how a couple years of tech advancements in the portable world has made budget and midfi DAPs smaller in physical size yet with bigger and better screens. Your WM1AM2 is bigger than the DX180, but they have about the same size screen. Here's a pic from hifioasis.com's comparison of the WM1AM2, ZX-707, and A306. The screen of the WM1AM2 and ZX-707 are about the same size as well. Now I'm just waiting for more companies to adopt Gorilla glass-type screens so they're more scratch resistant because I hate using screen protectors that I can never line up properly.

With CanJam SoCal 2 weeks away, I'm starting to think about what I'm going to prioritize on my demo list. Thanks to friends like @Jaytiss I already got to demo and review the Elysian Pilgrim (insert shameless plug here) so I can check that one off my list. I still want to try the Noir to see how it compares. I'm also interested Symphonium, Aroma, AFUL's Cantor and new 5+2, Unique Melody, Canpur, Softears, the DC Elite now, and I'm sure there are many more I left out that I'll find while walking the floor.

For those attending, and even for those that have never been to a CanJam (like myself), what is the top 3 pieces of equipment (iem, headphone, DAP, amp, etc.) that you would like to demo someday?

Top 3.. that's easy.

1. Sennheiser HE1 Headphones - Cost is $60k and it is known to make grown men cry on first listen. I'm not crying, you're crying.
2. Subtonic Storm IEMs - Everyone says it's the best IEM. I'd like to know what that sounds like.
3. Brise Audio Fugaku IEMs - Cost is $16k. WHY IS IT 16k???

Is it a Headphone is it an iem is it an ear bud... no its the Fidue Thunder a combination of the technology of all the above here are my first impressions of the Fidue Thunder.


An audiophile premium "hifi system for your ears" Inside the box you get 2 aluminium machined ear pieces a premium cable with locking interchangeable terminations and a very nice grey leather carry case.
Specification

Brand: Fidue

Model: Thunder

Driver: 15mm DD + 2 BA

Frequency response: 4-41000Hz

Impedance: 20ohm

Sensitivity: 103dB

Max input power: 30mW

THD: <1 %

Plugs: 4.4mm Balanced plug/3.5mm stereo plug

Cable: 2pin 0.78mm interchangeable cable

The quality of the build is outstanding as you would expect for a product that retails at $399 so the $400 question that does it sound like? Refined, technical, full bodied with details galore!

I was taken aback at how every nuance of the music was easily picked put while still retaining the musicality. The sound signature is balanced nuetral with no extra colouration. There's a decent amount of textured detailed bass but this is bass head experience it's more refined more correct. While playing my library ir was equally adept at classic rock as it was with classical music. Pop, RnB and country was played back with great air, spatiality and superb wide soundstage. The bass hits were clean not bleeding into the mids that are super clean with added warmth . This isn't to say the mids are thin they aren't they are natural with good timbre vocal both make and female are well rendered there is a slight elevation in the upper mids that give guitars a nice bite but I didn't find them in anyway fatiguing.
Treble extension is spectacular with no distortion or unevenness just a very mature spacious sound.

The design with a single DD and two ba drivers utilising unique structured acoustic wave guides set up which pipes the individual drivers sound directly to the ear with the results meshing inside your ear to provide a unified whole.
The fit of the Fidue Thunder is extremely comfortable with its apple Airpod like earpiece that sits in your ear securely. While being made of aluminium they don't weigh down your ear but the fit is dependent on your earsize, with my large oversize ears I had to utilise some silicone sleeves that I bought off Amazon for a couple if £s I fitted a couple to each earpiece which perfected the fit which when perfect allows the bass to come alive.

Conclusion
I'm mightily impressed with the Fidue Thunder which to date is the best ear bud I've had the pleasure of using compared to the best earbuds in my collection like the LRey Aurora it's hands down superior in every aspect and is genuinely worth the difference in cost. When compared to iems I was amazed at the staging and spacious details that were without compare amongst my large iem collection.

These definitely have a strange design. Is this where the sound comes from? If so, I'm guessing you can only wear these hanging down like standard flatheads so it's pointed towards your ear canal right? Does it leak more sound than a flathead?

 

[jbfps116]

I have the CKLVX D41 which has been said to be exactly the same as PA02, and the SL41 mk2. Imho the Sliivo is better, more refined, with very good treble level and extension, and I don't feel it's lacking in bass.
However, since you have the H60, I think you should keep saving and go for the next level. Or wait for the new releases closer to end of year. I'm hoping for some new Myer Audio bangers soon. Plus the new Performer.

You're likely right... the Shock comes to mind as a worthy upgrade [but those Estrellas are SO pretty! and have apparently a sound I'd very likely enjoy] but I really want one with the resin gem look like the PA02 or SL41... [or even the PA01 if I can find one]

I simply cannot stomach that the ugly Libras sound so good haha. [yes this is leading up to ANOTHER comparison:] Compared to the very nice-looking blue-gold Wan'er, the Libra won every single sound battle. It's clarity and unmuddied mids coupled with that heart-stopping bass [slight hyperbole here] is just my PERFECT tuning prefrence. But they're cheap plastic and rather ugly haha. As you can see, warmer IEMs tend to take a hit in my rankings, even though I am learning to enjoy the H60. Which is also not the best-looking.

Anyhow, the next matchup will be the Wan'ers fighting fir a third time to stay afloat against the also-warm Kinera Wyvern Blacks.

 

[Ineras]

You're likely right... the Shock comes to mind as a worthy upgrade [but those Estrellas are SO pretty! and have apparently a sound I'd very likely enjoy] but I really want one with the resin gem look like the PA02 or SL41... [or even the PA01 if I can find one]

The SL41 in blue and gold really are gorgeous.

Regarding single DDs, that Inawaken Dawn-ms is pretty badass.

 

[FreeWheelinAudioLuv2]

From my own experience, aside from the male vocals sounding a bit lean with a shallow fit, my experience is different. But to be fair, I never listen at high volumes and I don’t recommend it. I think Jay is a nice guy. He definitely has the right to share his opinions on IEMs, which makes his perspective unique. His preferences in music and tonality are reflected in the well-received Estrella, showcasing his vision and tuning. I used to be very defensive about IEMs I liked, but I’ve matured and come to appreciate that everyone has their own taste in music and volume preferences and that’s what makes the hobby so interesting. That said, the Cantor doesn’t sound shrill to me at all. Not even close.

I'm selling a lot of my IEMs, which felt a bit sad at first, but I realized I hardly ever listen to them anymore. Still, I can't believe I'm parting with my Blessing 2!

I agree.

Yes, exactly! Like you said, a good IEM should make fun music sound fun.

That would be great.

Is it really that good? I've only heard amazing things about the DC-Elite!

Yep. Too many of my IEMs sit in the cases or the tin and collect dust, so it's time for them to go to good homes, where they will get some major use out of them, instead of just sitting (i.e, AKG N5005, Thieaudio Elixir). Time to rehome.

 

[Okcerg]

I've been very busy lately and missed most of the action here, but is the fan mod just to cover the smiley face with something like micropore tape? Or do you need to use those earbud filters?

 

[MakeItWain]

These look dope. How do they sound? Any similarities to other IEMs you've heard before?

So, I think they remind me a lot of the Origin (or even the Orivetti OD200) except like more detailed/resolving/elevated and other adjectives. Since it's a single DD, it's very coherent overall.

If I was going to nitpick, I think the sub-bass isn't the greatest (doesn't go very deep, notes are very quick). I was expecting more mid-bass; it's there and detailed but probably less on feeling the bass and more towards adding to the mid-range to help vocals more. Or polite? Maybe polite is a good adjective for the bass and overall sound signature.

I don't think I would classify this as bassy but I'm also an occasional basshead (Gimme dat Maestro Mini) so this would be like a complimentary addition to the line up for a different flavor. Like, bass notes feel like they're very quick and snappy but mid-range is a bit slower on the decay so it gives vocals and instruments a bit more note weight and shines through more.

Treble is definitely elevated - but I wouldn't say it's harsh or bright. It's close to being a bit much and I wouldn't recommend these necessarily to someone treble sensitive.

(I'm listening to them right now as I'm writing so these thoughts are coming to me as I'm listening and I just started tip rolling)

I just swapped to the Canal Works Catpaw tips - really brought out the deeper sub-bass that felt like it was missing.

Ok, I'm not deleting all the above but, Pentacon Coreir Tips may have just found their new permanent home. Where I usually want my Final Type E or Radius Deep Mount to bring out the bass note/impact, maybe the seal wasn't the best or tip synergy didn't work? Canal Works helped but wasn't giving me the full energy. Pentacon Brass (going to try Alloy later) just changed the game.

Alright, I'm submitting/posting reply because I could just end up going on and on. Will come back later but that was all real time tip rolling "EUREKA" moment

 

[PeacockObscura]

I have a Plex server for my FLAC library and use Tidal for streaming/discovery.

• At Home: Streaming lossless with PlexAmp (home network) or Tidal (web)
• On the go: Offline lossless downloads with PlexAmp or Tidal

These look dope. How do they sound? Any similarities to other IEMs you've heard before?



Is that the 8w version of this silver palladium cable? That's funny because I'm pretty sure it was you who recommended the 2w variant last year and I bought it to pair with the Penon 10th.
https://www.aliexpress.us/item/3256805170840805.html



It's great to see how a couple years of tech advancements in the portable world has made budget and midfi DAPs smaller in physical size yet with bigger and better screens. Your WM1AM2 is bigger than the DX180, but they have about the same size screen. Here's a pic from hifioasis.com's comparison of the WM1AM2, ZX-707, and A306. The screen of the WM1AM2 and ZX-707 are about the same size as well. Now I'm just waiting for more companies to adopt Gorilla glass-type screens so they're more scratch resistant because I hate using screen protectors that I can never line up properly.





Top 3.. that's easy.

1. Sennheiser HE1 Headphones - Cost is $60k and it is known to make grown men cry on first listen. I'm not crying, you're crying.
2. Subtonic Storm IEMs - Everyone says it's the best IEM. I'd like to know what that sounds like.
3. Brise Audio Fugaku IEMs - Cost is $16k. WHY IS IT 16k???

These definitely have a strange design. Is this where the sound comes from? If so, I'm guessing you can only wear these hanging down like standard flatheads so it's pointed towards your ear canal right? Does it leak more sound than a flathead?

@Dsnuts stated he wore his over ear just reversed left and right. My wife says they are about the same as my Penon BS1 for sound leakage

 

[-rowan-]

[…] what is the top 3 pieces of equipment (iem, headphone, DAP, amp, etc.) that you would like to demo someday?

Top 3.. that's easy.

1. Sennheiser HE1 Headphones - Cost is $60k and it is known to make grown men cry on first listen. I'm not crying, you're crying.
2. Subtonic Storm IEMs - Everyone says it's the best IEM. I'd like to know what that sounds like.
3. Brise Audio Fugaku IEMs - Cost is $16k. WHY IS IT 16k???

^ Yea basically these. And:

4. PMG APX SE - $6k. Name looks like fricken alphabet soup but enough experienced listeners have raved about it and in specific enough terms for me to remember and take notice and I want to hear it even if I can’t have it.

5. Nightjar Duality - need to hear that monster bass. And with prices starting from $3k, it’s practically budget compared to the rest of these… wow.

6. Elysian Dio - who knows… if it ever gets released.

Is that the 8w version of this silver palladium cable? That's funny because I'm pretty sure it was you who recommended the 2w variant last year and I bought it to pair with the Penon 10th.
https://www.aliexpress.us/item/3256805170840805.html

Yes that’s the cable, and yes it probably was me! The 8w uses a thinner wire than the 2w (so it isn’t 4 times as thick, but it was probably the main reason they eventually agreed to do it).

Just a different faceplate.

Could you or anyone else give me the lowdown on the Ivipq IEMs? Which are the hits and which are the misses (apart from the BCD one, which seems to have received no positive feedback at all)? The various Conches are particularly confusing since I take it that they are not exactly iterations of each other. Is there any sort of coherent tuning philosophy emerging or…?

 

[PhonoPhi]

That's right Mr Science! Wait...are you PhonoPhi in disguise?! Yeah, i'll skip the science projects and thesis papers like banana guy (who's still a cool dude), and yes, I'll trust my ears, I'll trust the fact that 4.4mm is being used by millions of audiophiles, and that we don't have millions of morons, so there must be something to it, and I'll respectfully continue to utilize the 4.4mm and 2.5mm jacks when my ears beckon it. Thanks though.

I hope to remain one and only in my limited uniqueness.

Off HeadF nowi, I simply enjoy a lot KZ AS24pro (together with more neutral and more switch-engaging AS24) with my totally preferred, among all other sorces, Plus4 DAC - pretty much enough to savor all my music for thetotl bliss

Lastly, few words about my experience with Hiby R4 - "audiophilically" OK/good - really great PEQ, plugins; internal amps heat up nicely dissipating all this energy into something hopefully meaningfull for a sizeable brick of a DAP that R4 is... and a very good transport for all my DACs.

Yet, on another side, R4 was voted unanimously as the most user-unfriendly device ever (!!!) by my family while on our trip around the beauty/wildereness of lake Superior.

For non-aidiophile users, R4 displayed a horrible combination of connectivity problems, volume locks/non-responsiveness due to Hiby haste implemtations of regulatory limitations - just very raw software overall for beta, if not gamma/omega testers... It may be OK/nice/great for "reviewers of free samples", as the dominant participants here, but not for simple users, as I can humbly attest...

Surely, solutions to R4 properly functioning may exist, but with my previous Tempotec V1a - there was no any problems with any connectivity, so no more Hiby & any other DAPs in my music universe...

The funds are saved on this hobby will be chanelled to support live music - music lessons, orchestral performance support, etc.

 

[fidgeraldo]

CCA CRA+.......Day Two....

Cheers!

 

[Ineras]

Could you or anyone else give me the lowdown on the Ivipq IEMs? Which are the hits and which are the misses (apart from the BCD one, which seems to have received no positive feedback at all)? The various Conches are particularly confusing since I take it that they are not exactly iterations of each other. Is there any sort of coherent tuning philosophy emerging or…?

V11 8BA has wildly inconsistent tuning. Akros has an L-shape, @FastGecko5's set is bass-light, I have a basshead level super V-shape (which I love).
V12 2DD+6BA is more consistent. It's a detail monster and both @FastGecko5 and I like it, but I do think it can get a bit zingy and slightly sibilant with some BA timbre.
V13 2DD+2BA has been described by Akros as basically a re-shelled Quartet, @FastGecko5 has it and might have more to say about it.
I really like the new 10BA Golden Crow. But I'm finding it difficult to rec these iems because of the V11 inconsistency, so I would wait for more people to review them to see if qc has improved.
Still have to give the Star Dragon 2DD+4BA and Shanhai 3DD more ear time before I say more about them.

 

[FreeWheelinAudioLuv2]

Very nice! I have to try this one after reading all the praise. I wonder how it stacks up against the Kensei, which is the most impressive dongle I've heard to date.

Awesome! Congrats brother! Definitely need to hear some impressions soon. I know you've been eager to get these in your ears.

Ya my F1 Pro is not long for my collection either. I need to do a proper review when I have more time but it's likely to be the next giveaway prize

With CanJam SoCal 2 weeks away, I'm starting to think about what I'm going to prioritize on my demo list. Thanks to friends like @Jaytiss I already got to demo and review the Elysian Pilgrim (insert shameless plug here) so I can check that one off my list. I still want to try the Noir to see how it compares. I'm also interested Symphonium, Aroma, AFUL's Cantor and new 5+2, Unique Melody, Canpur, Softears, the DC Elite now, and I'm sure there are many more I left out that I'll find while walking the floor.

For those attending, and even for those that have never been to a CanJam (like myself), what is the top 3 pieces of equipment (iem, headphone, DAP, amp, etc.) that you would like to demo someday?

So I'm attending CanJam SoCal 2025, and my main hits will be the Annihilator 2023 (unless there's an new iteration by then?), Cantor and 5+2, something from CFA, I/O, and lastly Alpha Omega. I'm sure I'm forgetting a ton of cool boutiques?

 

[MakeItWain]

So I'm attending CanJam SoCal 2025, and my main hits will be the Annihilator 2023 (unless there's an new iteration by then?), Cantor and 5+2, something from CFA, I/O, and lastly Alpha Omega. I'm sure I'm forgetting a ton of cool boutiques?

And inevitably anything new that comes out starting from Sept 2024 to Sept 2025.

 

[Leonarfd]

I'm on Grand Oriveti Supremacy tonight, photo is to capture what I'm hearing. Organic sound, its natural and lovely to listen to. Be it acoustic instruments or vocals it sounds engaging and realistic, tasteful warmth to never be boring or take away clarity.

Clear to say I love the sound, and the design does captures much of what I'm hearing with its beutiful wood design. Have some other reviews to finish before this one, but I can sneak some time in hear and there. Its a pleasure every time

 

[-rowan-]

V11 8BA has wildly inconsistent tuning. Akros has an L-shape, @FastGecko5's set is bass-light, I have a basshead level super V-shape (which I love).
V12 2DD+6BA is more consistent. It's a detail monster and both @FastGecko5 and I like it, but I do think it can get a bit zingy and slightly sibilant with some BA timbre.
V13 2DD+2BA has been described by Akros as basically a re-shelled Quartet, @FastGecko5 has it and might have more to say about it.
I really like the new 10BA Golden Crow. But I'm finding it difficult to rec these iems because of the V11 inconsistency, so I would wait for more people to review them to see if qc has improved.
Still have to give the Star Dragon 2DD+4BA and Shanhai 3DD more ear time before I say more about them.

Thanks for this overview! I had the idea was that QC was patchy (and service recovery non existent) but it’s useful to have all this in one place when impressions were especially all over the place. Please keep us posted on how the rest pan out.