The discovery thread!
Oct 9, 2024 at 5:34 PM Post #128,071 of 132,725
Something youse guys all know too well, I'm sure. I ordered a set of InAwaken Dawn MS IEMs on a lark purchase. I plugged into my desktop FIIO K7 to give an uncolored listen as I always do for a first listen. I can usually get a handle on transparency and dynamics with the FIIO. They were lifeless and flat as hell. The FIIO is a unforgiving DAC Amp in resolute terms, but never have they exposed an IEM like this. Three songs in, I was ready to chalk them up as my first IEM purchase that I absolutely didn't like - lifeless and devoid of any color. I decided to fire up my Schitt stack, and jeez, they immediately came alive. The switch was nothing short of dramatic. I can usually listen to any one of my DAC/amp combos, duplicated in both desktop and dongle versions for portable kick-back use, and yes, there are differences but never like this. My ladder DACs are better with some IEMs that are sterile, so-to-speak; the FIIO DACs are super linear and better with others that are too warm, but I can usually listen to either and get away with it. Not so these.

This is a first for me where I didn't like a set like this and had such a dramatic turnaround with a different DAC amp. I dialed in a set of tips - narrow bore - and they sound damned good - righteously good to be honest.
 
Oct 9, 2024 at 5:37 PM Post #128,072 of 132,725
I was just saying that during my troubleshooting of my R4 EVA I have tried using a few iems hooked up to a balanced cable and I have also plugged the 4.4 cables into a 4.4 to 3.5 adapter plugging it into my players 3.5 out for testing. The 4.4 balanced stops working entirely after 3-5 songs, but seems to have no problems when I swap over to the 3.5 out after the problem on the 4.4 out on the player side has occurred.
I'm sorry you're going through these issues with your new shiny, my friend. This really sucks. Seems like you just got a dud, and it's gonna need to be returned? Happened to me with my Hiby R2 and R5, but I didn't return it because Hiby (notoriously bad CS) wanted to charge me for shipping and battery replacement, so I just balked and tossed both in the junk box. Luckily, the R3 II has proven much more sturdy, if a bit glitchy.
 
Oct 9, 2024 at 5:39 PM Post #128,073 of 132,725
So the Subjective3 is just a EQ on the fly so it won't act as an amp. But it's so good. I miss mine. If I didn't have my Archel 3 Pro which has tone control, I'd consider adding it back to my library.



Speaking of BCD:



Soon™

What is that one?
 
Oct 9, 2024 at 5:42 PM Post #128,074 of 132,725
What is that one?

The ZEMPIRE ZE51B - I can't link the video but it's the set that vibrates on a table from the implementation of the BCD.

But, this is with my choice of colors. 😊 Because I'm a sucker for Lakers colors.
 
Oct 9, 2024 at 5:47 PM Post #128,075 of 132,725
How's the fit on the massager? Have you noticed any issues with the energy transfer? Have you tried power cable swapping or the massaging tip swapping?
The massager thanked me for the lend, and gave my legs an extra squeeze and shake as a thank you! My circulation also was thankful! lol

The embarrassing part was the massager whispering in my ear "these are not flagship. I feel lied to." Harsh.
 
Oct 9, 2024 at 5:53 PM Post #128,076 of 132,725
Yes, they still have a lot of tracks in MQA (at least in my playlists).

I have to say that often they are non-mainstream authors. They probably can't find the flacs, and to not leave you high and dry...

Absolutely understood.

I just dislike what seems to be blatant dishonesty in that they are quite apparently still MQA but they have attempted to hide them as FLAC.

Why not just leave them as MQA and be honest that they are replacing as much as they can but some will remain, at least for the moment ?

I don't have any personal grip with MQA but I do have a gripe with Tidal apparently being underhanded about their management of the removal of MQA.
 
Oct 9, 2024 at 5:58 PM Post #128,077 of 132,725
The ZEMPIRE ZE51B - I can't link the video but it's the set that vibrates on a table from the implementation of the BCD.

But, this is with my choice of colors. 😊 Because I'm a sucker for Lakers colors.
Gotta love the Lakers.
 
Oct 9, 2024 at 6:00 PM Post #128,078 of 132,725
Want more time first, but I did some comparing.

R4 Eva is more warm and denser sounding, bass notes linger longer and midrange is more rich.

DX180 is more transparent and sound cleaner, also brighter.

DX180 is more analytical neutral, while to me R4 Eva is more natural sounding.
Thanks! So kinda similar to the tonal difference between my Hiby and my iBasso? Very similar descriptions.
 
Oct 9, 2024 at 6:08 PM Post #128,079 of 132,725
Something youse guys all know too well, I'm sure. I ordered a set of InAwaken Dawn MS IEMs on a lark purchase. I plugged into my desktop FIIO K7 to give an uncolored listen as I always do for a first listen. I can usually get a handle on transparency and dynamics with the FIIO. They were lifeless and flat as hell. The FIIO is a unforgiving DAC Amp in resolute terms, but never have they exposed an IEM like this. Three songs in, I was ready to chalk them up as my first IEM purchase that I absolutely didn't like - lifeless and devoid of any color. I decided to fire up my Schitt stack, and jeez, they immediately came alive. The switch was nothing short of dramatic. I can usually listen to any one of my DAC/amp combos, duplicated in both desktop and dongle versions for portable kick-back use, and yes, there are differences but never like this. My ladder DACs are better with some IEMs that are sterile, so-to-speak; the FIIO DACs are super linear and better with others that are too warm, but I can usually listen to either and get away with it. Not so these.

This is a first for me where I didn't like a set like this and had such a dramatic turnaround with a different DAC amp. I dialed in a set of tips - narrow bore - and they sound damned good - righteously good to be honest.
Yes. They can seem very clinical, due to the tilt to mid bass more than sub bass, but with pristinely clean midrange (no bleed), and really good treble extension that is also very pristine clean, so very little warmth (though not devoid of it), but when I play these things through my warmer daps, like the Hiby, or through the B4-X tubes, then the Dawn MS gets two VERY BIG THUMBS UP! For sure.
 
Oct 9, 2024 at 6:11 PM Post #128,080 of 132,725
The ZEMPIRE ZE51B - I can't link the video but it's the set that vibrates on a table from the implementation of the BCD.

But, this is with my choice of colors. 😊 Because I'm a sucker for Lakers colors.
Los Angeles Lakers fan since 1979!

Oh shoot, I'm old! lol
 
Oct 9, 2024 at 6:17 PM Post #128,081 of 132,725
3D impressions with Santana.

I gotta say I love my Cayin RU7 but I'm spacing out to this album on my IBasso DC04 Pro. I know. I know...it's not going to compare to DC Elite but still the DC04 Pro is still a nice £100 dongle. I just love the way it creates the depth perception into the sound. It kind of sculpts the sonority of the electric guitar in front of you into a 3D sonic directional object - like a bird flying towards you..in a peaceful non-Hitchcockian way....

The Cayin RU7 is very wonderful sounding and the holographic presentation is around your ears/head. But the IBasso presents everything in front of you as if you are sitting in front of a live performance five rows back...

Listening with the ie900.
 

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Oct 9, 2024 at 6:19 PM Post #128,082 of 132,725
Los Angeles Lakers fan since 1979!

Oh shoot, I'm old! lol

I was a fan after living in LA from 79-83 before moving back to the UK.
Loved the Kareem days....he was a surgeon in the game...
 
Oct 9, 2024 at 6:23 PM Post #128,083 of 132,725
I was a fan after living in LA from 79-83 before moving back to the UK.
Loved the Kareem days....he was a surgeon in the game...
Nice rigs. Especially the IE900. With the RU7. Happy listening!
 
Oct 9, 2024 at 6:24 PM Post #128,084 of 132,725
Yes. They can seem very clinical, due to the tilt to mid bass more than sub bass, but with pristinely clean midrange (no bleed), and really good treble extension that is also very pristine clean, so very little warmth (though not devoid of it), but when I play these things through my warmer daps, like the Hiby, or through the B4-X tubes, then the Dawn MS gets two VERY BIG THUMBS UP! For sure.
Thank you, sir. Perfectly describes them. Your post keeps my sanity. I'm groovin' on 'em now. I was beginning to wonder 'till your post! :beerchug:
 
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