The discovery thread!

[r31ya]

Chill weekend instrumental music,

Indonesia's fingerstyle guitarist, Alip_Ba_Ta.

Ghostbuster themesong


Sadness and Sorrow from Naruto OST


and still my favorite performance of his, Godfather themesong

 

[FreeWheelinAudioLuv2]

Love that Co-Plot is using MS Paint now.

End

Game

Indeed - until ISN Audio EBC80 - Exists maybe

This is what I'm hoping? I don't think I've run into my unicorn yet, or even come close (technically the H60 has come the closest), so I've got some hope that the EBC80 will be that unicorn, or maybe even the AFUL P7? That one is incoming for review, and the budget Dethonray x Tangzu, which shipped out today.

 

[Jmop]

ISN D10, competes or nah?

 

[Jmop]

@FreeWheelinAudioLuv2 You would love this combo of RS2 line out to Topping NX7 with NOS activated using the Penon Space on balanced, not sure how the mechanics work with that since line out is single-ended but the 4.4mm on the Topping sounds like actual balanced and not just a volume boost. Anyway, since the NX7 is super neutral and kinda digital sounding, the note body, density, and liquidity of the Space with NOS to take the edge off that digital feel, are super complementary. Personally, I’m not too into the ultra wide stage of the Space despite it having good imaging, but maybe I’ll run into an iem that benefits from it. Great cable, does a lot for $100.

 

[o0genesis0o]

Howdy folks, my review of Penon Voltage is online on head-fi and my blog.

Spoiler: tl;dr:

After years of holding the “mid-fi” IEM market by offering a unique cozy house sound and great value, Penon is advancing into the high-end IEM realm, with Voltage as one of the vanguards. And, it gets the job done. Voltage offers a slight twist on the classic Penon house sound to deliver a more neutral and, arguably, more correct tonality without removing the expected pleasing midrange. At the same time, the effective tuning switches allow you to get the classical thick sound back, should you prefer it over the neutral tuning. Voltage also does not disappoint on the technical performance front, taking full advantage of its quad EST tweeter array to deliver excellent detail retrieval, provided that you don’t turn on the bass switch, which in turn casts a veil across the presentation. The tonality, versatility, and technical performance makes Voltage a safe option for listerers taking the first plunge into the “kilobuck IEM” land.

What I like about this IEM:

• Midrange tonality, especially for vocal-centric music
• Detailed treble, without harshness
• The way dual DD woofer produces bass content
• The sense of rhythm
• Wide soundstage
• Versatility offered by the effective tuning switches

What could be improved:

• The soundstage is rather flat, lacking immersion
• This IEM could benefit from a focused sub-bass boost

Absolute Sonic Quality Rating: 4.5/5 - Great!

• Timbre and tonality: 4.5/5 - Great
• Bass and dynamic: 5/5 - Outstanding
• Resolution: 5/5 - Outstanding
• Soundstage and imaging: 3.5/5 - Good

Bias Score: 4/5 - I like this IEM

Updated: October 16, 2024

 

[FreeWheelinAudioLuv2]

Chill weekend instrumental music,

Indonesia's fingerstyle guitarist, Alip_Ba_Ta.

Ghostbuster themesong


Sadness and Sorrow from Naruto OST


and still my favorite performance of his, Godfather themesong

Love his tone, and effortless picking style, while having quite a unique tapping technique as well. Damn that was a fun listen.

 

[Scubadevils]

I just got two cables in today. The start of my $200+ spending spree of wires began today, but actually, it was one cable and one interconnect. So my Penon Totem type c to type c interconnect arrived (thanks to @Dsnuts for the pointer), and the brand spankin' new Tripowin cable (Tripowin Moonshadow). Though the Totem was thinner than I imagined (Seeing those garden hose Totem cables might cause inappropriate expectations lol, and it was about the same thickness as my XINHS crystal copper interconnect), it's still far superior in build than the XINHS, the material is fabulous, and Ds said it was going to improve the sound from my DCE, and yes sir, in fact, it did. I even did a/b/c comparisons between it, my XINHS, and the iBasso DCE interconnect. The bass was the most prominent difference. It provided not a lift, but a presence and resolution, along with a slight lift, as well as making the soundstage more spacious, clean, and wide, while the treble is *chef's kiss*. Though the other two admittedly did sound very good, and pretty close, it failed in the increased stage and the resolution on the bottom and top end. Now I'm thinking, if the Totem can do this for an interconnect, what about the garden hose cable?!

The Moonshadow is the latest cable creation of Tripowin, and as an unabashed admirer of as @Scubadevils called it "humble Tripowin cable", I didn't hesitate to order it to try it out. It's an odd mix of copper, silver, and aluminum foil. The feel of the PVC jacket is really high quality, and looks and feels very similar to the S12 (2024) cable. It's about the same thickness and the same feel, so very premium, as you owners of the S12 (2024) cable know. I originally bought it for the Project M, but ended up preferring the synergy of the P-M + Tripowin Altea. So I sat the Moonshadow on the Thieaudio Oracle mk III, and BOOM!! Perfect symmetry! It gave it just the right amount of bass lift, while I assume the silver and foil assist with the sheer clarity in the mids and treble region. It's just a great cable for the Oracle, and I'm listening to the Oracle thru the Sony A306 + DCE + Totem interconnect with this Moonshadow cable, and listening to jazz, I'm flabbergasted at what I'm getting in return aurally. Superb. TOTL.

Love the Zonie cable - I first took a shot at Tripowin with Granvia which I bought for a set of headphones, gorgeous cable for comparatively low cost… that led me to trying Zonie which again is fantastic quality. I must explore more!

 

[FreeWheelinAudioLuv2]

@FreeWheelinAudioLuv2 You would love this combo of RS2 line out to Topping NX7 with NOS activated using the Penon Space on balanced, not sure how the mechanics work with that since line out is single-ended but the 4.4mm on the Topping sounds like actual balanced and not just a volume boost. Anyway, since the NX7 is super neutral and kinda digital sounding, the note body, density, and liquidity of the Space with NOS to take the edge off that digital feel, are super complementary. Personally, I’m not too into the ultra wide stage of the Space despite it having good imaging, but maybe I’ll run into an iem that benefits from it. Great cable, does a lot for $100.

That's funny you mention that, because right before PTT on the DCE, my purchase was actually going to be the RS2, but you talked me out of it, and I ended up striking gold with the B4-X (which is getting an upgrade very soon). I personally enjoy the B4-X MORE than I do the DCE. More musical and almost as technical. Now I'm getting my tube on even more with the N3U incoming to pair with the B4-X, and I'm gonna be in full on musical tube HEAVEN!! In the meantime, I'm sitting here, healing, while listening to this combo, and it's close to what I feel is TOTL in sonic delivery and musicality, and like your recent exploration of older IEMs, this is an IEM that's been out for a decade now...

KEF M200 > Hiby R3 II > Little Bear B4-X > Lunashop s/c/g (mixed alloy) interconnect.

Yeah, save that Space cable and it's soundstage expanding abilities for an IEM you have or will own that has a more intimate soundstage, and find that synergy sister? I'd do that with my NX7 mk III, but I already had to fix the 2 pin well once, so I don't trust it holding up to the Space cables no ear guides style? It's one of my favorite IEMs that has a relatively intimate stage. Hmm...maybe I should try it on the Inawaken Dawn MS?

 

[gadgetgod]

but IMHO it’s not “meh resolution” for kilobuck IEM.

Man for me Cantor, Ice Labs Prismatica, Mest MK2, Monarch MK2/3 offer better resolution. Ice Labs have such precise stereo separation that I usually forget they have a 5BA setup only. But like I said, the musicality of Voltage just keeps me hooked on to it.

 

[FreeWheelinAudioLuv2]

Love the Zonie cable - I first took a shot at Tripowin with Granvia which I bought for a set of headphones, gorgeous cable for comparatively low cost… that led me to trying Zonie which again is fantastic quality. I must explore more!

Yes you do. I think 40% of my IEMs are sat with Tripowin cables. That's how much I enjoy and believe in their product. I have Zonie, Zoe, Moss, Altea, Moonshadow, Mirage, Amber, Nucool, and C-8. LOL Yeah, I got a ton.

 

[jbfps116]

I also see you bit on that TRN MT5. I had it in my cart when I got the coupon that made it $5.00, but after reading reviews, it's another overtly bassy offering by TRN.

They gotta balance out their bassless Conch and MT4 “Pro.”

nothin, im checking out for right now. Will be getting a cable for my Phantom in for review sometime, but I am satisfied for now. Maybe more audio toys next year after the holidays.

Likely same here… with the Fan 3, I should be done. I should do some culling not buying!

HiBY R4 Case



I’ll let you know if it’s any good.

Ali Express official HiBY Store.

What I want is a decent oleophobic tempered glass screen protector!! That stock one is trash!

TRN MT5 has a solid all-metal shell, fingerprint magnet though even with the dark gunmetal color. So far, I'm impressed with this $12 budget set. Bassy, yes, but good quality bass actually, quite speedy and textured. I'd say a bit better bass than Saga, and the MT5 has very good punch, made me break out the air drums. Two thumbs up on the Starboy test. It's got a good level of bite, well-controlled pinna gain and treble. Nice timbre. You can turn the volume up on this one, I rate it highly in the fun and enjoyment category.



Budget sets nowadays are insane.

Dang that looks good.. I’ll see how the Saga sounds. Don’t need the MT5 but good to know it reversed direction from the poor mt4 pro

 

[Redcarmoose]

I think the SP01 with its clear nozzle hits way above its price point. It fits my preference for a full bodied low end very well while still maintaining the required amount of air.

The Sound Rhyme is a price point leader and an example of just how far you can go with under $100.00 regardless of driver methodology! I can't get over it!

 

[o0genesis0o]

Man for me Cantor, Ice Labs Prismatica, Mest MK2, Monarch MK2/3 offer better resolution. Ice Labs have such precise stereo separation that I usually forget they have a 5BA setup only. But like I said, the musicality of Voltage just keeps me hooked on to it.

Yeah, something about the tuning that pulls this IEM back. But it's not that underwhelming, I think. Easily surpass Andromeda and catching up with U12T in my A/B, so it barely squeezes through the gate into my 5/5 class.

Anyhow, this IEM is one of those that the more careful I listen, the more problems I pull out. Glad that I had a chance to dissect it so carefully before buying. I think I'll hold on to my toy fund for now. (I should, I need a new desktop amp)

 

[Redcarmoose]

TSMR ARMOR
2 Dynamic Driver + 2 Balaned Armature + 1 Electrostatic Driver
5 drivers Hybrid Audiophile In-Ear Earphone IEM

 

[Jmop]

That's funny you mention that, because right before PTT on the DCE, my purchase was actually going to be the RS2, but you talked me out of it, and I ended up striking gold with the B4-X (which is getting an upgrade very soon). I personally enjoy the B4-X MORE than I do the DCE. More musical and almost as technical. Now I'm getting my tube on even more with the N3U incoming to pair with the B4-X, and I'm gonna be in full on musical tube HEAVEN!! In the meantime, I'm sitting here, healing, while listening to this combo, and it's close to what I feel is TOTL in sonic delivery and musicality, and like your recent exploration of older IEMs, this is an IEM that's been out for a decade now...

KEF M200 > Hiby R3 II > Little Bear B4-X > Lunashop s/c/g (mixed alloy) interconnect.

Yeah, save that Space cable and it's soundstage expanding abilities for an IEM you have or will own that has a more intimate soundstage, and find that synergy sister? I'd do that with my NX7 mk III, but I already had to fix the 2 pin well once, so I don't trust it holding up to the Space cables no ear guides style? It's one of my favorite IEMs that has a relatively intimate stage. Hmm...maybe I should try it on the Inawaken Dawn MS?

Healing? You good?? Dude, the warm vintage sound I’m telling you, that’s how you know you’re an audiophile when you strive for that deep emotional hit. RS2 line out is cleaner than the amp section like they say it is, but the amp section despite lacking some overall tightness in sound has a timbre that works phenomenally with certain albums that benefit from the wet, earthy ambience. The vocals on Indila’s Mini World for example just drip with nuance and the eerie feel of The Birthday Massacre’s Superstition album is so real and textured.