The discovery thread!

[MakeItWain]

https://www.linsoul.com/products/xduoo-xd05t

Going for $549

Ugh, for $549...

I'm still interested but don't like that at all.

 

[FreeWheelinAudioLuv2]

Better than Orca? Lol

I'd say, and this is from memory, since Orca is now gone, but they are very similar in many ways, as far as technicalities, but the Saga is just more exciting and the bass is slightly punchier and more interesting, as are the upper mids/treble air, without getting spicy or peaky, like the Orca. But overall, very similar in stage and technicalities, with the Saga having more resolution, air, and just more fun bass.

 

[FreeWheelinAudioLuv2]

I'm guessing it's a kick stand. And I want it. I regularly have to find stupidly creative ways to prop my R4 up on random ish laying nearby (books, dirty socks, the shards of broken dreams, etc). Only hesitation is the beige color.


I'm raw dogging it until I can get a decent glass protector. That plastic stock one on the R4 was the first thing to get tossed when I opened the box.


Have you tried double-flange tips? Might be the solution you're looking for.


I'm with you insofar as those upper harmonics ("air") have a big influence on what I hear, but I think @baskingshark's point is that you can't rely on measurements of those regions above ~8k (or I'd argue, even much above 5 or 6k). While every coupler is different, those measured differences become so wildly exacerbated in that region that you regularly see variations in the tens of dBs (and since dBs are logarithmic, those are massive differences). It's a region where, with current measurement tech, we have to rely solely on our ears. Even worse, it's also a region that is susceptible to lots of personal variation because of age, gender, noise exposure, genetics, etc. FWIW I'm in my late 40s and lucky enough to still hear quite clearly into the 16-17k region, so like you, that region matters quite a bit to what I ultimately hear. There's just no way to measure it accurately.


Awesome review, as always. And another illustration of just how divisive this set is! I hear the Project M as a definitively "laid back" set, not at all "energetic" as you have it categorized. Based on the divisive reactions it's had among those of us in this thread, this seems to be the dividing line. Folks who hear it as energetic, hear it as way too energetic. Folks who hear it as laid back, hear it as a super chill set. Don't think the difference is down to hearing ability either, since like I said above, I can still hear well into the upper treble region. So weird.

The Project M seems a bit like cilantro: either you taste an amazing and refreshing herb, or you taste disgusting soap.

Well said about the P-M. It's one or the other. I find it chill and not energetic at all. As a matter of fact, I try to avoid using pure copper or any cable that might have a warming effect, as that makes the P-M just too chill and warm.

 

[FreeWheelinAudioLuv2]

It's more of a wishlist at this point, but I'm looking at maybe picking up one of these BT sources depending on reviews and how they compare to the Quloos MUB1 I recently picked up.

• Muse Hifi M5 Ultra - BT DAC/tube amp. 4 da toobz.
• Questyle M18i - BT DAC/amp. 4 da smaller form factor.
• FiiO BTR17 - BT DAC/amp. 4 da smaller form factor and volume knob.

I hear IEM soundstage in a similar way. It's what I describe as the bowtie stage lol. The IEMs I've heard that have BCD seem to give more depth in front of me so it widens the center "knot" a bit.





If you're a soundstage fiend, you don't have to stray too far from IEMs. Get a decent set of flathead earbuds and you have bigger soundstage in a similar form factor to IEMs.



I totally forgot that Penon now has interchangeable connectors. Do you know if they offer this upgrade to all of their cables or is it just on the Totem? Also, do they have pentaconn ear connectors too or just 2pin/MMCX?



The Quloos MUB1 isn't a DAP, but it does have FOUR gain stages with a ton of power (1100mW@32Ω): Low, Mid, High, SUPER

Endgame BT DAC/amp (for now)

I like the bowtie stage example.

 

[Vonbuddy]

Very nice headphones. I like the sound better than the d41.

What is this brand?

 

[Vonbuddy]

How do you guys feel about the KZ A24 with switches?

 

[-rowan-]

Moral of the story: don't purchase unnecessary sidegrade pokemons?

No sidegrades, you say?

*looks at Rival*

But on a serious note, what are you folks looking to buy on 11.11?

Muse Hifi M5 Ultra - BT DAC/tube amp. 4 da toobz.

^ This. And Or Shanling MG800.

Though realistically, I’m very happy with what I have atm and am prepared not to pick up anything unless I have access to really good deals - for one, AliEx has been so flaky that half the coupons don’t work for me, although the random order cancellations seem to have tailed off (or maybe it’s because I haven’t been ordering as much).

Anyone know about these?
https://www.aliexpress.com/item/1005007803270767.html

Not a fan of how you have to buy all the sizes because I’m never going to need the XS and S and possibly the M. At $2.70 a set it shouldn’t matter but I hate having to deal with unused tips anyway.

 

[FreeWheelinAudioLuv2]

What is this brand?

Myer Audio

 

[FreeWheelinAudioLuv2]

How do you guys feel about the KZ A24 with switches?

Well, @PhonoPhi loves them, and it's one of his tentpole IEMs, and others who own them like them for the technical apects, but again, you have a kilobuck all-BA in your possession. Not sure how much of a redundancy this would end up being?

 

[jbfps116]

Totally passing on this, like I passed on the MT5 for $6.00. These ultra budget just end up on the sell pile stacked up and taking up space (I say this while the ultra budget Fiio JD10 is out for delivery LOL). But this is FiiO!!

You won't regret getting it... it sounds stunning. I'm looking forward to comparing it with my Libra, TD08 pro, and the incoming Saga Bal. I tell you there is subbass for days, and definitely a nicely boosted treble section. Just good CLEAN sound like I like. Comparing to the Fan 3, that one sounds clearly more expensive, thicker note weight, cleaner bass... and obviously better stage. But for $7, the JD10 are scary good.

How do you guys feel about the KZ A24 with switches?

Love them, but tbh they are getting pushed down the ranks as heavy hitters like the Pula PA02 and S12 '24 and Fan 3 come in. I only like 1 switch setting because it balanced out the very forward mids: Bass DUUU, treble DDUU.

 

[sistoz]

Very nice headphones. I like the sound better than the d41.

I’m sorry to bother you but are they smaller or larger in size than the d41?
Is that wood?

 

[Ineras]

Hanadomi B2?

Basically the same as the original XSL X-ONE mk1, but they decided to sell under another name. I'm guessing because they had already moved on to other versions of the X-ONE but people still kept asking for the original basshead version.

Anyone know about these?
https://www.aliexpress.com/item/1005007803270767.html



Not a fan of how you have to buy all the sizes because I’m never going to need the XS and S and possibly the M. At $2.70 a set it shouldn’t matter but I hate having to deal with unused tips anyway.

What the heck are these for? To bleed off all the bass since you'll never get a seal?

 

[Vonbuddy]

Myer Audio

That is the new one. Would love to know the actual retail price versus what I see on Aliexpress.

 

[Vonbuddy]

Well, @PhonoPhi loves them, and it's one of his tentpole IEMs, and others who own them like them for the technical apects, but again, you have a kilobuck all-BA in your possession. Not sure how much of a redundancy this would end up being?

I need to get something unique to my collection as you said.

 

[kaeswiss]

Are there any brave souls that want the NALMOPG Yu Xuan Ji for $39 (w/ 20% off coupon)?
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DK92B22M

Looks like a new vendor on Amazon. Worst-case scenario, they take your $39 and give you fake shipping info. At least Amazon is pretty good with reimbursing you if it's a scam.