[domq422]

And pulling the trigger on the M5 Ultra on 11/11. So, yeah, more exciting stuff coming in like some good ol fashion retail therapy.

Also, Yongse has officially overtaken a lot of companies as some of the most beautiful cables out there.

I'm super tempted to pick it up just for looks alone...

It’s wild how many pages I missed between today and yesterday… holy moly. Going back I missed a lot of good stuff, like this. That’s a LOVELY cable, my goodness. Yongse has quickly become one of my favorite cable companies to come out of seemingly nowhere. Maybe they’ve been around for a while but I just got hip to their work about a month ago. I bought the Spidey cable, love it, great behavior for a fabric cable. Now, I have their venom cable incoming and I can’t wait. It looks dope on the pics.

Do you know what this cable is called, brother? I can’t seem to find it on AliX.

agree.
The DEUCE is a very solid set, with great lows and mids, and clear and clean mids.
It is a pleasure to listen to them.

To my ears, they sound very different from the MINI, less extreme, warmer and smoother, more pleasant to listen to for my taste.
The guys from Singapore know what they are doing.

It is a set that surprised me, frankly.
I did not expect a product of this level.
And I have not tried them with the impedance adapter yet.

Oh yeah for sure, the Deuce is very different compared to the Mini. The main issues I had with the Maestro Mini were the fit (pressure build up) and the upper mids and treble shout I experienced at higher volumes. Those BAs really did sound so unrefined and the the upper areas of the tuning really turned me off every time I listened to them. Especially when getting into the groove and a higher volume is needed to get down and dirty… I just couldn’t do it. The Deuce is a lot smoother in the treble for sure, I never got fatigued when cranking the volume. Literally not a single time.

Give em a shot with the impedance adapter and press play on Alive 2007 and buckle up

Even though I love hanging with the disco crew and watching all the new bright shinies come flying through, I'm not on the purchasing/reviewing conveyor belt. If I buy something, I want it to last me.

oh man, you and I are one in the same, bro. I can’t do the constant releases, dumping money into side-grade after side-grade. I’m aiming for the IEMs that stand out 2, 3, 4 months down the line. That’s when you know it’s a legit set worth the money.

The hobby is moving at a ridiculously break neck kind of speed. I said the same thing a year ago but lately, it’s on a different level.

I'll be ordering the M5 Ultra on Monday, so no comparisons yet. Dave from Gizaudio did have this comment though.

The M5 is more versatile though, with BT and built-in battery, plus the 2 sound signatures.

So true… it is a lot more versatile. Those tubes are going to be cool to play with for you, bro! Enjoy, I hope you get it soon

It's been a very difficult time these last three weeks. I was unable to use any iems or headphones at all. Terrible dental aches and trouble jaw and throat pain. My right ear was messed up too. Finally, it's been sorted. Nerves removed. Swelling gone.

Now I can finally listen to my Cantors.

Bliss!

I’ve been there, big dog. Happy to hear you’re back to enjoying the tunes!

Oh I love treble. As long as it’s not screechy and sibilant like my old ZS6. Let’s see how the Nautilus sounds before I take another look at Estrella.

It’s definitely not screechy and to me, it’s not sibilant what’s so ever. I find the Estrella’s treble to be very refined and boosted ever so slightly to bring some life to the entire mix.

It’s a unique listen and I rather enjoy them quite a bit!

 

[FreeWheelinAudioLuv2]

I thought to get the tri i3 mk3 and the aful performer 5 + 2 on 11.11.
But now i think i will get the pula anvil114 and audiosenese T800.
169+200 gonna be exactly $369 so, i could use the 60$ coupon and get both of them for $309.
Aful performer 5 + 2 and tri i3 mk3, see you next time.

Let me ask you? Are you really into bass? Like REALLY into bass? If so, then those choices are aces. If not, you're probably making a mistake buy, like you did with the Shock?

Sudden pivot buys rarely work out in my experience and IMHO. The reason why is second guessing rarely turns into a positive, but again, if you can answer the question of really loving bassy (especially mid bassy IEMs), then you probably hit a homer?

 

[r31ya]

At this point, it’s the ISN H60, Pula PA02, and maybe the Penon Fan 3 (not sure it’s better than the H60) . KZ ZS12 pro x as well

Oh I love treble. As long as it’s not screechy and sibilant like my old ZS6. Let’s see how the Nautilus sounds before I take another look at Estrella.

ZS6 went beyond my treble tolerance, i can't use it as it hurts to listen
while it does have very good reception for the time, i'm thankful that KZ take different direction with ZS7 and ZS10 pro.
---

my ears started to aclimate to KZ Castor Harman Pro tuning,

i switch the tuning from all up UUUU (Bass +2DB, Mid-treble +2DB) to UUDD (Bass +2DB)
not sure whether it softened up because a day burn-in or brain burn or lowering that 2db switches.
and i get used to the new tone and more importantly get used to the lower bass amount.

yeah, it started to sounds like Castor Harman Pro that i expect.
haven't properly do a/b-ing with my other sets yet, but i'm starting to liking it.

it mesh great with my female ballad songs,
vocals are clean, forward and not disturbed or overpowered by other freq
after get used to the new amount of bass, the details and quality of it are pretty decent and the positioning of it being in the back and appears only and as much as the song requested its good.
i still kinda wish for bass being bombastic in some bombastic songs. but eh.
the instrument imaging are good and weirdly, its great for watching movies.

 

[FreeWheelinAudioLuv2]

My Performer 5+2 review video is out. Give it a watch!

Thanks for sharing. Excellent video review.

 

[pradiptacr7]

If you could keep only 3 iems in your collection, what iems you gonna choose?

Rhapsodio Supreme V3
Spirit Torino Twin Pulse
P-EAR-S SH2

 

[FreeWheelinAudioLuv2]

Another question I wanted to ask: has anyone found any IEM with even more monstrous mid-bass vibrations than KBEar Rosefinch? I'm stuck with them for almost a year now, but there still were nothing comparable that I would know of, except Juzear Clear, but I probably have a faulty unit because of complete vacuum and pressure build up when I'm trying to use them, resulting in severe driver flex and almost no bass at all. I also have TFZ Live X and QKZ Hades as ones of the bassiest IEMs. The first ones have claustrophobic soundstage, a little less mid-bass than Rosefinch, but significantly more sub-bass. The second ones are... Well... Let's say they're not for daily use, IMO.

I see people mention that FatFreq Deuce have more of a sub-bass focus, and not that much of a mid-bass punch, so not what I'm looking for. As a die-hard basshead, I'm looking for the punchiest mid-bass possible. Any suggestions?

Juzear Clear. Not a fan of them, but they do make for a very engaging listen with reggae, but then the AFUL Explorer rips them a new ****hole when it comes to reggae, so between the two, I'm choosing the AFUL.

 

[FreeWheelinAudioLuv2]

And on what occasions do you listen to your music library in Tube mode?

Do you notice the filter change enough?

The truth is that I'm really enjoying listening to my music in Solid mode with the Slow roll filter off. With my NEO 5 and for the first time without EQ.

I have another question in the pipeline: in case of failure, or due to exhaustion of the valves over time, will the N3U continue to operate in Solid Mode? This would be perfect!

Thanks brother!

Excellent questions. Now, you seem, like me, to be a pretty nutty but FUN fella, because here we are, purchasing a very much NOT CHEAP tube dap, and using solid state mode LOL But I just love the crispness, the bass response, and the clean transients of the solid state mode. I find myself using it more often than the Modern tube mode for many of my IEMs. Not I will use Modern tube mode too, more often than not, with my brighter IEMs or IEMs with less thicc midrange. I rarely use Classic tube mode, due to it's thicker presentation (though the stage and bass is HUGE) and the battery is drained FAST. Modern tube also drains battery pretty quick, so when I'm not in the mood to slap the N3U on the charger, I just run it in solid state mode, I get way longer battery life, and to be quite frank, the tonality and the sound is pretty much FWAL2 seal of approval sound. We both have a very amazing PAUSE GAME DAP.

 

[Redcarmoose]

Hello Guys,

I hope you guys are doing well. Just curious to know how many of you think that Source also plays an important role in the chain, and where should one stop.

I happened to own HiBy R8ii and Chord Mojo2 as my current sources. But I was always seeking for something as a beater source that I could carry to the gym. That's why I waited and grabbed the BTR17 as soon as I could(it will be shipped next week I believe). HiBy R8ii mostly stays at home where I enjoy night sessions with Camelot and Cantor while the MOJO2 joins me for office daily. Sometimes I even carry R8ii to the office with me but you know, the weight and size just doesn't fit my pocket.

This just makes me curious, am I the only one who wants to invest a lot in good sources as well. Like even with R8ii and Mojo2 and now the BTR17 incoming also, I am still thinking to save up and buy the iBasso D16. AM I LOSING IT lol.

The personality of every faculty of the chain means something in the end.

 

[FreeWheelinAudioLuv2]

The ziigaat Odyssey are very interesting iems for me.
On paper they have 1DD and 3BA, so nothing special.
But what picked up my curiosity is the dynamic driver type.
They have Topology Driver and the only company (as far as i know ) that using this type of dynamic driver is hifiman.
And let me tell you, the hifiman RE800 and RE2000 are still my favorite iems and they have only one driver.
On the Odyssey you have extra 3BA drivers.

The absolutely FANTASTIC Tangzu YuXuan Ji, which I recently reviewed, also has topology driver, and it's a fantastic driver, and actually, now that you mention it, kinda reminds me of the RE800 silver, but with less mid bass bloom.

 

[FreeWheelinAudioLuv2]

If you could keep only 3 iems in your collection, what iems you gonna choose?

Great question and one that is so difficult for me to answer, it's ALMOST impossible, but I'll give it a try, but I don't hold any concrete with it, but...

1. AFUL Performer 5+2
2. ISN H60
3. Aur Audio Aure

 

[FreeWheelinAudioLuv2]

My initial response to the Linsoul sale is disappointing.

It sucks. I'm probably going to eat the $2.00 LEC, but it's way better than if it was the normal LEC. I'm getting something from HiFiGo and call it an 11.11 day (except for the FiiO JM21).

 

[FreeWheelinAudioLuv2]

Been busy with job, and everything that goes on in life. Was wondering if there have been any must own iem releases in the last 2-3 months? <500USD

AFUL Performer 5+2. PERIOD.

 

[FreeWheelinAudioLuv2]

I sure hope that @Rambone, @FastGecko5, and @drbluenewmexico, are doing ok? All three have been unseen lately, and I miss their input.

 

[Vonbuddy]

It sucks. I'm probably going to eat the $2.00 LEC, but it's way better than if it was the normal LEC. I'm getting something from HiFiGo and call it an 11.11 day (except for the FiiO JM21).

I got a cd player with my $50 coupon that was already $40 plus off. It was a new release from Moondrop and I was surprised it was discontinued. I then went to Apos to buy a source discounted at $70 off that was regular price at Linsoul. I still have a $25 coupon. Only have to find something $60 or over. Looking at Que, Hiby R1, and White Tiger. I have decided I will get EPZ 530 if discount is as good as I anticipate.

 

[FreeWheelinAudioLuv2]

Hello Guys,

I hope you guys are doing well. Just curious to know how many of you think that Source also plays an important role in the chain, and where should one stop.

I happened to own HiBy R8ii and Chord Mojo2 as my current sources. But I was always seeking for something as a beater source that I could carry to the gym. That's why I waited and grabbed the BTR17 as soon as I could(it will be shipped next week I believe). HiBy R8ii mostly stays at home where I enjoy night sessions with Camelot and Cantor while the MOJO2 joins me for office daily. Sometimes I even carry R8ii to the office with me but you know, the weight and size just doesn't fit my pocket.

This just makes me curious, am I the only one who wants to invest a lot in good sources as well. Like even with R8ii and Mojo2 and now the BTR17 incoming also, I am still thinking to save up and buy the iBasso D16. AM I LOSING IT lol.

Source is ABSOLUTELY the most important link in the chain outside of transducers.

For instance, and I was going to post this separately, but I came across your question, and well, it fit perfectly...

I have a new appreciation for the Simgot Supermix4. I thank @thaslaya for providing me a second lease on life in trying these IEMs, as my first go around was less than stellar. It was abysmal. But baxk then, I did not own the iBasso DC Elite. So playing thru the DCE changes the game for the SM4, as well as many of my other IEMs, both mid-fi and budget. Now it's an ok set thru my Sony's, and even the B4-X, with good detail retrieval and an engaging enough sound, but when it's fed thru that DCE, it becomes a whole different animal, and the stage becomes more expansive, the treble air becomes crisper with more spatiality up top, and the bass becomes tighter and less pillowy. Now separate them from this chain, and they become a $50.00 IEM, but chain them together, and the SM4 begins to play in the $200 range, and maybe higher? SOURCE MATTERS.

As for a budget source rec....a beater set? Ummm...the B4-X isn't really that mobile (it's more of a desktop amp), the DCE isn't beater cheap at all, and neither is the N3U, so the R3 II or maybe my soon incoming FiiO JM21? I also hear the Shanling M1 Plus is also fantastic sounding, small, and portable and only $200.