The discovery thread!

[Rambone]

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

Thanks for thinking about me!

I am nearly a month behind in posts and gradually working on catching up . I may just have to skip ahead to the latest posts as I have been missing being part of the action, comradery and good times! I started lagging behind thanks to my other hobby (Star Citizen) which had a big event and a month long Halloween helmet scavenger hunt that kept me busy hoping to loot a very elusive helmet with a .0325% drop rate. It nearly took the whole month but I eventually did find it after grinding away all my free time looking for it. I have had some other distractions come up as well like a Playstation 5 Pro, some new games and a hopeless (re)addiction to Fallout Shelter on mobile .

The latest updates in my audio adventures:

I'm still waiting on my HiBy x Evangelion R4 player to arrive at HiBy HQ so that they can exchange it out for a replacement due to the bad balanced port cutting audio out till next reboot.

The newest and latest IEM to hit my collection was the FatFreq x HBB Deuce which my pre-order arrived early last month (October). Having had a good nice long while with it, I can't imagine wanting another IEM that can produce the volume of bass the Deuce can and I absolutely think on many of my DAC and amp combos the bass adapter is not needed as there is more than enough quantity and quality to go around. In fact I prefer the Deuce on combos that can balance that out a little but I think the Deuce is overall excellent and was worth the wait.

The S12 2024 is still getting almost all of the eartime still. S12 2024 is literal crack and I have been addicted to it. It's done some funky things to my brain and way of thinking (or maybe that's because I have been away from Disco pimping me new iems? j/k ). For the first time in a long time, I feel fully satisfied with a IEM, regardless of price. I haven't felt any desire or urge to acquire new IEMs as I've been content. I am kind of amazed as I haven't purchased a single new IEM since getting the S12 2024 (the deuce was pre-ordered some time ago). The S12 has really put the brakes on me looking for new acquisitions which has definitely been saving me some money but who knows what the future might have in store for me the way things move in this hobby but the real question is, just how long will this time of healing for my wallet last? 11.11 is literally tomorrow and who knows what temptations are out there.

 

[flakzx]

Boner landed.

First thing first, conspiracy time: this IEM feels Dunu. The thick box, two layers with the thin white paper laying on top of each, the type of included ear tips, etc.

Anyhow, the IEM itself:

• Yeah, of course it’s very nice. I hear a more midbass focused sound than the usual subbass focused sound. The bass feels drier than P7 and does not hit deep in the throat like Cantor. But it slaps. It sounds like nice, crisp, snappy midbass focus sound. I like some Samuel Kim with this IEM.
• Soundstage is large. There is a strong phantom center, so it does not sound distant or recessed, but the background seems to split further from the front ground and spread out in a circle (not quite sphere) around the head.
• There is an … interesting spring ping when moving the earpieces. Say, when I chew with this IEM on, every chew I hear “ping” “ping” in the IEM. Likely the BCD.
• I’m a bit disappointed in the sense that I can’t replicate that vibrating ear sensation of BCD that Hifigo boss lady describe. When I turn music really loud and put the earpiece against my upper lips, I can feel slight vibration, that’s it.
• But, the tactile bass and large soundstage might be the hint that BCD works.
• My left ear is a bit uncomfortable so far, due to the large nozzles. I prefer narrow and long nozzles over thick and shallow nozzles
• Treble resolution is good. Overall tech is good. It would be a shock in terms of technical performance, if P7 hasn’t reached there just a month before. $200 IEMs can be seriously technical nowadays, folks.
• (Edit) Tuning is as good as one would expect from a competent manufacturer.

Boner landed.

First thing first, conspiracy time: this IEM feels Dunu. The thick box, two layers with the thin white paper laying on top of each, the type of included ear tips, etc.

Anyhow, the IEM itself:

• Yeah, of course it’s very nice. I hear a more midbass focused sound than the usual subbass focused sound. The bass feels drier than P7 and does not hit deep in the throat like Cantor. But it slaps. It sounds like nice, crisp, snappy midbass focus sound. I like some Samuel Kim with this IEM.
• Soundstage is large. There is a strong phantom center, so it does not sound distant or recessed, but the background seems to split further from the front ground and spread out in a circle (not quite sphere) around the head.
• There is an … interesting spring ping when moving the earpieces. Say, when I chew with this IEM on, every chew I hear “ping” “ping” in the IEM. Likely the BCD.
• I’m a bit disappointed in the sense that I can’t replicate that vibrating ear sensation of BCD that Hifigo boss lady describe. When I turn music really loud and put the earpiece against my upper lips, I can feel slight vibration, that’s it.
• But, the tactile bass and large soundstage might be the hint that BCD works.
• My left ear is a bit uncomfortable so far, due to the large nozzles. I prefer narrow and long nozzles over thick and shallow nozzles
• Treble resolution is good. Overall tech is good. It would be a shock in terms of technical performance, if P7 hasn’t reached there just a month before. $200 IEMs can be seriously technical nowadays, folks.
• (Edit) Tuning is as good as one would expect from a competent manufacturer.

Going by the style of your previous reviews, those are lukewarm impressions. Will wait for more reviews as I understand BCD can be even more dependent on fit.

I'm quite happy with the Deuce with EQ, so I'm looking for something that won't need EQ, and/or has a lot of special sauce. Was hoping I could try BC special sauce for cheap with the anvil.

Deciding between P7 and nothing for these 11-11 sales, like quite a few people on this thread.

Maybe the Fiio KA15 but having a second box dangling from my phone seems to be a bit inconvenient during commutes. But would allow me to use PEQ with my corporate laptop (can stream Spotify Web/Youtube but not install equalizer software). I refuse to get a bluetooth dongle as I hate managing another battery.

 

[o0genesis0o]

Will wait for more reviews as I understand BCD can be even more dependent on fit.

Wise.

I can't get this IEM to sit flush against the concha (particularly the cavum) at all. If I use smaller tips to jam the nozzles in, my inner ears start to hurt after a few minutes and the seal is not good. If I use normal tips, even wide bore and short tips like Eletech Baroque, I have good seal and decently comfortable fit, but I only have good contact around the cymba and antihelix. For these BCD IEM, I much prefer a flush fit against the cavum.

Will try to tweak more and see how it goes.

 

[Redcarmoose]

Looks like 7Hz Timeless MK2 (second revamp) should be upon us shortly!

 

[o0genesis0o]

Looks like 7Hz Timeless MK2 (second revamp) should be upon us shortly!

Timeless "II" has the same irony as Final Fantasy "XV"

 

[jbfps116]

The KZ T10s ANC headphones will be $40 tomorrow.. banging deal. I’ve always wanted to try a KZ over-ear and this looks like the perfect chance. The scroll dial for volume looks cool as well.

 

[grogg]

Here I am, on the eve of my first 11.11 as a passionate IEM enthusiast. And in a shock probably to no one, I'm seriously reconsidering my purchasing plans and perhaps slimming them to a big, fat zero.

Doubt I'll get the Klean or Yu Xuan Ji. I don't see much point anymore investing in sub-$50 sets when my main goal now with the hobby is to jump to the next level of quality and fidelity with IEMs. I'm morphing from the quantity to the quality stage of the hobby after nearly a year of trying various sound signatures and driver combos. I just don't see the point of having six to eight sets when two or three are CLEARLY better. The less-talented boys will stay parked in the garage, which just seems to be a waste of money.

So, it's looking like P5+2 or bust for me tomorrow, as the Artti T10 and perhaps the Piccolo as a beater will keep me happy as sub-$50 sets.

Happy 11.11 hunting, boys.

I've been having similar thoughts in regards to sub $50 sets, but for me it's single DD sets to be specific. I think I have a few good single DD sets that keep me busy and I can rotate through if I get bored of one. A little EQ can also add some life to older set.

I am going to pick up a PRX though since I don't have any good, low price planars in my collection. Might also grab a 7hz Elua since it's a dual DD set up and then call it a day on IEM purchases for about 6 months.

 

[Jmop]

I've been having similar thoughts in regards to sub $50 sets, but for me it's single DD sets to be specific. I think I have a few good single DD sets that keep me busy and I can rotate through if I get bored of one. A little EQ can also add some life to older set.

I am going to pick up a PRX though since I don't have any good, low price planars in my collection. Might also grab a 7hz Elua since it's a dual DD set up and then call it a day on IEM purchases for about 6 months.

I’m kinda in that boat too, and in the last hour I’ve nixed the other IEMs I was looking at in favor of the Kato. Less 4-5k energy than IEMs going for a similar signature and the 10k dip isn’t too extreme, plus a well-sized peak in the upper treble to bring back the balance. Sub bass over mid bass isn’t my preference but I can manage that. The new Kadenz has better looking bass for me but mid-upper treble is worse.

 

[r31ya]

The KZ T10s ANC headphones will be $40 tomorrow.. banging deal. I’ve always wanted to try a KZ over-ear and this looks like the perfect chance. The scroll dial for volume looks cool as well.

the OG KZ T10 headphone reviews is not that good
haven't quite follow the updated version. T10s

https://www.head-fi.org/showcase/kz-t10.25561/

 

[FreeWheelinAudioLuv2]

Agreed! budget stuff is getting good. Good to the point where there’s really no excuse at any price point.
For instance pulled the trigger blind buy on the (currently)10$ Libra X….No information on it but it measures quite well. Hopefully my pair sounds like it “should”. Looks a little lean and bright but not excessively so, fingers crossed it sounds good.

I got that one coming in as a throw in, so I could get just over the threshold for a coupon. I bought several cables to color match and improve synergy as well.

 

[atechreviews]

Dear esteemed friends, I would like to announce that I will be leaving the audio hobby for some time. It's been a great pleasure learning and discussing with the community here, and I've build many friendships, especially at the Discovery thread. I will clear some tour/review units under obligation, then will be taking a break thereafter.

I've been using IEMs for stage monitoring for the good part of 1.5 decades, and been reviewing for the past 5 - 6 years. Lately most of the gear coming out are mostly sidegrades with not much value add, but I'm quite happy that the price-to-performance ratio for IEMs in particular are greatly improving year on year. Just 5 years back, a single driver from Westone/Shure would set you back $100 (multi drivers at $300ish) and they sounded bad compared to some sub $50 IEMs in 2024. Yeah most releases are actually good or above average now, great times now.

Perhaps it is quite a burn-out to review more sidegrades, I spend about 6 - 10 hours per review, burning nights and weekends to get one done, and it is painful to spend time on a meh review. I've been banned by > 20 companies for previous lukewarm reviews (let alone negative), but I get by via auditioning IEMs at shops, or maybe buying second hand ones which are cheaper to test those. Lately, there's some bad blood from a local manufacturer (won't mention names), previously there were bots and fake accounts on the attack for negative reviews. In general, the hobby seems to be getting more and more commercialized and manufacturers are fighting tooth and nail for every customer by hook or by crook.

Just last week, one CHIFI company actually emailed to offer to pay me a certain amount per positive review, and I flat out told them NO and broke contact. It is quite a sad state that the hobby is as such, but on the other hand the price-to-performance of IEMs is in the golden age. Yeah we just discussed above how the flow of IEMs has gone crazy in recent months!

Anyways, thanks once again for all the friendships and advise garnered from the forums! Keep in touch and remember it's about the music!

Hey @baskingshark ,

I have to say, this news is both unexpected and sad for me, but I completely understand. I just want you to know that you’re a reviewer I trust, respect, and admire. You’re truly an asset to this community. Every time I read your reviews, I'm nodding along in agreement.

Thank you for all the insights, reviews, and posts you’ve shared over the years. You’ll definitely be missed, and I hope we’ll see you back here after a short break. If I ever visit Singapore again, I’m taking you out for a beer, whether you're still in the audio hobby or not, we’re going out.

Take care!

 

[coldchillin81]

ISN EBC80 has now had 50 hours of burn-in and its character is really starting to emerge, though I will give it 50 more at least before any critical listening. That said, I've listened now for several hours, so here's what I'm hearing so far.

A grand hall, W-shaped, warm-neutral sound with prominent mids, large bass shelf, and excellent treble with high detail resolution. Another huge winner in the mids here, they are like warm silk in your ears. The dual Sonion BCD is at full effect doing what it does in the Rival, pushing the sound out of the head and all around it. Penon/ISN have truly perfected the harnessing of these drivers to amazing effect. There's a good taste of the Rival treble here, not to its full extent, but admirably close. I believe the bass still has development left but sounds very much like Rival bass at around the 10-11 position, meaning nicely and effectively elevated subbass without bleeding into the lower mids which are nicely balanced to allow the upper mids to shine. Still, I think even the upper mids and treble will improve with more hours on them.

Also, somewhat prematurely, I have changed out the stock cable as I'm wont to do. So far, I've tried Totem (excellent!), Renata (almost as excellent as Totem), and Verus' Lavender cable (as good as Totem, maybe a little better? and thanks to @coldchillin81 for loaning me the beautiful Lavender!). All of these cables give a significant uplift to EBC80 in terms of what the SPC stock ISN S2 provides. Renata ups the S2s overall performance while the others enhance it with more detail, clarity and slam.

EBC80 is not yet available or priced to my knowledge. I do expect that info very soon, so keep an eye out for it. This is very comparable to the Voltage while bringing some more of the Rival magic into play.

Gorgeous shells. Oof

 

[grogg]

Anyone else spend an hour or two tip rolling then end up settling for the tips you originally had on the IEM? Yeah that's me

 

[Vonbuddy]

Anyone have any Aliexpress coupons they want to share?

 

[MakeItWain]

So, Hifigo officially is about to start their 11/11 and wanted to have some of their new product launches highlighted per below:

Edit: Small update, there's an additional percentage of for the Pula and Juzear.