The discovery thread!

[DynamicEars]

OK, to be fair, Dave from AudioIn and Gizaudio -- whom I respect greatly -- just said the MagicOne "leans warm" in his 11.11 sales video.

I'm not hearing it, but your mileage may varvary

I also like to put the MagicOne onto slightly warm actually. As entire tonality, they have thick mids thanks to thicker lower mids and upper bass than typical harman target or even tuck in bass - meta tuning combined.
Though, the MagicOne have very good treble extension on 12-13khz and quite forward to counter balance the weight.
So as overall macro tuning they turned to slightly warm to me similar like how Sony IER M7 and M9 because of the thick upper bass and lower mids.

These maybe different perception only where people calling "dark" IEMs as lower quantity treble and extension IEMs also "warm" IEMs and when people say "warm" I'm not surprised if lot of people were thinking about "dark" IEMs

I like warm IEMs, but I hate Dark IEMs

Almost the same:
AFUL MagicOne
FiftyStrings W.Hawk
Little Bear B4-X
HiFi OCC Store "Laura" (one another UPOCC cable)
Total: $375

What is the difference between W hawk and M hawk actually?
I saw both are 22 AWG silver plated Bandung 7N UPOCC.
The color and splitter and jacks are better looking with W hawk though it is more expensive.

Me and my wallet every time I read about this IEM and its soundstage.

If next year is all about xMEMS hybrid and BCD, it would a good year for IEM.

 
BCD BCD BCD!

To me, it's slightly warm. At least warmer than Harman and Moondrop target. When people say warm, I think they usually think about Penon/ISN warmth, which is not the case here.

Exactly what I meant

Saw this on Twitter. That Magic One price cut is crazy.

That reminds me, don't underestimate the SnowyNight either. That dongle singlehandledly drew me back into the dongle game due to its energy efficiency and pretty decent sound. (Unfortunately for that dongle, I robbed my friend blind bought from my friend at a great price the L&P W4 and switched right afterward)

That is steal!

No "I dont think it will cost even a 1/4th of the price tag".....so fingers crossed it's closer to $800 rather than a Kilobuck set?

I think it will be around $800
Considering the Shock also have 8 drivers
2DD + 2BA + 2BA + 2BC at $600
But this time swapped the 2BA for highs with EST and addition $200 price tag to cover the EST.

maybe can be less if they subtract the cost of the dial knob system on Shock and want to shake Thieaudio Origin hype.

$749.99 it is.
 

So my 11.11 purchases ended up being rather humble compared to my insane summer sale spending, as was as follows...

FiiO JM21
AFUL Explorer
7hz FIVE
XINHS Summer Elves cable
XINHS G88 pure copper cable (for ISN Neo1)
Shanling L3 pure silver interconnect

Over and out, captain. Until the next summer sale, though I'm probably skipping it next year, to save up for CanJam expenditures?

Humble sir? Excuse me
I only buy 1 cable on 11.11

I always welcome IEMs with great teeble extension and ranted about roll off treble extension. Looks like Juzear read my comments and going rage lol, damn 13khz especially from BA not EST, that will be more than Annihilator 2023 and harsher, with quite high lower trebles too.

 

[r31ya]

For some reason the $15 off 60 code convinced me to try the Leteciel Mira and KZ ZVX PRO despite the fact I have the Nautilus coming… tomorrow! I can’t wait!!! Why do I need these budget sets? The ZVX Pro is a no brainer. The OG is a stunning budget IEM, one of my faves. I’d like to have a backup just in case and see if this new driver sounds any better. The Mira looks stunning as well and I heard it punches way above its weight… having called a bunch of budget sets, I guess I’ll always wonder how good the latest ones are compared to the midfi ones I have. Maybe the Nautilus will give me an aural whooping so I learn to stop buying these budget sets lol.

yeah, OG ZVX is something that even Timmy/Gizaudio like.
KZ with well, Crins IEF neutral with bass boost tuning that is in 7hz Zero2.

It have mild drama recently when KZ ran out of the OG driver and replace it with newer stocks which cause measurement deviation
i suppose KZ knew its popularity and simply opt to make new version of it to replenish ZVX stocks

but seeing the marketing material, in a glance it should be not that far from OG tuning.
and they spend extra pages on marketing material on the the new DD used.
which if its good, i wanna see the new DD in new 3DD setups (Trio/vaders) or hybrids (KZ ZS-line)

i would recommend budget-iem side grading IF its "trying out different tuning/driver setup" or "new continuation of iem/tuning that you like"
and if you like OG ZVX, i wanna see how this new driver in the pro sounds to you (also in comparison to OG zvx sounds)
but any other wise, i would recommend to save and haunts higher market like $40~120 segment where minimum resolution/tech is higher and difference between iems are more pronounced.
---
Marketing blurb

 

[Hypops]

Worthy opponent of the Estella, I guess. It's good that there is a new option for folks who prefer more spicy tuning.

Prettier and cheaper to boot. Curious how they'll compare in an actual ear.

EDIT: Oops. Just saw that gaudy AF metal foil squiggle on the edges of the faceplate. Ew. What is wrong with these companies?

 

[atechreviews]

Guys I honestly thought I was gonna hate on the Kefine Klean. Especially as some people were going around saying it's better than the Delci AE, and I was like no way a $50 IEM beats a more expensive one from the same brand.

But my jaw literally dropped on the floor when I started listening to this little beast.

It’s a great set. On my first listen, I actually thought it was more expensive, so I was surprised to learn it costs less than the Delci.

Worthy opponent of the Estella, I guess. It's good that there is a new option for folks who prefer more spicy tuning.

This one is surprisingly not spicy, which is great for me since I can’t handle anything with a harsh or spicy top end. The 81T, though, is very airy and sparkly, with an extra bit of sizzle. It kind of reminds me of the upper treble on the SA6 MK III. While that kind of treble isn’t for everyone, it adds a nice sense of air and sparkle that some people will really enjoy. Beyond that, it’s very detailed, with excellent bass texture.

I always welcome IEMs with great teeble extension and ranted about roll off treble extension. Looks like Juzear read my comments and going rage lol, damn 13khz especially from BA not EST, that will be more than Annihilator 2023 and harsher, with quite high lower trebles too.

It’s a bit pronounced, so sounds like cymbal crashes can sometimes come across louder than the vocals.

 

[thaslaya]

Oof! So many pages to comb through today but that's what 11/11 does. This sale was pretty meh for me but to be fair I wasn't really looking for much. Ended up just grabbing the ivipQ Welfare cable which I've been eyeing for a few weeks. I hope it's as nice as the 530 cable, which you probably all know by now that I love.

No BCD at those price = no dice
BCD>>>>>>EST

Agreed! For some reason most ESTs ef with my ears and I can't tolerate them for long. BCD, on the other hand, help to add some special sauce. I predict that we will see A LOT of companies adopting this tech next year.

there is one iem with relatively deep discount in linsoul right now,
but the review of it is not that good so i don't mention it,
and somehow it still in stock after 11.11 frenzy... is Kailua is really that unwanted?
---
https://www.linsoul.com/products/tripowin-x-hbb-kailua

UGH! I wouldn't buy this thing just based on the aestetics

Hi guys!

I'm looking to pick up one or two new IEMS during the 11.11 sale.

I'm in the market for a good all-rounder that suits my preferred genres. My main genre is metal (All kind, black, death, core..), but I also listen to a lot of classic rock, indie, acoustic and pop.

At the moment, I'm eying the Aful 5+2 and Pula Anvil 114 (to try some of that BCD hype).

Any other suggestions or recommendations for me?

Budget is 400-500$.

Maybe consider the S12 2024? Just my 2 cents

I haven’t tried, but that new dunu IEM tribrid (DK3000BD) seems pretty interesting too.

Perhaps a decent option if he won't miss the midbass too much. That bass tuck is no joke.

Options, options... Every time I go to pull the trigger on an IEM, I come across conflicting views. I genuinely feel lost. Here are some IEMs I’m considering:


H60 (some mention 'spicy' treble)
FAN 3
Dynaquattro
ME600
FA7S (I tried the FA9 a long time ago and enjoyed them, but they don’t seem to be available on AE anymore)
DT600
61T (seems to be outclassed by the H60, but it’s unclear by how much exactly)
Doscinco (same as the 61t)
NiceHCK Himalaya (wild card pick)


I’m looking for something that is warm-ish, smooth, with no treble peaks or harshness, and has an 'out of your head' feel.

H60 is not spicy lol. At least not to me. Definitely warm and smooth with a healthy midbass boost.

If you have small ears the QuietSea is 100% worth a shot. Killer stock cable as well.

The stock cable is the only thing I love about the QuietSea

 

[Redcarmoose]

7Hz G1 review:

Fighting fish are like IEMs, they only show their colors when put into the same tank.

https://www.head-fi.org/showcase/7h...c-dd-universal-iem.27710/reviews#review-36167

 

[Uprox]

What is the difference between W hawk and M hawk actually?
I saw both are 22 AWG silver plated Bandung 7N UPOCC.
The color and splitter and jacks are better looking with W hawk though it is more expensive.

The same question I asked the seller and the difference is type of litz: W.Hawk series has type6, that pools out more dynamics and details. In the end with silver plating UPOCC W.Hawk will give better resolution, clarity and bass/treble extension I hope. At least my previous UPOCC cables make a part influence I want, as well as good SP OCC litz type6 gives very good clarity. So my hope based on crossing two cable types properties.

 

[saldsald]

The same question I asked the seller and the difference is type of litz: W.Hawk series has type6, that pools out more dynamics and details. In the end with silver plating UPOCC W.Hawk will give better resolution, clarity and bass/treble extension I hope. At least my previous UPOCC cables make a part influence I want, as well as good SP OCC litz type6 gives very good clarity. So my hope based on crossing two cable types properties.

I have it and it's underwhelmingly unresolving for that AWG and price. It maybe a good cable for IEM with harsh treble thou but the colouration is strong.

 

[ToneDeafMonk]

Worthy opponent of the Estella, I guess. It's good that there is a new option for folks who prefer more spicy tuning.

Looks like a juicy bass shelf to balance out the top end!

 

[ToneDeafMonk]

Title says it all! Damn I had fun doing this video!

It's a awesome device and definitely should get more play and attention! EH!

 

[nihalsharma]

Hi guys, I hope everyone is keeping well.

In case someone is interested in reading a review of Yanyin Carmen, it's here. In the review, it has been compared to AFUL Cantor, THIEAUDIO Hype 10, and FlipEars Aether (5BA IEM). Link

Conclusion:

I had high expectations for this release, largely due to the positive reception of the previous Yanyin Canon II. However, my feelings about Yanyin Carmen are mixed. I appreciate that Yanyin experimented with this model, aiming to create a unique presentation. The tonality it offers could be either a hit or a miss, depending on the listener’s preferences.

There are certain aspects Yanyin executed well. For example, the bass is impressive for an all-BA configuration, and the vocals have a degree of prominence that adds character to the sound. The relaxed tuning also makes it suitable for long listening sessions. However, there’s nothing particularly exciting about this release, especially when considering the strong competition in this price range—it’s hard to ignore some of the better alternatives available.

One major downside is the lackluster accessory selection, which feels underwhelming at this price point. That said, I’m sure there’s an audience that will appreciate Carmen’s tuning; I’ve already encountered a few people who genuinely enjoy it.

If you’re considering purchasing the Yanyin Carmen, I strongly recommend trying it out first to understand its offerings. Additionally, as I mentioned before, the choice of source can significantly impact the IEM’s performance, so experimenting with different sources is advisable.

 

[ToneDeafMonk]

Hi guys, hope everyone is keeping well.

In case someone is interested in reading a review of Yanyin Carmen, it's here. Link

Conclusion:

I had high expectations for this release, largely due to the positive reception of the previous Yanyin Canon II. However, my feelings about Yanyin Carmen are mixed. I appreciate that Yanyin experimented with this model, aiming to create a unique presentation. The tonality it offers could be either a hit or a miss, depending on the listener’s preferences.

There are certain aspects Yanyin executed well. For example, the bass is impressive for an all-BA configuration, and the vocals have a degree of prominence that adds character to the sound. The relaxed tuning also makes it suitable for long listening sessions. However, there’s nothing particularly exciting about this release, especially when considering the strong competition in this price range—it’s hard to ignore some of the better alternatives available.

One major downside is the lackluster accessory selection, which feels underwhelming at this price point. That said, I’m sure there’s an audience that will appreciate Carmen’s tuning; I’ve already encountered a few people who genuinely enjoy it.

If you’re considering purchasing the Yanyin Carmen, I strongly recommend trying it out first to understand its offerings. Additionally, as I mentioned before, the choice of source can significantly impact the IEM’s performance, so experimenting with different sources is advisable.

​

Thanks for your honest take and sharing your time to talk about this one.
Yanyin is OK to have a miss like the new Myer-Audio CKLVX D62 was for me.

 

[Uprox]

I have it and it's underwhelmingly unresolving for that AWG and price. It maybe a good cable for IEM with harsh treble thou but the colouration is strong.

Do you mean W or M Hawk?

 

[MyBigHead]

didnt buy a thing this sales, even though aful magic one kinda tempting and can get cheaper than the $69 sale price

aiming for tea pro instead, looks like the set i really want

 

[Takeda`1537]

Title says it all! Damn I had fun doing this video!

It's a awesome device and definitely should get more play and attention! EH!

that is quite an un-portable dongle!!!!!! Wonder how much juice it may suck out of my DAC or phone...

do Canadian jackets have bigger pockets?