The discovery thread!

[Redcarmoose]

Second day impressions of the ISN EBC80:
So in my belief in burn-in I have gone and done a day's worth now. Now very much in-line with yesterday's thoughts, the EBC80 is a midrange monster. At the same time ISN has not left anything out, meaning there is still exquisite balance. But, but the money here is found in technicalities, the EBC80 is not just a midrange monster, it is a technical marvel to boot. Yes, this is an end-game, for me anyway. Why? Ample involving stage, perfect balance of a tighter bass, that has the dexterity to never come-off limbering or slow, just tight (there) and glorious. The bass is always in the music though at times it is more in a polite place, letting everyone and their family know it is not left out or diminished, or shunted. Such a bass makes room for these fluid and detailed beyond description mids to flourish and take the stage running. This running means offering a fully separated bewildering amount of added multi-imaging. Yep, lots of sound stages inside other soundstages. Those 2 Sonion ESTs dial in a smart and less metallic treble than BAs, also not in possession of that tell-tale BA character……….you know what I’m talking about here.

Now yesterday I was talking trash about the double edge sword of having such a forward midrange in displacement. So today I went a little crazy at rolling cables (even now before burn-in) And what I found was both the 1 Knowles (high) and Sonion BA (mids)……..plus the Sonion (ultra-highs) were a little more mature and smoothed out, on my scorching treble, upper midrange test tracks. Trying the GD849 cable was a treat and with the full-on mid forward WM1A the sound had a portion of midrange luxuriousness! Then I went for the ASOS+X and obtained even more stage (but the GD849 has a stage too, glorious mid stage). Then finally rolled in my 2nd to favorite cable ever, the VIII. Here now the realism of a slightly more subdued midrange was a noticeable improvement (with over the top midrange tracks anyway). But remember for the last few sentences I have been trying to put-out-fires. What if we give the ISN EBC80, VIII and WM1A combo a walk in the park? What if we try to learn about regular audio listening………how’s that?

Well, the 2nd day has me very very impressed. So much so that I can recommend the EBC80 to one and all. Yep, it is so well rounded and plays well with any and all cables, any and all DAPs and even goes well with a number of ear-tips. Halt the confusion, stop the on-going research into countless IEM investigations…………..and this really doesn’t matter if you are looking at the $699.00 price-point or above it, or even below it, just get the EBC80 and leave the Discovery Thread! You don’t need to look anymore! I mean using the word warm and detailed is almost a contradiction in regular Head-Fi terms, but not here and not with the sound of the EBC80. And……….when I talk about mids being so prominent the mind instantly guesses there will be a compromise in bass. I can tell you an EDM song like Angst (RMX by twocolors) is full-on a bass lovers paradise! Just full on clear and tight bass details and that moving emotion. At 01:43 on the digital file there are fun separated way-high-up electronic cymbals a-float………..again just every genre and every DAP, we have performance. Vocals?

Please, need I even comment here?

Getting some listening to both the Fan 3 and the ISN EBC80:

Crystaline
Suldusk

Angst (RMX by twocolors)
Rammstein
Coming back to Suldusk


Sphaera


To where both the Fan 3 and EBC80 did a style of Suldusk playback that you could tell was right in their wheelhouse.

And even trying multiple Rock songs with the Fan 3 the pace issue was still there but a lot less of a concern. Still the Fan 3 while having great separation into an entertaining stage, is lacking the bass kick of just what the EBC80 does 24/7!

Penon Fan 3 first impressions:
Earlier today I started out using the HiBy R3 II and VIII cable with PAC LStips. To where sure the sound was OK, but seemed to be a little genre specific, meaning lesser paced Ambient tracks held the magic, and straight forward Rock tracks held a slight ever so slight smear in pace. OH, I almost forgot, I tuned the Bone Conduction Switch on at the start. Even with the Hiby R3 II with 3.1 software I was thinking (I would like) more stage from the Sony WM1A? The Sony fully enlarged the stage and gave an increase in pace across all genres. It was this new addition of spread out image itemization that was cool, and better than what the HiBy was up to. When switching the Bone Conduction on it was even more noticeable in activation………accessing an addition like a bigger recording room environment, with bigger and deeper drum hits……………more decay. Still I can’t help but hear this (ever so slight) softness that the Fan 3 holds across the board, and more with the Bone Conduction System in place. That while I have reviewed the Fan 1, and 2…..this Fan 3 is both more money and a new sound departure for Penon. To where sure I get where they were going as far as stage size, and there is a forgiving yet itemized treble, and a big set of mids, only slightly set back, but still there. The Fan 3’s fitment is way more practical than the Fan 2, being the nozzles don’t go as deep. And yet at the end of the day here with zero burn-in hours, I would say the Fan 3 is not exactly well-rounded that with Ambient tracks it is totally worth the cost of admission, only with Rock music I’m wanting a little better pace. Also vocals are not going to be totally the Fan 3’s strong point, but it is fun and unique IEM despite these accolades and truthful criticisms.

A boring generic IEM, the Fan 3 is not. And truly with certain (Ambient, Electronic ) musical genres the Fan 3 excels well above its price point, it is just not as well rounded (as some) in the end. Still what do I know, I haven’t even done burn-in yet? Yet the one thing I can guarantee you, is you have never heard an IEM exactly like the Fan 3.

 

[anli]

AFUL CANTOR




# TeamStarryNight





Unboxing.

The unboxing is an experience. Upon opening the box , you’re presented with AFUL tissue paper and underneath the IEM’s and a leather look AFUL blue IEM case . The case is really nice. It feels premium and is actually very roomy and soft velverty inside. ( I have been using the case , because it’s well protective )




OOTB impressions.


First off I feel violated by the deep insertion to get the right fit and sound. But trust me it’s worth it to insert as deep the ear tips will go. Kind of feels like half way up my ear canal , really close to the ear drum . But Ithat would be an overstatement .

( I also used the stock tips and cable to start to begin with)



First Listen Experience :


Listening to Cantor for the first time was like Looking through a magnifying glass at all the details . Hearing the DNA inside the music.




Bass , I wasn’t prepared for. It is unexpectedly impactful , has body, it’s rich and lush and textured. (Dual channel Acoustic Maze technology, may have something to do with this )



Mids , are just forward enough to sit in-front where vocals belong. Resolution is insane.



Treble , is well extended , airy, delicate with so much definition . It’s not harsh or shouty at all. My Goodness it’s so nice.



To my ears, “Dynamics” and “Harmonics” are a massive feature for Cantor OOTB. Textures and nuanced musical elements are beautiful, resolving with the most incredibly detailed presentation.



The soundstage has the goldilocks amount of spaciousness for me so natural. The imaging is so precise. The presentation is so layered, yet musical. Instrument separation is on point, yet so accurate . It’s just so damn detailed.



All listening was conducted with iBasso DC-Elite and Audirvāna . But I CANTOR wait to try out with Fiio K11 R2R and Muse HiFi M5 Ultra later on.



A first look at comparisons:

Look out SHOCK. ️. I think CANTOR maybe coming for your crown .

EBC80 may have a larger stage but nowhere near the depth of details and intensity of textures and nuances of the cantor.

CANTOR has the neutrality of my Focal Studio CMS 50 monitors (Speakers), but on steroids. Details on the CANTOR are more resolving, and are a Level above DUNU BrainDance to my ears.

I certainly don’t have a pitch fork ready for those who recommended the AFUL CANTOR.

I do have to say Thank You ! To everyone who’s recommended this insane set.

Wow!


Early days , less than 24hrs with these , so take everything with a grain of salt.

Time to put these on the burning station.

Would you please compare an overall tonality (warm) with one of DaVinci or Hype 4 or Tea Pro?

 

[Argha]

Would you please compare an overall tonality (warm) with one of DaVinci or Hype 4 or Tea Pro?

Sorry to intervene but,
Cantor is way more refined in presentation/tonality/tech.

If we talk about the tonality alone

DaVinci is more well-rounded for treble-sensitive people, with a mellower sound with way less detail retrieval but a bigger stage. Lower mids are a bit warmer on the DaVinci which I didn't like much, whereas Cantor's vocals are very well-suited for me.

Hype 4 is hollow sounding in the bass, again with better staging and lesser stage/imaging capabilities. Cantor might be a bit forward in the 8khz region whereas Hype 4 will feel forward around the 10khz region. The lowermids are not good in my opinion on Hype 4, I much prefer Cantor.

 

[FreeWheelinAudioLuv2]

Second day impressions of the ISN EBC80:
So in my belief in burn-in I have gone and done a day's worth now. Now very much in-line with yesterday's thoughts, the EBC80 is a midrange monster. At the same time ISN has not left anything out, meaning there is still exquisite balance. But, but the money here is found in technicalities, the EBC80 is not just a midrange monster, it is a technical marvel to boot. Yes, this is an end-game, for me anyway. Why? Ample involving stage, perfect balance of a tighter bass, that has the dexterity to never come-off limbering or slow, just tight (there) and glorious. The bass is always in the music though at times it is more in a polite place, letting everyone and their family know it is not left out or diminished, or shunted. Such a bass makes room for these fluid and detailed beyond description mids to flourish and take the stage running. This running means offering a fully separated bewildering amount of added multi-imaging. Yep, lots of sound stages inside other soundstages. Those 2 Sonion ESTs dial in a smart and less metallic treble than BAs, also not in possession of that tell-tale BA character……….you know what I’m talking about here.

Now yesterday I was talking trash about the double edge sword of having such a forward midrange in displacement. So today I went a little crazy at rolling cables (even now before burn-in) And what I found was both the 1 Knowles (high) and Sonion BA (mids)……..plus the Sonion (ultra-highs) were a little more mature and smoothed out, on my scorching treble, upper midrange test tracks. Trying the GD849 cable was a treat and with the full-on mid forward WM1A the sound had a portion of midrange luxuriousness! Then I went for the ASOS+X and obtained even more stage (but the GD849 has a stage too, glorious mid stage). Then finally rolled in my 2nd to favorite cable ever, the VIII. Here now the realism of a slightly more subdued midrange was a noticeable improvement (with over the top midrange tracks anyway.But remember for the last few sentences I have been trying to put-out-fires. What if we give the ISN EBC80, VIII and WM1A combo a walk in the park? What if we try to learn about regular audio listening………how’s that?

Well, the 2nd day has me very very impressed. So much so that I can recommend the EBC80 to one and all. Yep, it is so well rounded and plays well with any and all cables, any and all DAPs and even goes well with a number of ear-tips. Halt the confusion, stop the on-going research into countless IEM investigations…………..and this really doesn’t matter if you are looking at the $699.00 price-point or above it, or even below it, just get the EBC80 and leave the Discovery Thread! You don’t need to look anymore! I mean using the word warm and detailed is almost a contradiction in regular Head-Fi terms, but not here and not with the sound of the EBC80. And……….when I talk about mids being so prominent the mind instantly guesses there will be a compromise in bass. I can tell you an EDM song like Angst (RMX by twocolors) is full-on a bass lovers paradise! Just full on clear and tight bass details and that moving emotion. At 01:43 on the digital file there are fun separated way-high-up electronic cymbals a-float………..again just every genre and every DAP, we have performance. Vocals?

Please, need I even comment here?

Getting some listening to both the Fan 3 and the ISN EBC80:

Crystaline
Suldusk

Angst (RMX by twocolors)
Rammstein
Coming back to Suldusk


Sphaera


To where both the Fan 3 and EBC80 did a style of Suldusk playback that you could tell was right in their wheelhouse.

And even trying multiple Rock songs with the Fan 3 the pace issue was still there but a lot less of a concern. Still the Fan 3 while having great separation into an entertaining stage, is lacking the bass kick of just what the EBC80 does 24/7!





Penon Fan 3 first impressions:
Earlier today I started out using the HiBy R3 II and VIII cable with PAC LStips. To where sure the sound was OK, but seemed to be a little genre specific, meaning lesser paced Ambient tracks held the magic, and straight forward Rock tracks held a slight ever so slight smear in pace. OH, I almost forgot, I tuned the Bone Conduction Switch on at the start. Even with the Hiby R3 II with 3.1 software I was thinking (I would like) more stage from the Sony WM1A? The Sony fully enlarged the stage and gave an increase in pace across all genres. It was this new addition of spread out image itemization that was cool, and better than what the HiBy was up to. When switching the Bone Conduction on it was even more noticeable in activation………accessing an addition like a bigger recording room environment, with bigger and deeper drum hits……………more decay. Still I can’t help but hear this (ever so slight) softness that the Fan 3 holds across the board, and more with the Bone Conduction System in place. That while I have reviewed the Fan 1, and 2…..this Fan 3 is both more money and a new sound departure for Penon. To where sure I get where they were going as far as stage size, and there is a forgiving yet itemized treble, and a big set of mids, only slightly set back, but still there. The Fan 3’s fitment is way more practical than the Fan 2, being the nozzles don’t go as deep. And yet at the end of the day here with zero burn-in hours, I would say the Fan 3 is not exactly well-rounded that with Ambient tracks it is totally worth the cost of admission, only with Rock music I’m wanting a little better pace. Also vocals are not going to be totally the Fan 3’s strong point, but it is fun and unique IEM despite these accolades and truthful criticisms.

A boring generic IEM, the Fan 3 is not. And truly with certain (Ambient, Electronic ) musical genres the Fan 3 excels well about its price point, it is just not as well rounded (as some) in the end. Still what do I know, I haven’t even done burn-in yet? Yet the one thing I can guarantee you, is you have never heard an IEM exactly like the Fan 3.

I'm not as enthusiastic with the ISN EBC80 as you are. Now I love it, and I'm actually listening to it as I type, but there are times I prefer both the Cadenza 4 and the H60 (definitely not the Fan 3, as that IEM, though another I enjoy, is miles behind the EBC80) over the EBC80. I think it's exactly because of the reasons you mentioned (this is a very mids forward IEM, so definitely something @bithalver would turn his nose up at). Now, for some music, it's definitely playing in TOTL territory, but for other genres, like funk, acid jazz, or progressive rock, I'm not as convinced. Then I listen to contemporary jazz, metal, or downtempo, I'm drawn into the EBC80 in spades. Now, because of that dichotomy, I don't approach these with the enthusiasm that maybe I should, or that you show. I do know they are cable sensitive, so finding the right strap is important. Also, it's slightly more source finicky than the H60, that will play fantastically out of an old ipod classic (I know, I have one). So yeah, just my observation. Looking forward to seeing if the Cantor kicks it to the curb?

 

[Erkil]

Dunu Glacier Impression


The Glacier are provided by Dunu for a European tour. Thank you for the opportunity, and also a Thanks to Head-Fi where the tour was originally arranged. The tour is organized through the Audio Geek Europe tour group.

A little bit about myself: I am certainly no reviewer! I am merely a 52-year-old music lover, with a slight IEM hoarding problem. I prefer more neutral leaning sets, with some or a lot of bass boost, but have a wide tolerance for different sound profiles! I also have a fondness for all BA or BA+EST IEM’s, but overall sound is the important part, not the tech’s. The following is my short subjective take on this IEM!

As usual per Dunu, Glacier comes with a great accessory kit. Lots of tips, a good looking cable and everything else one would expect at this price. The unboxing experience should please most customers. The shells is beautifully polished steel. They have some weight to them, but fit is perfect for me, and I never notice them in use. The cable is great looking and thick. It is sleeved in a white synthetic material of some sort, with some slight stiffness to it.

At first listen the Glacier have a impressive, bass heavy super clean sound! I generally listen more to fairly neutral, (compared to this), IEM’s. After I had adjusted to the energetic nature of the sound, I am still highly impressed by the extremely clean, highly resolving sound of the Glacier. I don’t know if my impression of the clean sound is caused by tuning or no possibly low distortion/high quality drivers. Maybe a combination?? To me this sounds like a high quality, purposely fun tuned IEM!

Even if as I mentioned I usually prefer a more uncolored tuning, I find Glacier excellent for older music and rock in general. This type of music benefits from more energy in the lows and highs. I am really enjoying this combination of transducers and music.

I am curious about what the other participants in the tour will say about Glacier. Dunu is also touring SA6 EST and DK3001BD in Europe, and these probably fits my tuning preferences better than Glacier. I can not wait to hear them also!!


Glacier is a deserving and true TOTL IEM. I can’t fault anything about it really, even if tuning is not 100% "me". The only nitpick I have is some stiffness and microphonics from the cable. If you have a chance, definitely check it out!

 

[avishifi]

Second day impressions of the ISN EBC80:
So in my belief in burn-in I have gone and done a day's worth now. Now very much in-line with yesterday's thoughts, the EBC80 is a midrange monster. At the same time ISN has not left anything out, meaning there is still exquisite balance. But, but the money here is found in technicalities, the EBC80 is not just a midrange monster, it is a technical marvel to boot. Yes, this is an end-game, for me anyway. Why? Ample involving stage, perfect balance of a tighter bass, that has the dexterity to never come-off limbering or slow, just tight (there) and glorious. The bass is always in the music though at times it is more in a polite place, letting everyone and their family know it is not left out or diminished, or shunted. Such a bass makes room for these fluid and detailed beyond description mids to flourish and take the stage running. This running means offering a fully separated bewildering amount of added multi-imaging. Yep, lots of sound stages inside other soundstages. Those 2 Sonion ESTs dial in a smart and less metallic treble than BAs, also not in possession of that tell-tale BA character……….you know what I’m talking about here.

Now yesterday I was talking trash about the double edge sword of having such a forward midrange in displacement. So today I went a little crazy at rolling cables (even now before burn-in) And what I found was both the 1 Knowles (high) and Sonion BA (mids)……..plus the Sonion (ultra-highs) were a little more mature and smoothed out, on my scorching treble, upper midrange test tracks. Trying the GD849 cable was a treat and with the full-on mid forward WM1A the sound had a portion of midrange luxuriousness! Then I went for the ASOS+X and obtained even more stage (but the GD849 has a stage too, glorious mid stage). Then finally rolled in my 2nd to favorite cable ever, the VIII. Here now the realism of a slightly more subdued midrange was a noticeable improvement (with over the top midrange tracks anyway.But remember for the last few sentences I have been trying to put-out-fires. What if we give the ISN EBC80, VIII and WM1A combo a walk in the park? What if we try to learn about regular audio listening………how’s that?

Well, the 2nd day has me very very impressed. So much so that I can recommend the EBC80 to one and all. Yep, it is so well rounded and plays well with any and all cables, any and all DAPs and even goes well with a number of ear-tips. Halt the confusion, stop the on-going research into countless IEM investigations…………..and this really doesn’t matter if you are looking at the $699.00 price-point or above it, or even below it, just get the EBC80 and leave the Discovery Thread! You don’t need to look anymore! I mean using the word warm and detailed is almost a contradiction in regular Head-Fi terms, but not here and not with the sound of the EBC80. And……….when I talk about mids being so prominent the mind instantly guesses there will be a compromise in bass. I can tell you an EDM song like Angst (RMX by twocolors) is full-on a bass lovers paradise! Just full on clear and tight bass details and that moving emotion. At 01:43 on the digital file there are fun separated way-high-up electronic cymbals a-float………..again just every genre and every DAP, we have performance. Vocals?

Please, need I even comment here?

Getting some listening to both the Fan 3 and the ISN EBC80:

Crystaline
Suldusk

Angst (RMX by twocolors)
Rammstein
Coming back to Suldusk


Sphaera


To where both the Fan 3 and EBC80 did a style of Suldusk playback that you could tell was right in their wheelhouse.

And even trying multiple Rock songs with the Fan 3 the pace issue was still there but a lot less of a concern. Still the Fan 3 while having great separation into an entertaining stage, is lacking the bass kick of just what the EBC80 does 24/7!





Penon Fan 3 first impressions:
Earlier today I started out using the HiBy R3 II and VIII cable with PAC LStips. To where sure the sound was OK, but seemed to be a little genre specific, meaning lesser paced Ambient tracks held the magic, and straight forward Rock tracks held a slight ever so slight smear in pace. OH, I almost forgot, I tuned the Bone Conduction Switch on at the start. Even with the Hiby R3 II with 3.1 software I was thinking (I would like) more stage from the Sony WM1A? The Sony fully enlarged the stage and gave an increase in pace across all genres. It was this new addition of spread out image itemization that was cool, and better than what the HiBy was up to. When switching the Bone Conduction on it was even more noticeable in activation………accessing an addition like a bigger recording room environment, with bigger and deeper drum hits……………more decay. Still I can’t help but hear this (ever so slight) softness that the Fan 3 holds across the board, and more with the Bone Conduction System in place. That while I have reviewed the Fan 1, and 2…..this Fan 3 is both more money and a new sound departure for Penon. To where sure I get where they were going as far as stage size, and there is a forgiving yet itemized treble, and a big set of mids, only slightly set back, but still there. The Fan 3’s fitment is way more practical than the Fan 2, being the nozzles don’t go as deep. And yet at the end of the day here with zero burn-in hours, I would say the Fan 3 is not exactly well-rounded that with Ambient tracks it is totally worth the cost of admission, only with Rock music I’m wanting a little better pace. Also vocals are not going to be totally the Fan 3’s strong point, but it is fun and unique IEM despite these accolades and truthful criticisms.

A boring generic IEM, the Fan 3 is not. And truly with certain (Ambient, Electronic ) musical genres the Fan 3 excels well about its price point, it is just not as well rounded (as some) in the end. Still what do I know, I haven’t even done burn-in yet? Yet the one thing I can guarantee you, is you have never heard an IEM exactly like the Fan 3.

Now I am a fan
Yeah, the BCD adds a lot in my opinion. If it is done correctly, and doesn’t affect the fit and comfort, it is a nice addition. It is also nice to have a switch to turn off the BCD because the vibration could be bothering sometimes, and also to feel how it is with and without it.

 

[Redcarmoose]

I'm not as enthusiastic with the ISN EBC80 as you are. Now I love it, and I'm actually listening to it as I type, but there are times I prefer both the Cadenza 4 and the H60 (definitely not the Fan 3, as that IEM, though another I enjoy, is miles behind the EBC80) over the EBC80. I think it's exactly because of the reasons you mentioned (this is a very mids forward IEM, so definitely something @bithalver would turn his nose up at). Now, for some music, it's definitely playing in TOTL territory, but for other genres, like funk, acid jazz, or progressive rock, I'm not as convinced. Then I listen to contemporary jazz, metal, or downtempo, I'm drawn into the EBC80 in spades. Now, because of that dichotomy, I don't approach these with the enthusiasm that maybe I should, or that you show. I do know they are cable sensitive, so finding the right strap is important. Also, it's slightly more source finicky than the H60, that will play fantastically out of an old ipod classic (I know, I have one). So yeah, just my observation. Looking forward to seeing if the Cantor kicks it to the curb?

Well it may be that as a listener you aspire to slightly more bass and that bass then goes to provide more enthusiasm/entertainment in various music genres. And that is how how bass is, it’s personal. To where when I hear the EBC80 do vocal style music, it totally works, then there is enough bass to satisfy me with EDM, which the combo of abilities not every new IEM does, along with the warmth and detail......those are my excuses for being on the EBC80 soapbox. It is the best ISN I have ever heard by a long shot? Don’t think there will be an EST50 or H40 successor soon?

 

[Redcarmoose]

I'm not as enthusiastic with the ISN EBC80 as you are. Now I love it, and I'm actually listening to it as I type, but there are times I prefer both the Cadenza 4 and the H60 (definitely not the Fan 3, as that IEM, though another I enjoy, is miles behind the EBC80) over the EBC80. I think it's exactly because of the reasons you mentioned (this is a very mids forward IEM, so definitely something @bithalver would turn his nose up at). Now, for some music, it's definitely playing in TOTL territory, but for other genres, like funk, acid jazz, or progressive rock, I'm not as convinced. Then I listen to contemporary jazz, metal, or downtempo, I'm drawn into the EBC80 in spades. Now, because of that dichotomy, I don't approach these with the enthusiasm that maybe I should, or that you show. I do know they are cable sensitive, so finding the right strap is important. Also, it's slightly more source finicky than the H60, that will play fantastically out of an old ipod classic (I know, I have one). So yeah, just my observation. Looking forward to seeing if the Cantor kicks it to the curb?

I totally get how you like that musicality over technicalities position the H60 does, and for many that don’t want to spend the cost of the EBC80, the H60 is a great alternative. That sure the low end is different between the two, going by memory here. But to me the technicalities of the EBC80 take it to a whole new level. I guess in my review of the EBC80 I’ll look for genres it does maybe not as good as the H60, but in my short listening time with the EBC80, and my personal tastes, I can’t find any?

Well it may be that as a listener you aspire to slightly more bass and that bass then goes to provide more enthusiasm/entertainment in various music genres. And that is how how bass is, it’s personal. To where when I hear the EBC80 do vocal style music, it totally works, then there is enough bass to satisfy me with EDM, which the combo of abilities not every new IEM does, along with the warmth and detail......those are my excuses for being on the EBC80 soapbox. It is the best ISN I have ever heard by a long shot? Don’t think there will be an EST50 or H40 successor soon?

 

[gadgetgod]

I may be a bit scarce here the next few days, also for illness, but I'm heartsick. One of our two cats, Chuck, died last night after a brief illness. We're not crazy pet people who consider pets to be children -- I have three of the real thing. But they do become family members, and it's always tough to say goodbye.

At least Chuck didn't suffer much, and my eldest son was home from Colorado and helped me dig a grave in the backyard at 3 a.m. this morning so we could give him a quick and proper burial. My son was the closest of our three kids to the Big Fella, and I'm glad he was here to say farewell in person.

Chuck was a 20-pound fur ball of contradictions. Weird and independent, yet fiercely loyal. He could swat at your hand and five minutes later plant his big body on your chest on the couch. Social as hell but terrified of noise. Probably all byproducts of being a stray that we brought into our home in January 2017, and we learned two weeks ago during an X-ray at the vet that some a-hole shot him with a pellet before we rescued him! The pellet still was in his body.

I wish we had more time with the Big Killer, but he gave us nearly eight years of laughter and joy with his unique combination of playfulness and strangeness.

See you on the other side, Big Man.

Ah man this is really sad to hear. I hope Chuck finds peace.

 

[Redcarmoose]

Amen, Hervie. Bang on.

Outstanding description. This writer/editor tips his pen toward you in a salute.

As I will say at band practice later this evening, "Spark up!"

No shame in wanting a TWS can for convenience and ANC. And the Senny M4s are very, very good within that space. Better overall sound than Sony and Bose, for sure, but those two brands have better ANC.

I think that's because a lot of headphone manufacturers have a house sound or tuning philosophy and stick to it, for the most part. If you buy a HiFiMan, you're going to get recessed mids, planar bass and some glaring treble, at least at lower price points. If you buy any Senny 6 series can, you're going to get remarkable mids. If you buy many Focal or Audeze models, count on weird mids that demand EQ. And so on.

IEM manufacturers can be a bit more daring with tuning variety because multiple drivers and driver type allow a granularity in tuning that I don't see as much in over-ear cans. ZMF tunes quite differently across its models, but that's kind of rare.

Those excellent photos identify a potential problem with the burgeoning IEM industry in 2025 -- just how big can manufacturers go?

Many enthusiasts with small ears already can't use some of the models with a zillion drivers stuffed into a shell because the units are just too damn big. And it just seems like there is no limit to the size increase, as adding drivers still is all the rage for marketing among IEM companies, equating quantity with quality. Then you see a damn good -- but HUGE -- IEM like the BrainDance earn critical acclaim, and that will only motivate more companies to release f*cking Hickory Farms-thick sausage slices as new IEM models in 2025.

That's not good for the hobby, as fit will prevent some people from enjoying IEMs.

Reminds me of the evolution of pickup trucks in America over the last 40 years. I owned a small pickup in the late 80s, a Ford Ranger. It truly was a compact pickup. Now "compact" pickups in America seemingly are the size of F-150 full-sized trucks in the 1980s. This allows manufacturers to charge more for bigger vehicles even though they're overkill for probably 75 percent of truck owners.

Hope you're feeling better, mate.

I may be a bit scarce here the next few days, also for illness, but I'm heartsick. One of our two cats, Chuck, died last night after a brief illness. We're not crazy pet people who consider pets to be children -- I have three of the real thing. But they do become family members, and it's always tough to say goodbye.

At least Chuck didn't suffer much, and my eldest son was home from Colorado and helped me dig a grave in the backyard at 3 a.m. this morning so we could give him a quick and proper burial. My son was the closest of our three kids to the Big Fella, and I'm glad he was here to say farewell in person.

Chuck was a 20-pound fur ball of contradictions. Weird and independent, yet fiercely loyal. He could swat at your hand and five minutes later plant his big body on your chest on the couch. Social as hell but terrified of noise. Probably all byproducts of being a stray that we brought into our home in January 2017, and we learned two weeks ago during an X-ray at the vet that some a-hole shot him with a pellet before we rescued him! The pellet still was in his body.

I wish we had more time with the Big Killer, but he gave us nearly eight years of laughter and joy with his unique combination of playfulness and strangeness.

See you on the other side, Big Man.

Three of your five also are on my potential hit list, Hervie: P7, Cadenza 4 and BrainDance. You're a man of exquisite taste!

Hmm. This is a buffet for thought. I was pretty locked into buying the P5+2. But I've watched a ton of videos slinging praise on the BrainDance and now your recommendation of the C4 over the P5+2.

Decisions, decisions ...

Sorry about your cat. That’s tough to loose a pet!

 

[Redcarmoose]

 

[r31ya]

Fiio KA11 competitor?

 

[gadgetgod]

the form factor is really good.

 

[Redcarmoose]

Fiio KA11 competitor?

Looks like the identical chip set?

 

[Redcarmoose]

the form factor is really good.

Well and they have done the impossible so far, put a multicolored LED for bitrate. Or maybe just a light on to show it’s receiving? Lol......never hurts to dream. See the small hole/window? Still RGB red, green, blue....it must be bitrate? At first I though the hole was a microphone. I absolutely love my UA3 Dongle.