So, I got the esteemed Audio Hekili from a friend for a quick listen…sadly I was with it for less than 12 hours, however, with what little time it was in my ears, it left a positive impression.
Let’s talk about the sound first (Shanling M3X balanced out, low gain) - Hekili produces a very transparent sound with utmost clarity while providing a nice low end slam. The stage is significantly huge, with width a bit more than depth, and exceptional layering. Notes are very crisp and clean, while the sharpness is kept at bay - that’s a really nice display of tuning there.
Treble is very well extended and does not feel brittle - there are no uncomfortable peaks anywhere in this range. The same goes for upper mid range also. I am quite sensitive to Upper mid - Lower treble peaks, and I can confirm that never once I felt any discomfort while listening to Yao Si Ting - Scarborough Fair, or Poets Of The Fall - The Ballad of Jeremiah Peacekeeper (Mike Saaresto’s voice has some real edgy moments here that might sound a bit grating.)
Low end has also just enough emphasis in them so as not to sound lacking. Low end extends well, slams have enough body, but do not interfere with the mids. A very clean and balanced presentation.
However, therein lies the problem also. The tuning is so safe and by the book that it fails to develop a character and engage my heart. Low end can be heard, but not be felt. Subbass rumbles do not move enough air in spite of the good extension. The midrange feels too neutral - vocals do not have that throaty presence or weight to feel natural. Instruments are clean and detailed, however, again lacks the physical touch. But, I must emphasise - these are purely based on individual preference, and of late I have been heavily skewed towards the DD tonality, and hence BA notes do not satisfy me any more. But for those who can still enjoy BA sound, I can assure I have not yet heard a better set than the Hekili. In fact, from memory, I think it also outclasses the FH5s pro. With a cable change, it can do even more wonder. The separation, air between notes, open, wide and sufficiently deep stage with very good imaging - yep, it captures the heart at the first listen.
Against the IMR Splash Of Red, the Hekili has a more open and wide and deep presentation, while SOR feels a bit more intimate and small. However, imaging prowess is quite comparable between them. SOR low and midrange notes feel a bit more thick and natural than Hekili, while Hekili has a more refined high frequency presentation with sufficient energy but less peaks. Detail-wise I did not feel one lagging behind the other. SOR most certainly has a more coloured sound than Hekili, but that is what I love about it.
graph looks close tho
