The Awful P5 has finally arrived.
First impressions: it’s certainly not awful. In fact, I’m in awe at the moment.
The resolution is wonderful, both macro (separation) and micro (detail retrieval).
The stage feels “full” and can be a bit disorienting with lesser sources (e.g., the unknown Dunu dongle that was sent as an apology for the delay) and complex orchestral pieces. Things open up nicely with Shanling M6U or my desktop K7. I suspect this slight congestion is a side effect of the 10k emphasis (for those juicy micro details).
@Tzennn might be interested in this presentation.
Stage is certainly on the small size, even with the help of desktop-class source. Imaging and layering within that stage is very good. I’m not wowed, since I have been daily driving FF5 and FH15 lately, and those have excellent soundstage.
Bass feels “academic” It does not grunt and rumble (only) like Monarch, but I think FH15 has slightly higher bass quality.
Tuning is also quite “academic” I like this kind of tuning more and more nowadays. No sibilance or ice picks with Ed Sheeran’s or Bon Jovi songs. Cymbal splashes are a bit too splashy for my taste, again, likely due to 10k emphasis.
Another observation: they look very similar to the thieaudio V16, just smaller. Even the engraving on the body looks the same. The cable looks like a Xinhs cable with custom hardware. Very well behaved.
Yet another observation: the instruction manual features usual strange translations, but it shows quite a bit of love, given how Awful even teach you how to wrap the IEM to avoid breaking the pins.
Edit: seriously, if your IEMs are already alright, you should seriously consider a good source or a real desktop setup (maybe the most cost effective approach). All complaints about soundstage of P5 almost disappear with the help of M6U and K7. Almost.