The discovery thread!
Dec 28, 2023 at 12:06 AM Post #91,831 of 105,848
Questyle CMA18 flagship portable DAC/amp

- 4 sets of patented PCT-class current-mode SiP chips, each with a peak power of up to 5W and peak current of 2A
- Gain settings
- High-energy current-mode amplifier technology
- Bluetooth supports both aptX HD and LDAC


412825028_699141778990420_8291918872290598546_n.jpg


412971192_699141875657077_4068318154022140233_n.jpg


412821523_699141968990401_8144431434848656396_n.jpg


https://www.facebook.com/questyleau...E9b5mpZKxYVHYYnZxBFrANCZVLq3Z79dNsbkFubUcE6Jl
 
Dec 28, 2023 at 12:08 AM Post #91,832 of 105,848
That would be pretty cool to get your own custom tuned IEM.

Do you know if there have been any updates on the AFUL Cantor? Last I heard, the prototype was 14BA, but that was months ago. I wonder if they've been bringing it to the audio shows in Asia.
Last I heard 1-2 months. Depending on the price, I'm getting one. But I think it'll be under 1000 but am not sure at all.
 
Dec 28, 2023 at 12:29 AM Post #91,833 of 105,848
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Dec 28, 2023 at 12:39 AM Post #91,834 of 105,848
Dec 28, 2023 at 12:52 AM Post #91,835 of 105,848
Questyle CMA18 flagship portable DAC/amp

- 4 sets of patented PCT-class current-mode SiP chips, each with a peak power of up to 5W and peak current of 2A
- Gain settings
- High-energy current-mode amplifier technology
- Bluetooth supports both aptX HD and LDAC


412825028_699141778990420_8291918872290598546_n.jpg

412971192_699141875657077_4068318154022140233_n.jpg

412821523_699141968990401_8144431434848656396_n.jpg

https://www.facebook.com/questyleau...E9b5mpZKxYVHYYnZxBFrANCZVLq3Z79dNsbkFubUcE6Jl

Can we deduce from those cable connector icons next to the output ports that a shared line out feature is available? 🤔 I’d be keen on that if true.
 
Dec 28, 2023 at 4:53 AM Post #91,837 of 105,848
Dec 28, 2023 at 8:18 AM Post #91,838 of 105,848
Here is my unfiltered comparison of the Oriveti OD200 and Simgot EA1000

IMG_2701.jpg

EA1000 is about details and precision. It's lively, agile and cleaner and transparent. OD200 has a slightly different approach. It's too has the details and precision in it's mind but it's a bit more smoother and less on the face. It has less energetic finishing region and wants to balance things better with a fun yet nicely accurate presentation that isn't fatiguing after some hours.

Let's start with the cable. EA1000 has an inferior cable by a big margin. It's stiff, has a bit of memory too. OD200 has a much better cable that behaves better. Has modularity and better comfort.

If we start with bass OD200 is a bit more punchy with a bigger area of impact and slightly more rumble. Subs are good, mid bass is more prominent with fuller meatier notes but what I don't like is the lack of proper definition. Notes aren't as well separated as I wanted them to be. It's decent, gives a softer landing to most bass notes but that robs it off of details and technicalities. Decay is slightly slower and dynamics aren't great sadly.

EA1000 has a bit more sub bass extension and has better layered delivery and definition of individual notes. It's definitely more technically capable. Notes are tighter but still has good punch and slam. Has a bit faster decay and better dynamics.

Mids on OD200 are very good. Very good vocals. No flaws that I find. It's slightly W shaped but that's fine. Male vocals are grunty while female vocals are petite and accurately tall and energetic. There is no issues of comfort. Instruments are lively and engaging with right amount of finihsing energy and resolution. They aren't very tall or the cleanest but have good definition and clarity. Upper mid is energetic bus nothing to worry about.

EA1000 is slightly different with taller, a bit more energetic approach. Vocals are slightly more textured but a hair less throaty with slightly better resolution. Instruments are a bit more transparent and cleaner. No upper mid devils to worry about.

Highs of the OD200 are similarly energetic and detailed but notes aren't well separated at their bases. Good layering and separation with decent amount of air.

EA1000 is more clean and clear with better definition and air at the floor. Instruments have better separation are their origin points. Has slightly more energy in the finishing region but that's the beauty of this IEM.

Stage is one of the most developed one with the OD200. Very good instrument placement around the head with very good Z axis placements. Very good sonics with good back and foreground contrast.

Stage is slightly wider on the EA1000 but it doesn't have much presence on the back of foreground but it's more Vivid sounding thanks to it's realistic contrast and cleaner instrumental definition.

IMG_2702.jpg
Fantastic overview and thanks for the side pics showing their ergonomics. I'm finding out that I myself prefer the shapes such as the OD200 with the indent and a wing to the shapes such as the flat bodied EA1000.
 
Dec 28, 2023 at 8:25 AM Post #91,839 of 105,848
Question: Your current top three IEMs?

Mine currently are: 7th Acoustics Supernova, Xenns Mangird Tea 2, and Moondrop S8.

Tangzu Heyday and EST 112 are honorable mentions.
Top 3 goes to AüR: warm and lush Aurora, mid-licious Aure and energetic Neon Pro. Butastur comes 4th as a specialist, and IE600 5th as the comfortable V-shape.

Comparison of all 5 mentions lands TOMORROW!

EDIT: just clarifying that my Top 3/5 are not necessarily in that particular order! It's impossible to sort them in any sort of order due to my variety in music genres and the everchanging mood.
 
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Dec 28, 2023 at 8:41 AM Post #91,841 of 105,848
CCA Rhapsody comparison with Moondrop Blessing by Mars Chan in facebook audio group,






while obviously sound sig preference and pet peeve came to play here and he did stated that B3 still kills Rhapsody in tech and resolution,
its still somewhat interesting comparison.
---

KZ ZSN 2 (the christmas package)



first impression by Marcello Mariozi from facebook audio group




---
I have received ZSN pro 2 yesterday.
IMG_3845.jpg

Very positive impressions.
My main question was what is different compared to Kryla (the famous $1000 killer) to create yet another DD + BA hybrid.
The main answer is that treble is noticeably more prominent on ZSN pro 2, and surprisingly bass is tigher and more impactful (compared to all "ON" switches of Kryla).
True, ZSN pro 2 is still V (what else for DD+treble BA?), yet it is more full competent DD with a good amount of treble sparkle for agility, vitality and some resolution, compared to older-generation KZs.
I can provide more comparisons, if there is any interest.

As for the top three IEMs:
KZ AS24 and Audiosense T800 are really great in their own way, but my "guilty pleasure" is still modified (wide nozzle) KZ ASX - BA bass is almost rampant and 8 BAs for upper mids & treble do their job, with a touch of roughness/overtones that I love for strings.
 
Dec 28, 2023 at 10:10 AM Post #91,843 of 105,848
~~~FLOATING~~~

This album is literally giving me goose bumps.
And I have a huge smile on my face...

Bodysync, Ryan Hemsworth, Giraffage - Radio Active
1227231908b~2.jpg
QOBUZ > Hiby R6 Pro II > DTE900

Between this and the Quattro, 2023 is ending on a resoundingly strong note.

Hoping 2024 brings much musical enjoyment to everyone!

:notes:
Bodysync rules! We like similar music.
 
Dec 28, 2023 at 10:35 AM Post #91,844 of 105,848
Ok so probably noone cares about Xuelin Clear here or anywhere but i got it yesterday from Penon, another fast delivery 👌
It has a memorably good sound warm with soft treble, probably the first dap id leave fast roll off on😁
The problem is the file system is as pita as it gets as much as i love the simplicity of this whole idea, i mean it’s fast, but so what if i cant use say a MacBook to load my sd card with 200gb and load it onto it, even when it worked it scattered all numbers etc, btw my files are flac tagged to perfection with great care, its one of those moments you say to yourself.
New Year Resolution- No more F Files😂😇
But it does have something addictive enough in sound and the portability of it, so im waiting to here from Penon and hopefully from @Bosk whos review made me buy it👏
Still, a potential return in fact already requested unless i get some better news🥹
 
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Dec 28, 2023 at 11:49 AM Post #91,845 of 105,848
Ok so probably noone cares about Xuelin Clear here or anywhere but i got it yesterday from Penon, another fast delivery 👌
It has a memorably good sound warm with soft treble, probably the first dap id leave fast roll off on😁
The problem is the file system is as pita as it gets as much as i love the simplicity of this whole idea, i mean it’s fast, but so what if i cant use say a MacBook to load my sd card with 200gb and load it onto it, even when it worked it scattered all numbers etc, btw my files are flac tagged to perfection with great care, its one of those moments you say to yourself.
New Year Resolution- No more F Files😂😇
But it does have something addictive enough in sound and the portability of it, so im waiting to here from Penon and hopefully from @Bosk whos review made me buy it👏
Still, a potential return in fact already requested unless i get some better news🥹
Normally such simple DAPS, like many I have, just sort the tracks using the order of the FAT table. That order is updated when the files are copied, so the order is due to when the files are copied to the SD card.
In short, what you need to do is to sort the FAT table with some software like FAT Sorter or something like that.

https://www.softpedia.com/get/System/File-Management/FAT-Sorter.shtml

Try using it, it might work...
 

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