The discovery thread!
Feb 27, 2024 at 11:35 AM Post #96,226 of 103,913
I have one question...or a query...how many of you would take 1k or 2k IEMs for jogging or working out in the gym?

Cheers!
I don't need IEMs for workouts. If I really needed music certainly I won't take any kilobucks IEMs I have
 
Feb 27, 2024 at 11:45 AM Post #96,227 of 103,913
I got the Simgot EA500LM and the dac/amp DEWX4 a few weeks ago. Courtesy, dear @FiaLm. After using them for a few weeks now, I am sharing these impressions for the iems E500LM.

Simgot has incorporated the EA500LM with 2nd generation advanced diaphragm technology and an enhanced dual-magnet and dual-cavity design.

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Design and build:

I really like the build on the shells. It feels really solid, and it fits really well. The weight is very well distributed and does not feel heavy. The mirror finish on the shells gives them a great shine but can also be a fingerprint magnet. I had to clean them many times. The isolation is above average, and the shells block some noise from outside; however, they are not super isolated.

These iems come bundled with a high-purity silver-plated OFC cable with a 0.78-mm 2-pin connector. I do not like the stock cable very much. I find it rather thin and very normally built; I would expect a better cable that complimented the nice build of the iems. Also, the 3.5mm adapter is not something I really like, but I think that’s fine.

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The package is not very impressive and is not something worth mentioning. The case is on the basic side, especially the interiors. I expected something better. However, it does its work. There are a very limited set of ear tips, which again is a point of concern. I pair these iems with Azla SednaLight eartips.

I’m not very fond of tuning nozzles on iems. To me, they are more gimmicks. Just like the last time with the EA1000, I don't find the nozzles doing any good. I think the gold nozzle is what I like the best and have spent most of my time with.

These iems are quite easy to drive. I did not find any issues driving it from multiple sources, including a phone.

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Sound:

Coming to the sound signature, these iems have a bright tuning, and there is a lot of energy maintained throughout the upper midrange and frequency regions.

The bass is good in terms of both quantity and quality. I found the quantity a bit lacking. However, given the signature of these iems, I would not say bass is a matter of concern; the quality of bass is definitely good. It goes deep and has a good texture to it.

The mids on these iems are rather on the thinner side. I prefer more weight and character in the mids. The mids are not as forward as per my preference. I find them a bit recessed. The upper mids have some extra energy, which does not get shouty and is never harsh.

The treble has good energy and extension. The treble on these iems can be a bit fatiguing (default nozzle) in longer sessions.

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Techical aspect:

Technically, these iems are good, given their price range. The stage has good width and decent depth. The clarity in sound and clean output are really good aspects of these iems.

Conclusion:

I think this is a good release from Simgot, but I don’t see it as an exceptional release like the EA1000. For the price point, I definitely see it among the leading iems. Recommended.
 
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Feb 27, 2024 at 11:48 AM Post #96,228 of 103,913
If you prefer warmer than neutral and not analytical i would suggest avoid M15S. It is very good but slightly detailed focus of the three that you mentioned. About the DX260 and WM1A MK2, DX260 here has more speed, more clarity, and better definition for instruments, slightly recessed in midrange though. WM1A MK2 is outstanding with meaty midrange, rich and denser vocals although lacks in details in comparison. Mango OS of DX260 sounds even cleaner than the Android one.
I agree the M15S is not for warm-tilted lovers, but for analytical-with-slight-emphasis-on-both-lows-and-highs lovers (what a catchy adjective, huh), it's a beast.
And at 679€ it's a steal. Why 679€, I hear you ask. That is what I'm selling mine for in the classifieds 😁
 
Feb 27, 2024 at 11:53 AM Post #96,229 of 103,913
I agree the M15S is not for warm-tilted lovers, but for analytical-with-slight-emphasis-on-both-lows-and-highs lovers (what a catchy adjective, huh), it's a beast.
And at 679€ it's a steal. Why 679€, I hear you ask. That is what I'm selling mine for in the classifieds 😁
haha such a good way man!! What are you aiming for after M15s?
 
Feb 27, 2024 at 11:53 AM Post #96,230 of 103,913
This kzpr3 is a planar iem na? Good bass eh? Hmmm will wait to see how symphony is. Never got any kz until now. That CCA trio is yet to make it to my country. Pr3 is available though. But wise to wait for symphony and see how it is.
Yes 13.2mm Planar. The sub bass is excellent, kind of a blend of BA and DD with excellent tonality but good speed. Mid bass is dialled back but this is a good thing as the mids are very pure and clean. After a week listening to the PR3 I think I prefer it to the CCA Trio. It sounds wonderful with classical music. Looking forward to the Symphony to see how it compares.
 
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Feb 27, 2024 at 12:54 PM Post #96,232 of 103,913
I have one question...or a query...how many of you would take 1k or 2k IEMs for jogging or working out in the gym?

Cheers!
They must be at least 3k+€ or I don't want to be seen wearing them in public!

haha such a good way man!! What are you aiming for after M15s?
Unsure. Not in any rush. I'll either wait a while for a new wave of ~700-1000€ DAPs to trickle in or go desktop + a tinier DAP for on-the-go.
 
Feb 27, 2024 at 1:12 PM Post #96,233 of 103,913
Feb 27, 2024 at 7:01 PM Post #96,234 of 103,913
I have one question...or a query...how many of you would take 1k or 2k IEMs for jogging or working out in the gym?

Cheers!

I used to wear my U12t in the gym. But the cable is very annoying, and the DAP keeps falling out of the pocket when I lie down on the bench. I used to use FiiO UTWS5 with Falcon Ultra, but mine starts to develop connection problems, so I told myself: stop with the elitism and use airpod like everyone else :dt880smile:

The design is unique.. kinda like super hero armor, love or hate em

Kinda like Blue Beetle

I agree the M15S is not for warm-tilted lovers, but for analytical-with-slight-emphasis-on-both-lows-and-highs lovers (what a catchy adjective, huh), it's a beast.
And at 679€ it's a steal. Why 679€, I hear you ask. That is what I'm selling mine for in the classifieds 😁

Ey, catching you pump and dump :dt880smile:
 
Feb 27, 2024 at 7:54 PM Post #96,236 of 103,913
Unsure. Not in any rush. I'll either wait a while for a new wave of ~700-1000€ DAPs to trickle in or go desktop + a tinier DAP for on-the-go.
Broo get a DX260, I am telling you you will be satisfied.
 
Feb 27, 2024 at 8:23 PM Post #96,237 of 103,913
Has anyone used aliexpress coins? I didn't know you could gain a few per day for checking in until a few weeks ago.

A lot of people on reddit seem to agree that these coins are next to worthless but I've seen some people gain good discounts on IEMs after saving up coins for months.
 
Feb 27, 2024 at 8:28 PM Post #96,238 of 103,913
Has anyone used aliexpress coins? I didn't know you could gain a few per day for checking in until a few weeks ago.

A lot of people on reddit seem to agree that these coins are next to worthless but I've seen some people gain good discounts on IEMs after saving up coins for months.
For me, they are pretty useless. You can't cash them in whenever, but only for select stores during select sales, so I've used them in the past on 11.11, but usually that's the only time I use the coins, because it's one of the few times it will allow me to use them on something I want.
 
Feb 27, 2024 at 8:30 PM Post #96,239 of 103,913
Another blissful evening listen has made me reconsider selling these and have officially removed the listing from the classifieds. Honestly, these remain untouched in my collection for certain guitar&vocal pieces. Not all-arounders, but gorgeous specialists.

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what cable you pairing with butastur?
 
Feb 27, 2024 at 8:47 PM Post #96,240 of 103,913
Elise Audio x Kinera Celest Dark Phoenix
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Got some detailed thoughts on the newest release from Kinera Celest, it’s a collab with Elise Audio called the Dark Phoenix. It’s a retune of the Phoenix Call, which was pretty widely praised, if a tad forgotten.

Config
1 7mm DD for lows
2 customized BA for mids
2 Micro Planar Drivers for highs

I unfortunately have not heard the original Phoenix Call. It was high on my lists at one point but aesthetically it was not for me, I can safely say that isn’t the case with the retuned Dark Phoenix. It’s absolutely stunning. The shell is filled resin, and feels very premium to the touch. The faceplate shines in an arc, lighting up the grey/silver on black background as light travels through it. Very hard to photograph, but goodness it’s one of my favorite looking IEMs. Very simple, very elegant. IMG_6728.jpeg

Fit is mostly good, but the nozzles are quite long. I have issues with most in-ears on my left ear, and the long nozzle is a bit of a bother, but I recognize it’s a me issue as the right monitor stays firmly in place. It appears to be recessed on the 2-pin but it isn’t.
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So… sound? Bright, and bassy. very bassy.
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Bass
I am a basshead, not a secret there. Dark Phoenix has a deep, airy sub bass that can really rumble. They mentioned the focus on sub bass in their retuning, and imo they exceeded. I with they had spent as much time on the mid bass. It’s punchy, but on aggressive tracks (think Metal/DnB) it simply cannot keep up. On those aggresive genres, the mid bass gets a tad grainy, in both the attack and decay. Outside of those genres, its only main fault is bleed into the mids. I think its important to note that on day one, it almost made me want to sell these off but it is getting better with time. I fall somewhere in the middle on the burn-in debate, but this was pretty undeniable for me.

Treble
VERY GOOD. I have a treble sensitivity, so I was expecting to not like this set as much as I do. You could say this set has changed my opinion on brighter sets overall. Thats pretty impressive. Again, its airy. The details are a standout here, things like guitar slides or ambient noises really shine within the mix and come alive. Because of the bright tuning but prominent bass, genres like pop (especially 80's pop my god, Depeche Mode)/female vocals/classical get the most out of this tuning. An important thing to note here is a lack of sibilance. I was fully expecting it, but the only time I experienced it here was with poor tip fit or poor recording.

The magic of this set comes from the fact it manages to excel in BOTH the highest and lowest ends of the spectrum. But what suffers?

Mids
Something has to sacrifice for the rest, and this is where it gets hit. Just very busy, you can't have your cake and eat it too. Luckily, male vocals remain mostly untouched in the fight between the lower and upper range. There is a lot of bass bleed, but again everything on the other ends sounds SO GOOD that the mids end up just kinda... living up to their name. Mid.

Soundstage/imaging
Nothing to write home about unless treble is shows up to play, then it becomes the star. It's as simple as that, the stage is very personal and I would say that really only changes depending on songs that play right with its odd tuning.

Packaging
Comes with a neat bookmark(?) I promptly put in some manga I had lying around, outside of that very unremarkable. It uses the Phoenix Call packaging exactly, with only a small blurb about the Dark Phoenix on the outside. Included travel case is very small, but sufficient and included tips seem bad.

Gonna take this moment to say, I would like to see these companies partner up with some better tip manufacturers instead of just putting the basics in. Tip rolling is VERY important on this set. I am currently using the Divinus Velvet, but am going to try more as this one seems very, very dependent on getting the right fit with the right tips FOR YOU. The tuning is odd, this is important IMO. Build that collection.

Wrap up
Keepers to me! They are specialists that I wouldn't every day carry, but they bring enough flavor to my collection that I find myself reaching for them a lot. They can be purchased now for around $147, which is a nice price for this set.
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https://eliseaudio.com/en-us/products/elise-audio-x-kinera-dark-phoenix
 
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