[lgcubana]

Folks, one question.

Which IEM / combo that started you down the rabbit hole

For me, it’s U18s + A&K SP2000 + Bach Partita 2 performed by Julia Fischer. I was using FiiO FH3 at that time. The way the stage changes from flat and 2D to a dome of sound within and around the head was mind blowing.

JVC Marshmallow

 

[bithalver]

Folks, one question.

Which IEM / combo that started you down the rabbit hole

For me, it’s U18s + A&K SP2000 + Bach Partita 2 performed by Julia Fischer. I was using FiiO FH3 at that time. The way the stage changes from flat and 2D to a dome of sound within and around the head was mind blowing.

Start ? KX ZS10 Pro with Apple dongle. Next level ? Hidizs MP145. Another level ? Tansio Mirai X with iBasso DC04 Pro. I try to stop here (and not enter kilobuck category ).

Edit: OK, I had a DrBeats iem from 2016; because the fit wasn't good in 2022, I started to investigate what else exists. Now I am in the rabbit hole, very deep.

 

[gadgetgod]

Hey Guys, A did a new discovery today at the CanJam, actually two hahaha. First one would be Eminent Ears Ruby(i just loved this set). It is a debut product from anew brand and the sound is just exceptional, such a clean and rumbling Sub-bass and precise/accurate presentation with a smooth and lively tone. The maker says he is just here to showcase his product and final production is underway, he might start shipping in May(gonna listen to this beauty tomorrow as well).

And the other one is the Ice Lab Primastica which I actually heard 2 days ago at Zepp store. I have written the impressions for most of the products that i have tried so far, but i will post them later as i am just too tired to manage the pictures and post hehe, please cope with me here(will share photo of IceLab tomorrow hehe).

 

[Nimweth]

Finally, could not resist. Castor Harman at 6,29€ in Choice Day, so why not. First thing that surprised me is how they love power. I switched to KBEAR Hazy balanced, and had to use high gain in my A50s to get good dynamics. That way, they opened et voilà! Obviously, differences exist here and there compared with SR5, but these are cheapies even in KZ catalog, and SR5 is so good for me that I stopped buying IEMs from last June till now. I started my IEM journey with a lot of these mythical DD models (ED, ED3, ED8, ES, ED9, ED10) and, after that, only returned to KZ recently, to buy the great BA10 (yes, they fit me) and the CRA. Well, to summarize, if Trio is a more refined version of these, I'll be watching in future sales. This seems to be the correct path to KZ.

+1 for BA10 and Castor Harman! Have you tried the CCA Trio yet?

 

[Nimweth]

Folks, one question.

Which IEM / combo that started you down the rabbit hole

For me, it’s U18s + A&K SP2000 + Bach Partita 2 performed by Julia Fischer. I was using FiiO FH3 at that time. The way the stage changes from flat and 2D to a dome of sound within and around the head was mind blowing.

Creative Xfi2 and KZ HDS1

 

[baskingshark]

CAN JAM SINGAPORE IMPRESSIONS


1) The Tangzu Zhu Ba Jie is an upcoming tribrid, packing a massive 14.2 mm DD + 3 BA + 1 EST (electret).

The finalized tuning is not confirmed, but this beta unit sounds like a U-shaped balanced signature that lies on the warmer side.

Big sub-bass rumble (as can be seen from the huge side bass vents from the massive 14.2 mm drivers). Treble and upper mids are safe, and there are at least above average technical chops with a non-claustrophobic soundstage.

Pricing and release date TBC.








2) The Tangzu XUAN NÜ is a budget collab with HBB.

This is a warm bassy dual DD set that is very musical. 10 mm ceramic diaphragm with 8 mm PU+ LCP config.

The big bass is surprisingly quite textured and rumbly, with thick note weight. Thankfully, despite being bassy, the bass doesn't encroach so much and eat into the midrange and treble, and still gives some space for the upper frequencies to breath, so it sounds quite balanced for a bassy set.

Technicalities are average, but the timbre is very natural. Sounds like a set for chilling and relaxing.






3) The Binary Audio Dynaquattro is a 4 DD set! Yes you didn't read that wrongly. 4 DD!

This IEM is quite hard to drive, not sure of the sensitivity and impedance specs. I was bringing a Sony WM1A DAP for the show and I suspect it may have underpowered this IEM, might try it again with a better source later on.

Sounds warm neutralish, safe tuning, no shoutiness in the upper mids. Bass is textured and relatively nimble though with not the deepest sub-bass rumble. Timbre is very natural, with above average technicalities.

Price and launch date TBC.






4) The DUNU TITAN S2 is a budget sequel to the lauded neutral bright Titan S.

The Titan S2 is still neutralish, though it is slightly warmer than the original Titan S, with more sub-bass and less upper mids shoutiness than the predecessor.

Technicalities sound average though, so I think it loses a bit of resolution compared to the predecessor, though tonally it is a bit more friendly and less sterile sounding. Timbre is a bit more natural with thicker note weight. Bass has ample texturing and speed.






5) At the 7Hz booth, there are quite a few new releases to check out!

First up, is the 7Hz Aurora, which is a 12 mm DD + 1 x 6 mm microplanar + 2 BA tribrid.

It has a very clean and transparent U-shaped signature, extremely balanced with a tight, textured and fast bass. Upper mids are thankfully not shouty, with good technical chops. Sub-bass extends very well. My only small nitpick would be a bit of BA timbre, but this can perhaps be mitigated with eartip-rolling or source pairing.




There are 2 other 7Hz dongles present.

In the 2nd photo, we have the Artemis, which is an ESS9039 dongle. It can pump out 200+ mW on balanced mode, which should be sufficient for most gear out there other than outliers.
Neutral but not sterile sounding, with good end-to-end extension. Solid technicalities and expansive soundstage.

I like that the Artemis has a separate USB-C port to feed power, should one need more juice or wanna prevent battery drain in an OTG phone. One cool thing for our wireless friends, is that it has a Bluetooth functionality, though I didn't have any wireless gear to test at the show unfortunately - but this is kind of a 2-in-1 dongle as it can be wired or wireless.



The 2nd dongle (3rd photo) is that of the Apollo 31. This packs dual CS43131 DACs. Likewise, it has a 2nd USB-C port purely for power, though this dongle has no Bluetooth. Sounds a bit more sterile than the Artemis, for a different flavour, with good technical chops.







6) The BQEYZ Cloud is an upcoming 1 DD + 1 Passive Radiator IEM.

I'm not that great with technical Chinese terms, but their engineer and tuner was present at the show and I think he was really talking about a Passive Radiator when I asked him about the driver config.

Interestingly, this Passive Radiator is not a rear chamber one like that of the Simgot EA1000, but seems to be a front chamber one, which actually improves the upper frequencies and adds air. Once again, apologies as I'm not too cognizant of the actual technical Chinese terms used, if anyone has further info, please feel free to correct me.

Anyways, the finalized tuning is not confirmed, but they aim to release it in May. From this pre-production unit, the Cloud sounds like a neutral bright set that is extremely technical. Expansive soundstage with a very fast bass and pinpoint imaging. The first term that came to mind was "CLEAN" sounding.

However, I found it a bit bright and sibilant. Their tuner says they tuned it more for the domestic and Japanese market which they feel prefers brighter technical tunings, but they will gather more feedback and see if the others feel that the treble should be tamed.

Supposed to release at sub-$150 USD.






7) The Celest Relentless is a 1 DD + 6 BA hybrid retailing at $169 USD.

Balanced sounding, very transparent sonics with excellent technicalities for a $100ish hybrid. Upper mids are not harsh with a fast and clean bass. For a BA containing setup, timbre is quite decent.

Quite an all-rounder set.






8) At the Kotori booth, there are 2 upcoming IEMs.

First up, is the Kotori Vampire, a 1 BA IEM, which should retail at $99 USD. It comes with a nice Kotori cable and is well accessorized and built solidly.

This is a warm neutral IEM, with thick note weight. It is very musical with minimal BA timbre. Non-fatiguing signature with good fit and isolation, can be used for long listening sessions. However, like most pure BA setups, there is BA bass with some sub-bass roll-off.



Next up, is the Kotori Zephyr. This is a 1 BA + 1 DD hybrid. Indeed, it looks to have a similar motif to the legendary IKKO OH10, but i can assure you, the Zephyr is much lighter with superior ergonomics.

The Zephyr has a U-shaped signature, and is very transparent sounding with good technicalities and a fast and clean bass.





9) The AFUL P3 is an upcoming 2BA + 1 DD hybrid from the brand. Retail price and launch date TBC, but it will probably be sub-$100 according to their rep.

It sounds like a neutral IEM with a sub-bass boost. Very balanced with good technicalities. Non-shouty upper mids, good extension at both ends. Very promising tuning, with just a small nitpick of slight BA timbre. Fits well too.






10) The TANCHJIM 4U contains a DMT4 DD. It has 4 tuning options via a bass dial vent located at the inner aspect of the IEM, something akin to the Sennheiser IE80S.

Very transparent sounding (but bass can of course be jacked up a bit should you wish to). Safely tuned, love the timbre.

I think it retails at 70ish USD according to the rep.







11) I was pleasantly surprised to find a booth at Singapore Can Jam from ALT-R selling sturdy leather cases, from small ones for IEMs, to mid-sized ones for DAPs, to even large cases for full-sized cans and amps.



And these are real leather cases, not those "leatherette" or PVC types which are dime-a-dozen.

This shop is the brainchild of Visveswaran Umashankar from India (on the right with our esteemed @gadgetgod on the left who flew in for Singapore Can Jam on the left!). ALT-R even does customized cases should you wish for, and some Can Jam participants actually placed custom orders today.



Anyway, I managed to get one DAP case today, as I have actually been searching for something like this for some time. The case comes with many divider inserts, with a huge carrying pouch, and some smaller pouches and cushions. Outside is hard and rigid, while the internals are soft as silk with all areas lined by velvet.

It is quite spacious internally, and even for this DAP-sized case, it can fit a Sony WM1A + dongles and IEMs easily.

Spoiler: DAP case!

 

[Ferdinando1968]

Folks, one question.

Which IEM / combo that started you down the rabbit hole

For me, it’s U18s + A&K SP2000 + Bach Partita 2 performed by Julia Fischer. I was using FiiO FH3 at that time. The way the stage changes from flat and 2D to a dome of sound within and around the head was mind blowing.

I started with various (many) BT earphones, even expensive ones, in search of the 'best sound'.

Then I came across this term (unknown until then) 'IEM', and I picked up (just out of pure curiosity) a pair of KZ ZS10 Pro.

And I started to understand, and a world opened up to me.

Initially I didn't know a thing about BA, DD etc. (for me a speaker was a DD speaker, or at most an electrostatic).

And from then on I slipped into oblivion .

 

[gadgetgod]

CAN JAM SINGAPORE IMPRESSIONS


1) The Tangzu Zhu Ba Jie is an upcoming tribrid, packing a massive 14.2 mm DD + 3 BA + 1 EST (electret).

The finalized tuning is not confirmed, but this beta unit sounds like a U-shaped balanced signature that lies on the warmer side.

Big sub-bass rumble (as can be seen from the huge side bass vents from the massive 14.2 mm drivers). Treble and upper mids are safe, and there are at least above average technical chops with a non-claustrophobic soundstage.

Pricing and release date TBC.








2) The Tangzu XUAN NÜ is a budget collab with HBB.

This is a warm bassy dual DD set that is very musical. 10 mm ceramic diaphragm with 8 mm PU+ LCP config.

The big bass is surprisingly quite textured and rumbly, with thick note weight. Thankfully, despite being bassy, the bass doesn't encroach so much and eat into the midrange and treble, and still gives some space for the upper frequencies to breath, so it sounds quite balanced for a bassy set.

Technicalities are average, but the timbre is very natural. Sounds like a set for chilling and relaxing.






3) The Binary Audio Dynaquattro is a 4 DD set! Yes you didn't read that wrongly. 4 DD!

This IEM is quite hard to drive, not sure of the sensitivity and impedance specs. I was bringing a Sony WM1A DAP for the show and I suspect it may have underpowered this IEM, might try it again with a better source later on.

Sounds warm neutralish, safe tuning, no shoutiness in the upper mids. Bass is textured and relatively nimble though with not the deepest sub-bass rumble. Timbre is very natural, with above average technicalities.

Price and launch date TBC.






4) The DUNU TITAN S2 is a budget sequel to the lauded neutral bright Titan S.

The Titan S2 is still neutralish, though it is slightly warmer than the original Titan S, with more sub-bass and less upper mids shoutiness than the predecessor.

Technicalities sound average though, so I think it loses a bit of resolution compared to the predecessor, though tonally it is a bit more friendly and less sterile sounding. Timbre is a bit more natural with thicker note weight. Bass has ample texturing and speed.






5) At the 7Hz booth, there are quite a few new releases to check out!

First up, is the 7Hz Aurora, which is a 12 mm DD + 1 x 6 mm microplanar + 2 BA tribrid.

It has a very clean and transparent U-shaped signature, extremely balanced with a tight, textured and fast bass. Upper mids are thankfully not shouty, with good technical chops. Sub-bass extends very well. My only small nitpick would be a bit of BA timbre, but this can perhaps be mitigated with eartip-rolling or source pairing.




There are 2 other 7Hz dongles present.

In the 2nd photo, we have the Artemis, which is an ESS9039 dongle. It can pump out 200+ mW on balanced mode, which should be sufficient for most gear out there other than outliers.
Neutral but not sterile sounding, with good end-to-end extension. Solid technicalities and expansive soundstage.

I like that the Artemis has a separate USB-C port to feed power, should one need more juice or wanna prevent battery drain in an OTG phone. One cool thing for our wireless friends, is that it has a Bluetooth functionality, though I didn't have any wireless gear to test at the show unfortunately - but this is kind of a 2-in-1 dongle as it can be wired or wireless.



The 2nd dongle (3rd photo) is that of the Apollo 31. This packs dual CS43131 DACs. Likewise, it has a 2nd USB-C port purely for power, though this dongle has no Bluetooth. Sounds a bit more sterile than the Artemis, for a different flavour, with good technical chops.







6) The BQEYZ Cloud is an upcoming 1 DD + 1 Passive Radiator IEM.

I'm not that great with technical Chinese terms, but their engineer and tuner was present at the show and I think he was really talking about a Passive Radiator when I asked him about the driver config.

Interestingly, this Passive Radiator is not a rear chamber one like that of the Simgot EA1000, but seems to be a front chamber one, which actually improves the upper frequencies and adds air. Once again, apologies as I'm not too cognizant of the actual technical Chinese terms used, if anyone has further info, please feel free to correct me.

Anyways, the finalized tuning is not confirmed, but they aim to release it in May. From this pre-production unit, the Cloud sounds like a neutral bright set that is extremely technical. Expansive soundstage with a very fast bass and pinpoint imaging. The first term that came to mind was "CLEAN" sounding.

However, I found it a bit bright and sibilant. Their tuner says they tuned it more for the domestic and Japanese market which they feel prefers brighter technical tunings, but they will gather more feedback and see if the others feel that the treble should be tamed.

Supposed to release at sub-$150 USD.






7) The Celest Relentless is a 1 DD + 6 BA hybrid retailing at $169 USD.

Balanced sounding, very transparent sonics with excellent technicalities for a $100ish hybrid. Upper mids are not harsh with a fast and clean bass. For a BA containing setup, timbre is quite decent.

Quite an all-rounder set.






8) At the Kotori booth, there are 2 upcoming IEMs.

First up, is the Kotori Vampire, a 1 BA IEM, which should retail at $99 USD. It comes with a nice Kotori cable and is well accessorized and built solidly.

This is a warm neutral IEM, with thick note weight. It is very musical with minimal BA timbre. Non-fatiguing signature with good fit and isolation, can be used for long listening sessions. However, like most pure BA setups, there is BA bass with some sub-bass roll-off.



Next up, is the Kotori Zephyr. This is a 1 BA + 1 DD hybrid. Indeed, it looks to have a similar motif to the legendary IKKO OH10, but i can assure you, the Zephyr is much lighter with superior ergonomics.

The Zephyr has a U-shaped signature, and is very transparent sounding with good technicalities and a fast and clean bass.





9) The AFUL P3 is an upcoming 2BA + 1 DD hybrid from the brand. Retail price and launch date TBC, but it will probably be sub-$100 according to their rep.

It sounds like a neutral IEM with a sub-bass boost. Very balanced with good technicalities. Non-shouty upper mids, good extension at both ends. Very promising tuning, with just a small nitpick of slight BA timbre. Fits well too.






10) The TANCHJIM 4U contains a DMT4 DD. It has 4 tuning options via a bass dial vent located at the inner aspect of the IEM, something akin to the Sennheiser IE80S.

Very transparent sounding (but bass can of course be jacked up a bit should you wish to). Safely tuned, love the timbre.

I think it retails at 70ish USD according to the rep.







11) I was pleasantly surprised to find a booth at Singapore Can Jam from ALT-R selling sturdy leather cases, from small ones for IEMs, to mid-sized ones for DAPs, to even large cases for full-sized cans and amps.



And these are real leather cases, not those "leatherette" or PVC types which are dime-a-dozen.

This shop is the brainchild of Visveswaran Umashankar from India (on the right with our esteemed @gadgetgod on the left who flew in for Singapore Can Jam on the left!). ALT-R even does customized cases should you wish for, and some Can Jam participants actually placed custom orders today.



Anyway, I managed to get one DAP case today, as I have actually been searching for something like this for some time. The case comes with many divider inserts, with a huge carrying pouch, and some smaller pouches and cushions. Outside is hard and rigid, while the internals are soft as silk with all areas lined by velvet.

It is quite spacious internally, and even for this DAP-sized case, it can fit a Sony WM1A + dongles and IEMs easily.

Spoiler: DAP case!

It was nice to meet you today Sharky!! Waiting for our dinner together on Monday haha. Also, That Binary Quattro I loved that damn IEM!!! Might get one upon release haha.

 

[baskingshark]

It was nice to meet you today Sharky!! Waiting for our dinner together on Monday haha. Also, That Binary Quattro I loved that damn IEM!!! Might get one upon release haha.

Ya the Binary Quattro is very unique!

Do you happen to know the specs LOL? I couldn't power the thing from the WM1A, maybe I will bring a more powerful DAC/AMP tomorrow to juice it!

 

[gadgetgod]

Ya the Binary Quattro is very unique!

Do you happen to know the specs LOL? I couldn't power the thing from the WM1A, maybe I will bring a more powerful DAC/AMP tomorrow to juice it!

It was sounding quite nice out of my DX260 bro. And don't worry if you need my DAP around the event, you can take it. I am most of the time busy helping my friend or meeting new people haha.

 

[HombreCangrejo]

+1 for BA10 and Castor Harman! Have you tried the CCA Trio yet?

No, I'll have an eye, to see if the price drops in future sales, or they enter the Choice route. If not, probably in summer sale. Meanwhile, I have a lot of work, testing the CDA M1P new toy, that will arrive next week, compare it with the other dongles and sources in my stable, and seeing if it honors that "magic analog sound without breaking the bank" aura it has.

 

[ian91]

Hey Guys, A did a new discovery today at the CanJam, actually two hahaha. First one would be Eminent Ears Ruby(i just loved this set). It is a debut product from anew brand and the sound is just exceptional, such a clean and rumbling Sub-bass and precise/accurate presentation with a smooth and lively tone. The maker says he is just here to showcase his product and final production is underway, he might start shipping in May(gonna listen to this beauty tomorrow as well).


And the other one is the Ice Lab Primastica which I actually heard 2 days ago at Zepp store. I have written the impressions for most of the products that i have tried so far, but i will post them later as i am just too tired to manage the pictures and post hehe, please cope with me here(will share photo of IceLab tomorrow hehe).

The Ice Labs Prismatica was on show at CJ London last year alongside the Flash Acoustic cables - the brands are both under one roof I think. It was quite a nice, balanced set if I recall but I imagine it's undergone revisions since. I think the price range was circa $600 or something.

 

[gadgetgod]

The Ice Labs Prismatica was on show at CJ London last year alongside the Flash Acoustic cables - the brands are both under one roof I think. It was quite a nice, balanced set if I recall but I imagine it's undergone revisions since. I think the price range was circa $600 or something.

They told me it is like 1299SGD. They also launched a new Gold variant today at the CJ SG, Will listen to it tomorrow. The current one that I listened at Zepp had a balanced sounding with a bit boost in the bass region. Maybe they changed the tuning a bit.

 

[ian91]

They told me it is like 1299SGD. They also launched a new Gold variant today at the CJ SG, Will listen to it tomorrow. The current one that I listened at Zepp had a balanced sounding with a bit boost in the bass region. Maybe they changed the tuning a bit.

I was way off on the pricing. I remember it having a boosted low end so maybe it hasn't changed a great deal.

 

[PhonoPhi]

CAN JAM SINGAPORE IMPRESSIONS


1) The Tangzu Zhu Ba Jie is an upcoming tribrid, packing a massive 14.2 mm DD + 3 BA + 1 EST (electret).

The finalized tuning is not confirmed, but this beta unit sounds like a U-shaped balanced signature that lies on the warmer side.

Big sub-bass rumble (as can be seen from the huge side bass vents from the massive 14.2 mm drivers). Treble and upper mids are safe, and there are at least above average technical chops with a non-claustrophobic soundstage.

Pricing and release date TBC.








2) The Tangzu XUAN NÜ is a budget collab with HBB.

This is a warm bassy dual DD set that is very musical. 10 mm ceramic diaphragm with 8 mm PU+ LCP config.

The big bass is surprisingly quite textured and rumbly, with thick note weight. Thankfully, despite being bassy, the bass doesn't encroach so much and eat into the midrange and treble, and still gives some space for the upper frequencies to breath, so it sounds quite balanced for a bassy set.

Technicalities are average, but the timbre is very natural. Sounds like a set for chilling and relaxing.






3) The Binary Audio Dynaquattro is a 4 DD set! Yes you didn't read that wrongly. 4 DD!

This IEM is quite hard to drive, not sure of the sensitivity and impedance specs. I was bringing a Sony WM1A DAP for the show and I suspect it may have underpowered this IEM, might try it again with a better source later on.

Sounds warm neutralish, safe tuning, no shoutiness in the upper mids. Bass is textured and relatively nimble though with not the deepest sub-bass rumble. Timbre is very natural, with above average technicalities.

Price and launch date TBC.






4) The DUNU TITAN S2 is a budget sequel to the lauded neutral bright Titan S.

The Titan S2 is still neutralish, though it is slightly warmer than the original Titan S, with more sub-bass and less upper mids shoutiness than the predecessor.

Technicalities sound average though, so I think it loses a bit of resolution compared to the predecessor, though tonally it is a bit more friendly and less sterile sounding. Timbre is a bit more natural with thicker note weight. Bass has ample texturing and speed.






5) At the 7Hz booth, there are quite a few new releases to check out!

First up, is the 7Hz Aurora, which is a 12 mm DD + 1 x 6 mm microplanar + 2 BA tribrid.

It has a very clean and transparent U-shaped signature, extremely balanced with a tight, textured and fast bass. Upper mids are thankfully not shouty, with good technical chops. Sub-bass extends very well. My only small nitpick would be a bit of BA timbre, but this can perhaps be mitigated with eartip-rolling or source pairing.




There are 2 other 7Hz dongles present.

In the 2nd photo, we have the Artemis, which is an ESS9039 dongle. It can pump out 200+ mW on balanced mode, which should be sufficient for most gear out there other than outliers.
Neutral but not sterile sounding, with good end-to-end extension. Solid technicalities and expansive soundstage.

I like that the Artemis has a separate USB-C port to feed power, should one need more juice or wanna prevent battery drain in an OTG phone. One cool thing for our wireless friends, is that it has a Bluetooth functionality, though I didn't have any wireless gear to test at the show unfortunately - but this is kind of a 2-in-1 dongle as it can be wired or wireless.



The 2nd dongle (3rd photo) is that of the Apollo 31. This packs dual CS43131 DACs. Likewise, it has a 2nd USB-C port purely for power, though this dongle has no Bluetooth. Sounds a bit more sterile than the Artemis, for a different flavour, with good technical chops.







6) The BQEYZ Cloud is an upcoming 1 DD + 1 Passive Radiator IEM.

I'm not that great with technical Chinese terms, but their engineer and tuner was present at the show and I think he was really talking about a Passive Radiator when I asked him about the driver config.

Interestingly, this Passive Radiator is not a rear chamber one like that of the Simgot EA1000, but seems to be a front chamber one, which actually improves the upper frequencies and adds air. Once again, apologies as I'm not too cognizant of the actual technical Chinese terms used, if anyone has further info, please feel free to correct me.

Anyways, the finalized tuning is not confirmed, but they aim to release it in May. From this pre-production unit, the Cloud sounds like a neutral bright set that is extremely technical. Expansive soundstage with a very fast bass and pinpoint imaging. The first term that came to mind was "CLEAN" sounding.

However, I found it a bit bright and sibilant. Their tuner says they tuned it more for the domestic and Japanese market which they feel prefers brighter technical tunings, but they will gather more feedback and see if the others feel that the treble should be tamed.

Supposed to release at sub-$150 USD.






7) The Celest Relentless is a 1 DD + 6 BA hybrid retailing at $169 USD.

Balanced sounding, very transparent sonics with excellent technicalities for a $100ish hybrid. Upper mids are not harsh with a fast and clean bass. For a BA containing setup, timbre is quite decent.

Quite an all-rounder set.






8) At the Kotori booth, there are 2 upcoming IEMs.

First up, is the Kotori Vampire, a 1 BA IEM, which should retail at $99 USD. It comes with a nice Kotori cable and is well accessorized and built solidly.

This is a warm neutral IEM, with thick note weight. It is very musical with minimal BA timbre. Non-fatiguing signature with good fit and isolation, can be used for long listening sessions. However, like most pure BA setups, there is BA bass with some sub-bass roll-off.



Next up, is the Kotori Zephyr. This is a 1 BA + 1 DD hybrid. Indeed, it looks to have a similar motif to the legendary IKKO OH10, but i can assure you, the Zephyr is much lighter with superior ergonomics.

The Zephyr has a U-shaped signature, and is very transparent sounding with good technicalities and a fast and clean bass.





9) The AFUL P3 is an upcoming 2BA + 1 DD hybrid from the brand. Retail price and launch date TBC, but it will probably be sub-$100 according to their rep.

It sounds like a neutral IEM with a sub-bass boost. Very balanced with good technicalities. Non-shouty upper mids, good extension at both ends. Very promising tuning, with just a small nitpick of slight BA timbre. Fits well too.






10) The TANCHJIM 4U contains a DMT4 DD. It has 4 tuning options via a bass dial vent located at the inner aspect of the IEM, something akin to the Sennheiser IE80S.

Very transparent sounding (but bass can of course be jacked up a bit should you wish to). Safely tuned, love the timbre.

I think it retails at 70ish USD according to the rep.







11) I was pleasantly surprised to find a booth at Singapore Can Jam from ALT-R selling sturdy leather cases, from small ones for IEMs, to mid-sized ones for DAPs, to even large cases for full-sized cans and amps.



And these are real leather cases, not those "leatherette" or PVC types which are dime-a-dozen.

This shop is the brainchild of Visveswaran Umashankar from India (on the right with our esteemed @gadgetgod on the left who flew in for Singapore Can Jam on the left!). ALT-R even does customized cases should you wish for, and some Can Jam participants actually placed custom orders today.



Anyway, I managed to get one DAP case today, as I have actually been searching for something like this for some time. The case comes with many divider inserts, with a huge carrying pouch, and some smaller pouches and cushions. Outside is hard and rigid, while the internals are soft as silk with all areas lined by velvet.

It is quite spacious internally, and even for this DAP-sized case, it can fit a Sony WM1A + dongles and IEMs easily.

Spoiler: DAP case!

Thank you for the great detailed and engaging story!!!

The Quattro in a "to watch" list with a unique design and 4 DDs.

Celest Relentless will be a buy from your descriprion and images, and my experience with Celest, even going over my limit of $150, the Kinera/Celest aesthetics totally justifies it for me.

Yesterday I got Wyvern Pro - just an amazing unboxing experience, those beautiful characters:

As silly as it sounds, I got the Wyvern for the Dragon, and I hope it will work out as a gaming set for our youngest son (I am all for him playing vioiln and piano concertos instead of gaming, but I am only a half or a quarter of the "tiger parent" ).