[FreeWheelinAudioLuv2]

the only discovery ive made at axpona was how far kz has come along with their drivers. i would even prefer the trio over trifecta. the trio does everything better.

I have to agree. I'm still reaching for my Trio more than any other IEM. Not saying their the best, but I'm reaching for them an awful lot.

 

[emdeevee]

@emdeevee!

I guess I better look into this, eh @warrenpchi !?

 

[FreeWheelinAudioLuv2]

Also what have I been reaching for? TADA!!! An IEM I wrote off and hated, but after going off/on on the switches, pure silver cable, and Penon Liquor tips, the Kiwi Ears Quartet has risen out of the wooden graveyard box to regular rotation as a preferred musical IEM for r&b, hip hop, reggae, and pop. Now it has no place for the metal or hard rock, because it's warm and bassy, with slightly recessed mids, but for those aforementioned genres, it provides a pretty fun warm musical experience with really decent stage and imaging. I also got some good play out of my Geek Wold GK10's with the Hakugei Sea Elf cable and the same Liquor tips. most of the others I tried stayed at the bottom of the box, as they reminded me why I put them there in the first place (Sea Elf, Star River, and Tape Pro).

 

[FreeWheelinAudioLuv2]

I guess I better look into this, eh @warrenpchi !?

Yes you should. It's not much of a gamble, and it'll cost you $29.99 at the most? Whooptedydoo!

 

[warrenpchi]

I guess I better look into this, eh @warrenpchi !?

You might have to take one for the team!

 

[theintention]

You might have to take one for the team!

Curious myself tbh

 

[superuser1]

Got the Hakugei Moonstone and Thor

 

[baskingshark]

Off-topic but potentially very rewarding...

If you guys ever have some time to spare, I've found that it's nice to look over the various unanswered threads here on Head-Fi. As we've all been helped along our own journeys in the hobby, it's gratifying to help others along theirs.

Some requests are pretty general in nature, but often times they can get oddly specific, requiring more specialized experience. As we're a fairly diverse group, you never know, you just might have the answer that solves somebody's problem, or unlocks a pivotal revelation.

Yeah I try my best when there is time to answer some of these newcomer threads in the forums.

But as you pointed out, some of them have extremely specific requirements: for example certain hard cutoff for budget or some old legacy audio gear that not many have heard before. So that limits the number of respondents that can assist (and hence they mostly remain unanswered).

 

[Mr.HiAudio]

Thor

looks like a Big Rice

 

[superuser1]

looks like a Big Rice

I agree. Perhaps they sell it as Thor in Thailand and Philippines.

 

[warrenpchi]

Curious myself tbh

lol, I had to tell emdeevee so that he can put that Trifecta challenger to the test!

Yeah I try my best when there is time to answer some of these newcomer threads in the forums.

But as you pointed out, some of them have extremely specific requirements: for example certain hard cutoff for budget or some old legacy audio gear that not many have heard before. So that limits the number of respondents that can assist (and hence they mostly remain unanswered).

Yup, I think we've answered a few together before.

 

[baskingshark]

The Ziigaat Doscinco is a 2DD (10 mm polymer) + 3 BA (Sonion 26A05 and 2354 + Knowles 33518 super tweeter).



This is a set for bass lovers, with big sub-bass that is textured and speedy. Not harsh in the upper frequencies, but still keeps decent resolution and technicalities.

Will do further testing and comparisons and report back.






The Thieaudio Hype 4 is a 2DD (10 mm polymer) + 4 BA (Sonion) hybrid.



This is a U-shaped balanced set that has a sub-bass predominance. Good mix of technicalities and musicality, quite an all-rounder IEM.

Likewise, will do further testing and A/B comparisons and report back.

 

[Jaytiss]

the only discovery ive made at axpona was how far kz has come along with their drivers. i would even prefer the trio over trifecta. the trio does everything better.

The CCA Trio slaps. I am fully enjoying it. It's not perfect, my unit has a massive channel imbalance but just nice tone. I'm very happy with this iem. I'll be reviewing it soonish.

 

[4ceratops]

The ChiFi landscape is changing. What once you had to pay $800 for you can get in 2024 for so much less with incredible sound.

Some seriously good bangers out there
$25 EPZ Q1 PRO
$75 ARTTI R1
$100 EA500LM NiceHCK F1PRO
$200 Pula PA02 / SLIIVO D41 & SL41
$250 DUNU Falcon Ultra, Oriveti OD200
$400 Meyer-Audio SLT6
$550 Alpha Omega RA
$ 700 Oriveti OH700VB , Plunge Audio Unity
So many more great choices .

Sounds like the DaVinci going to also slot in there at another good price point.

Great time to love music.
Meanwhile this has got all my attention and I can't get enough under $200.
Put this one on your radar.



Blowing my mind $190
MEYER-AUDIO SLIIVO SL41 1+4

Another flavourful of amazing tuning from One of the best tuners in China working with Meyer-Audio
Organic Viseral Bass
Zero Bass Blead into Mids
Incredibly clean and detailed mids
Just the right amount of energy In the Upper Mids
Perfect balance of fun and technical performance
Treble and extention that makes Instrumental and vocals simply ummmmmm!
One of the nicest included cables.

New recessed 2 pin Cable makes using your some bit not all your favorite cables a challenge.

Speaking of Artti, I wouldn't leave out the Artti T10. These planars can be purchased for under $60 and thanks to their excellent tuning, they can compete boldly with planars in the under €150 price range. Any planar from KZ beside them completely lose relevance, not only in sound, but also in the included accessories (quality balanced cable and hard case). If anyone can accept a well-tuned planar in a cheap (but light and sturdy) plastic shell, they've won
If I may recommend, they pair best with Spiraldots and Divinus Velvets (or other widebore tips).

 

[lgcubana]

The Thieaudio Hype 4 is a 2DD (10 mm polymer) + 4 BA (Sonion) hybrid.



This is a U-shaped balanced set that has a sub-bass predominance. Good mix of technicalities and musicality, quite an all-rounder IEM.

The Hype 4 popped up on my radar, after canceling my pre-order for the Moondrop Dusk. But seeing that LinSlooowwwwww wants at least 2 months lead time