I’ll definitely look into all of that and more. Hydro is a lot of fun. But I’m coming the realization I’m a dirty V shaped iem lover. My Explorer is only 130 miles away now!
The discovery thread!
- Thread starter Dsnuts
- Start date
-
- Tags
- aful blon bl03 db3 ibasso am05 isn d02 isn h40 jq audio jvc-ha-fx101 jvc-ha-fx40-b-earphone-kv6902 nx7 nx7 pro philips-she3580-28-in-ear-headphones philips-she9700 pioneer-dje-1500-k-professional-dj-in-ear-headphones sony-mh1-livesound-hi-fi-stereo-in-ear-headphones sphere thermaltake-in-ear-headset tri i3 vsonic-vc1000
FreeWheelinAudioLuv2
Headphoneus Supremus
The TRN ST7 continues to surprise me and wow me. This time, listening to Cecelie Strange's Byssan Lull. I've listened to this thing with the OD200, EA1000, and Trio, and for the first time, I noticed the singer's breathing pattern. I might have heard it with those others, but it was this time it actually jumped out at me while listening. The very distinct breathes in and out, and even the vibrato in the breathe. Simply stellar detail retrieval for something sold so cheaply. It's gonna make it hard for the four incoming IEMs I have to show out in a similar fashion. We'll see....??
Singaravelan
1000+ Head-Fier
Have no doubt about phonophi's fav of the 2 .. zs10 Pro2... absolute star for that price! Unless you are already biased (understandably so having spent emotional energy with TRN)... But I guess you will like both..
And hydro should hopefully outperform both - or will that make my purchase decision (p3 or hydro) tougher!
Last edited:
requal
100+ Head-Fier
Link to Castor Bass mod https://www.head-fi.org/threads/the-discovery-thread.586909/post-17739901
Castor Bass is much better than Harmanish version, after mod it's beast. Advices and experience taken from @DynamicEars are priceless. I'm using materials and applying his techniques to most iems I have.
About D-Fi vs Polaris, I can say only that both are very good.
D-Fi has an interesting timbre: a bit rounded, glassy, vibrant - acoustic. Tonally vocals are closer, but hide the edges a bit too much
Polaris (dduu is my favorite setting) sounds softer, vocals are more backwards and relaxed, timbre I can describe as "matte", but interestingly they also give the impression of a being more detailed.
saldsald
Headphoneus Supremus
- Joined
- Dec 9, 2016
- Posts
- 1,978
- Likes
- 5,361
They are still around.
Zerstorer_GOhren
500+ Head-Fier
Probably the cheapest phone with a good Hi-Fi DAC that I've bought for a bargain price, US$25. LG X4 2019 with ESS DAC pair with @HiByMusic Crystal 6 Mk.II, I also use this one on my Koss Porta KPH40.
Last edited:
activatorfly
1000+ Head-Fier
Fender Rhodes & acoustic guitar - Rhapsody's authentic timbre & orbital stage presentation = pure BLISS !!
Singaravelan
1000+ Head-Fier
The AFUL Explorer is a 1DD + 2BA hybrid, that was previously called the Performer 3 during pre-production.
Tech-wise, AFUL has installed some special resonating acoustic tube in this IEM, unlike a conventional acoustic tubing.
Sound-wise the Explorer can be described as neutral with a generous sub-bass boost. Quite a special tuning compared to the dime-a-dozen Harmanish stuff we see every week.
8 kHz is a coupler artefact peak.
It seems this bass tubing really works to confers big bass, so it is nice to see that AFUL is experimenting with exotic tech (case in point: the previous AFUL MagicOne has some special nautilus acoustic tube that uses air pressure to down-throttle frequencies and boost sub-bass, which is a weakness in single BAs like the MagicOne).
The Explorer is smooth in the upper mids and treble, but does not lack resolution. Sub-bass is big, with a fast and textured bass (it has even better bass quality than the more expensive AFUL Performer 5). Note edges are somewhat blunted to remove fatigue. Technicalities are at least above average to good, in terms of soundstage, imaging and micro-detailing, which is commendable considering this is not a steroid boosted treble type IEM that gives "fake clarity". Will need to do some A/B testing against other hybrids and report back regarding technicalities. From initial OOTB listening, perhaps maybe a nitpick would be some BA timbre for acoustic instruments.
The Explorer is small in profile, and fits well, with above average isolation. Also easily driven.
Overall, this is a promising hybrid. Definitely something different from the usual Harman suspects, but also incorporating some well-implemented novel tech.
Tech-wise, AFUL has installed some special resonating acoustic tube in this IEM, unlike a conventional acoustic tubing.
Sound-wise the Explorer can be described as neutral with a generous sub-bass boost. Quite a special tuning compared to the dime-a-dozen Harmanish stuff we see every week.
8 kHz is a coupler artefact peak.
It seems this bass tubing really works to confers big bass, so it is nice to see that AFUL is experimenting with exotic tech (case in point: the previous AFUL MagicOne has some special nautilus acoustic tube that uses air pressure to down-throttle frequencies and boost sub-bass, which is a weakness in single BAs like the MagicOne).
The Explorer is smooth in the upper mids and treble, but does not lack resolution. Sub-bass is big, with a fast and textured bass (it has even better bass quality than the more expensive AFUL Performer 5). Note edges are somewhat blunted to remove fatigue. Technicalities are at least above average to good, in terms of soundstage, imaging and micro-detailing, which is commendable considering this is not a steroid boosted treble type IEM that gives "fake clarity". Will need to do some A/B testing against other hybrids and report back regarding technicalities. From initial OOTB listening, perhaps maybe a nitpick would be some BA timbre for acoustic instruments.
The Explorer is small in profile, and fits well, with above average isolation. Also easily driven.
Overall, this is a promising hybrid. Definitely something different from the usual Harman suspects, but also incorporating some well-implemented novel tech.
Last edited:
o0genesis0o
Headphoneus Supremus
Ohh, so that's why its bass is so addicting. Look at the bass shelfThe AFUL Explorer is a 1DD + 2BA hybrid, that was previously called the Performer 3 during pre-production.
Tech-wise, AFUL has installed some special resonating acoustic tube in this IEM, unlike a conventional acoustic tubing.
Sound-wise the Explorer can be described as neutral with a generous sub-bass boost. Quite a special tuning compared to the dime-a-dozen Harmanish stuff we see every week.
It seems this bass tubing really works to confers big bass, so it is nice to see that AFUL is experimenting with exotic tech (case in point: the previous AFUL MagicOne has some special nautilus acoustic tube that uses air pressure to down-throttle frequencies and boost sub-bass, which is a weakness in single BAs like the MagicOne).
The Explorer is smooth in the upper mids and treble, but does not lack resolution. Sub-bass is big, with a fast and textured bass (it has even better bass quality than the more expensive AFUL Performer 5). Note edges are somewhat blunted to remove fatigue. Technicalities are at least above average to good, in terms of soundstage, imaging and micro-detailing, which is commendable considering this is not a steroid boosted treble type IEM that gives "fake clarity". Will need to do some A/B testing against other hybrids and report back regarding technicalities. From initial OOTB listening, perhaps maybe a nitpick would be some BA timbre for acoustic instruments.
The Explorer is small in profile, and fits well, with above average isolation. Also easily driven.
Overall, this is a promising hybrid. Definitely something different from the usual Harman suspects, but also incorporating some well-implemented novel tech.
This is the best bass and stage AFUL has ever achieved, IMHO. It's a shame that it's not more detailed and incisive. Perhaps with a finalised version of Cantor, we will have it all.I think our impressions are nearly 100% matching, except the BA timbre. I listened to Sibelius concerto today and some larger orchestral works but I can't hear that problem. Perhaps I just don't know BA timbre.
Btw, mate, you spoiled the graph for me.
Last edited:
r31ya
Headphoneus Supremus
hmm... KZ is looking for reviewer
the form
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdjbA9IXmxpftBNbxdSEW2g_9LFzPex-M8lwZsdeCVqYDqLsQ/viewform
the youtube channel + Facebook group to follow
https://www.youtube.com/@officerkz9245
https://www.facebook.com/groups/393894122913366/
the form
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdjbA9IXmxpftBNbxdSEW2g_9LFzPex-M8lwZsdeCVqYDqLsQ/viewform
the youtube channel + Facebook group to follow
https://www.youtube.com/@officerkz9245
https://www.facebook.com/groups/393894122913366/
Zerstorer_GOhren
500+ Head-Fier
Ohh, so that's why its bass is so addicting. Look at the bass shelf
I think our impressions are nearly 100% matching, except the BA timbre. I listened to Sibelius concerto today and some larger orchestral works but I can't hear that problem. Perhaps I just don't know BA timbre.
Btw, mate, you spoiled the graph for me.
You and @baskingshark really drives my excitement on this one.
o0genesis0o
Headphoneus Supremus
I’m listening to this album introduced by Darko. It sounds awesome with W4 and Explorer.
The bass is so satisfying.
I think this IEM either “scale” with more power or quite transparent to the source. I prefer it with W4 more than R3ii
Last edited:
Users who are viewing this thread
