The discovery thread!
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Ineras
Headphoneus Supremus
Actually $79 right now on Tinhifi site unless you get the commemorative edition which includes the DSP cable. Even cheaper if I buy in CAD. Also
Does this mean they'll have a peq app?
Edit: nvm, I missed this
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I wanted to post my review of the Pilgrim here just to get your feedback. I have presented it on the Pilgrim thread.
I recently agreed to provide a review on the Elysian Acoustics Labs Pilgrim. I am not a frequent reviewer, but I will attempt to provide my thoughts:
This is Elysian Acoustics Labs effort to make their brand affordable to the vast majority of people. I want to share my own impressions of this iem and hope those impressions are clear.
What I liked: Highly detailed, with good instrument separation
Energetic, lively presentation
Solid build, with good accessories, including Spin Fit W1s.
Plays well with pop and some electronic music
Treble is extended and has air.
Bass had good rumble after finding the right tips
Cable was sturdy and didn't tangle.
What I didn't like: Comfort was not idea initially, with fatigue after 30 minutes.
The W1 tips are great, but not on this iem. I tried an assortment of tips, including Tang Sancai Wide Bores and Dunu Sweet Tips. After a couple of days, I found the tips that toned the treble, let the bass shine, and significantly improved my experience with this iem. Those tips were TENNMAK Ultra Strong Memory Foam Tips. This is my first experience with TENNMAK, and I am now a fan. All of this to say, the Pilgrim is tip dependent. Prior to my use of the memory foam tips, I experienced sibilance in the upper mids and the bass was subdued. It was a "night and day" experience.
Vocals are somewhat thin, and before using the memory foam tips there was a sense of "dryness". This is not a "laid back" approach.
I would have preferred a more layered approach to the sound, but I enjoyed the energy once the bass arrived and treble was tamed.
This is some of the music I listened to:
I enjoyed the sound the best on the more energetic tracks, especially Crystal Waters.
As this iem is tip dependent, it could also be considered source dependent. I used the following sources:
Earman Sparrow
Earman TR-AMP
Shanling UA4
Onix Alpha
Questyle M15
I had my best experience with the Shanling UA4. I think a warmer dac/amp is the best choice for the Pilgrim. I unfortunately don't have my Chord Mojo 2 with me but will eventually use that.
In summary, with the right source and the right tips the Pilgrim can shine. It is providing satisfaction when I am in the mood for an energetic sound with extension. The Pilgrim will find a place in my rotation of iems.
I want to thank the good folks at MusicTeck for the opportunity to provide this review.
I recently agreed to provide a review on the Elysian Acoustics Labs Pilgrim. I am not a frequent reviewer, but I will attempt to provide my thoughts:
This is Elysian Acoustics Labs effort to make their brand affordable to the vast majority of people. I want to share my own impressions of this iem and hope those impressions are clear.
What I liked: Highly detailed, with good instrument separation
Energetic, lively presentation
Solid build, with good accessories, including Spin Fit W1s.
Plays well with pop and some electronic music
Treble is extended and has air.
Bass had good rumble after finding the right tips
Cable was sturdy and didn't tangle.
What I didn't like: Comfort was not idea initially, with fatigue after 30 minutes.
The W1 tips are great, but not on this iem. I tried an assortment of tips, including Tang Sancai Wide Bores and Dunu Sweet Tips. After a couple of days, I found the tips that toned the treble, let the bass shine, and significantly improved my experience with this iem. Those tips were TENNMAK Ultra Strong Memory Foam Tips. This is my first experience with TENNMAK, and I am now a fan. All of this to say, the Pilgrim is tip dependent. Prior to my use of the memory foam tips, I experienced sibilance in the upper mids and the bass was subdued. It was a "night and day" experience.
Vocals are somewhat thin, and before using the memory foam tips there was a sense of "dryness". This is not a "laid back" approach.
I would have preferred a more layered approach to the sound, but I enjoyed the energy once the bass arrived and treble was tamed.
This is some of the music I listened to:
I enjoyed the sound the best on the more energetic tracks, especially Crystal Waters.
As this iem is tip dependent, it could also be considered source dependent. I used the following sources:
Earman Sparrow
Earman TR-AMP
Shanling UA4
Onix Alpha
Questyle M15
I had my best experience with the Shanling UA4. I think a warmer dac/amp is the best choice for the Pilgrim. I unfortunately don't have my Chord Mojo 2 with me but will eventually use that.
In summary, with the right source and the right tips the Pilgrim can shine. It is providing satisfaction when I am in the mood for an energetic sound with extension. The Pilgrim will find a place in my rotation of iems.
I want to thank the good folks at MusicTeck for the opportunity to provide this review.
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Singaravelan
Headphoneus Supremus
Had Volare and Mega5p, esp Volare, in mind. This Oracle MK3, hmmm need to look up reviews. Not many, if any, reviews out there. Seems to be in the same price ballpark.
The Pilgrim review was my first attempt at organizing all of my thoughts about an iem. I didn't want to go in any particular format, but just be me. TENNMAK's memory foam tips are the real deal and made the Pilgrim a good experience, after a couple of days of high frustration.
Zerstorer_GOhren
1000+ Head-Fier
Here are my newly published review articles. Read them if you have some time to spare.
AFUL EXPLORER
https://www.head-fi.org/showcase/aful-explorer.27201/reviews#review-34459
TANCHJIM 4U
https://www.head-fi.org/showcase/ta...er-in-ear-monitors.27230/reviews#review-34460
AFUL EXPLORER
https://www.head-fi.org/showcase/aful-explorer.27201/reviews#review-34459
TANCHJIM 4U
https://www.head-fi.org/showcase/ta...er-in-ear-monitors.27230/reviews#review-34460
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FastGecko5
500+ Head-Fier
- Joined
- Oct 4, 2013
- Posts
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Quick MT4 Pro impressions:
Just another budget harmanish IEM in a sea of budget harmanish IEMs. It's pretty similar to the Castor Silver but with more elevated bass. It also feels better built than the Castor. One thing it does having going for it is that the leading edge of notes have a lot of weight. This makes it a bit more thumpy and engaging than it's competition. But yeah otherwise it's pretty much the standard faire across the board. My advice is buy the Orca.
Just another budget harmanish IEM in a sea of budget harmanish IEMs. It's pretty similar to the Castor Silver but with more elevated bass. It also feels better built than the Castor. One thing it does having going for it is that the leading edge of notes have a lot of weight. This makes it a bit more thumpy and engaging than it's competition. But yeah otherwise it's pretty much the standard faire across the board. My advice is buy the Orca.
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I have included the music links in my review. The initial copy/paste didn't include the links. Thanks.
FreeWheelinAudioLuv2
Headphoneus Supremus
Where have I heard this story before?! LOL This is becoming the Moondrop harman tuned IEM from 4 years ago, where every single IEM was tuned just like a Moondrop, and now we've reached this point. What to call it?! VNB tuning? VoiceNBass? Yeah, that seems apropos.The Binary Acoustics Dyna Quattro is a 4 DD set.
For the measurement inclined, the 4 DDs measure 10mm, 8mm, 6.8mm and 6mm.
It comes with a modular cable and a hefty Pelican-like hard case. This IEM is one of the harder IEMs to drive, and it is recommended that amplification is on hand.
8 kHz is a coupler peak
Tonally, this set has a slightly thicker lower midrange than a traditional Harman scoop out.
The Dyna Quattro is sub-bass focused, with a good visceral rumble felt. Mid-bass has good texturing, though there is some bleed. This warms the lower mids and provides a thick note weight. An 8 dB ear gain confers forward vocals that are just at the edge. The treble is smooth with minimal sibilance.
Timbre is the star of the show on the Dyna Quattro, with acoustic instruments and vocals sounding very life-like and organic.
Technically, the Dyna Quattro has a wide soundstage, but isn't the most micro-detailed focused. Imaging and layering are good, and this set focuses more on musicality than an outright analytical signature.
Folks yearning for a sedate and relaxed soundscape will appreciate the tuning, and it will also be a good option for timbre freaks.
Will do some testing and report back.
Let's see if the 7hz FIVE does better for cheaper?
Kumonomukou
100+ Head-Fier
1. Cable believer: YES & NO
Slight difference probably due to conductivity or what not. Price of cables doesn't matter, cheap cables can have more positive impact than expensive ones.
2. Gear burn-in believer: YES, but often negligible. Same applies the a toaster, a bicycle, a hard drive, or just about anything merchanical. Gears age from "New to Used" on different rates/fashion. We might pickup differences in the process.
3. Brain burn-in believer: YES
4. BA timbre believer: YES
5. Chips have a recognizable signature believer: YES
6. Amp headroom believer: YES
Bonus questions:
Diminishing returns start to kick in at: $20~$50 (in 2024)
KZ weekly Pokemon release believer: OF COURSE. Love or hate this brand, KZ forced other brands to lower their prices.
Slight difference probably due to conductivity or what not. Price of cables doesn't matter, cheap cables can have more positive impact than expensive ones.
2. Gear burn-in believer: YES, but often negligible. Same applies the a toaster, a bicycle, a hard drive, or just about anything merchanical. Gears age from "New to Used" on different rates/fashion. We might pickup differences in the process.
3. Brain burn-in believer: YES
4. BA timbre believer: YES
5. Chips have a recognizable signature believer: YES
6. Amp headroom believer: YES
Bonus questions:
Diminishing returns start to kick in at: $20~$50 (in 2024)
KZ weekly Pokemon release believer: OF COURSE. Love or hate this brand, KZ forced other brands to lower their prices.
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nihalsharma
500+ Head-Fier
Comparing the Meze Alba and Simgot Supermix 4
Both these IEMs are priced at nearly 150USD. The driver configuration is quite different. Alba has a single dynamic driver, whereas the SM4 has 1 DD + 1 BA + 1 Planar + 1 PZT hybrid configuration. While a dynamic and a hybrid have very different flavors to offer, I am still throwing a comparison
.
SM4 has more sub-bass, while the mid-bass is nearly comparable with the Alba having just a better mid-bass body. The texture is better on the Alba. Simgot's sub-bass is quite pronounced, and the mid-bass misses a good texture. The bass on Supermix 4 is bit boomy, but not quite shadowing too many details. It is acceptable level of boomy.
In terms of mids, while I like both of them, I find Alba to have quite a nice midrange. Alba's mids are more neutral and not overly warm. Simgot has a warmer midrange, and the bass shelf has little role to play in the midrange. On the Alba, the mids are more forward and closer to ears. The stage is closer to the ears than the one more spread out on the SM4.
In the treble region, we have bit of extra energy in the lower treble on the SM4. The treble extends better on the Alba. The details are more crisp and precise on the Alba than on the SM4. Luckily, things are not dark on the SM4 so it brings out good treble details.
In terms of fit, I think both of them have a decent size and both fit well. The design and build are quite different. Alba, with its very tiny size, just disappears in the ears and is more comfortable to wear.
Which one do I prefer? I like both of them. The tuning on both are really nice and musical in a different way. For some, if they need extra kicks of bass and a warm signature, SM4 is preferable. If someone is looking for a neutral-warmish signature, not very warm/bright, Alba is a solid choice. I cannot deny the fact that Alba is a safer choice.
Both these IEMs are priced at nearly 150USD. The driver configuration is quite different. Alba has a single dynamic driver, whereas the SM4 has 1 DD + 1 BA + 1 Planar + 1 PZT hybrid configuration. While a dynamic and a hybrid have very different flavors to offer, I am still throwing a comparison
. SM4 has more sub-bass, while the mid-bass is nearly comparable with the Alba having just a better mid-bass body. The texture is better on the Alba. Simgot's sub-bass is quite pronounced, and the mid-bass misses a good texture. The bass on Supermix 4 is bit boomy, but not quite shadowing too many details. It is acceptable level of boomy.
In terms of mids, while I like both of them, I find Alba to have quite a nice midrange. Alba's mids are more neutral and not overly warm. Simgot has a warmer midrange, and the bass shelf has little role to play in the midrange. On the Alba, the mids are more forward and closer to ears. The stage is closer to the ears than the one more spread out on the SM4.
In the treble region, we have bit of extra energy in the lower treble on the SM4. The treble extends better on the Alba. The details are more crisp and precise on the Alba than on the SM4. Luckily, things are not dark on the SM4 so it brings out good treble details.
In terms of fit, I think both of them have a decent size and both fit well. The design and build are quite different. Alba, with its very tiny size, just disappears in the ears and is more comfortable to wear.
Which one do I prefer? I like both of them. The tuning on both are really nice and musical in a different way. For some, if they need extra kicks of bass and a warm signature, SM4 is preferable. If someone is looking for a neutral-warmish signature, not very warm/bright, Alba is a solid choice. I cannot deny the fact that Alba is a safer choice.
FreeWheelinAudioLuv2
Headphoneus Supremus
I believe what I believe, and NOBODY is going to sway me differently. Stubborn? Yeah, but most of you are similar if not the same. Everything is case by case, and gear by gear, and I process it that way.
Diminishing returns are very much alive, and I've bought and owned everything from FREE Delta Airlines buds to the JH Audio Roxanne, not to mention the Dita (Truth), Sennheiser IE800, and AKG N5005 (all kilobuck, and I care less if they aren't sold at that level nowadays. That's like saying the Penon Voltage isn't kilobuck, because eventually it will be sold for $800. That's a ridiculous & elitist notion), and my ears haven't picked up much difference between the Trio and the Sennheiser IE600, which was almost 20x more expensive for me, so I'll start with the CCA Trio at diminishing returns, so whatever and wherever that budget gem is currently priced at.
KZ Pokemon has produced the recent marvels the CCA Trio, ZS10 Pro 2, CCA Hydro, and KZ Libra HR. I have the KZ AS10 Pro landing today sometime, so we'll see where they fall in the budget pantheon? But yes, I believe in it, because KZ/CCA are producing some standouts, that apparently have caught the imagination of the WC crowd, so that's impressive all it's own.
THE END.
Ineras
Headphoneus Supremus
You got me listening on my Kbear Rosefinch last night, and once again I was blown away by the quality of the driver in there. I picked that up for under $12.
Yes it's a basshead set, but it's very easy to tone down bass with either the vent tape mod or using leaky eartips.
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InvisibleInk
Headphoneus Supremus
1. Cable believer: Can't hear it, so can't say
2. Gear burn-in believer: Yeah, sometimes
3. Brain burn-in believer: Yeah
4. BA timbre believer: Yeah, but it's not always bad
5. Chips have a recognizable signature believer: Yeah, Sonys are different sounding
6. Amp headroom believer: Yeah. I like having more gas in the tank than I think I'll need, too
2. Gear burn-in believer: Yeah, sometimes
3. Brain burn-in believer: Yeah
4. BA timbre believer: Yeah, but it's not always bad
5. Chips have a recognizable signature believer: Yeah, Sonys are different sounding
6. Amp headroom believer: Yeah. I like having more gas in the tank than I think I'll need, too
