The discovery thread!

[Steve_72]

Swiss cheese holes, gold flakes, blue 4.4mm rings? I almost want it just cuz of it’s unique look lol.

https://penonaudio.com/ISN-Audio-CSO2.html?sort=p.price&order=ASC

Cable hardware is certainly becoming more and more extravagant lately.

 

[Syan25]

Hmmm, now...that's...really...worrying...

Cheers!

Really? Well, I'm 52. I think she's always had class and style.

 

[o0genesis0o]

11.11? Cadenza 4 or AFUL Explorer?

For you? Likely Cadenza 4. Explorer is a bassy boi and you don’t like the new wave kf bassy IEMs from the east.

When I said this thread should be renamed the iem thread, I was wrong. It should be renamed the "Chi-fi Iem Discovery Thread".....

Well, let's see.

This thread is in "portable headphones, earphones and in-ears", so no Holo or dCS stack and no Hifiman Susvara.

Since there is not really many (any?) portable headphone that is worth discovering, and since flathead earphones already have their own thread, this thread has nothing else to discuss but IEMs.

Of course, we can discuss Western IEMs, but with the release ratio is like 1 western to 20 chifi IEMs, we naturally discuss Chifi / SEA-fi.

Personally, I find the current generation of IEM boutiques (think of Symphonium / Subtonic / Nightjar, AFUL, ThieAudio, Moondrop) very interesting as they emerge from the enthusiast scene and they combine their passion with new scientific-driven techniques to make state of the art IEMs at (sometimes) tolerable price. I guess they are good news for souless folks like myself and bad news for soulful listeners.

Here is a interesting one!


The $99 is worth the spend just to hear the XMEMS implementation.
Hopefully by the shipping date the software will be easier to use and be more polished.

It has huge potential, and I for one am very excited to see when future versions go. Thanks to Hiby for at least bringing this unit to market with such a good starting price point.

I thought XMEMS was just a way to find a new driver that was cheaper to make over a Balanced Armature.

I was wrong the is some serious acoustic benefits to the tech!

Is it finally done yet? I'm still waiting for the software and tuning to reach a stable state before writing the review.

There are indeed a lot of cool experimental technology implementation crammed in this $99 package. I just wish they go for $150 and give it a proper pseudo-CIEM shell to make the fit easier. I wonder when I have enough clout to commission them to make me one like that

The MEMS driver is indeed special. I'm surprised that a technology that aims to simplify manufacturing process to cut cost actually improves the sonic performance that much. This driver + DSP + better bluetooth protocol could be game changer, IMHO. Imagine AirPods something something in the future with something like "Lossless AAC" and MEMS+DD hybrid + all the DSP gizmos.


Edit: not to pull your legs, but are you sure Xeno uses xMEMS? xMEMS is a brand, MEMS is a type of driver. If I recall, HiBy uses Usound something, not xMEMS. (I have no idea how different they are besides they are different)

 

[mainguy]

Yeah, clearly the ALBA can't compete with some of chifi DD on the market.

But it's a nice alternative made on the western market, and the fit and build are superb for the price.

The fit is indeed an important point, the Alba are along with Xelento the best IEMs I've ever owned for sleep. It's almost like you're not wearing anything. So those who sleep with music or sounds, they are unparalleled for the price imo. Plus a solid, coherent clean sound, so I'd agree, it's a nice addition, and used it hits like 90ish which is a solid deal versus the old Kato DD meta.

 

[Hypops]

Yeah, clearly the ALBA can't compete with some of chifi DD on the market.

But it's a nice alternative made on the western market, and the fit and build are superb for the price.

…except that the Alba is not made in “the Western market.” Like most every other IEM, it’s made in China.

 

[ToneDeafMonk]

For you? Likely Cadenza 4. Explorer is a bassy boi and you don’t like the new wave kf bassy IEMs from the east.



Well, let's see.

This thread is in "portable headphones, earphones and in-ears", so no Holo or dCS stack and no Hifiman Susvara.

Since there is not really many (any?) portable headphone that is worth discovering, and since flathead earphones already have their own thread, this thread has nothing else to discuss but IEMs.

Of course, we can discuss Western IEMs, but with the release ratio is like 1 western to 20 chifi IEMs, we naturally discuss Chifi / SEA-fi.

Personally, I find the current generation of IEM boutiques (think of Symphonium / Subtonic / Nightjar, AFUL, ThieAudio, Moondrop) very interesting as they emerge from the enthusiast scene and they combine their passion with new scientific-driven techniques to make state of the art IEMs at (sometimes) tolerable price. I guess they are good news for souless folks like myself and bad news for soulful listeners.



Is it finally done yet? I'm still waiting for the software and tuning to reach a stable state before writing the review.

There are indeed a lot of cool experimental technology implementation crammed in this $99 package. I just wish they go for $150 and give it a proper pseudo-CIEM shell to make the fit easier. I wonder when I have enough clout to commission them to make me one like that

The MEMS driver is indeed special. I'm surprised that a technology that aims to simplify manufacturing process to cut cost actually improves the sonic performance that much. This driver + DSP + better bluetooth protocol could be game changer, IMHO. Imagine AirPods something something in the future with something like "Lossless AAC" and MEMS+DD hybrid + all the DSP gizmos.


Edit: not to pull your legs, but are you sure Xeno uses xMEMS? xMEMS is a brand, MEMS is a type of driver. If I recall, HiBy uses Usound something, not xMEMS. (I have no idea how different they are besides they are different)

They called it Cowell , I may have messed that one up but I saw XMEMS in the marketing somewhere.

I have ver 1.6 software and 1.1 on the Firmware.

I was asked to push this out ready, or not because the marketing has started with it. It is kinda sad but with Hiby they are stong on that end.

The Hiby Mobile version still not out either, so some things are going to hard to test.

Atleast we gave lots of feedback so hopefully when it ships ....

 

[darmanastartes]

The IO Audio Sogno is probably one of the best total packages you can get at the $400 price point. The technical performance is absolutely there, and the tuning, while not cutting edge, is profoundly competent, though the lower midrange is still more recessed than some recent examples of "new meta tuning" IEMs.

 

[Ozboyblu]

Apparently it doesn't matter what transport you use. It's all coming from the DCE, so you could use a $30.00 Alix dap, and the DCE is going to be the decider on what the sound is like? So basically, said $30.00 dap will sound like $3000 DX320 because it's the DCE that you are actually listening to, so pick any transport. It doesn't matter.

 

[Syan25]

The IO Audio Sogno is probably one of the best total packages you can get at the $400 price point. The technical performance is absolutely there, and the tuning, while not cutting edge, is profoundly competent, though the lower midrange is still more recessed than some recent examples of "new meta tuning" IEMs.

They are stunning to look at. The art work on these faceplates is just stunning.

 

[Syan25]

I also think the Cantor Starry Night is stunning too. And the Forte Ears Macbeth....wow! That's like a Porsche....

 

[DynamicEars]

For you? Likely Cadenza 4. Explorer is a bassy boi and you don’t like the new wave kf bassy IEMs from the east.



Well, let's see.

This thread is in "portable headphones, earphones and in-ears", so no Holo or dCS stack and no Hifiman Susvara.

Since there is not really many (any?) portable headphone that is worth discovering, and since flathead earphones already have their own thread, this thread has nothing else to discuss but IEMs.

Of course, we can discuss Western IEMs, but with the release ratio is like 1 western to 20 chifi IEMs, we naturally discuss Chifi / SEA-fi.

Personally, I find the current generation of IEM boutiques (think of Symphonium / Subtonic / Nightjar, AFUL, ThieAudio, Moondrop) very interesting as they emerge from the enthusiast scene and they combine their passion with new scientific-driven techniques to make state of the art IEMs at (sometimes) tolerable price. I guess they are good news for souless folks like myself and bad news for soulful listeners.



Is it finally done yet? I'm still waiting for the software and tuning to reach a stable state before writing the review.

There are indeed a lot of cool experimental technology implementation crammed in this $99 package. I just wish they go for $150 and give it a proper pseudo-CIEM shell to make the fit easier. I wonder when I have enough clout to commission them to make me one like that

The MEMS driver is indeed special. I'm surprised that a technology that aims to simplify manufacturing process to cut cost actually improves the sonic performance that much. This driver + DSP + better bluetooth protocol could be game changer, IMHO. Imagine AirPods something something in the future with something like "Lossless AAC" and MEMS+DD hybrid + all the DSP gizmos.


Edit: not to pull your legs, but are you sure Xeno uses xMEMS? xMEMS is a brand, MEMS is a type of driver. If I recall, HiBy uses Usound something, not xMEMS. (I have no idea how different they are besides they are different)

I told you It has been done by soundpeats
LDAC (or close to lossless 990kbps)
12mm DD + xMEMs hybrid (yes they are using xMEMs brand *edited : my bad its MEMs but has logo shaped like an X, not sure if that is the xMEMS logo)
great BT 5.3 protocol
all for $70ish

my 11.11 target definitely (if I can stand until november, that feels soooo long)

They called it Cowell , I may have messed that one up but I saw XMEMS in the marketing somewhere.

I have ver 1.6 software and 1.1 on the Firmware.

I was asked to push this out ready, or not because the marketing has started with it. It is kinda sad but with Hiby they are stong on that end.

The Hiby Mobile version still not out either, so some things are going to hard to test.

Atleast we gave lots of feedback so hopefully when it ships ....

This Sir


Is this the xMEMS logo?

 

[Syan25]

I told you It has been done by soundpeats
LDAC (or close to lossless 990kbps)
12mm DD + xMEMs hybrid (yes they are using xMEMs brand *edited : my bad its MEMs but has logo shaped like an X, not sure if that is the xMEMS logo)
great BT 5.3 protocol
all for $70ish

my 11.11 target definitely (if I can stand until november, that feels soooo long)



This Sir


Is this the xMEMS logo?

That poor guy looks like he's got whiplash...

 

[Ozboyblu]

Would the DC elite pair well with an iPhone 16 pro max? Or just better to use with my DX180?

I don’t have either device. So I chose to not comment. However I’ll provide my generic thoughts below on an adequate digital transport device.

Provided the device has good internals (CPU and software) , enough to run a media player (ie Streaming services or FLAC files etc) to send the data to a DAC. You would also have to make sure the device has enough power to drive the DC Elite on its own. Or you will need the use of the CB19 iBasso Cable and a power bank. Then you should be good to go. Those are my thoughts and opinions .

 

[Ozboyblu]

Love missing out on a classified purchase when I said I wanted the item but would be in church from 10:30 ish to 12:15ish central time. Kinda pissed right now. Congrats to whomever got the DC Elite.

That really does suck . Hopefully another option comes up soon for you.

 

[kaeswiss]

I think my earlier analogy was to "sour milk," but maybe the better analogy is to something like sour beer. The first time I tried a legit Belgian sour, I was horrified and disgusted. But for weeks afterward, I couldn't stop thinking about that flavor. I was hooked. Despite my brain telling me it was "wrong," my taste buds wanted more. Same deal with the SM4.

I see a lot of abbreviations and acronyms used here for gear so I don't always remember what they stand for.

TIL... SM4 = Sour Milk 4

Well balls, guess the C9 doesn’t like 3.5mm adapter on Twilight’s cable, and don’t have another cable to use since Twilight’s 2pin is kinda shape specific.

All of my recessed 2pin cables fit the recessed 2pin socket of the Twilight. It's a pretty snug fit though so it'll take some finessed gorilla grip when removing the cables.

Basically in less than 6 weeks in, I have spent just under $1000 on IEMs, and gone from zero to what is in my signature. I guess it’s better to have a variety to choose from, instead of just a single $1000 unit. That’s what I am going to tell my self.

Edit-just hit the 100+ Head-Fier !!!!

Congrats! I'm pretty sure your post count was in the single digits when you first hit me up about my classified listing lol.

I think it's good to have a variety of IEMs with different sound signatures so you can learn what you like or dislike. I also think it's great that you're mindful of how much you've spent so far. Some of us end up spending a bunch on sidegrades and could've saved to get a worthwhile upgrade instead. FOMO is real in here.

Small Mail call - decided to try out the Angelears Avalon cable to go with the Miroak-II. It's not bad. Could be better of a match but it'll do. Figured I needed an aftermarket MMCX cable anyways.

The thing underneath is a 'desk case' that clips together. I just didn't do that part yet. But it's .. definitely a thing? I dunno, maybe I'll like it a lot later.

I have one of these leather "valet" trays. It just sits on my dresser and I use it to hold my EDC stuff like wallet, keys, sunglasses, watch, etc.

Any timbre heads have hybrids that are just as coherent as single drivers? I may have asked this already, just curious, I have little experience with hybrids.

The Dita Project M. It's 1DD+1BA and the drivers are sealed in a steel chamber with just one tube going to the nozzle. The DD is also used full range so that probably helps with coherency.