The discovery thread!

[Sonic Sleuth]

Starting the weekend immersed in Nostalgia Audio Camelot, paired with their Lancelot cable.

While I'm usually more of a headphone enthusiast and rarely consider spending more than $1000 on IEMs (headphones just seem like a better value for my personal preferences!), the Camelot has truly won me over.

Has impactful and textured sub-bass with impressive extension and control.
Highly resolving midrange with accurate timbre and precise imaging, allowing for really good separation of vocals and instruments.
The treble is refined, airy and effortless with excellent detail retrieval, extending the soundstage without introducing sibilance or harshness.

While I also usually gravitate towards single DD IEMs for their inherent cohesiveness, Camelot manages to achieve a level of sonic unity that's rare to find in multi-driver setups, proving that a well-executed design can overcome the challenges of driver integration.

More thoughts on Camelot + Lancelot.

It may seem odd to talk about packaging, but it's a significant factor for many of us. While some prioritize the product alone, others appreciate a well-designed presentation. Personally, I value thoughtful packaging, but it's not a necessity.

However, Nostalgia Audio clearly believes in the importance of presentation. The packaging for their Camelot and Lancelot is undeniably impressive.

My only suggestion would be to use even sturdier materials to ensure it stays looking its best. This would help preserve the artwork and make the whole presentation feel even more special over time.

 

[SpaceOperaVillain]

Warm, midrange-centric tuning; must like mid-bass and lower midrange. With the Asos, CMA18 and Baroque tips, it’s capable of stretching well into sub bass territory as well. But for my tastes and preferences, the 2 DDs feel like they hit too soft, whereas the planar up top is crisp as expected so it’s not as coherent as I would like.

thanks, rowan. yeah coherency issues and a lack of subbass are two strikes out for me, especially considering the extra for VAT. cheers

Oh well, lesson learned. Only buy from reputable audio companies like KZ haha. NO Kz I have EVER heard sounds as bad as these 3 did.

I think TRN, KBear, & CCA/KZ are the sacred ChiFi budget circle. These three are consistent while batting at least average on new releases. Outside of that ... thar be sirens lurking among stinky dragons.

I have a friend who listen extremely loud. And then he complains there is no soundstage depth. I was like "yeah dude, how can there be contrast between near and far in you music when everything is equally deafening?".

preach.

 

[cagix]

Theres little complicated more situations between ea 1000 and timsok ts 316. On warm thicker source ea 1000 go for more air more highs but is uncontroled bright. Timsok is fuller safer less air more intimate better details on tech have uper hand. When you go for dc elite timsok still have safer sound only add openes more air more highs. On dc elite combined good from both ea 1000 and timsok ts 316.

 

[Redcarmoose]

 

[jotaerre]

There are some great deals on this IEM. Is it still worth it with such an overwhelming 2024 catalogue?

 

[o0genesis0o]

There are some great deals on this IEM. Is it still worth it with such an overwhelming 2024 catalogue?

I thought it has been rebuilt and retuned into DaVinci

It’s nice in its own way. Good bass. And it’s a Dunu product so you know you are in for a treat when unboxing.

I wrote about it moons ago. Might be helpful for your decision-making: https://www.head-fi.org/showcase/dunu-vulkan.25887/review/28905/

(I was a measurebator even back then )

 

[Redcarmoose]

There are some great deals on this IEM. Is it still worth it with such an overwhelming 2024 catalogue?

I love it, it may not have been the bombshell DUNU was hopping for with there product results excitement, still to me it is a favorite and worth seeking out! I think so? I still of course have mine, I have every IEM a manufacturer has ever sent me. So I do long term love affairs!

 

[Vonbuddy]

I love it, it may not have been the bombshell DUNU was hopping for with there product results excitement, still to me it is a favorite and worth seeking out! I think so? I still of course have mine, I have every IEM a manufacturer has ever sent me. So I do long term love affairs!

What was this model called? It looks familiar.

 

[Redcarmoose]

What was this model called? It looks familiar.

VULKAN

 

[Sonic Sleuth]

And it’s a Dunu product so you know you are in for a treat when unboxing.

The amount of tips Dunu provides for even a budget IEM is ridiculously good.

All these tips that came along with Titan S2.

 

[Redcarmoose]

The thing is I have heard only four DUNU IEMs but the VULKAN is unique. Why because it has real rock-and-roll bass. And it is a Hybrid (I love Hybrids) the SA 6 was all BAs, and the Zen I have is a DD......Kima is a DD too! I was sent a DUNU Planar but DUNU never told me they were sending me one, so I couldn’t even track it. Customs then returned it to DUNU.....haha. I never knew about it or saw the Phu cer!

But the VULKAN rocks, it is my favorite DUNU.

 

[Vonbuddy]

There are some great deals on this IEM. Is it still worth it with such an overwhelming 2024 catalogue?

Where do you see the deals?

 

[baskingshark]

EPZ Q5 Pro
its sold in EPZ official store in Aliexpress but my internet is a bit wonky right now, apparently $54

I bought an EPZ Q5 Pro on aliexpress at a discounted price.

It is a budget single DD, utilizing a carbon ceramic composite nano diaphragm.

Fits well, very light weight, and is easily driven. Unlike the OG Q5, this Pro version utilizes a 2-pin connector instead of MMCX.

The Q5 Pro furnishes a bright U-shaped tone, with good end-to-end extension. It is one for trebleheads, with good sparkle on display (slight sibilance though).

The sound is crisp with fast transients, good micro-details and tight imaging. Bass is clean, nimble and textured. Timbre is quite natural.

As shown on the graphs below, this Q5 Pro is a bit bassier than the OG Q5. Will do some more testing and report back, but from initial listening, the Q5 Pro is an analytical set for technical and treble junkies, but it doesn't come across as sterile due to some bass extension with decent note weight.

 

[Vonbuddy]

Another portal DAC/amp with tube options.

 

[PROblemdetected]

Salseo...