The discovery thread!

[DynamicEars]

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Since my team has just done an end-of-year review today, I guess it's nearly the time to do end-of-year in audio as well. What's everyone "top options" so far, regardless of release year? Maybe your list would help someone buy their Christmas and new year presents. Mine is below, with some random categorisation:

Super budget friendly: CCA Trio.

• Kinda-splurgy-but-still-accessible: AFUL Performer7 / PULA ANVIL114 / NiceHck NX8. Pick your poison as they are same same, but different. Honourable mention: Simgot Supermix4, for folks who like Harman target.
• Pretty-expensive / kilobuck class: AFUL Cantor. I mean, you should have seen this coming from miles away.
• High-end IEM: Lime Ear Terra. I didn't know this brand, I didn't read about this IEM, until I received the tour sample. It quickly rose to the top of my list. One of the few kilobuck that I consider buying for myself. Think of a "sweet" and "musical" Cantor and you have Terra.
• How-much-was-that-are-you-NUT-? class IEMs: Elysian Annihilator 2023. These are designed and tuned to impress.
• Old-but-gold: Sony IER-Z1R and 64 Audio U12T.
• Small DAPs: HiBy R3II. This one is not fair since that's the only small DAP I actually use.
• Medium DAPs: HiBy R6 Pro 2 (short battery for better sound quality) and Shanling M6 Ultra (hot like an oven, cozy sound)
• Big-ass DAPs: HiBy R8II. Man, that soundstage. I'm still not 100% convinced that there is no DSP shenanigans behind the scene, due to how open and spacious the stage feels.
• How-much-was-that-are-you-NUT-? class DAPs: L&P P6 Pro. Man, hard to believe that a warm and "musical" DAP can sound that detailed against edgy and bright delta sigma DAPs.
• $$$$$$ Dongle: L&P W4. Pretty to look at. Top notch sound quality. Low battery drain. It's not flashy, but it gets the job done.
• $ Dongle: AFUL Snowy Night. This darn thing dragged me back to the dongle game when I have already left.
• Desktop setup: HiBy FD5. This is not fair, since it's the only thing I have left that is fully functional. I'm not a desktop headphone guy, so you might seek input somewhere else if you want to drive your Susvara. FD5 is great for IEMs though.

• Super budget friendly: CCA Trio. same!
• Kinda-splurgy-but-still-accessible: Cadenza 4, NX7mkIII modded
• Pretty-expensive / kilobuck class: TSMR Shock of course!
• High-end IEM: UM Mest OG
• How-much-was-that-are-you-NUT-? class IEMs: Elysian Annihilator 2023 or Storm. same! again!
• Old-but-gold: Sony IER-Z1R. same! again and again!
• Small DAPs: JM21 maybe
• Medium DAPs: WM1Zm2
• Big-ass DAPs: Fiio M17
• How-much-was-that-are-you-NUT-? class DAPs: A&K SP3000
• $$$$$$ Dongle: ibasso DC Elite for sure!
• $ Dongle: not sure, I don't have any preferable cheapo dongle
• Desktop setup: ibasso D16 taipan stack with PB5 Osprey!

This is my level of satisfaction in my audio journey at this moment...



The musical magic from my IEMs and gear are through the roof, and I'm stunned by how good these IEMs have been one after the other.



The Letshuoer Cadenza 4 have reached out and grabbed me by the balls and have not let go! I was listening to this album, and when I got to this track, the sheer level of imaging, spatial cues, and instrument separation are simply stellar, and better than the Pula Anvil 114, AFUL P7, ISN EBC80, and the DUNU BD (though not overall. Just in imaging and instrument separation). The treble is very reminiscent of the Anvil or the Explorer, but with a richness that exceeds both.

Dayum! Better imaging and separation than the ISN and Dunu cyberpunk? That's very high praise. Maybe I should visit my local hifi store and see if they have a sample of this one.

Now you know why I like the Cadenza4 better than Pilgrim, I didn't kidding. But better imaging than EBC80 with Sonion BCD? I think pap having too sweet honeymoon?

 

[o0genesis0o]

• Super budget friendly: CCA Trio. same!
• Kinda-splurgy-but-still-accessible: Cadenza 4, NX7mkIII modded
• Pretty-expensive / kilobuck class: TSMR Shock of course!
• High-end IEM: UM Mest OG
• How-much-was-that-are-you-NUT-? class IEMs: Elysian Annihilator 2023 or Storm. same! again!
• Old-but-gold: Sony IER-Z1R. same! again and again!
• Small DAPs: JM21 maybe
• Medium DAPs: WM1Zm2
• Big-ass DAPs: Fiio M17
• How-much-was-that-are-you-NUT-? class DAPs: A&K SP3000
• $$$$$$ Dongle: ibasso DC Elite for sure!
• $ Dongle: not sure, I don't have any preferable cheapo dongle
• Desktop setup: ibasso D16 taipan stack with PB5 Osprey!

What's the mod for NX7?

Personally, I always found that M17 is up there with SP3000, even better if you use something tough to drive like those Symphonium IEMs.

Now you know why I like the Cadenza4 better than Pilgrim, I didn't kidding. But better imaging than EBC80 with Sonion BCD? I think pap having too sweet honeymoon?

He was talking about imaging precision and separation, I think. Those are not necessarily the strengths of BCD, IMHO. It's like, either you choose the laser focused imaging of good BA sets, or you choose the echoey, uncanny (in an interesting way) BCD soundstage. At least that's my experience so far.

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Hidizs ST2. I literally have no other IEM that graph like this one in my entire database. And yes, it sounds just like how it graphs against the Harman IE09 target. This V-shaped tonality does give its soundstage an interesting structure. Despite having only 1 DD, the technical performance this IEM can show off is quite impressive. Other than that, the tonality is more normal than the graph suggest. You wouldn't hear that huge bass and lower midrange. Instead, you head a tight, punchy bass and more recessed vocals that is not shouty. There is slight 8kHz edge with some recordings, but that's not a frequent problem for my library.

The selling point of this ST2 is the included USB DAC cable. There is almost zero difference between USB DAC cable and my EA Cadmus II cable, except at most 1dB around 8kHz region, which is likely due to fitment. In other words, you get a nice transparent USB DAC cable rather than one with baked in EQ like the one that comes with Simgot EW300 DSP.

Moreover, the built in DAC outputs quite a bit of power. When I try to measure this IEM using my FD5 desktop DAC, I needed to push the volume from 44 (Performer7) all the way to 55. Maybe the high voltage of the DAC cable is one of the "secret sauce" behind the snappy dynamic and surprisingly large soundstage (with the right track only, due to the unusual tuning) of this IEM. Noted that like most USB DAC cable, this one is stupidly loud. On MacOS, I can only tolerate up to 3 volume level before the loudness feels unsafe. Moreover, be very careful on some Linux distribution. On my Arch/Hyprland setup, there was a software bug in REW that pushes the loudness all the way to 120dB.

I'll write up more, possibly tomorrow. But the gist is if you like mid-bass punch and don't like too much sub-bass rumble, or you just want the USB cable, have a look at this IEM. Synthwave, lo-fi beat, that sorts of music sounds great with this IEM.

 

[Vonbuddy]

This is my level of satisfaction in my audio journey at this moment...



The musical magic from my IEMs and gear are through the roof, and I'm stunned by how good these IEMs have been one after the other.



The Letshuoer Cadenza 4 have reached out and grabbed me by the balls and have not let go! I was listening to this album, and when I got to this track, the sheer level of imaging, spatial cues, and instrument separation are simply stellar, and better than the Pula Anvil 114, AFUL P7, ISN EBC80, and the DUNU BD (though not overall. Just in imaging and instrument separation). The treble is very reminiscent of the Anvil or the Explorer, but with a richness that exceeds both.

I told you the Cadenza 4 was my under the radar iem. Well, next to the EPZ 530. Two highly competent iems.

 

[atechreviews]

Those lucky ones among you that have the Muse M5 Ultra, what's the battery life like when used via BT LDAC?

I get over 8 hours on balanced 4.4mm with high gain, using it in transistor mode about 80% of the time and tube mode the other 20%. I’m guessing the battery life would be shorter if I used tube mode more, but that’s just my assumption.

BTR17 is out of running due to reported wobbly knob.

It’s a slight wobble if I intentionally move the knob up and down from the side or twist it a certain way. There’s no wobble at all when scrolling or pressing to select options, which is probably why I didn’t notice it before. But that’s just my unit. Hopefully, @Ineras and others can share their experiences too.

 

[Pezzab]

I'm not familiar with the website so i can't tell you if it's real but if the website is legit then you should get the real thing.
I never heard about fake hifiman, usually the chinese like to fake non Chinese brands like sennheiser and shure.
I purchased mine a year ago for $225 from AliExpress.
Thank god the hifiman re2000 wasn't popular enough, otherwise the price wouldn't drop down and i wouldn't have been able to experience those amazing iems.
Many old thing are still gold to this day.

They seem to have a reputation for being cheaply made, which is surprising for (what used to be) a big money iem.
How do you find the build quality on these?

 

[gadgetgod]

I get over 8 hours on balanced 4.4mm with high gain, using it in transistor mode about 80% of the time and tube mode the other 20%. I’m guessing the battery life would be shorter if I used tube mode more, but that’s just my assumption.

It’s a slight wobble if I intentionally move the knob up and down from the side or twist it a certain way. There’s no wobble at all when scrolling or pressing to select options, which is probably why I didn’t notice it before. But that’s just my unit. Hopefully, @Ineras and others can share their experiences too.

mine also has this little wobble, never noticed before.

 

[mrsergey]

They seem to have a reputation for being cheaply made, which is surprising for (what used to be) a big money iem.
How do you find the build quality on these?

The best thing about them is the sound and they also very comfortable for me.
Unfortunately, I can't say the same about the build quality, the cable and the accessories.
They indeed don't feel premium and also don't look so good but their sound makes up for it.
They feel very plastic, and the cable is thin and broke after few months (i posted photo without the original cable).
I got with them very few eartips and ugly metal case.
One more important thing i want to say about them, the sound significantly become better if you using balanced cable instead of single ended, so i would suggest to buy cable for them anyway (they come only with 3.5 cable).
Also, the box is very big because it's including a book with hifiman history on it.
Instead of the book, they should've give more eartips, better cable and make the box smaller.
I hope i answered your question.

 

[DynamicEars]

Late to the party

Wow. These things don't shake the shell at all unless you crank them up to distortion level. Very interested in knowing how Sonion actually measured the graph without amplification by the shell.

Oh quoted this bazillion pages back

The Sonion BCD unit doesn't rumble or vibrate, they just firing the sonic through your bone, so you will need an opening on your shell for the the BCD opening to be placed on your concha.

What's the mod for NX7?

Personally, I always found that M17 is up there with SP3000, even better if you use something tough to drive like those Symphonium IEMs.

The NX7 mod?

Remember this?



Yeah the M17 is about power while SP3000 is about refinement.

He was talking about imaging precision and separation, I think. Those are not necessarily the strengths of BCD, IMHO. It's like, either you choose the laser focused imaging of good BA sets, or you choose the echoey, uncanny (in an interesting way) BCD soundstage. At least that's my experience so far.

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Ah I see, so talking about the precision of the imaging only not how 3D or spatial.

Yeah the Cadenza4 is a complete package for midfi. They do everything well with quality bass, great tuning, great technicalities and non shouty mids, and have treble extension. Very underrated IEMs shadowed with Pilgrim back then.

 

[SbassX]

• Super budget friendly: CCA Trio. same!
• Kinda-splurgy-but-still-accessible: Cadenza 4, NX7mkIII modded
• Pretty-expensive / kilobuck class: TSMR Shock of course!
• High-end IEM: UM Mest OG
• How-much-was-that-are-you-NUT-? class IEMs: Elysian Annihilator 2023 or Storm. same! again!
• Old-but-gold: Sony IER-Z1R. same! again and again!
• Small DAPs: JM21 maybe
• Medium DAPs: WM1Zm2
• Big-ass DAPs: Fiio M17
• How-much-was-that-are-you-NUT-? class DAPs: A&K SP3000
• $$$$$$ Dongle: ibasso DC Elite for sure!
• $ Dongle: not sure, I don't have any preferable cheapo dongle
• Desktop setup: ibasso D16 taipan stack with PB5 Osprey!

Now you know why I like the Cadenza4 better than Pilgrim, I didn't kidding. But better imaging than EBC80 with Sonion BCD? I think pap having too sweet honeymoon?

Mann, the Z1R has certainly cemented its place as an all time great. I dont seem to have heard anything bad about these at all...maybe just some fit issues i guess?

 

[nikbr]

Aure was a kind of unreachable unicorn for me. Last year spring when it was new I did not reach that level of IEMs (mean: I did not know my preference enough to buy a 400USD IEM) and later it was OoP. I missed one in Classifieds, so a chance is lost.

Thanks to @nikbr , I had the chance to listen to it on Friday evening.

And let me tell you this IEM is not for me. If I had to conclude my opinion: it felt thin. Mid and treble was OK but not exceptional; it just lacked bass (quality and quantity as well).
Sure we have different taste; also my (aural) memory is not that good like most of yours.
The try I call succesful: I already have too many IEMs and I can cross one out ! My wallet approves.

I did not forget to write about Nik's other IEMs but my days are dense: I just got back from Slovenia yesterday very late; I had a lot to do today (and tomorrow is not different).

Thanks for your thoughts! No pressure on sharing your thoughts on the rest, most of them were not to your taste anyway!

The biggest thing I learned from our meetup, besides how awesome the Monarch mk3 and Volare are, was that your taste is certainly much more specific in that you know what you're after and do not stray too far from it. My collection is as eclectic as it gets --- everything from bass-heavy and bloomy to treble-heavy and highly fatiguing at volume.

I guess THIEAUDIO is trying to keep on pushing the limits of how big an IEM casing they can possibly make? They just look humongous

From my experience, they only look that way. Their actual ergonomics are top-notch.

That's awesome! This hobby really is so much better when you can share gear and impressions in person with like-minded and passionate people.

True! Especially since Headfiers are few and far between, especially in our part of the world.

That trip is going to be epic though! I’d rather the trip if I were you. I’d take the experience and memories any day, but that’s just me.

You're correct. We often forget to cherish the memories over what can be bought.

Love how it goes from Ado over to Rammstein, my list would be similar with wide range of genres/artist

Haha I'm all over the place too ... it's a nightmare trying to choose what to listen to.

I get over 8 hours on balanced 4.4mm with high gain, using it in transistor mode about 80% of the time and tube mode the other 20%. I’m guessing the battery life would be shorter if I used tube mode more, but that’s just my assumption.

Thanks! That's very solid.

It’s a slight wobble if I intentionally move the knob up and down from the side or twist it a certain way. There’s no wobble at all when scrolling or pressing to select options, which is probably why I didn’t notice it before. But that’s just my unit. Hopefully, @Ineras and others can share their experiences too.

I don't know why they make the knobs multifunctional ... it never works out well. It should be either a knob to press or a wheel to turn, not both. I'm way too annoyed by such details. Also why I hate most new cars' interiors with a passion.

 

[Ozboyblu]

Mail Call

Top Left - OKCSC Adjustable Resistance Audio Cable 4.4mm Male to 4.4mm Female Conversion Earphone Adapter Line
https://a.aliexpress.com/_mrURrFl

Top Right - Yongse 1947 Crystal Copper Silver Plated Cable
https://a.aliexpress.com/_mtZoRon

Middle Left - XINHS G88 4-core 7N high-purity OCC dark brown double-layer shielded earphone fever grade IEM connection cable
https://a.aliexpress.com/_mMpIv2x

Bottom Left - XINHS S06 8-strand high-purity silver plated palladium earphone upgrade cable
https://a.aliexpress.com/_m0KvgXp

Bottom Right - XINHS K12 2 strands of high purity silver palladium-plated headphone upgrade cable
https://a.aliexpress.com/_mrpoEXh

@-rowan- This is one beautiful cable. When you see it up close. Nice work getting XINHS to make this one. Can’t wait to try all these out soon.

Ok off topic. But who can resist some Blocks - Especially an Air Fryer Burning Station - for my Upcoming Drain Brance .

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I took a little bit of a break from the daily routine of opening up the discovery thread and shifting through the 10+ pages that were added overnight so I probably missed about 50-75 pages of context… Jeez.

I’m not sure exactly what happened, brother, but I am one of the people on here who value your input, impressions, humor and AI generated content, those whacky photos are something I really enjoy . Everything you do does nothing but add a positive impact to this thread. You and a few others are really a big reason why I keep coming back here. The space is fine, discovering new things In this hobby can be fun, but it’s the people, like you (and @o0genesis0o @Leonarfd @nikbr @baskingshark @Ineras @atechreviews and so many many many many many many im
Not mentioning) that make this space an amazing little corner of the internet.

Even though I don’t know what happened exactly, and I’m a bit confused by it, I’m happy to see you’ve decided to let it roll off your back and return.
Cheers

Thank you

It’s a fantastic IEM! I’ve had a great time with it. It’s definitely a keeper, there’s no doubt about that.

Edit; typos and proofreading

Thanks Mate! looking forward to your Upcoming Reviews.

Not yet, just been letting the EBC80 burn for now while I've been enjoying the Punch with Xinhs C01 cable.

I Cantor believe it.

I can't wait for you to try BrainDance.

And, yes. So fresh and so clean.

Clean.

I can’t wait either. It’s at the Local Airport !!!

Sure hope mine sound like.

Thanks! I do still think that DC Elite is for a big majority of IEMs though. And DCE isn’t going to push that amount of sub bass through unless the music actually calls for it, so there’s a good chance some folks may never even hear it like I did on the Cantor.

And yeah it’s a good argument for having a range of sources

Mostly I’m just impressed by what the Cantor can do, the bass it’s capable of, how much more versatile and balanced it is than I’d expected, and the layering, separation and detail it can resolve at its price point.

Need to get this Brain Dance off my brain though…

Had a Brain Tickle yet?

This track on the EBC80 is some sort of magical. Those twinklies and sparklies... they should rename this set the EBC80 Brain Tickle.

I absolutely love this track. I downloaded the album today. Boy oh Boy EBC80 eats this song for breakfast.

3001: A Bass Odyssey
(Well, with an impedance adapter or toobz!)​

What a match with the PENON Orange liquors. Do these tips make 3001 sing?

I am stopping buying audio things now (sure I bought a used Hisenior Mega5EST yesterday as a closing act ).

Wow… MEGA FEST! Looking forward to your impressions with this one.

Ok I’m revising my take on the Cantor + DCE combination.

Took one more listen before returning the Cantor. Tried it with the DCE again, this time hooked up to a powerbank - and it made ALL the difference to the bass.

Thank Goodness I have a iBasso CB19 - Y Cable and a good powerbank. Cause It’s Shipped!

PS - I’m still behind on the thread.

 

[jbfps116]

trying out some of the song suggestions here on the Wan'er SE then the Shine... wasn't cutting it. Put in the ZS12 Pro X and BAM, top-notch sound quality is BACK! I'm not sure I miss the Trios any more when I hear the ZS12. [Vaders may be on the way... stalled tracking!!] The bass punch [all bass switches on] is easily fun enough for me, and the rest of the FR is just done so well that things sound pretty natural. People be talking about the sonata or AS24 Pro or PRX being the best KZ... I'm here to remind you all that the ZS12 really is a home run too.

 

[bithalver]

3001: A Bass Odyssey​

Nearly missed the Arthur C. Clarke reference: good one !

 

[Thieme]

Apparently IvipQ has faux leather cases as well now?
Anyways this might be a waste of money but we will see. Managed to get them cheap.
Edit: Yeah first listen isn't exactly positive. I'll see if I can measure it later and give it some more burn in. At least I think I realize what is BA timbre now???
Or it is just overly bright

 

[Thieme]

Well the IvipQ Peacock seems to sound bad for a reason. The left earpiece isn't working well. Wrote IvipQ on Aliexpress. I really hope it can be resolved