The discovery thread!

[perrew]

Anyone compare the BL03 to the SP01 ?

 

[FreeWheelinAudioLuv2]

Anyone compare the BL03 to the SP01 ?

There isn't one. Owned (own) both, and one is bassy, average technicalities, average treble energy and air, and natural bit not the most incisive midrange, and good stage and spatial cues (BL03), while the SP01 is adjustable bass (thanks to the filters), has a very incisive midrange, with above average technicalities, dimensional stage, and crisp and airy treble that also can be adjusted for taste (filters), so more incisive, less bassy (bleed), more technical, bigger stage, and crisper treble, that's more versatile due to the filters. Oh and let's not even get into fitment. No contest. The SP01 fits better and is more comfy. Now the tonality is more natural and warm with the BL03. but that's the end of it's supremacy.

I'm not trying be a contrarian. Really. But it's time for me to pour some cool water on another hot set. Two weeks ago, it was the AFUL Performer 5+2. Now it's the Softears Volume S, which were loaned magnanimously to me by @thaslaya (THANK YOU, dude!).

The Volume S is a solid set. But the words that keep echoing around my brain this afternoon as I sample them with a variety of music are "average" and "standard." There's nothing that special about the Volume S, but there's also nothing objectionable at all. It's agreeable and smooth but not magic. All impressions are with Divinus Velvet tips.

First, let's start with the bass.

Many reviews I read of this set praised the mid-bass focus of its tuning. Sorry, I'm not hearing it. The bass seems pretty linear to me. It doesn't have a distinct sub-bass focus like the Hype 2 that I'm still savoring, but it also lacks the mid-bass punch and pop of the AFUL Explorer, for example. Again, the bass is average. It's not pillowy, but it's also not distinct, with no real special texture or detail. The bass is like a kid raising its hand at attendance and saying "present" but not speaking up the rest of the class.

The mids are fine. No annoying peaks or vocal shout, which is nice. But there's also not the same bite to electric guitars that you get with the Hype 2. Nowhere close.

Treble, again, is ordinary. Average extension, average detail. The treble doesn't provide as much detail and insight as the Hype 2, and it's also not "peek-a-boo" like the Explorer's treble (love that description from @FreeWheelinAudioLuv2!). I also think the treble timbre is a bit blunted compared to the walking-the-tightrope, edgy timbre of the Hype 2's treble that I love.

The Hype 2 has a BIG edge in imaging, too. It places instruments wider, yet more pinpoint, in the stage.

It's easy to compare the Hype 2 to the Volume S because both are two DD, two BA models that originally retail for between $300-325. The Volume S might -- and I'm not sure yet -- be the better all-arounder due to its smooth, inoffensive signature and solid detail. But I'm enjoy the Hype 2 FAR more for classic rock and hard rock, two major genres for me. Add in the $150 price now for the Hype 2 at Amazon, and it's no contest -- the Hype 2 wins for me.

When I switch between the Hype 2 and Volume S, I prefer the Hype 2 -- hands down. It's the one I want in my ears for more listening time. I'll do some more tip rolling with the Volume S and see where I land.

One positive for the Volume S compared to the Hype 2: The fit is MUCH better for me with the Volume S. One of the most comfortable IEMs I've tried, with Divinus Velvet tips. Meanwhile, a model released in 2023 that I barely paid attention to when it arrived on the market is blowing me away and making my money clip very happy. Who knew?

It's so funny: The P5+2 and Volume S were my most-anticipated sets to try in this young year, as I thought the AFUL brand pedigree and mid-bass focus of the Volume S tuning would jive well with me for both sets.

Nope. I wouldn't buy the P5+2 at $219 or the Volume S at $325. Not a chance. The P5+2's tuning was exciting and good, but its treble hit me at just the wrong spots. The Volume S is pretty ordinary, and my money clip doesn't shed $325 for ordinary. Ever.

More impressions to come ...

As you might have noticed, the Volume S has slowly slid down my ranking list recently. While I still remain reserved about movements, I notice that the Volume S plays nicer with my solid state sources, and doesn't sound as good with my TOOBS, and lately, between the Nunchaku, N3U, and B4-X, much of my listening has been on tube sources, so sonic synergy with the harmonics and resonances of TOOBS is important to me, and well, the Volume S loses some incisiveness with tubes, and it doesn't sound as clean and emphatic as it does on solid state (it sings on the JM21!!!), so since I have better source all arounders, it slides. I get more joy out of the KBear KB02! lol

 

[gadgetgod]

Spending this week with my collection of All-BA IEMs. Will come up with a video soon comparing these beauties.

Letshuoer Mystic8:-
How beautiful can female vocals sound with crisp, neutral tone? As beautiful as the Mystic 8 can bring. Absolutely phenomenal when it comes to female vocals. Bass is a little lean, but very refined and defined. Oh not to mention the beautiful titanium shells.

7th Acoustics Supernova:-
If Mystic8 is the queen of IEMs for female vocals under $1000, I have to call Supernova the king of male vocals. Fuller, rich, musical, is how I would define this beautiful set. Not to mention my unit has this really beautiful White Pearl color face covers.

Ice Labs Prismatica:-
An IEM I loved during my first listen last year in Singapore. Ended up buying it later last year itself. Again a fuller sounding set with a warm profile. Bass so good that it feels like we have a dd hidden somewhere lol.

AFUL Cantor:-
AFUL's flagship has a different charm of its own, high-resolution clarity, a neutral tone, and great micro dynamics.

What All-BA IEMs do I have in my collection hmmmm, I have to go and check hehe.

 

[Rambone]

Good question. I can't say its a set anyone is gonna actually need especially for folks that own multiple sets that check off all the boxes. I mean do we ever need moar IEMS? Its not going to disrupt the market or anything like that. But for the money its a set that makes you realize you don't need to spend $200 or $300 or $400 and up to get a good solid sounding IEM that is truly enjoyable.

Its definitely not for neutral heads or meta tuned IEMs. But for the folks that like some beefy bass but want technicalities with balance to matter for your sound. Its one of the best examples of a cheaper IEM outdoing the competition especially at its price range. I suppose you got to be into your V shaped tunings to like them as much as I do but in the sea of harmon tuned stuff. These are a breathe of fresh air. Something new for ISN is the nicely resolving dynamic driver they are using on this set. First time I seen them use a larger 13mm dynamic handling most of the sound.

This set also makes one realize you don't need 12 drivers per side for a full rangy dynamic sound quality. I have reviewed 12 BA driver set ups that don't have the dynamic sound of the H20. Its not the be all at its price but I will go as far as to say. I personally have reviewed sets over twice the price that I prefer these over easily. It will only be a matter of time when the collective gets their own H20. I am just giving an early insight into what we are dealing with on these. It is very clear to me ISN took their time on this one.

I did some amping on them last night using my E12a amp. I was telling myself there is no way these things cost $69. Lol. No possible way.

I don't think any of us probably need more IEMs come to think about it (lol, oh that sweet sweet ear candy addiction) but there is something very tempting and exciting about pulling the trigger on a product that might be considered a market distruptor or so legendary that it will leave people talking about it and possibly worshipping it for months and months to come (maybe the whole year). I think if there is a brand that has the chance to at least generate conversation and excitement, it seems ISN has a pretty good probability to do so, especially with how this group has responded to the H60 and other sets from the brand rather favorably.

I will admit, I am itching for something to get me to hit the unpause button on my wallet and you never know with a ISN release. As a bit of context, I have sealed off my wallet ever since getting the S12 2024 last September as it has absolutley dominated my ear time and made me have a come to jesus with what I have been spending my money on before that. As nothing can come close to that IEM with me, I've decided that if I'm going to be spending money moving forward that I must pledge it to 'only bangers' or the true successor of the S12 2024 which I believe is going to be the S16. This has saved me a lot of money to date, not pissing it all away on the flavor of the week/month which has been almost impossible to avoid or get caught up in.

I feel like maybe I might just have to bend a bit on my new 'only bangers rule' on this one and let the H20 be the first purchase to start my 2025 off with a bang as I'm starting to get the audio version of blue balls waiting on the LetShuoer S16.

Thank you for the insight on this one.

I got mine incoming, and I'll be sure to match it against different price points, but most focused on how it competes with the 1+1 Project M? Will the Knowles in the P-M make that big a difference? Excited to find out.

You know I'll be giving my unadulterated opinion on the H20 very soon. Chafe from the wheat, or golden stalk? We shall see where they stack up?

I'm not sure I can wait brother, this one is calling to me like like the song of a siren leading a sailor to his doom out at sea. I might just have to break my unofficial 2025 new years resolution of saving money by only dropping on bangers to take a chance on this one while the penon gods are being generous to VIP members.

 

[activatorfly]

There isn't one. Owned (own) both, and one is bassy, average technicalities, average treble energy and air, and natural bit not the most incisive midrange, and good stage and spatial cues (BL03), while the SP01 is adjustable bass (thanks to the filters), has a very incisive midrange, with above average technicalities, dimensional stage, and crisp and airy treble that also can be adjusted for taste (filters), so more incisive, less bassy (bleed), more technical, bigger stage, and crisper treble, that's more versatile due to the filters. Oh and let's not even get into fitment. No contest. The SP01 fits better and is more comfy. Now the tonality is more natural and warm with the BL03. but that's the end of it's supremacy.

As you might have noticed, the Volume S has slowly slid down my ranking list recently. While I still remain reserved about movements, I notice that the Volume S plays nicer with my solid state sources, and doesn't sound as good with my TOOBS, and lately, between the Nunchaku, N3U, and B4-X, much of my listening has been on tube sources, so sonic synergy with the harmonics and resonances of TOOBS is important to me, and well, the Volume S loses some incisiveness with tubes, and it doesn't sound as clean and emphatic as it does on solid state (it sings on the JM21!!!), so since I have better source all arounders, it slides. I get more joy out of the KBear KB02! lol

WOWSER! That's kinda crazy: I'm listening to the KB currently...as a result I don't need the Anvil no more & now the Volume S have been superseded by The Aether imho.

 

[claud W]

I really recommend the Penon SPACE as it increases the Fan 3 girth and stage, without ever adding any color or changing the Fan 3’s tone in any way. It simply adds separation and technicalities! Cheers!

Don't want to be in any cable debate, but a member asked a question here. This writing below is from my Penon Fan 3 review.

Here the SPACE can be purchased along with the Fan 3 at point of sale for a extra $50.00 uptick, instead of the regularly included OS133. https://penonaudio.com/PENON-FAN-3.html

Penon SPACE:
OFC Silver plated 4 shares, single share is 133 cores, a total of 532 cores. 3 in 1 modular plug. $99.90. Only $50 when you purchase the Fan 3, in lieu of the OS133.
So it goes, this cable is one of my very most used cables, it goes with almost everything. Everything that you really are not looking to color, or change. Meaning in the cable world often there can be needed fixes that come with a silver energy bright cable, or a gold thickening energy wild card cable, needed to align the IEMs output and fix the issues. Here we don’t have any of that going on. Unless you have an IEM that simply needs stage and separation from the included cable. And that’s the thing. Most companies in the under $400.00 realm try to keep costs down by only including so great of a cable. Now I don’t want to come-off as a cable snob, because a lot of the time the included cables are really good and you can tell after multiple cable changes that the company put a great amount of effort in finding just the right cable to include with their IEM. You really can! It is just your not going to find a $100.00 cable that could be found aftermarket included normally with a $349.00 IEM. I mean Penon is a cable builder so they have aftermarket cables on hand, and they offer the SPACE cable for just $50.00 more, because they can!


Cable comparisons:
Top-down:
Penon ASOS+
Penon Pyramid
Penon Pyramid VI
Penon ASOS+X

ASOS+:
8 shares of 25 cores copper silver-plated + 99 cores single crystal copper copper mixed (Litz & SPC) with Purple 2Pins and plugs.
So let's talk about the ASOS+. This cable is perfect to go in this order of after the SPACE epic turn-out. Of course a lot of this cable change-out depends on what you have been exposed to. Just like drinking as a teen, beer is wonderful, but whiskey is a quicker and more powerful elixir that you need extra experience to understand. Same with cables, that the results with a regular cable can be interpreted as grand, only because you don’t know any better, so you are entertained at the level of quality, even though it’s fully neophyte level results in the end. Here the ASOS+ gets us deeper throbs and expanded stage over the SPACE. There is a quintessential displacement of imaging and sculpturing that the $215.00 ASOS+ upgrades do! These results are real and that while more silver based than, say the gold and silver alloy sound of the Penon Pyramid or Pyramid VI series……….these extra floaty elements are totally welcome and come with their share of clarity, even with the BCD on. This reality of sonic form is taking place inside the stage, to procure a separate imaging which has been catapulted into side to side existence. Now this stage expansion and separation over the SPACE would be (maybe) fine enough, except Penon went one step further here. Yep, Penon added Palladium Purple Plug and Palladium 2Pins! What this did in the end was add note-weight over the original ASOS. Now the crazy part is for the most part all these charms are also going to be fine with most IEMs you join the ASOS+ to. Only there exists a special style of synergy here today, a synergy that I also noticed in my last review. Meaning when the ASOS+X came out it emotionally captivated me, and while the size and shape, plus the weight of the ASOS+X is not for everyone, making the ASOS+ the easy recommendation. This style of recommendation would be diminished, if there wasn’t any strength to our whiskey here, but no this style of sound makes the Fan 3, it really does. Probably the combo of the BCD and the Palladium are joining forces to take this image density to the max, diminishing any thinness and adding realism and girth.

ASOS+:
Sure this isn’t a cable review, yet I really want to add about two more paragraphs romancing the ASOS+ effects to the Fan 3, but I will keep my excitement at bay. Let me just say, if you wanted a cable to activate the Fan 3 and were confused as to which way to go, the ASOS+ does no wrong. To be honest here, that OTB the Fan 3 was OK to my ears, but nothing shockingly good for the price. I almost PMed my buddy Dsnuts, as I hadn’t read his review totally or took note of the score. I mean how can Penon Audio put out a less than stellar IEM? To me the ASOS+ shows you that IEM with no questions asked………and I will leave it at that. Oh…….and burn-in, you have to do burn-in, just do it or it’s your experience, that you will obtain, being less than it ultimately could be.

Penon Pyramid:
4 shares Litz Type 9 Copper-gold alloy and pure silver, copper-silver alloy silver-plated, single crystal copper silver-plated Furukawa high-purity copper winding.
More grounded and holding a deeper tinge of thickness. The gold and silver mixed with copper alloy have gone to procure a substantial addition over the OS133. This thickness is pandemic in that it caters to the vocals and well as a darker lower window which adds to this perception of a blacker background. Yep, this Pyramid by itself with-out the 2 more shares of the VI or 4 more shares of the VIII holds a distinct personality and one that also goes with the Fan 3. Though take note the stage is not as flamboyantly wide as the ASOS+. But the depth of density is a little more, holding reality in its mit. This is probably on par with the ASOS+, only less energy and less size of images, except what images are there hold an extra amount of realism due to tone, timbre and density. There is a slight color to the Fan 3, and that color is just like clothes of color on people, they wear them and the color can be attractive. Yet this Pyramid takes any color and subdues it slightly more than than the ASOS+, making the sound even more real in the end, yet slightly less airy or vivid

Penon Pyramid VI:
6 shares Litz Type 9 Copper-gold alloy and pure silver, copper-silver alloy silver-plated, single crystal copper silver-plated Furukawa high-purity copper winding.
Two weeks ago this was the first cable I used with the Fan 3. So you can take the whole of information above concerning the regular Pyramid, and add stage size and expansion to the description. Yet, this example of Penon magic doesn’t need ear-hooks like the VIII does. Nope, the VI is careful and not quite as heavy. Though at a glance you may not be able to discern differences between the two VI and VIII. Here though it is almost too simple as with the original Pyramid the sound is big but not luxuriously big, just matter-of-fact big. It is the tone that is so special with the Fan 3 and Pyramid, that it is down to earth. Adding the VI goes and replaces the regular big stage size and note-weight of the Fan 3 into a profound distance of imaging. These new image locations take on form as being able to see into and around the notes and vocals. This phenomena greatly increases over the VI into VIII also, but we don’t need to test that one today as the VI and regular Pyramid divulge the messages. This VI is also like adding the stage of the ASOS+ to the mix, in that it is larger than any test (so far) today, even the SPACE cable. Though the difference over the SPACE is a dose of clarity, a cleaning of the windows so to speak and an extra lower window into the low-end, where the SPACE is more midrange energy and low-end girth over the included cable, only not on this level. So yes, the $419.00 buys you a house on the lake, with a view and servants. I don’t need to go on. But I will say the Fan 3 does the VI justice, nothing at all is wasted here! Haha

Available versions:
Pyramid : 4 shares, 147 cores per share, 588 cores in total cost $349.00
Pyramid VI : 6 shares, 147 cores per share, 882 cores in total cost $419.00
Pyramid VIII : 8 shares, 147 cores per share, 1176 cores in total cost $499.00

Penon ASOS+X
12 shares of 25 cores copper silver-plated + 99 cores single crystal copper copper mixed (Litz & SPC) with Purple 2Pins and plugs.
OK, this cable is wild. Really the perfect test schedule was to put it here. At $319.00 it is exactly that, meaning worth every penny, except it could be worth more, and even more than the prior VI only if you were down for this style of dancing. You know the way that girl danced had your heart, and it wasn’t about the technicality of the dance, no it was about the emotion of the dance, the character as well as her technique. So to describe the Fan 3 here, it is lofty now and while still holding the Palladium Purple Plug and Palladium 2Pins added density, we are now gifted with even bigger size than the VI. This is that two story house by the lake, and there is an added lake view from the bedroom. And you know how views go, that’s right, they are priceless. There is no real way to put a concrete value on them. I sound like a real estate salesman and not an IEM salesman. But the truth is here we are basking in more stage size than any cable in the review so far. Inside of that stage there are fully imaged realizations of sculpture and timbre, OH, that timbre is dead-on fabulous. The tone, or should I say the technicalities at the box opening would have never had me believe that this now perceived tone could be so grand but it is. That the ASOS+X went with the burned-in Fan 3 to extrapolate a full-on genuine emotional experience. These ideas are the results of correct placement of imaging, instrument creation and note and vocal fall-offs. That the fall-offs are heard more clearly, because everything is heard more clearly. But it is truly the placement way outside of the stage that gets me the most. That this is a stage IEM when you get down to it, the IEM produces stage size and the ASOS+X takes that and runs with it.

I have the Space cable on the Fan 3 now. I think it is time for the ASOS-X.
Thanks for your assistance RedCar.

 

[perrew]

There isn't one. Owned (own) both, and one is bassy, average technicalities, average treble energy and air, and natural bit not the most incisive midrange, and good stage and spatial cues (BL03), while the SP01 is adjustable bass (thanks to the filters), has a very incisive midrange, with above average technicalities, dimensional stage, and crisp and airy treble that also can be adjusted for taste (filters), so more incisive, less bassy (bleed), more technical, bigger stage, and crisper treble, that's more versatile due to the filters. Oh and let's not even get into fitment. No contest. The SP01 fits better and is more comfy. Now the tonality is more natural and warm with the BL03. but that's the end of it's supremacy.

As you might have noticed, the Volume S has slowly slid down my ranking list recently. While I still remain reserved about movements, I notice that the Volume S plays nicer with my solid state sources, and doesn't sound as good with my TOOBS, and lately, between the Nunchaku, N3U, and B4-X, much of my listening has been on tube sources, so sonic synergy with the harmonics and resonances of TOOBS is important to me, and well, the Volume S loses some incisiveness with tubes, and it doesn't sound as clean and emphatic as it does on solid state (it sings on the JM21!!!), so since I have better source all arounders, it slides. I get more joy out of the KBear KB02! lol

Tks for the comparison! I agree the BL03 fit is finicky, I got them to work for me with the SR9 tips and also use the SR9 cable, but think Ill give the SP01s a try.

 

[theintention]

the SZA has always been an IEM that fascinated me... I hope one day to get a chance to listen to them. They have an almost legendary status at this point. They've certainty stood the test of time, that's for sure!

If I end up keeping it (which is looking likely), I gotta send it to you for sure to demo. Such a fun, warm, and dynamic set, especially in the bass. Treble takes a back seat so you can turn that mf up too.

 

[Hypops]

I'm not trying be a contrarian. Really. But it's time for me to pour some cool water on another hot set. Two weeks ago, it was the AFUL Performer 5+2. Now it's the Softears Volume S, which were loaned magnanimously to me by @thaslaya (THANK YOU, dude!).

The Volume S is a solid set. But the words that keep echoing around my brain this afternoon as I sample them with a variety of music are "average" and "standard." There's nothing that special about the Volume S, but there's also nothing objectionable at all. It's agreeable and smooth but not magic. All impressions are with Divinus Velvet tips.

First, let's start with the bass.

Many reviews I read of this set praised the mid-bass focus of its tuning. Sorry, I'm not hearing it. The bass seems pretty linear to me. It doesn't have a distinct sub-bass focus like the Hype 2 that I'm still savoring, but it also lacks the mid-bass punch and pop of the AFUL Explorer, for example. Again, the bass is average. It's not pillowy, but it's also not distinct, with no real special texture or detail. The bass is like a kid raising its hand at attendance and saying "present" but not speaking up the rest of the class.

The mids are fine. No annoying peaks or vocal shout, which is nice. But there's also not the same bite to electric guitars that you get with the Hype 2. Nowhere close.

Treble, again, is ordinary. Average extension, average detail. The treble doesn't provide as much detail and insight as the Hype 2, and it's also not "peek-a-boo" like the Explorer's treble (love that description from @FreeWheelinAudioLuv2!). I also think the treble timbre is a bit blunted compared to the walking-the-tightrope, edgy timbre of the Hype 2's treble that I love.

The Hype 2 has a BIG edge in imaging, too. It places instruments wider, yet more pinpoint, in the stage.

It's easy to compare the Hype 2 to the Volume S because both are two DD, two BA models that originally retail for between $300-325. The Volume S might -- and I'm not sure yet -- be the better all-arounder due to its smooth, inoffensive signature and solid detail. But I'm enjoy the Hype 2 FAR more for classic rock and hard rock, two major genres for me. Add in the $150 price now for the Hype 2 at Amazon, and it's no contest -- the Hype 2 wins for me.

When I switch between the Hype 2 and Volume S, I prefer the Hype 2 -- hands down. It's the one I want in my ears for more listening time. I'll do some more tip rolling with the Volume S and see where I land.

One positive for the Volume S compared to the Hype 2: The fit is MUCH better for me with the Volume S. One of the most comfortable IEMs I've tried, with Divinus Velvet tips. Meanwhile, a model released in 2023 that I barely paid attention to when it arrived on the market is blowing me away and making my money clip very happy. Who knew?

It's so funny: The P5+2 and Volume S were my most-anticipated sets to try in this young year, as I thought the AFUL brand pedigree and mid-bass focus of the Volume S tuning would jive well with me for both sets.

Nope. I wouldn't buy the P5+2 at $219 or the Volume S at $325. Not a chance. The P5+2's tuning was exciting and good, but its treble hit me at just the wrong spots. The Volume S is pretty ordinary, and my money clip doesn't shed $325 for ordinary. Ever.

More impressions to come ...

I'm not surprised. Nothing specific to you. I don't think any set in the "arms race for neutrality" (what a weirdly mixed metaphor) has ever fared very well in this thread, at least not for long. Lots of good reasons why--some objective and some subjective.

 

[domq422]

If I end up keeping it (which is looking likely), I gotta send it to you for sure to demo. Such a fun, warm, and dynamic set, especially in the bass. Treble takes a back seat so you can turn that mf up too.

I'm always game for that, brother! No pressure, but that would be dope!

 

[Ryokan]

Case in point - Szalayi on Lavricables Master Silver is rocking my world today.

Lovely iem, big controlled bass and holographic sound, not super detailed though but that doesn't matter as they're tuned so well. Mine have an issue one side and I'm trying to get them fixed, tempted to buy another - they're large shells and it was firmly pushing them in to get a good fit that seemed to damage them.

 

[FreeWheelinAudioLuv2]

Spending this week with my collection of All-BA IEMs. Will come up with a video soon comparing these beauties.

Letshuoer Mystic8:-
How beautiful can female vocals sound with crisp, neutral tone? As beautiful as the Mystic 8 can bring. Absolutely phenomenal when it comes to female vocals. Bass is a little lean, but very refined and defined. Oh not to mention the beautiful titanium shells.

7th Acoustics Supernova:-
If Mystic8 is the queen of IEMs for female vocals under $1000, I have to call Supernova the king of male vocals. Fuller, rich, musical, is how I would define this beautiful set. Not to mention my unit has this really beautiful White Pearl color face covers.

Ice Labs Prismatica:-
An IEM I loved during my first listen last year in Singapore. Ended up buying it later last year itself. Again a fuller sounding set with a warm profile. Bass so good that it feels like we have a dd hidden somewhere lol.

AFUL Cantor:-
AFUL's flagship has a different charm of its own, high-resolution clarity, a neutral tone, and great micro dynamics.

What All-BA IEMs do I have in my collection hmmmm, I have to go and check hehe.

Looking forward to reading your comparo! Should be great?!

I don't think any of us probably need more IEMs come to think about it (lol, oh that sweet sweet ear candy addiction) but there is something very tempting and exciting about pulling the trigger on a product that might be considered a market distruptor or so legendary that it will leave people talking about it and possibly worshipping it for months and months to come (maybe the whole year). I think if there is a brand that has the chance to at least generate conversation and excitement, it seems ISN has a pretty good probability to do so, especially with how this group has responded to the H60 and other sets from the brand rather favorably.

I will admit, I am itching for something to get me to hit the unpause button on my wallet and you never know with a ISN release. As a bit of context, I have sealed off my wallet ever since getting the S12 2024 last September as it has absolutley dominated my ear time and made me have a come to jesus with what I have been spending my money on before that. As nothing can come close to that IEM with me, I've decided that if I'm going to be spending money moving forward that I must pledge it to 'only bangers' or the true successor of the S12 2024 which I believe is going to be the S16. This has saved me a lot of money to date, not pissing it all away on the flavor of the week/month which has been almost impossible to avoid or get caught up in.

I feel like maybe I might just have to bend a bit on my new 'only bangers rule' on this one and let the H20 be the first purchase to start my 2025 off with a bang as I'm starting to get the audio version of blue balls waiting on the LetShuoer S16.

Thank you for the insight on this one.

I'm not sure I can wait brother, this one is calling to me like like the song of a siren leading a sailor to his doom out at sea. I might just have to break my unofficial 2025 new years resolution of saving money by only dropping on bangers to take a chance on this one while the penon gods are being generous to VIP members.

The VIP discount alone makes this a no-brainer purchase! The thing with ISN, agree with a tuning or not (they've been on a roll lately with my preferences), their quality is set very high, so what they are charging with VIP, is a steal regardless. So yeah, I snapped mine up as soon as the VIP landed.

---

As part of my Sunday daily trio, I spent some time with the most divisive AFUL in my rotation, and that's the AFUL MagicOne. Well, I found out the M1 LOVES TOOBS!! Especially the tubes from the N3U. Synergy sisters! They also played quite nicely from the upgraded B4-X, so for the first time, I got some enjoyment from these IEMs that I almost boomeranged. Beautiful vocal specialist.

WOWSER! That's kinda crazy: I'm listening to the KB currently...as a result I don't need the Anvil no more & now the Volume S have been superseded by The Aether imho.

Nice! The KB02 are special, especially at their asking price. Volume S is still fabulous, just source picky.

 

[gadgetgod]

WOWSER! That's kinda crazy: I'm listening to the KB currently...as a result I don't need the Anvil no more & now the Volume S have been superseded by The Aether imho.

Aether sounds better than the VolumeS?? Man you guys will make me spend money again :/ I just bought the VolumeS last month.

 

[theintention]

Lovely iem, big controlled bass and holographic sound, not super detailed though but that doesn't matter as they're tuned so well. Mine have an issue one side and I'm trying to get them fixed, tempted to buy another - they're large shells and it was firmly pushing them in to get a good fit that seemed to damage them.

You have a Maven II & S12 24 as well right? We have extremely similar taste in tunings hahah.

I agree that they are a bit large, but they fit me so well it’s like it was meant to be. I feel for those with smaller ears with how chonky these things are becoming.

That’s unfortunate yours are having an issue, I am definitely now seeing the appeal in buying more than 1 set of something you love with how quickly IEMs can get retired.

 

[BeelzAlBob]

Add in the $150 price now for the Hype 2 at Amazon, and it's no contest -- the Hype 2 wins for me.

… a model released in 2023 that I barely paid attention to when it arrived on the market is blowing me away and making my money clip very happy. Who knew?

Decided to hop on the Hype 2 hype train redux 2025 and I gotta say, y’all weren’t kidding. This thing kills for $150. No brainer. This will be my walkin around set going forward.