The discovery thread!

[domq422]

Unique Melody Stardust in the house. Not exactly cheap, but a good starting point into the UM universe. Impressions will follow soon.

Also looking forward to some more impressions on these. A UM set under $1000 that's tuned properly is... interesting. I got a listen to them at CanJam but that isn't the best environment for critical listening for obvious reasons.

 

[mikaik]

Also looking forward to some more impressions on these. A UM set under $1000 that's tuned properly is... interesting. I got a listen to them at CanJam but that isn't the best environment for critical listening for obvious reasons.

I know what you mean, I crank the volume to crazy levels at CJ. These can take it though, they aren't shouty even when loud. They have that familiar sound of UM, smooth, soothing...

 

[Rambone]

Well the thing I really like is how Akros hits on a subject that I have also mentioned from time to time, in that it has also a lot to do with the vibrational and resonance ability of the shell holding the Planar Drivers. Meaning he and I both compare the Timeless II and Aether and talk about these build resonances. One the Aether is in a resin shell and the Timeless II is in a smaller metal shell. What is wild is sure they have different sized drivers, and so many have talked about the size of the Kiwi ears 15.3mm driver making a new style of sound. The new 14.5mm Timeless II driver is bigger than the old original Timeless........and sure the driver size may be one of the additions to better sound.

But let me put it this way. The Timeless II was my favorite Planar before the Aether showed up. Though hearing them back to back the two are very different. Where the Timeless II has this cleaner resonance sound. Clear 3D and crisp edges and different vibrations that are maybe reflective of a metal build? Literally the Timeless II sounds like the driver is in a metal chamber, and the 15.3mm Aether driver is inside a larger resin chamber? The Aether is softer yet bigger in image displacement, where items are not so 3D sculpted.....except the Aether has those images more evenly spread-out! More 3D imaging for the Timeless II........except almost disjointed like what Hybrids do, where the Aether is simply less fragmented. And believe me the Timeless II is more coherent than any Hybrid, but I have to describe this character somehow.

To where reading that you would think that the Aether would grab second place due to this less contrasty idea of sound character. But in fact somehow (even with lesser image crispness) the Aether comes across more even and balanced, showcasing every note and arriving at details in a more homogenous way..........a more even way, thus more finite and detail-clearer. To me anyway. Plus even though the Aether is big, it has a more traditional shell design, and is not holding the feeling of metal in your ear. Now remember I'm nitpicking here, that is why I wrote that if anyone just purchased the Timeless II they may be fine not upgrading, because the Timeless is absolutely wonderful. It is just the Aether has this more balanced reference tune, making sunshine show in ways I have never found a Planar to make? Aether 7 grams a piece and Timeless II at 6 grams a piece.

I do admire your ability to extract differences, I think it is safe to say that these latest releases in planar like S12 2024, Timeless II and Aether, all who purchase any one of these models are getting a superior experience. I think if I was going to choose, price might be a large factor. Without discounts, Timeless II is still on the expensive side at $230. S12 24, is $200 and the Aether is $170. Aether is looking pretty good for somebody who doesn't have a planar of this calibur and seeing comments like yours, it's a easy decision to make.

"driver size may be one of the additions to better sound".

Maybe, as long as the driver and tuning is quality then it can be a good addition to better sound. For example, you can have a big driver but if your tuning is wack then it won't really matter much to most, especially if the listener has to EQ out of the box. (I'm looking at you Monoprice).

 

[BlankName]

Has anyone compared the Helios and Cantor because I want to have an idea where the new Symphonium, sort-of Helios mk2, prototype lands?

 

[Rambone]

Hot diggity damn! One of the advantages of having so many source options is stumbling upon synergy sisters with sources you don't normally use.

I love having a large variety of sources at my disposal. When you accidently stumble across a combo that has stupidly good synergy, it's a wonderful feeling and especially if it's something you don't normally use or has been collecting dust.

Well FiiO is raising prices thanks to us in the US having the absolute dumbest, most corrupt, and evil president I have seen in my lifetime - on a level that transcends the worst of the worst lol

If there is one FiiO product I think would be worth grabbing before prices go up would be the FiiO K11 R2R, a fantastic all in one dac/amp for the money.

Btw, how good is the CCA Trio for 30$ the thing is i am biig sucker for bang for the buck. And i may enjoy a low priced em that comes close to a midfi one, because i know there are unicorns out there.

CCA Trio can usually be had for $20 give or take on Ali and it's been so good for sooo long that I consider it a legendary IEM.

 

[FreeWheelinAudioLuv2]

Recently I've been lucky enough to receive a pair of TSMR SHOCKs from Penon to review, and have been listening to them today at work.

My first impression is the cable is a definite upgrade on those I've experienced with previous TSMR IEMs, the wire gauge being thicker and hardware finished to a higher standard. I haven't had the chance to cable roll yet, but expect this stock cable will hold up better in comparison to aftermarket options than many others out there.

Physically the SHOCKs are quite chunky yet perfectly comfortable in the ear, they come with a pair of tuning screws which apparently allow bass & treble to be tuned up or down, along with twin Sonion BCDs which are always fascinating given that sonically way different manufacturers implement BCDs seems to vary quite a bit.

Speaking of sound, my early impression of the SHOCKs is they definitely have that BCD secret sauce that helps create a larger, more immersive 3D soundstage. I'm noticing quite a bit of treble presence, bass (on stock setting) is certainly impactful -especially in the sub region- yet quantity's within the realm of what I consider neutral, whilst the upper midrange seems quite forward.

There's certainly an abundance of detail presented in a large stage, It's an IEM that rivets attention quite easily and I'm particularly looking forward to experimenting with those tuning knobs in my upcoming full review.

Penon passing out Shocks? Did SpaceX invent a time machine?! I better check and see if my EBC80 are still in my case?! "How does it sound?" "Oh! It's got dials!" "How's the bass texture? The treble air? The midrange quality?" "Oh did you hear! It's got dials!" LOL Just messin'. What a classic!

I agree, and that price for the Letshuoer DZ4 is to good to not buy. Just got it for 30usd, you get 10 usd of if you opt to join the mailist on their site

Like its a reputable company, and for this price i believe i am in for a surprise.

Btw, how good is the CCA Trio for 30$ the thing is i am biig sucker for bang for the buck. And i may enjoy a low priced em that comes close to a midfi one, because i know there are unicorns out there.

And i found my journey, is to test these unicorns we find and are shared here.
There is just something about a cheaper iem performing way above its price.

Idk what it is but it is something that gives me joy.

The CCA Trio is a must buy. A no-brainer. A rotation dandy. If you don't own it, you're budget game is slacking. 'nuff said. It's the best KZ/CCA has to offer from a all-arounder perspective.

I have both…. Will get to that maybe this weekend once the Aether is burned in.

Sooo… what’s the one thing that puts the SP01 above the Shell?
Also, for me, the ZS12 is better than ST7 for sure and maybe better than KB02 because it has airier treble.

Again, you hear the Aether just how I do. I can confirm lol.

SP01 is cleaner, clearer, and slightly more technical, due to the cleaner presentation (not as warm in stock), but the secret is the nozzle versatility. The nozzles work, so want bassy and warm? There's a nozzle for you. Want more balance across the board but still retaining a measure of bass? There's a nozzle for you. Want treble air to fly, and your bass a bit less prominent, with supreme single DD clarity? Got a nozzle there too. SP01 is about sheer versatility with excellent technicalities. The Shell is about FUN with technicalities.

Fortunately, tired of DDs and BAs. So always avoiding sidegrades or mediocre stuff. Craving only the clarity planar/microplanars/piezo~xmems provide. The only interesting thing currently is TRN Shell, but they overdone midbass. That driver configuration is the sweet spot and price is fair too bad they messed it up.

How is the Shell messed up? Mid bass is not overdone. This is coming from a guy who does not like excessive mid bass, and prefers his treble to bass. I can name you 5 IEMs that have excessive mid bass, starting with the last couple TRN releases in 2024 (VX Pro+/White Tiger). The Shell isn't that. Warm mid bass? Yes. Not linear bass? Yes. Excessive or bloaty? No.

What the fack, $143 after tax with coupon IFPZ463 btw. AKHifi Choice Store

That price is aces for the Origin, but that set was never anywhere close to $700. EVER. So that "savings" is a fallacy even greater than the normal Alix pricing fallacies.

---

@Rambone - Agree 100%. The CCA Trio has been so good for so long, that in the CCA/KZ world of weekly pokemon and upgrade fever, a year after it's initial release, we're still waiting for the true UPGRADE to the CCA Trio. It was turned so well, that it even gave KZ upgrade pause!

 

[theintention]

I like it a lot. Good sonic insulation as well. It's like ANC!

I love this about the Maven II, i cannot hear a friggin THING when they are in and no music is on, the isolation is crazy. just gotta tip roll.

 

[PeacockObscura]

My absolute favourite Single DD iem The Lixian Silver Angel Year of the Snake Limited edition



Review here
https://www.head-fi.org/showcase/earacoustic-audio-silver-angel-series.28012/reviews#review-37342

 

[GroovyAudio]

The Cadenza 4 and ME600 intrigue the hell out of me, for two reasons.

One, I think I would jive with their respective sound signatures. Two, they're both units that have flown under the radar, unstained by excessive hype, yet have received a TON of praise from those who have reviewed or sampled them.

Color me VERY interested, especially if on sale -- of course!

Brother, ME600 is the bomb for me. This iem can play rock and heavy metal so so good that I can't believe it honestly.
Like @ToneDeafMonk said in his review: "organic bass"
Everytime I listen to them I need to move my body, to tap my fingers, move my head or something, I just can't stay still while listening to this iem, It's impossible haha. But It's also good for chilling and relaxing if you listen to trance music, acoustic, ambiental music etc

I admit I haven't used my MG800 besides to do some comparison in my impressions post. Well, they have 2 different tunnings and I prefer ME600 for rock and heavy metal, that slam that they have my God, such a pleasure to listen and they fit me with EVERY tip that I have. Actually today I swapped eartips with velvet wide bore which I bought a while ago and guess what? Not a single iem from my sold list in my signature fit those. ME600? No problem. I still need to test with Dunu S&S tips.

Still, I've noticed you also eyeing ISN H60 which I still miss. I had to sell it because of the bad fit, 6.9mm nozzle, WHY ISN?
I see you have FAN 3 and you enjoy it very much. I also had FAN 3 but sold it because the BCD didn't work for me, must likely they didn't touch my concha to hear the BCD, so I sold it because I already had H60 at the time and it was better for me sound wise.

H60 was and still is worth every penny for me. If they would make the same shell but with, let's say 6.0mm nozzle I would pay double, $700, crazy? Don't care because it was my dream iem and end game iem, they had everything, the bass, same slam as ME600, those sweet creamy mids MY GOD , good treble extension, not fatiguing and big soundstage. Hmm 6.9mm nozzle, WHY ISN?

Back to ME600, they are 2nd best after ISN H60, why 2nd? Because as good as ME600 may be and they are, they don't have H60 sweet mids, don't get me wrong, ME600 mids are natural, clean buuut not like H60, nope. That's the only downside for me. H60 had everything. I still go on penon webside to look at H60 and I really want to buy them again even though they don't fit me, but I just want to hear them one more time. Getting emotional was not part of my plan for this post, but yea, I miss my H60. But ME600 keeps my heart warm now and they do a very good job.

My advice for you? If you have the money and ears for those big 6.9mm nozzles, just go for H60. If you don't want to spend that much just wait for ME600 to go on sale and you won't be dissapointed. Except for the mids that are better on H60, they pretty much do everything right. Thank you for reading this far.

 

[Waqar]

What the fack, $143 after tax with coupon IFPZ463 btw. AKHifi Choice Store

The code is not working, it says it is a single time use code. Btw how do i get another code like this?

These look good for the price, i have wanted to get one of these.

 

[GorGhast]

I'm looking for a bit of a palette cleanser to add to my collection of mostly warm/bassy iems, think I've narrowed it down to either the Aether or the EPZ P50 just so I can see what all the hype's about.

At the same time I kinda want to buy an IEM with a waifu on it, amazingly I don't have one despite being a massive weeb...

 

[FreeWheelinAudioLuv2]

The code is not working, it says it is a single time use code. Btw how do i get another code like this?

These look good for the price, i have wanted to get one of these.

You can't, unless the store releases more. Lots of times, these codes are for limited use run, so after it's been redeemed a few times, it gets shut down. That's why you get the single use alert. Happens with the limited codes during the huge Summer and 11.11 sales as well. You get those "Paul005" or whatever it is codes, that get released on Twitter/X, and if you don't act quick like, they disappear with that alert, so lots of times, with those codes, it's about impulse buying. You see it, and if you're lucky to be one of the first to act on it, you're usually aces. You give any pause, and they go bye bye, but that's the whole idea behind these codes. That's the point. To get you to spend.

---

The Dethonray Clarinet, despite it's abundance of quirks, is my second favorite source purchase of 2025, right behind the Nunchaku. With certain pairings, and with ROCK fw, it's simply one of the most immersive listening experiences under $500. Anson made something special sonically. Now if some of these bugs get patched, then it'll be even better!

Dethonray Clarinet x FiiO JM21 x TRN Shell -= BEAST MODE!!

@GorGhast - Seems the Aether will speak your palette cleansing language, as more than one person has used that term to describe the Aether, so it looks like that would be ground zero target for you?

 

[Waqar]

You can't, unless the store releases more. Lots of times, these codes are for limited use run, so after it's been redeemed a few times, it gets shut down. That's why you get the single use alert. Happens with the limited codes during the huge Summer and 11.11 sales as well. You get those "Paul005" or whatever it is codes, that get released on Twitter/X, and if you don't act quick like, they disappear with that alert, so lots of times, with those codes, it's about impulse buying. You see it, and if you're lucky to be one of the first to act on it, you're usually aces. You give any pause, and they go bye bye, but that's the whole idea behind these codes. That's the point. To get you to spend.

Ok, that explains it.. yes they went fast. And yes i got "lucky" once before and scored a deal on Aliexpress.

And then they could not even send the item properly it got returned to them. And did not even get to re order for the same price.

And missing out on this one is not a biggie, so many good Iems out there anyways

 

[Ineras]

Been loving my single DDs lately with the RE2000 pro and YU9 Yan. Got this Zisin Black Kirin on order, hoping it's another hidden gem.

 

[FreeWheelinAudioLuv2]

Ok, that explains it.. yes they went fast. And yes i got "lucky" once before and scored a deal on Aliexpress.

And then they could not even send the item properly it got returned to them. And did not even get to re order for the same price.

And missing out on this one is not a biggie, so many good Iems out there anyways

You need to order the CCA Trio. Add it to your new rotation. You won't regret it one bit.

The TRN Shell is also fantastic for the price sonically and the accessories, but if I was taking the bite first, I'd go for the Trio.