The discovery thread!

[cqtek]

Simgot trying real hard to rebound after it's aborted attempt at releasing this IEM commercially. Got scathed, and now with a retune it's the best thing since sliced bread?

I was unaware of the ‘failed’ history behind this model. Nor the real wishes of the brand with this model. I don't see the Simgot curve deviating too much and the power of its bass is already noteworthy compared to its planar rivals.

By the way, in my country we eat bread in loafs or loaves. Sliced bread is second class and I don't like it, only for occasional consumption. For tastes, bread in its different forms... You know what I mean.

 

[KagayaItsuna96]

Single dynamic driver IEMs that kick ass? Letshuoer DX1, Sound Rhyme SP01, KZ Libra X, ISN Neo1, Tangzu YuXuan Ji, Inawaken Dawn MS, KZ Zenith, and if you go by the words of others (I haven't heard either), then the Sivga Que and the YU9 YAN.

Which one of these that you listen to has closest to realistic experience? One that able to convince you into thinking you blend within the environment or atmosphere, as if are sitting inside a hall when listening to a live music track.

 

[Jmop]

The DX1 has no such roll off in the treble region, and it can handle busy tracks with aplomb, including no smear for extreme metal drumming. Now the upper mids and treble might be too much for @Jmop, but that would be why he'd be better off with the SP01 or the Tanchjim Bunny. which I forgot to list, but it's a worthy single DD.

I’m actually gonna pickup the Bunny this week, big upside little downside. SP01 is still on my short list I’m just not super motivated to grab it.

 

[Exekuhtor]

The Flipears Legion deserves all the hype, it's the ultimate, refined version of the ZE51B without the sibilance and a better cable. It sounds glorious, the bass just HAMMERS. Definitely a keeper.
https://www.head-fi.org/threads/the...ge-all-welcome.957426/page-7066#post-18653861

 

[Redcarmoose]

PENON × EFFECT Audio
ARCHANGEL 8 Drivers Hybrid Audiophile IEM
Driver Configuration:
2 Dynamic Driver + 4 Balanced Armature + 2 Bone Conduction Driver
Low frequency: 2 coaxial 8mm PET + carbon nanotube diaphragm
Middle frequency: 2 Knowles composite middle frequency Balanced Armature
High frequency: 2 Sonion composite high frequency Balanced Armature
Full frequency: 2 Sonion composite bone conduction driver
Effect Audio Cadmus II Cable:
Effect Audio Cadmus II is the world's FIRST solid core 8-wire handwoven IEM cable, it’s offering a fuller body that maintains tight control and impactful depth. It excels particularly well on higher frequencies, unveiling layers of detail previously hidden, bringing clarity and brilliance to every note. Cadmus II delivers a sound that is both crisp and effortlessly refined.
Switch definition:
Switch 1: Control low frequency, turn on to enhance low frequency, turn off to normal mode
Switch 2: Control high frequency, turn on to enhance high frequency, turn off to normal mode

Specification
Impedance: 12ohm@1kHz
Sensitivity: 105dB@1kHz
Frequency response range: 10~40kHz
Cable: 26AWG 8-wire UP-OCC smelting process, single material Litz with silver-plated copper central core, 6 multi-sized core bundles with EA UltraFlexir insulation.
Connection: 2-pin 0.78mm
Plug: EA Standard Rhodium Plated Brass Straight Type

 

[pawdiophile]

Single dynamic driver IEMs that kick ass?

nightjar singularity

 

[Redcarmoose]

https://www.head-fi.org/showcase/kiwi-ears-ellipse.27889/reviews#review-37659
New review up.

Kiwi ears Ellipse full-size headphones with extra Tripowin GranVia aftermarket cable.

GranVia with Sony MDR-Z1R:

GranVia with the Sony past flagship MDR-Z7:

Ellipse headphone $68.39
https://www.linsoul.com/products/kiwi-ears-ellipse

GranVia cable $49.00
https://www.linsoul.com/products/tripowin-granvia

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
In other news!

First impressions:
EarAcoustic SPA-Hi End UItra 11.4mm Dynamic Driver 2Pin 0.78mm HiFi Audiophile In-Ear Earphone IEMs
Description
SPA-Hi End UItra
Zinc alloy mirror silver electroplating+CNC post-treatment process

Specification
SPA-Hi End Ultra
Unit: 11.4mm Titanium Gold Ball Top+Silicon Crystal Edge Double sided Composite Diaphragm Double Magnetic Circuit Double Chamber Dynamic Coil Unit
Sensitivity: 110dB
Impedance: 26 ohm
Frequency response range: 5-40kHz
Wire specification: 0.78MM dual pin oxygen free copper and silver-plated wire mixed weave 1.20M

https://penonaudio.com/Earacoustic-SPA-Hi-End-UItra

Here is the second IEM I have received from EarAcoutic Series where the first was the budget $49.90 STA-Hi End dual 10mm DD and 6mm DD. This SPA-Hi End instead is a single full-range 11.4mm DD. And where the $49.90 STA-Hi End was chrome plated resin, this $189.90 SPA-Hi End is solid CNC Zinc alloy. Where the STA was all of 7 grams, now we are doubling the weight at 14 grams each. Besides the single vent on the back side, there is literally the exact same screen design of the nozzle off the back off to the side!

Yep, they have gone and used two nozzle screens for each IEM. One output and one input! On to the sound.

Where the lesser priced $49.90 STA-Hi End was well balanced and fun, it didn’t have the true drama we are witnessing today. That’s right the $189.90 SPA Ultra brings it. To where with most music it arrived at this full-bodied sound offering even more note-weight than the STA, but beyond that there is a drama held in how this SPA does the transients.

Yep,
From memory it is a little like the $129.99 TINHIFI T5S. But (from memory) where it goes beyond it is with dramatic stage and imaging. Super fast transients and detail. To where it took me a few reference tracks to figure out where we are as far as tuning. First of vocals and not supper forward, or placed back……they are just right, with just enough emphasis to where they don’t seem dark or under-detailed.

The high treble is slightly rolled-off to not give sparkles to the highs, but you would never know it upon first listen, you would need to do what I did and bring out tracks that hold the high-up info to see how it is presented in the end. What is dramatic is the giant 3D forward and back/ top to bottom stage, these things don't even have burn-in yet! Amazing! Really amazing!

 

[Nimweth]

House of Marley Smile Jamaica Wired Noise Isolating Headphones with Microphone (Copper)
Anyone heard? Great reviews on this.

These remind me of my Aydino XL-054-YT buds. They cost me £3.99 at Amazon.

New model from KBEAR:
Cepheus, 2DD + 6BA:
https://keephifi.com/de/products/kb...arphones-iem-for-audiophile-musician-dj-stage

 

[avishifi]

https://www.head-fi.org/showcase/kiwi-ears-ellipse.27889/reviews#review-37659
New review up.

Kiwi ears Ellipse full-size headphones with extra Tripowin GranVia aftermarket cable.

GranVia with Sony MDR-Z1R:
GranVia with the Sony past flagship MDR-Z7:
Ellipse headphone $68.39
https://www.linsoul.com/products/kiwi-ears-ellipse

GranVia cable $49.00
https://www.linsoul.com/products/tripowin-granvia

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
In other news!

First impressions:
EarAcoustic SPA-Hi End UItra 11.4mm Dynamic Driver 2Pin 0.78mm HiFi Audiophile In-Ear Earphone IEMs
Description
SPA-Hi End UItra
Zinc alloy mirror silver electroplating+CNC post-treatment process

Specification
SPA-Hi End Ultra
Unit: 11.4mm Titanium Gold Ball Top+Silicon Crystal Edge Double sided Composite Diaphragm Double Magnetic Circuit Double Chamber Dynamic Coil Unit
Sensitivity: 110dB
Impedance: 26 ohm
Frequency response range: 5-40kHz
Wire specification: 0.78MM dual pin oxygen free copper and silver-plated wire mixed weave 1.20M

https://penonaudio.com/Earacoustic-SPA-Hi-End-UItra

Here is the second IEM I have received from EarAcoutic Series where the first was the budget $49.90 STA-Hi End dual 10mm DD and 6mm DD. This SPA-Hi End instead is a single full-range 11.4mm DD. And where the $49.90 STA-Hi End was chrome plated resin, this $189.90 SPA-Hi End is solid CNC Zinc alloy. Where the STA was all of 7 grams, now we are doubling the weight at 14 grams each. Besides the single vent on the back side, there is literally the exact same screen design of the nozzle off the back off to the side!

Yep, they have gone and used two nozzle screens for each IEM. One output and one input! On to the sound.

Where the lesser priced $49.90 STA-Hi End was well balanced and fun, it didn’t have the true drama we are witnessing today. That’s right the $189.90 SPA Ultra brings it. To where with most music it arrived at this full-bodied sound offering even more note-weight than the STA, but beyond that there is a drama held in how this SPA does the transients.

Yep,
From memory it is a little like the $129.99 TINHIFI T5S. But (from memory) where it goes beyond it is with dramatic stage and imaging. Super fast transients and detail. To where it took me a few reference tracks to figure out where we are as far as tuning. First of vocals and not supper forward, or placed back……thy are just right, with just enough emphasis to where they don’t seem dark or under-detailed.

The high treble is slightly rolled-off to not give sparkles to the highs, but you would never know it upon first listen, you would need to do what I did and bring out tracks that hold the high-up info to see how it is presented in the end. What is dramatic is the giant 3D forward and back/ top to bottom stage, these things don't even have burn-in yet! Amazing! Really amazing!

Something interesting that I have to tell about EarAcoustic, I did some experiment with my non-audiophile friend and let him try some expensive and cheap sets without telling him the prices, he ranked the STA Pro really high, like gave it 3rd or 2nd place. I was amazed by that, it is a 40$ set. Just to see how good cheap audio can get.

In my opinion, they are good, I will review them soon. Nice value for 40$. But I wouldn’t rank them like my friend did but still, good sound at good price

 

[Redcarmoose]

Something interesting that I have to tell about EarAcoustic, I did some experiment with my non-audiophile friend and let him try some expensive and cheap sets without telling him the prices, he ranked the STA Pro really high, like gave it 3rd or 2nd place. I was amazed by that, it is a 40$ set. Just to see how good cheap audio can get.

In my opinion, they are good, I will review them soon. Nice value for 40$. But I wouldn’t rank them like my friend did but still, good sound at good price

Where TFZ went and added a more accessible sound, not as vibrant (but still having an edge) as the SuperTFZ Crown. Where the Crown was really a treble head IEM.

And this idea of 12 new Silver Angel Series IEMs is crazy to try and get your head around. I mean each one is very different as some are a 10mm and a 6mm combination, others like this “Ultra” have 14 grams of weight due to the Zinc Alloy shells and a 11.4mm DD. I mean I have only tried 2 of the Silver Angel (total)12 IEM series, but I would be happy as heck to end on the Ultra. I have another on the way, but yes, TFZ has truly done their homework here, as far as I can tell with the series. Can you imagine a store front merchandising every one of the 12? Plus they come in huge boxes, even the budget ones.......

A person could spend two days and never leave the TFZ section. Now it is a TFZ wing of the store, if the store carries all the line! If they were crap it would be one thing, but yes, even the under $50.00 IEMs DO sound expensive! Cheers! It is a new day for the IEM community!

 

[Ace Bee]

Verus Audio Modi C4 and Magni C4 Review: Simply the best in class​

Pros:
Enhanced transparency and cleaner sound
Holistic improvement of sound
Extremely ergonomic
Highly comfortable despite bulky look
Very premium build

Cons: None

Bringing my latest review to you. These are simply the best cables around 100 USD. Nothing touches them. The best discovery of 2025 till date.

 

[Nimweth]

What kind of witchcraft is this? Listening to the Aydino XL-054-YT via Hidizs AP80 Pro X and Kiwi Ears Allegro Pro. It's insane. So beautifully balanced, solid bass, open mids and extended treble. Huge amount of detail . Staging excellent as well. Transient attack is crazy. Got to be one of the best single DDs I have heard. £3.99? Am I dreaming?

 

[Maru10]

Found a Squiglink for Kiwi Ears Septet: https://earphonesarchive.squig.link/?share=5128_DF_Target,Kiwi_Ears_Septet

Anyone hogging info on this release?

 

[Barndoor]

My Aether arrived today.
For the first few tracks I wasn't particularly impressed. Veiled and nothing particularly stood out as impressive.
During the first hour they've improved so much.
Like a flower bud starting to open up to show a beautiful rose.

The way they present this track is stunning, had to listen again with the Punch to make sure I'm not going mad.


Using with hifiiman ef600, so power requirements well and truely covered.
Looking forward to see how they continue to improve.

 

[Ineras]

I guess I’m passing on the Phoenixia no matter how nice it is. I have too many midfi IEMS now for me to feel I need it. Or am I wrong?!

In this hobby, you're always wrong about a set until you get it in your own ears to prove you're right! Or wrong!
For me the Phoenixia is unique and special with that DD+dual BA bass that's so well implemented, coupled with a tuning that meshes very well with my HRTF. I'd say it's just as musical as H60, with improved bass. Yes, I'm ranking it up there with H60.