The discovery thread!

[Okcerg]

Score! The ZVX Pro is indeed a stunning single DD set. However, lovers of richer bass might try the original ZVX...[also VERY cheap] it has a more organic and dynamic sound.

Yes, it's not a super warm set, and a good fit for the tips is important. I use biggest KBear07 (yellow) with this set, to bring out all the bass that the ZVX Pro has to offer.
Still can't believe you can get this sound for the price of a lunch.
Crazy.

 

[SbassX]

FiiO pays the cost of the tariff upon it being shipped to the U.S. There's no duty YET. This goes away May 2nd IF there isn't an extension, so at the moment, IF there's stock already in warehouses in the U.S., the cost wouldn't or shouldn't be passed on to the consumer, but anything that's still overseas, making it's way here now, would logically accessed the tax upon arrival on our shores (more likely before this at some destination along the way), and duty increases after May 2nd. That's why you haven't seen many price hikes on Amazon (yet), and actually have seen some prices go down, as those items are in Amazon warehouses in the U.S.

Great breakdown. Since the duty doesn’t kick in until May 2nd unless extended, anything already in U.S. warehouses avoids the hit, which is why we're still seeing normal or even lower prices on Amazon. But yeah, anything en route or arriving after that date will likely get taxed, and retailers will probably pass that on. So now's a smart time to grab gear if it's already stateside. Things could shift fast after May 2nd

I was waiting for the 10000th page to post this short impression:

There is a steal deal going on on Musicteck that I do not know if anybody is aware of, because if they were, it should have been sold out by now:

Timsok TS-316 for a freaking $399!!

I have recently borrowed @gadgetgod 's unit a few days ago, and since then I was so freaking amazed by it that I bought it off him (thank you @gadgetgod for being generous enough to let it go.) I have paired the Verus Audio Magni C4 cable with it and it has been absolutely rocking my world.

This is like the very example of how versatile and yet efficient a single dynamic driver iem can be. All the frequencies are playing in a field that is both exciting and refined. It is not specialist iem; it is a Jack Of All Trades who knows its purpose and tolerance and makes the most out of them.

I love a deep and robust bass. TS-316's bass goes deep and hits with a nice slam, and yet feels very deftly controlled. I can notice the bass is not as full and robust like my other sets, but nevertheless I can feel the fun and emotion just right. This is for sure a first experience for me.

The midrange is quite fine - notes feel sufficiently bodied and have a distinct presence with ample energy. What immediately got me hooked is the rather three-dimensional presence of the notes that makes the midrange come alive even more!

The treble feels so wonderful - energetic and extended with the right dips and the right peaks. I can enjoy this section to my heart's content without being afraid of sibilance. It is quite evenly energised and has an excellent airy feel - making the whole experience ethereal and refined.

The soundstage is sufficiently expanded in the width and depth, but feels above average in height. But honestly, it is more than enough for me.

The original price of $599 was definitely justified, but at the current $399 price it is absolutely a no-brainer deal. This is one iem that is a nice palette cleanser and can act as a reference point for a variety of tastes. Like the LOAK2-TX01, it is never leaving my collection. The perfect pocket carry for me - knowing it will never fail me (Sorry @gadgetgod you are not getting it back.)

What a way to mark the 10,000th page! That deal is insane, and your impressions make it sound like an absolute hidden gem. Love the way you describe it as a “Jack of All Trades who knows its purpose” (am gonna put that line in my inventory) That’s a dream for those of us who want emotion without bloat. At $399, it really does feel like one of those “buy first, think later” moments, considering the haircut you get from the original price.

 

[carrots99]

Xiaomi is a very popular brand of electronics in China... they basically make everything including cellphones. I've seen lots of likely fake Xiaomi stuff on AE.

Score! The ZVX Pro is indeed a stunning single DD set. However, lovers of richer bass might try the original ZVX...[also VERY cheap] it has a more organic and dynamic sound.
Cool song BTW! It sounds GREAT on the Phoenixia!
Comparing the Phoenixia to the ZS12 Pro X on that song, the ZS12 has way more treble air, which gives it a great stage effect... actually, I'm surprised at how different those two IEMs sound. I gotta admit, I AM picking a tad bit of sibilance though on the ZS12. (0 sibilance on the Phoenixia)
Bass is clean and obviously not as richly punchy as the Phoenixia though. Considering the ZS12 is WAYYY cheaper than the Phoenixia or the other mid-fi hybrids I've tried that have similar driver setups, it's a raving good deal though.

Now I want to compare the ZS12 with the HS80... because that one too is a bit more treble-focused:
[still on that same album "Smash"] HS80 is still more rich and heart-felt than the ZS12, but still is a bit sibilant with Patricia's voice. Despite that, I CAN SEE why XINHS is trying to charge almost $400 for the HS80... [I got it around $160 on sale, and it's a STEAL for that price.] They truly sound like some seriously professional effort and skill went into them. Stage is as good or better than the Phoenixia and ZS12... The ONLY "problem" I can see is the vocal region might be too elevated for some preferences, and the CHUNKY shell might be a problematic fit for some.

Conclusion: the Phoenixia is NOT lacking in treble extension or detail, but it's not as elevated as on the ZS12 or HS80... It's harder to drive than those two... but the sound is overall SO musical and lush while remaining detailed, which I'd consider mandatory for mid-fi... [a mid-fi IEM that lacks in detail... HARD PASS from me. I hope they don't exist!] So yea... I'd say the Phoenixia is the more crowd-pleasing choice. HS80 for treble-heads with the ZS12 being the BUDGET alternative.

How would you compare the Phoenixia against the CK2V? Are they sidegrades? Looks like it, based on your description of the Phoenixia

 

[Dsnuts]

I go on a month vacation and just like that the thread hits 10K. That is amazing. When I started this thread the headfi community was filled with folks that had nothing to do with cheaper priced IEMs. The talk was all about the most expensive the most edgy the top of the line stuff at that time. Suggesting other IEMs in lower price ranges was an unsaid sin. I mean there was nothing to talk about right?

Here we are 10K pages into this thread with 100s if not thousands of discoveries uncovered by this thread and it is all because of a bunch of crazy mad enthusiasts that fill this thread. The passion in our hobby is for real.

I want to personally thank every one of you guys and gals that attend and contribute to make this thread a great welcoming place for all enthusiasts to join in. We have had a few bad apples in the past but that is more the exception than the majority. Our hobby continues to grow and I would love this thread to continue to do exactly what we have been doing. Letting others know what is up in the IEM world.

As good as the past 10K pages was of this thread I am looking forward to the next 10K. Thanks for always keeping it real.

 

[Ineras]

Wait what?! How is that even possible?! How can the H20 be like the SR9?! The SR9 is known as a deep v with big ass bass and as ineras even admitted, treble that is extended and potentially sibilant. Yeah, the H20 does have really big bass, but not Archangel BIG, and the treble is polite and lacks air, with Penon forward and warm mids. So explain to me how these two IEMs could be anywhere near similar? Inquiring minds wanna know!?

So I believe there is a relationship between the SR9 and H20 in that they hold a similar tonality and timbre. However that said you are also right the bass and treble differ in frequency spectrum. But to me, I’d say if SR9 and H20 were related , they are not directly related, but more like cousins. If that makes more sense. It’s just what my ears hear.

For me it's more of the speed, quality and quantity of the bass, and how it doesn't mesh very well with the rest of the frequencies. Balance is very similar imo. @Ozboyblu is correct on the tonality/timbre as well. Treble on SR9 is much more extended.

How is the Cantor compared to the Shock? which one do you prefer? I'm still enjoying my modded Shock (just simple mod with medium density foam over the mids and treble opening tube) with FiftyStrings M. Hawk cable combo + Radius Deep ZONE eartips through DC Elite to date

Shock is still top dog. It's simply unique, immersive, intensely engaging and satisfying. Best BCD implementation imo, plus crazy adjustability to tailor to personal preferences.
I'm waiting for @Ozboyblu's comparison with Archangel.
Cantor is a details specialist, a very mood-dependent set for me. I usually drive it with toobs. Treble can get a bit too much for my ears if driven with DC-E or Clarinet, just too crispy sometimes.
Punch has super fun bass and very nice EST treble.
FATFreq Quantum (SuperStage) is actually a great mix of fun detailed bass, very extended but controlled treble, with great stage, detail retrieval and resolution.
ivipQ Phoenixia is a value king for me. It holds its own against much more expensive bangers.

As good as the past 10K pages was of this thread I am looking forward to the next 10K.

Damn, @Dsnuts shutting down the party and dragging us right back to work already!

 

[perrew]

For me it's more of the speed, quality and quantity of the bass, and how it doesn't mesh very well with the rest of the frequencies. Balance is very similar imo. @Ozboyblu is correct on the tonality/timbre as well. Treble on SR9 is much more extended.

Nice to see this graph! What kind of tips/cables do you use on the respective cans?

 

[Ineras]

Cool if you can share a track where this shows up.

I'll have to give it some ear time tonight after work, I'll let you know.
Keep in mind that I seem to be much more sensitive to sibilance than most other peeps here.

Nice to see this graph! What kind of tips/cables do you use on the respective cans?

I have to use Sancai (wide bore) tips on SR9 because of pressure/vacuum issues. They also help vent some of that thunderous bass.
My go-to Penon lickies for H20.

 

[perrew]

I have to use Sancai (wide bore) tips on SR9 because of pressure/vacuum issues. They also help vent some of that thunderous bass.
My go-to Penon lickies for H20.

Cool, always nice to see what others are using for tips. I use Whizzer ss20 on the SR9 which works great for me but I use the standard SR9 tips on both my Pirole and Vega2020s, where they work great. Ill try the Sancai.

 

[Hypops]

Selling Project M? You'll miss that bass, unless Punch is really That good?

Nah. It's the Braindance that took the Project M's place. But, yes, the Punch really is that good (in my ears). It might be the only IEM I ultimately hold onto.

 

[Ace Bee]

Great breakdown. Since the duty doesn’t kick in until May 2nd unless extended, anything already in U.S. warehouses avoids the hit, which is why we're still seeing normal or even lower prices on Amazon. But yeah, anything en route or arriving after that date will likely get taxed, and retailers will probably pass that on. So now's a smart time to grab gear if it's already stateside. Things could shift fast after May 2nd

What a way to mark the 10,000th page! That deal is insane, and your impressions make it sound like an absolute hidden gem. Love the way you describe it as a “Jack of All Trades who knows its purpose” (am gonna put that line in my inventory) That’s a dream for those of us who want emotion without bloat. At $399, it really does feel like one of those “buy first, think later” moments, considering the haircut you get from the original price.

It definitely is one of those moments. Get on it!

 

[Ineras]

It definitely is one of those moments. Get on it!

How does it stack up against RE2000 pro? I used to be interested in the TS-316, but the Hifiman set has kinda ended my single DD quest, and I managed to pick it up at $195.

 

[SushiiFi]

10K pages of the wildest discoveries, comfortable audiophile banter, and a lot of friends, Congrats @Dsnuts !!

Congrats @Dsnuts 10k pages is just crazy

 

[activatorfly]

Then I got honked with the Mofasest Trio and Dita Truth lol But @activatorfly reached out at that time and we became good friends, as he plunked down $600 during COVID as well for the Trio, only to realize they kinda sucked. lol But this place was therapy, and folks here pulled me out of a really dark place, and then two years ago, same thing when my mom passed. So take advantage of having this community as therapy and friendship. We're here.

Unfortunately I still have the MoFo's...in actuality they cost $432. I agree this community can be considered as therapy, which is something I probably need atm as my relocation didn't quite go according to plan. As an alternative I've chosen to backpack around the Greek Isles instead - if that doesn't re-charge my batteries, then nothing will !!

 

[MakeItWain]

M5U is so dang good! I got mine just recently and it absolutely helped with the brighter Plussound Sonora. Can't wait to get my BrainDance back to pair them together (plus an impedance adapter for the added bass).

It's warm but not as colored as I expected. I love mine but unfortunately didn't have it when I had the Cantor for review . I think that would have helped A LOT

Need more tubes in your life.

How are you liking the Timeless II? I’m bored and miss planars, I somehow found myself owning none after the purge and that seems like a crime… plus it’s a few dollars off rn on Amazon.

Imma try and pit Timeless II against Quantum, wish me luck.

All the talk about the "new TFZ" series, the EarAcoustic series, has me breaking out my TFZ T2 Pro again... [on a gold-plated copper cable for a bit more warmth.]

Wow. Still IMPRESSIVE. Snappy, CLEAN sound, detail and stage for days, surprisingly good bass that's punchy when called for... vocals are MAYBE on the thin side, but just barely. They sound quite natural with good stage. Crazy good set, and the quirky leather-covered faceplates give a hint of luxury. Tanchjim T300 BASS tips provide a good seal... [these IEMs were kinda finicky in that regard!]

Only problem is the elevated treble can be a bit sibilant at times.

Yeah, I just got something in the mail from them. Maybe I should unpack it.

Nah. It's the Braindance that took the Project M's place. But, yes, the Punch really is that good (in my ears). It might be the only IEM I ultimately hold onto.

Punch is, indeed, really that good.

 

[pk4425]

Ha. Thanks. My last big cull was also about soul searching, but it was a happier occasion. I feel like I’m doing even more soul searching this time, but it’s coming from a sense of my body’s slow (but speeding up) amble toward oblivion. Yeah, moderate hearing loss is a small thing, but I have a long history of reacting poorly to my body falling apart/breaking/aging. I have unreasonably high standards for myself (yes, I have a therapist).

I’m not selling off all my gear or anything so stark. But I did take sale photos of everything, box everything up, and store it in a closet. I’m now giving myself a couple of months where I pull things out of those boxes when I crave them. Anything left in boxes after those couple of months will get sold. The Project M and Elegia had already been on the fence before all of this, so they were the low-hanging fruit.

I’m still around, just less active and not obsessing about keeping up with the thread the way I had been. Better for my mental health at the moment. I really appreciate your reply. This is a special thread.

Glad to see you back, dude.

I turn 60 next month. I was a cross-country and track runner for a good high school program and Division I college and have tried to stay pretty fit in the last 38 years since graduation. But nobody beats time. Your body does age and break down -- it's as inevitable as death and taxes.

But I have found a way to cope with my diminished physical capabilities: Focus on where your fitness is NOW compared to others in your demographic instead of your body and ability in your teens and 20s. I'll bet that you're still far more fit and strong now compared to most dudes your age. I know I am. That sustains me.

Rather than lament what was lost, my energy is devoted toward maintaining as much as I can, staying more fit than most 60-year-old dudes and FIGHTING decline every remaining second of my life by staying mentally and physically active. Work with what you have rather than worrying about what was. The past is out of your control; grab the present by the balls.

Sure, we're all on a slide to oblivion. But you can take mental and physical steps toward making that chute as long and flat as possible.

You can do it, dude. Good luck. Always here for you with an ear.

At first glance, I thought your graph was showcasing each tuning iteration of the upcoming KZ EQ Pro.

LOLOLOL. Best Disco thread laugh of the month for me!

10K pages….. It is insane. All thanks to @Dsnuts

Thanks, @Dsnuts for starting this thread and for everyone welcoming me here in the last 15 months. It is a truly special place.

But as for 10K, pshhh, I treat it like birthdays -- it's just a number. I got just as much value out of page #9751, and I'm sure I will from page #10427. But while the number is irrelevant to me, your fellowship and knowledge are not, fellas.

You could eventually share some of those codes

I can't really get the point of those tariffs...in the end it'll be the companies losing (losing customers / having an huge decrease in sales) and the US people (paying so much more, or not buying at all)...

There is no point other than gross incompetence.

I used to think so many sets I bought were thin sounding. But I'm now leaning more towards cleaner presentations.

I'm with you, dude. I migrated toward the warmer "meta" tuning last summer and still really enjoy it. I did that because I thought I was VERY treble-sensitive despite higher-frequency hearing loss, mainly because of my ferocious tinnitus.

But I think part of that perceived treble allergy was caused by listening to so many headphones and IEMs with poor- to mid-quality treble. I've listened to so many sets/cans with grainy, shouty, glaring, spiky and piercing treble that I thought it was me.

Then I auditioned the BrainDance and Project M last winter thanks to the generosity of Disco threaders, and it was a parting of the Red Sea moment for me. Both of those sets have clean, clear, REFINED treble. While extending quite far, the treble in neither of those sets hits me wrong in any spot.

My swing from warm-neutral toward more bright-neutral sets accelerated when I also got my smokin' deal on the Hype 2 at $150 a few weeks ago. The Hype 2 features a light V-shape, which is great for my preferred genres of rock and classic rock. The treble sharpness walks right to the edge of my acceptable limit, perhaps even placing a few toes over the edge. But it never crosses. Ever. Just magic for me.

My two newest sets, the Aether and Volume S, also are more airy and crisp in the treble than the sets they will replace, the T10 and Explorer.

Moral of this tale: Keep your ears and brain open to new signatures and the evolution of your preferred signature. Maybe you will find audio nirvana with a certain signature. But chances are, everyone's tastes will continue to evolve and shape-shift. That's one of the aspects of this wonderful hobby that keeps it fresh for me: Tuning is changing; so is my perception of it.