The discovery thread!

[FreeWheelinAudioLuv2]

I dunno.
Might be a good way to generate a bit more money during a potentially difficult time.
Many of these brands have a strong following in Japan etc.

I get what you mean, but Japan is a saturated market, and despite the romanticized notion of Japan's financial power, there's a reason bands who used to have a huge following, and still have a huge following in Japan, can't live comfortably touring Japan (if Ratt could do it, they'd have never played a single state fair). There's only so much to go around there vs the United States, and the IEM market is SATURATED.

KiwiEars blew it: With a Vibration Transducer, this set should have been called the Dildo.

Hit and miss for me. The Aether is my favorite planar IEM, supplanting the venerable Artti T10.

But I also tested the Airoso, which sucked harder than a horny senior prom date. I couldn't get it out of my ears fast enough after testing. Thin, nondescript sound. Hated it.

Not many liked the Airoso, and out of the multitude and multitude of KE releases lately, the ONLY ones that stuck were the Aether and KE4.

---

For the first time in nearly three weeks, my daily trio is all mine. No loaner units involved. As a matter of fact, it's led by the ISN EBC80, which somehow rebounded so nicely, it has survived my CULL. The Penon Fan 3 wasn't so lucky. Also my most recent purchase, and current beloved, the Penon Archangel. SO GUD!! And finally the Letshuoer DX1. Sure wish they'd release this for sale, but gonna finish up the review by Thursday, and I'll be all caught up with reviews.

 

[Conan1974]

Received the Aune SR7000 2 days ago.

Great comfort, doesn't clamp as hard as the hd620 however more comfortable than the e3, azurys, and ft1. The adjustment and swivel are very nice and once adjusted to feels great on the head. About as hard to drive as my Penon Quattro if not slightly more; so it's somewhat insensitive. The occ copper cable is non-microphonic and very lightweight. The headphone and cable look better irl.

Very linear sounding, no crazy dips or boxyness. Slightly dark but, I feel, sentiments of too little ear gain are overstated. Fantastic treble and bass extension with great physicality/tactility and detail; almost effortless sounding. Soundstage is wide, natural, and frontward facing while sounding like you're in a well dampened small room with how low level background tones so well develop and decay around you without being pushed in your face. Timbre is sweet and natural sounding as a result and no small intricacy is left behind with the timbre variation of different tracks being able to be distinguished helps with that. Images are very voluminous and resolutely placed. Bass rumbles and sustains excellently without excess, and the midrange is great with fantastic dynamics all around giving you swings in loudness when the track demands it. If the FR fits your tastes, this might be your one and done headphone. Also haven't felt the need to burn in.

The e3 may be a bit wider and more technical but the dynamics, ease of drive, timbre, and tone (bit less upper mids and much more upper treble) make it the better buy.

Nice cans. Just one question, what does it mean dark in the case of the SR7000?

 

[audioaura]

I get what you mean, but Japan is a saturated market, and despite the romanticized notion of Japan's financial power, there's a reason bands who used to have a huge following, and still have a huge following in Japan, can't live comfortably touring Japan (if Ratt could do it, they'd have never played a single state fair). There's only so much to go around there vs the United States, and the IEM market is SATURATED.


Not many liked the Airoso, and out of the multitude and multitude of KE releases lately, the ONLY ones that stuck were the Aether and KE4.

---

For the first time in nearly three weeks, my daily trio is all mine. No loaner units involved. As a matter of fact, it's led by the ISN EBC80, which somehow rebounded so nicely, it has survived my CULL. The Penon Fan 3 wasn't so lucky. Also my most recent purchase, and current beloved, the Penon Archangel. SO GUD!! And finally the Letshuoer DX1. Sure wish they'd release this for sale, but gonna finish up the review by Thursday, and I'll be all caught up with reviews.

Love that your trio is finally yours—feels extra special without any loaners, right? Totally agree on the Archangel, it's a beast! Sad to see the Fan 3 go though—I actually liked its relaxed vibe. What made you choose the ISN EBC80 over it in the end?

 

[OsterhagenMath]

Really like the idea behind this

 

[BlankName]

Nice cans. Just one question, what does it mean dark in the case of the SR7000?

The 1-4k region is a bit recessed.

 

[Conan1974]

Can You compare it to another headphones maybe? I have no idea what that 1-4 k region recessed means.
I have listened to Hifiman HEK stealth, ZMF Auteur Classic, Denon AH D9200, LCD2. Maybe You had one of them at home.

 

[avishifi]

Quick first impressions about some of the TinHifi Lineup

TinHiFi DUDU (90$). It is the cheapest Planar IEM that TinHifi offers.
I would say it is a midrange focused IEM, with a touch of airy treble. The bass on these is very light, it doesn't have a lot of volume. The mid bass is punch and tight but it's presentation is also light compared to other Planars set. Also, the technical performance are not the technical performance I used to get from a planar. The soundstage is good, but not exceptional. And the imaging is not outstanding, which kind of dissapointed me. The tuning is actually good for a planar, my biggest problem with it that vocals has slightly metalic timbre, probably something in the treble is too boosted and that's what makes this effect.
In terms of build and accesories, there are very nice eartips included, and the unboxing experience was nice too. The cable though is not very good, it tangles often and has slight memory. The IEM itself is made of metal, and is very comfortable, with a nice looking faceplate, decent build!
Overall, if you find them on sales (I heard someone got this for 30-40$), then it is decent value. But as a Planar IEM, sadly, I don't find it outperforms its competitors.

TinHiFi T5S Mars edition (90$). It is the more higher-end of DD that TinHifi offers, it was their most expensive single DD IEM until the T7 came out (Which compared to the rest of the market, can be considered as cheap). This IEM compared to the DUDU, have a much better tone for the vocals, where instead of metalic, the vocals sound natural and more correct (though, there is a little sibiliance, where vocals can sound a bit sharp). The imaging and soundstage are slightly better than the DUDU. The treble though is a bit lacking, you don't have a lot of air extension, and the treble is a little bit muted. The focus here is on the midrange, with nice bass that adds some sauce to the mix, but still I do really miss the treble. The overall build is decent, with a better shape shell that is very comfortable for long use. The unboxing experience here is top notch, where you get a twissor to replace the filters, a brush, filters, ear tips, high quality carrying case, high quality cable... All of this makes this IEM really worth its price, and stands out from its competitors. I don't know how TinHifi can do all this... it is good.

TinHiFi C3 mk ii (50$)
This IEM is warm, has good balance but a bit lacking of treble. It has good technical performance for a DD. It handles sibilance better than all of the other TinHiFi's I have tested, actually it handles it very well in general. But is sounds a little bit "muffled"? I don't know how to explain it. It is not the cleanest sound that I know TinHiFi can provide. the sub-bass rumbles, the mid-bass is not the punchiest though. Mids are warm, and treble is a little muted compared to the rest but still has some sence of balance.

TinHiFi C2 2025 (30$)
Well, you will be surprised but this one is my favorite of the whole lineup. It is the cheapest IEM of them all, and to me, the most balanced one. The sub-bass has some nice rumble, the mid-bass is punchy and impactful (not bass-head level, yeah, but enogh for the balance). The mids are pretty neutral and sounds really clear, and the treble is well boosted. The best treble of them all. They are a little bright, and they have a sibiliance issue sadly. But for me, they are the favorite of them all! I am surprised.

 

[BlankName]

Can You compare it to another headphones maybe? I have no idea what that 1-4 k region recessed means.
I have listened to Hifiman HEK stealth, ZMF Auteur Classic, Denon AH D9200, LCD2. Maybe You had one of them at home.

I've only ever tried closed backs as they are what fit my personal needs better however compared to the e3, which is known for having thinnish lower mids and a forward midrange, it has a less forward upper midrange without going too far. It wasn't bothersome to me as it trades that for greater dynamic swings of loudness. Here's how the e3 compares to the stealth: https://vsg.squig.link/headphones/?share=Dan_Clark_Audio_E3,HIFIMAN_HE1000_Stealth and https://boizoff.squig.link/headphones/?share=HE1000_stealth_(stock_pads),E3

 

[FreeWheelinAudioLuv2]

Take a look at my sale lot in my signature links. Reach out if interested?

ISN EBC80 with original crap cable. I currently have the much more optimum and beautiful XINHS HA015 sat on it! ISN H60 next to it. Old pic.

 

[avishifi]

Take a look at my sale lot in my signature links. Reach out if interested?

ISN EBC80 with original crap cable. I currently have the much more optimum and beautiful XINHS HA015 sat on it! ISN H60 next to it. Old pic.

Really like these cables!!

 

[linconleandro]

I've had the I/O Volare for a little while now, courtesy of @bithalver, and I can safely say that this is my new favourite bass performer among all IEMs I have heard.

The sort of bass that rumbles like no one's business, kicks like a mule, decays sweetly, feels effortless, remains controlled throughout. It surpasses the Project M which is nearly as capable, but a tad more shy. Crimson is stupendous too, but all that 'DD is a DD' business might hold true.

Volare is a set I'll surely be looking into acquiring. Next to a Symphonium of some description.

After searching for models that I liked, I found information about the I/O Volare. For several weeks I searched for information about it, I read reviews, comments and the most accurate technical data I could find. According to my listening preferences, it is bright. I had money saved and was ready to invest. I made the purchase and it will be traveling with a relative who will be arriving in my country soon. Your short review of it pleased me. Thank you for sharing your opinion.

 

[FreeWheelinAudioLuv2]

Love that your trio is finally yours—feels extra special without any loaners, right? Totally agree on the Archangel, it's a beast! Sad to see the Fan 3 go though—I actually liked its relaxed vibe. What made you choose the ISN EBC80 over it in the end?

Just a bit more dimensionality, bass resolution (the bass is no contest with the Fan 3, as that's it's weak stop. It's pillowy and lacks definition), and though treble wise, it's very close as far as air, texture and might even say the Fan 3 is a touch more natural, overall, I just use the EBC80 more, especially since I picked AZLA Crystal tips and the HA015 cable for it. It was actually almost sold for $500 a couple weeks ago, and then I cancelled the purchase at the last moment, and I'm not sad about that.

Really like the idea behind this

This? This thread? This forum? This obsession?

Quick first impressions about some of the TinHifi Lineup



TinHiFi DUDU (90$). It is the cheapest Planar IEM that TinHifi offers.
I would say it is a midrange focused IEM, with a touch of airy treble. The bass on these is very light, it doesn't have a lot of volume. The mid bass is punch and tight but it's presentation is also light compared to other Planars set. Also, the technical performance are not the technical performance I used to get from a planar. The soundstage is good, but not exceptional. And the imaging is not outstanding, which kind of dissapointed me. The tuning is actually good for a planar, my biggest problem with it that vocals has slightly metalic timbre, probably something in the treble is too boosted and that's what makes this effect.
In terms of build and accesories, there are very nice eartips included, and the unboxing experience was nice too. The cable though is not very good, it tangles often and has slight memory. The IEM itself is made of metal, and is very comfortable, with a nice looking faceplate, decent build!
Overall, if you find them on sales (I heard someone got this for 30-40$), then it is decent value. But as a Planar IEM, sadly, I don't find it outperforms its competitors.

TinHiFi T5S Mars edition (90$). It is the more higher-end of DD that TinHifi offers, it was their most expensive single DD IEM until the T7 came out (Which compared to the rest of the market, can be considered as cheap). This IEM compared to the DUDU, have a much better tone for the vocals, where instead of metalic, the vocals sound natural and more correct (though, there is a little sibiliance, where vocals can sound a bit sharp). The imaging and soundstage are slightly better than the DUDU. The treble though is a bit lacking, you don't have a lot of air extension, and the treble is a little bit muted. The focus here is on the midrange, with nice bass that adds some sauce to the mix, but still I do really miss the treble. The overall build is decent, with a better shape shell that is very comfortable for long use. The unboxing experience here is top notch, where you get a twissor to replace the filters, a brush, filters, ear tips, high quality carrying case, high quality cable... All of this makes this IEM really worth its price, and stands out from its competitors. I don't know how TinHifi can do all this... it is good.

TinHiFi C3 mk ii (50$)
This IEM is warm, has good balance but a bit lacking of treble. It has good technical performance for a DD. It handles sibilance better than all of the other TinHiFi's I have tested, actually it handles it very well in general. But is sounds a little bit "muffled"? I don't know how to explain it. It is not the cleanest sound that I know TinHiFi can provide. the sub-bass rumbles, the mid-bass is not the punchiest though. Mids are warm, and treble is a little muted compared to the rest but still has some sence of balance.

TinHiFi C2 2025 (30$)
Well, you will be surprised but this one is my favorite of the whole lineup. It is the cheapest IEM of them all, and to me, the most balanced one. The sub-bass has some nice rumble, the mid-bass is punchy and impactful (not bass-head level, yeah, but enogh for the balance). The mids are pretty neutral and sounds really clear, and the treble is well boosted. The best treble of them all. They are a little bright, and they have a sibiliance issue sadly. But for me, they are the favorite of them all! I am surprised.

Excellent impressions. Thanks a bunch.

Really like these cables!!

The colors? The XINHS K15 (the one on the H60) is a fantastic cheaper cable. The one on the EBC80 is the stock H2 (I think that's what it's called?), and that was a horrid cable.

 

[avishifi]

The colors? The XINHS K15 (the one on the H60) is a fantastic cheaper cable. The one on the EBC80 is the stock H2 (I think that's what it's called?), and that was a horrid cable

Yeah, the colors are amazing. Such a bummer though the stock cable isn’t good it looks really dooe

 

[mathe0]

Not sure how patient you are, but I'm getting a tour unit of H60 in a week or two, and rock & jazz represent a big chunk of my listening.

Have you gotten your hands on the H60 yet? Curious to hear how it handles rock and jazz!

I've had the I/O Volare for a little while now, courtesy of @bithalver, and I can safely say that this is my new favourite bass performer among all IEMs I have heard.

The sort of bass that rumbles like no one's business, kicks like a mule, decays sweetly, feels effortless, remains controlled throughout. It surpasses the Project M which is nearly as capable, but a tad more shy. Crimson is stupendous too, but all that 'DD is a DD' business might hold true.

Volare is a set I'll surely be looking into acquiring. Next to a Symphonium of some description.

I realllllly like the bass on the Project M — it hits that sweet spot for me. Now you've got me fully intrigued… the Volare has my full attention!

 

[FreeWheelinAudioLuv2]

Have you gotten your hands on the H60 yet? Curious to hear how it handles rock and jazz!


I realllllly like the bass on the Project M — it hits that sweet spot for me. Now you've got me fully intrigued… the Volare has my full attention!

The H60 is my second favorite IEM behind the Penon Archangel, and before that, it was #1 for a year for a reason, and rock and jazz are my main playlist genres, and well, the H60 is magnificent with rock and jazz. It's one of the finest all-arounders in mid-fi, and it's superior to all those IEMs on my signature and those past and present. There's a ton. Main reason it's it's supremely balanced, with the right amount of bass resolution and energy, midrange is sweet and incisive, and the treble is also incisive, airy, and crisp, but with natural tonality, so that jazz instruments come across with proper note weight, timbre, and fluidity.