The discovery thread!

[lairpost]

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.

I happened upon the RE2000 Pro Silver somewhere in my web travels. Just ordered today, $180 with their open-box special. I hope they've resolved the poor assembly/QC. I've seen some reviews with glue and misaligned joints...shameful at what they originally asked for them. But it's Hifiman...no one buys their stuff until it's heavily marked down months after the hype has fizzled, right?

 

[JrOcinthepark]

Anyone guess what this is? Oh yeah…… it spells it out on the case. IEM is very good other than the cable (ironically). Self proclaimed FATfreq shill. Everything they do is great.

 

[Ineras]

Received the Vzonis VP-07 (1DD+6BA) which I ordered during the February sale for $80. Thought it got lost along with my Nici Hifi Fortune Fox cable which has already been refunded.

Also got the GY-306 cable from GY Hifi. I couldn't resist all the silly colors.

Here we go again. The VP-07 is stupid good for $80, or at the current SuperDeals price of $103. Or even at the sub $400 range imo. Very resolving, incisive and crisp, but stops just short of sibilance and that metallic BA timbre I hate. Great bass quality, very textured. Not basshead, but enough quantity to sound correct and not leave me wanting. Astounding vocals, you get all the detail and emotion without making your ears bleed. Mids are the highlight of this set for me. Extended natural treble.

No pressure issues. Nozzle diameter is 6.3mm, a bit short but I didn't have any fit issues with licky black tips. Very comfy and ergonomic.

Welcome to 2025. 80 frikin bucks!!!

 

[avishifi]

Received the Vzonis VP-07 (1DD+6BA) which I ordered during the February sale for $80. Thought it got lost along with my Nici Hifi Fortune Fox cable which has already been refunded.

Also got the GY-306 cable from GY Hifi. I couldn't resist all the silly colors.

Here we go again. The VP-07 is stupid good for $80, or at the current SuperDeals price of $103. Or even at the sub $400 range imo. Very resolving, incisive and crisp, but stops just short of sibilance and that metallic BA timbre I hate. Great bass quality, very textured. Not basshead, but enough quantity to sound correct and not leave me wanting. Astounding vocals, you get all the detail and emotion without making your ears bleed. Mids are the highlight of this set for me. Extended natural treble.

No pressure issues. Nozzle diameter is 6.3mm, a bit short but I didn't have any fit issues with licky black tips. Very comfy and ergonomic.

Welcome to 2025. 80 frikin bucks!!!

Dope cable!!

Really good price for 1dd and 6ba

 

[FreeWheelinAudioLuv2]

I happened upon the RE2000 Pro Silver somewhere in my web travels. Just ordered today, $180 with their open-box special. I hope they've resolved the poor assembly/QC. I've seen some reviews with glue and misaligned joints...shameful at what they originally asked for them. But it's Hifiman...no one buys their stuff until it's heavily marked down months after the hype has fizzled, right?

good luck with that QC. Hoping for the best!

Received the Vzonis VP-07 (1DD+6BA) which I ordered during the February sale for $80. Thought it got lost along with my Nici Hifi Fortune Fox cable which has already been refunded.

Also got the GY-306 cable from GY Hifi. I couldn't resist all the silly colors.

Here we go again. The VP-07 is stupid good for $80, or at the current SuperDeals price of $103. Or even at the sub $400 range imo. Very resolving, incisive and crisp, but stops just short of sibilance and that metallic BA timbre I hate. Great bass quality, very textured. Not basshead, but enough quantity to sound correct and not leave me wanting. Astounding vocals, you get all the detail and emotion without making your ears bleed. Mids are the highlight of this set for me. Extended natural treble.

No pressure issues. Nozzle diameter is 6.3mm, a bit short but I didn't have any fit issues with licky black tips. Very comfy and ergonomic.

Welcome to 2025. 80 frikin bucks!!!

You're the second dude who posted here that they liked this IEM. Seems to be legit, but it's not a cheap IEM, so I'd hope it would be good? Ya never know, and for Americans, not affordable anytime soon.

 

[Cinder]

Somebody already tried the KBEAR Cepheus KB16?
Although it said pre order they already shipped yesterday

Been palling around with the KB16 for a bit--just paired it with a Plussound Tri-Copper and Hybrid Eartips. I had the funds to purchase myself a pair and so far have not been disappointed.

Early impressions:

- Generally V-shaped
- Broad, strong bass
- Genuinely surprising vocal clarity
- Good ergonomics
- Easy to drive
- Well-tuned treble, zero sibilance or sharpness

 

[SushiiFi]

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.

Agreed, the bass on volare is excellent. The attack is well defined with just the right amount of decay. The rumble and slam both are on point.

 

[r31ya]

oh hey, requal is taking one of the team,
apparently he bought KZ AM16.
https://www.kztws.com/products/kz-am16?variant=47127205216507

AM16 seems to have new Bass BA that seems to be misnumbered as 30095.
in the marketing material, promising low low range up to 5hz like crin recently does with their unit.
tough without proper soundtubing and woofer size i wonder if it add anything to the sound.

It seems finally the new bellsing mid-range BA 29689 that in AS24 goes down to sub$100 iem,
so its not just bunch of 31736 for mid-high range like most kz recent big hybrids

it seems also feature bigger crossover board.
and KZ new cable as options... not sure whether the new cable is exclusive to the type-c end or also for 3.5mm jack one. out of all thing KZ decide to improve the mic in the new cable. i suppose new tech from their TWS division.

kz currently experimenting with more linear bass (KZ ZS12 Pro) and still figuring out treble sweet spot like the brighter KZ ZA12.
let's see how this one actually gonna goes, that straight-ish upper mid to treble somehow looks like planar than BA (but with a drop in what 15k?)

Requal seems to take the bass enhanced version taking account compesating for bass BA.

all in all, we'll how it gonna goes in two weeks or so.

 

[Leonarfd]

I reposted the DX1 review for Letshuoer, they want to have it in the official Head-fi listing. This also means that the launch day is soon, in their page it says next month.
I got it confirmed that price will be $159, it just depends on US folks and all the taxes where it lands. Rest of the world can enjoy one of the best neutral/midrange focused single DDs for a super good price.

https://www.head-fi.org/showcase/letshuoer-dx1.28152/reviews#review-37860

 

[gadgetgod]

I reposted the DX1 review for Letshuoer, they want to have it in the official Head-fi listing. This also means that the launch day is soon, in their page it says next month.
I got it confirmed that price will be $159, it just depends on US folks and all the taxes where it lands. Rest of the world can enjoy one of the best neutral/midrange focused single DDs for a super good price.

https://www.head-fi.org/showcase/letshuoer-dx1.28152/reviews#review-37860

I am expecting delivery of DX1 today. I will read your review once I make my own impressions. On a side note, I am jealous of this M8T in the picture hahaaha

 

[Jaytiss]

I reposted the DX1 review for Letshuoer, they want to have it in the official Head-fi listing. This also means that the launch day is soon, in their page it says next month.
I got it confirmed that price will be $159, it just depends on US folks and all the taxes where it lands. Rest of the world can enjoy one of the best neutral/midrange focused single DDs for a super good price.

https://www.head-fi.org/showcase/letshuoer-dx1.28152/reviews#review-37860

Nice excited for your take on the Ziigaat Arcanis. Big fan of it.

 

[Ozboyblu]

PENON Archangel

OOTB Impressions. ( Documented Experience )

I was greeted with both switches in the OFF position. Let’s just say I was a little surprised by what I was hearing. Felt like super Balanced , almost politely presented EBC80. ( keeping in mind That I haven’t Burned these in yet)

Once I turned Switch ONE to the ON Position. (I knew I was in party town now)

Thunderous BASS , textured full and “grab you by the (proverbial starting with a B)” (Like a bold rich full strong bodied coffee in the morning.)



Mids are glorious ( vocals and acoustic instruments are just so refined and full of clarity )



Treble is sooooo crystal clear , refined and resolving . ( seriously so clear you could hear a pin drop in the in amongst the music mix )

Soundstage is Immersive - Various songs Felt like musical notes were dancing on the inside of my skull. While Some tracks sounded like a flower unfolding with several element’s (riffs) and instrument positioning created a layering that I’d not heard before on my other IEM’s. Just Wild !

Comparing between IEM’s is a little difficult so early. But if I had a guess right now I’d say… If the H60 , the TSMR SHOCK and EBC80 had a Threesome. The result would be a Penon Archangel. (There are immersive elements of the SHOCK , thunderous bass, H60 style mids with Shock immersion, and with treble DNA almost a EBC80 match. )

Listening was conducted on HiBy R3 Gen 2 , Astell&Kern CA1000T, and iBasso DC-Elite with Audirvāna.

Much more listening to be had , please take with a gain of salt, as I’m a hobbyist. not an experienced reviewer.

I will put these on the burn in station for some time to develop like a film processed photo.

So It’s safe to say I’m on a honeymoon with the Archangel.

 

[LoryWiv]

Comparing between IEM’s is a little difficult so early. But if I had a guess right now I’d say… If the H60 , the TSMR SHOCK and EBC80 had a Threesome. The result would be a Penon Archangel. (There are immersive elements of the SHOCK , thunderous bass, H60 style mids with Shock immersion, and with treble DNA almost a EBC80 match. )

@Ozboyblu so glad you are smitten, may your honeymoon last into the golden years! One comment (bolded) that surprised me your comparison to EBC80 treble as the Archangel is BA but EBC80 is electrostatic. I've never been a fan of BA treble timbre and with the advent of electrostatic almost always prefer those. Can you eleaborate on the similarities as well as differences in high frequencies between Archangel and EBC80? Thanks!

 

[Ozboyblu]

@Ozboyblu so glad you are smitten, may your honeymoon last into the golden years! One comment (bolded) that surprised me your comparison to EBC80 treble as the Archangel is BA but EBC80 is electrostatic. I've never been a fan of BA treble timbre and with the advent of electrostatic almost always prefer those. Can you eleaborate on the similarities as well as differences in high frequencies between Archangel and EBC80? Thanks!

Sure, What I mean by “Treble DNA almost a EBC80 match” I’m talking about refined detailed presentation. But not specifically the differences in drivers BA or EST tone or timber. So I guess it surprised me given the EBC80 has 2 x EST. I’m meaning that Archangel has surprised me, given a similar clarity very close to the same DNA. Hope that makes things clearer. Much more listening to be had before I can eleaborate much more.

 

[jbfps116]

If you like jazz, you need to fix that as soon as possible. It's a genre of music where the experience of a live performance is irreplaceable by any successful studio recording. I wish you all the best.

Not a bad idea… I generally don’t get out much to social events like that but I should look into it.

I own both and they are great cables. Good thing I snagged them when they released. Can't get them now... Let freedom tariffs ring

Yea… so much stuff On AE is simply not even for sale in the USA anymore :/ these tariffs are an inconvenience now but who knows that the long-term results will be.

It's crazy that I own a ton of IEMs but not a single one in that picture and I've only reviewed 2 of them (H60 and Aether). I love the look of the Xuan NV but heard it's pretty meh

XuanNv needs power and a bright cable to shine. Surprisingly addictive, mature and capable sound. But in that photo, the standout rec would still be CK2V. Simply jaw-dropping. Or HS80 of you want a more forward treble.

Received the Vzonis VP-07 (1DD+6BA) which I ordered during the February sale for $80. Thought it got lost along with my Nici Hifi Fortune Fox cable which has already been refunded.

Also got the GY-306 cable from GY Hifi. I couldn't resist all the silly colors.

Here we go again. The VP-07 is stupid good for $80, or at the current SuperDeals price of $103. Or even at the sub $400 range imo. Very resolving, incisive and crisp, but stops just short of sibilance and that metallic BA timbre I hate. Great bass quality, very textured. Not basshead, but enough quantity to sound correct and not leave me wanting. Astounding vocals, you get all the detail and emotion without making your ears bleed. Mids are the highlight of this set for me. Extended natural treble.

No pressure issues. Nozzle diameter is 6.3mm, a bit short but I didn't have any fit issues with licky black tips. Very comfy and ergonomic.

Welcome to 2025. 80 frikin bucks!!!

Looks stunning, but again, not even for sale in the USA store.

PENON Archangel



OOTB Impressions. ( Documented Experience )





I was greeted with both switches in the OFF position. Let’s just say I was a little surprised by what I was hearing. Felt like super Balanced , almost politely presented EBC80. ( keeping in mind That I haven’t Burned these in yet)

Once I turned Switch ONE to the ON Position. (I knew I was in party town now)







Thunderous BASS , textured full and “grab you by the (proverbial starting with a B)” (Like a bold rich full strong bodied coffee in the morning.)



Mids are glorious ( vocals and acoustic instruments are just so refined and full of clarity )



Treble is sooooo crystal clear , refined and resolving . ( seriously so clear you could hear a pin drop in the in amongst the music mix )



Soundstage is Immersive - Various songs Felt like musical notes were dancing on the inside of my skull. While Some tracks sounded like a flower unfolding with several element’s (riffs) and instrument positioning created a layering that I’d not heard before on my other IEM’s. Just Wild !




Comparing between IEM’s is a little difficult so early. But if I had a guess right now I’d say… If the H60 , the TSMR SHOCK and EBC80 had a Threesome. The result would be a Penon Archangel. (There are immersive elements of the SHOCK , thunderous bass, H60 style mids with Shock immersion, and with treble DNA almost a EBC80 match. )



Listening was conducted on HiBy R3 Gen 2 , Astell&Kern CA1000T, and iBasso DC-Elite with Audirvāna.

Much more listening to be had , please take with a gain of salt, as I’m a hobbyist. not an experienced reviewer.

I will put these on the burn in station for some time to develop like a film processed photo.

So It’s safe to say I’m on a honeymoon with the Archangel.

Sounds like the perfect set! Too bad I really dislike that red-black color scheme. And likely too expensive with tariffs anyway.