The discovery thread!

[nikbr]

New delivery today, Ruviest Prelude

Congrats! But where the heck is mineee? How did it find you that much quicker than me among all those (gorgeous, mind) Norwegian fjords

To be honest I did not have many 1000 or more USD in my hands (and more importantly, in my ears). Symphonium Crimson, Vision Ears Ext mk II (both tour items) and my own Monarch MK III.

You forgot the Voltage!

Grat ! Eagerly awaiting your opinion but no rush, please.

Most probably I am not the only one waiting for a FR to compare it to our favourite one.

I've got the Prelude on the way too! Had to buy it immediately, founder Abel is just that great of an IEM maker (proven multiple times by all AuR's I have tried) and that great of a dude.

And of course I can ship it your way at a later point too.

No such thing IMO. Sure there are gems like the S12, Yume, Cadenza 4, etc but nothing under $300 will kill my Glacier. Even my Variations are miles better than what you can get under that.

I'm afraid it's true. Despite there being some serious bangers at reasonable prices, the things at those painful four-digit price tags are indeed a few steps ahead.

So, talking about bangers:
<~100€: Simgot EW300, VE SIE, ivipQ Phoenixia
<~200€: Aful P5+2, BQEYZ Frost, BGVP NS10 Pro
<~300€: DITA Project M, Binary Dynaquattro, (hopefully Ruviest Prelude joins too, we'll see!)

 

[bithalver]

Congrats! But where the heck is mineee? How did it find you that much quicker than me among all those (gorgeous, mind) Norwegian fjords

You forgot the Voltage!

So true ! I add it to post !

I've got the Prelude on the way too! Had to buy it immediately, founder Abel is just that great of an IEM maker (proven multiple times by all AuR's I have tried) and that great of a dude.

And of course I can ship it your way at a later point too.

I will be thankful for that; we will find something in return (the EBC80, maybe ? ).

 

[cagix]

Ts 316 is realy strong on neutral dc elite. Fiio m11 and dc elite is like day, night diference with this iem. Need it.
I have dx 1 on radar too. Basicaly i see some new iems and shop i know and think and wait. But nothing realy interest in radar at the moment. Yes dk 3001 bd and dx1 maybe. Dont see something spectacular maybe spectrumica when chance for it.

 

[jbfps116]

I haven't really gotten into Asian music that much, but found this on the "what are you listening to now?" thread... wow. What a song! First tried it on the YuXuanJi... it was good. clear and precise. But then popped in the XINHS HS80 and holy Nirvana, what an upgrade! Total sonic upgrade in every way imaginable. Vocals even sweeter with better stage, more natural but distinct bass, I know it's hard to compare those two sets fairly, but DANG... the HS80 ain't playin' around. The sheer dynamism of the set just mops the floor with merely "good" single DD sets like the YXJ. [and by "dynamism," I'm not talking super bassy, because the HS80 is NOT that... it's still a powerful, capable sound. the sub-bass is like... an ominous premonition of doom... it never really ends up crashing and taking over the music [like sets like the H20] but you can still feel the power, full frequency range, and authority.]
But it ONLY fits me nicely with very short-flanged tips.

 

[Ozboyblu]

Multi Quote

Thanks to whoever posted the XINHS H04 cable (sorry, not sure who it was my memory is slipping ). I'm glad I was able to grab one when I did because now it's not available for US customers . It's more maroon than red in person but still looks lovely!

XINHS H04 Special Frozen Copper Palladium Alloy IEM Cable - Mine Looks More Red than Maroon.

Ariana's we can't be friends is my sibilance torture test track.

Must Test this out on the Shock and the Archangel.

I've fallen head over heels for the Penon Archangel. I just got done spending time with the Lime Ears Maris and Incognita, Elysian Apostle, and the ISN EBC80, and this $800 powerhouse acquitted itself quite nicely against those IEMs that are double and triple the cost of the Archangel. Except for a tiny bit of refinement vs the others, this thing is truly a kilobuck IEM in performance, and that's not an exaggeration. It's FACT with a/b vs 4 kilobuck IEMs in my possession at the same time.

That’s a Big statement for you to say. “Head over heels”. Makes sense given the kilobuck IEM’s you’ve compared with though. That’s Wild.

I haven’t come to any conclusions just yet. I’m on my Honeymoon, cause my Archangel is still Developing.

Amazing impressions! Can't wait for mine to arrive.

Exciting stuff. Looking forward to your impressions.

A hot take here, I am liking the black and red color, faceplate is also not that bad looking

It has really grown on me. It looks way better in person.

hot sticky mess? Which reminds me of Sinners, damn good movie. Same hot and sticky vibe as From Dusk till Dawn, but a bit more serious.

How's the BCD implementation? Massive stage like Shock, or leans more like EBC80?

Any hint of sibilance?

Could you please try 4.2 bass, 3.9 treble on Shock and compare with your favorite Archangel setting once it's done cooking.

Not sure why I'm asking all these questions, I said no more iem purchases until mussolini and his band of incompetent lying nitwits are all gone...

So many puns here. Lol

Archangel is still not fully Baked yet. Just over 24 Hrs, Have noticed subtle changes to the stage to open a little and the sub bass rumble.

My Shock is set at 4.5 bass and 3.5 treble. so not that much different to your settings.

Had to find my tiny screwdriver. I’ll be sure to change to your Set up and compare using the DC-Elite, once its fully cooked.

I have tried different switch combos. I’m really loving switches 1 & 2 both ON. at this stage . It’s nuts. The Soundstage is very close to the Shock. BCD is very well done and seems refined. To me it leans more to the Shock than EBC80.

I have NOT had one hint of sibilance so far…… My Test Track “ Ladygaga , Alice. “ - Will try Ariana’s We can’t be friends. Later on.

Also check out the size difference between the Shock and the Archangel.

Notice the switch position at the back , is where the vent is on the Shock.

---

Exciting Stuff . It’s been Shipped. Looking forward to this. Ever since FiiO posted their road map last year, and was delayed. M21 should be here soon!

 

[SbassX]

Wan’er 2 is more DETAILED in the treble than the OG and has (way) better STAGE.
OG is more… smooth and organic. At times, I think the OG can be a BIT too warm/smooth for certain songs. The 2 certainly sounds more HiFi. It’s a SIGNIFICANT upgrade in this area. [keep in mind I have the 2 on a pure copper cable, and the OG on a silver-plated one!!]
2’s bass is hearty but not too elevated. OG’s bass is quite similar [and good] but…the 2’s bass is a bit snappier and cleaner.

I still want to do further comparisons as this was just a BRIEF A-B session, but I think the Wan’er 2 will make the original, and likely the SE, obsolete. I did not compare the ZVX Pro at the moment, but I think that one is a tad too clinical. If any of these sets are “metallic,” I’d say the ZVX Pro is! But keep in mind, most instruments are made from… METAL! So is it more accurate to have them sound… metallic?! Anyhow, I do not sense that from the Wan’er 2. It’s a stunningly good single DD set.

Sounds like the Wan’er 2 really tightens things up where it counts: better treble detail, staging, and bass control, while still keeping the musicality intact.

 

[lgcubana]

totally agree. EQ still scares me a bit though

If you have the discretionary funding, the Hiby DAP's MSEB (MageSound 8-ball) does a good job of translating the various frequency ranges into more discernible terms. Personally, I find the R4, for $250 (pre tax) as an excellent entry point.

Chi-fi is dead in the US barring leftover stock on US soil and the 2nd hand market which I'm sure is going to be filled to the brim with WTB posts from USA buyers in the upcoming weeks / months maybe years depending how tariffs are handled.

Even budget IEMs or accessories won't be worth importing from China, you'd feel like a moron giving the orange clown 20-30 bucks extra just to have the latest KZ IEM.

1. Denial
2. Anger
3. Bargaining
4. Depression
5. Acceptance

I'm almost at stage 5, glass quarter full. As many of my current hobbies were centric to AliEx (Flashlights, IEMs & Watches), this gives me a (forced) opportunity to slow down and have a cup or three, of Tea.

 

[Ineras]

Looks like they went with the Shock's BCD implementation on the Archangel, noice.
I hesitate because they just seem so similar, and I'm already super happy with Shock.
What I'm looking for next is something like the Shock with my tuning but with Sonion EST treble similar to Punch. Then it's game over.

Edit: Or a Quantum with BCD. Make it happen @MakeItWain!!!
Imagine, SuperStage with Shock BCD implementation!

 

[carrots99]

I get the opportunity to finally audition this set, but right now, if you're not the type to wait, the Jomo Nautilus is on sale!!

https://shop.musicteck.com/collections/open-box/products/jomo-audio-nautilus-like-new

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My newest acquisition (and most likely last one for a long time. Thanks old and orange!), the FiiO M21, the latest update in the M series, and the spiritual upgrade to my beloved FiiO JM21.

FiiO M21








For $299.00, FiiO is practically giving it away, with all the amazing tech packed in this thing!!! My JM21 is absolutely fabulous, and it's maybe packing half of what this is bringing to the table. Seriously, this is a no brainer purchase. I hope tonally, it's close to the JM21, but with a little more midrange warmth, but retaining the crisp treble and punchy mid bass, while adding some sub bass rumble.

I am having an hard time deciding between the M21 or instead try to get an used N3Ultra…

 

[thaslaya]

Before I get into the multiquote, I posted my review for the FiiO RR11 yesterday but forgot to share it (Head-fi and blog). This little device is a portable radio first and foremost, but it can also be used as a dongle DAC/amp. It has an analog style sound signature and is very musical. Pairing with brighter IEMs makes them so much more palatable for me. Plus there's a subtle "Magic Bass" switch that adds a nice boost and fullness.

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.

Absolutely agreed. I noped out real quick with that one. Really thin sounding and lifeless.

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.

Great impressions and pictures! Looks like a banger!

same here i received same cable version

Cable is really nice. I think it comes available in a pink option too.

Been playing with Roseselsa Quietsea II Prototype , the driver that they use is very good sounding. Hope it comes out priced like the OG well under $60

While stock tuning is too upper mids spicy for me , adding a simple nozzle filter boosts the bass, balances out the sounds and keeps all the special sauce
I hope the final version comes out closer to my modified one.

Thanks HiFiGo for letting me play around with this one. I am quite enjoying the Quietsea II

Shell looks the same. Does it still have that terrible oval-shaped nozzle?

Beautiful! Sadly it’s not on the AE store for USA any more.

It is a really unique looking shell for sure. I have wondered if some of these companies would rather have reviewers wait to post their impressions once the tariffs are back to normal? Not many people here in the US willing to pay double for everything...

Mail call:

Can't wait to try these! I hear Aegis is even bassier than Legion

What a special looking thing. V-shaped usually isn't really my thing, though.

Definitely V-shaped tuning but not shrill or harsh surprisingly. I'll have a comparison to the Juzear Clear when it's published. Graphs look very similar.

Multi Quote



XINHS H04 Special Frozen Copper Palladium Alloy IEM Cable - Mine Looks More Red than Maroon.

Wow, it's interesting that they are so different in color. I actually like the maroon color in person, but it's not exactly what I thought i was ordering. Oh well. I'm sure I'll find something to pair it with, and if I can't then I'll just have to go shopping

 

[Okcerg]

Name your kilobuck killers (if any exist) that genuinely (in your opinion) deserve their place amongst the hallowed. (By killer, I will interpret it as price to performance BOSSES).

$100 or less iem: KZ ZVX Pro
$200 or less iem: Kiwi Ears Aether
$300 or less iem: Tri i3 MkIII
This week's list. Next week could be totally different. My preferences changes faster than my wife's mood shifts.

 

[pradiptacr7]

How’s the staging and layering on that chain compared to the stock Stardust? (is that an Artelier you are wearing?)

Staging is the same. It's already has a very spacious stage. Layering became a bit more distinct. The chain excels in Vocals. Upper mids so you take the female vocals and electric guitar, sublime and authoritative. And I'm wearing a Big Crown Pro Pilot Big Day Date 45mm on a factory leather strap there.

My single DD Goat has a new name: 634ears Loak2-TX04 (prototype)

My god, such a lovely looking set. Many congrats.

Request to all you serial collectors...
...and for a bit of fun.

Name your kilobuck killers (if any exist) that genuinely (in your opinion) deserve their place amongst the hallowed.

1. $100 or less iem
2. $200 or less iem
3. $300 or less iem

Rules:

• Only for iem releases since 2021 (so in the past 5 years) - that includes the kilobuck iems too.
• You can name up to 3 iems per category
• Feel free to name the kilobuck iem you think it equals or betters.
• Kilobuck is more a reference, so iems of $750 & higher will count

Name your kilobuck killers (if any exist) that genuinely (in your opinion) deserve their place amongst the hallowed.

1. $100 or less iem - Non-Exist
2. $200 or less iem- Non-Exist
3. $300 or less iem- Non-Exist but can take DITA Project M as it's 325$

New delivery today, Ruviest Prelude

Gorgeous IEM. Wish I had one.

 

[MD Rohit]

I just received the Letshuoer DX1, absolute banger for vocals. I was listening to a Qawwali track, which is regional music here, and the voice of the female singer just gave me goosebumps. Will share in-depth review impressions later. Here are a few beautiful pictures:-

bro great photos

 

[Vonbuddy]

Anyone know a release date for the Lethuoer DX1?

 

[sgtbilko]

1. Denial
2. Anger
3. Bargaining
4. Depression
5. Acceptance

I can't help but feel that you missed 'ridicule' off the list. Possibly 3.5?