The discovery thread!

[SbassX]

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.

Ahh i see. Nice choice! Oris is a very underrated house imo always nice to see someone rockin one.

I slept with the Legion in my ears. Huge shells. but the contours are such that it's a very comfortable fit in ear. Now they stick out like bolts, but the contours opposite the faceplates are amazingly well designed and comfy.

damnn I didnt think it was possible to sleep with them considering how big they seem to be, but glad to hear they are that comfy

enjoying electro music

Now this is true EDM

 

[MD Rohit]

Now this is true EDM

 

[nikbr]

The vocals on these are right around perfect as well. So grand and full while catching all details like tiny breaths and lip smacks is easy too.

Okay that's enough, I am becoming a shameless shill. Even @bithalver might get tempted to buy another pair

 

[lushmelody]

No killers here, just IEMs I think are worth their asking price and are currently available:

Under $100: Truthear Zero Red
Under $200: Tangzu Heyday
Under $300: Tanchjim Origin
Kilobuck(ish): 7th Acoustics Supernova
Bonus: Sets that are discontinued but are worth picking up if you can find them at a good price: OG Blessing 2 Dusk, Moondrop S8, JVC FDX1, Fiio JD7.
Honorable mention goes to the Symphonium Helios which wasn't included with the Supernova because the fit is a big con.

Are we in 2025? Zero RED note edges are too blunt. Poor imaging. Some say its 'natural', but truly its lacking upper mids and treble in general (overdone damping). It also lacks bass engagement. Its pretty middling in everything. There are so many things that came immediately after that are way better in the price range.

After ZVX Pro dethroned Klean, cant think another technical capable budget master of all trades. After it, only a Timeless-like planar or a EST is an upgrade. Only for that % upper treble a DD cant reach well.

By the way, Tanchjim Zero Ultima got that upper treble peak that forces height but sounds too metallic in DDs. And misses depth through lack of sub bass lol. It looks like its a dryer Zero RED. But at least may sound cleaner. Heck, even TRN Orca/MT5 is cleaner and cheaper. A/Bing anything against RED is laughable. Cant understand why is it still recommended.

 

[pk4425]

What does the Braindance do for you that the Project M doesn't? And vice versa. For me, they tick a lot of the same boxes, which is why I've got my Project M up for sale at the moment. But I'm curious what each does for you that the other doesn't?

Hey, you didn't ask me, but I have tested both. My impressions are similar to that of @FreeWheelinAudioLuv2.

The BD is all about clarity and neutrality. It's clear, clear, clear and will dig deep into details, especially in the treble. The treble extension is terrific. Plus it has a holographic soundstage matched by few non-BCD drivers, at least that I've heard.

The PM is all about treble, at least to me. The treble extension and clarity are the best I've heard. I know people also go ga-ga over the bass of the PM, and it's fine. Tactile. Steps forward when called upon. But I still think the treble is the absolute star of this show.

If forced to choose, I would take the BD. It fits better with my library, and I love the holographic stage. Unpopular opinion: I liked the PM, but I think it's a bit of a one-trick pony with its interstellar treble and otherwise fine but not extraordinary bass.

BTW, I will continue buying from Penon as they are very solid, with extremely good products.

Penon is a Chinese company, right? Then you'll still get nicked by the tariffs if shipping to America.

I think Penon may be based in Hong Kong. Stupid question, but is Hong Kong subject to the same U.S. tariffs as China? If not, then I see a bunch of Penon/ISN/SoundRhyme IEMs in my near future. That's not a bad thing at all!

 

[Jamsblast]

Hello my fellow Head-fiers, my review for the TINHIFI DUDU is up, enjoy it!:
TINHIFI DUDU review by Jamsblast

 

[Hypops]

The Project M has a richness that the Brain Dance is missing. Not just in the low end, but the fact the dynamic driver of the P-M is also handling the mids, you just have that rich, warm tonality that when you play jazz, presents the timbre, resonances, and weight in such a way, that the Brain Dance simply cannot provide. Now treble wise, they are very similar. Very close, and I might even give the BD the edge in air and texture, as I'm a sucker for micro planar texture and air, but the BD also needs to be massaged to bring out it's finer qualities, and even then, the mid bass and that transition into the lower mids can come off a little thin, and the whole contrast of the midrange, though technical as heck, isn't the most musical. So I enjoy the musicality, that warm richness, and timbre of the midrange of the Project M, and the bass from sub to mid is just so GUD! So for jazz, acid jazz, or reggae, I'll pull out the Project M. For classic rock, 80's metal, or alternative rock, I like to use the Brain Dance.

Yeah, you’re right. I was hoping for some affirmation in selling the PM, but it’s true that the Project M has a strangely (but awesomely) unexpected “warmth” to it. Hard to put my finger on it, but it’s like you say, there’s a richness to the midrange that the BD doesn’t try to approximate. I might have to rethink my decision to sell it…

Hey, you didn't ask me, but I have tested both. My impressions are similar to that of @FreeWheelinAudioLuv2.

The BD is all about clarity and neutrality. It's clear, clear, clear and will dig deep into details, especially in the treble. The treble extension is terrific. Plus it has a holographic soundstage matched by few non-BCD drivers, at least that I've heard.

The PM is all about treble, at least to me. The treble extension and clarity are the best I've heard. I know people also go ga-ga over the bass of the PM, and it's fine. Tactile. Steps forward when called upon. But I still think the treble is the absolute star of this show.

If forced to choose, I would take the BD. It fits better with my library, and I love the holographic stage. Unpopular opinion: I liked the PM, but I think it's a bit of a one-trick pony with its interstellar treble and otherwise fine but not extraordinary bass.

I’m definitely on Team “Project M Is All About that Bass.” But, yeah, the BD outdoes the PM at its own game everywhere else. But FWAL2 reminded me that it does also have a surprising midrange lushness. Hmm.

Penon is a Chinese company, right? Then you'll still get nicked by the tariffs if shipping to America.

I think Penon may be based in Hong Kong. Stupid question, but is Hong Kong subject to the same U.S. tariffs as China? If not, then I see a bunch of Penon/ISN/SoundRhyme IEMs in my near future. That's not a bad thing at all!

It’s not straightforward. Part of the original terms of the handover were a large amount of economic (and political) independence. But China has been eroding most of those terms over the past 30 years since the 1997 handover. And considering that the Unholy Orange One tried to levy tariffs on uninhabited islands, I don’t think he knows (or cares) about those nuances.

That said, I’ve noticed that in actual practice Hong Kong based retailers aren’t increasing their prices nearly as much (if at all) as mainland retailers. Not sure how or why, but it could be related to those political/economic nuances. Anecdotal example: I just ordered some shirts from a Hong Kong retailer with no sign of any price increase.

 

[activatorfly]

Use Azla Crystal OG tips, a silver or palladium cable, and the Clear nozzle, and the SP01 sings with clarity, shimmer and air, but also warmth from the bass.

Hope they deliver ASAP, and that you enjoy the DX180 thoroughly. Let us know how it is?

Can't go wrong with either choice, but if you're a mid bass or warm midrange lover, then skip the Brain Dance. ISN H60 has clean warm midrange and mid bass energy. Volare? Never heard it, but I trust @bithalver and @nikbr 's take on them. It's really good.

Totl'y desire the SP01...but managed to resist so far. The next hurdle?...bypassing the Septet & PTT on the Archangel instead...this hobby is all about WINGS & roundabouts !!

 

[Leonarfd]

I finished the ZiiGaat Arcanis review, a very nice hybrid set with 2DD + 4BA. It fixed my issues with the Estrella( little scooped out mids and to aggressive upper mids and treble), but having similar quality in technicality and drivers. So much coming out lately, so the competition is tough. But this is one of the better ones, if one value a mix of technicality/musicality. I will add one more comparison soon, ZiiGaat Odyssey.

Can read more in my review, cheers.

REVIEW HERE

 

[FreeWheelinAudioLuv2]

Totl'y desire the SP01...but managed to resist so far. The next hurdle?...bypassing the Septet & PTT on the Archangel instead...this hobby is all about WINGS & roundabouts !!

It's all about "around the corner", and how to get there thoughtfully, but rapidly.

---

So I received the last three items I ordered from Alix, before the scourge. Three lovely cables, all 4.4mm. So now, I await my FiiO M21, purchased from HiFiGo, and then I'll have no more imcoming for the foreseeable future.

---

Yeah, you’re right. I was hoping for some affirmation in selling the PM, but it’s true that the Project M has a strangely (but awesomely) unexpected “warmth” to it. Hard to put my finger on it, but it’s like you say, there’s a richness to the midrange that the BD doesn’t try to approximate. I might have to rethink my decision to sell it…


I’m definitely on Team “Project M Is All About that Bass.” But, yeah, the BD outdoes the PM at its own game everywhere else. But FWAL2 reminded me that it does also have a surprising midrange lushness. Hmm.


It’s not straightforward. Part of the original terms of the handover were a large amount of economic (and political) independence. But China has been eroding most of those terms over the past 30 years since the 1997 handover. And considering that the Unholy Orange One tried to levy tariffs on uninhabited islands, I don’t think he knows (or cares) about those nuances.

That said, I’ve noticed that in actual practice Hong Kong based retailers aren’t increasing their prices nearly as much (if at all) as mainland retailers. Not sure how or why, but it could be related to those political/economic nuances. Anecdotal example: I just ordered some shirts from a Hong Kong retailer with no sign of any price increase.

Yeah, the Project M is special. Sometimes, it's hard to put a finger on it, but I was pretty much addicted to listening to it two nights ago and into yesterday morning, and had to rip them out of my ears to give the DX1 ear time, in preparation for my review. When they connect, they connect deep.

 

[gadgetgod]

Hello Friends,

I am late to the party, but I just dropped my review for the DUNU DK3001BD. I like how sweet and effortless this pair sounds while presenting solid sub-bass, and a vocal-focused sound profile. Please give my review a read here.

https://www.head-fi.org/showcase/dunu-dk3001bd.27670/reviews#review-37894

 

[Hypops]

Hello Friends,

I am late to the party, but I just dropped my review for the DUNU DK3001BD. I like how sweet and effortless this pair sounds while presenting solid sub-bass, and a vocal-focused sound profile. Please give my review a read here.

https://www.head-fi.org/showcase/dunu-dk3001bd.27670/reviews#review-37894

I've gotten so used to the look of these with the OG flush-fitting MMCX cable that seeing that gap for the recessed 2-pin connector makes me think the cable isn't connected right! Definitely loses some of its visual charm with the 2-pin version. And IMO these are an exception in that the MMCX connection is solid. No reason I'd ever need to replace the cable unless it starts going bad.

 

[lgcubana]

It’s not straightforward. Part of the original terms of the handover were a large amount of economic (and political) independence. But China has been eroding most of those terms over the past 30 years since the 1997 handover. And considering that the Unholy Orange One tried to levy tariffs on uninhabited islands, I don’t think he knows (or cares) about those nuances.

KZ is in discussion, in moving their production to McDonald & Heard Islands

That said, I’ve noticed that in actual practice Hong Kong based retailers aren’t increasing their prices nearly as much (if at all) as mainland retailers. Not sure how or why, but it could be related to those political/economic nuances. Anecdotal example: I just ordered some shirts from a Hong Kong retailer with no sign of any price increase.

I held off on my last AliEx purchase (another XINHS H04 cable), a few weeks back, because of fear, of the unknown tax rate. It's possible that your shirts may get the tax at U.S. customs; as traditionally, that's their responsibility, to collect duties and taxes. But who knows

 

[statuefiddle]

Quick impressions after a few days with Kotori Zephyr, a hybrid IEM priced at $150 USD. It's got 1 dynamic driver paired with a Knowles balanced armature. Unsually low sensitivity at 93 dB/mW @ 1kHz, 18 ohm impedance. Still, didn't have any trouble driving it. AudioGeek EU provided the tour unit!

The Zephyr presents an unusual tuning with full, dominant bass that's tight and quick, complemented by some treble spice that has a bit of an edge without becoming fatiguing. The vocal presentation was noteworthy - both male and female vocals are somewhat recessed, with female voices particularly set back, which is contrary to what you typically find in e.g. V-tuned IEMs.

The subbass extension is pretty good, but overall not too impactful in the bass delivery. Strings come through quite forward with some extra treble crunch. Despite this added treble energy, it doesn't cross into uncomfortable territory during longer sessions. Works pretty well for metal like Tool and electropop artists like FKA Twigs or Charli XCX.

The shells are small and comfortable, feel well built. While the overall tuning didn't really align with my preferences, I respect that Kotori tried something different with this sound signature. If you're looking for a bass-focused IEM with quick response and a touch of treble excitement, and don't mind the mids taking a back-seat, this could be worth considering.

 

[cqtek]

I finished the ZiiGaat Arcanis review, a very nice hybrid set with 2DD + 4BA. It fixed my issues with the Estrella( little scooped out mids and to aggressive upper mids and treble), but having similar quality in technicality and drivers. So much coming out lately, so the competition is tough. But this is one of the better ones, if one value a mix of technicality/musicality. I will add one more comparison soon, ZiiGaat Odyssey.

Can read more in my review, cheers.

REVIEW HERE

Thank you for the review. Admirable as always. I look forward to reviewing it as a contender for my beloved Yanyin Canon Pro.

In the meantime, I got the Kiwi Ears Astral. And I must say, they finally come with a balanced cable. No, better, a modular cable with both ends. Although it doesn't have a screw-on mechanism like I like on the 7Hz Timeless II, they have thought of an almost rear attachment, with a long plug that you can grip with your fingers without the cable coming loose from its attachment. Well done ergonomically.

And it seems that boring tuning is coming up a lot lately with this type of IEMS. Boring is neutral? Because that's something I've thought of as a first impression with the Astral. But I thought: ‘I'm not surprised, I'm not excited, but it sounds good.... What do I want, is this model intrinsically bad because it's initially bland to me?’
That will be my starting point for my review of these models.
Thanks @Leonarfd for the idea.