The discovery thread!

[Redcarmoose]

What ?

A small glitch in the matrix, the fabric of time and reality as we know it to be true.

 

[GiullianSN]

For Tubelover, Cayin RU-9
(3199 yuan or around $450, Chinese pricing)
new Bluetooth-capable, Tube-AMP, dongle DAC,




---

It loses the 1-bit ladder DAC in RU7 in favor of Dual AK4493SEQ,
it have four channel amp circuit, and QCC5125 bluetooth module (APTX and LDAC capable)
up to 1000mW in power it seems.

It felt like the upcoming BTR19 (which have tube or R2R DAC version) will have good competitor.

This corner of the hobby is getting really interesting! Can’t wait to RU9. The one we tried at CJ SG apparently was still using the 1bit dac.

 

[NymPHONOmaniac]

I get intrigue by the BGVP NS10pro underdog cause of crazy amount of (good) drivers it use. It's a 10 drivers tribrid using 1DD+1planar for bass, and 8 BAs for mis and treble including sonion, knowles and customs....

One would expect high price, but it's 200$. And is a muscular W shape tonality we get, with exotic speedy, punchy bass that is think, that have this planar weighty boom + DD rumble sustain....make it for ultra juiced up bass even if no basshead level...head banging is real here and lush fowards mids cover very well both male and female vocals...it might not but smoothest most organic balance since all these drivers while coherent do share diversify timbres mix, all slightly warmed though so this boost a very energetic macro dynamic rendering, let say you know their alot of drivers in this IEM when you listen to it, its not one of those KZ Rapshody or even Simgot EM10 in term of BAs sound benefit....

ANyway, give a check to my review here, i love NS10pro alot with anything electronic, especialy IDM, EDM. Yet it do well with trip hop, rap, R&B due to those well layered vocals and mids. I'm a big fan of BGVP DMA, DM9 too is impressive, now these complete a diversify sound flavor trio (its warmest of the bunch) so it's a keeper too.

https://www.head-fi.org/showcase/bgvp-ns10-pro.27982/reviews#review-38021

Pros:
-warm balanced W shape tonality
-muscular and articulate macro dynamic
-fast chunky punchy bass
-holographic multi layering
-forwards lush mid range
-wide panoramic soundstage
-heavy note weight from piano to drum
-fast snappy enough treble with good micro dynamic rendering
-creamy upper mids (no sibilance-harshness)
-pleasantly colored treble for mids instruments
-above average technical performance
-exotic, engaging and immersive 10 drivers musicality
-great accessories with nice modular cable
-all metal construction

Cons:
-not best define and separate mid bass (warmed)
-lack of air around instrument (not clean sounding)
-ultra highs lack brilliance and sparkle
-non realistic imaging
-upper mids loudness can be too much for some
-harmonic distortion can make highs euphonic
-while cohesive 10 drivers balance isn’t organic
-tuning nozzles are vain

 

[jbfps116]

Vzonis VP-07

VS

ivipQ Phoenixia

Comparo





Stock Cable : Phonenixia > Vzonis - The ivipQ Cable feels very premium compared to VP-07.

Stock Eartips : Vzonis = Phonenixia . They both offer same quality. Not the best. However I would consider trying 3rd party tips.

Listening with DC-Elite.

Bass : Vzonis > Phonenixia. I prefer the Bass on the VP-07 ( Not really Basshead but very well done ) . While Phonenixia is still impactful it’s the tone I love on the Vzonis and the soothing texture. The Bass on the Phonenixia is a little polite for my taste.

Mids : Vzonis > Phonenixia . I prefer the forward vocals and clarity of the VP-07. Phonenixia mids feel more balanced ( Think Centre Speaker of 5.1 surround unit )

Treble : Vzonis > Phonenixia . I prefer the overall crispiness, resolution and air on the VP-07. Phonenixia has really well defined treble and it’s definitely not sibilant , but feel I can tell the timbre sometimes has shimmer around the edges. ( Phonenixia can be source picky - but thives with TOOBs and R2R )

Soundstage : Phonenixia > Vzonis. The Phonenixia just edges out the VP-07 in stage. To my ears I feel more surrounded by the music. But the VP-07 Layers the instruments so well , and very much appreciate the soundstage on the VP-07. (More Goldilocks -Just the right amount ).

Technicalities : Vzonis > Phonenixia . I feel to my ears the VP-07 is the more technical and analytical. Phonenixia is still has nice technicalities , they are not as a resolving set to my ears

Overall I like both of these sets. But if you asked me right now if I was to blind buy just one. I’d go for the Vzonia VP-07 without a doubt.

I CAVED! Ordered these for $118 AFTER all tax, shipping, and import fees. [AE has coupon sale now!] Fingers crossed that there's no crazy fees added later. If these are really THAT much better then Phoenixia, I'll be selling them haha. They sound... GOOD... but aren't the best fit for my ears, or sound preferences.

This one goes for anyone here needs a thorough and deep comparison between those 2 MONSTERS OF SOUND REPRODUCTION ....have spent last night listening exclusively to those two sets for more than 4 hours in order to present my findings as follows.......: (take all this with a grain of salt please.....)

Deep Dive Comparison: PENON Archangel vs ISN Audio EBC80

Both IEMs represent the flagship evolution of their respective brands — not just in driver count, but in ambition, tuning complexity, and presentation. Where the EBC80 brought a refined warmth with strong technical chops, the Archangel seems determined to push boundaries in stage, bass articulation, and tonal neutrality, especially via its Bone Conduction + tuning switch setup and Effect Audio partnership.

Let’s break down each key dimension in full depth here...... .......

BASS – Textured Authority vs Musical Weight

• PENON Archangel: The bass is the immediate showstopper — deep-reaching, physical, and viscerally textured. The use of a coaxial PET + Carbon Nanotube dynamic driver coupled with Bone Conduction Drivers (BCD) results in an unapologetically immersive low-end. Sub-bass is felt as much as it is heard, with BCDs adding resonance and body that gives kicks and low synths a tactile thump without mid-bass bleed. Even compared to ISN's bass-forward tuning, Archangel delivers more authority, more impact, and more finesse — a remarkable achievement for a Penon set.
• ISN EBC80: EBC80 also impresses with a full-bodied, rich low-end, but it leans more into mid-bass bloom and warmth, lacking the sub-bass layering and separation dynamics of Archangel. Its BCD is implemented smoothly, but less viscerally, with a more musical bass character than technical bass control.

Winner : Archangel, clearly — more physical, more layered, more technically articulate bass response.

MIDRANGE – Dead Neutral Clarity vs Engaging Warmth​

• PENON Archangel: This is not your typical Penon midrange. It’s far more neutral, linear, and uncolored — a refreshing shift for the brand. Vocals emerge clean, dry, and spatially placed, rather than lush or romantic. Instruments appear well-proportioned and unexaggerated, allowing the stage and layering to shine without midrange saturation. For listeners accustomed to Penon’s usual mid-forward lushness (like in the 10th AE), this tuning offers a studio-monitor clarity, revealing the mix rather than romanticizing it.
• ISN EBC80: More in line with the traditional musical mid-centric tuning, EBC80 delivers a warmer, smoother, and slightly colored midrange. Vocals feel more emotional, more forward, with a touch of analog richness. Instruments have that golden glow, which flatters physical timbres but may lack the neutral presentation and depth layering of Archangel.

Winner : Archangel for neutral, accurate mids with elite layering; EBC80 for lush, engaging mids with emotional warmth.

TREBLE – Airy Sophistication vs Smooth Politeness​

• PENON Archangel: The treble is beautifully extended yet silky, with detail retrieval that’s “insane” as you rightly put it. It’s never grainy, never metallic, and fully avoids fatigue. Lower and upper treble are rendered organically, without forced sparkle. The tuning switch also allows you to dial in a touch more energy if needed — a useful feature for adapting to darker sources. Oracle MKIII fans will appreciate the air and brilliance present here, but the natural timbre is the key differentiator.
• ISN EBC80: Treble is gentle, refined, and well-integrated, but less extended and less illuminated compared to Archangel. EST implementation here is focused on smoothness and forgiveness, ideal for long listening sessions, but lacking that airy dimension and micro-detail shimmer that Archangel pulls off effortlessly.

Winner : Archangel, for combining treble resolution + texture with fatigue-free presentation — rare at any price.

SOUNDSTAGE & IMAGING – Gigantic Precision vs Controlled Spaciousness​

• PENON Archangel: The true star of the show. The spatial performance is jaw-dropping — front/back, top/bottom, left/right — everything unfolds with dimension, holography, and placement accuracy that surpasses most hybrid/tribrid sets, even at double the price. The BCDs add a tactile layer to spatial boundaries, increasing note weight and realism. You don't just hear instruments — you feel their proximity, distance, and placement in space. This is next-level stage construction.
• ISN EBC80: Also performs admirably here, offering a wide and reasonably deep stage with good left/right spread and layering. Imaging is strong, but not as vertically structured or spatially immersive as Archangel. EBC80 focuses more on cohesion and warmth than dissecting placement.

Winner : Archangel — easily one of the best soundstage/imaging performers under $1,000.

TECHNICAL PERFORMANCE – Detail, Layering, Dynamics​

• PENON Archangel: Offers flagship-tier detail retrieval, astounding separation, and effortless layering, especially across dense mixes and acoustic recordings. Macro-dynamics are explosive when needed, while microdynamics remain fluid and expressive. It’s the most resolving Penon IEM to date, and one of the few that can pull off neutrality without losing musicality.
• ISN EBC80: Technically strong, but more focused on emotional engagement than raw performance. Resolution and detail are good, but not “sharp-edged” — layering is clean, though not three-dimensional in the same way Archangel presents.

Winner : Archangel — more refined, more spacious, more precise.

Feature	PENON Archangel	ISN EBC80
Bass	Deep, visceral, textured (BCD+DD synergy)	Warm, impactful, musical
Midrange	Dead neutral, layered, accurate	Smooth, romantic, emotionally engaging
Treble	Extended, detailed, fatigue-free	Smooth, forgiving, slightly darkened
Soundstage	Huge, 3D, vertical & horizontal layering	Spacious, but flatter and less holographic
Imaging	Precise, holographic, immersive	Clean but more conventional
Technicals	Flagship-level resolution and layering	Strong for its price, more musical
Build & Accessories	High-end resin shell, Cadmus II cable	Solid shell, decent accessories
Tuning Flexibility	Bass & Treble switches	None
Best For	Stage-focused critical listening, acoustic, ambient, orchestral	Vocals, jazz, indie, relaxed music

Final Verdict

PENON Archangel is Penon’s most mature, technically gifted, and spacious-sounding release to date. It manages to merge uncolored neutrality, explosive low-end energy, and expansive staging in a way that few IEMs — even above its price point — can achieve. The EBC80, by contrast, offers musical warmth, colored midrange magic, and smooth, engaging tonality, making it more intimate and emotionally immediate.


If you're after absolute detail retrieval, stage grandeur, and a clean neutral presentation, Archangel is your IEM

If you want lush mids, smooth highs, and rich musicality, EBC80 still holds its ground beautifully.

Both are standouts — but in different sonic worlds.

................And this is exactly how much i appreciate PENON's newest set these days...........Archangelic sound that's what this really is........

Mild temptation today with a special notice... but I am staying strong. If these were a color that I actually LOVED, it would be MUCH harder to resist them.

 

[lairpost]

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?

Update: RE2000 Pro silver build and QC is absolutely perfect. No glue or gaps. The fit is good to very good for me. They weigh next to nothing. I've not tried the cable or tips. Both appear to be junk. The sound is very well executed neutral and extended for my ears. A definite keeper at $180. No way was it worth $1500 or $800 or anything more than $200, for me. But the single DD in these is quite good and it's easy to forget about the technicals and simply get lost in the music. The unicorn spit coating on the driver seems to have some magic in it. Highly recommended to compliment other darker/warmer or bright/tech sets in your collection. A bit of a reset if you will.

 

[Ace Bee]

I am fully back, was in this city for a while. Busan S, Korea. If you haven't been it is absolutely fantastic place to visit, especially if your a sea food fan. I was using the Archangel for the entire trip. Vacationing with the Archangel was a blast.

Did you take a train to reach there?

 

[TheMusicalMystic]

MECHA Unleashed: A Clean, Balanced Beast in Titanium Armor

Pros:
• Clean and fast bass
• Smooth, non-fatiguing treble
• Good imaging and separation for a single DD
• Solid design
• Good quality modular cable
• Striking industrial design
• Good quality accessories

Cons:
• Needs tip rolling to get ideal seal
• Heavy shell can be uncomfortable for some users

Disclaimer:
The DITA MECHA was sent as part of a review tour organized by A.G. in my country. The tour unit belongs to the brand. This review reflects my unbiased, subjective, and honest opinion of the IEM.

Sources Used:
• iBasso DX180
• Nothing Phone 1 (Apple Music) + Lotoo Paw S1

Eartips Used:
Final E (for better seal and low-end)

Cable Used:
Stock DITA Awesome Plug cable

Introduction:
DITA Audio is a brand from Singapore known for their unique design language. The MECHA comes with a machined titanium shell and modular cable system that screams precision. But under its industrial shell have a mature, clean tuning that aims for balanced sound

Sound Impressions:

Bass:
Sub-bass:
The sub-bass on the MECHA is clean and well-defined. It doesn’t hit hard or linger too long, but it’s enough to create a solid foundation. Tracks like ‘Angel’ by Massive Attack or ‘Apna Bana Le’ by Arijit Singh feel textured and smooth, though those looking for a deep, physical thump might find it a bit less.

Mid-bass:
Mid-bass is quick and articulate. It adds rhythm without clouding the mids. Songs like ‘Ilahi’ by Arijit Singh carry just enough weight to sound fun, but never bloated. It leans more toward control than warmth, which keeps the overall signature clean and focused.

Mids:
Lower Midrange:
Male vocals are natural and clear, with a slightly dry tilt. ‘Phir Le Aaya Dil’ sounds intimate and detailed, though not lush or thick. Instruments like acoustic guitars and piano carry good tone, staying true to the recording without coloring the sound too much.

Upper Midrange:
Female vocals are sweet and non-fatiguing. On tracks like ‘Bai Ga’ by Arya Ambekar or ‘Raabta’ by Shreya Ghoshal, voices float gently and feel well-placed. There’s no shout or sharpness, and the transition into treble is very smooth. It’s a neutral but enjoyable tuning that works well across genres.

Treble:
The treble on the MECHA is smooth, clean, and detailed. There’s enough sparkle to keep things lively without ever becoming harsh. Even in complex passages, like the flute and tabla interplay in ‘Breathless’ by Shankar Mahadevan, the MECHA stays composed and resolving. It doesn’t push for hyper-detail, but feels refined.

Technicalities:
Soundstage is open and nicely spread out. Imaging is precise, with instruments easy to place. It is not the technical beast in the segment but for Single DD IEM it does a pretty good job. The MECHA handles complex music with grace, though it leans more on natural realism than flashy resolution.

Conclusion:
The DITA MECHA is a beautifully engineered IEM that focuses on clean delivery, good technical balance, and solid build. It doesn’t try to impress with boosted bass or sparkly treble. Instead, it wins you over with clarity, refinement, and a fatigue-free presentation. If you’re after warmth or heavy impact, this might not be your first choice. But if you value a natural, balanced sound with great craftsmanship, the MECHA is a very fun IEM and you’ll definitely enjoy it.

 

[Dsnuts]

Did you take a train to reach there?

Train to Busan?


Na took a large Bus with extra large recliners. We thought about taking their speed strain but our family of 4 ended up costing a bit much which we would rather spend on food instead. Bus ride ended up being fantastic though.

 

[Ace Bee]

Train to Busan?


Na took a large Bus with extra large recliners. We thought about taking their speed strain but our family of 4 ended up costing a bit much which we would rather spend on food instead. Bus ride ended up being fantastic though.

Bingo, you got that right

 

[Dsnuts]

If you guys haven't seen that movie yet. I highly advise a watch. The sequels were not nearly as good imo. First one is a masterpiece.

 

[jazzzy]

with all that hype about Archangel I wonder how long will it take to have another IEM putting it into shadows; we all remember all the hype about Shock and EBC80 and now these are not so attractive when Archangel is available; I still wonder if existing BGVP Phantom SE is on same or lower level; we wait for Aful and their upcoming release (but I guess that one will be 300-400 more expensive than Archangel); I would love to see SoundRhyme releasing a set including BCD;

 

[perrew]

HEX little brother arrives soon so probably 3-4weeks.

 

[GorGhast]

Thanks again for all the encouragement on my last review! I just posted another for the ZiiGaat Lush, a set I'll personally be keeping as I enjoyed my time with it quite a bit https://www.head-fi.org/showcase/ziigaat-lush.28072/reviews#review-38039

 

[cqtek]

This year is not a year to go crazy, who can keep up?
Besides all the new models that you are adding to the thread, don't you think that there are more and more and better models?

NF ACOUS NA20, LetShuoer DX1, Kiwi Ears Astral, Hidizs MK12 Turris, ZiiGaat Arcanis

 

[gadgetgod]

I received three shipments today, Simgot's new gaming headphones the Simgot EP5(gonna test this one in Delta Force).

The other shipment included the Meze ALba, but I got the shipment late in the evening and couldn't click a good picture of it yet. Will post about it along with its impressions tomorrow.

Third Shipment was from LUA, I earlier bought Synchronicity and imported without the box. This time the Box of Synchronicity along with a unit of Serendipity came my way. What a beautiful looking IEM these two are.