The discovery thread!

[Michaelamplified]

Titanium Film Driver Magic: Early Look at Sound Rhyme SR1

So I’ve been spending some time with the Sound Rhyme SR1, and honestly, I wasn’t expecting much at first—but I’m actually really enjoying it. The build is surprisingly premium for the price. The shell is made from 3D-printed resin using German ENVISIONTEC equipment, and it feels solid and smooth—something you usually see on more expensive models. And the cable it comes with? Not your typical cheap stock cable. It’s a high-purity oxygen-free copper cable, and just having that cable alone feels like a win. That’s already a big plus right out of the box.
Now, about the sound: the SR1 uses a 9.2mm dual magnetic titanium film dynamic driver, and you can really hear what that driver brings to the table—tight bass, clean and quick response, and a punchy, lively character. Titanium film drivers are known for their speed and clarity without being harsh, and that’s exactly what you get here. It’s not aiming for ultra-analytical detail like some multi-balanced armature sets, but it’s musical, engaging, and fun to listen to. There’s energy, good air, and enough weight where it counts. It especially shines with jazz, rock, folk, classical, and R&B — genres that benefit from emotion and atmosphere more than just sheer technicality. At around $59, it really feels like great value.
Just to be transparent, I didn’t buy this myself—Penon Audio kindly sent me this unit through Brother Chi Kong Hui’s generosity. But I want to be clear: I’m not affiliated with Penon, I don’t work for them, and I’m not getting paid to say any of this. This review is 100% my honest opinion. And like I always say, Your Mileage May Vary. Even if multiple reviewers cover the same gear, impressions can differ a lot depending on your source, your listening experience, your favorite sound signature, and your personal preferences. So take what I say — and what any reviewer says — with a grain of salt.
Full review coming soon.

 

[alexandros a]

I don't believe the implementation is a Isobarik driver set up. It's just two drivers firing towards each other and output though a common sound tube

I am going to ask Linsoul in person about that one... Didn't have a clue on this one.. as this set is widely promoted/demonstrated obtaining this configuration man.. Anyway in a couple of days I am about to experience my first ever Thie Audio set and describing here my overall experience /impressions....

the Archangel is the best bass Penon has ever achieved, then the Oracle MK III will be...THE PILLOWYEST BASS THIEAUDIO EVER ACHIEVED!! PERIOD!!

Or...the most UNNATURAL AND THIN EST TREBLE EVER ACHIEVED!!

This is really discouraging bro...
But anyway I can see everyone's experience is different here.... Mine hasn't come/ posted yet... Lets see. Just in a couple of days.. Burn in is still going on..

 

[r31ya]

i was browsing around for Wan'er 2 (the black one getting sold out in my country local market)

then i finally found Libra-X in my local market for around $9,
is it still worth it or i just jump to ZVX pro for $15?

---

in another news, BGGAR seems to love Juzear Defiant

 

[Inserthouse]

I loved ebc80 but the bass lacked some texture. Anyway great bass punch my main gripe with ebc80 was something in the mids, and would sound a little sharp/shouty due to this.

Oracle MkIII is faster, tighter and had more bass texture in comparison, but again we have argued on this before.

I also tried the Archangel, thick and fun sound. Borderline basshead set even with bass switch off and treble on, lots of fun but not for accurate timbre and all that. It probably close to Origin bass quantity or more, guilty pleasure fun set similar to Origin

Out of both the Origin and Archangel, would either be able to serve as an all rounder or no?

 

[Leonarfd]

Out of both the Origin and Archangel, would either be able to serve as an all rounder or no?

Both could if you enjoy full sounding bass

 

[FreeWheelinAudioLuv2]

I loved ebc80 but the bass lacked some texture. Anyway great bass punch my main gripe with ebc80 was something in the mids, and would sound a little sharp/shouty due to this.

Oracle MkIII is faster, tighter and had more bass texture in comparison, but again we have argued on this before.

I also tried the Archangel, thick and fun sound. Borderline basshead set even with bass switch off and treble on, lots of fun but not for accurate timbre and all that. It probably close to Origin bass quantity or more, guilty pleasure fun set similar to Origin

You delivered the first impressions between the Archangel and the Origin! Thanks. Yeah, I know we hear the Oracle MK III differently, but it is good hearing you like the EBC80 some. Listening to it right now, as I crawl in bed for Zzzz.

 

[gadgetgod]

Been loving my FiiO M21.

I have ordered a unit as well. Waiting for it eagerly. It would be a good companion as my daily player when the R8ii rests for serious listening sessions at home now. It has been a little difficult carrying the R8ii with me daily.

 

[bithalver]

After listening to the 7hz Zero 2 for the last several days, I've decided to return it. It's not that the Zero 2 is bad, but compared to my Celest Wyvern Abyss it's just not as good in all aspects. I bought the Zero 2 for $23 from Amazon, while my second Abyss that arrived on Monday was only $9 on AliExpress with local shipping. However, my first Wyvern Abyss had loose 2pin sockets after infrequent use while the new one doesn't seem tight either, so durability might be on the Zero 2's side.

How interesting: I have both and I like the Zero2 better. Will test again.

The I/O Volare still being cited by him.

THIS is what I am talking about ! Waiting my Volare to arrive home (it is moving now).

 

[gadgetgod]

The I/O Volare still being cited by him.

I miss my volare That is a really good sounding set with deliciously done bass region. I wish I hadn't sold it.

 

[Inserthouse]

Both could if you enjoy full sounding bass

Thanks for the reply.
I am not a crazy bass head but I will take note of this.

 

[FreeWheelinAudioLuv2]

i was browsing around for Wan'er 2 (the black one getting sold out in my country local market)

then i finally found Libra-X in my local market for around $9,
is it still worth it or i just jump to ZVX pro for $15?

---

in another news, BGGAR seems to love Juzear Defiant

Everyone should love the Defiant, because it really is that good.

Also, if you have to choose between the Libra X and the ZVX Pro, the ZVX Pro is worth the $6 upgradem if anything, for the less strident treble and the more forceful bass, though for $9.00, the Libra X is still a HELL OF A DEAL.

I have ordered a unit as well. Waiting for it eagerly. It would be a good companion as my daily player when the R8ii rests for serious listening sessions at home now. It has been a little difficult carrying the R8ii with me daily.

It'll make a great "beater" source for you, and not feel like you're walking around with a "budget set". You made a really good choice.

 

[GroovyAudio]

What IEM are you using in the meantime, since you sold pretty much your whole rotation? Also, yeah, I did say the size might be a problem, but you can't know unless you try, and at least you were able to sell? Hopefully for not too much of a loss? Hope the Surface ends up being that magic IEM for you?

I have nothing left. This the first time since I started this hobby where I don't own anything.
Yea, I agree I had to try Archangel to see if they fit and looks like my faith on those 6.2mm nozzles slapped me in the... ears I guess haha.
All my iems that I've sold were on the big loss from me, sadly. My country is poor so selling locally at almost the full price it's kind of impossible, especially this being a niche hobby. Most people just own airpods or galaxy buds and that's all they know. I was lucky to find a few people like me with this hobby and mostly I sell to them at a very good discount. The guy I sold my Archangel to was very happy to receive this good offer and he messaged me that Archangel is now his daily driver. I'm glad for him!

I hope too Surface will be good cause I'm tired of this buying and selling thing. Looking at my sold iem list makes me very sad. More than half of them didn't fit me and it was the half that I've enjoyed more. My frustration can't be described at this point.

 

[sistoz]

Thanks! It took a couple of hours. The hardest things were the pictures, like the correct angle and lighting.

As for Archangel, I've just sold it today, sadly. This is the last time I'll buy big iems, guys. I'm just tired of hoping these iems will fit me. I should have learned my lesson a long time ago but here we are, better late than ever.
I'm gonna stick with $200-$300 range from now.
Also Hifigo shipped the DDHiFi Surface today so I'll share my impressions when they arrive in 10 days.

Hi!
I also have small ears, so I've learned to stick with single-DD IEMs for my own sanity and comfort. Since you have tried very capable IEMs in the past, maybe a $200–$300 single DD IEM will not satisfy you. Waiting for the Shortbus Anomaly, which its creator says has the capabilities of a tri-hybrid and the tuning of the Dark Magic and Letshouer Ej07, could be a good idea if the tuning appeals to you. I don't know the price now, but I think it's around $500-$600.

 

[GroovyAudio]

Hi!
I also have small ears, so I've learned to stick with single-DD IEMs for my own sanity and comfort. Since you have tried very capable IEMs in the past, maybe a $200–$300 single DD IEM will not satisfy you. Waiting for the Shortbus Anomaly, which its creator says has the capabilities of a tri-hybrid and the tuning of the Dark Magic and Letshouer Ej07, could be a good idea if the tuning appeals to you. I don't know the price now, but I think it's around $500-$600.

Thanks! I'll keep an eye out.

 

[Vamp898]

I have nothing left. This the first time since I started this hobby where I don't own anything.
Yea, I agree I had to try Archangel to see if they fit and looks like my faith on those 6.2mm nozzles slapped me in the... ears I guess haha.
All my iems that I've sold were on the big loss from me, sadly. My country is poor so selling locally at almost the full price it's kind of impossible, especially this being a niche hobby. Most people just own an airpod or galaxy buds and that's all they know. I was lucky to find a few prople like me with this hobby and mostly I sell to them at a very good discount. The guy I sold my Archangel to was very happy to receive this good offer and he messaged me that Archangel is now his daily driver. I'm glad for him!

I hope too Surface will be good cause I'm tired of this buying and selling thing. Looking at my sold iem list makes me very sad. More than half of them didn't fit me and it was the half that I've enjoyed more. My frustration can't be described at this point.

That is why i sold everything and got an Custom Studio Reference Monitor.

No more earpieces ever again, no more comfort issues or worry about fit, they just fit 100%, high isolation, the average lifetime is >=15 years and it cannot be sold (I mean it can, but you get almost no money back, it makes absolutely no sense to sell a custom IEM).

Also because they all sound pretty much the same (with very small variations that are mostly in the bass region to compensate for different listening volumes and/or Versions with Bass-Boost), you can choose by design, maker (All i found are made in the country you order them), they are easy to repair with very good warranty and so on.

Most Custom IEM, you can step on them, crush them into pieces and they'll repair it for about 1/10 of the price. Its literally a buy once and be happy forever product.

Custom Studio Reference IEM aka Hobby Killer

The only real disadvantage is that they take pretty long to make. Depending on the maker 10~45 days(!)