The discovery thread!

[GREQ]

Took me a little while longer than usual.
Here's my Kiwi Ears Astral review.

https://www.head-fi.org/showcase/kiwi-ears-astral.28168/reviews#review-38210




TLDR - Great tuning, but a long nozzle and a silly large open vent.

 

[Kundi]

It's a very nice storage box but there are couple problems with it.
1. It has room for only 10 different iems. Way too little for me.
2. No room for cables.
Everytime i would want to store my iems i would need to disconnect the cable from them and i would have to store cables separately .
I rather store them like this:

What cable is this?

 

[theintention]

Dunu Vulkan 2
https://www.dunu-topsound.com/product-page/vulkan-2-launch-special-30-off-code-vk230

Product Highlight

• Dual-Dynamic + Six-BA Hybrid Per Side - A Revamped Architecture
• Hybrid Physical + Electronic 4-Way Crossover System
• Independent 10mm + 8mm Dynamic Drivers: Dual High-Performance Dynamic Drivers with Dedicated Acoustic Chambers
• Custom Dual Balanced Armatures for Mids - renders vocals with warmth and emotional depth - lush, forward, and full of nuance.
• Quad Balanced Armatures for Highs and Ultra-Highs - reproduce treble and air frequencies with outstanding resolution and grace, delivering sparkling extension and effortless detail retrieval.
• Precision-Milled Champagne Gold Aerospace Aluminum Shell – Sleek, Refined, and Built to Last
• Premium-Grade Stock Cable
• Catch-Hold MMCX Connectors
• Q-Lock Mini Interchangeable Plug System

looks quite nice, would love to hear impressions... @DUNU-Topsound killin' it

---

I'm so glad I picked up the Aful PolarNight. Not because I think they're the best sounding earbuds (I've only heard a few), but because of their ease of use. Took a bit of work to sort out the fit, but once I did (silicone ring + full foams), they fit and sound excellent. They are fantastic around the house, doing yard work, walking, and at work. Super easy to put on and take off. Great for keeping an ear open to the outside world. I can even have conversations with them on. Not sure I want to go down the rabbit hole and start trying a bunch of other earbuds, but I'm very happy with these. Maybe once the tariff nonsense is finally over, I'll start tinkering with DIY buds.

Been curious about these but yeah weird ears have prevented me from spending actual money on it.

I've also got an eye/ear out for a good planar IEM. I just haven't seen/heard anything I'm completely sold on yet. I wish the FatFreq Quantum were a bit cheaper. $800 is simply too rich for my blood. At $400-500, I'd be much more tempted to bite.

Right? EA really making a collab with everyone and its boosting prices a bit... Oh well. Maybe the Aful planar will come along to save the day. Keeping an eye on the new S16 as well...

 

[DenverFi]

New Rivers of Nihil album out today.

In anticipation, I’ve been using the track Where Owls Know My Name a lot in A-B’ing IEMs this week. The bass guitar gets right in that 60-85hz range, walking up to ~200hz and is supposed to sound haunting, overbearing - at least that’s my perception. the CFA Clara, Elysian Noir and Aposlte get that point across very clearly. The Xenns Top Pro fell a bit short of this benchmark and I think the lower midrange tuck actually takes away this effect. The Crinear Meta seems to capture that low-to-mid bass transition better while still coming across shimmery/sparkly yet less resolving than the Top Pro and has me excited for the Daybreak.

The Campfire Audio Clara is just incredible with no fatigue. This IEM emphasizes the mid range fundamentals like none other. That is, the harmonics of guitars and other things take a back seat and let you focus on the core of the music along with bass that I fail to describe as anything other than decadent. It’s like a premium chocolate desert. The sense of space is very good despite being not taking on a strong V shaped tuning. The 10khz peak is handled extremely well. Not a hint of sibilance with this tuning. It’s truly special.

Fit is 10/10 and I have smaller ears. With final type e tips they’re easily the first all day set I’ve come across. I take them to the gym on ifi go pods occasionally and would love a similarly tuned set at a lower price that I don’t have to be terrified of losing.

The Elysian Apostle, while some describe as dark, I feel only sounds that way because we’ve had this trend of chasing “detail” and air in the space for some time. I don’t even mind - my favorite headphones are the HE-1000SE. The apostle is a beautifully neutral-warm set that doesn’t over emphasize cymbals or air. Everything is there for you to take in and focus on if you wish. It sounds its price and still punches above the Top Pro. While a lot of the new meta tuning is fun I really think they almost simulate sitting right in the drummer’s seat with the cymbals right in your face. Fun but can get fatiguing. The apostle fits better than the Noir but I think I do prefer the Noir’s bass (especially that 60-85hz) range a bit more. Apostle fit is a 9/10.

 

[thaslaya]

Yessir. I'm living 10 mins away from the CanJam SoCal venue.

Nice! Only a little over 3 months left

Time really flies fast, I have been in this IEM hobby for close to 2 years and now have a much bigger collection than I would have expected at the beginning.

Same here. I thought maybe I'd have 3-5 but I currently around 40+ soooo

Kiwi Ears Astral



OOTB Impressions



My limited time with Astral , I feel like it may take on a similar DNA to Mega5EST’s reference-style tuning. The Astral might feel slightly more lively though, with a bit more sub-bass and treble emphasis . So far , It’s a lovely balanced signature. Another nice enjoyable set from Kiwi Ears.



Must burn these in now.

---

Some other news



A Disappointing Discovery

Kiwi Ears Septet

Kiwi Ears Etude

We’re missing in my Ali Express order of 8 items. So I won’t be listening to these anytime soon.

This past week has been stressful. Around $600 AUD is in dispute and is on going.

This was a Discovery that I was in 2 minds about sharing. But feel the need to make others aware about ordering multiple items at once , that can be consolidated in a big package .

“The risk of high value items may go missing.” My lesson is to order one high value item at a time.

---

PS - Wow over 30 pages to catch up on soon. Stay tuned and enjoy the music!

Hoping for a good resolution

Lot's of Astral impressions throughout this thread, dang! I'm getting a demo pair in on Friday along with the Lush as well, I'm really looking forward to hearing them. I have a feeling I'll fall in love with the Astral just by looking at the graph... If it doesn't hit that hard in the mid bass, I guess that's okay, I'm really looking for a tighter mid bass impact and sparkle up in the higher treble, like past 10k.

Ooo nice! You might like the Astral if you liked the BrainDance. It has similarities but not as energetic I'd say. Working on my own review as well which should be posted next week (hopefully)

My first Juzear iem was the 41T and i absolutely love it. Oustanding value then came the 61T which on paper I should love but something was off in the treble timbre. Fast forward to the Zeos collaboration the Juzear Defiant a $100 doller bagain im back in love with the Juzear brand this iem redefines the whole up to $100 level a fantastic musical iem that favours music rather than ear scratching details.
This is my first impression and is the most positive first impression I’ve experienced. First of all its a beautiful shell with an emerald green faceplate complemented with one of the best included cables in the price range. The colours of the cable match better with the rainbow faceplates of the alternative Defiant but don’t clash too much with the green.

This is warm lush balanced sound with enough detail to enjoy. The timbre and dynamics across the board are natural and engaging providing a realaxed cross genre playback.

I will be giving this a full review soon, i would like to thank Hifigo.com for sending this gorgeous iem for review.

I missed the boat on the 41t but was always curious about it. The 61t was good but just not my thing. Looking forward to hearing the Defiant and reading your impressions as well!

Thanks for this feedback. I really dig mid-bass over sub-bass, as I'm one of the few here who described the bass of the DUNU DaVinci as resembling a bovine fart or a constant hum from an appliance.

I can take different flavors of mids and treble tuning, but excessive sub-bass repels me almost every time.

The BrainDance is the only IEM that I auditioned as a tour member or on loan that I miss. I REALLY enjoyed it, and my surprise and delight about the sound signature was damn close to a mirror image of yours. More bass than I expected, and the treble was far less piercing and dominant than I expected, yet it was VERY resolving.

I didn't get the same holographic soundstage sense with the BD that many enjoyed, maybe because I had just received the Fan 3 shortly before the BrainDance. But man, was the sound CLEAN. Really enjoyed it. On my hit list for a possible used purchase. I miss it.

Sorry to do that to you Paul! Making me feel like a drug dealer over here giving you a taste to get you hooked

Annnnnd just like that ... the tariffs are back on again. Appeals court upheld Trump Administration's appeal.

Looking for any kind of stability or solution in this situation is fool's gold. The Chi-fi market will continue to be f*cked for us American consumers for some time.

The Defiant, for me, are a new $100 gatekeeper. Between sonics, ergonomics, and it's ability to adapt to almost every genre I threw at it, it's just a magical IEM at that price.

My reaction when I have Defiant on the way but realize I have way too many projects ahead of it

PS - still 30 pages behind. And in the middle of a massive multi quote so just replied to this post only. Stay tuned and Enjoy the Music!

Watch out @MakeItWain. He's coming back for the title

I have written an opinion which could have a title "How to have a terrible experience for 3 frickng thousand dollars" but thankfully it was a tour unit.

In 2 words ? Never again. Made me angry.

I'm getting the Duality soon on tour and now I'm even more curious to hear it!

Timeless II is a very quick catch and release for me... right monitor developed a horrible case of driver flex as I was tip rolling, couldn't even move my head without hearing crinkling. I don't find the sound exciting enough to order a replacement pair, will use that credit for something else... BUT WHAT?

I've never encountered driver flex that extreme! But you can be sure I'd send them straight back too. Time to buy the Aegis???

 

[NymPHONOmaniac]

ohohohOH guys, Hisenior just about to release its new near basshead IEM, from Wild Nature serie, the follow up of Okavango.

its call Cano Crystales and use dual push DD + 8 Bas.

technical meet engaging super punchy musicality....ive try prototype and the bass is just too good, among punchiest IEM i own in fact and its thick round rumbly punch, so vibrant then mids are foward and crisp an treble is crazy good, sharp in micro dynamic, super speedy snappy...it's anti boring W shape sounding. Wild W shape Warrior!

follow their page for upcoming info and date release and price (still unknow even by me)
https://www.facebook.com/HiseniorAudio

thing is im not certainmmy pair (prototype) is final version tuning so i hold my horses....but man, for those thinking audiophile sound quality can't meet basshead joy....think again: this is the answer. cant beleive how good it deal with Son Of Kemet speedy percussions + low range tuba+ mid range saxo...all multi layered with this sharp speedy micro dynamic....no warmth mudyness with those...dual DD is so good.

these dual push DD are very different than ISN H60, Penon Quattro ones. less warm, more textured and speedy....about has weighty. Cano is like more analytical H60 we can say, sharper, less warm and lush too...again i should shut my mouth...but these are very exciting!

will share more when i know its 100% legal to do so

 

[theintention]

I've never encountered driver flex that extreme! But you can be sure I'd send them straight back too. Time to buy the Aegis???

Second set this has happened to me with, and they both happen to be Linsoul related brands lol.. wait actually is 7Hz Linsoul? just assumed they were. anyway yeah this happened to my Hype 2 as well. All I did was change the cable and tip roll lol.

Mmmm I wanna demo the Sparta line before I plop money down, plus I also have a Defiant on the way for review and a TSMR Armor that just passed customs... I can use this money for other fun stuff!

 

[Discordiain]

Dilla literally changed my life. And if you (or anyone else) haven't read the book Dilla Time, do it now (it's also on audiobook). It's among the very best books about a musician and music history I've ever read--and I've read a lot. There are very good reasons that Dilla's drum sampler is in the Smithsonian (assuming the orange menace doesn't sign some executive order to throw it in the trash).

I haven't read Dilla Time, but I shall.
He was a genius without a doubt, but sadly, as is often the way, the light that burns twice as bright, burns half as long.
Thanks for the rec.

 

[Dsnuts]

Didn't know we had THE Kerry King as a disco threader. We have a celebrity in our midst.


@caryking

 

[mrsergey]

Mail call!

As someone with a deep collection of over 80 IEMs, including heavyweights like the FIR Audio Neon 4, Krypton 5, and Unique Melody MEST MK3, I didn't expect much from the Westone Mach 70 when I picked them up for around $300. But it absolutely blew me away, not just as a value performer, but as a genuinely outstanding IEM in its own right.

Bass:
The bass on the Mach 70 is surprisingly authoritative for an all-BA setup. It doesn’t thump like a DD, but it’s tight, fast, and textured and most importantly, it feels right in the mix. There's no artificial bloom, just clean, punchy lows that give music satisfying energy.

Mids:
Where the Mach 70 really shines is in the midrange clarity and realism. Vocals sound incredibly lifelike, with a natural timbre that’s hard to find even among much more expensive IEMs. Instruments are placed perfectly. It’s clean, articulate, and expressive without sounding clinical.

Treble:
The treble is detailed, extended, and refined without ever being harsh or fatiguing. Micro detail lovers will appreciate the shimmer and air up top, but it never crosses into sibilance. It walks a perfect line sparkly yet smooth.

Imaging & Soundstage:
This is where the Mach 70 surprised me most. The soundstage is wide, deep and immersive, with superb imaging and instrument separation. It’s easy to pick out every element in a mix. In fact, it clearly outperforms the Softears Studio 4 here and in every other category, honestly.

Cons:
1. Plastic design. They don't feel so premium.
2. The cable feels thin and pretty cheap.
3. The case is huge and pretty useless for me.
4. Balanced cable is not included in the box.
5. The cable uses proprietary connection. Hard to find replacement cable.

What’s this case?

Agreed!! With the link, please...lol

Cheers!!

I have couple watch cases.
Here are the links to some of them:
https://a.aliexpress.com/_oBKpjWa
https://a.aliexpress.com/_oolscty
https://a.co/d/7pVZOcb

What cable is this?

Here is the link for the cable:
https://a.aliexpress.com/_onHZmnu

 

[zkmd]

a lot of Chifi stores like XINHS and Tiandirenhe have a lot of their products simply not for sale in the US at the moment, or else they relist them at a higher price, which annoyingly makes your wishlist links invalid.

There was this INCREDIBLE Evangelion themed cable that went up for sale on aliexpress:
https://www.aliexpress.us/item/3256808696935673.html?gatewayAdapt=glo2usa4itemAdapt

But I think the dealer just stopped shipping to the US , I was so sad

It would have a perfect pairing with the HiBy R4 EVA

 

[Hypops]

Right? EA really making a collab with everyone and its boosting prices a bit... Oh well. Maybe the Aful planar will come along to save the day. Keeping an eye on the new S16 as well...

In his video review, it seemed like @MakeItWain was surprised by the Quantum's kick up in price, too, after originally hearing it at a Jam. Sure, it's nice to have nice accessories, but it's even nicer to get a quality set at a good price. I've got my eye out for the same two upcoming sets, even if we know almost nothing about either one.

ohohohOH guys, Hisenior just about to release its new near basshead IEM, from Wild Nature serie, the follow up of Okavango.

its call Cano Crystales and use dual push DD + 8 Bas.

technical meet engaging super punchy musicality....ive try prototype and the bass is just too good, among punchiest IEM i own in fact and its thick round rumbly punch, so vibrant then mids are foward and crisp an treble is crazy good, sharp in micro dynamic, super speedy snappy...it's anti boring W shape sounding. Wild W shape Warrior!

"Thick, round, rumbly" are not words I'm looking for in a basshead set unfortunately. IMO this is what most bassy sets get wrong. I like a clear, sharp, powerful punch from the bass, not a thick, woolly whoomp. It's a big part of what I've loved so much about the KE Punch. Oh well. Always nice to take a set off of the wishlist!

Second set this has happened to me with, and they both happen to be Linsoul related brands lol.. wait actually is 7Hz Linsoul? just assumed they were. anyway yeah this happened to my Hype 2 as well. All I did was change the cable and tip roll lol.

Huh. You might be onto something. Only set I've had bad driver flex with was the Ziigaat Estrella. Also I'm pretty sure that all the dual-DDs I've heard (and not liked) have been Linsoul brands (Ziigaat, Thieaudio), so maybe I just don't like Linsoul designs? Except I really like the Kiwi Ears stuff I've heard...

I haven't read Dilla Time, but I shall.
He was a genius without a doubt, but sadly, as is often the way, the light that burns twice as bright, burns half as long.
Thanks for the rec.

On a positive note, when I mentioned Dilla to a class full of college freshman last fall, they all 1) knew who he was, and 2) universally praised him as a musical genius. The kids are all right.

 

[gadgetgod]

Whether you believe in cable rolling or not, you can't deny the fact that this cable look spectacular, meet the Zikman Audio Tiber, a premium cable featuring a hybrid design consisting of 130 individually insulated strands of high-purity monocrystalline copper with 55 strands of high-purity silver material wires. Zikman is a brand based in Austria. They have an exclusive range of cables starting at 199 Euros; the Tiber is their sub-flagship in the lineup priced at 499 Euros.

It is a handcrafted cable with a premium and exquisite in-hand feel. The Y-Splitter is a chunkiii boy, love the feel of it. One of the key attractions here is that the cable features replaceable connectors, you have to unscrew a small screw near the connectors and replace them. I hope you guys enjoy the pictures.

 

[Argha]

Short Thoughts on TANCHJIM LUNA

I just received the TANCHJIM LUNA along with their new IEM Fission. I unboxed the LUNA first because I was really drawn to its design, and I can't wait to test out their new DAC amp. Here’s what I discovered.

They’ve maintained their signature style in this dongle as well. It looks more like a piece of jewelry than just an audio device. In terms of sound quality, it reflects the Tanchjhim House Sound: clean, clear, detailed, and spacious. Let’s break it down step by step.

1. This dongle is quite clean. I’m not a fan of a completely flat linear signature; this dongle emphasizes a bit of upper treble, which brings dull-sounding IEMs to life. However, inherently spicy IEMs might not pair well with it.

2. The clarity of this dongle is nothing short of exceptional. The clean tonality certainly helps in not masking anything in the treble region, leading to a hyper-detailed and textured presentation. (Hyper-detailed is not an exaggeration). It’s hard to overlook subtle instruments with this dongle.

3. The spaciousness of this dongle is impressive, though it does have some limitations. While the soundstage is broad, it doesn’t feel diffused. This means the height perception isn’t overly exaggerated, which I appreciate. This aspect is directly related to timbre, so I’ll discuss that later. However, the imaging and stage are incredibly vast and precise.

Now, let’s touch on some technical details (Measurement Haters: SKIP)

1. It outputs 4 Vrms of power, which is sufficient to drive headphones like the HD600, although it may not extract the absolute maximum from them. But for portable use, it outperforms the 3/2Vrms dongles that clutter the market.

2. The SINAD performance is phenomenal. Double amping is not an issue at all.

3. The dynamic range looks excellent on paper.

4. Jitter performance and multitone results are all good.

5. At 300 Ohms, it delivers around 55mW, and at 32 Ohms, it provides about 263mW of current, which exceeds the current industry standard.

So, how does this translate into real-life performance?

So, how does this translate into real-life performance?

As you might have guessed, I prefer a somewhat clinical and analytical presentation. My inclination leads me to believe this is Hi-Fi, so I continue to embrace this perspective. There are two key points I want to highlight in this review:

1. As a highly capable DAC, it integrates exceptionally well with various desktop-class headphone amplifiers. At this stage, I can confidently connect LUNA to my JDS ATOM 2 and start enjoying the experience without much concern.

While testing a few high-end IEMs that are incredibly resolving, such as the Jomo Nautilus, LUNA proves to be an ideal match if you're seeking resolution and technical prowess.

2. This dongle, with its highly technical sound, may not appeal to those who prefer a warm, relaxing, or laid-back sound signature.

3. The power output of this dongle is remarkably high for its price range, and it maintains exceptional clarity across all loads and terminations. Both the 3.5mm and 4.4mm outputs sound equally good to my ears, showing no noticeable difference. This means that regardless of what you connect, there's a 99% chance it will work seamlessly with this dongle.

4. Due to its damping factor and outstanding resolution, the decay can feel a bit rapid. This leads to two observations: a. The dynamics may seem slightly diminished, as it causes the driver’s transient response to be extremely quick, and b. The timbre might come across as somewhat plain and not particularly enriched. (I hesitate to use the term 'enriched' to describe timbre, but I believe you understand my point.)

5. LUNA, being constructed from solid metal, dissipates most of the heat it generates, and in my air-conditioned room, it doesn't become uncomfortably hot, to say the least.
Conclusion

So, do I recommend this dongle? Yes and No.

Yes - If you seek excellent technicalities and resolution. If you want the most power for your money in a dongle DAC. If you desire a dongle that can be plugged into any desktop amp and deliver desktop-class performance with outstanding SINAD/JITTER. If you need something that can drive both full-sized headphones and sensitive IEMs.

No - If you're looking for a thick, rich signature. If you prefer decay that feels enjoyable to your ears rather than being precise. If you want to engage in laid-back listening most of the time. If you only have easy-to-drive IEMs.

Comparison
In terms of ranking this Dongle, I would place it above something like the Questyle M15 for technical performance and slightly higher than the Ibasso DC07 Pro in terms of tonality.

It's a noticeable upgrade from the $50/60 price range Dongles, but it still doesn't quite compete with options like the Mojo 2 or DC Elite. It occupies a middle ground around the DC07 Pro area; you just need to decide what you want in your next dongle.

Until then, bye.

 

[pk4425]

As for the Explorer, I pulled it out the other night and listened to it as part of my daily trio along with the Volume S, and honestly, I just couldn't get into the Explorer, except for maybe my reggae playlist. Won't sell it, since I already sent the MagicOne packing, but it's losing a bit of it's lustre since I bought it?

Same. I pulled out the Explorer just before leaving for Indy, and with all apologies to B.B. King, the thrill is gone. It's a SUPERB $100 IEM with nu-meta tuning. Perhaps one of the best. But I have graduated into a higher level of IEM sound quality, and the Explorer lags. I will sell it.

No biggie -- it happens as we climb the audio ladder. The HE-400se blew my mind at $120 as an over-ear planar. I listened to it a year later, and it wasn't as good because I had graduated to the $500-600 level of cans. But it's still an excellent headphone at its price point, much like the Explorer.

As for "comp," I meant comparison, not complimentary. What is a comparison?

Change My Mind: Earbuds are the simplest and most practical way to listen to tunes at work.

AirPods Pro 2 are the simplest and most practical way if you're on an iPhone and don't put sound quality as a giant mountain ahead of features and seamless integration.

2DD priced 3000 dollars is a robbery. Maybe Nightjar Acoustics bought those DD from NASA?

Equating the number of drivers to an IEM's price tag is foolish. There are tribrid and quad-brid IEMs that suck compared to single DD models. It's all about the tuning and transducer quality, not the number and array of drivers.

Timeless II is a very quick catch and release for me... right monitor developed a horrible case of driver flex as I was tip rolling, couldn't even move my head without hearing crinkling. I don't find the sound exciting enough to order a replacement pair, will use that credit for something else... BUT WHAT?

KiwiEars Aether. A superb planar for $175. I love mine.

I've also got an eye/ear out for a good planar IEM. I just haven't seen/heard anything I'm completely sold on yet. I wish the FatFreq Quantum were a bit cheaper. $800 is simply too rich for my blood. At $400-500, I'd be much more tempted to bite.

KiwiEars Aether. You'll have about $300 left from the upper limits of your budget range, too. BONUS!

Ooo nice! You might like the Astral if you liked the BrainDance. It has similarities but not as energetic I'd say. Working on my own review as well which should be posted next week (hopefully)

Ooooh. I like this comparison. Now I'm interested in the Astral.

Sorry to do that to you Paul! Making me feel like a drug dealer over here giving you a taste to get you hooked

No, no, dude: I'm very grateful for the generosity of people here. I've sampled and experienced quite a few IEMs through tours and loans.