The discovery thread!

[GroovyAudio]

Sivga Que UTG - is a completely different level of sound!
Hello, friends! Today is the third day I've been listening to my new Sivga Que UTG headphones, and I can say right away that I'm very surprised.
To be honest, I didn't expect to get such sound from a dynamic driver with a new Flat Ultra Thin Glass Diaphragm, and it literally changes the rules of the game!
They sound completely different from the original Que, and the first thing I noticed was a completely different, more transparent, airy sound with phenomenally fast transitions. And the overall dynamics are now just crazy, the bass is lightning fast, precise and punchy, and the midrange has become more lively, energetic and at the same time clear, detailed and even, to some extent, more musical and correct.

The bass in Sivga Que UTG is a real treat.
It is fast, elastic, focused, without a hint of rumble or blurriness.Each beat is clear and physically palpable, with a fairly powerful punch and perfect control.
It doesn't dominate like in bass-heavy headphones, but when its moment comes, it bursts in with predatory precision, without upsetting the balance of the other frequencies.
This is exactly the kind of bass that doesn't try to “capture” all your attention, as it works for the music, supporting the right rhythm and overall atmosphere, adding mass, weight, and drive where needed.It really shines in genres with live instruments, and of course with electronic music and hip-hop, where the kick drum doesn't blend in with the bass line, and you can clearly distinguish every detail and structure.
But the main thing is that it has intelligence and musicality. It's not just bass, but a complete and mature foundation of sound that you can feel but never overwhelms.

The midrange frequencies in the Sivga Que UTG are a direct emotional connection to the music.
They have become more emotional, rich, and expressive, with lively, clear articulation and natural dynamics.
Voices sound voluminous and intimate, as if the performer is standing at arm's length, every breath, lip movement, and vibration of the vocal cords can be heard, everything is conveyed with striking accuracy and realism.The microdetails have become deeper, the textures richer, and the overall feeling is as if you are now in the same room with the musician.And most importantly, the instruments. Guitars, pianos, and violins sound physical, rich, and truly alive.
You feel the touch of the wood, the tension of the strings, the vibrations of the body, as if the music is not just sounding, it is breathing, resonating, and living in front of you.
This is exactly the case when music captivates not only technically, but also emotionally, giving you goosebumps.

The high frequencies in the Sivga Que UTG are a breath of fresh air.
They have become more transparent, bright, and airy, noticeably cleaner and more refined compared to the original Que.
Technicality and analyticality have reached a new level, now even the smallest nuances, such as rustles, reverberations, cymbals, and reverberations, are conveyed naturally, effortlessly, but with vivid expressiveness and crystal-clear detail.At the same time, the sound remains light, free, and unrestrained, with a wonderful sense of air between the instruments and a feeling of an open stage above and beyond.
Of course, it should be noted that this presentation now makes the headphones more demanding in terms of recording quality, but if the track is really well mixed, the experience will be nothing short of “wow.”

The soundstage in Sivga Que UTG is now truly spacious.
Compared to conventional Que, it has become noticeably wider, deeper, and most importantly, more voluminous, and is now perceived not just as a panorama, but as a full-fledged acoustic space with air and perspective.
And you hear not only “left-right,” but also forward, deep, and upward, creating a pleasant sensation as if you are inside a concert hall, rather than simply listening to music.
The instruments are arranged with precision, each occupying its own place on the stage, without overlapping others or getting lost in the background.
The sound is not flat, but three-dimensional, alive and breathing, with superb localization and excellent separation.
As a result, you are not just listening to the composition, but feel as if you are inside it.

Sivga Que UTG - is not just an update, it's a whole new level of sound!
The new UTG diaphragm radically changes everything we know about the sound of dynamic models. It provides exquisite transparency, instantaneous transients, precise, controlled bass with excellent impact, emotional, rich midrange, and airy, detailed, and spacious high frequencies.
The soundstage is spacious, multi-layered, and well-positioned, creating the feeling of a real live performance right in front of you.
In my opinion, the Que UTG is not just “another version” but a serious leap forward in quality, and if you think you already know how the Sivga Que sounds, trust me, you're in for a big surprise.

This piqued my interest as well. Could you tell me how does it handle rock and heavy metal songs? I'm very curious. Thanks!

 

[FreeWheelinAudioLuv2]

I wonder why there aren't more multi-driver over ears? IEMs benefit, speakers do too, so why not over ears?

Kiwi Ears Ardor & Althiea, Aviot WA-J1, Noble FoKus Apollo, and the Final Sonorous (it's been out for a decade or more), are all hybrid over ears. Now why there aren't more? No market? Technological limitations for that form factor?

 

[Hypops]

Did you buy the Deuce at all or nah? The worst kept secret is that some of those batches had a promotion for Deuce backers that bought direct.

If not, where about in the States are you?

I passed on the Deuce because of all the logistics and build issues. They’ve probably leveled out by now though? The nice thing about Singaporean companies is that they’re free from the tariff swamp.

I’m in New Mexico, but I’m also a lifelong Californian and get out to SoCal pretty regularly to visit friends and family (they’re all mostly in East LA and North County SD). Hoping to coordinate a trip home with a CanJam at some point.

Yeah, I really was surprised by the kick up. I'm going to go out on a limb and say Quantum will always be in my rotation for favorites (I do have Astrolith coming in eventually and I just got an Aether so I'll do an A/B then) but Quantum is a worthy planar for permanent rotation.*

*Until I heard that collab which I'm excited for*

Uh oh.

June 1st appears to have brought change to Aliexpress and Hifigo.com. All prices have increased at both Hifigo's website and at Aliexpress. The change at their website will include shipping charges on all items of at least $21.00. The items at the Aliexpress site have significantly increased per item. Tariffs are alive and well.

I am curious to see what happens with the typical mid-June sales that occur every year with all the Chinese sellers.

In the world of gaming handhelds, Chinese companies have already adapted by setting up separate warehouses in different regions. Don’t know why Chi-fi companies aren’t doing similar.

Sivga Que UTG - is a completely different level of sound!
Hello, friends! Today is the third day I've been listening to my new Sivga Que UTG headphones, and I can say right away that I'm very surprised.
To be honest, I didn't expect to get such sound from a dynamic driver with a new Flat Ultra Thin Glass Diaphragm, and it literally changes the rules of the game!
They sound completely different from the original Que, and the first thing I noticed was a completely different, more transparent, airy sound with phenomenally fast transitions. And the overall dynamics are now just crazy, the bass is lightning fast, precise and punchy, and the midrange has become more lively, energetic and at the same time clear, detailed and even, to some extent, more musical and correct.

The bass in Sivga Que UTG is a real treat.
It is fast, elastic, focused, without a hint of rumble or blurriness.Each beat is clear and physically palpable, with a fairly powerful punch and perfect control.
It doesn't dominate like in bass-heavy headphones, but when its moment comes, it bursts in with predatory precision, without upsetting the balance of the other frequencies.
This is exactly the kind of bass that doesn't try to “capture” all your attention, as it works for the music, supporting the right rhythm and overall atmosphere, adding mass, weight, and drive where needed.It really shines in genres with live instruments, and of course with electronic music and hip-hop, where the kick drum doesn't blend in with the bass line, and you can clearly distinguish every detail and structure.
But the main thing is that it has intelligence and musicality. It's not just bass, but a complete and mature foundation of sound that you can feel but never overwhelms.

The midrange frequencies in the Sivga Que UTG are a direct emotional connection to the music.
They have become more emotional, rich, and expressive, with lively, clear articulation and natural dynamics.
Voices sound voluminous and intimate, as if the performer is standing at arm's length, every breath, lip movement, and vibration of the vocal cords can be heard, everything is conveyed with striking accuracy and realism.The microdetails have become deeper, the textures richer, and the overall feeling is as if you are now in the same room with the musician.And most importantly, the instruments. Guitars, pianos, and violins sound physical, rich, and truly alive.
You feel the touch of the wood, the tension of the strings, the vibrations of the body, as if the music is not just sounding, it is breathing, resonating, and living in front of you.
This is exactly the case when music captivates not only technically, but also emotionally, giving you goosebumps.

The high frequencies in the Sivga Que UTG are a breath of fresh air.
They have become more transparent, bright, and airy, noticeably cleaner and more refined compared to the original Que.
Technicality and analyticality have reached a new level, now even the smallest nuances, such as rustles, reverberations, cymbals, and reverberations, are conveyed naturally, effortlessly, but with vivid expressiveness and crystal-clear detail.At the same time, the sound remains light, free, and unrestrained, with a wonderful sense of air between the instruments and a feeling of an open stage above and beyond.
Of course, it should be noted that this presentation now makes the headphones more demanding in terms of recording quality, but if the track is really well mixed, the experience will be nothing short of “wow.”

The soundstage in Sivga Que UTG is now truly spacious.
Compared to conventional Que, it has become noticeably wider, deeper, and most importantly, more voluminous, and is now perceived not just as a panorama, but as a full-fledged acoustic space with air and perspective.
And you hear not only “left-right,” but also forward, deep, and upward, creating a pleasant sensation as if you are inside a concert hall, rather than simply listening to music.
The instruments are arranged with precision, each occupying its own place on the stage, without overlapping others or getting lost in the background.
The sound is not flat, but three-dimensional, alive and breathing, with superb localization and excellent separation.
As a result, you are not just listening to the composition, but feel as if you are inside it.

Sivga Que UTG - is not just an update, it's a whole new level of sound!
The new UTG diaphragm radically changes everything we know about the sound of dynamic models. It provides exquisite transparency, instantaneous transients, precise, controlled bass with excellent impact, emotional, rich midrange, and airy, detailed, and spacious high frequencies.
The soundstage is spacious, multi-layered, and well-positioned, creating the feeling of a real live performance right in front of you.
In my opinion, the Que UTG is not just “another version” but a serious leap forward in quality, and if you think you already know how the Sivga Que sounds, trust me, you're in for a big surprise.

I really liked my time with the OG Que. Curious if this is a revision that will appeal to fans of the OG or if it’s more for those who didn’t connect with it.

 

[MakeItWain]

I passed on the Deuce because of all the logistics and build issues. They’ve probably leveled out by now though? The nice thing about Singaporean companies is that they’re free from the tariff swamp.

I’m in New Mexico, but I’m also a lifelong Californian and get out to SoCal pretty regularly to visit friends and family (they’re all mostly in East LA and North County SD). Hoping to coordinate a trip home with a CanJam at some point.


Uh oh.

I mistyped, heard about that collab. I have not heard the collab yet. Only bits and pieces. But, it's a potentially planar.

Also, good call. Go to CanJam. There's a meet up here and there as well. Lot of us in CA have met up several times. Also, not to advertise it or anything, but lot of swapping and tours on Discord (even if it can be kinda toxic at times )

 

[musicmatters2025]

What are the impressions or reviews in the community of the Top Pro?

Before the tariff debacle, I went deep and bought the KE Punch, EBC80 and Archangel.

I feel like I'm in a good place, but given HBB's glowing review of these, the FOMO is very strong...

I'd love to hear from Top Pro owners if they're enamored with these...

TIA

 

[BlankName]

Technological limitations for that form factor?

I've thought that but IEMs now have 7 way crossovers, and are still wieldly, and those are at minimum 12-11 xo components inside of them, notwithstanding total transducer count. Over ears would be limited to 2 or 3 way xo and 2 or 3 drivers. To give some perspective, comparing total xo parts, a 7 way 1st order = 2 way 6th order = 3 way 3rd order. And driver sizes wouldn't be crazy either: e.g. 50+10mm or 40+15+5mm.

 

[Jmop]

I think there will be more reviews of these headphones in the near future, and I hope everyone will be able to rate the new Que UTG. These headphones definitely have a different approach to tuning, and the sound is no longer as restrained as in the Que. UTG sounds are much more emotional and technical, as well as much more detailed and cleaner in the mid and high frequencies. I think that's exactly what I wanted to hear, as if a small veil had been lifted from Que and a veil had been removed, and all aspects of the sound had been clearly improved. Of course, these headphones still don't have too much bass, but for me, this is exactly the most refined, seasoned audiophile sound.

Need the graph pronto!! The original Que had so much potential, I coulda lived with it if the 8k peak was slightly trimmed, but that’s more cuz it stuck out do to the upper treble not having a peak in that region to even it out, although extension was fine.

@FreeWheelinAudioLuv2 Yeah xDuoo X5 doesn’t have gapless but since most daps only claim to do gapless but they still aren’t seamless I wouldn’t ding it too hard here. I am returning for other endeavors though, like the new Que lol.

 

[Hypops]

I wonder why there aren't more multi-driver over ears? IEMs benefit, speakers do too, so why not over ears?

I think it's a combination of a lot of things.

1) The biggest reason is that there's simply no market for them. Existing multi-driver full-sizers are expensive, niche products. People who like full-sizers aren't clamoring for hybrids (myself included). There's also no obvious need or benefit to hybrid driver configs in full-size headphones.

2) Another big reason is that unlike hybrid IEMs, full-sizers don't rely on things like "sound tubes" to work as "mechanical crossovers." There's no way to fine-tune where the sound from different drivers goes on its way to your ear hole. It bounces around freely in the space between the cups and your ear canals.

3) Cost. IEM drivers are small and cheap. With IEMs, it's cheaper to just add more drivers and a crossover than it is to do a bunch of expensive driver and acoustic R&D. There are reasons new full-sizers aren't released every week. Full-sizers are typically on the market for years (or decades in some cases). They have to be in order to recoup development and production costs.

 

[FreeWheelinAudioLuv2]

I think it's a combination of a lot of things.

1) The biggest reason is that there's simply no market for them. Existing multi-driver full-sizers are expensive, niche products. People who like full-sizers aren't clamoring for hybrids (myself included). There's also no obvious need or benefit to hybrid driver configs in full-size headphones.

2) Another big reason is that unlike hybrid IEMs, full-sizers don't rely on things like "sound tubes" to work as "mechanical crossovers." There's no way to fine-tune where the sound from different drivers goes on its way to your ear hole. It bounces around freely in the space between the cups and your ear canals.

3) Cost. IEM drivers are small and cheap. With IEMs, it's cheaper to just add more drivers and a crossover than it is to do a bunch of expensive driver and acoustic R&D. There are reasons new full-sizers aren't released every week. Full-sizers are typically on the market for years (or decades in some cases). They have to be in order to recoup development and production costs.

So basically what I said, only way more articulate and smart. lol

 

[ExTubeGamer]

Tangzu Legends can extract so much information from audio if you pair it with a powerful source. Easily this is the most resolving set I got my hands on till now.
Legends with deep insertion tips like the SpinFit CP100 are resolving enough to pick out every single flaw in a recording. Then there is the imaging. Literally seperated guitar crunchy noises from every other instrument. If you focus your mind on it you can pick apart a single instrument and still hear every other noise placed somewhere in the soundstage.

 

[ICYGENIUS]

This piqued my interest as well. Could you tell me how does it handle rock and heavy metal songs? I'm very curious. Thanks!

Okay... I just turned on a couple of my old favorite rock and metal tracks, and that was it, I was blown away, haha!
The guitars are rich, with a characteristic crunch, the riffs are tight, without any muddiness or dirt, everything is clear and with characteristic drive. Que UTG seems to have developed its own internal character with more energy, more fire, but not wild destruction, rather an intelligent, controlled drive, as if the headphones know when to bite in and when to let go gently.
The drums sound powerful and natural. The snare is crisp and springy, and the kick drum is not just a dull “thud” it is delivered with body, impact, and lively energy.
Live drums are especially cool, and you can really feel the sticks hitting the membrane.
But most importantly, when the real meat begins, everything doesn't fall apart. Even in a dense arrangement, the headphones hold the structure of the guitar perfectly, the vocals are brought to the forefront, and the cymbals don't disappear, but complement the mix very nicely.
In general, in my opinion, these headphones are perfect for rock and metal if you need technicality, dynamics, power, clarity, and real emotions when listening.
These headphones really draw you into the music, rather than just reproducing it, which is why I think you want to listen to them more and more.

I really liked my time with the OG Que. Curious if this is a revision that will appeal to fans of the OG or if it’s more for those who didn’t connect with it.

Yes, I'm also interested in hearing other people's opinions on this matter, but for now, I've shared my impressions with you, and for me, it's definitely better.

 

[theintention]

In the world of gaming handhelds, Chinese companies have already adapted by setting up separate warehouses in different regions. Don’t know why Chi-fi companies aren’t doing similar.

can't speak for chi-fi much but I have heard of some higher end brands doing just this. i expect more to do the same shortly, or as soon as its possible/feasible for their business.

I am glad Anbernic resumed US sales, I keep delaying grabbing one!

 

[activatorfly]

I don't know? No gapless. The way you describe the sound and the meh 3.5mm, and that's a lot of "sorta"'s that I'd call it a dud. Maybe not complete dud, but a dud nonetheless?


The Legend is a neutral, with an upper mids/treble emphasis, and a very linear bass, which I'd say is very similar to the DX1, ZS12 Pro X, YuXuan Ji, and KZ ZA12. So while it does have a bit of speed, snap, and note resolution, it's lacking in energy and impact, and more sub bass than mid bass. It's open design, so it has a fantastic dimensional stage, but the Legend will not satisfy those looking for Project M type bass presence, or heck, Kiwi Ears Aether type bass. I love it for instrumental jazz music, and atmospheric tracks. It's immersive and will draw you in. Not for reggae, metal, or acid jazz.


Bro, I own both, and though they both sport CNT drivers, this is a completely different tuning. The SP01 is bassier, and dare I say "bloatier" than the Neo1. The Neo, though it does come with mesh filters to customize the sound, virgin, has very snappy, speedy bass response (more mid than sub, but the sub isn't lacking, just not the focus), a clean, slightly warm and incisive midrange (just a touch), and crisp, airy CNT treble, which means very shimmery, airy, and present, like most CNT drivers, but the overall tonality is thinner and less dimensional than the SP01, which has a warmer, more full bodied, and dimensional stage and spatial cues than the Neo1. So they are different, but share some similar driver DNA qualities.



The Ji is for neutral lovers. If you are a lover of bright neutral, then the Ji will hit that spot. It's for picking out nuance, and leans towards technical vs warmth or fun. The bass is very linear, and not very impactful, so yeah, if you're even a bright neutral but mid bass elevated lover, this isn't going to be an IEM for you. This is very neutral, with very little coloration, and a flatter bass response. I have no idea how this IEM has survived my grand culls and sell offs, but against the odds, it has. Might not be forever, but for now, it continues to live in the rotation. Might be it's absolutely gorgeous shell?


Slap this cable on it https://www.aliexpress.us/item/3256807982823902.html , give it Divinus Wild Boar tips, and a nice warm source or TOOBS, and this IEM is a sonic gift. There's not as much thinness, and the bass takes on a very present character, but it does take some massaging. It's source picky, as well as being power hungry, so you want to feed it power (preferably 4.4mm), and give it the right source tonality, and it soars!


Technically, the Shell and SP01 are very close. They both perform on a similar playing field, but what differentiates the two is one is a single DD, so you're getting the full flavor of a CNT driver, with that tonality, bass snap, and fullness. The Shell has micro planar highs, so the tonality of that driver is in effect. Now the mids and bass are DD, but that tonality isn't exactly manifested, since again, it's a hybrid, plus while they both share lower mids warmth from the mid bass etc, the SP01 is just slightly more elastic and note resolute, as per the CNT, but not as midrange clean and resolute as the Shell, with less air and shimmer in the highs, again, due to it being a single DD and not a hybrid.


You are still quite honed in on Chi-fi sellers lol I checked out awhile ago now. As for the tariffs, it's such a yo-yo, along with the court battles, that there is no chance of it leveling off, or cooling down. So as far as the MASSIVE summer sale, that's still a go. Just not for U.S. customers. The thing you might not have noticed (or maybe you have, Lee?), is that non-U.S. customers are still enjoying great steals and deals on Alix. Have you not noticed the cable teases we get deluged with daily from our esteemed Canadian and European members? Or the IEMs? They are still getting great deals and optimal gains from coupons, so the HifiGo sale, the Linsoul LECs, and the grand Alix summer sale will go on, unabated, and make lots of folks very happy, it just won't be U.S. customers. I figured by now, you'd have pulled the foot from the pedal, and focus on what you currently have, like many of us Americans have lately? Now, if you want to pay more, just to feel like you're still in the game, then by all means, you do you, but I know I'm certainly not thinking about the summer sale, because since late April/Early May, we are no longer target customers in this hobby. That is the reality of the situation we live in currently.


Where I wanted nothing to do with the OG Que based on the massive amounts of corroborating impressions of it, and @nikbr advising me to skip it based on my public preferences, this one seems to speak my language, and this might be something I need to consider, or see if I can get a review unit in? Yep. This is hopping to the top of the want list.


Welcome and yes, drop your Discoveries here! Always welcomed. also, the ISN H60 is the BEAST gatekeeper of the sub $400 sets. It's the Golden State Warriors of the 2010's.

H60 are definitely the set with the most reasonable price tag, essential to audition at CJ...

 

[jbfps116]

Sivga Que UTG - is a completely different level of sound!
Hello, friends! Today is the third day I've been listening to my new Sivga Que UTG headphones, and I can say right away that I'm very surprised.
To be honest, I didn't expect to get such sound from a dynamic driver with a new Flat Ultra Thin Glass Diaphragm, and it literally changes the rules of the game!
They sound completely different from the original Que, and the first thing I noticed was a completely different, more transparent, airy sound with phenomenally fast transitions. And the overall dynamics are now just crazy, the bass is lightning fast, precise and punchy, and the midrange has become more lively, energetic and at the same time clear, detailed and even, to some extent, more musical and correct.

The bass in Sivga Que UTG is a real treat.
It is fast, elastic, focused, without a hint of rumble or blurriness.Each beat is clear and physically palpable, with a fairly powerful punch and perfect control.
It doesn't dominate like in bass-heavy headphones, but when its moment comes, it bursts in with predatory precision, without upsetting the balance of the other frequencies.
This is exactly the kind of bass that doesn't try to “capture” all your attention, as it works for the music, supporting the right rhythm and overall atmosphere, adding mass, weight, and drive where needed.It really shines in genres with live instruments, and of course with electronic music and hip-hop, where the kick drum doesn't blend in with the bass line, and you can clearly distinguish every detail and structure.
But the main thing is that it has intelligence and musicality. It's not just bass, but a complete and mature foundation of sound that you can feel but never overwhelms.

The midrange frequencies in the Sivga Que UTG are a direct emotional connection to the music.
They have become more emotional, rich, and expressive, with lively, clear articulation and natural dynamics.
Voices sound voluminous and intimate, as if the performer is standing at arm's length, every breath, lip movement, and vibration of the vocal cords can be heard, everything is conveyed with striking accuracy and realism.The microdetails have become deeper, the textures richer, and the overall feeling is as if you are now in the same room with the musician.And most importantly, the instruments. Guitars, pianos, and violins sound physical, rich, and truly alive.
You feel the touch of the wood, the tension of the strings, the vibrations of the body, as if the music is not just sounding, it is breathing, resonating, and living in front of you.
This is exactly the case when music captivates not only technically, but also emotionally, giving you goosebumps.

The high frequencies in the Sivga Que UTG are a breath of fresh air.
They have become more transparent, bright, and airy, noticeably cleaner and more refined compared to the original Que.
Technicality and analyticality have reached a new level, now even the smallest nuances, such as rustles, reverberations, cymbals, and reverberations, are conveyed naturally, effortlessly, but with vivid expressiveness and crystal-clear detail.At the same time, the sound remains light, free, and unrestrained, with a wonderful sense of air between the instruments and a feeling of an open stage above and beyond.
Of course, it should be noted that this presentation now makes the headphones more demanding in terms of recording quality, but if the track is really well mixed, the experience will be nothing short of “wow.”

The soundstage in Sivga Que UTG is now truly spacious.
Compared to conventional Que, it has become noticeably wider, deeper, and most importantly, more voluminous, and is now perceived not just as a panorama, but as a full-fledged acoustic space with air and perspective.
And you hear not only “left-right,” but also forward, deep, and upward, creating a pleasant sensation as if you are inside a concert hall, rather than simply listening to music.
The instruments are arranged with precision, each occupying its own place on the stage, without overlapping others or getting lost in the background.
The sound is not flat, but three-dimensional, alive and breathing, with superb localization and excellent separation.
As a result, you are not just listening to the composition, but feel as if you are inside it.

Sivga Que UTG - is not just an update, it's a whole new level of sound!
The new UTG diaphragm radically changes everything we know about the sound of dynamic models. It provides exquisite transparency, instantaneous transients, precise, controlled bass with excellent impact, emotional, rich midrange, and airy, detailed, and spacious high frequencies.
The soundstage is spacious, multi-layered, and well-positioned, creating the feeling of a real live performance right in front of you.
In my opinion, the Que UTG is not just “another version” but a serious leap forward in quality, and if you think you already know how the Sivga Que sounds, trust me, you're in for a big surprise.

This has my full attention! I heard the original was a bit bassy and warm... a version like this with improved driver/better treble sounds like a real winner! I can get it from HiFiGo on AE for under $75 right now. Wow the choices!

Bro, I own both, and though they both sport CNT drivers, this is a completely different tuning. The SP01 is bassier, and dare I say "bloatier" than the Neo1. The Neo, though it does come with mesh filters to customize the sound, virgin, has very snappy, speedy bass response (more mid than sub, but the sub isn't lacking, just not the focus), a clean, slightly warm and incisive midrange (just a touch), and crisp, airy CNT treble, which means very shimmery, airy, and present, like most CNT drivers, but the overall tonality is thinner and less dimensional than the SP01, which has a warmer, more full bodied, and dimensional stage and spatial cues than the Neo1. So they are different, but share some similar driver DNA qualities.

This... didn't help me at all HAHA. It sounds like I would still really like Neo. But maybe that wouldn't be the best if the sound is thinner than the SP01. Maybe the Que UTG would be a better choice [but well over double the price...] the SP01 has pretty amazing bass...

The Ji is for neutral lovers. If you are a lover of bright neutral, then the Ji will hit that spot. It's for picking out nuance, and leans towards technical vs warmth or fun. The bass is very linear, and not very impactful, so yeah, if you're even a bright neutral but mid bass elevated lover, this isn't going to be an IEM for you. This is very neutral, with very little coloration, and a flatter bass response. I have no idea how this IEM has survived my grand culls and sell offs, but against the odds, it has. Might not be forever, but for now, it continues to live in the rotation. Might be it's absolutely gorgeous shell?

It's a good treble-head set, but it's a more clinical treble, not too musical. It has great stage, and yea, lovely shells. The ISN copper cable that came with the H20 is a GREAT sonic match, as well as an almost perfect color match. And in that setup, from the DC-Elite, it actually has some midbass so... I'm not put off by its more neutral tuning. The SP01, in any nozzle filter, is a little richer in the sound, but the vocals seem a bit dryer on the SP01 which is surprising. Weirdly, the YXJ is harder to drive than the SP01 though...
but really, the YXJ can't really compete with the SP01... the latter just has stunning bass and clear detailed treble. I just think the vocals should be lusher rather than clinical.

Technically, the Shell and SP01 are very close. They both perform on a similar playing field, but what differentiates the two is one is a single DD, so you're getting the full flavor of a CNT driver, with that tonality, bass snap, and fullness. The Shell has micro planar highs, so the tonality of that driver is in effect. Now the mids and bass are DD, but that tonality isn't exactly manifested, since again, it's a hybrid, plus while they both share lower mids warmth from the mid bass etc, the SP01 is just slightly more elastic and note resolute, as per the CNT, but not as midrange clean and resolute as the Shell, with less air and shimmer in the highs, again, due to it being a single DD and not a hybrid.

did a SHORT A-B test here... SP01's bass is still more impactful. I mean Shell has good bass, but the SP01 is on another level, especially in sub-bass. surprisingly, I THINK the treble on the SP01 is even more detailed than the Shell as well. Or at least it's tuned differently in a way that is nice to details.
The Shell seems a bit thinner in sound... but honestly, both sound good. I just suspect the SP01 is even better than the Shell for dynamic sound. Both have rather dry vocals though.

Also popped in the H60 for a brief comparo with the SP01... Firstly, wow the H60's bass is so punchy! Better than I had remembered. Mids are fuller and richer than the SP01. sub-bass is still deeper and more impactful on the SP01. [but yea... the mids/vocals are so much clearer in a dry sense.] I had tried the Warm nozzle on the SP01 but it made them sound... a tad muted [instead of lush like the H60.]

Having been so impressed with the H60 again, I pulled out the HS80 [that I likely infamously rated higher than the H60!!]
HS80... WOW it has clear, STAGEY, magic treble. Bass is certainly good, but not really the focus of the SHOW the Jupiter Rings puts on. It can get your head bopping though, for sure. Sub-bass is gut-wrenching like the SP01's [but they are NOT basshead sets. This is about clarity into the darkest DEPTHS.] Mid-bass, however, is better and punchier on the H60. So, musical mids and midbass are the H60's specialty, but the HS80 is about stage magic and holography [even more than the H60!], treble excellence, and CLEAN bass, especially sub.

BUT fans of the H60 will say, but the H60 DOES have amazing treble detail and stage! And you'd be RIGHT. The HS80 just does it differently, and I LIKE it... So, what I said before still stands... H60 is a better all-rounder, but HS80 has some real magic that can be addicting even though it's not always the most natural presentation. If you like richer upper mids, the H60 will certainly be better for you. But if treble TRANSPARENCY is your thing, the HS80 might be better.

Sidenote: if you have pain issues with the H60, try Whizzer SS20 tips. Almost no other tip works for me, but the SS20 really makes the H60 useable for longer sessions. for me.

Where I wanted nothing to do with the OG Que based on the massive amounts of corroborating impressions of it, and @nikbr advising me to skip it based on my public preferences, this one seems to speak my language, and this might be something I need to consider, or see if I can get a review unit in? Yep. This is hopping to the top of the want list.

SAME!

Welcome and yes, drop your Discoveries here! Always welcomed. also, the ISN H60 is the BEAST gatekeeper of the sub $400 sets. It's the Golden State Warriors of the 2010's.

H60 is always an amazing listen... Doesn't get to 10/10 in all songs or genres, but there's no denying there's some real magic going on here.

 

[Jmop]

I’m telling you guys, the Tanchjim Bunny is the best deal in audio rn. Included tips are decent quality (wide bores) just give it a copper cable instead of the included silver-plated and you’re good to go. Also if you have Tanchjim’s filters lying around the Bunny responds very well to the added warmth, unfortunately they weren’t included in this set.