[aaf evo]

I honestly like just buying things and hoping I like them. Sometimes you gotta go out on a limb, because that's where the fruit is

Last time I did that was with the Vega. I hated them and took a $200 loss. Never again XD

 

[ceeloChamp]

Lol same thing happened to me, but then again I did that with the Andromedas, Galaxy V2, A12ts and I love them all! $200 isn't that bad for being able to try somthing for a long while....granted you will probably lose $500 if you don't like the U18ts, but what's not to like about them?

 

[Giraku]

Lol same thing happened to me, but then again I did that with the Andromedas, Galaxy V2, A12ts and I love them all! $200 isn't that bad for being able to try somthing for a long while....granted you will probably lose $500 if you don't like the U18ts, but what's not to like about them?

I bought Fourte at the CanJam NYC. Within a month, I bought U18t thinking that I would pick one and sell the other.
Well, I'm enjoying both and have no plan parting with them. So I sold some other HPs...

 

[ezekiel77]

I honestly like just buying things and hoping I like them. Sometimes you gotta go out on a limb, because that's where the fruit is

I'm also a blind buy specialist

Luckily I live far away from any decent headfi shop, otherwise I'd end up buying everything I like.

 

[Tw Chia]

Last time I did that was with the Vega. I hated them and took a $200 loss. Never again XD

Haha., almost did the same with all the positive reviews about them... glad I did try them out, well I didn’t like ‘em.
Thot I was the odd one out

 

[aaf evo]

Demo U18t en route

 

[kdphan]

Canjam socal can't come any sooner. Been wanting to try the U18. Bought the U10 to hold me over.

Do vendors typically sell as retail prices?

 

[Marat Sar]

Symbio Mandarines tips arrived!

First impressions: treble is more open than stock foamies, but not like the silicon tips provided with the tzars. Those didn't sound like what the phones were tuned for, just too bright and lacking in low end. The mandarines treble lift is very minimal, more like a little added clarity. The m20 module acquires a bit of that m15 sheen. They don't seem bright like the silicones, because they also add a bit of (much needed!) bass quantity and tightness to balance the treble lift. The sealing point is deeper in the ear with the mandarines than the stock foamies -- this is where the bass improvement comes from. I'd say it is less noticeable at first, but more critically needed than the treble improvement. (Stock foamies downright had bass problems, at least with dx200 amp4)

If there's anything about these that doesn't strike me as an instant improvement, it's the fit. They're very comfy, mind you. My right ear just seems to be a tad bit bigger than the left in their opinion. Not a problem, will get used to.

All and all, these should be shipped with the tzars, right in the box. The tip selection was one of the few cons with them. I don't think I'll be needing another pair of tips any time soon.

Great product. Hats off to my Magyar tribesmen from a fellow fenno ugric hifiman!

 

[Giraku]

Symbio Mandarines tips arrived!

First impressions: treble is more open than stock foamies, but not like the silicon tips provided with the tzars. Those didn't sound like what the phones were tuned for, just too bright and lacking in low end. The mandarines treble lift is very minimal, more like a little added clarity. The m20 module acquires a bit of that m15 sheen. They don't seem bright like the silicones, because they also add a bit of (much needed!) bass quantity and tightness to balance the treble lift. The sealing point is deeper in the ear with the mandarines than the stock foamies -- this is where the bass improvement comes from. I'd say it is less noticeable at first, but more critically needed than the treble improvement. (Stock foamies downright had bass problems, at least with dx200 amp4)

If there's anything about these that doesn't strike me as an instant improvement, it's the fit. They're very comfy, mind you. My right ear just seems to be a tad bit bigger than the left in their opinion. Not a problem, will get used to.

All and all, these should be shipped with the tzars, right in the box. The tip selection was one of the few cons with them. I don't think I'll be needing another pair of tips any time soon.

Great product. Hats off to my Magyar tribesmen from a fellow fenno ugric hifiman!

Thanks for sharing the impression. It's interesting to know how variable the tip preference is among different people. I tried various tips including SpinFit and Comply, but the best one so far is the stock foam tips. To my ears, SpinFit is too bright without bass, and Comply has good sound but not comfortable. Maybe I should try Symbio Mandarines.

 

[Omega139]

Hmm...I just came across gel eartips. What's the deal with them? How do they compare to silicone and foam?

 

[yakitoroi]

I have further feedback on the moon audio bronze dragon cable. This is my first time venturing into trying different cables and can only compare to the stock SPC U18’s cable.

But yeah, cables does affect the sound and the feel of the phone. The bronze dragon makes eveything thicker and heavier, this includes the sound. The stock cable is lighter and disappears over your ears and it matches the sound, more open and dare I say, seems more elegant. Because of the right angled connector with memory wire, it’s tough finding a comfortable fit.

Next on the list is to try the Aries ii+ cable as it looks more flexible and comfortable. I also fancy a sound sig between the stock cable and the bronze dragon. Also thank you @Giraku for mentioning the stock foam tips, as I am a foam guy and haven’t tried the ones that came with U18s because I have been using the ones from the Layla’s. Cables rock!

 

[Ike1985]

I never got a chance to demo the U18t and the curiosity is getting the better of me. Dare I go down this rabbit hole? Already own the Fourté.

Well if you ask me, A18 with M20 > Fourte, I know many reviewers don't like to say one is better than the other but for me it most definitely is. Fourte is far too bright for me and I didn't notice a massive amount of detail more so than A18, fourte only had slightly more depth and a more natural sounding bass but I actually prefer the BA bass that Vitaly tunes, it's hard hitting, dense and doesn't bleed into the rest of the FR(with the exception of pre-apex A12, I've heard A12t is a marked improvement in this regard). Would I like to have a Fourte, you bet your ass-it's that good. If I had piles of money just laying around I would buy one today. Bear in mind we are essentially standing on top of the mountain arguing which direction has the best view.

 

[azabu]

Well if you ask me, A18 with M20 > Fourte, I know many reviewers don't like to say one is better than the other but for me it most definitely is. Fourte is far too bright for me and I didn't notice a massive amount of detail more so than A18, fourte only had slightly more depth and a more natural sounding bass but I actually prefer the BA bass that Vitaly tunes, it's hard hitting, dense and doesn't bleed into the rest of the FR(with the exception of pre-apex A12, I've heard A12t is a marked improvement in this regard). Would I like to have a Fourte, you bet your ass-it's that good. If I had piles of money just laying around I would buy one today. Bear in mind we are essentially standing on top of the mountain arguing which direction has the best view.

I like your style. Only the best, forget the rest.

 

[Omega139]

Well if you ask me, A18 with M20 > Fourte, I know many reviewers don't like to say one is better than the other but for me it most definitely is. Fourte is far too bright for me and I didn't notice a massive amount of detail more so than A18, fourte only had slightly more depth and a more natural sounding bass but I actually prefer the BA bass that Vitaly tunes, it's hard hitting, dense and doesn't bleed into the rest of the FR(with the exception of pre-apex A12, I've heard A12t is a marked improvement in this regard). Would I like to have a Fourte, you bet your ass-it's that good. If I had piles of money just laying around I would buy one today. Bear in mind we are essentially standing on top of the mountain arguing which direction has the best view.

Although I love my tia with the Horus cable, I must say that the U18t that I demoed with the Leonidas was a stellar combo. Highly recommended.

 

[PunchLine]

I don’t know why people are so eager to “upgrade” cables without analyzing the sound first. Listen to many sources and genres. The manufacture spent great deal of time and effort to create its sound signature. Sure, your source affects, but still give it a chance. If eventually the signarture isn’t to your liking, then ask yourself: “What am I missing here?”

More highs? Go silver. But remember, it may turn glaring, even overbearingly so.

The bottom is too thin? Opt for copper. Still, that initial smoothness may end up mawkish.

Just wish to “open” the sound? Choose silver coated copper. You may not detect any difference, especially if the stock cable is SCP.

Be wise. Don’t throw hundreds or thousands of dollars on cables. Remember: TPU loves to turn green…cables don’t last long in general. Look for value.

Finally, an audiophile can easily morph into an audiofool. Look at digital cables. People spend thousands of dollars on cables that merely transmit zeroes and ones, swearing that special silver mined in the mountains of Chile improves the sound so much…lol.