I'm going to focus on the n8 since I think that its the most highly anticipated IEM thus far amongst the various hybrids out there.
In terms of signature, its it primarily a bass reference iem. Reference, not in terms of it being a reference IEM like the UERR, but that it portrays how bass should sound like. Traditionally, companies have implemented dynamics into the bass regions as a means to improve the depth and body of the bass ( with the exception of the Lola), and the n8T is no exception. Unfortunately, some hybrids overdo it, leading the the bass literally overwhelming everything else in the frequency graph, leading to a veiled sound or excessive reverberations. The n8t seeks to show the auditioner what bass, real bass in its tonality and scale, should sound like. Its accurate in its timber, extends as far as it needs to, hits hard enough for you to feel it as if you were in the studio , and stops when it should.
That said, it still retains its presence for its vocals and its highs. Vocals come through clearly and cleanly, and highs are sparkly and bright. I listen to female vocals, and I still find myself able to focus on the vocals without much effort. This I feel, is partially due to how well the resolution and separation of the n8t tuning is. However, this still is predominantly a bass-oreintated iem. The bass still commands the most authority in the whole iem, not in an overwhelming way, but just enough to remind you that, yes, this is still a bass orientated IEM least you lose yourself in the vocals.
The n8t performs admirably on standard stock cable, and makes it seem like upgrade cables are an option rather than a necessity. Hence, what would upgrade cables, or in this case, cable rolling, bring? That wold be signature tweaking as opposed to performance enhancement. Technical performance is universal, its either resolving or it is not. Signature? Thats personal, and hence what cable rolling can bring to the table. Happily, post launch event, I had the opportunity to cable roll to the PW 1960.
As mentioned before, I enjoy my vocals more than bass. Hence, my wish was to just bring the bass down a touch, and bring the vocals forward a little. Changing to my PW 1960, by sheer coincidence, achieved that. But rather than reduce the bass, what it did was pull the bass back. That in turn had the effect of bringing the vocals centerstage. This small tweak mod, immediately ticked off all the items in my checklist. Sparkly highs? Checked. Sweet and lush vocals that take forefront? Checked. Realistic yet commanding bass? Yes sir.
In short, I regret listening to the n8t. I regret swapping cables. I regret the soon large hole in my wallet. But, I wont regret owning one.
