Sep 20, 2024 at 11:07 PM Post #15,226 of 15,750
Sorry to jump in, but as sure as I am that Rival sounds fantastic, 4k is way too much for an IEM. IMO there is no coherent way to relativise this fact. I remember a day, not long ago, when 1k was a flagship price. Now we unconsciously slide into multiple thousands for the same valued items. Again just my opinion. No intention here to cast doubt on Penon who I much appreciate as a company. But let's not forget that companies like this made a reputation by offering giant killers for a fraction of the price.
 
Sep 21, 2024 at 1:17 AM Post #15,227 of 15,750
Sorry to jump in, but as sure as I am that Rival sounds fantastic, 4k is way too much for an IEM. IMO there is no coherent way to relativise this fact. I remember a day, not long ago, when 1k was a flagship price. Now we unconsciously slide into multiple thousands for the same valued items. Again just my opinion. No intention here to cast doubt on Penon who I much appreciate as a company. But let's not forget that companies like this made a reputation by offering giant killers for a fraction of the price.
The great part of Head-Fi is folks can have fun at multiple price points. Cheers!
 
Sep 21, 2024 at 3:54 AM Post #15,229 of 15,750
Sorry to jump in, but as sure as I am that Rival sounds fantastic, 4k is way too much for an IEM. IMO there is no coherent way to relativise this fact. I remember a day, not long ago, when 1k was a flagship price. Now we unconsciously slide into multiple thousands for the same valued items. Again just my opinion. No intention here to cast doubt on Penon who I much appreciate as a company. But let's not forget that companies like this made a reputation by offering giant killers for a fraction of the price.
My guess is a product such as Rival requires considerable R&D and presumably some of that cost will be reflected in the price.

The upside is that knowledge will continue to inform and inspire innovative, lower cost models.
 
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Sep 21, 2024 at 4:46 AM Post #15,230 of 15,750
Sorry to jump in, but as sure as I am that Rival sounds fantastic, 4k is way too much for an IEM. IMO there is no coherent way to relativise this fact. I remember a day, not long ago, when 1k was a flagship price. Now we unconsciously slide into multiple thousands for the same valued items. Again just my opinion. No intention here to cast doubt on Penon who I much appreciate as a company. But let's not forget that companies like this made a reputation by offering giant killers for a fraction of the price.
Like Icarus on his mythological journey we can fly too close to the Sun. Like Tantalus we can sit and eat with the Gods. Both suggest inappropriate states of mind and directions of energy. I find it hard to see a lot of space given to overpriced IEMs in silly price ranges. Penon got their love ❤️and respect for that middle ground, by astonishing self-created IEMs that were tuned superbly. I really don't care about £3.500 IEMs, as long as the tiers most thread viewers can afford are given most of the exposure. I suspect many on this thread do not have the finances and reserves to get expensive IEMs, unless they are reviewers. There is a fair guest v members footfall on this thread and we should find out what expectations they have of this thread. I have many Penon/ISN/TSMR IEMs but they only hold the limelight for a 'minute or two', and then get no space. The balanced 'middle way' got Penon where they are, they should be mindful of that.
 
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Sep 21, 2024 at 12:49 PM Post #15,231 of 15,750
Sorry to jump in, but as sure as I am that Rival sounds fantastic, 4k is way too much for an IEM. IMO there is no coherent way to relativise this fact.

Maybe it's "only" a $2K IEM. As the price increases, fewer people will buy it. So the price needs to increase even more in order to recover R&D.

There's also a marketing aspect. Wendy's didn't put the triple cheeseburger on their menu to sell triple cheeseburgers. Very few people buy them. But the number of people who bought double cheeseburgers increased substantially once the menu was "anchored" at a higher price.

There's a reason why manufacturers don't pay for and promote neutral blind listening tests. Their most expensive IEMs would not always come out on top.
 
Sep 21, 2024 at 12:53 PM Post #15,232 of 15,750
Maybe it's "only" a $2K IEM. As the price increases, fewer people will buy it. So the price needs to increase even more in order to recover R&D.

There's also a marketing aspect. Wendy's didn't put the triple cheeseburger on their menu to sell triple cheeseburgers. Very few people buy them. But the number of people who bought double cheeseburgers increased substantially once the menu was "anchored" at a higher price.

There's a reason why manufacturers don't pay for and promote neutral blind listening tests. Their most expensive IEMs would not always come out on top.
Related discussion here.
 
Sep 21, 2024 at 10:59 PM Post #15,233 of 15,750
My First Impressions on Penon Conductor: A Cutting-Edge Hybrid Earbud

The Penon Conductor stands out as a truly innovative hybrid earbud, unlike anything I’ve experienced before. It’s very hard to describe the sound because it’s my first time hearing music through earbuds with bone conduction drivers; this is a completely different experience. However, I’ll do my best to share what this magnificent earbud sounds like.

The Conductor combines technical prowess with an expansive soundstage, giving the sensation that you're wearing full-sized headphones. This is quite different from traditional MX500 or PK shells that typically use a single dynamic driver, or even dual dynamic drivers.

With the Penon Conductor, the listening experience is immersive. Instead of feeling like the sound is just coming from the earbuds, it envelops you, creating a sense of depth and space that’s hard to find in most earbuds. The bass goes deep, flowing naturally like water, without any bloat or boominess. It’s more than just hearing the bass—you can feel it, as though the sound is wrapping around your head.

The mids are perfectly positioned, sitting naturally in the mix without being recessed or overly forward. Vocals and instruments are organic, presented with clarity and warmth, making the listening experience both detailed and smooth. The treble is incredibly natural and lifelike, almost as if you’re hearing live music right beside you. There’s no harshness or sibilance; instead, the treble adds emotional depth, enhancing the overall experience and allowing you to feel the music even more.

The combination of the dynamic driver and bone conduction driver creates a uniquely three-dimensional experience, offering a natural yet powerful presentation of the music. Whether it’s the subtle nuances of acoustic instruments, the impact of bass-heavy tracks, or the speed of fast-paced music, the Penon Conductor handles it all with precision and grace. It’s a truly immersive and enjoyable listening experience that goes beyond what you typically expect from earbuds.
 

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Sep 21, 2024 at 11:39 PM Post #15,234 of 15,750
My First Impressions on Penon Conductor: A Cutting-Edge Hybrid Earbud

The Penon Conductor stands out as a truly innovative hybrid earbud, unlike anything I’ve experienced before. It’s very hard to describe the sound because it’s my first time hearing music through earbuds with bone conduction drivers; this is a completely different experience. However, I’ll do my best to share what this magnificent earbud sounds like.

The Conductor combines technical prowess with an expansive soundstage, giving the sensation that you're wearing full-sized headphones. This is quite different from traditional MX500 or PK shells that typically use a single dynamic driver, or even dual dynamic drivers.

With the Penon Conductor, the listening experience is immersive. Instead of feeling like the sound is just coming from the earbuds, it envelops you, creating a sense of depth and space that’s hard to find in most earbuds. The bass goes deep, flowing naturally like water, without any bloat or boominess. It’s more than just hearing the bass—you can feel it, as though the sound is wrapping around your head.

The mids are perfectly positioned, sitting naturally in the mix without being recessed or overly forward. Vocals and instruments are organic, presented with clarity and warmth, making the listening experience both detailed and smooth. The treble is incredibly natural and lifelike, almost as if you’re hearing live music right beside you. There’s no harshness or sibilance; instead, the treble adds emotional depth, enhancing the overall experience and allowing you to feel the music even more.

The combination of the dynamic driver and bone conduction driver creates a uniquely three-dimensional experience, offering a natural yet powerful presentation of the music. Whether it’s the subtle nuances of acoustic instruments, the impact of bass-heavy tracks, or the speed of fast-paced music, the Penon Conductor handles it all with precision and grace. It’s a truly immersive and enjoyable listening experience that goes beyond what you typically expect from earbuds.


Full review soon..
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Sep 22, 2024 at 12:01 PM Post #15,235 of 15,750
Penon Totem 4.4mm to 4.4mm IC

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Introduction:
Penon has firmly established itself as a reputable brand in the audiophile community, renowned for delivering high-quality audio products that cater to the most discerning listeners. Alongside their celebrated IEMs, Penon also manufactures cables, adapters, and various audio accessories designed to enhance the listening experience. Their products are frequently praised for their meticulous attention to detail, durability, and performance, gaining popularity among audiophiles for offering outstanding sound quality, impeccable craftsmanship, and remarkable value for money. With each release, Penon continues to set a standard in the world of high-fidelity audio, further solidifying its reputation.

Set-up while reviewing:

Apple music + Penon Totem Type C to Type C + Lotoo Paw S1 Dac + Penon Totem 4.4 to 4.4 IC + AK PA10 Amp + Penon Quatro + Penon Liqueur eartips

1. Build Quality & Materials:

  • 2 shares, 334 cores per share
  • Black nylon sheath
  • Single crystal copper silver-plated Litz Type 6, Palladium-plated pure silver, and single crystal copper plated with pure gold
  • Outer diameter: 2.5mm
  • Carbon fiber plug shell
  • Gold-plated plug
  • Cable length: approximately 13cm (including 4.4mm plugs)
The Penon Totem is built like a tank, showcasing both resilience and precision. The gold-plated 4.4mm connectors are robust. It's evident that Penon has put thought into every element of the design, from the cable structure to its aesthetics.

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2. My Experience:
The Penon Totem is an exceptional product for audiophiles who demand perfection in every link of their audio chain. The cable not only looks impressive but also delivers a remarkably rich sound. I was stunned when I replaced other 4.4mm interconnect with the Totem IC everything changed. The only words that came to mind were, "Wow, everything feels right," like hitting that perfect sweet spot.

What amazed me most was how such a small thing could make such a profound impact. The bass felt richer, adding a depth that wasn’t there before. The mids carried more emotional weight, and the treble sat perfectly within the overall presentation.

3. Aesthetics & Ergonomics:
As I mentioned earlier, the Penon Totem is visually stunning and feels premium in hand. The materials used are of the highest quality, with no compromises made in either form or function. It’s not just a cable; it’s a statement piece in any audio setup, blending beauty and performance seamlessly.

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Conclusion:
Overall, the Penon Totem 4.4mm to 4.4mm IC is a standout accessory that combines top-tier build quality with impressive audio performance. It not only enhances the sound but also elevates the entire listening experience, making it a must-have for audiophiles who value every detail in their audio chain. The craftsmanship is superb, and the difference it makes in sound quality is noticeable, especially in the bass, mids, and treble. If you're looking to upgrade your system with a well-built, great-sounding interconnect, the Penon Totem is an excellent choice.
 
Sep 23, 2024 at 8:02 PM Post #15,237 of 15,750
A word about the Penon Fan 2 vs the Penon Fan 3. In terms of the mid-range and vocals the Fan 2 is better and more forward than the Fan 3. For all other music the Fan 3 has bigger bass, which sets the mids a little further back...... better staging and better spatial presence. For crooning, jazz and folk, simple vocals, the Fan 2 is much more mid focused and brilliant. For all complex stage dependent music the Fan 3 is much better especially with BC on. In reality they are complimentary and both quite different.
Do you feel any tactile feedback with BC engaged? I’ve only heard two people mention they’re feeling vibrations feel vibrations. I’ve only experienced the holographic nature of the BC engaged.
 
Sep 23, 2024 at 8:38 PM Post #15,238 of 15,750
First real cable roll with Rival has been with an old, discontinued Penon Gold Armour 8w GPS cable. This was likely the predecessor to Totem, but it does bring some interesting flavor to Rival, brightening it, increasing bass slam and treble extension, and actually soundstage might be slightly expanded from Totem. Wish it had a rhodium plug. I highly recommend getting a rhodium plug from Penon for your modular plugs.

Rival has literally becoming my ride or die iem...spoiler, I think I receive Forte Ears Macbeth tomorrow, wow, am I broke!!!

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Sep 23, 2024 at 9:33 PM Post #15,239 of 15,750
Do you feel any tactile feedback with BC engaged? I’ve only heard two people mention they’re feeling vibrations feel vibrations. I’ve only experienced the holographic nature of the BC engaged.
Yes, i do feel the BC engage. It's subtle, but it's there. When holding the iem between my fingers and play some vocal music, there's a physically differences when turning the switch on and off. When putting in the ears and ensure maximum contacts, the vocals feels like it has additional depth and gravitas.
 
Sep 24, 2024 at 7:44 AM Post #15,240 of 15,750
Do you feel any tactile feedback with BC engaged? I’ve only heard two people mention they’re feeling vibrations feel vibrations. I’ve only experienced the holographic nature of the BC engaged.
I hear a definite difference, but honestly I can't say I experience any "vibrations" with BC on. It's just as if it were a different tuning, but no physical sensation that I can detect. I've tried using smaller tips and really jammed the Fan3 into my ears to make as much contact as possible, but still nothing.
 

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