[marklivia]

The 2 most recent audio purchases of mine. You may ask why a $200+ set of DD Vortex paired with a $6K L&P LP6 ti dap?
Two reasons- first I'm convinced that the quality of your source is at least as important as the IEM/ headphones you use. The R2R dacs and the amazing amp section on the LP6 ti is enough to make most $200-1000 IEMs sound as good or better the $$3-7000 IEMs on lesser sources.
Two, the Vortex absolutely THRIVES on a powerful amp that total grips the driver. It sounds good on lesser daps but on the LP6 ti the Vortex sounds as good as many $1000 IEMs. With this dap the bass on the Vortex is TIGHT and full, detailed. Outstanding. A total deal! And I haven't even cable rolled yet....

 

[Dsnuts]

The 2 most recent audio purchases of mine. You may ask why a $200+ set of DD Vortex paired with a $6K L&P LP6 ti dap?
Two reasons- first I'm convinced that the quality of your source is at least as important as the IEM/ headphones you use. The R2R dacs and the amazing amp section on the LP6 ti is enough to make most $200-1000 IEMs sound as good or better the $$3-7000 IEMs on lesser sources.
Two, the Vortex absolutely THRIVES on a powerful amp that total grips the driver. It sounds good on lesser daps but on the LP6 ti the Vortex sounds as good as many $1000 IEMs. With this dap the bass on the Vortex is TIGHT and full, detailed. Outstanding. A total deal! And I haven't even cable rolled yet....

Ya your right. I threw on the Vortex on my IFI signature in balanced. I get gob smacked with some serious sound. The advantage of a single dynamic is just how they ramp up with some powa. Vortex becomes a different beast altogether on my Signature.

 

[Scubadevils]

Yes I've found my single DDs tend to benefit from that extra kick of horsepower and are fantastic with the M9.

My Vortex lands tomorrow, looking forward!

 

[cn11]

I may have to try out an iFi Gryphon to power the Vortex!

 

[G777]

@Penon can you provide a graph of the Vortex with the Y-axis scale visible?

Can't tell if it's increments of 5dB or 10dB and it seems to be scaring some folks away.

 

[Scubadevils]

These are fantastic.

 

[cn11]

Totally agree, great right out of the box... I don't think it really went through much burn in change, pretty well set right away. Seriously crazy sound quality for the cash outlay!

What cable is that? Very nice looking and complements the Vortex shell perfectly.

 

[-rowan-]

These are fantastic.

Totally agree, great right out of the box... I don't think it really went through much burn in change, pretty well set right away. Seriously crazy sound quality for the cash outlay!

What cable is that? Very nice looking and complements the Vortex shell perfectly.

I’m going to guess Han Sound Nyx.

Yeah, Vortex was pretty much set right out of the box. I did put it through some burn in but didn’t hear much change compared to the other Penons (Serial, Volt, looking at y’all). Most of the hours on my Vortex so far have been actual listening time.

 

[Dsnuts]

I think it is due to Penon using a strong magnet and that DLC dynamic. It has a tight sound, a nicely resolving dynamic from the get go.

The only thing burn in does is it seems to give the Vortex some better control though after burn in the Vortex is more receptive of silver based cables so something seems to have changed from out of the box.

 

[iFi audio]

I may have to try out an iFi Gryphon to power the Vortex!

This combo could work rather well

 

[Scubadevils]

Yes, Han Sound Nyx - I roll that out with a lot of IEMs, great cable.

 

[szore]

Vortex is my next purchase...but I have a question regarding the Serial. I bought it months ago and loved it but foolishly sold it for some quick cash, regretting it ever since. but! I just bought another one, and was wondering if anyone could tell me what changes in sound I can expect after burn in? Listening to the Serial now with a nice PW cable and my desktop....seriously good....

 

[cn11]

Vortex is my next purchase...but I have a question regarding the Serial. I bought it months ago and loved it but foolishly sold it for some quick cash, regretting it ever since. but! I just bought another one, and was wondering if anyone could tell me what changes in sound I can expect after burn in? Listening to the Serial now with a nice PW cable and my desktop....seriously good....

Just put that PW cable on the Vortex and listen to the goodness. I'm using a PW No.5 cable on my Vortex. Great match.

 

[szore]

Just put that PW cable on the Vortex and listen to the goodness. I'm using a PW No.5 cable on my Vortex. Great match.

Nice to know! Yah, I got the cable 50% off, so that was sweet....

 

[Dsnuts]

Vortex is my next purchase...but I have a question regarding the Serial. I bought it months ago and loved it but foolishly sold it for some quick cash, regretting it ever since. but! I just bought another one, and was wondering if anyone could tell me what changes in sound I can expect after burn in? Listening to the Serial now with a nice PW cable and my desktop....seriously good....

The Serial and the Vortex are definitely brothers from the same mother. I think the main difference is that while tuning and balancing seem similar initially there are a few tuning aspects of both IEMs that make them a bit different. Serials are more broader in scope and how it is tuned, they are a bit more like an open can due to it being more neutral in its lower mids with its bass emphasis more in the sub bass, its mids also sound a touch more laid-back vs the Vortex which is tuned to be more frontal vs how the Serial sounds.

The Vortex in contrast sound presents like a closed can and how closed cans present sound. Serials happen to have a bit wider stage but I feel it is the Vortex that sound more frontal a bit more exciting due to them having a touch more upper mids emphasis a bit more in the lower mids and mid bass vs the Serials. Vortex sounds like it has more height to its sound vs the serial which sounds a bit more laid back and broader in its presentation. Of course when you amp the Serial they become a bit like what the Vortex sounds like. And when you use a silver-based cable on the Vortex it starts to take on a bit more of the Serial sound profile.

Serials sounds a touch more smoother in tonal character vs a bit more precise and a touch cleaner sounding Vortex. Both sets are awesome at a natural timbre and excel when amped. I can see how some might like one more vs the other depending on how you like your sounds but I think they sound different enough to have both. Why not. Plus both sets with optimized cables sound way better than their prices would indicate. Vortex might be the better value out of the two sets due to it being cheaper but the Serial has its charms here as well especially if you like your bass more leaning sub bass vs mid bass. Both sets do bass well actually but focused a bit differently.

The treble aspect for both sets are tuned similarly but it is the vortex that sounds a touch more emphasized in its lower treble emphasis vs the Serial otherwise both sets are wash so far extension air and sparkle. The main differences in how forward the Vortex sounds vs the Serial in comparison. Serial is a bit more traditional audiophile. The Vortex is a bit more mainstream a bit more exciting sounding but one with enthusiast's levels of technicalities.

I am comparing both sets using the included CS819 cable.