The PENON official thread

[BrokenHill]

Got my Impact yesterday and I’ve been enjoying what I’m hearing so far. Not as instantly impressive as I found the Serial to be right out of the gate but I know I need time to adjust (again to BA bass).

Few questions; they’ve included a blue braded pigtail extender. Is this the Totum pigtail I’ve heard about? Sorry for my ignorance but what is it’s purpose? What’s it made of? Is it meant to subtly change the sound of any other cable or is it purely to extend the length of the cable I’m using? Sorry if this is covered elsewhere; I did try and search the thread.

Yes, it is the totem adapter in its new skin. Initially it did not have a modular plug and came with adapters. They were so successful, in delivering some of the Totem's features for a fraction of its price, that they made it as far as versions 4.4 to 4.4. You can read why at the end of the @Dsnuts review here

 

[Leviathant]

Yes, it is the totem adapter in its new skin. Initially it did not have a modular plug and came with adapters. They were so successful, in delivering some of the Totem's features for a fraction of its price, that they made it as far as versions 4.4 to 4.4. You can read why at the end of the @Dsnuts review here

Awesome. Thanks for that!

 

[Bosk]

Got my Impact yesterday and I’ve been enjoying what I’m hearing so far. Not as instantly impressive as I found the Serial to be right out of the gate but I know I need time to adjust (again to BA bass).

Few questions; they’ve included a blue braded pigtail extender. Is this the Totum pigtail I’ve heard about? Sorry for my ignorance but what is it’s purpose? What’s it made of? Is it meant to subtly change the sound of any other cable or is it purely to extend the length of the cable I’m using? Sorry if this is covered elsewhere; I did try and search the thread.

Echoing BrokenHill's sentiments it looks like a Totem pigtail adapter.

Penon send me two of these (one 2.5 > 4.4mm & one 4.4 > 4.4mm) and I've found they provide a subtle means of tweaking the sound, not quite to the level swapping out an entire IEM cable would, but still enough to make a tangible difference on a reasonably resolving system.

This is a nice little option given there are so few components in the average portable audio chain that we have comparatively fewer ways to tweak the sound than our two-channel brethren. Particularly given it can be much more intimidating & challenging to DIY modify a DAP than a desktop amp or source.

 

[Redcarmoose]

Would isn Est50 be upgrade from Penon Globe soundwise? Also are they similar in size and isolation? I'm narrowing it down to those to at the moment, but when on the go, isolation is a priority...

I will do a complete side by side listening test for you when I get home tonight.

I just tested them together. The Globe used the same cable that was given for the Orb, only the Orb came with 4.4mm so I used that, the EST50 used the supplied 4.4mm S8. I used wide-bore silicone on both and the Sony WM1Z with MrWalkman’s firmware.

They are both tuned very close to the same. The EST50 comes across as having slightly more refinement. It is noticeable in bass detail as well as treble embellishments. Really the Globe fits me better, as it is a strange thin shape. The Globe also gets a hair better isolation due to that. But in so many ways they both fit the same. Really not much difference.

I wish I could tell you there is some night and day difference in sound, but they are truly close to the same, coming from literally the same direction sound wise. You do get slightly better detail from the ESTs and better detail from the EST50 bass, it is slightly more textured. Where the Globe is almost doing the same midrange and treble wise with BAs, so you get a slightly less refined stance. I’m not sure if it would be worth the money, I mean unless you really admire the extra 10% the EST50 does, then buy it.

Though the other favorite thing (for me) that the EST50 does is react to cables. Meaning there are 10 different ways you can dial the EST50 in to sound. You can add the Vocal cable, the SC4 cable, the Mix cable the Leo Plus and all imagine a new style of tone. Neither is either right or wrong, just different. And so I concentrate on how the bass texture changes to find a new path to EST50 success, there is change with the Globe also but not as colorful or extreme!

Cheers! Hope this helps!

Edit...wow!
I did a few more back-to-backs and the EST50 is noticeably louder at the same volume. Also this time I noticed way way more bass detail with the EST50. That as well as midrange and treble detail, really the EST50 is remarkably the better IEM, it just took a while to figure it out! I was looking at the midrange (again) between the two, and the EST50 simply opened-up!

On second thought, the EST50 is doing much of the same tune as the Globe, only it’s clearer and slightly more 3D with vocals and instruments? Where the Globe becomes almost flat (in texture) in how it renders stuff, where the EST50 is simply more real and harmonically rich across the board in treble, midrange and bass! Actually it probably is worth the extra money to get the EST50, now that I spend more time with it!

Also the EST50 is noticeably larger, by about a fourth!

 

[Redcarmoose]

Got my Impact yesterday and I’ve been enjoying what I’m hearing so far. Not as instantly impressive as I found the Serial to be right out of the gate but I know I need time to adjust (again to BA bass).

Few questions; they’ve included a blue braded pigtail extender. Is this the Totum pigtail I’ve heard about? Sorry for my ignorance but what is it’s purpose? What’s it made of? Is it meant to subtly change the sound of any other cable or is it purely to extend the length of the cable I’m using? Sorry if this is covered elsewhere; I did try and search the thread.

The Totem Adapter gives a taste of what the full-on Totem does. It normally works with all styles of IEMs, due to the adapters politeness, where the Totem cable works by itself better with BA IEMs. So the Adapter is more universal. Take a brighter cable and maybe a neutral IEM and the Adapter will add a slight heft to the sound. It will also slightly change the soundstage. The full-on Totem is like nothing I have ever heard before, adding texture and detail plus a character that just moves you closer to your music. Read my review if you want to lean more about the Totem cable.

Totem:
https://www.head-fi.org/showcase/penon-totem.24688/reviews#review-29643


Adapter:
https://www.head-fi.org/showcase/penon-totem-adapter-cable.25805/reviews#review-29704

Both the Solar cable and the Totem cable are more designed primarily to optimize BA IEMs. They also can work with hybrids and the Totem/Solar works great certain IEM regardless of methodology, but typically the Totem/Solar will make DDs sound a little fuzzy, where other cables may be a better choice? There are rules to cables, yet the rules aren't always followed to the same results. So really the Solar cable and Totem cable are an individual IEM by IEM thing.

 

[Mikerules]

I just tested them together. The Globe used the same cable that was given for the Orb, only the Orb came with 4.4mm so I used that, the EST50 used the supplied 4.4mm S8. I used wide-bore silicone on both and the Sony WM1Z with MrWalkman’s firmware.

They are both tuned very close to the same. The EST50 comes across as having slightly more refinement. It is noticeable in bass detail as well as treble embellishments. Really the Globe fits me better, as it is a strange thin shape. The Globe also gets a hair better isolation due to that. But in so many ways they both fit the same. Really not much difference.

I wish I could tell you there is some night and day difference in sound, but they are truly close to the same, coming from literally the same direction sound wise. You do get slightly better detail from the ESTs and better detail from the EST50 bass, it is slightly more textured. Where the Globe is almost doing the same midrange and treble wise with BAs, so you get a slightly less refined stance. I’m not sure if it would be worth the money, I mean unless you really admire the extra 10% the EST50 does, then buy it.

Though the other favorite thing (for me) that the EST50 does is react to cables. Meaning there are 10 different ways you can dial the EST50 in to sound. You can add the Vocal cable, the SC4 cable, the Mix cable the Leo Plus and all imagine a new style of tone. Neither is either right or wrong, just different. And so I concentrate on how the bass texture changes to find a new path to EST50 success, there is change with the Globe also but not as colorful or extreme!

Cheers! Hope this helps!

Edit...wow!
I did a few more back-to-backs and the EST50 is noticeably louder at the same volume. Also this time I noticed way way more bass detail with the EST50. That as well as midrange and treble detail, really the EST50 is remarkably the better IEM, it just took a while to figure it out! I was looking at the midrange (again) between the two, and the EST50 simply opened-up!

On second thought, the EST50 is doing much of the same tune as the Globe, only it’s clearer and slightly more 3D with vocals and instruments? Where the Globe becomes almost flat (in texture) in how it renders stuff, where the EST50 is simply more real and harmonically rich across the board in treble, midrange and bass! Actually it probably is worth the extra money to get the EST50, now that I spend more time with it!

Also the EST50 is noticeably larger, by about a fourth!

Wow thanks for the answer and the time you took to be so specific, that was really helpful! I Almost bought the Glove for few weeks back, but now I'd rather go for Est50 or maybe for the new surprise hybrid from Penon if they release any...

 

[msing539]

I listed my HiBy FC4 up for sale. With the Serial, it does have more vocal clarity and detail, but it takes away some of the lushness that the Cayin RU6 delivers. I'm a sucker for R2R.

 

[Leviathant]

The Totem Adapter gives a taste of what the full-on Totem does. It normally works with all styles of IEMs, due to the adapters politeness, where the Totem cable works by itself better with BA IEMs. So the Adapter is more universal. Take a brighter cable and maybe a neutral IEM and the Adapter will add a slight heft to the sound. It will also slightly change the soundstage. The full-on Totem is like nothing I have ever heard before, adding texture and detail plus a character that just moves you closer to your music. Read my review if you want to lean more about the Totem cable.

Totem:
https://www.head-fi.org/showcase/penon-totem.24688/reviews#review-29643


Adapter:
https://www.head-fi.org/showcase/penon-totem-adapter-cable.25805/reviews#review-29704

Both the Solar cable and the Totem cable are more designed primarily to optimize BA IEMs. They also can work with hybrids and the Totem/Solar works great certain IEM regardless of methodology, but typically the Totem/Solar will make DDs sound a little fuzzy, where other cables may be a better choice? There are rules to cables, yet the rules aren't always followed to the same results. So really the Solar cable and Totem cable are an individual IEM by IEM thing.

thanks. Had a read of your review too.

I’m first impressions of the Totem adapter is that it’s effects are not subtle. And I’m not really sure what I’m hearing. It appears to change the Impact (with stock cable and tips) in an interesting yet confusing way. Maybe burn-in will change my perception.

Very early impressions: Without the adapter, I’m finding a balanced, musical sound with good amount of warmth. Then I connect the adapter and it’s like listening to a different IEM. The warmth is almost completely obliterated, leaving thinner and polished notes. The stage is narrowed substantially to point where I feel like im going cross-eyed trying to place guitars (like the earpieces are trying to bore further into my skull) . But the microdetails are so hyped up it’s almost prickling my ears similar to the bone conduction effect I heard best when I owned Legend EVO. And finally, there’s a new foot tapping energy that replaces that laid back nature which is rather enjoyable and guitar textures are maximised and really cool.

I’m sure things will settle in time once I’ve got used to the overall sound but the adapter has really messed with my head this afternoon. Maybe it’s got something to do with my source too. I’m going to trying Hugo2 in a little bit.

 

[-rowan-]

Now the Flow is entirely different from Mix, very un-silver like, more like a hybrid/blend of up-occ with silver that gives out rich resolving qualities and then some. I also believe all Penons silver lineup shared similar characteristics plus there’s also some form of linearity in what they do, skinny Neo included. Flow is simply a firehose as @-rowan- puts it equivocally. It accentuates every band in the frequency and does it smoothly and effortlessly.

Right there, firehose is what I still think of it as. Big, full-bodied, lets everything through. I don’t have the Neo but its brother Leo is airier compared to the Flow, while also being quite un-silverlike - it won’t add warmth or body to mids, but it won’t thin them out either.

Got my Impact yesterday and I’ve been enjoying what I’m hearing so far. Not as instantly impressive as I found the Serial to be right out of the gate but I know I need time to adjust (again to BA bass).

Are you listening to it with the stock cable or something else? Until I hit on my current cable pairing (16-core Acoustune ARS100), I never understood why Penon called this the Impact. It wouldn’t have been my first choice for the likes of say kick drums and sub bass rich electronic music previously, but now I can recommend it without hesitation.

Very early impressions: Without the adapter, I’m finding a balanced, musical sound with good amount of warmth. Then I connect the adapter and it’s like listening to a different IEM. The warmth is almost completely obliterated, leaving thinner and polished notes. The stage is narrowed substantially to point where I feel like im going cross-eyed trying to place guitars (like the earpieces are trying to bore further into my skull) . But the microdetails are so hyped up it’s almost prickling my ears similar to the bone conduction effect I heard best when I owned Legend EVO. And finally, there’s a new foot tapping energy that replaces that laid back nature which is rather enjoyable and guitar textures are maximised and really cool.

I’m sure things will settle in time once I’ve got used to the overall sound but the adapter has really messed with my head this afternoon. Maybe it’s got something to do with my source too. I’m going to trying Hugo2 in a little bit.

Wow, I’m honestly struggling to understand why you’re hearing what you’re hearing with this. I didn’t get any Totem pigtails with my Impact (bought it back when they only had the modular plug) but I already own the one I purchased some time back, along with the actual Totem cable, and what you’re describing doesn’t sound like the Totem in any form at all. I tried it with the Impact early on and got a richer, warmer, heftier sound and larger stage, helping with imaging and layering, which is consistent with everything I’ve tried the Totem with. The effects are less pronounced with my Totem pigtail (which has the old blue Totem sleeving but that shouldn’t change the sound at all) but I’m quite at a loss to make sense what you’re hearing.

 

[Redcarmoose]

thanks. Had a read of your review too.

I’m first impressions of the Totem adapter is that it’s effects are not subtle. And I’m not really sure what I’m hearing. It appears to change the Impact (with stock cable and tips) in an interesting yet confusing way. Maybe burn-in will change my perception.

Very early impressions: Without the adapter, I’m finding a balanced, musical sound with good amount of warmth. Then I connect the adapter and it’s like listening to a different IEM. The warmth is almost completely obliterated, leaving thinner and polished notes. The stage is narrowed substantially to point where I feel like im going cross-eyed trying to place guitars (like the earpieces are trying to bore further into my skull) . But the microdetails are so hyped up it’s almost prickling my ears similar to the bone conduction effect I heard best when I owned Legend EVO. And finally, there’s a new foot tapping energy that replaces that laid back nature which is rather enjoyable and guitar textures are maximised and really cool.

I’m sure things will settle in time once I’ve got used to the overall sound but the adapter has really messed with my head this afternoon. Maybe it’s got something to do with my source too. I’m going to trying Hugo2 in a little bit.

Wow, sounds like your having fun. The thing is that everyone may be looking for different things, though the basis primarily for this web site is finding parallel possibilities. I have not heard the Impact, but it is totally true that the sound is coming from everything, the DAP, the Cable, the IEM, the Adapter cable....so it’s a composite along with your ear anatomy and hearing preferences, and ear-tips.

 

[Leviathant]

Are you listening to it with the stock cable or something else? Until I hit on my current cable pairing (16-core Acoustune ARS100), I never understood why Penon called this the Impact. It wouldn’t have been my first choice for the likes of say kick drums and sub bass rich electronic music previously, but now I can recommend it without hesitation.

I was listening to the stock cable when I posted that earlier, yes. I’ve now put on my graphene coated SPC cable from drjuggles. I am finding the same as you now. Noticeably better ‘impact’ in the lows. It appears to have sorted most things out for my preferences (but again, big caveat; I need more time in it!). With the cable switch I’m finding the best source is currently just the Sony WM1Am2. It just works.

Wow, I’m honestly struggling to understand why you’re hearing what you’re hearing with this. I didn’t get any Totem pigtails with my Impact (bought it back when they only had the modular plug) but I already own the one I purchased some time back, along with the actual Totem cable, and what you’re describing doesn’t sound like the Totem in any form at all. I tried it with the Impact early on and got a richer, warmer, heftier sound and larger stage, helping with imaging and layering, which is consistent with everything I’ve tried the Totem with. The effects are less pronounced with my Totem pigtail (which has the old blue Totem sleeving but that shouldn’t change the sound at all) but I’m quite at a loss to make sense what you’re hearing.

Perhaps what I received is not the same totem pigtail? Or maybe there is something wrong with it? I’m also a believer in cable burn in so I’ll see if my impressions change once I’ve put them through their paces properly. But I will say I’m hearing the same ‘oddness’ with my other cable too. Safe to say I’m preferring Impact without the adaptor, for now at least!

Wow, sounds like your having fun. The thing is that everyone may be looking for different things, though the basis primarily for this web site is finding parallel possibilities. I have not heard the Impact, but it is totally true that the sound is coming from everything, the DAP, the Cable, the IEM, the Adapter cable....so it’s a composite along with your ear anatomy and hearing preferences, and ear-tips.

It is fun, yeah! I have admit I’d not thought an adaptor like this could change the sound like this. It’s actually really cool to be able to have different sound options for the Impact. I’m hoping that further down the line I will appreciate both ‘tunings’ and be able to switch between them for different moods.

 

[Redcarmoose]

thanks. Had a read of your review too.

I’m first impressions of the Totem adapter is that it’s effects are not subtle. And I’m not really sure what I’m hearing. It appears to change the Impact (with stock cable and tips) in an interesting yet confusing way. Maybe burn-in will change my perception.

Very early impressions: Without the adapter, I’m finding a balanced, musical sound with good amount of warmth. Then I connect the adapter and it’s like listening to a different IEM. The warmth is almost completely obliterated, leaving thinner and polished notes. The stage is narrowed substantially to point where I feel like im going cross-eyed trying to place guitars (like the earpieces are trying to bore further into my skull) . But the microdetails are so hyped up it’s almost prickling my ears similar to the bone conduction effect I heard best when I owned Legend EVO. And finally, there’s a new foot tapping energy that replaces that laid back nature which is rather enjoyable and guitar textures are maximised and really cool.

I’m sure things will settle in time once I’ve got used to the overall sound but the adapter has really messed with my head this afternoon. Maybe it’s got something to do with my source too. I’m going to trying Hugo2 in a little bit.

I was listening to the stock cable when I posted that earlier, yes. I’ve now put on my graphene coated SPC cable from drjuggles. I am finding the same as you now. Noticeably better ‘impact’ in the lows. It appears to have sorted most things out for my preferences (but again, big caveat; I need more time in it!). With the cable switch I’m finding the best source is currently just the Sony WM1Am2. It just works.



Perhaps what I received is not the same totem pigtail? Or maybe there is something wrong with it? I’m also a believer in cable burn in so I’ll see if my impressions change once I’ve put them through their paces properly. But I will say I’m hearing the same ‘oddness’ with my other cable too. Safe to say I’m preferring Impact without the adaptor, for now at least!



It is fun, yeah! I have admit I’d not thought an adaptor like this could change the sound like this. It’s actually really cool to be able to have different sound options for the Impact. I’m hoping that further down the line I will appreciate both ‘tunings’ and be able to switch between them for different moods.

Well, here is also one other aspect of the equation. I left out what bass you are used to. Meaning there is an amount (of bass) that besides the cables, DAP and IEM do.......it really depends on what style of bass you are used to. That means that there could be the potential of a different bass you start to like in the future that is drastically different from what you “think” is correct now.

This happens all the times during reviews for me, that the next IEM may have drastically different bass, and I have to equalize my hearing to judge it correctly. One way is to listen to another IEM, or give up listening for 1/2 a day to get bass readjustment.

I had this happen over a 5 year period too, where the bass I aspire to getting now is way thinner and more detailed and not as chunky as I used to like.

Plus:
Remember there are IEMs which you may get at a future date that gets synergy with the adapter more?

 

[Redcarmoose]

Yes, it is the totem adapter in its new skin. Initially it did not have a modular plug and came with adapters. They were so successful, in delivering some of the Totem's features for a fraction of its price, that they made it as far as versions 4.4 to 4.4. You can read why at the end of the @Dsnuts review here

Dsnuts is by far the best authority on Penon products in the world!

 

[msing539]

Has anyone heard the Sound Rhyme SR5? Another headfier was promoting them heavily, and the Penon store on AE has started to carry them. It's 1DD + 4BA for $150.

 

[s2kphile]

Has anyone heard the Sound Rhyme SR5? Another headfier was promoting them heavily, and the Penon store on AE has started to carry them. It's 1DD + 4BA for $150.

Worth the asking price, matter of fact their lineup are gems in itself. Very efficient. Great bass response and mids. And the treble is airy without being fatiguing. With a cable and ear tip roll...it becomes scary with how well this can beat some of the $1k+ USD iems with similar driver configuration.