[-rowan-]

There’s also Vortex for consideration! Its technical, musical and petite all-in-one, a real hidden gem for those who value simplicity.

And coherence. No small feat to pull off with a single driver what others require multiple drivers and crossovers to achieve. Vortex doesn’t seem to be talked about enough these days. Is it because owners are too busy happily listening to theirs? Or is it the perception of 1 DD good, 3 DDs better?

decay doesn’t seemed to be as speedy - I like it like this. The sensation of lingering is a good thing

Absolutely. For a long time, slow decay was much maligned or so it seemed to me - but you know instruments and voices in real life and space don’t decay like BAs. Now not everyone will be able to afford it, but in an ideal world everyone should get to hear at least once what the Trifecta can do with slow lingering decay at the top of the 3 DD game.

The Flow does cost more than Vortex but hey why not! - and the traditional norm of portioning accessories by a certain fraction say 25-40%, gone out the window here
The Supercharged Totem doing weathering duties for the 10th nowadays is unconventional.

I should point out that the 25-40% guideline still stands - if the Totem is the main item and the Vortex the accessory

What’s everyone using to drive their 10th’s ?

Slightly left field pick here but very much digging the Dethonray DTR1+ for that extra 3D imaging it coaxes from the 10th.

Oh it rumbles and slams so nicely. Only when called for and no muddiness.

But somehow doesn't bleed into the other frequency ranges. Every time I use my other IEMs and headphones, I want to go back to 10th AE for that sweet BASS.

100%. And I hope it puts paid to all the unfounded speculation earlier that its two little DDs wouldn’t be capable of good bass.

To be fair, the midrange and upper treble seems a bit grainy out of the box (I only listened a few minutes) when compared to Volt. I guess I got too pampered with Volt's refined sound. lol

That’s what I heard as well. But it just shows how much more refinement 2 Sonion midrange drivers can bring, compared to 1 Sonion for mids and 1 Knowles for highs.

 

[rawbine]

And coherence. No small feat to pull off with a single driver what others require multiple drivers and crossovers to achieve. Vortex doesn’t seem to be talked about enough these days. Is it because owners are too busy happily listening to theirs? Or is it the perception of 1 DD good, 3 DDs better?

Right on, that too. Not sure if it’s Penon tuning prowess or R&D jackpot that contributes to its spectacular capabilities, could be both for all I know. Yeah such a sleeper and I feel it’s the asking price and driver count or lack-off the factor?

Absolutely. For a long time, slow decay was much maligned or so it seemed to me - but you know instruments and voices in real life and space don’t decay like BAs. Now not everyone will be able to afford it, but in an ideal world everyone should get to hear at least once what the Trifecta can do with slow lingering decay at the top of the 3 DD game.

Apt observation. There’s always room for both that what makes audio technology interesting. I’d prefer natural anytime and every time.

I should point out that the 25-40% guideline still stands - if the Totem is the main item and the Vortex the accessory

Or Impact with Storm? But that’s 50%

That’s what I heard as well. But it just shows how much more refinement 2 Sonion midrange drivers can bring, compared to 1 Sonion for mids and 1 Knowles for highs.

And not to mention 4 EST for full treble.

 

[-rowan-]

Right on, that too. Not sure if it’s Penon tuning prowess or r&d jackpot that contributes to its spectacular capabilities, could be both for all I know. Yeah such a sleeper and I feel it’s the asking price and driver count or lack the factor?

It’s a tough crowd in this price tier, I suppose. Ask more and you risk scaring away the budget-sensitive part of your buyers; ask less and you’re not doing justice to the quality of the product and the R&D that went into it. For the most part, Penon seems to have managed to strike that balance with the likes of Serial and 10th.

Or Impact with Storm? But that’s 50%

Ooh. Anyone have that to try out?

And not to mention 4 EST for full treble.

Ngl, just slightly curious about the 8 EST of the Tansio RGB. But… I shall be content with what I have.

 

[Dsnuts]

I can tell you RGB is more different vs being a clear upgrade and plays to the strength of Tansio Mirai tuned IEMs vs the Penon tuned IEM in the Impact. Impacts are to my ears the more versatile IEM. RGB is a great sounding IEM but its more catered for folks that like classical, instrumental precision with a lot of treble articulation.. If you ever heard a Tansio Mirai earphone, those are always about the trebles.

 

[equalspeace]

Imaging and layering on Volt is outstanding. Still adjusting to their signature. But they are impressing me as I burn them in.

 

[vikinguy]

The bass quality on the Penon 10th is simply sublime. So much so that I have only used the SR8 once since the 10th arrived last week... And I bit the bullet and ordered the Penon Bass cable too. Excited to see how it pairs.

Bass textures are really quite amazing. Reminds me of Noble Sultan. Just $2,500 less!

 

[cadences]

Hi everyone, I’m trying to decide between the Globe and Volt and would like to find out whether it’s really true that the Volt is a direct upgrade to the Globe? In particular, it seems that the Volt might perform a little poorly on mobile listening as it is very scalable. Would be grateful for any views as I’m unable to demo any of the units!

Thanks so much!

 

[s2kphile]

My friend, not everyone has $4,000+ USD to spend on an arsenal of IEMs. Not to mention, hundreds or thousands more on cables to make them sound their best.

Great recommendations though. All 4 IEMs would cost about the same as, or less than just 1 "flagship" IEM or headphone from other brands. The high-end audiophile industry has gone crazy with prices. That's why I appreciate Penon for offering TotL performance at more affordable prices.

Yes, agreed plus all that flagships cannot, Imho, be the endgame. Its better to have versatility when it comes to IEMs so depending on the mood & music you cand switch. Penon makes that affordable sorta at least in the midtier segment.

I can tell you RGB is more different vs being a clear upgrade and plays to the strength of Tansio Mirai tuned IEMs vs the Penon tuned IEM in the Impact. Impacts are to my ears the more versatile IEM. RGB is a great sounding IEM but its more catered for folks that like classical, instrumental precision with a lot of treble articulation.. If you ever heard a Tansio Mirai earphone, those are always about the trebles.

Agreed. If the Impact had the 10th AE bass with the ability to have switches for the treble to match AüR Audio Alita (Down) or Tansio Mirai RGB (Up), and price it well in the market. It would be the most versatile IEM on the market.

 

[ehjie]

And coherence. No small feat to pull off with a single driver what others require multiple drivers and crossovers to achieve. Vortex doesn’t seem to be talked about enough these days. Is it because owners are too busy happily listening to theirs? Or is it the perception of 1 DD good, 3 DDs better?

Absolutely. For a long time, slow decay was much maligned or so it seemed to me - but you know instruments and voices in real life and space don’t decay like BAs. Now not everyone will be able to afford it, but in an ideal world everyone should get to hear at least once what the Trifecta can do with slow lingering decay at the top of the 3 DD game.


I should point out that the 25-40% guideline still stands - if the Totem is the main item and the Vortex the accessory

The Supercharger the main item, Agree!

 

[ehjie]

Hi everyone, I’m trying to decide between the Globe and Volt and would like to find out whether it’s really true that the Volt is a direct upgrade to the Globe?

Short answer is Yes, Timbre is 100% on the Volts
But if I may, The 10th is ALSO a direct upgrade on the Globe, portable, direct to phone is more than acceptable.
On most good albums iTunes or Tidal Masters, you Can experience holographic imaging, open boundless sound @ more than a half of the Volts timbre qualities.
No powerful amping required.

In particular, it seems that the Volt might perform a little poorly on mobile listening

Yes, a Dap or a smartphone on a fairly powerful dongle is recommended.
At best when the Volts are played direct to phone will give you Musician Monitor style (Nearfield) sound field

Would be grateful for any views as I’m unable to demo any of the units!

The Globe is a great set, for mobile use.
Neutral Mids, Mid bass emphasis, decent detailed trebles. Monitor style (Nearfield) staging. I use this set everyday

Thanks so much!

 

[Tonytex]

So I received two of the latest products from Penon Audio, their dongle DAC and the iSN Neo5
These are just my first short impressions.

The Penon Tail uses the high-performance Dual CS43131 DAC decoding chip, supporting PCM 384 kHz/32Bit and DSD256 digital audio codec.

Powering the unit it's immediately apparent it's using a ultra-low noise power supply and this is confirmed by the clean noise floor.

It offers 4.4 mm all balanced output and 3.5 mm stereo output, handles loads of 16Ω to 600Ω.
The output two gain switch helps further enhance this wide compatibility with earphones and headphones.

Finally there's a Volume button and play/pause in-one button, and works with PC, Android and iOS devices.

Sound wise it's basically had everything that I love about CS43131 chips ....clean detailed sound, all the while still having a organic, fatigue free sound that far exceeds it's 75usd price.

As for the Neo5 , it's a 1+4 Hybrid that uses a new tuning approach from ISN , but somehow still maintains that ISN/Penon magic.
The bass is where you perhaps notice the biggest change, it's smoother and more of the "gliding" style , without the more habitual Midbass energy that is part of the ISN sound.
Mids are equally smooth, with that unmistakable ISN texture, timbre and tonality.
Treble clean and detailed but always making sure the ISN DNA is present.

 

[rawbine]

Ornamental Conductor

Little known fact on the Bass cable which is made from 25% silver to 75% copper mix at its core is officially known as Shibuichi (四分一) in Japan/Japanese.

Shibuichi (四分一) is a historically Japanese copper alloy, a member of the irogane class, which is patinated into a range of subtle greys and muted shades of blue, green, and brown, through the use of niiro processes, involving the rokushō compound.

Shibuichi means "one-fourth" in Japanese, and indicates the standard formulation of one part silver to three parts copper, though this may vary considerably according to the desired effect.

Shibuichi was mostly used to ornament various fittings for Japanese swords until the Meiji reforms, when most swordmakers began to make purely decorative objects instead.

Shibuichi = Bass

 

[Danx3k]

I was looking to purchase some new iems for a while and had been watching this thread prior to pulling the trigger on the Penon 10th anniversary. They arrived yesterday. These are my first tribrids. I’ve not actually even previously owned hybrid iems, just single dynamic driver and single BA iems.

I previously owned Obravo Erib 5a’s and more recently Etymotic ER4XR.
I also own Grado SR325X and just recently purchased Hifiman Edition XS.

I have various dacs including - IFI Zen Dac V2, Hisizs Dh80s, Hidisz XO and a Dragonfly Red. I also have and sometimes use the Apple Dongle.

First impressions is I really enjoy the sound, however there seems to be an issue, which doesn’t appear to be consistent with what everyone else is saying. With the vocals, when they’re higher pitch (assume this is a higher frequency but I’m very much an amateur when it comes to audio) there is distortion and a screeching sound (and it sounds thin) Makes these particular tracks unlistenable.

On other types of music where the vocals don’t go high in the frequency range, there’s no such problems and they sound great.

I’ve reached out to Penon, to see what they say. I’ve been really looking forward to these iems after reading the reviews and feedback from everyone else who’s purchased them.

Just to note, I have tried them with various dacs including just using my apple dongle - and it’s always the same. I also purchased the ISN H2 cable (yes, I just wanted a matching blue cable) with the iems and switching between this cable and the one supplied makes also makes no difference.

Anyone experience anything similar? For example, ‘You know I’m no good’ by Amy whinehouse really highlights this issue through the entire track.

Thanks

Apologies for any typos or spelling mistakes, just typed this quickly on my phone.

 

[Redcarmoose]

Hi everyone, I’m trying to decide between the Globe and Volt and would like to find out whether it’s really true that the Volt is a direct upgrade to the Globe? In particular, it seems that the Volt might perform a little poorly on mobile listening as it is very scalable. Would be grateful for any views as I’m unable to demo any of the units!

Thanks so much!

Penon Globe 2BA + Dynamic Driver Hybrid 2Pin 0.78mm HiFi Audiophile IEM
Description
2BA+Dynamic Driver Hybrid 2Pin 0.78mm Detachable Audiophile IEMS
The use of medical grade resin material, light and beautiful, comfortable to wear, no strange feeling in contact with the skin.
Made by hand, the earphone shell is solid and more durable.

Specification
Driver: 2BA + 10mm dynamic
Balanced armature: Knowles high frequency, Sonion middles frequency
Dynamic driver : 10mm Bass
Frequency reponse:20Hz-20kHz
Impedance: 10ohm@1khz
Sensitivity: 116db@1khz@1mw
Connector: 2Pin 0.78mm
Cable length: 1.2M

Penon VOLT Flagship 4 Electrostatic+ 2BA + Dynamic Driver Hybrid 2Pin 0.78mm HiFi Audiophile In-ear Monitor
Specification
Driver: Sonion 4 electrostatic + Sonion 2 Balanced Armature + 10mm dynamic driver
Impedance: 12ohm@1khz
Sensitivity: 114db@1khz@1mw
Frequency response 15-80Khz
Connector:2pin 0.78mm
Plug:2.5mm balanced
Cable: single crystal copper silver-plated
Length: 1.2m

The Volt has more organic midrange sensibilities being the Volts mids are the overall star of the show. Where the Globe is using the Knowles BA for treble which while clear has a tinge of BA timbre, the focus is there with this single Knowles and maybe for some too forward when combined with the Globe Sonion single BA mids? The Volt 4 EST drivers for highs come-off more refined and polished yet there is a slight lower treble diminishment where (possibly) the ESTs start to fall short of their evenness in lower treble. Where the Volt midrange is comprised of 2 Sonion BAs, their positioning is also almost focused by the rest of the sound elements (think showcased) by bass and treble in the Volt. The Volt has better overall timbre but the Globe is still wonderful, I ended getting better sound results changing to the OSG cable with the Globe…….allowing for a more refined sound. If the OSG is worth the extra $299.00 above the Globe price would maybe only be a personal value if worth it. But the OSG makes the Globe for me?

https://penonaudio.com/penon-osg.html

Where the Volt is simply more forgiving and fully well-mannered going with all styles of music and all audio equipment. The Volt is the most balanced IEM I've ever heard. Also the included Volt cable is also really something! But probably for most the two IEMs are going to boil down to your timbre expectations? Where the Volt is simply more organic and the Globe slightly metallic, but only slightly, and almost perfect with the OSG cable. I don’t know why I view the OSG as affecting timbre but I really do! The OSG cable also clears up the bass focus and adds bass-texture details. But generally the Volt imaging is better separated (and layered) and gives a flagship dose of involvement, really with any source combo, where I was able to get to a great place with the Globe, but it took slightly more work, therefor maybe..........possibly the Globe is more finicky? But I love them both! Haven’t heard the 10th Anniversary?

Where the Globe bass is a little out of focus the OSG trims it, and texturizes it. Where the Volt bass to me is just perfect? Though really bass is going to be a personal value to where for some they could need more bass than the Volt does, yet to me it's tight, fast........and correct? Both fit wonderfully. Both Globe and Volt do well from a phone, but will scale-up with a DAP or desktop IMO.

Part of my perception issues are I only recently got the Volt so it is still the honeymoon phase where I also received the Globe this year but a few months back. So I'm more surprised just how I was able to tailor the Globe's sound with the OSG cable, where the Volt is seemingly more easy going yet still totally entertaining from the stock cable. The Globe has the demeanor to be slightly fussy in replay, that while totally clear, is not as well rounded of a player in the end........just my opinion.

The Volt sound is bigger and holds more detail and romance, so I guess it is (to me) a definite upgrade from the Globe?

 

[rawbine]

Hi everyone, I’m trying to decide between the Globe and Volt and would like to find out whether it’s really true that the Volt is a direct upgrade to the Globe? In particular, it seems that the Volt might perform a little poorly on mobile listening as it is very scalable. Would be grateful for any views as I’m unable to demo any of the units!

Thanks so much!

Short answer is Yes, Timbre is 100% on the Volts
But if I may, The 10th is ALSO a direct upgrade on the Globe, portable, direct to phone is more than acceptable.
On most good albums iTunes or Tidal Masters, you Can experience holographic imaging, open boundless sound @ more than a half of the Volts timbre qualities.
No powerful amping required.



Yes, a Dap or a smartphone on a fairly powerful dongle is recommended.
At best when the Volts are played direct to phone will give you Musician Monitor style (Nearfield) sound field


The Globe is a great set, for mobile use.
Neutral Mids, Mid bass emphasis, decent detailed trebles. Monitor style (Nearfield) staging. I use this set everyday

Penon Globe 2BA + Dynamic Driver Hybrid 2Pin 0.78mm HiFi Audiophile IEM
Description
2BA+Dynamic Driver Hybrid 2Pin 0.78mm Detachable Audiophile IEMS
The use of medical grade resin material, light and beautiful, comfortable to wear, no strange feeling in contact with the skin.
Made by hand, the earphone shell is solid and more durable.

Specification
Driver: 2BA + 10mm dynamic
Balanced armature: Knowles high frequency, Sonion middles frequency
Dynamic driver : 10mm Bass
Frequency reponse:20Hz-20kHz
Impedance: 10ohm@1khz
Sensitivity: 116db@1khz@1mw
Connector: 2Pin 0.78mm
Cable length: 1.2M

Penon VOLT Flagship 4 Electrostatic+ 2BA + Dynamic Driver Hybrid 2Pin 0.78mm HiFi Audiophile In-ear Monitor
Specification
Driver: Sonion 4 electrostatic + Sonion 2 Balanced Armature + 10mm dynamic driver
Impedance: 12ohm@1khz
Sensitivity: 114db@1khz@1mw
Frequency response 15-80Khz
Connector:2pin 0.78mm
Plug:2.5mm balanced
Cable: single crystal copper silver-plated
Length: 1.2m

The Volt has more organic midrange sensibilities being the Volts mids are the overall star of the show. Where the Globe is using the Knowles BA for treble which while clear has a tinge of BA timbre, the focus is there with this Knowles and maybe for some too forward when combined with the Globe Sonion mids? The Volt 4 EST drivers for highs come-off more refined and polished yet there is a slight lower treble recess where (possibly) the ESTs start to fall short of their evenness in lower treble. Where the Volt midrange is comprised of 2 Sonion BAs there positioning is also almost focus by the rest of the sound elements (think showcased) by bass and treble in the Volt. The Volt has better overall timbre but the Globe still wonderful, I ended getting better sound results changing to the OSG cable with the Globe…….allowing for a more refined sound. If the OSG is worth the extra $299.00 above the Globe price would maybe only be a personal value if worth it. But the OSG makes the Globe for me?

https://penonaudio.com/penon-osg.html

Where the Volt is simply more forgiving and slightly well mannered going with all styles of music and all audio equipment. The included Volt cable is also really something! But probably for most the two IEMs are going to boil down to your timbre expectations? Where the Volt is simply more organic and the Globe slightly metallic, but only slightly, and almost perfect with the OSG cable. I don’t know why I view the OSG as affecting timbre but I really do! ? But generally the Volt imaging is better separated and gives a flagship dose of involvement, really in any combo, where I was able to get to a great place with the Globe, but it took slightly more work, therefor maybe, possibly the Globe is more finicky? But I love them both! Haven’t heard the 10th Anniversary?

Where the Globe bass is a little full the OSG trims it! Where the Volt bass to me is just perfect? Both fit wonderfully. Both Globe and Volt do well from a phone, but will scale-up with a DAP or desktop IMO.

Part of my perception issues are I only recently got the Volt so it is still the honeymoon phase where I also received the Globe this year but a few months back. So I'm more surprised just how I was able to tailor the Globe's sound with the OSG cable, where the Volt is seemingly more easy going yet still totally entertaining from the stock cable. The Globe has the demeanor to be slightly fussy in replay, that while totally clear, is not as well rounded of a player in the end........just my opinion.

The Volt sound is bigger and holds more detail and romance, so I guess it is (to me) a definite upgrade from the Globe?

The word upgrade can be highly subjective sometimes. But if you are after timbre accuracy, the Volt should be your pick. Both plays well with all levels of equipment you throw at it but scale it will with higher end devices.

Another factor of a decider apart from price would be the size of their respective shells. Globe is wonderfully compact with the benefit of housing just three drivers whereas Volt had to cramp seven all in. Volt is definitely on a larger side scale of things, to me at least.

To my understanding, the pinnings of both DDs are largely similar specifications wise. What separates them both are their state of tuning. Globe can be considered quite visceral as compared to Volt’s more refined approach. Both also has near equal distribution of sub and mid bass but tilt a little more towards the latter.

Now finally in answering your first question imho Volt should be a closer upgrade to the Orb - the OG of first generation house sound.

Edit to add:
Basing on trusted information on here (@ehjie experience included) I incline to believe that the 10th would be much closer of an upgrade to Globe.