[vikinguy]

I find Quattro on an entirely different level than sets like Serial or even the 10th. Maybe there really are some wildly “off” copies of this iem.

 

[drummguy26]

I find Quattro on an entirely different level than sets like Serial or even the 10th. Maybe there really are some wildly “off” copies of this iem.

This is so true! I know that everyone has different preferences and expectations going into a brand new iem with a bunch of hype surrounding it, but I feel like a lot of the really negative takes on the Quattro (monotone bass, no treble, etc.) sound like "off" units to me. Or maybe even defective units. I hear none of those issues. At all. So it just makes me wonder.

 

[Click]

Some of the criticisms of the Quattro boggles my mind and makes me wonder what the f some people are hearing... AFTER they've already burned in the drivers and matched a proper eartip with it.

Quattro sounds amazing, especially for its price. The only criticism I can find or nitpick is that it can be sibilant on some tracks at high volume and that it changes tonality based on eartips used (this might be a pro).

 

[Rambone]

I haven't read this whole thread but I saw a video earlier where the Quattro was pretty much trashed, so this is surprising.
Very confusing though....can't figure out if it's worth purchasing or not. It's either fantastic or terrible.

TLDR Edit:

My biggest beef with the set is the mid bass bleed. Trial and error with tip and source selection was also a challenge. So far the recommendations made by the reviewers have helped with my enjoyment of the set, I can see the benefit of using a brighter source in combination with tip and potentially cable composition to edge out the bass some and bring out more of the mids and treble as there is good things to report there as noted in the reviews and was one of the reasons I took a chance on it.

While it wasn't love at first sight and I have questioned myself whether I should have gone with something else, I have slowly been taking a liking to the set as I am finding what works best for my personal needs. I have only had the set for a day, so I am still working on seeing what works best and experimenting. I am far from being able to say if it is worth purchasing or not but due to some of the challenges to getting to the point of where I am at now, I can see where some will struggle which is why I couldn't give a enthusiastic recommendation. I think a wait and see approach as more opinions come out and peoples experiences mature is probably a good idea.

 

[o0genesis0o]

What would be the target curve for QC of the quattro at Penon factory?

The QC problem is a very real challenge, but us as a community is not powerless given the widespread availability of 711 couplers. Given that TDM’s graph is identical to that of tgx78, the chance that both of these copies are QC error is not very high.

 

[Rambone]

My advice is to listen to some live orchestral music with it once you get it squared away.
IMHO, The timbre and sheer "hugeness" of the music is breathtaking once it all clicks.

Something like this:

This was a nice showcase and example! This also reminded me why I love 3D/Xspace on my iFi so much!

 

[Singaravelan]

Those of us who bought the Quattro early took a gamble, not quite knowing what sound we were getting. We did know that Penon make great quality, very musical IEMs and that they tune well, but they (perhaps frustratingly) don’t list the style of tuning.

It turns out that the Quattro has a very warm, rich sound. There is an analogue quality broadly similar to the Serial, with extra range and refinement. Great for me as a fan of that tuning, but for many it would be a disappointment. It didn’t help that many of the earliest impressions were from Penon fans who had a better idea what to expect. Others saw the excellent reviews and bought it, not realising how it was tuned.

Unlike the early purchasers, those interested in the Quattro now know what they are getting. If you want a bright Simgot style tuning, or reference clarity, or a deep V, you will not find it here. The Quattro really is an excellent set but only if you want the sound that it offers.

I remember when I got the Fan2, it was said that it was most balanced of Penon. Balanced my arse! Saccharine thick. Coloured. But to my surprise I loved it. So I can understand how this Quattro would sound especially when no one is saying it's balanced.(not saying it would be like the cheaper Fan2 but just amplifying your distinction about familiarity). These must be juicy thick milkshake of mids and warm round bass that will eventually make you colour your own mind rapidly (and effectively at that) to the rest of the spectrum.

 

[ToneDeafMonk]

In my ears tonight Tansio Mirai RGB, after just having a go with the HALO this is a serious step up.

 

[o0genesis0o]

In my ears tonight Tansio Mirai RGB, after just having a go with the HALO this is a serious step up.

Sheesh, two TOTL back to back. You are living the life mate

 

[ToneDeafMonk]

Sheesh, two TOTL back to back. You are living the life mate

On deck after the RGB , The much ToDo PENON Impact

 

[emdeevee]

I haven't read this whole thread but I saw a video earlier where the Quattro was pretty much trashed, so this is surprising.
Very confusing though....can't figure out if it's worth purchasing or not. It's either fantastic or terrible.

Not that they are similar, as in fact they're not, but the Trifecta has this type of love/hate thing going on, with 3xDDs and a very bottom up tuning.

Quattro is similar in that it's particularly odd in the lineup, as was Serial, but it has pushed that Serial factor by several degrees. The depth of the lows and the height of the highs achieved in Quattro, while retaining Serials superb timbre, and still remaining fairly balanced throughout, is new in the Penon line (admittedly having not heard many, including flagship).

It's confounding and divisive but those who've figured out how to make Quattro perform are smiling their way to the audiophile bank!

As will Penon in the long run when everyone figures out what's here. It makes me particularly interested in new, higher end releases by Penon who have earned it.

 

[Bosk]

Looking for a beefy high-performance IEM cable under $200? I've just evaluated four great new choices, which you're invited to read here.

Includes Penon ASOS • NiceHCK DragonScale • NiceHCK FirstTouch • Simgot LC7 full reviews.

 

[cobrabucket]

Looking for a beefy high-performance IEM cable under $200? I've just evaluated four great new choices, which you're invited to read here.

Includes Penon ASOS • NiceHCK DragonScale • NiceHCK FirstTouch • Simgot LC7 full reviews.

Great write-up, Bosk!
I have been strongly considering the ASOS for a while now.
You might have tipped the scales with this one...

Not sure if you've reviewed the NiceHCK HiCotton, but I have been enjoying that one lately.

 

[cobrabucket]

Looking for a beefy high-performance IEM cable under $200? I've just evaluated four great new choices, which you're invited to read here.

Includes Penon ASOS • NiceHCK DragonScale • NiceHCK FirstTouch • Simgot LC7 full reviews.

Ok. You talked me into it...ASOS ordered.
This is my first >$100 cable.
I also got the purple copper adapter plug.
I plan on trying this cable with several IEMs, namely DTE900 and Quattro.
Stoked!!

 

[theintention]

Looking for a beefy high-performance IEM cable under $200? I've just evaluated four great new choices, which you're invited to read here.

Includes Penon ASOS • NiceHCK DragonScale • NiceHCK FirstTouch • Simgot LC7 full reviews.

DragonScale looks very nice, but unfortunately it does so at the bottom of my IEM drawer because it’s just so awful to use unless you are a statue at your desk. Well said in your review.

My FirstTouch cable came with cosmetic blemishes as well. I don’t think I’ll be buying more cable from NiceHCK.