I caught up / picked up my TGX Sunniva today at @tgx78 studio today.
Totem was his last release which I am a big fan of. For Sunniva, Jim pushed the envelope yet again using custom speced beryllium DDs. I ordered mine with an indigo cable and clear shells.
This is not the stock case. I was told that this one was available. I like the clean but abstract styling inspired by the 1900s artist Piet Mondrian. Storing this one away so it stays clean. The faceplate got an upgrade:
It feels higher end now with this finish. Reminds me of car rims. I was also told that this gives jim more tuning flexibility.
Included in the case is a generous amount of earbud foams. These are hole punched different (narrow or wide) and act like eartips to attenuate the sound. I'll roll all of them this later and post on the TGX thread.
Semi-early thoughts, but since I heard the prototype #2 already, I'll comment on how I hear it with the production version.
Sound Impressions
These are Jims most musical ear buds. On this thread, the word "musical" is sometimes synonymous with warmth. It can also give some readers the perception that it lacks high end extension. What I like about Jims earbuds is that his tuning is grounded around timbre and frequency balance. Each set has a different focus but isn't skewed to an extreme like Rikubuds where I only hear bass. Similar to how I feel about Traillii, a set that has good acoustic timbre will sound ok with electronic but not necessarily the other way around.
Sunnivas tuning (not to conflate with technicalities) in a simplifed way reminds me of a better Forte Blanc / or an improved TGX Ripple. It has a smooth analogue flavour but enough sparkle to sustain excitement.
Bass: The low end stands out to me. Compared to the mild U shaped Serratus which is crunchier, Sunniva has that Ripple-like weighty weighty bass punch. Sub bass rumbles well with electronic.
Mids: Mids are a touch forward (but less forward vs Totem) more in line with it's bass giving me the perception that this is W shaped. The mids are romantic and succulent. This is a sweeter take vs Totem which is more vivid and upper mid leaning. Compared the prototype #2, the upper mids seem slightly pulled back. Toms arent as "up front" as it was before.
Highs: Highs are present but take more of a backseat (vs Serratus and Totem but more than Penon Serial) in terms of quantity which I think works for this type of tuning.
Hana-Bi - Joe Hisashi
This was an enjoyable playback. The staging is huge with good separation and placement with instruments. Strings sound lush and emotional. Macro dynamics contrast is also good.
Overall, loving what I am getting out of these so far, even more that it's $350 putting some kilobuck sets to shame. I'll do a 4 way comparison with Ripple, Totem, Serratus at some point once I get enough ear time.
Ah these sound right up my tuning
