The Watercooler -- Impressions, philosophical discussion and general banter. Index on first page. All welcome.

[Auricon]

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

 

[Delitia]

Soon.

 

[Scubadevils]

There are graphs out for the mk3? Happen to have a link?

Here it is -

 

[Leonarfd]

Here it is -

I know it's just a measurement, but isn't that 6k peak insane? Personally a problem area in many IEMs and with that rise as shown here would make it very prominent.

The bass floor is higher and maybe is overshadowing it to a degree.

 

[Benno1988]

I know it's just a measurement, but isn't that 6k peak insane? Personally a problem area in many IEMs and with that rise as shown here would make it very prominent.

The bass floor is higher and maybe is overshadowing it to a degree.

I think dont bother interpretting it until its shown against other known IEMs, has some sort of target and shows what measured it.

 

[Crazeee]

Hey guys, I would like to share that I am thrilled to add the Rhapsodio Supreme v3 to my collection! After demoing the Supreme v3 earlier at the Tokyo Headphone Festival, I just couldn’t forget how unique this little golden shiny guy sounded.

My early impression is that the Supreme v3 has excellent technicalities and a wide sound stage. The listening experience is quite different compared to my other in-ear monitors on hand. One point to note is that it is very power-hungry. My P6pro required high gain 35-40 to achieve a normal listening volume.

I will report back with more in-depth impressions and comparisons with the Traillii, Mentor, Jewel, and Viking Ragnar later.

 

[piphil]

I can relate completely. I've been listening to my new NPs which arrived midweek, mostly on my P6Pro. But yesterday, I wanted Qobuz so I switched over to Cayin n6ii, which after a couple minutes of adjustment, sounds heavenly too.

But today I switched back to P6Pro and I'm reminded of why I accept the high premium with low features...L&P are just amazing to listen to!

Yes I heard it briefly in NYC.



Exact words at the time: "I was pleased to check out the Fatfreq Grand Maestro at the Musicteck table. A more refined-in-the-mids and less bass dominant presentation than the the Maestro Mini or the SE. Possibly the best "all rounder" of the Fafreq lineup."

I didn't spend a lot of time with it and I'm hoping to check it out again in Sept.

In other news after close to a week getting to know and enjoying the SR35 I jumped back to the LP6 wondering if it was "really that good"...and yes it is. There is simply nothing I have heard in the portable realm that can touch this superbly effortless and natural sound which is highly resolving yet unified and full bodied and which manifests as a sonic river flowing into your ears. Warts and all this is still my favorite DAP.

Yes, the L&P sound is incomparable for my ears and it's worth sacrificing; one more with the W4 but quite a reward when listening outside (I treasure my LP6 and my IEMs at home): plugged into my IPhone/Roon ARC, the L&P sound is right there with power and your words apply there too!!!!

 

[Scubadevils]

I know it's just a measurement, but isn't that 6k peak insane? Personally a problem area in many IEMs and with that rise as shown here would make it very prominent.

The bass floor is higher and maybe is overshadowing it to a degree.

Yeah certainly raised an eyebrow for me when I saw it too, I actually asked UM and the reply was as follows:

There are two reasons to elevate that region. First from 4k-6k is the most insensitive region of human ears. Second it is where the frequency where tend to give us the sense of resolution. So there are nothing wrong with this peak, if it is a consistent raise in that region. The unwilling shouty sound/distortions are usually caused by fluctuations at the upper frequency.

In comparison to mkii, we raised about 2.5db in that region and 4db at sub bass which does make it more V-shaped. However, there are less fluctuations/ sharp raise at the upper frequency compared to the mk2. Giving mk3 a more vivid and more refined tuning. Another raise above 10k gives a lot of air to the mk3. With the newest bone conduction driver we borrowed from our flagship Mentor, the mk3 sounds vivid, immersive and airy.

I’m looking forward to hearing them anyway, hopefully this week!

 

[maegnificant]

Here it is -

Why even have ESTs in there if you're not going to use anything above 10k?

 

[phiemon]

Yeah certainly raised an eyebrow for me when I saw it too, I actually asked UM and the reply was as follows:



I’m looking forward to hearing them anyway, hopefully this week!

I miss your music recommendations!

 

[Simpeler]

Hey guys, I would like to share that I am thrilled to add the Rhapsodio Supreme v3 to my collection! After demoing the Supreme v3 earlier at the Tokyo Headphone Festival, I just couldn’t forget how unique this little golden shiny guy sounded.

My early impression is that the Supreme v3 has excellent technicalities and a wide sound stage. The listening experience is quite different compared to my other in-ear monitors on hand. One point to note is that it is very power-hungry. My P6pro required high gain 35-40 to achieve a normal listening volume.

I will report back with more in-depth impressions and comparisons with the Traillii, Mentor, Jewel, and Viking Ragnar later.

Fingerprint magnet

My inner OCD can not deal with this

 

[Scubadevils]

Why even have ESTs in there if you're not going to use anything above 10k?

No idea - I’m sure a reason though!

 

[Scubadevils]

I miss your music recommendations!

I just discovered this album over the weekend and played countless times - really fantastic, the standout track for me being ‘Electric City’. I’ve known the band over the years from various compilations and they go back to the mid 90s but never properly delved in - they’ve a real upbeat feel and perfect summer music, definitely going to be the soundtrack to a lot of my summer!

 

[Natesdailies]

So happy and excited for you!!
I contemplated with @ranfan offer, but I'm happy it's going to you instead

Please look into IC cables as they absolutely make a difference and a worthwhile investment. Hope to see you happy with this purchase!

Thanks Steve! Brise IC ordered per @wazzupi @raylu @aaf evo @KKNAYANA @Tokpakorlo recommendations. It's interesting that more of us are shifting into portable amps.

Out on my hike today I was wearing the Fir XE6, took a phone call and put the IEMs around my neck so I could speak. Once the call was over I looked down in horror to find that one the IEMs had come off from its 2-pin plug. Spent about two hours going over my steps through the grass/woodland but cant find it.

Sorry to hear. I can imagine how stressful it must have been for you to go through through that. Sending some your way.

Ah these sound right up my tuning

Based on what you have, I cant imagine you would dislike it other than the less pressurized, more diffused earbud bass presentation.

 

[phiemon]

I just discovered this album over the weekend and played countless times - really fantastic, the standout track for me being ‘Electric City’. I’ve known the band over the years from various compilations and they go back to the mid 90s but never properly delved in - they’ve a real upbeat feel and perfect summer music, definitely going to be the soundtrack to a lot of my summer!

Yes, I like it very much!

Thanks to you I have discovered so far really beautiful new music!