The Watercooler -- Impressions, philosophical discussion and general banter. Index on first page. All welcome.
Jan 20, 2024 at 9:41 PM Post #79,156 of 89,032
"Overall, it’s astounding to me that we have product like this at 1.1K along with sets like U4S & Singularity which leave nothing on the table vs much more expensive sets. Sometimes these auditions bring me back down to earth and question why chase summit-fi so aggressively? Well, it’s always a chase to the top and audiophilia is a disease"

People want the next best thing. They do not stop to consider if they even like or use what they already have. I always trust auditions versus graphs and everything else. Trust your ears and your gut. They will not steer you wrong. I do not know that audiophillia is a disease per say. It is not like being an alcoholic. I will say that it is possible to be an addicted audiophile who is always chasing their next "high" in the next iem. The thing is it stops one from enjoying any iem as there is always an imagined future "perfect" iem out there. Ground yourself in the present and enjoy the flow of the music. Stay safe out there everyone. If you need help seek help. The folks of the Watercooler are cool as can be. I would enjoy talking to you all for years to come. Best to everyone and blessings on your journeys everyone. Stay safe out there!


I had the chance to audition the Dunu Mirai over the week thanks to @freeryder05 - thank you!
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This set is really solid, and I’m surprised it’s not being talked about more.

Tuning is a very natural U-shape with bass and treble that is more gripping and dynamic than U12T. It has better timbre, more bounce and slam to it.

Staging is average but well defined in all 3 planes, with crisp precise imaging. In some way it reminds me of a hybrid of U12T and RN6, but is tuned better than both though a bit less technical than RN6. This set has some treble energy north of neutral, but it’s rarely ever harsh at all - it’s definitely less bright than RN6, but its upper mids are more forward than RN6.

Sub bass is super satisfying, mids are natural and treble engaging just enough, it’s a great generalist.
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Overall, it’s astounding to me that we have product like this at 1.1K along with sets like U4S & Singularity which leave nothing on the table vs much more expensive sets. Sometimes these auditions bring me back down to earth and question why chase summit-fi so aggressively? Well, it’s always a chase to the top and audiophilia is a disease :)

If there’s one nitpick from me is that the stock cable doesn’t help with the iem’s timbre, as it’s a ”thin” sounding cable. Besides that, no complaints, not one. It’s a difficult IEM to fault, just don’t come in expecting the same wow factor as some 3K+ sets.

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Jan 20, 2024 at 9:43 PM Post #79,157 of 89,032
Have been spending the day going back and forth between Trifectas and 64 Audio Volur (Stock APEX). Quite interesting IEM's from the Pacific Northwest USA.

This is by no means a full review as these are complementary in a collection when you want to have multiple DD and a full Hybrid.

Had to spend time to find the rights tips on each and at the same time keep some separation between listening periods, I noticed that Trifecta "sound memory " will remain in place for quite some time.

Bass- The Trifectas with the right tips will rumble and vibrate your head if you let. Kill Jill Big Boi drop is substantial at around 30 secs and the initial part of Sexual Healing Marvin Gaye is just so expansive. The Volur is not far, but the difference is the how expansive the Trifectas feel.

Mids- Trifectas loom large and has the warm signature of the DD. I do like the Volur detail on the initial guitar section and in the People Everywhere Live at Sydney Khurangbin at 7:16-7: 48 the hit is larger in the Trifectas but the texture of the instruments is more appealing for me with the Volur.

Highs- Using Born to Run Bruce Springsteen , Kill Jill Big Boi Initial and People Everywhere Live at Stubbs Khurangbin. Trifectas really give some great the voices intro in Kill Jill and the glockenspiel in Born to Run 1:15 but it still has the DD warmth vs the Volur high end components that brings a brightness that I was craving in that region.

Enjoying both of these and feel that they belong together :gs1000smile:


Sorry if I've already asked you this but which Trifecta variant is that?

Two very beautiful IEMs nonetheless. Volur is one I'm looking forward to revisiting in NYC.

In other news I finally got with the program and put a link to the Watercooler Tour thread in my sig...so interested and elligible folks in the US and Canada can click on the link and learn about the program if they wish.
 
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Jan 20, 2024 at 9:46 PM Post #79,158 of 89,032
A whole lotta pictures from the meet that I took.
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Jan 20, 2024 at 9:52 PM Post #79,160 of 89,032
Hi friends!! :)

It’s that time of the week again!! Saturday = Fun Day!! (Admittedly it would rhyme better with Sunday, but well…)
Micro Canjam time!! :ksc75smile:
Just missing some Cooler love around!! :D I’m not gonna complain though, the regular locals and the shops tenants are super cool and friendly! :)

My personal micro canjam :

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From left to right: Fitear DCTi, Canpur CP622B, Oriolus Traillii Ti, Rosenkranz Silver HB, Annihilator 2023, Simphonio P0, Dunu Glacier, Noble Ragnar.

RK HB looks so small in comparison to the big boys around! And next to the biggest one (DCTi) it looks like a Barbie earphone! :D

DCTi is really chunky, but it remains super comfy! Sound wise it’s still one of my favorites! Really cool set! If it wasn’t for the PITA it is to actually get one, I’d probably would have plunged a while ago! If you’re not aware about the process, to get one you need to be a previous owner of at least 1 set of Fitear custom! It takes about 3 months to get a custom done. Which means, if you’re like me and never had a Fitear set before, you’ll need to order a Fitear set of your choice, wait 3 months to get it, then purchase the DCTi and wait 3 more months to get it… I’m not that patient… :triumph:
Maybe it’s worth the wait though… it’s really good! Very well balanced warm tuning with great analog vibe, epic soundstage size that feels very natural, satisfying DD bass, beautiful natural meaty mids and nicely executed trebles that are well detailed without feeling digital.
It’s a bit sad this brand is not represented in the west as I’m sure it would be a home run for many!


I could put my custom 622b against the mighty Taillii Ti, and I’m actually surprised to find out the custom 622 is globally warmer! From memory I would have thought Traillii would have had meatier mids, but it’s not the case. My custom has more body. Not to mention that the bass is several levels above in terms of quantity and quality (this I’m not the least surprised though). They both have huge soundstage, but 622 has better separation and positioning cues. Trebles feel about on par with slightly smoother lower trebles for the custom 622.


I also revisited the Dunu Glacier. Still impressed by the full package experience for the price! Quite impressive to be honest! Build quality is from the best in the business, albeit it’s a bit heavy with its stainless steel build but it remains very comfy. Nicely executed Harmanish tuning boasting awesome bass, neutral clean mids and super detailed trebles. Trebles can feel a tad digital but nothing serious.


Cheers friends , 🍻

Julien

PS : I might demo the anaconda soon! A crazy friend just bought a Brise Audio Murakumo 2!! It must be the toughest motorcycle lock in town! 😂 I’ll let you guys know if I survived the anaconda!!
A man enjoys reading your posts. You always bring interesting news and enthusiasm to the thread. Great collection of IEMs. Wish you were my neighbour. Cheers. 🙂
Fantastic impressions worthy of converting to a full review to further spread the word. I’m right there with you with Erebus, my favourite IEM on this expensive but rewarding journey! Definitely a set I’ll pick up at some point.

A picture from when I had my Erebus affair a few months ago 🥰

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Time to summon him back. 🙂
 
Jan 20, 2024 at 9:54 PM Post #79,161 of 89,032
It would take more than a Plus to connote a streaming enabled LP DAP 😅.

Indeed! Especially since the LP team is pretty adamant of no android OS on their DAPs.

However, the OS will be updated in the next DAP which should be coming out soon. I realised that I had shared the LP information sheets on the LP threads but not here yet. Let me do now. I suspect LP will share more data sheets about the E7 in the coming weeks. Will share more than. :)

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Jan 20, 2024 at 9:59 PM Post #79,162 of 89,032
Indeed! Especially since the LP team is pretty adamant of no android OS on their DAPs.

However, the OS will be updated in the next DAP which should be coming out soon. I realised that I had shared the LP information sheets on the LP threads but not here yet. Let me do now. I suspect LP will share more data sheets about the E7 in the coming weeks. Will share more than. :)

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LP also released a Weibo blog post. It is in Chinese. Fortunately, Jaben SG did an English translation on their own blog: https://www.jaben.com/blogs/news/240119-lp-e7
 
Jan 20, 2024 at 10:03 PM Post #79,163 of 89,032
A whole lotta pictures from the meet that I took.
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What is the name of the iem above the Denon headphones on the left hand side. The one that looks tealish in color. Across from the Fir. It looks pretty. I would like to know a bit more about it. I am glad your meet up went well. Audio gear is meant to be enjoyed and shared. Not everyone can afford to purchase some audio gear.
 
Jan 20, 2024 at 10:19 PM Post #79,164 of 89,032
What is the name of the iem above the Denon headphones on the left hand side. The one that looks tealish in color. Across from the Fir. It looks pretty. I would like to know a bit more about it. I am glad your meet up went well. Audio gear is meant to be enjoyed and shared. Not everyone can afford to purchase some audio gear.

Either UM Indigo or UM MEST Mk3 carbon fiber blue – more likely Indigo as the gold frame isn't engraved with model name.
 
Jan 20, 2024 at 10:22 PM Post #79,165 of 89,032
Either UM Indigo or UM MEST Mk3 carbon fiber blue – more likely Indigo as the gold frame isn't engraved with model name.

INDIGO indeed!
 
Jan 20, 2024 at 10:27 PM Post #79,166 of 89,032
Either UM Indigo or UM MEST Mk3 carbon fiber blue – more likely Indigo as the gold frame isn't engraved with model name.
Exactly!!!
 
Jan 20, 2024 at 10:28 PM Post #79,167 of 89,032
Jan 20, 2024 at 10:44 PM Post #79,168 of 89,032
Jan 20, 2024 at 10:51 PM Post #79,169 of 89,032
First time hearing the Fir XE6! I’m in love with its unique tuning since it reminds me of my beloved Campfire Andromeda :)

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Jan 20, 2024 at 10:54 PM Post #79,170 of 89,032
Great time today with fellow headfiers at Alex Rosson's studio on a rainy day in LA!!! A treat for me to finally try some headphones on some real amps, and for some others to play with my IEMs! A great time with a bunch of nice audiophiles. Others will report what were the best things there, but for me, trying @wolfstar76 ZMF Atrium and @Sebastien Chiu ZMF Verite Closed were goosebumps and nearly tear producing! For iems, the Symphonium Helios and Crimson were super impressive and fooled me having no clue what was inside. Finally, the budget iem that blew me away was @XERO1 Fiio single DD he said was $300! Very fun little set there!

As always, the best part is just hanging out with like minds and talking shop! Got me really excited for the soon too be here Canjam NYC 🗽🔜 Thanks to Alex for the great space and to @Sebastien Chiu for making this happen! @warrenpchi you were missed!
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Yes, it is a rainy day but we all had a great time.

A whole lotta pictures from the meet that I took.
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Thanks for organizing the meet. Today's biggest surprise is the Symphonium Crimson. I saw the name of this IEM being mentioned many times, but never remember the details. Today I picked up the Crimson from @Sebastien Chiu and I was really, really impressed by its performance. I actually told @Sebastien Chiu and @emdeevee that I preferred Crimson to Loki, one of the recent hyped TOTL IEM which I knew a little better.

The real surprise was after I went back home and did a research on Crimson, I can't believe it is a 4 BA IEM! I don't know how Symphonium pulled this off, but I would never be interested in demoing Crimson if I knew it was a 4BA IEM.
 

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