[Simpeler]

Best case I've used for exactly that configuration. Ridiculously cheap for what you get. Excellent build quality.

https://cn.ddhifi.com/en/product/cz300/

That is actually really nice, and does not break the bank

 

[ranfan]

Does anyone have recommendations for a nice IEM case, that can fit 4 to 6 IEM’s and a DAP?

Does not have to have a handle or strap, and not the Mitter case.

I already have the effect audio case with room for 4, I’m starting to outgrow it

VanNuys E051 https://vannuys.co.jp/e051/ maybe?

 

[Kerouac]

After a tiring day, I started a-b tests. I look forward to your comments. (I apologise for the the poor quality of the photo, I am using a laptop while resting and the lights in my room are really bad.) @ranfan @Kerouac

Well, that seems more like some sort of A-B-C testing to me

Btw, when I saw your former post...

Hello, gentlemen. I've been spending time with this marvel for a few days now. It adds a serious amount of naturalness and definition to the music.

Maybe other mysterious members also have this crazy ciem.

For my own taste I chose a natural wood faceplate design with great aesthetics. Inside the ciem there are pure copper sound tubes, nonrecycled copper wiring and custom crossover circuitry. At first glance I thought that this two-driver product had three drivers. Damn! This is a crossover unit. This is something I've never seen before, but it seems to work very well!

Of all the cables I tried, Code23 was my favorite. It adds a lot to the realism and texture of the definition in the lower frequencies. It provided a nice body and articulation to the midtones. It adds flavor to the treble and air with a smooth expansion.

I'm enjoying some time alone with jazz vocals. Cheers! @Kerouac

...I decided to do some A-B-C cable testing myself over here

I have created a test playlist with 275 songs quite some time ago on my LPGT. As you mentioned that you listened to jazz vocals: this was a legendary jazz song in that list without vocals that came by, when I listened in shuffle mode and I immediately stopped listening to take that picture. Especially the left/right and instrument separation stood out, while I listened to that song => simply on a superb level imo! Btw, the next song that came by in that playlist was 'King Kunta' by Kendrick Lamar, which showed that this new iem also can deliver some pretty good quality (sub)lows indeed.

Anyway: I had already listened some time with the (blue) EA Code 24 before, which has a brighter approach, compared to the Code 23. But I also completely agree with you on the (mine is green in the pic) Code 23 synergy => a fantastic match indeed! However, after that I switched to the (purple) Code 24c and I think that synergy combination was ± on the same level as the (both pure copper btw) 23. The 24c has the advantage in ergonomics though, as it's thinner and more flexible and because of that just easier to use when you move around. So for the upcomming period the 24c will become my weapon cable of choice I guess

Btw, I also really like your natural wooden faceplates design!

Now, regarding this part in that same post:

Inside the ciem there are pure copper sound tubes, nonrecycled copper wiring and custom crossover circuitry. At first glance I thought that this two-driver product had three drivers. Damn! This is a crossover unit. This is something I've never seen before, but it seems to work very well!

I think this part, which @Deezel177 (Daniel) posted earlier today, complemented that in an interesting (which I completely agree on btw) and relevant way

The other 90% of the work is fixing all those issues; finding different drivers with better timbral traits, finding more compatible driver combinations for a more coherent texture and better electrical properties (impedance, sensitivity, etc.), figuring out sound tube lengths for phase, figuring out the best places to put crossover points for stronger imaging, etc. Again, it's a far more involved process than just coming up with an FR and putting drivers together like LEGO pieces. Anyone could DIY a TOTL if that was the case. It's sorta the magic of this hobby, and why we (unfortunately) have to pay big bucks for the best.

On to the next post...

I'm loving mine as well Though in a different color coordination. The wooden faceplates turned out quite nicely with their twin colorway. The copper tubing also gives an accent to its overall design

Spoiler

Soundwise these are quite the midrange and timbre specialist. The way strings and acoustic instruments are rendered, organic analogue and lifelike. It's so addictive to listen to

Yep, some very sweet sounding midrange (and great timbre) indeed to my ears also!

But why on earth did you put your design and pics behind a spoiler my friend? The way your beautiful iems match with the surrounding natural environment and shadows in the background => such lovely visual compositions! Imho your pics deserve a place in the spotlights, as they're simply stunning => pure eye candy so to say...

And poof...

Eeeehm... this is only (I sincerely hope so) a goodbye to reviewing and not to HF in general, right?

If not, then I would have to use this gif (again) unfortunately...

Oh wait, I just did...

Anyway, I guess we'll keep in touch in the background. And who knows, maybe one sunny day, my youngest kid might even be able to give Lord Barnie (who has become a legend on HF over the past years) a big hug, as you don't live that far away afterall

 

[XTF1]

Does anyone have recommendations for a nice IEM case, that can fit 4 to 6 IEM’s and a DAP?

Does not have to have a handle or strap, and not the Mitter case.

I already have the effect audio case with room for 4, I’m starting to outgrow it

This?

 

[Simpeler]

A little late to the party but I now have the A&K SP3000

First setup on listening:

SP3000 > Eletech Aeneid > Aroma Audio Jewel.



In summery: this is the best I have heard the Jewel to date, great fit for my taste

 

[Simpeler]

This?

Lol, there is even a Dutch carnival song made about those pants:

“Ik wil ook zo’n broek met van die zakken aan de zijkanten”

I dont recommend looking it up though

 

[Frankie D]

What brand is the bread toaster?

drftr

Ha! That breadbox is the McIntosh MHA200. Amazingly a McIntosh tube amp that does not break the bank at $2500.00.

 

[fejnomit]

FR-wise for myself I'd say 50% of my attention goes to the mids, 25% to the bass (which above all shouldn't be in my face), and 25% to treble (which shouldn't be offensive). While technicality-wise I'm mostly concerned about PRaT (30%), timbre (30%), dynamics/liveliness (20%), and imaging/palpability (20%).

This might be an interesting way to share our different focal points when it comes to listening. For me I would say:
Tuning:
Bass: 50%
Mids: 35%
Treble: 15% (just cannot be sibilant)
Tech:
PRaT: 20%
Timbre: 20%
Dynamics: 15%
Imaging/Depth/Soundstage/Background: 45%

As you can probably guess, the above is not easy to achieve. I nicnamed it "bass and space" - it must have a deep, wide, body-activating bass foundation, but must also cast a wide, deep, holographic image-scape. So, in other words = Trifecta.

 

[Simpeler]

This might be an interesting way to share our different focal points when it comes to listening. For me I would say:
Tuning:
Bass: 50%
Mids: 35%
Treble: 15% (just cannot be sibilant)
Tech:
PRaT: 20%
Timbre: 20%
Dynamics: 15%
Imaging/Depth/Soundstage/Background: 45%

As you can probably guess, the above is not easy to achieve. I nicnamed it "bass and space" - it must have a deep, wide, body-activating bass foundation, but must also cast a wide, deep, holographic image-scape. So, in other words = Trifecta.

Now im no mathematician, but shouldn’t everything add up to 100% to be comparable to others?

 

[bukumurah]

I was wondering if the Sony DMP-Z1 is still the unbeatable king of portable/transportable player.. or is a similar performance (but maybe with a different tonality) now achievable with for instance Sony's own WM1Z/M2 as source paired with recent TOTL portable amps such as Brise Tsuranagi, Mass Kobo 475, iBasso PB5 Osprey, etc?

 

[tjzurlaaa]

Sony dap with mass kobo 475 is god tier and I would take that pairing to the grave

 

[Rockwell75]

I believe some people got to demo the prototype at a recent can jam. Haven’t been able to find their thoughts on it compared to the Anni though

Most of the comments I've read maintain that the bass on the new one is way better (among other things).

Perhaps you could create a goosebump chart instead? I wonder how that would look like though as there was definitely a phase during which you melted when hearing Anni's treble and declared yourself a treble-guy-in-the-making, while before and after I think your focus was more on sub-bass. So is it that part of the FR that gives you the musical engagement you're after? Or is it technicalities instead? A mix perhaps?

I've given up trying to identify and isolate individual factors. For me it's more about how everything plays together as a whole and my overall response when I listen. It's fun to go back after and look at the various factors-- but I defer any attempts to judge or assess an IEM until I I've heard it. When I look at some of the IEMs I have loved over the years, some of which include:

Dunu Zen Pro
Campfire Andromeda
Oriolus Traillii
Campfire Trifecta
JVC HA-FW10000
Vision Ears EXT
Elysian Diva
Dita Perpetua
Aroma Fei Wan

All of these IEMs swept me off my feet for different reasons and I'm not sure there are any unifying factors beyond that my prefereces are skewed towards a DD sound, great mids and I love some romance in the tuning.

In other news this thread is 3 years old today. My aim with this place has always been to create a space where people could be free to indulge in their love of this hobby no matter how they choose to pursue it without being committed to any ideology or being focused on the tastes and ideals of a single person or group of people...and in the process being able to banter about their other interests, share fellowship and create community. To say that we have been successful at this is a bit of an understatement-- in fact this community has grown, thrived and expanded beyond anything I could have hoped or imagined on April 24, 2021. The Watercooler stands as a testament to the power of a community driven by the tastes and ideals of its membership-- not the dictates of a few-- and its success is entirely due to the efforts, disposition and contributions of everyone who is a part of it. Cheers all, here's to another 3 years.

 

[Simpeler]

Most of the comments I've read maintain that the bass on the new one is way better (among other things).



I've given up trying to identify and isolate individual factors. For me it's more about how everything plays together as a whole and my overall response when I listen. It's fun to go back after and look at the various factors-- but I defer any attempts to judge or assess an IEM until I I've heard it. When I look at some of the IEMs I have loved over the years, some of which include:

Dunu Zen Pro
Campfire Andromeda
Oriolus Traillii
Campfire Trifecta
JVC HA-FW10000
Vision Ears EXT
Elysian Diva
Dita Perpetua
Aroma Fei Wan

All of these IEMs swept me off my feet for different reasons and I'm not sure there are any unifying factors beyond that my prefereces are skewed towards a DD sound, great mids and I love some romance in the tuning.

In other news this thread is 3 years old today. My aim with this place has always been to create a space where people could be free to pursue their love of this hobby no matter how they chose to pursue it without being committed to any ideology or being focused on the tastes and ideals of a single person or group of people...and in the process being able to banter about their other interests, share fellowship and create community. To say that we have been successful at this is a bit of an understatement-- in fact this community has grown, thrived and expanded beyond anything I could have hoped or imagined on April 24, 2021. The Watercooler stands as a testament to the power of a community driven by the tastes and ideals of its membership-- not the dictates of a few-- and its success is entirely due to the efforts, disposition and contributions of everyone who is a part of it. Cheers all, here's to another 3 years.

Congratulations!!

 

[Tanalasta]

This might be an interesting way to share our different focal points when it comes to listening. For me I would say:
Tuning:
Bass: 50%
Mids: 35%
Treble: 15% (just cannot be sibilant)
Tech:
PRaT: 20%
Timbre: 20%
Dynamics: 15%
Imaging/Depth/Soundstage/Background: 45%

As you can probably guess, the above is not easy to achieve. I nicnamed it "bass and space" - it must have a deep, wide, body-activating bass foundation, but must also cast a wide, deep, holographic image-scape. So, in other words = Trifecta.

It's such a personal thing and I don't believe anyone has (or can) standardise it. There are just so many variables.

Personally, the first thing I listen for is "do I like it". The overall coherency, whether anything stands out (peaky, recessed, good or bad) and the timbre.

I weigh the mids higher than bass or treble. The quality of the mids ; is it recessed or forward ; low vs upper mids, warm v bright, dynamics and the overall presentation that I cannot translate from a FR graph. Are the vocals natural to my ears. Bass and space isn't a priority when Roon autoplays "Let it Go"... Children are a money pit away from audio in more ways than one but I digress.

Minute detail, precision placement, a holographic soundstage with width and depth ; layering are technicalities I usually associate with higher end sources.

Then there is the overall balance. Which is difficult as preferences can change. Listening through piano (whether I can discern individual notes in chords and placement ; and the piano timbre) ; classical orchestral / OST ; female and male vocals ; a cappella and dance/trance what works for one may often not work for others. Then again that's why we have choice.

At a quick list, IEM's I have really enjoyed:

1. Oriolus Isabellae for its dulcet, musical and laid back female vocals. It reminded me of the Meze Empyreans. I let it go as I almost always reached for more technically competent IEM's.

2. Elysian Diva (original). There is something about the power and presentation of those female vocals.

3. Oriolus Trailii and Storm - probably the two I think of as all rounders. Especially Storm. It's a very capable IEM with very few (if any) weaknesses from a sonic perspective. It's balanced without being boring. Both technically excellent and scale well.

4. Noble Spartacus. Whilst I haven't heard Noble summit-fi offerings, Spartacus has that warm, enveloping engagement I just love.

The source and synergy matter. Listening to Focal Utopia OG out of my MacBook Pro 14" headphone out with the stock cable. It's pretty ordinary. It's a step up from Bathys via Bluetooth but the DAC on the MBP is ordinary at best. I know the Utopia are capable of much, much better.

 

[Simpeler]

I was wondering if the Sony DMP-Z1 is still the unbeatable king of portable/transportable player.. or is a similar performance (but maybe with a different tonality) now achievable with for instance Sony's own WM1Z/M2 as source paired with recent TOTL portable amps such as Brise Tsuranagi, Mass Kobo 475, iBasso PB5 Osprey, etc?

I recently listened to the Enleum HPA-23RM as pair amp. Now I cant stop thinking about it

Dont read much about it as IEM pairings, but I loved it