Thanks! That's good to hear!Not a problem man, you have made wonderful IEMs! Understand it’s still prototype but I like the new tuning
The Watercooler -- Impressions, philosophical discussion and general banter. Index on first page. All welcome.
- Thread starter Rockwell75
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Thanks for the shout out, and beautiful pair of N8s you have there! I never heard the demo, but if you want to brighten them up a touch switch to M15 (that's what I use) or even more, MX (I don't really use this). Also, a more extended cable, like PWA 1950s, really works well. I have the 1950s on U12t with M20 and First Times on N8 with M15.I was surprised to see @gLer review of the N8, but was really happy it showed up. The N8 has been around a minute and isn't exactly new hotness. I don't even really know if it was particularly popular when it came out.
The N8 has been a dream of mine for a while. I am a bit of a 64audio fan boy, expeically because I think the U4s, Nio and now the U12t present very good values with IEM prices going through the roof. When I was in E Earphone, I got to hear the N8 universal demo and was floored. I stayed strong and protected my wallet hoping they would have a deal at CJNYC. 64a wasn't at CJ this year so I faced the reality that I just needed to buy them.
The 64a CIEM fit has been the best I have tried which is why I was so tempted. I have been burned by most other CIEM brands, but my A12t still has a permanent place in my collection even after 3 years. Measuring a CIEM is terribly unfun, but worth it for science. I don't even really know how accurate it is, but it's something. At least I can compare it to my other CIEM measurements.
I personally don't hear that big dip in the upper treble, but it's definitely darker than the U4s or the N8 demo. The bass is warm and inviting and the timbre of the strings is some of the best I have heard. The treble is well controlled, but I would like a bit more air to help space out the size of the stage. I'm going to write a full review later, but I would say my intial impressions are very positive and I think this IEM is better tuned than the A12t and most other CIEMs I have tried.
Canjam Shanghai 2024 & Mini-Jams Impressions
Hey everyone! I just wrapped up a fantastic weekend in Shanghai attending Canjam and mingling with the local Head-fiers. It was a blast to demo quite a lot of interesting gear and engage in some lively discussions. Truly, it was a weekend well spent!
Having explored a fair amount at Canjam Singapore, I limited myself to just one day in Shanghai this time around. So, without further ado, here are some of my impressions from the event:
Hifiman Susvara Unveiled (vs Susvara OG)
My first stop was the Hifiman booth where I did a quick A/B test between the OG Susvara and the Unveiled version on the EF1000. The Unveiled variant displayed a noticeable increase in treble presence, enhancing the overall resolution and airy presentation, making it sound a tad crisper while maintaining that top-tier bass and soundstage. Impressively, it's significantly easier to drive—I had to turn the volume down by 4-5 steps to match the loudness of the OG. However, I wouldn't call it a strict upgrade since I personally prefer the slightly more laid-back presentation of the OG. The increased drivability does make it easier to maximize the potential of the Unveiled version without a hefty source investment.
FatFreq Grand Maestro Anniversary Edition
I revisited the Grand Maestro, this time the new Titanium shell version. FatFreq announced two upcoming releases: a brass faceplate titanium shell limited edition and an aluminum shell regular edition. I demoed the limited edition and noticed a fine-tuning in the upper mids and treble that enhanced the resolution and smoothed out the treble, making vocals sound more textured and slightly forward. I really appreciated this upgrade, especially paired with my DMP.
Nostalgia Durandal
The upcoming release from Nostalgia sports a V-shaped tuning with quite prominent treble and substantial sub-bass rumble. Played through the LP6 7AE, I found it enjoyable and fun, but I still have a preference for the Camelot. The Nostalgia team was super friendly and even showcased their stunning Camelot Gold Version.
Brise Audio Shirogane 8w
On the recommendation of @raylu and @timeslip , I gave the Shirogane another go, this time with my Amber Pearl. This pairing really enhanced the already spacious sound without making it overly analytical. I love it a lot! It’s tough to choose between this and the Orbitsaga Black Edition, which offers a more aggressive sound with higher resolution.
Outside Canjam
What's better than spending time with fellow audiophiles and hopping between earphone shops?
PMG APX SE
I finally got to demo the long-awaited PMG APX SE and compared it side-by-side with the APX OG. The SE version tones down the treble energy, resulting in a warmer, more balanced sound with less harsh treble, while maintaining the same soundstage and bass energy and quantity. It shines particularly on pop tracks with lush vocals, though I can see some preferring the OG for genres like classical or rock that benefit from more pronounced instrumentals. A very solid summit-fi release, in my opinion.
Subtonic / Nightjar Storm / Duality / Sovereign Storm 8
I had the pleasure of meeting the legendary @Chang and trying out these rarely seen releases again. The Duality, especially with the bassier adapter through my DMP Z1, was a fun and engaging listen. Looking forward to its release later this year.
I also compared the SS8 cable with Brise Audio’s Murakumo II again. Both are notably heavy cables, but the SS8 expanded the soundstage even more, especially on the Viking Damascus. One of the best pairings I've tried, albeit a bit too heavy for my taste.
Lastly, a night out with friends let me demoed insane amount of gears and re-explore the capabilities of the Traillii, paired with an LP6 Platinum JP, Raquer cable, and final type C eartips. The vocals were incredibly full-bodied—a truly intriguing setup for vocal tracks.
I also had a chance to demo the EA Yan Huang vs. Hades II, confirming that despite similar appearances, the Yan Huang offers a more pronounced midrange, enhancing vocal presence. I'll be revisiting this comparison soon.
Canjam weekends are always a joy, and this one was no exception!
Wonderful...thanks for sharing!
Simpeler
500+ Head-Fier
Much like the Trifecta it depends on your library and your tolerance for treble.Hmmm, so it isn't an IEM that would be easily accepted by many. But can we say that if one could appreciate the Trifecta, it would not be difficult to do so for the Rhapsodio? Exciting times, cheers!
I think both IEM’s go for an immersive experience, or at least that is what they give me.
But both do it in almost an opposite way.
Trifecta engulfed me with its capacity to push air and amazing textured low-end that feels bigger than life. That truly gets physical. Which is cased by its unique 3 dd configuration.
Thus creating an immersive experience you cant escape from.
V3 also gives you low-end but waaaaay les. Yet is detailed to the extreme, great (if not best) texture. But V3 stands out at the top-end and is amazingly airy and spacious in the mids. And it does it in a way I have not experienced in any other iEM. Trifecta sounds big by volume, V3 sounds big by individual sound/intrument proximity. Its kind of hard to explain, maybe its due to the MST driver..
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I'm a monster and use the M20. I spent some time this weekend with them and I think the vent + the extra venting from the MX or M15 reduced the bass impact too much. I'd rather have my head rattle
Haha, totally get you!I'm a monster and use the M20. I spent some time this weekend with them and I think the vent + the extra venting from the MX or M15 reduced the bass impact too much. I'd rather have my head rattle
mark88888
500+ Head-Fier
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Thought I'd mention to anyone who might not know that there's also the gold module from Fir which works out to about an M17, and this is what I use with the u12t. It really is (and sounds like) a midway point between the M15 and M20, which for me has been perfect.
Attachments
If I'm back on the road at that time I surely will as China is my favourite travel destination.
Can't wait to get out of here to be honest. Partly to do with what @maegnificant wrote. It's just unhealthy here. Better close my eyes, dream on, and hope that I only have one life!
I hope the first YT Like gained some decent follow-up
drftr
Let’s do it next year! For sure we will have a great time there.
Waiting eagerly for mine! LTE also! Hope it sounds as good on the DAP!Man, the caldera closed headphones are probably the best closed-backs available right now. Such a microscope on the bass, probably my favorite headphone for bass and characteristic ZMF mids. Last but not least, the treble is unlike anything I have ever heard on a closed-back (the E3 comes close). Airy! Extended! Spacious! @zach915m / ZMF creations keep getting better and better.
Shekelz Bergstein
100+ Head-Fier
Beautiful write-up my fellow VX-owner. Indeed, newer doesn't necessarily mean better, especially in this hobby, great sound stays eternal. The VX has an easygoing tuning that have inspired several iems after it, like seeaudio bravery, dunu sa6 family, etc. I still remember vividly the first time putting this beauty onto my ears and was completely wowed by the sheer amount of details being pushed out of all the songs I threw at it, regardless of genre. The details & resolution of VX makes it extremely hard to go back to anything less. Throughout my audio journey, the only IEMs that have managed to surpass the VX in this aspect (even so, the gap is just splitting hairs at this point) to my ears are Jomo Flamenco (which I own, my current pause-game) and Aroma Feiwan (demo from a buddy in my local audio hangout). Nowadays, even though I don't use it much anymore, I still keep it cuz this set holds a special place in my heart for being my first ever TOTL, it's the one that might be said to have enlightened my ears to how a TOTL should perform as far as technicality is concerned.Hey fellow Head-Fiers,
I wanted to share my recent experience with an IEM that, despite being released in 2018, has made a significant impact on me as if I was hearing it for the first time: the QDC Anole VX. This isn't my first encounter with VX, but it's certainly the most profound.
A bit of background on my journey: I’ve been in this hobby for a while now, and recently, I’ve enjoyed top-tier IEMs like Anni, Jewel, and Loki. Along with these, I've also owned other classics like Z1R, U12t, and U18t. These IEMs do help raise the bar for my listening standards. Recently, I decided to sell them all and explore new options, which led me back to VX. I briefly owned VX about two years ago when I was just starting out in the hobby. Back then, I parted with it rather quickly, not fully understanding its capabilities and being swayed by more expensive or popular options. Fast forward to 2024, with more experience under my belt and a refined ear, I decided to give VX another go. Man, I glad I did.
From the moment I put VX in my ears, I was quickly impressed. The shells are incredibly small and lightweight, making them exceptionally comfortable to wear. They practically disappear in your ears, easily the best form factor I've encountered in a universal IEM.
But let’s talk about the sound. VX delivers a level of transparency and clarity that’s akin to looking through a window with the cleanest glass, or no glass at all—just the pure, thin air you get on a sunny morning at the beach. Everything is presented so vividly, it’s like the music is right in front of your eyes. Subtle details that other IEMs might gloss over are brought to the forefront with VX. Starting with simple, slow-paced tracks, I quickly noticed the difference. Then, when I switched to more complex, dynamic, fast-paced songs, it became clearer and clearer how exceptional VX truly is.
You know how people often use the analogy of a 4K TV to describe high resolution? With VX, it’s more like watching an OLED 4K TV with superb dynamic range and color accuracy. The sharpness and dynamic representation are top-notch, allowing you to feel every sound, every attack, every decay, and every harmonic with remarkable precision. Close your eyes, and this experience elevates even further, bringing about an eargasm that’s hard to describe but impossible to forget.
I found myself unable to stop listening. Even when my ears started to tire, I couldn’t resist spending more time just to take some nice photos of these beautiful IEMs. Despite being an older model, I firmly believe that every IEM enthusiast should give VX a try to understand just how incredible an IEM can sound.
Sure, VX might lack the bass texture of dynamic drivers, but it excels in so many other areas that it still stands strong against, if not ahead of, many of today’s top-tier IEMs. QDC Anole VX is a testament to how great sound quality doesn’t necessarily age, and in many ways, it’s a reminder of why we fell in love with this hobby in the first place.
Happy listening, everyone!
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Hey fellow Head-Fiers,
I wanted to share my recent experience with an IEM that, despite being released in 2018, has made a significant impact on me as if I was hearing it for the first time: the QDC Anole VX. This isn't my first encounter with VX, but it's certainly the most profound.
A bit of background on my journey: I’ve been in this hobby for a while now, and recently, I’ve enjoyed top-tier IEMs like Anni, Jewel, and Loki. Along with these, I've also owned other classics like Z1R, U12t, and U18t. These IEMs do help raise the bar for my listening standards. Recently, I decided to sell them all and explore new options, which led me back to VX. I briefly owned VX about two years ago when I was just starting out in the hobby. Back then, I parted with it rather quickly, not fully understanding its capabilities and being swayed by more expensive or popular options. Fast forward to 2024, with more experience under my belt and a refined ear, I decided to give VX another go. Man, I glad I did.
From the moment I put VX in my ears, I was quickly impressed. The shells are incredibly small and lightweight, making them exceptionally comfortable to wear. They practically disappear in your ears, easily the best form factor I've encountered in a universal IEM.
But let’s talk about the sound. VX delivers a level of transparency and clarity that’s akin to looking through a window with the cleanest glass, or no glass at all—just the pure, thin air you get on a sunny morning at the beach. Everything is presented so vividly, it’s like the music is right in front of your eyes. Subtle details that other IEMs might gloss over are brought to the forefront with VX. Starting with simple, slow-paced tracks, I quickly noticed the difference. Then, when I switched to more complex, dynamic, fast-paced songs, it became clearer and clearer how exceptional VX truly is.
You know how people often use the analogy of a 4K TV to describe high resolution? With VX, it’s more like watching an OLED 4K TV with superb dynamic range and color accuracy. The sharpness and dynamic representation are top-notch, allowing you to feel every sound, every attack, every decay, and every harmonic with remarkable precision. Close your eyes, and this experience elevates even further, bringing about an eargasm that’s hard to describe but impossible to forget.
I found myself unable to stop listening. Even when my ears started to tire, I couldn’t resist spending more time just to take some nice photos of these beautiful IEMs. Despite being an older model, I firmly believe that every IEM enthusiast should give VX a try to understand just how incredible an IEM can sound.
Sure, VX might lack the bass texture of dynamic drivers, but it excels in so many other areas that it still stands strong against, if not ahead of, many of today’s top-tier IEMs. QDC Anole VX is a testament to how great sound quality doesn’t necessarily age, and in many ways, it’s a reminder of why we fell in love with this hobby in the first place.
Happy listening, everyone!
Glad to see the VX still getting some love. I owned one for a while back in 2019 an it remains one of my favorite all BA sets.
On the topic of politics. The political spectrum has always seemed somewhat circular to me-- with extremes of both left and right finding more common ground than not. Mao's China and Hitler's Germany were both characterized by massive top down centralized controls and a near total loss of dignity and rights for individual human beings. The fact that the neocons movement in the US is seemingly presently more allied with the democrat party than the republicans further suggests to me that left and right are just lables and their extremes way more similar than different. It seems to me the real battleground on the political front is between collectivist ideologies where the needs and identity of the group/state come first. The regimes of Hitler, Mao, Stalin, Pol Pot, Mussolini, Franco etc. all fall into this category. On the other end are individualist ideologies where the sanctity/rights/value/worth/identity of the individual is taken as invalueable. Or something.
All of that said I think it would be wise to not get too deep into politics on this thread as given the extreme diversity of locations, backgrounds and first languages here there is a lot of potential for too much to get lost in translation & perspective and the resulting conflicts to not really be worth it.
Let's talk about something less divisive, like Trifecta or whether Kenny G is or isn't elevator music.
drftr
drftr
Kenny G has won my respect. Trifecta I have not heard yet, but I still think that CA is a rather sketchy company. But I obviously have no real insight.Let's talk about something less divisive, like Trifecta or whether Kenny G is or isn't elevator music.
drftr
I just cannot help myself...
