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

[mark88888]

So, I’m really liking the U12T

What cable would you guys recommend for it (no limits)?

Im now just using the stock cable, which I HATE

I really like their $199 premium cable.
https://www.64audio.com/collections/cables-and-adaptors/products/pearl-premium-cable

And btw I totally agree with your comment about the U12t: "After listening to U12T for about 1 hour, i can see why its so loved. It just sounds “right”, nothing really jumps out, but in a good way. Its how I would expect music to sound. Might be a little old by now, but nothing old about this sound and abilities."

Yup. Since I got my pair more than 2 years ago I've visited Tokyo shops many times, trying the latest and the greatest. To my ears nothing beats them.

 

[Scubadevils]

Holy moly DUNU - take my money… although tell me how much first

Absolutely adore this retro design - even has a volume slider

 

[folkguy]

Unfortunately I didn't see too many Storms for 3k

I can't even imagine when a second hand Storm will be 3K, honestly dont even see it happening within the next two years at all, it's quite sought after as (imo) probably the top dog IEM right now. In fact, I'm willing to bet if an original owner put up their Storm up on head-fi now, they could sell it quite literally for the price they bought it for within 24 hours. Storm looks like it has immense resale value atm.

 

[hAbIrAbI]

Depends on what they announce at Socal. If they have the Storm RE ready for sale and their production scales anywhere near demand then the second hand prices will start dropping soon. Really just depends on the how and when the RE launches.

 

[bossfan48009]

I can't even imagine when a second hand Storm will be 3K, honestly dont even see it happening within the next two years at all, it's quite sought after as (imo) probably the top dog IEM right now. In fact, I'm willing to bet if an original owner put up their Storm up on head-fi now, they could sell it quite literally for the price they bought it for within 24 hours. Storm looks like it has immense resale value atm.

Couldn't agree more. However, I would wager it would sell within 30 minutes of listing...that is if it even made a listing. It's been impossible to find and is reaching mythic status. Like a bidding war in housing for that special house multiple buyers want to own. I check every day and it's futile. Their second batch couldn't come soon enough for those who wait patiently.

 

[folkguy]

Couldn't agree more. However, I would wager it would sell within 30 minutes of listing...that is if it even made a listing. It's been impossible to find and is reaching mythic status. Like a bidding war in housing for that special house multiple buyers want to own. I check every day and it's futile. Their second batch couldn't come soon enough for those who wait patiently.

Hah yeah I was being generous with the 24 hour window. Unless something revolutionary comes out at a cheaper price that rivals it for tone+techs I can't see it coming down or folk selling it any time soon. Well see!

 

[AxLvR]

Anybody want a STORM for $15k?

 

[BORUSSIA]

Anybody want a STORM for $15k?

PM

 

[drftr]

Anybody want a STORM for $15k?

Why the price drop? Isn't it any good?

Curious why people think it will ever go into production. I mean, what can't be done in 1.5 years can't be done in 2.5 years either. But perhaps I'm just being naive. Fiiiiine...

drftr

 

[fidgeraldo]

I only know them as cable company and they just suddenly made an iem with 15k price tag.

If they have funds...they can easily hire experts to make such IEMs for them...
I think that wouldn't be the first time in the industry to do so.

Cheers!

 

[fidgeraldo]

Holy moly DUNU - take my money… although tell me how much first

O yes...o yes... it's looking nice! I just bought ET3.
I hope this thing will be expensive, and I won't even bother buying another (third, no, it would be fourth )!

Cheers!

 

[Pelilin]

Anybody want a STORM for $15k?

I want but because you are the owner so i wont buy , price should drop to 500$ your ear is infested.

 

[AxLvR]

I want but because you are the owner so i wont buy , price should drop to 500$ your ear is infested.

I know where you live... You don't wanna insult my ears that way you know... Perhaps i can accidentally... burn your Apx SE and all your other collections whoops

 

[fidgeraldo]

burn your Apx SE and all your other collections whoops

Hey...I think you forgot that "in"..."burn in" right...we are "burning in" IEMs, right???

Cheers!

 

[LoryWiv]

I believe the sharply increased prices can be seen almost everywhere, reflecting inflation, the inflated stock and real estate markets. There are a lot more people, especially in Asia, with much more money than before. Limited editions and the FOMO they cause have been working for a long time (like in the high-end fashion or watch markets) and, unfortunately are increasingly being used in our hobby as well.
I think many customers feel alienated by companies' pricing and release policies, and that money isn't as easy to spend for many as it was during and shortly after the pandemic.

Would like to know the margin on those high end releases.

I certainly don't know, admittedly, but it seems disproportionate to inflation and more of a "let's get what we think the market will bear" pricing. It really seems to be an exponential increase at the top end in IEM's and to a lesser degree headphones (Susvara Unveiled, Immanis eg). Of course once one manufacturer does so others follow suit. For me personally, it is a turn off as I seek great sound quality but also value and this seems to be partly a greed play (harsh perhaps to put it this way, as corporations of course seek profit, but it just seems like the increment of pricing jumps are accelerating more rapidly than previously).

When all is said and done, Penon and other gear manufacturers have every right to pursue whatever business strategy they choose, as I do for what my spending limits will be.
I won't be buying APX SE or it's stratospherically priced colleagues, nor Rival. Full respect to those who do, and I will enjoy vicariously as I read your impressions.