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

Oct 30, 2024 at 11:06 AM Post #97,502 of 102,820
But another dongle player won't sound demonstrably better
I don't think this is true, actually. I have been on a bit of a dongle tear recently, and they all present quite differently. Quite audible differences between RU7, CMA 18P, DC-Elite, Go Bar Kensei, Questyle 15i. To me they are another way to tailor the sound to your liking, along the lines of cables and tips.
Makes a Jewel sound like a soft low res unit
While I am excited to finally try them, this sounds a little hard to believe. Not saying I doubt you, just going in cautiously. I would be thrilled to be that blown away.
 
Oct 30, 2024 at 11:31 AM Post #97,503 of 102,820
These are my absolute reference tips for years from now. 😎🥇👍

Japanese, 肉球 = cat's paw (cat paw pads to be specific... Meat balls, yes 😁) 😺
Haha thanks for the correction. That make sense. I only speak Mandarin and naturally assumed meaning of those two kanji in Mandarin, which I think sounds delicious.
 
Oct 30, 2024 at 11:38 AM Post #97,504 of 102,820
Hi Leto,

Of course these are all subjective, but I think I need to clarify a point. I specifically haven't used the word treble, because I don't believe it's treble. APX has a couple peaks in the high frequencies tuned in and as a result of these peaks, notes (not treble or only high frequencies) get the life they do; they impact timbre of instruments coming from the the whole spectrum.

Physicality and resolution of the bass is great on APX, one of the best I heard actually. My experience has been that it's usually all around in my head and some through my spine. Raven is on another level though, and it emanates through my body.

Yup subjective hearing / genres we listen to always play a big role, my point is, I suspect the source plays a large role with APX Se too. On my sources, I wish I would hear the airyness you speak about sometimes. In some recordings the lows region is almost too thunderous and heavy.
The impact and phyiscality of planar dynamic driver APX Se bass reminds me of Xe6, just with much higher resolution, I believe I prefer it to BCD bass I know. I heard Raven very briefly though, so cant comment on that, but totally see someone prefering BCD, its a very unique sensation.
 
Oct 30, 2024 at 12:57 PM Post #97,506 of 102,820
While I am excited to finally try them, this sounds a little hard to believe. Not saying I doubt you, just going in cautiously. I would be thrilled to be that blown away.
Yes, thanks for informing me because this was a typo. I meant "lower" resolution. Noticably lower too. Not discounting the jewel at all. Loved it. Focus was to highlight the elevation of a higher level resolve in IEMs. Most totals don't cover realism throughout the whole frequency range. This one did.


Unique Melody Maven 2
This earphone was one of the highlights of the exhibition. At a price of $1799, it delivers near-flagship-level sound quality and soundstage, with particularly impressive low-frequency performance. The three frequency ranges are well-spread, maintaining UM's signature style while enhancing low-frequency dynamics. Unlike the Mest series, the low end doesn’t have an exaggerated, unnatural vibration. I was truly surprised when I learned its price. Additionally, the craftsmanship is excellent, using pure titanium like the Alter Ego, with a weight and build quality that exceeds what you'd expect at this price. I highly recommend this earphone, especially in the sub-$2000 range—it’s definitely worth trying.
Super post! Just wanted to point out that I found the Maven2s so good that I own one. There interesting point is that this unit is not revealing its full potential with its stock cable.
Screenshot_2024-10-30-10-59-19-08_92460851df6f172a4592fca41cc2d2e6.jpg
With a better cable there is a slight bump in clarity, which elevates this unit to "arguably" overlap into "TOTL" range. This makes it unique in its price range. Add to that the solid titanium housing as added plus.
 
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Oct 30, 2024 at 12:57 PM Post #97,507 of 102,820
I don't think this is true, actually. I have been on a bit of a dongle tear recently, and they all present quite differently. Quite audible differences between RU7, CMA 18P, DC-Elite, Go Bar Kensei, Questyle 15i. To me they are another way to tailor the sound to your liking, along the lines of cables and tips.

Oh I don't doubt they will present differently. The question is whether they will be "better".
 
Oct 30, 2024 at 2:07 PM Post #97,508 of 102,820
Yes, thanks for informing me because this was a typo. I meant "lower" resolution. Noticably lower too. Not discounting the jewel at all. Loved it. Focus was to highlight the elevation of a higher level resolve in IEMs. Most totals don't cover realism throughout the whole frequency range. This one did.



Super post! Just wanted to point out that I found the Maven2s so good that I own one. There interesting point is that this unit is not revealing its full potential with its stock cable.
Screenshot_2024-10-30-10-59-19-08_92460851df6f172a4592fca41cc2d2e6.jpg
With a better cable there is a slight bump in clarity, which elevates this unit to "arguably" overlap into "TOTL" range. This makes it unique in its price range. Add to that the solid titanium housing as added plus.
I see u have the SP3000. How is the synergy? I’m seriously thinking about getting the SP3000M.
 
Oct 30, 2024 at 2:23 PM Post #97,509 of 102,820
I see u have the SP3000. How is the synergy? I’m seriously thinking about getting the SP3000M.
Sp3000m looks awsome! Just hate the crunch’d together button layout
 
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Oct 30, 2024 at 2:26 PM Post #97,511 of 102,820
I see u have the SP3000. How is the synergy? I’m seriously thinking about getting the SP3000M.

This is my top priority gear wise to demo at CanJam Dallas this weekend. I'm showing restraint though for now and not blind buying it, lol.

Accidental button press nightmares continues.

Yeah, I have no clue why they won't implement some sort of button lock when the screen is off. I asked for this when the SP3000 came out but they won't include it... why add features that make sense. 🤷‍♂️
 
Oct 30, 2024 at 2:39 PM Post #97,512 of 102,820
This is my top priority gear wise to demo at CanJam Dallas this weekend. I'm showing restraint though for now and not blind buying it, lol.



Yeah, I have no clue why they won't implement some sort of button lock when the screen is off. I asked for this when the SP3000 came out but they won't include it... why add features that make sense. 🤷‍♂️
Or at least separate the buttons or preferably implement them to a clicky volume wheel
 
Oct 30, 2024 at 2:41 PM Post #97,513 of 102,820
Or at least separate the buttons or preferably implement them to a clicky volume wheel

Yeah, with the SP3000T they added a fourth button above the playback ones which was a dedicated shortcut to bring up the OP/Tube amp selection screen. I'd have to look at the DAP before pushing anything to figure out what I was doing.

On the SP3000M there's just three playback buttons now on the left side and a power/lock & unlock button on the top. I am assuming that'll be better. I just hate that you can't lock the buttons when the screen is off.
 
Oct 30, 2024 at 2:46 PM Post #97,515 of 102,820
Yeah, with the SP3000T they added a fourth button above the playback ones which was a dedicated shortcut to bring up the OP/Tube amp selection screen. I'd have to look at the DAP before pushing anything to figure out what I was doing.

On the SP3000M there's just three playback buttons now on the left side and a power/lock & unlock button on the top. I am assuming that'll be better. I just hate that you can't lock the buttons when the screen is off.
It’s literally my only complaint with those daps .. please somebody at the headquarters do something about that 😅
 

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