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

[Conan1974]

Thanks for the link.

My luck. Store in Eu but they do not have the Celest IEM from Kinera.

 

[nikbr]

*Talking about Mecha*

When someone can help you to find a IEM with better mids please tell me then.
Enjoy these are swesome, really! My review will come in a few days.

Mids sure are grand and intricate. I'm in a bit of a quarrel with the midbass, which, while snappy on the onset and authoritative, gets a bit too pillowy at times. Nothing some source- and tip-rolling could not fix.

One of my highlights for 2024. A very unique tuning, in a pleasant way.

I just received it and I know the year ahead is long, but once we reach the far side, I might end up caling it The Highlight Of 2025.

 

[fidgeraldo]

My luck. Store in Eu but they do not have the Celest IEM from Kinera.

https://www.audigo.cz/Vyhledavani?fraze=kinera
Send an e-mail to the owner (they don't sell outside Cz and Sk otherwise); he is a great guy!

Cheers!

 

[cagix]

Thanks for the link.

My luck. Store in Eu but they do not have the Celest IEM from Kinera.

They are shop with warehouse they need to buy new items right now they probably wait for new packages from china. They will have some new items in another months. I wait for some new items too.

 

[Conan1974]

https://www.audigo.cz/Vyhledavani?fraze=kinera
Send an e-mail to the owner (they don't sell outside Cz and Sk otherwise); he is a great guy!

Cheers!

Thanks again.
Before i send him a mail, i will first go and look what he has.

 

[nephilim32]

I also got the chance to try the Thieaudio Valhalla at @Will-CD 's store on the new iBasso DX340.

This set is seriously good - the value proposition here is fantastic considering the state of the Summit-Fi and still remains "achievable" as an Endgame for the crazy but not uber-crazy audiophiles. I would easily take this over many more expensive sets that have come through the stable... and may very well have to pick one up.

The tuning is executed to near perfection for someone wanting a reference set with a lot of treble detail/ air. A lot mentioned it being a spiritual successor to the V16 Divinity, though I would consider Valhalla more forward-leaning as opposed to the warm-tilted V16. The 1-2kHz upper mid is boosted relative to the V16 and I think it's a bit too forward for my tastes at times (not shouty but can be intense).

Imaging is crisp and super well defined - one of the best I've ever heard for its surgical precision. The only issue is the imaging depth is a bit flat due to it not having a DD or fleshed out midbass to bring in the center focus. It's very panned left-to-right.

It is neutral, engaging, both dynamic and analytical but has a satisfying bass for BA, fast bass with strong kick. It sounds like a better U18T if I had to compare.

Compared to the Clara, I was really on the fence as to which I would take home. Wow factor and brain said Valhalla due to the superior techs and tuning "balance", but my heart and emotional strings were being pulled a bit more with Clara for its impressive bass realism and more euphonic tone. Ended up going for the unique and colorful Clara, because it distinguishes itself in the market all while giving enough technical ability to satisfy my needs.

Clara sounds like live music, for lack of better word. It says "F--K" the META and does its own thing, and it shows that a human's ears are behind its creation - something a lot of IEM's seem to lack these days as they constantly seem to be tuned to a Target.

Dan. I’ll tell ya something. If I owned the Clara and Astrolith from CA I’d never buy another IEM again.

 

[Frankie D]

That is a question I need answered for my 2 channel. The Rossini Apex DAC has 4 settings for output voltage to the preamp, default is 2V.
The highest option is 6V. Mine is set to 2V. My preamp can handle 6V though I am affraid to change it. I have a question out, and on Feb 10th DAGs president Bill will be visiting me so that would be the time to try it with his blessing. It sounds absolutely great now, totally dark, if there is no hiss in the original I do not hear one, if there is one then that recording is better not listened to with this system since it will be crystal clear, if it is coming from one of the microphones used I can isolate which one. Crazy level of detail. What raising the voltage does to the preamp circuit I just do not understand but want to, so I am asking.

I had a discussion with Zahl about this. Essentially use an output level that your preamp can handle and that allows use of the volume control on your preamp. Essentially the more of the volume control you can use will allow you to more finely set the volume that sounds best to your ears.

 

[tfenton02]

@Conan1974

Take a look at these. The are just above your prices range but they are very nice for the price. I have a set and at $199 they are good. There are some reviews on this site.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B0DNMPR4WW?psc=1&ref=ppx_pop_mob_b_asin_title

 

[JohnSmithHermawan]

I also got the chance to try the Thieaudio Valhalla at @Will-CD 's store on the new iBasso DX340.

This set is seriously good - the value proposition here is fantastic considering the state of the Summit-Fi and still remains "achievable" as an Endgame for the crazy but not uber-crazy audiophiles. I would easily take this over many more expensive sets that have come through the stable... and may very well have to pick one up.

The tuning is executed to near perfection for someone wanting a reference set with a lot of treble detail/ air. A lot mentioned it being a spiritual successor to the V16 Divinity, though I would consider Valhalla more forward-leaning as opposed to the warm-tilted V16. The 1-2kHz upper mid is boosted relative to the V16 and I think it's a bit too forward for my tastes at times (not shouty but can be intense).

Imaging is crisp and super well defined - one of the best I've ever heard for its surgical precision. The only issue is the imaging depth is a bit flat due to it not having a DD or fleshed out midbass to bring in the center focus. It's very panned left-to-right.

It is neutral, engaging, both dynamic and analytical but has a satisfying bass for BA, fast bass with strong kick. It sounds like a better U18T if I had to compare.

Compared to the Clara, I was really on the fence as to which I would take home. Wow factor and brain said Valhalla due to the superior techs and tuning "balance", but my heart and emotional strings were being pulled a bit more with Clara for its impressive bass realism and more euphonic tone. Ended up going for the unique and colorful Clara, because it distinguishes itself in the market all while giving enough technical ability to satisfy my needs.

Clara sounds like live music, for lack of better word. It says "F--K" the META and does its own thing, and it shows that a human's ears are behind its creation - something a lot of IEM's seem to lack these days as they constantly seem to be tuned to a Target.

Eager to try the Valhalla and the Clara, probably this year...
V16 might more similar to the Clara compared to the V19 Valhalla

 

[tfenton02]

*Talking about Mecha*

Mids sure are grand and intricate. I'm in a bit of a quarrel with the midbass, which, while snappy on the onset and authoritative, gets a bit too pillowy at times. Nothing some source- and tip-rolling could not fix.


I just received it and I know the year ahead is long, but once we reach the far side, I might end up caling it The Highlight Of 2025.

My instinct, for whatever it’s worth… long term these may carry a similar lore to the U12t

I own the Clara now and had the RN6 up until a month ago (kinda regret selling). I also owned the VE X back in summer, and don't necessarily regret parting with that set though the mids are extraordinary.

As far as Resolution goes I would rate out of 10 in this order: RN6 (9.4) -> VEX (9.2) -> Clara (8.9)

For Tone I would rate out of 10 in this order: Clara (9.2) -> VEX (9.1) -> RN6 (8.9)

For Neutrality I would rate out of 10 in this order: RN6 (9.3) -> VEX (9.1) -> Clara (8.9)

Now as far as subjective thoughts, I think Clara may very well be my pick as it has the better bass of the lot and I think Clara is perfect for someone indexing for a bombastic enough yet lush low end with a nice amount of forwardness for engagement, and more relaxed top end. It's a very uniquely tuned IEM that just works fantastic with anything you throw at it and never fatigues the ear. It won't provide the same "WOW" moments as the RN6 when it comes to dynamics and fine-details and precision imaging, but it's a much more engaging and fun listen.

VE X never really did anything for me, for the neutral-warm reference type of tuning (strong midbass and tame sub bass), I think Mentor or Tesseract do a better job for my preferences.

I also really like the choice of Bio-cellulose DD - they have a certain magic when it comes to texture and timbre - usually have better overtone realism than other materials.

Sounds amazing with BTR17. Ironically both products being highlight launches for late 2024.

Good and fair assessment.

 

[FreeWheelinAudioLuv2]

Obviously the music we listen to will play a role in this also. Anything with high dynamic range and more quiet passages will need more volume but I can’t imagine putting a Clara in my ear and pushing play at these DX340 volume #s or gain levels.

I’ve observed others’ listening levels at CanJam too and some people are constantly probably pushing out 90dB + levels easily at their normal listening volume. I’m not judging nor do I care how loud anyone wants to enjoy their music, but I like my ear health and I want it to last as long as possible.

I’ve always been pretty conscious about how loud I play music even when I was a kid so being 35 I’d say it’s paid off over time. I still have very solid upper frequency hearing too despite inevitable age related hearing loss.

Amen on the low volume listening! Been that way for years, and still, pushing 60, I'm now starting to get healing loss and tinnitus from my early years of abuse and band jamming without proper protections. So protect those ears young man, so you can go into your 70's relatively unscathed. I'm about a 7 or 8 volume listener, with the occasional push to 9, but rarely 10 or 11. I have no idea how anyone can listen at 35?! When I do it accidentally it's a shock to the ears LOL

 

[emdeevee]

Amen on the low volume listening! Been that way for years, and still, pushing 60, I'm now starting to get healing loss and tinnitus from my early years of abuse and band jamming without proper protections. So protect those ears young man, so you can go into your 70's relatively unscathed. I'm about a 7 or 8 volume listener, with the occasional push to 9, but rarely 10 or 11. I have no idea how anyone can listen at 35?! When I do it accidentally it's a shock to the ears LOL

Hearing damage for my, maybe our, generation is pretty well assured. Attending concerts in the late 70s to date, mostly without any ear protection (until I was over 50) did its work though I still hear well without real issue. Considering I saw The Who at 14, and it's only gotten worse since then (I was the right age for the grunge 90s), I'm sure I've suffered some damage.

So, my listening is NEVER below a 10 level, even in high gain ! Therefore, I do not qualify as a low volume listener! And I apparently never have!

 

[zikarus]

@Conan1974

Take a look at these. The are just above your prices range but they are very nice for the price. I have a set and at $199 they are good. There are some reviews on this site.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B0DNMPR4WW?psc=1&ref=ppx_pop_mob_b_asin_title

Why not start with a proper DD set and get these - not the most beautiful but comfort and sound make well up for this:
https://www.muzix.eu/de/iBasso-Audi...rphones-with-2-pin-Silver-plated-Copper-Cable

 

[RonaldS86]

Used to listen at 50 on high gain, but now going down to 20 or 30 depends on the music. I realize I can hear more details on the music with lower volumes.

 

[gLer]

Hearing damage for my, maybe our, generation is pretty well assured. Attending concerts in the late 70s to date, mostly without any ear protection (until I was over 50) did its work though I still hear well without real issue. Considering I saw The Who at 14, and it's only gotten worse since then (I was the right age for the grunge 90s), I'm sure I've suffered some damage.

So, my listening is NEVER below a 10 level, even in high gain ! Therefore, I do not qualify as a low volume listener! And I apparently never have!

Like you, my hearing didn't survive my teenage Walkman years, but I still hear ok - maybe not up to 16KHz or beyondz but that's a good thing in my book

What I don't get is this obsession with ultra low volume listening. 80dB and even 85dB levels are perfectly safe for hours a day - maybe not 24/7 but if you're listening to music 24/7 that's a different problem altogether.

I personally don't enjoy low volume listening, unless I'm meditating or trying to sleep. Music just sounds better as it gets louder, and while I'd never advocate 90dB+ listens, the occasional SAFE 20-30 minute burst will make even your dullest IEM sound wow.

And listening at 80dB for half a day with a break or two here and there is absolutely fine according to all the medical literature I've read...and I daresay far more enjoyable than a whisper.

Just my 0.02.