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

[Stu Paddasso]

In the sub-1 K. Try Aur Astra, which is V-shaped, strong, fast, dynamic bass, sharp, clean treble, and has highly detailed mids with good separation. Better than average sound stage. Quite an aggressive-sounding iem. The exact opposite of laid-back sound.

 

[iscorpio71]

Forward Words:


First, I thank the founder of Audio Geek @deep2285 and the USA tour administrator @emdeevee for allowing me to audition for the Kinera ThorKing. (https://kineraaudio.com/products/kinera-thorking-earphone?variant=45899706662964) Here is the link for specifications and pricing.

Disclosure:

I'm not a reviewer; I have been active in the audio community and was fortunate to be invited to join Audio Geek. In other words, you are receiving impressions based on my experience with the ThorKing and my humble sonic knowledge gained through decades of music listening and numerous hours with in-ear monitors.

Physicality:

The ThorKing is made from high-quality nickel alloy. Its faceplates feature an engraved design and are available in two versions: glossy and matte, the latter being the tour version. They are on the heavier side of the spectrum.

They are large and feel substantial when worn, and the nozzle sizes are elongated, which I prefer. They have a secure seal for extended listening sessions. Isolation is above average, and I used a wide bore tip.

Hardware:

I used only the original cable with a 4.4mm termination, paired with the iBasso DX 180 as the source and a KAEI TAP 1 Pro amp in Tube mode at low gain. The volume is suitable for low to mid, but higher volumes can become shouty.

Sound:

The ThorKing delivers a "V" sound to my ears, characterized by its punchy bass and treble extension, slightly recessed mids, and an expansive soundstage.

Bass: It has a well-textured quality and extends deeply with natural decay. The emphasis is on the sub-bass rather than the mid-bass, providing a punchy and well-controlled response with excellent texture. Kick drums are strong, prominent, and fast. The mids show no bleed.

Mids: They are neutral, with a slightly recessed presentation that is still forward enough. Highlight the upper mids. The tonality is accurate, and the timbre is natural, allowing both male and female vocals to feel lifelike.

Treble: The treble is very well extended, with a sparkling quality that renders clarity and space between instruments. The detail retrieval is incredible, and they can sound sharp and fatiguing. Depending on the source and volume.

Staging and Imaging: This is the highlight of this IEM; it reminded me of the BGVP Phantom but with a brighter sound, as it has a larger-than-life soundstage.

Conclusion: The standout features of the ThorKing are its remarkable soundstage, punchy bass, detail retrieval, and “V” shaped dynamics. Treble and detail can become overwhelming for some.

 

[TheMiddleSky]

Hi friends. Looking for a lush, rich IEM. (Slight elevated bass, thick mid range, rolled off treble) Currently my top 2 are Perpetua and Hercules Moses but I’m looking for something affordable that I can take with me for nature and street photography sessions without fear losing or damaging them.

Flipears Aegis

Edit: Apparently you already own one. My suggestion switch to either Dita Mecha, or with a little bit more budget, 64 Audio U4s.

 

[tfenton02]

Penon Voltage is exactly what you described. Right now second-hand can be found much lower than $1k.

I will def add this to my list!

 

[zikarus]

Somebody please please release me from my suffering...

I've spent way over 20 hours to EQ the treble of Maven II down to a level I like. There's a vast peak "somewhere" in the sibilance region that makes especially S sounds almost unbearable for me when I focus on it, which is very hard not to do. And I'm wondering whether I'm really fighting a frequency or the timbre. The peaks come across as really metallic, and that's at fantastic recordings like Peter Gabriel's So ("Red Rain"), Fleetwood Mac's Rumours ("Don't Stop"), et cetera.

And it doesn't make sense to trim the peak down with PMEQ to -4 dB as it will completely change everything else that sounds great without any EQ.

Is this my tinnitus amplifying anything between 6 kHz and 8 kHz? Am I allergic to EST treble? Is it bad luck and should I look for an IEM that sounds exactly like Maven II without that peak? How many years will that take? I thought I finally found her.

Driving me nuts...

drftr

OK, a bit late to that party but.... Besides cable rolling - have you tried Complys with the Maven II?

Sub $1000. Appreciate the ideas!

Shanling MG800 fits that description perfectly. Get it. It perfectly fits your requirement of below 1000 USD mark.

@Scubadevils @cn11 please chime in.


I feel the bass was a bit lean, not enough subbass reach and not enough midbass body. Yeah midrange and treble were exquisite - sufficient note weight and details; but without a strong foundation in the lows I kept feeling it was not complete.

Have to admit that I got weak lately and grabbed a MG800 too. Could not resist being able to get them below 500 new with some saved bonus points (regular price in the shop was 610 Euros btw).

A bit early for valid impressions, but call me seriously impressed already. A lovely, rich and full sounding single DD and the most comfortable and smallest IEM in my collection. Finally found the perfect match for my Code24 - one of my favourite cables sound wise for a while but quite a pain to use. Together with the MG800 I am also satisfied ergonomically for the very first time.

Sub 1000 and according to your preferences the MG800 should definitely be given a try. Especially if one likes single DDs... Actually second @Ace Bee s vote....

Only downside when wearing them outside or on the go like you intend to could be their relatively openness / proneness for sound leakage. Haven't tested that yet though.

Maybe the Penon Archangel might be of interest too...

PS I liked the Voltage I once had but in the end I preferred both the AüR Aehta and Hermit (all BA) over the Voltage and decided to keep those...

 

[Rolu]

Ice Lab Spectrumica in da house!

While I form impressions- this fidget toy is my favorite bit yet!

 

[Aetherhole]

Ice Lab Spectrumica in da house!



While I form impressions- this fidget toy is my favorite bit yet!

Great IEM! Looking forward to hearing more of your impressions.

 

[Rolu]

Nice, let us know man!
Big lotoo fan here

That’s an awesome family portrait—looking sharp! Now don’t leave us hanging… do share your impressions! I’m this close to blind-buying the PAW GT2, and your thoughts might just push me over the edge!

I prefer Mjolnir > GT2 >> LPGT.

In line with the 'diminishing returns' logic, I think the jump from GT to GT2 is actually bigger than from GT2 to Mjolnir.
The GT2 opens up and cleans the sound very well and adds texture and details through the frequency spectrum. Its mid-bass girth is really nice! The LPGT sounds dense and closed-in in comparison, especially in stage height and depth.
Jumping from GT2 to Mjolnir one gets that feeling of unbound extension as well as immaculate details and balance. Mjolnir is my GOAT!
The two bigger brothers also get the advantage of LTTP, hands down the best sounding and most straightforward wireless audio codec I've used.

All these Lotoos are still in the neutral-natural range and so it really comes down to how much one wants to spend on their source!

 

[THE 001 Music]

Ice Lab Spectrumica in da house!



While I form impressions- this fidget toy is my favorite bit yet!

Boost 3,700Hz and thank me later.

 

[Rolu]

Boost 3,700Hz and thank me later.

Unfortunately I'm one of those "No EQ or Death" people

 

[THE 001 Music]

Unfortunately I'm one of those "No EQ or Death" people

As was I, until Timothy “DucBloke” sent me his Spectrumica EQ profile.

 

[Alexcargtz]

Hi friends. Looking for a lush, rich IEM. (Slight elevated bass, thick mid range, rolled off treble) Currently my top 2 are Perpetua and Hercules Moses but I’m looking for something affordable that I can take with me for nature and street photography sessions without fear losing or damaging them.

Honestly, I would just get a Tangzu Fudu if you're going to go outdoors with them. They actually sound really nice and close to what you described you want. They're also insanely light and fit the ears beautifully. I would never worry about damaging them, or losing them since they're so affordable. Bonus points since they come with Tangzu Sancai + Divinus Velvet eartips.

 

[FreeWheelinAudioLuv2]

Hi friends. Looking for a lush, rich IEM. (Slight elevated bass, thick mid range, rolled off treble) Currently my top 2 are Perpetua and Hercules Moses but I’m looking for something affordable that I can take with me for nature and street photography sessions without fear losing or damaging them.

Boy, do I have the IEM for you! Ticks all the boxes you mentioned, and it's a lush laid back presentation, with slightly lifted bass, and totally in your price ballpark.

https://elysianacousticlabs.com/products/pilgrim-noir

Elysian Pilgrim Noir

---

Campfire Audio Alien Brain

 

[Ace Bee]

Have to admit that I got weak lately and grabbed a MG800 too. Could not resist being able to get them below 500 new with some saved bonus points (regular price in the shop was 610 Euros btw).

A bit early for valid impressions, but call me seriously impressed already. A lovely, rich and full sounding single DD and the most comfortable and smallest IEM in my collection. Finally found the perfect match for my Code24 - one of my favourite cables sound wise for a while but quite a pain to use. Together with the MG800 I am also satisfied ergonomically for the very first time.

Sub 1000 and according to your preferences the MG800 should definitely be given a try. Especially if one likes DDs... Actually second @Ace Bee s vote....

Only downside when wearing them outside or on the go like you intend to could be their relatively openness / proneness for sound leakage. Haven't tested that yet though.

Maybe the Penon Archangel might be of interest too...

PS I liked the Voltage I once had but in the end I preferred both the AüR Aehta and Hermit (all BA) over the Voltage and decided to keep those...

It warms my heart to see another one has found the greatness of Shanling MG800

Enjoying this album on my MG800 currently while on metro, paired with Fiio BTR15 via G.C.M x M.E Clover cable (will be posting more about the cable and the shop later.)

Kalandra has such a soothing voice.

 

[main character]

Campfire Audio Alien Brain

Earthly counterpart
(Cute Anchovy )


By the way..

Who wants Astell&Kern X 64 audio collab IEM
XIO?