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

[Rolu]

looking to go against the grain of my preferences and explore IEMS with exceptional treble (still requiring full sounding mid range and lifted bass). Too much energy in upper mids and treble punishes my ears so I typically avoid … so the treble will need to bevtastefully executed. I did have Annihilator for awhile and really loved the set and found treble tuned just right without zapping my ears. I eventually sold but regret it. Ya’ll have any ideas for used TOTL IEMS or newer budget friendly one? Thank you!

Dio has the best treble I've ever tried. Blows everything out of the water for me for treble transparency and detail.

On the cheaper end, my vote goes to the HS2000MX Mk3. As transparent as the Dio but just slightly less detailed.

On the even cheaper end, I personally love the Thieaudio Valhalla's treble presentation. It's accurate and has enough zing but doesn't bother due to pushed back upper treble.

If one likes warmer tamer treble that absolutely never gets offensive even at high volumes and yet gives one almost all the details, my vote goes to the VE10.

 

[mvvRAZ]

looking to go against the grain of my preferences and explore IEMS with exceptional treble (still requiring full sounding mid range and lifted bass). Too much energy in upper mids and treble punishes my ears so I typically avoid … so the treble will need to bevtastefully executed. I did have Annihilator for awhile and really loved the set and found treble tuned just right without zapping my ears. I eventually sold but regret it. Ya’ll have any ideas for used TOTL IEMS or newer budget friendly one? Thank you!

Having heard Lee's more recent stuff, like X, Dio, Anni23, HEX... Honestly I can't recommend any IEM designer more than I can recommend him if you're looking for quality treble

Most of his stuff has a fair bit of treble, but somehow none of them ever sound sibilant, harsh or unpleasant in any way. I don't love IEMs that are super bright like Viking Ragnar or whatever, but quality treble is probably my No1 requirement for long term happiness with an IEM. They're the perfect blend of extension, silk-like smoothness, bright but never offensive and this ethereal sound of estats

 

[tfenton02]

Dio has the best treble I've ever tried. Blows everything out of the water for me for treble transparency and detail.

On the cheaper end, my vote goes to the HS2000MX Mk3. As transparent as the Dio but just slightly less detailed.

On the even cheaper end, I personally love the Thieaudio Valhalla's treble presentation. It's accurate and has enough zing but doesn't bother due to pushed back upper treble.

If one likes warmer tamer treble that absolutely never gets offensive even at high volumes and yet gives one almost all the details, my vote goes to the VE10.

Quite impressive endorsement. I think the challenge will be now finding a Dio unit around! Distributors for HS2000MX Mk3 seemed limited. Does the Apostle get close to the DIO? I'd like to stay in that price bracket for detail retrieval. Thank you for the suggestions.

 

[Rolu]

Quite impressive endorsement. I think the challenge will be now finding a Dio unit around! Distributors for HS2000MX Mk3 seemed limited. Does the Apostle get close to the DIO? I'd like to stay in that price bracket for detail retrieval. Thank you for the suggestions.

For treble quality, I rank Dio>>X>Anni23>Apostle, so I don't think they're close, unfortunately. At anything south of $2500, I haven't come across anything that particularly stands out for treble detail retireval.

 

[KuroKitsu]

Why is Forte Ears Mefisto have 'vaporware' attached to it? It's a real product you can buy. I heard the prototypes as well, it's not a fake 'vaporware' product.

Only if you're a reviewer or just want the stock edition from MT (They seem to be the only one that has gotten stock)

So for those of us that ordered elsewhere it's been MIA with no updates, it might as well be.

It's my fault for pre-ordering knowing full well there's not much accountability with these sort of things and the reason why I'm not lighting up the Forte thread.

 

[zkmd]

looking to go against the grain of my preferences and explore IEMS with exceptional treble (still requiring full sounding mid range and lifted bass). Too much energy in upper mids and treble punishes my ears so I typically avoid … so the treble will need to bevtastefully executed. I did have Annihilator for awhile and really loved the set and found treble tuned just right without zapping my ears. I eventually sold but regret it. Ya’ll have any ideas for used TOTL IEMS or newer budget friendly one? Thank you!

If you're very vigilant on headfi classified and r/avexchange, you should be able to find a used Anni 23 again for ~66% retail. This would be especially true if a Annihilator 25 gets announced/revealed.

 

[Erkil]

Dunu SA6EST Impression



The SA6EST are provided by Dunu for a European tour. Thank you for the opportunity, and also a Thanks to Head-Fi where the tour was originally arranged. The tour is organized through the Audio Geek Europe tour group.

Spoiler: About me

A little bit about myself: I am certainly no reviewer! I am merely a 53-year-old music and gear lover, whith IEM’s as the preferred transducer. I prefer more neutral leaning sets, or QDC-like tuning, with some, (or a lot of), bass boost, but have a wide tolerance for different sound profiles! I also have a fondness for all BA or BA+EST IEM’s, but overall sound and fit is the important part, not the tech’s. Having heard a lot of great gear the last few years I have realized that I like most IEM’s... Both affordable and ridiculously expensive, both mainstream and niche tunings! There have to be some really big negatives for me not to find redeeming qualities in almost any monitor! I say this so that you understand I can adapt to most gear, and my impressions should not be your only reference.

The following is my short subjective take on this IEM!


Dunu SA6…. A staple in IEM history. It was as also my first more costly brand new IEM purchase back in 2023? Enjoyed that IEM immensely. It fell victim to a culling some months back… I regret that now as I would have liked to have it here now for comparison!

SA6EST have had a bumpy ride both in this tour and in general in reviews I have read and seen. I admit to going into this endeavor with a slight negative bias. For me this was totally unnecessary!! I quite enjoyed this. I am last on tour, so I have had ample time to use the set, and I am still using it as I write this.


Being 6BA 2EST, SA6EST really is right up my alley. A great build with a great set of accessories that I think it is a really good package. Lots of tips to choose from! One complaint for using on the go though; The cable is slightly stiff, and give a muted or muffled resonance sound through the earpieces when bumping on my clothes. Really the only negative for me. The fit is just smack on for me. Perfect really!

The sound is what I will call relaxed, and never ever fatiguing. It had good typical BA bass, different from DD, with less impact and rumble. Definitely not a basshead set, but I like it. Mids is excellent to me, with relaxed upper mids. I think it is here it maybe is a bit to relaxed for many. Highs is smooth, and not elevated in any way. It is not dark sounding to me at all though. It has a wide stage for me, with maybe less than average height and depth. I think this is a function of the tuning more than anything else. No negative feelings for me though.

SA6EST have been a great set for me, but as I mentioned it have had some mixed reviews. I really hope you have a chance to hear SA6EST! It is a set I think one have to hear for oneself, to know what it is about!

 

[MicDavism141]

At anything south of $2500, I haven't come across anything that particularly stands out for treble detail retireval.

Actually, I'd recommend Campfire Solaris Stellar Horizon for that price range. I think Astrolith got some great impressions too (haven't heard it by myself)

I don't like Omnium, but the treble response is quite good for the price if I remember correctly.

On the cheaper end, my vote goes to the HS2000MX Mk3. As transparent as the Dio but just slightly less detailed.

HS2000MX MK3 is a truly underrated and hidden gem. Heard it on Zeppelin earlier this year and was surprised with the overall technical prowess. However, the fit always be the biggest dealbreaker for Acoustune IEMs.

 

[drftr]

looking to go against the grain of my preferences and explore IEMS with exceptional treble (still requiring full sounding mid range and lifted bass).

Rhapsodio Supreme V3, to my memory has a very unique sound.

With good seal, amazing bass, grand soundstage, and unique treble.

Still one of the best and unique experiences you can get from an iem in my opinion.

Firmly seconding Supreme v3. Too bright for me but excellent nevertheless.

drftr

 

[fabio19]

Having heard Lee's more recent stuff, like X, Dio, Anni23, HEX... Honestly I can't recommend any IEM designer more than I can recommend him if you're looking for quality treble

Most of his stuff has a fair bit of treble, but somehow none of them ever sound sibilant, harsh or unpleasant in any way. I don't love IEMs that are super bright like Viking Ragnar or whatever, but quality treble is probably my No1 requirement for long term happiness with an IEM. They're the perfect blend of extension, silk-like smoothness, bright but never offensive and this ethereal sound of estats

See how we differ in ratings..... I, on the other hand, love Ragnar and am looking for something similar....

 

[mvvRAZ]

See how we differ in ratings..... I, on the other hand, love Ragnar and am looking for something similar....

I don't think there's anything definitevely wrong with Ragnar, it's a good IEM, that's just hyper bright, it has so much treble. Unless you listen to like 2 super specific genres that play well with it, it just ends up grating your ears

 

[THE 001 Music]

Ooo could you elaborate on why you ended up prefering the GMs to the GMA. I love the GM immensely but I thought the GMAs would surely be an upgrade .

"I feel like Frankenstein's monster when I wear them LOL"

First of all, yes, that is the imagery I ideated too, regarding Frankenstein's monster. I won't be wearing them in public, methinks!

Regarding my preference for the GM over the GMA, I don't recall the details other than the fact that the GMA is significantly heavier, because I auditioned many sets at the time, both at the FatFrequency factory, The Hangout, and at CanJam. I also vaguely recall that they fit me better, apart from the weight issue. I would definitely recommend auditioning and comparing both models, to anyone interested in acquiring a pair of these massive earphones.

 

[el-jorge]

I think most of us would agree that synergy when found is one of the better things we encounter in this hobby. You sort of know exactly when it occurs and, at least for me, is like a lighting bolt of joy! Having found few perfect matches between elements of a chain, when i do find them, it's fun and gratifying, if usually annoyingly expensive . With great IEMs, tips and cables are the chain-makers imho, assuming at least one or two good sources are available. I thankfully have several great sources, so I can usually get very close to perfect source matching.

Mind you, "perfect" or "perfection" is in the ear of the beholder, and this is supremely personal for each of us. Also, even tho I use the word, I don't think anything is ever perfect (and thus part of my sickness). It's great when you know or follow people who hear similarly to how you think you hear. And the genres of music you listen to matter a lot. But, findings of personal synergy are pretty much just that, personal, and the chances of it working beyond your own ears are speculative.

But finding perfection is pretty glorious, especially when it occurs with things you've had and maybe gave up on or just got tired of trying. Especially because, within short order, something else shiny is likely to appear and steal my attention. Such as it is. My Fir Xe6 fell into this oblivion and has been rarely used over the past year. But I never forgot about it. It's like an old girlfriend who was so close to perfect but no matter what I tried, I couldn't make it click just right.

Well, this is a long preamble to basically say I feel like I'm falling back in love all over again with my old girlfriend, the Xe6. What happened!? Did she get hotter, smarter, richer!? All of it, actually! That personal synergy, after 2 years of trying, has finally happened and what's old is new and shiny again!

I would say that Xe6 was already so beautiful, she just needed a different tailor or dressmaker. With Eletech OTL, I sorta thought we'd reached our zenith. But still, I rarely called her back ! Enter a new dress, called Odyssey, from the same dressmaker, Eletech, and voila, synergy achieved in a dramatic way!!

Using Spinfit W1 tips providing deep and secure insertion, the change to ET Odyssey has been astounding and has brought Xe6 back for me in a pretty big way. Odyssey has solved issues and upgraded the good, and I am stuck, unable to stop listening, even though I have a few very new shiny things here with me now.

Without neutering the bass, Odyssey reigned it in just enough to reduce the midbass bloat and let vocals rise to the forefront in a lovely, warm, wall of sound that retains incredible separation, detail and soundstage all wrapped by that magic that was always there with Xe6. It's almost like a new IEM to me. And though there's lots of opinion on Xe6 versus Rn6, my heart belongs to Xenon without question, even more now with Eletech's amazing Odyssey cable with its 3 different alloy mixes of copper, Silver and gold! Okay, sorry for the long synergy saga, but you can tell I'm pretty excited about it?

BTW, Pretty sure Odyssey would also sound amazing with Rn6, but I do not have one here to try.

Now I want that cable

 

[gLer]

(Cross-posting from the Forte Ears thread and following hot on the heels of @AnakChan...)

...my full review of Riccardo's magical Mefisto is now online here. Enjoy!



Sincere thanks to @Riccardoyeh, @Eric Chong and @warrenpchi
​

 

[altomo]

Just received my Dio, and it’s been a few days already.

Simply a phenomenal IEM. I think this is the peak Elysian tuning (different from Mysticraft’s). One thing for sure, I’m still blown away by how organic LSR DD pumping those bass together with fullness in the mid and glistening treble, Elysian style.

The bass is still the highlight for me because it does things differently than Fugaku, where control is number one, but in the Dio, bass is purely organic and massive in size but not intrusive where it obliterates other frequencies. I may have enjoyed this more for the Pop and EDM genre compared to Fugaku since the bass just feels more alive and it really reminds me of being in a nightclub.

I want to point out as well that this final production of Dio is way better than the clear faceplate prototype I’ve encountered during CanJam. I remembered that the proto had a slight issue in the mid and slightly rougher treble. Fortunately, both of those issues are gone. It’s smoother but keeps the note size and attack I’ve come to love in the prototype.

Oh boy, Effect Apex, I’m even more speechless with it than the Dio, probably. Effect did the impossible and really shows how they could make a cable. P.S. this cable really transforms PMG APX SE to another level too (APX + Apex ). The cable just gave me maybe the highest resolution I’ve ever heard of a cable but without coloration added. Simply testing how good your transducers are.

For the horse-but leather (maybe cow hide haha) case by Berluti, they did put effort here as well. It comes with what you expect when buying a branded leather goods like an identification card from Berluti (for repair and re-colorization) and their dust bag.

Some closing notes, I think Dio can’t live without Apex, but Apex can go to other IEMs easily. Now back to enjoying more high energy music while burning them in.

I will wait for my full impression after the honeymoon period is over, maybe in a few weeks.

Other than the Dio arrival, I’ve also made some changes to my main source, going to the Lotoo GT, and I love it even more than my previous AKs. Not sure why, but I appreciate the fuller tonal coming from Lotoo sacrificing soundstage but added ridiculous bass control. Hence, I’m also getting the GT2; hopefully, it will give the same note weight I get from the GT.