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

[wolfstar76]

Ok time to explain a bit more on recent decisions - I've had time to articulate some high level thoughts. YMMV, You Can Go Your Own Way etc...

EXT - why should it leave me?

While the DD mids are without doubt fantastic, and I've had many magic moments over the last while, it lacks my sub bass needs - mid bass is however very good. In addition, while I love the EST treble, it at times isn't sufficiently coherent for me - I hear it sat slightly outside the main body of the music, too much to the front. Some genres have got a bit too spicy in the uppers too. The mid focus limits my choice of genres a bit too much, and means a week or so often passes without me thinking of them - overall, my measure has become mostly how long something sits in its case, not exciting me enough to reach for - that's too much cash tied up at this level. Important to note also, I listen to a very diverse range of genres, some of which fall victim to the above challenges, others don't - as commented only today, female vocals are some of the best presented I've heard on EXT - Agnes Obel for example sounds incredible... if money no object, or if I wasn't curious on some others, I'd hold on to EXT for the select genres and albums I've loved.

Z1R -

I've had some fit issues - at times, the right ear pops out. At best, I need to keep relatively still. But, they excite the hell out of me - and put a smile on my face when time to indulge with quite a lot of my library. The stock hybrids in the largest size work well, I'll have to seek more out or something similar - tried a few in the collection today and Azla Short Standard in large worked very well... need more time to ascertain if I'm happy with the sound but initial impressions are good. I had considered Z1R an all-rounder in the first week or so in that it works with any genre - I've found the odd crack though where treble zings a touch too much. In terms of fit, I can't classify as an all-rounder now either - even with the best fit, it requires occasional adjustment. I couldn't ever take them on a train, flight, go walking etc.That said, where it works, it works beautifully and like my NW-WM1A, a classic and a keeper.

Thunder

To date (about two weeks), this is by far the best IEM to meet all of my needs - any genre, any listening scenario, for any duration as comfort is absolutely top notch. Calling it an all-rounder feels like a bit of a disservice - in my experience, it has fantastic technicalities, wonderfully engaging and has yet to put a foot wrong - nothing has sounded offensive, not once. It has excellent sub and mid bass, superb clear mids, and just the right amount of high end frequencies... that coupled with a wide, deep stage, plus excellent layering and imaging. From ambient to techno, indie rock to jazz, they all sound bloody wonderful.

What next?

Thunder has been an incredible introduction to Aroma Audio and the path to Jewel is now commencing, hence my decision to sell EXT to start gathering the funds. The only spanner in the works could still be X as I've heard and love it - Jewel will be a blind buy but I'm pretty confident based on existing impressions here and my love for Thunder, that it'll be the right decision.

Oh and Traillii still absolutely wonderful, and sits firmly at the top of the table for now - even with Thunder getting more use.

Anyway, Sunday ramblings conclude - "a journey of a thousand miles, begins with a single step" springs to mind - it has been quite a journey for me over the last while, and learning a lot about what best suits my preferences with every step. I love the exploration, the discussion, the 'chase' and overall hobby, and great to share with like minded folks here.

Regarding Z1R's fitting, believe it or not, I am using Z1R in my daily running (about two-hour each time) and so far so good. Of course, I am not trying to prove that it can naturally fit like a glove and its infamous design is real: very hard to fit. However, I found out that the fitting issue is mainly from its cable hook: when the hook disengage itself from the back of your ear (actually due to the design, the hook just can't loop around your hears securely), it will drag the IEM shell with it. No tips can solve this problem. I just started to wear a sweat headband and use the band to hold the cable in place. Problem solved, at least for me,

 

[gLer]

Yeah I looked for those tips but couldn't find anywhere, even my usual top destination, Amazon Japan. Where did you buy?

It'll be interesting to find out how Jewel stacks up versus Traillii and the only way to find out is to buy... it would be fantastic if there was a tour option or something but I'd say unlikely. If I end up preferring Jewel, so be it and I'll have to then consider what happens next... again, all in the hunt and helps keep me sane in a relatively hectic life!

Medium size are back in stock at Amazon JP. Might be the right size for you if you're using L size tips currently.

https://www.amazon.co.jp/-/en/EP-EX11M-BQ1-EP-EX11-Earpiece/dp/B0086PXQT8

 

[GiullianSN]

I've had some fit issues - at times, the right ear pops out.

That's why I love Customs...I have this problem with almost every UIEM. (Exceptions to date: In-Ear and VE)

 

[gLer]

Thanks for taking the time to share you thoughts. It's funny how differently we all hear things. You could almost swap the sentiments point for point between the IER Z1R and EXT for me. At its best the IER Z1R is as good as anything I've ever heard (hence my current ranking) however on multiple occasions I've struggled with the weak lower mids and lack of mid-bass punch whereas the EXT is as good an all rounder as I've ever heard (bearing in mind I don't listen to a lot of classical). Personally I think it comes down to different things we all fixate on-- sub-bass, for example, is not nearly the priority for me that it is for others and I've come to believe that most if not all music has its heart and soul in the midrange meaning, as far as my perceptions go, a mid focused IEM will be the best candidate at an all rounder for me. YMMV and all that.

Preference is everything in the hobby. I actually think most of us hear these IEMs more similarly than differently - after all, it seems we're describing these IEMs' qualities fairly consistently. It's our preferences that differ (and the music we listen to). For me, when that bass strum (or drum) hits, I want to feel those deep, low vibrations and decay as the foundation of the music. Without that foundation, the music collapses in on itself. If the drum hits and it feels like a slap or pat, no amount of midrange quality is going to save the music for me. That's why sub-bass is so important, maintaining that rumble, and is the foundation of the music that features any sort of bass undertone (which is most of the music I listen to). Midrange is important, but for me, most TOTLs nail the midrange, just with different emphasis relative to bass and treble. If the midrange is lacking or veiled or grainy, fair enough, but if the midrange is pushed too far forward, or emphasised at the expense of the bass tones, that's where I'm not 'feeling' the music. Like you say, YMMV, so it's really all about where your ears go to and what pushes your buttons sonically.

Regarding Z1R's fitting, believe it or not, I am using Z1R in my daily running (about two-hour each time) and so far so good. Of course, I am not trying to prove that it can naturally fit like a glove and its infamous design is real: very hard to fit. However, I found out that the fitting issue is mainly from its cable hook: when the hook disengage itself from the back of your ear (actually due to the design, the hook just can't loop around your hears securely), it will drag the IEM shell with it. No tips can solve this problem. I just started to wear a sweat headband and use the band to hold the cable in place. Problem solved, at least for me,

Good point about the cable. I love the stock cable but it does have a tendency to come off your ears, which unbalances the earpieces. I usually twist the MMCX connectors so the hooks lock tight against my face/ears, or lift up the chin slider, which also keeps the cable in place.

 

[Rockwell75]

Weird theory postulation around what might be described as two distinct modes of presentation. This is based on my own experience and some conversations some time ago with @SBranson. Taking something like EXT (and possibly Xe6) on one side and, say, IER Z1R, Traillii and Jewel on the other and the most striking categorical difference between the two groups of IEMs is that one group (Bird, Jewel, Z1R) all present different shades of what might be called a traditional 2-channel system like presentation where the music is being presented to you. EXT and Xe6, albeit very differently, go for what I might call a more purely immersive approach. One of the things I like about DD timbre and presentation is that it makes it easier for me to feel the music, not just viscerally but emotionally also. When EXT is at the top of its game for me because, just as the marketing literature says, it's taking me right to the heart and soul of what I'm listening to in a really tangible, deep and enveloping sort of way-- it's not being presented to me, I'm feeling a real sense of oneness with it, if you'll forgive the woo. Just some Sunday afternoon musings. I'm not implying everyone will or should perceive things this way...but this is something I've been coming to grips with around my own experiences with IEMS. YMMV etc etc.

 

[Xinlisupreme]

My new toys have arrived!!

Congrats @claud W , I’m curious to read about SOLO! Should be a funny bass cannon

 

[Scubadevils]

Medium size are back in stock at Amazon JP. Might be the right size for you if you're using L size tips currently.

https://www.amazon.co.jp/-/en/EP-EX11M-BQ1-EP-EX11-Earpiece/dp/B0086PXQT8

Strange, not showing available for me - I think that happens at times though, where marketplace sellers are only selling to specific regions.

 

[14christ]

Ok time to explain a bit more on recent decisions - I've had time to articulate some high level thoughts. YMMV, You Can Go Your Own Way etc...

EXT - why should it leave me?

While the DD mids are without doubt fantastic, and I've had many magic moments over the last while, it lacks my sub bass needs - mid bass is however very good. In addition, while I love the EST treble, it at times isn't sufficiently coherent for me - I hear it sat slightly outside the main body of the music, too much to the front. Some genres have got a bit too spicy in the uppers too. The mid focus limits my choice of genres a bit too much, and means a week or so often passes without me thinking of them - overall, my measure has become mostly how long something sits in its case, not exciting me enough to reach for - that's too much cash tied up at this level. Important to note also, I listen to a very diverse range of genres, some of which fall victim to the above challenges, others don't - as commented only today, female vocals are some of the best presented I've heard on EXT - Agnes Obel for example sounds incredible... if money no object, or if I wasn't curious on some others, I'd hold on to EXT for the select genres and albums I've loved.

Z1R -

I've had some fit issues - at times, the right ear pops out. At best, I need to keep relatively still. But, they excite the hell out of me - and put a smile on my face when time to indulge with quite a lot of my library. The stock hybrids in the largest size work well, I'll have to seek more out or something similar - tried a few in the collection today and Azla Short Standard in large worked very well... need more time to ascertain if I'm happy with the sound but initial impressions are good. I had considered Z1R an all-rounder in the first week or so in that it works with any genre - I've found the odd crack though where treble zings a touch too much. In terms of fit, I can't classify as an all-rounder now either - even with the best fit, it requires occasional adjustment. I couldn't ever take them on a train, flight, go walking etc.That said, where it works, it works beautifully and like my NW-WM1A, a classic and a keeper.

Thunder

To date (about two weeks), this is by far the best IEM to meet all of my needs - any genre, any listening scenario, for any duration as comfort is absolutely top notch. Calling it an all-rounder feels like a bit of a disservice - in my experience, it has fantastic technicalities, wonderfully engaging and has yet to put a foot wrong - nothing has sounded offensive, not once. It has excellent sub and mid bass, superb clear mids, and just the right amount of high end frequencies... that coupled with a wide, deep stage, plus excellent layering and imaging. From ambient to techno, indie rock to jazz, they all sound bloody wonderful.

What next?

Thunder has been an incredible introduction to Aroma Audio and the path to Jewel is now commencing, hence my decision to sell EXT to start gathering the funds. The only spanner in the works could still be X as I've heard and love it - Jewel will be a blind buy but I'm pretty confident based on existing impressions here and my love for Thunder, that it'll be the right decision.

Oh and Traillii still absolutely wonderful, and sits firmly at the top of the table for now - even with Thunder getting more use.

Anyway, Sunday ramblings conclude - "a journey of a thousand miles, begins with a single step" springs to mind - it has been quite a journey for me over the last while, and learning a lot about what best suits my preferences with every step. I love the exploration, the discussion, the 'chase' and overall hobby, and great to share with like minded folks here.

So in your opinion Traillii has more so your type of bass than EXT? Or do you keep Traillii for reasons other than bass?

 

[Scubadevils]

So in your opinion Traillii has more so your type of bass than EXT? Or do you keep Traillii for reasons other than bass?

Very different reasons, much more than bass - however on the subject of bass - EXT has better mid bass definition/slam versus Traillii, but Traillii digs deeper in sub and for the genres I listen to with Traillii, it works better. I personally consider Traillii on a very different level to EXT overall for my listening preferences.

 

[Frankie D]

Z1R -

I've had some fit issues - at times, the right ear pops out. At best, I need to keep relatively still.

Have you tried the ADV Eartune Fidelity U ear tips for your Z1R? Their elliptical design may make the Z1R both more comfortable and provide a better fit where they no longer fall out. They worked for me on IEMs with large bores.

 

[Xinlisupreme]

Very different reasons, much more than bass - however on the subject of bass - EXT has better mid bass definition/slam versus Traillii, but Traillii digs deeper in sub and for the genres I listen to with Traillii, it works better. I personally consider Traillii on a very different level to EXT overall for my listening preferences.

IMHO Trailli plays in another league mostly on mids and technical abilities.

 

[Scubadevils]

Have you tried the ADV Eartune Fidelity U ear tips for your Z1R? Their elliptical design may make the Z1R both more comfortable and provide a better fit where they no longer fall out. They worked for me on IEMs with large bores.

No, I hadn't heard of that one before - thank you, I will investigate - challenge here in Ireland tends to be sourcing but where there is a will, there is a way!

 

[riverground]

Konjiki's my favourite place in the GTA. I legit eat their Red Tonkotsu like once a week.

I should try out the Red Tonkotsu next time I’m there!

My go to place used to be Shoryuken Ramen but sadly they closed up shop. I love their thing straight noodles so much! And for broth, I still think Isshin’s Red Miso is the best. I used to joke around before that I’ll order just the noodles over at Shoryuken and just the broth at Isshin and do a fusion

Whenever I head out that way to meet some of my East Coast audio friends you guys need to take me out for Ramen.

We’ll definitely do it man! East Coast Canuck Audio Meet & Ramen

I like Konjiki. That place is legit. Very clean and flavourful tasting broth. I also like Sansotei.

I love Sansotei’s Miso Black Ramen!!! It has such a nice aroma!

 

[Frankie D]

No, I hadn't heard of that one before - thank you, I will investigate - challenge here in Ireland tends to be sourcing but where there is a will, there is a way!

I got mine directly from their website. They should ship to Ireland.

 

[Frankie D]

No, I hadn't heard of that one before - thank you, I will investigate - challenge here in Ireland tends to be sourcing but where there is a will, there is a way!

The website is: adv-sound.com