[Ace Bee]

I know that I told First Heart was going to be my final iem ever.

Turns out, I was wrong.

And I have only D's Audio to blame. And @gadgetgod

Because once he listened to my First Heart, gadgetgod got wild enough to decide to order one of D's Audio's flagship single DD iem, Fire Phoenix (9680 HKD). Now, I had been playing with a specific idea of iem, and was in discussion with D as well - he confirmed that my idea is very much plausible based on one of his already established model, and he can alter and tune it to my preference to make the model for me. So then when gadgetgod fanned the already smoldering embers, the fire was lit! And the order was placed!

Presenting Lycane
1 DD (10mm A.D.L.C) for Low and Mid
4 BA (TWFK 31736) for High, with additional shielding for better sound
Approx price (since not an established model) - 9680 HKD

P.s: The name of the model and the logo was chosen by yours truly. The purple colour seems to be quite befitting of the name.

 

[gryphonos]

If you haven't tried then the ifi power supplies are very nice, I have the 5v (only one that comes with the appropriate adapter) sitting around for times I want to listen and charge at the same time without charging the battery too fast. I had a few issues with my h7 charging and listening at the same time, albeit rare (noise wise) and that little gem solved it. To be fair it's 300 bucks and by no means cheap but it's an all rounder so at least there's that.

Edit to add that those with a 320max it sadly does not charge the max, or at least the indicator doesn't come on showing it is. Haven't tried while charging the dac battery at the same time for the display on.

Thanks for your suggestion of the ifI 5V power supply. Sounds like a clever solution.
Was already searching for my ifI power but had already sold it together with the microRendu. Will likely acquire it again.
Thanks!

 

[Scubadevils]

Enjoying a session with MEST MKIII and this beautiful blend of intricate electronica and modern classical.

I usually shoot from the hip with a new IEM, but allowing my thoughts to unfold a bit more slowly this time - I will however say that I’m finding them to lean more towards musical engagement and less technical, more emotive versus Camelot.

 

[salwani8888]

Speaking more about cables....just got these silver plated copper 'JE-F1 Pro Pure Limited' from Essence Audio in Japan. Took a little while but very nice service from this small company (no website, just twitter). Not too expensive, but good sound balance - tightened bass, and brings mids and highs a little more forward. Control and imaging seems more precise with Madoo 512.

 

[lycos]

I tried it with different power supplies as well as with the PC/Mac/Surface: same problem.

These are all connected to your home power supply.

Try using usb powerbank to charge sp3k and check if the humming persists.

 

[gadgetgod]

I know that I told First Heart was going to be my final iem ever.

Turns out, I was wrong.

And I have only D's Audio to blame. And @gadgetgod

Because once he listened to my First Heart, gadgetgod got wild enough to decide to order one of D's Audio's flagship single DD iem, Fire Phoenix (9680 HKD). Now, I had been playing with a specific idea of iem, and was in discussion with D as well - he confirmed that my idea is very much plausible based on one of his already established model, and he can alter and tune it to my preference to make the model for me. So then when gadgetgod fanned the already smoldering embers, the fire was lit! And the order was placed!

Presenting Lycane
1 DD (10mm A.D.L.C) for Low and Mid
4 BA (TWFK 31736) for High, with additional shielding for better sound
Approx price (since not an established model) - 9680 HKD







P.s: The name of the model and the logo was chosen by yours truly. The purple colour seems to be quite befitting of the name.

you will one day make me go bankrupt man. After hearing the First Heart, I just couldn't stop myself to get one for myself. While I was planning to get the First heart myself, I thought why not go something above that's when I saw the Fire Phoenix and its crazy design instantly got me when I checked on his Instagram.

You got me down for close to 1000$ with this purchase :/ But I am super excited to get my hands on the Phoenix!! I just wish she sounds as good as she looks <3 Can't wait for it to get delivered!!

 

[Visveswaran Umashankar]

Has anyone tried Radon6 with the Ragnar stock cable? Far far better combo than what is with the already incredible stock cable. Opens up the sound, stage, and significant improvement in technicalities, while tightening the bass a bit, but still keeping it potent and powerful.

Ohh, whatte revelation seriously
Ragnar is like the drumstick tree, every part of it is valuable someway or the other

And the vocals, are to die for as far as my tastes go, emotional to the hilt, yet super detailed. Highs are sweet as honey, agile as a fox and super extended.

Also, pardon me for the grainy pics. Got super excited and took the best night mode pic that I could.

Cheers,
Vishy

 

[maegnificant]

https://www.linsoul.com/products/thieaudio-prestige-ltd

That could be interesting...

 

[phiemon]

Enjoying a session with MEST MKIII and this beautiful blend of intricate electronica and modern classical.

I usually shoot from the hip with a new IEM, but allowing my thoughts to unfold a bit more slowly this time - I will however say that I’m finding them to lean more towards musical engagement and less technical, more emotive versus Camelot.

As always, great recommendation! But it was already in my collection .

Maybe I'll give something back, discovered today: https://tidal.com/browse/album/218223176

 

[Auricon]

Its been a Meze celebratory kinda month. While Empy's are fun, Elites – aka my RN6 version of headphones – are more to my listening style of late. 109 Pro arrived today and both are keeping me distracted until the next big IEM thang.

BTW, these 109 Pro are gorgeous thangs.

Happy listening mes amis!

 

[phiemon]

Family photo: UM Mason FS and Mentor, both with First Times.

Honestly? I just have no idea why Mason FS isn't even mentioned anymore. I am completely speechless at how blatantly good it is. Those who claim Mentor has the greatest soundstage, imaging and layering have obviously never heard Mason FS. Mason FS completely outshines Mentor in that regard. Those who know me know how much I love Mentor. But guys, Mason FS is really something special and for me it's clear who should be flagship here. It's the first time in my life I've recognized instruments so clearly behind the head, and that's with Mason FS. Oh the pairing with Chiron 8w? I just don't have the words to describe such an overwhelming musical experience. I really don't want to exaggerate, but Mason FS can easily hold a candle to Ronin, Viking Ragnar, Xe6, Trifecta and the whole new bunch, and yes, to the Bird too. It is a mystery to me why it has been so forgotten.

European: This is your opportunity, grab this great offer IMMEDIATELY https://www.head-fi.org/classifieds/um-mason-fabled-sound-eu-only.49075/. Tip: the stock cable alone costs 1999 USD and it's really great! A great pairing even with the Bird... actually a better pairing, sorry for the blasfemie.

EDIT: I apologize, I forgot to mention how the technicalities are (noticeably?) better than The Bird's. And that punchier bass is such a pleasure to hear!

 

[toaster]

I demoed FS and did not get along with it at all.

The biggest difference between FS and Mentor to me is probably the overall sense of cohesion of the mentor in comparison.

I also didn't notice the BCD (almost at all) until i heard mentor.

 

[phiemon]

I demoed FS and did not get along with it at all.

The biggest difference between FS and Mentor to me is probably the overall sense of cohesion of the mentor in comparison.

I also didn't notice the BCD (almost at all) until i heard mentor.

If by "cohesion" you mean that Mentor is more intimate because the soundstage isn't as big (I mean: wide, deep and high), there isn't as much air between the instruments, and the layering isn't as defined as a result, then yes, Mentor has overall a more sense of cohesion. But then Trifecta, which is also so highly praised for the soundstage, has even more cohesion than Mentor.

Please don't get me wrong, this is not meant to be a criticism, just a fact that I was able to verify for myself earlier.

On the other hand, I don't want to give the impression that I like Mason FS more either. Mentor remains my number 1 and I like The Bird just as much!

 

[Scubadevils]

As always, great recommendation! But it was already in my collection .

Maybe I'll give something back, discovered today: https://tidal.com/browse/album/218223176

I don’t know that one, adding to Tidal - cheers

 

[Frankie D]

EDIT: I apologize, I forgot to mention how the technicalities are (noticeably?) better than The Bird's. And that punchier bass is such a pleasure to hear!

A number of us made this comparison of the Mason FS to the Bird ( and everything else ) when the FS came out. Many did prefer the Mason FS/Red Halo/Le Jardin ( all are essentially the same, though some cable differences ). I preferred the Bird overall in terms of timbre and even technicalities when all was said and done. However @HiFiHawaii808 feels the FS/Red Halo is a vocal specialist and I completely agree with him. Vocals in general and especially a compromised recording will sound terrific on them.

I also feel they can be your only IEM as they are that good. Enjoy.