[tjzurlaaa]

Also can a very high-end dap like Sony potentially be better than a standalone desktop dac like bifrost 2 with a laptop .. like which one would make the separate amplifiers sound better the dap or the dedicated dac?

 

[HiFiHawaii808]

I have always rejected the idea of a "one to rule them all" or "all things to all people" sort of IEM-- there are simply too many tastes, preferences, types of music etc. out there. I would argue there is a table around which a number of different IEMs sit, each of which represent a somewhat distinct presentation or sonic ideal. I think our polls, especially when looked at over time, do a good job of representing the TOTL market this way. I look forward to the next one where newer IEMs like Fei Wan, Amber Pearl (and others), having been around for a bit at that point, get to stake their place in the mix.

I don't even have one to rule my own collection. My best changes regularly. Today, I am loving Noble Viking over the rest. It is ruling the roost today.

 

[Scubadevils]

Yes indeed - variety is the spice of life, I love reaching for an IEM I’ve not listened to in a while, and often then bringing a smile to my face… in this case the mighty Final E5000 - the only set I’ve sold and ultimately purchased again, it really does scale with power, and an immensely enjoyable listen…

 

[DaveStarWalker]

Interesting.

My personal quest is (was) very different :

I am not very concerned by the hardware (like it, but it is not an end for me, just a medium), but just for one thing : let the music freely play, all the musics

So I have selected only two main portable systems, over the years :

- the first one is my personal endgame, musically wise. Accuracy of tones and timbres, perfect coherency, incredible finesse, charm, delicacy, vibrancy, dynamics... Everything. Magic.
- the second one is all about sensations. BIG sensations. Big scale, full range. Not so magic, but so intense and really POWERFUL. Pure drive and prat. Hit hard but accurately.
- Only one cable for my two champs, but THE cable. Possible with the cleaver con-X system, by Effect Audio.

No negotiation : it has to be balanced and very good with all types of musics, because I am listening to all kind of musics... No systematism or caricatural colorations... No acceptance in my world.

Success

 

[Shawnb]

I have always rejected the idea of a "one to rule them all" or "all things to all people" sort of IEM-- there are simply too many tastes, preferences, types of music etc. out there. I would argue there is a table around which a number of different IEMs sit, each of which represent a somewhat distinct presentation or sonic ideal. I think our polls, especially when looked at over time, do a good job of representing the TOTL market this way. I look forward to the next one where newer IEMs like Fei Wan, Amber Pearl (and others), having been around for a bit at that point, get to stake their place in the mix.

I can barely afford one TOTL at a time, let alone multiple so I tend to look for a "one to rule them all" as that's all I'll get for years at a time. Not to mention I don't have a single location where I can test drive anything and relying on others is a crapshoot, so it makes it easier if there is a clear king.

 

[tjzurlaaa]

I can barely afford one TOTL at a time, let alone multiple so I tend to look for a "one to rule them all" as that's all I'll get for years at a time. Not to mention I don't have a single location where I can test drive anything and relying on others is a crapshoot, so it makes it easier if there is a clear king.

Hmmmm so basically I highly resolving balanced all rounder not necessarily specialist in an any particular department … hmmm what to choose

 

[Shawnb]

Hmmmm so basically I highly resolving balanced all rounder not necessarily specialist in an any particular department … hmmm what to choose

Remember it's not just the IEM, gotta match the DAP and Cable as well. Makes finding the "right" one so much harder, if even possible.

 

[DaveStarWalker]

Remember it's not just the IEM, gotta match the DAP and Cable as well. Makes finding the "right" one so much harder, if even possible.

Yes.

But I can testify : it's possible.

But it takes a lot of time to find the right couple(s)...

More than money, time is the key. And personal trials.

No other way to succeed.

And we need to know precisely what's we are searching for. Not the easy part...

 

[Shawnb]

Yes.

But I can testify : it's possible.

But it takes a lot of time to find the right couple(s)...

More than money, time is the key. And personal trials.

No other way to succeed.

And we need to know precisely what's we are searching for. Not the easy part...

This is why I'm very thankful for the classifieds. Easier to recoup any sunk costs if you don't like something

 

[phiemon]

Remember it's not just the IEM, gotta match the DAP and Cable as well. Makes finding the "right" one so much harder, if even possible.

Yes.

But I can testify : it's possible.

But it takes a lot of time to find the right couple(s)...

More than money, time is the key. And personal trials.

No other way to succeed.

And we need to know precisely what's we are searching. Not the easy part...

If it were that easy, unfortunately it has only relatively to do with the "time" factor. Because personal preferences change (at least for me) on a daily basis - not to say "hourly". For this reason, I opted at least for an "allarounder" DAP (SP3000 CU) and only for stock cable. Otherwise I would go crazy.

 

[DaveStarWalker]

If it were that easy, unfortunately it has only relatively to do with the "time" factor. Because personal preferences change (at least for me) on a daily basis - not to say "hourly".

I have never said it is easy.

Myself : about 10 years to find what's finally in my signature.

Problem solved, my quest is over.

Personal preferences : musical and technical accuracy, balanced way, minimum colorations, but sensations and, if possible, magic.

 

[phiemon]

I have never said it is easy.

Myself : about 10 years to find what it's in my signature.

But : problem solved, my quest is over.

You lucky one! What are you still doing here at HeadFi? Quit the forum before it's too late

 

[stacey]

I can barely afford one TOTL at a time, let alone multiple so I tend to look for a "one to rule them all" as that's all I'll get for years at a time. Not to mention I don't have a single location where I can test drive anything and relying on others is a crapshoot, so it makes it easier if there is a clear king.

I try to keep it to 2-3 IEMs. As for cables usually stick with stock, but I’m not opposed to upgrading if there’s the option from the OEM. Why mess with the original vision of the artist? Odyssey is the only IEM that made me want to not use the stock cable (And it’s defective anyway)

 

[DaveStarWalker]

You lucky one! What are you still doing here at HeadFi? Quit the forum before it's too late

Nothing about luck (well... The Ares S Founders Edition is the exception )...

I have owned, auditioned, tested so many things ... Every prices, technologies. I don't know how many exactly...

And there are plenty of other things than audio hardware here, to consider :

https://www.head-fi.org/threads/what-are-you-listening-to-right-now.253245/page-8642#post-17810478

https://www.head-fi.org/threads/post-your-photography-here-2.256063/page-1036#post-17810206

Etc

 

[KrólArtur]

Gdyby to było takie łatwe, niestety ma to związek tylko z czynnikiem „czasu”. Ponieważ osobiste preferencje zmieniają się ( przynajmniej dla mnie ) na co dzień - nie mówiąc „co godzinę”". Z tego powodu zdecydowałem się przynajmniej na „allarounder” DAP ( SP3000 CU ) i tylko na kabel zapasowy. W przeciwnym razie oszalałbym.

Allarounder is great but what iems did you choose?