[pkcpga]

DX320Max. Playing FLAC files. Various Metal and DnB genres - guess I’m not one for spicy tuning? I don’t have the right words - to me, most tracks simply felt overbearing and unpleasant. The Rn6s are en route back to the store. Hope to get the Volurs soon.

Best part of Audio, everyone likes something a little different and hears something a little differently. Hopefully you like the Volurs. Try the m12 and m15 module.

 

[Steranko]

I have an unpopular opinion of the bird, feel it’s too laid back and it’s only area that shines is its lovely mids, I was never reaching for it. While the Anni is something I enjoy, more dynamic and draws me in to listen to it for more types of music. As you said it’s very subjective.

You need to listen to the Bird Ti version

 

[Ace Bee]

If I'm not mistaken, the CMA18P is the only one of these three with a dedicated balanced line-in, which means it can be used as an external amp. That's really the only reason I'm even interested in it, with the other functionality being a bonus.

Gryphon also has balanced line in and can be used as an external amp.

 

[Ace Bee]

What filter were your impressions of the MUB1 based on? I've been alternating between LLFast and Nos and I'd agree with your impressions if it was the Nos filter, but not sure if it is true for the LLFast one.

I believe it was the NOS one. I had very short time with them so wasn't able to try the various filters of MUB1.

 

[NYanakiev]

Always dangerous, this is also around the time I like to add to my collection. The multiverse is on my list to try, I’ve heard the amber pearl is a bit warmer in tone so not sure about that for its price point. But would like to try both soon.

Only day 2 with AP, so take what I say with a pinch (or handful) of salt, but the Pearl sound is right up my alley.

It retains the all-rounder traits inherited from the Mentor but sounds bigger, bolder and punchier. It is more power hungry, however, and my DC-Elite isn't up to the task.

N30LE with AP is a match made in heaven, however. I find that high gain is a must compared to how I have been using its smaller brother.

 

[Crazeee]

What is the #2 midrange IEM in everyone's opinion?

The new Mason FS ST has the best Midrange I have ever heard. The lush vocal and holographic soundstage with the BCD effect is just so unique even compare with other summit fi IEMs

 

[mashuto]

New IEM day!



Custom nightjar singularity! Ok obviously not a new IEM, but custom tips/sleeves for the singularity from advanced sound.

These were made from an impression I sent them back in 2020 for the Sony ier z1r. Still seem to fit well enough so I didn't bother with a new impression. Unfortunately the z1r was so big and heavy that even the custom sleeves couldn't make them comfortable for me. It's much better with the singularity.

Not 100% sold on the sound changes yet. I was trying out my custom art custom tips and really liked what those did to the sound, but they didn't help with the fit or comfort. These obviously sit much farther outside my ear and the sound has to essentially go through a longer tube. Kind of tilts things quite warmer and smooths treble almost a bit too much.

But most importantly, I seem to be able to wear them much longer without discomfort, so that's a win.

 

[bossfan48009]

Very curious to try Mentor after reading so much praise. Only thing that holds me back is existance of Amber Pearl that is described as straight upgrade to Mentor by some. Sold Traillii this week, in anticipation Ti hitting second hand market sometime later this year, so got some disposable funds to try new stuff for better or worse.

I have mentioned this previously regarding AP vs Mentor a few weeks back. I walked away from the replies that UM will be on an update cycle for Mentor sooner than later. One member had the best advice: sit out AP and just enjoy MM and wait for a new MM to be released. I really want to hear the AP badly, however, the MM suits my taste in music and I don't have another in my collection that has the imaging, holographic magic of this beauty. It literally sat in my case for a year. I just didn't care for it out of the box and probably was infatuated with Trifecta and Red Halo. Then the N30LE was purchased and I love Anni '23 with it. I thought that is it..I'm done. I can live with this forever. Anni and N30LE just have great synergy. But then I was reading again about MM. Why not pull it out and try it because, certainly, Cayin wouldn't produce an AP DAP if the UM stuff didn't sound good on it, right? I plug MM in and I haven't listened to anything else in a month. I am continually in awe listening to Radio Paradise streams and my classic rock tracks. It sounds 3D, the soundstage is wide, it picks up the micro details and I can throw most things at it and it shines. So, in a nutshell, the MM needs to be heard...you won't regret it.

 

[NYanakiev]

I have mentioned this previously regarding AP vs Mentor a few weeks back. I walked away from the replies that UM will be on an update cycle for Mentor sooner than later. One member had the best advice: sit out AP and just enjoy MM and wait for a new MM to be released. I really want to hear the AP badly, however, the MM suits my taste in music and I don't have another in my collection that has the imaging, holographic magic of this beauty. It literally sat in my case for a year. I just didn't care for it out of the box and probably was infatuated with Trifecta and Red Halo. Then the N30LE was purchased and I love Anni '23 with it. I thought that is it..I'm done. I can live with this forever. Anni and N30LE just have great synergy. But then I was reading again about MM. Why not pull it out and try it because, certainly, Cayin wouldn't produce an AP DAP if the UM stuff didn't sound good on it, right? I plug MM in and I haven't listened to anything else in a month. I am continually in awe listening to Radio Paradise streams and my classic rock tracks. It sounds 3D, the soundstage is wide, it picks up the micro details and I can throw most things at it and it shines. So, in a nutshell, the MM needs to be heard...you won't regret it.

Absolutely. I first listened to N30LE with Anni and thought, hell, that's good! Plugging Mentor in led to Anni going back in its box.

It really is that good to my ears.

 

[dmphile]

Wanted to share some thoughts/impressions on the VE X

Here we go!

Vision Ears VE X (VE10)

If you’ve read any of my impressions for Indigo, Phonix, Mentor etc.. these are my usual disclaimers.

Powered by the right audio gear, I love music and how it has the power to invoke fond memories and emotions of past and present life experiences with my family. I’m a fan of warm and natural/organic W and mild V shaped sound signatures with moderately elevated sub-bass, a lush, full-bodied midrange, and forward organic vocals. But I also want to experience a good sense of depth, air and space in the entire compilation.

Tested on genres such as Classical, Jazz, Pop, EDM, Hip Hop, House, Anime Music, Movie scores, Game soundtracks, and other soundtracks such as Wonder Woman, Batman Begins, Inception on stock cable with 4.4mm termination on Shanling M9+ and did some tip rolling landing on Azla Origin’s L. I will also say, VE X handles many genres extremely well and could easily be one of the best all-rounders available to-date.



I’ll start off by saying that I liked the Phonix and in general, the VE house sound. I would have liked to put EXT through the motions more but it was an IEM where the universal just never agreed with my ear shape despite all the tip rolling.

I like how VE took a slight departure off the typical acrylic and resin-based IEMs. I prefer materials that provide more durability and longevity. The VE X definitely fit my aesthetic preferences in that regard. It also looks futuristic and more industrial yet provides the function necessary to create a great experience with the venting and comfort.



Tonality and Timbre

• Organic. It is detailed, lush and has a natural warmth that envelops and hugs your senses
• Balanced but with that VE mid-range and vocal sweetness and all instruments play nicely in their own lane yet coherent and cohesive
• Tonally accurate and natural to my ears

Design, Comfort, Fit and Build Quality

• Snug and very comfortable, excellent fit for universal
• Great piece of engineering art. Futuristic and Industrial aesthetics, high quality materials SS and plastics, Azla Origin ear tips are amazing
• Several hours (3+) of listening with no issues around comfort, fatigue, or soreness

Treble

• Good treble extension and airiness for me, but treble heads will likely look elsewhere
• Sufficient bite but could likely use a little more splash from cymbals for more realism and excitement
• Smooth and silky all the way to the top and slightly rolled off
• Not a single ounce of peaky’ness, harshness or sibilance, especially on tracks with strong treble presence and strong annunciations of “S” or “TSS” sounds

Mid-Range

• This is the magic of the VE house sound. Full-bodied, forward, and immensely musical, engaging and dynamically muscular and weighty
• Instruments sound natural, dynamic, deep, dense and alluringly hypnotic
• Pianos have amazing density and note weight that fills the space enough to immerse you but not congested
• Violins sound organic and ‘cry’ with a sense of emotion and extension that I don’t easily experience in audio

Vocals

• World-class, best vocal representation I’ve heard in an IEM. The VE house sound gives that breath, air and extension that you crave when you listen to both female and male vocals but it especially shines with female vocals and high notes.
• Forward presentation – Centered, accurate, natural, good amount of breath and not shy to whisper sweet notes to bring you all the way to audio bliss

Soundstage/Imaging/Layering/Separation

• Moderate stage width but has more depth. Compared to Ronin, it is perhaps not as technical in terms imaging, layering and separation but it is by no means congested or ‘too’ intimate to my ears.
• Excellent sense of space but maintains vocal intimacy to make you feel immersed in that 1st or 2nd row
• Precise imaging and layering but I do think it could improve in the separation, especially if you want to create a wider stage.

Bass

• Wow, this is one of the best implemented DD’s I’ve heard in an IEM. Closest to this is the RN6 but I prefer the mid-range of VE X vs the RN6
• Tactile, dynamic, punchy, thick and full bodied – I love love love this bass quality, especially in the lower mids
• Tightly controlled, punchy and weighty mid-bass slam
• Could use a little more sub-bass extension but more than sufficient in providing that baseline support to give listeners that sense of immersion and thickness created by bass resonating instruments.
• Cellos, bass guitars, kick drums, trombones all come to life with fullness of sound to fill your head

YMMV, depending on several variables. Source, tips, environment, preferences etc…

In summary, I’ve not had the desire to write anything about my audio experiences as of late, especially with new IEM’s being released at an insane rate but you know you found something special when you feel the need to share your impressions and experience with the community. One of my favourite IEMS to-date was the Noble Ronin which I recently sold because I was craving an IEM that could still be as musical and engaging but with that DD slam and tactility. I’m happy to say that VE X fits that bill. I don’t have the desire for another IEM (for now) or until something comes out that can produce the same type of engagement and musicality but with a greater degree of all the aforementioned metrics that an IEM of this type can produce in terms of sound. A few caveats, those looking for the widest soundstage, extreme technicals or more bite to their treble, may look elsewhere.

Thanks again to @aaf evo for the pass on kudos to the @Vision Ears team again for this outstanding product and letting us enjoy music the way it was intended to be enjoyed!

Edits: I forgot to also mention, this is a sensitive IEM and has been known to produce a louder than tolerable hiss with high end AMPs and DAPS but I didn't experience that with the M9+ and perhaps on really quiet tracks I heard a little but not enough to bother me.

 

[tjzurlaaa]

Absolutely. I first listened to N30LE with Anni and thought, hell, that's good! Plugging Mentor in led to Anni going back in its box.
It really is that good.

Very different flavor of Iem more of a preference thing imo .. UM and Elysian have a very different house sound

 

[NYanakiev]

It is not just about tuning but also about technicals and overall cohesion.
Which still comes down to one's preference one way or the other.

I have owned more specialist IEMs like Thummim, which was incredibly fun for some music genres but a poor fit for jazz or classical music.
I still loved it to bits (not just the sound but the crazy ear-torture-machine cyberpunk looks).

 

[maegnificant]

Wanted to share some thoughts/impressions on the VE X

Here we go!

Vision Ears VE X (VE10)

If you’ve read any of my impressions for Indigo, Phonix, Mentor etc.. these are my usual disclaimers.

Powered by the right audio gear, I love music and how it has the power to invoke fond memories and emotions of past and present life experiences with my family. I’m a fan of warm and natural/organic W and mild V shaped sound signatures with moderately elevated sub-bass, a lush, full-bodied midrange, and forward organic vocals. But I also want to experience a good sense of depth, air and space in the entire compilation.

Tested on genres such as Classical, Jazz, Pop, EDM, Hip Hop, House, Anime Music, Movie scores, Game soundtracks, and other soundtracks such as Wonder Woman, Batman Begins, Inception on stock cable with 4.4mm termination on Shanling M9+ and did some tip rolling landing on Azla Origin’s L. I will also say, VE X handles many genres extremely well and could easily be one of the best all-rounders available to-date.



I’ll start off by saying that I liked the Phonix and in general, the VE house sound. I would have liked to put EXT through the motions more but it was an IEM where the universal just never agreed with my ear shape despite all the tip rolling.

I like how VE took a slight departure off the typical acrylic and resin-based IEMs. I prefer materials that provide more durability and longevity. The VE X definitely fit my aesthetic preferences in that regard. It also looks futuristic and more industrial yet provides the function necessary to create a great experience with the venting and comfort.



Tonality and Timbre

• Organic. It is detailed, lush and has a natural warmth that envelops and hugs your senses
• Balanced but with that VE mid-range and vocal sweetness and all instruments play nicely in their own lane yet coherent and cohesive
• Tonally accurate and natural to my ears

Design, Comfort, Fit and Build Quality

• Snug and very comfortable, excellent fit for universal
• Great piece of engineering art. Futuristic and Industrial aesthetics, high quality materials SS and plastics, Azla Origin ear tips are amazing
• Several hours (3+) of listening with no issues around comfort, fatigue, or soreness

Treble

• Good treble extension and airiness for me, but treble heads will likely look elsewhere
• Sufficient bite but could likely use a little more splash from cymbals for more realism and excitement
• Smooth and silky all the way to the top and slightly rolled off
• Not a single ounce of peaky’ness, harshness or sibilance, especially on tracks with strong treble presence and strong annunciations of “S” or “TSS” sounds

Mid-Range

• This is the magic of the VE house sound. Full-bodied, forward, and immensely musical, engaging and dynamically muscular and weighty
• Instruments sound natural, dynamic, deep, dense and alluringly hypnotic
• Pianos have amazing density and note weight that fills the space enough to immerse you but not congested
• Violins sound organic and ‘cry’ with sense of emotion and extension that I don’t easily experience in audio

Vocals

• World-class, best vocal representation I’ve heard in an IEM. The VE house sound gives that breath, air and extension that you crave when you listen to both female and male vocals but it especially shines with female vocals and high notes.
• Forward presentation – Centered, accurate, natural, good amount of breath and not shy to whisper sweet notes to bring you all the way to audio bliss

Soundstage/Imaging/Layering/Separation

• Moderate stage width but has more depth. Compared to Ronin, it is perhaps not as technical in terms imaging, layering and separation but it is by no means congested or ‘too’ intimate to my ears.
• Excellent sense of space but maintains vocal intimacy to make you feel immersed in that 1st or 2nd row
• Precise imaging and layering but I do think it could improve in the separation, especially if you want to create a wider stage.

Bass

• Wow, this is one of the best implemented DD’s I’ve heard in an IEM. Closest to this is the RN6 but I prefer the mid-range of VE X vs the RN6
• Tactile, dynamic, punchy, thick and full bodied – I love love love this bass quality, especially in the lower mids
• Tightly controlled, punchy and weighty mid-bass slam
• Could use a little more sub-bass extension but more than sufficient in providing that baseline support to give listeners that sense of immersion and thickness created by bass resonating instruments.
• Cellos, bass guitars, kick drums, trombones all come to life with fullness of sound to fill your head

YMMV, depending on several variables. Source, tips, environment, preferences etc…

In summary, I’ve not had the desire to write anything about my audio experiences as of late, especially with new IEM’s being released at an insane rate but you know you found something special when you feel the need to share your impressions and experience with the community. One of my favourite IEMS to-date was the Noble Ronin which I recently sold because I was craving an IEM that could still be as musical and engaging but with that DD slam and tactility. I’m happy to say that VE X fits that bill. You know you found something special when you don’t have the desire for another IEM (for now) or until something comes out that can produce the same type of engagement and musicality but with a greater degree of all the aforementioned metrics that an IEM of this type can produce in terms of sound. A few caveats, those looking for the widest soundstage, extreme technicals or more bite to their treble, may look elsewhere.

Thanks again to @aaf evo for the pass on kudos to the @Vision Ears team again for this outstanding product and letting us enjoy music the way it was intended to be enjoyed!

I always rediscover that I need lush mids. Would love to hear these one day, to know if they would be a good fit for me.

 

[drftr]

One of my favourite IEMS to-date was the Noble Ronin which I recently sold because I was craving an IEM that could still be as musical and engaging but with that DD slam and tactility.

Preparing for the impact when I hear them at our euro meetup! Everything I have read about them sounds like this is what I'm looking for. Just hoping for an improved Ronin or Rn6 just before I pull the trigger.

Would a slightly more aggressive DAP to VE X a favour? A 320 perhaps? Hopefully with a nutube?

drftr

 

[chickenmcnug]

Wanted to share some thoughts/impressions on the VE X

Here we go!

Vision Ears VE X (VE10)

If you’ve read any of my impressions for Indigo, Phonix, Mentor etc.. these are my usual disclaimers.

Powered by the right audio gear, I love music and how it has the power to invoke fond memories and emotions of past and present life experiences with my family. I’m a fan of warm and natural/organic W and mild V shaped sound signatures with moderately elevated sub-bass, a lush, full-bodied midrange, and forward organic vocals. But I also want to experience a good sense of depth, air and space in the entire compilation.

Tested on genres such as Classical, Jazz, Pop, EDM, Hip Hop, House, Anime Music, Movie scores, Game soundtracks, and other soundtracks such as Wonder Woman, Batman Begins, Inception on stock cable with 4.4mm termination on Shanling M9+ and did some tip rolling landing on Azla Origin’s L. I will also say, VE X handles many genres extremely well and could easily be one of the best all-rounders available to-date.



I’ll start off by saying that I liked the Phonix and in general, the VE house sound. I would have liked to put EXT through the motions more but it was an IEM where the universal just never agreed with my ear shape despite all the tip rolling.

I like how VE took a slight departure off the typical acrylic and resin-based IEMs. I prefer materials that provide more durability and longevity. The VE X definitely fit my aesthetic preferences in that regard. It also looks futuristic and more industrial yet provides the function necessary to create a great experience with the venting and comfort.



Tonality and Timbre

• Organic. It is detailed, lush and has a natural warmth that envelops and hugs your senses
• Balanced but with that VE mid-range and vocal sweetness and all instruments play nicely in their own lane yet coherent and cohesive
• Tonally accurate and natural to my ears

Design, Comfort, Fit and Build Quality

• Snug and very comfortable, excellent fit for universal
• Great piece of engineering art. Futuristic and Industrial aesthetics, high quality materials SS and plastics, Azla Origin ear tips are amazing
• Several hours (3+) of listening with no issues around comfort, fatigue, or soreness

Treble

• Good treble extension and airiness for me, but treble heads will likely look elsewhere
• Sufficient bite but could likely use a little more splash from cymbals for more realism and excitement
• Smooth and silky all the way to the top and slightly rolled off
• Not a single ounce of peaky’ness, harshness or sibilance, especially on tracks with strong treble presence and strong annunciations of “S” or “TSS” sounds

Mid-Range

• This is the magic of the VE house sound. Full-bodied, forward, and immensely musical, engaging and dynamically muscular and weighty
• Instruments sound natural, dynamic, deep, dense and alluringly hypnotic
• Pianos have amazing density and note weight that fills the space enough to immerse you but not congested
• Violins sound organic and ‘cry’ with sense of emotion and extension that I don’t easily experience in audio

Vocals

• World-class, best vocal representation I’ve heard in an IEM. The VE house sound gives that breath, air and extension that you crave when you listen to both female and male vocals but it especially shines with female vocals and high notes.
• Forward presentation – Centered, accurate, natural, good amount of breath and not shy to whisper sweet notes to bring you all the way to audio bliss

Soundstage/Imaging/Layering/Separation

• Moderate stage width but has more depth. Compared to Ronin, it is perhaps not as technical in terms imaging, layering and separation but it is by no means congested or ‘too’ intimate to my ears.
• Excellent sense of space but maintains vocal intimacy to make you feel immersed in that 1st or 2nd row
• Precise imaging and layering but I do think it could improve in the separation, especially if you want to create a wider stage.

Bass

• Wow, this is one of the best implemented DD’s I’ve heard in an IEM. Closest to this is the RN6 but I prefer the mid-range of VE X vs the RN6
• Tactile, dynamic, punchy, thick and full bodied – I love love love this bass quality, especially in the lower mids
• Tightly controlled, punchy and weighty mid-bass slam
• Could use a little more sub-bass extension but more than sufficient in providing that baseline support to give listeners that sense of immersion and thickness created by bass resonating instruments.
• Cellos, bass guitars, kick drums, trombones all come to life with fullness of sound to fill your head

YMMV, depending on several variables. Source, tips, environment, preferences etc…

In summary, I’ve not had the desire to write anything about my audio experiences as of late, especially with new IEM’s being released at an insane rate but you know you found something special when you feel the need to share your impressions and experience with the community. One of my favourite IEMS to-date was the Noble Ronin which I recently sold because I was craving an IEM that could still be as musical and engaging but with that DD slam and tactility. I’m happy to say that VE X fits that bill. You know you found something special when you don’t have the desire for another IEM (for now) or until something comes out that can produce the same type of engagement and musicality but with a greater degree of all the aforementioned metrics that an IEM of this type can produce in terms of sound. A few caveats, those looking for the widest soundstage, extreme technicals or more bite to their treble, may look elsewhere.

Thanks again to @aaf evo for the pass on kudos to the @Vision Ears team again for this outstanding product and letting us enjoy music the way it was intended to be enjoyed!

And you didn’t even listen to it’s best genre (imo) 2000s Indie rock. Have a listen to The Stroke’s first album “Is This It”.

Preparing for the impact when I hear them at our euro meetup! Everything I have read about them sounds like this is what I'm looking for. Just hoping for an improved Ronin or Rn6 just before I pull the trigger.

Would a slightly more aggressive DAP to VE X a favour? A 320 perhaps? Hopefully with a nutube?

drftr

Yep plays very well with V sounding daps. Personally love it with the DC Elite right now.