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

[yaps66]

First time I see anyone object to free ice cream in Summer

Hope you're doing great, Ben. Can't wait to revisit your Room of Pleasure come '26.

drftr

You're most welcome and I look forward subject to following caveats:
(a) I have moved offices and my new office is much smaller but we can still hang out!
(b) I have and continue to slim down my collection.
(c) Hopefully I will have something interesting for you to hear come '26!

I’m so happy everyone liked my small gifts — it truly made my day

Since my English isn’t great and it was my first time meeting everyone, they were kind of like “bribes” to help break the ice. Haha.

But gifts aside, I’m genuinely thankful for the warm and kind welcome I received from everyone.
I really hope we can meet again soon!

I regret not taking a group photo before leaving — that’s one thing I’ll definitely make sure to do next year!

Ivan. It was a pleasure meeting up with you and we all felt really bad not being able to communicate better with you. We look forward to seeing you again in '26. Today is Friday. I guess you will be meeting up with @Crazeee?

 

[Tanalasta]

It's been some time coming. I had originally passed on the Storm LE when it had released thinking ooo that's steep to some years later coming to the realisation that like Trailii, there are IEM's that are the absolute benchmark in their category. For a technical, BA/EST set that is perfectly tuned with a subtle low end lift there is not much that beats the Storm.

Since that time, I had heard Storm numerous times, often using it as a reference point for other auditions.

Driving out of the Hugo 2 with a PWA Orphy adapter for the first 5 minutes having had the most hectic of days.

I can now call this set my own.

Superb craftsmanship. A thank you to @toranku for excellent communication and the bespoke ordering process. And @Chang for the cable options and discussion. Any time you want to visit, would love to catch up in person. I rarely make it to Singapore with my other commitments. A call out to @Yifang also

 

[AxLvR]

It's been some time coming. I had originally passed on the Storm LE when it had released thinking ooo that's steep to some years later coming to the realisation that like Trailii, there are IEM's that are the absolute benchmark in their category. For a technical, BA/EST set that is perfectly tuned with a subtle low end lift there is not much that beats the Storm.

Since that time, I had heard Storm numerous times, often using it as a reference point for other auditions.

Driving out of the Hugo 2 with a PWA Orphy adapter for the first 5 minutes having had the most hectic of days.

I can now call this set my own.

Superb craftsmanship. A thank you to @toranku for excellent communication and the bespoke ordering process. And @Chang for the cable options and discussion. Any time you want to visit, would love to catch up in person. I rarely make it to Singapore with my other commitments. A call out to @Yifang also

I like your incoming IEM name good sir

 

[drftr]

(b) I have and continue to slim down my collection

Good boy...

drftr

 

[Rockwell75]

It's been some time coming. I had originally passed on the Storm LE when it had released thinking ooo that's steep to some years later coming to the realisation that like Trailii, there are IEM's that are the absolute benchmark in their category. For a technical, BA/EST set that is perfectly tuned with a subtle low end lift there is not much that beats the Storm.

Since that time, I had heard Storm numerous times, often using it as a reference point for other auditions.

Driving out of the Hugo 2 with a PWA Orphy adapter for the first 5 minutes having had the most hectic of days.

I can now call this set my own.

Superb craftsmanship. A thank you to @toranku for excellent communication and the bespoke ordering process. And @Chang for the cable options and discussion. Any time you want to visit, would love to catch up in person. I rarely make it to Singapore with my other commitments. A call out to @Yifang also

Beautiful. What are you driving it with?

 

[Tanalasta]

Beautiful. What are you driving it with?

Thank you.

Hugo2/2Go or the Naim Headphone Edition if I'm right next to it. Storm definitely scales to deserve a headphone quality source. I think there may be a new DAP or headphone amplifier in my near future.

In the meantime I'm trying to find my 4.4 to 3.5mm adapter to see how it sounds out of the iMac ... the later generations have an inbuilt headphone amplifier.

 

[bigbeans]

I did a comparison of between my CIEM Jewel and Forte Ears Macbeth recently. Jewel is parked with Eletech Aeneid and MacBeth has the Ambition.

I recently had the pleasure of comparing two remarkable in-ear monitors: the Aroma Audio Jewel and the Forte Ears MacBeth. Each offers a distinct listening experience, like two different invitations to enjoy music’s soul. Here’s my take on how they stack up, shared with the enthusiasm of someone who’s genuinely captivated by what these IEMs bring to the table.

The Aroma Audio Jewel feels like a journey into the ethereal. When I slip these in, it’s as if I’m floating, enveloped by music that unfolds with a spacious, almost otherworldly grace. The soundstage is vast, with every note given room to breathe, creating a sense of grandeur that’s hard to forget. Listening to a solo piano piece, I can almost hear the final decay of a note linger in the air, adding a touch of majesty to the experience. It’s like playing a pristine recording through a high-end audio system in a perfectly treated room—polished, precise, and just a bit distant, as if you’re admiring the music from a slight remove.
By contrast, the Forte Ears MacBeth pulls me right into the heart of the performance. The soundstage is more intimate, but what it lacks in width, it makes up for in vibrancy and immediacy. With the MacBeth, I feel like I’m sitting next to the harpist, hearing the pluck of each string with a warmth and energy that’s utterly captivating. It’s not about artificial polish here; it’s about music that feels alive, like the instruments are playing just for me. When a violin comes in, it’s sweet and harmonious, with a playful charm that keeps me hooked, reluctant to hit pause.

Tonally, the Jewel leans reserved, excelling in detail retrieval. It captures subtleties—like that last shimmer of a cymbal or the faint resonance of a vocalist’s breath—with a clarity that’s almost academic in its precision. The MacBeth, on the other hand, is the life of the party. It’s musical and fulfilling, with an energy that makes every track feel like a celebration. A well-recorded jazz trio through the MacBeth is like stumbling into a lively club where the band’s having the time of their lives; the same track through the Jewel feels like a private recital in a grand hall, refined and composed.
To put it in more relatable terms, the Jewel is like stepping into a Bentley dealership where the staff know your family by reputation. It’s sophisticated, respectful, and carries an air of legacy—never calling you by your first name, always maintaining a sense of decorum. The MacBeth, meanwhile, is like walking into a Lotus showroom with bold colors and a buzzing vibe. There’s a full bar, the music’s pumping, and you’re instantly caught up in the excitement. One’s an arranged marriage of meticulous engineering; the other’s love at first listen, full of passion and spontaneity.

I’d wager the MacBeth was tuned by someone who lives and breathes music—a true aficionado who wanted every note to sing. It’s got a soulful quality that makes it hard to put down. The Jewel, for all its brilliance, feels like it was crafted to meet a checklist of audiophile ideals: detailed, expansive, pristine. It’s the difference between a surgeon driving a Porsche Carrera for its precision and a crypto maverick roaring around in a Lamborghini for the sheer thrill. Both are impressive, but they speak to different sides of the heart. For me, the MacBeth’s infectious energy makes it the one I reach for when I want to fall in love with music all over again. But when I’m in the mood for something grander, the Jewel delivers a masterclass in refinement. They’re two sides of the same coin—both exceptional, just waiting for the right listener to claim them.

 

[Aetherhole]

I did a comparison of between my CIEM Jewel and Forte Ears Macbeth recently. Jewel is parked with Eletech Aeneid and MacBeth has the Ambition.

I recently had the pleasure of comparing two remarkable in-ear monitors: the Aroma Audio Jewel and the Forte Ears MacBeth. Each offers a distinct listening experience, like two different invitations to enjoy music’s soul. Here’s my take on how they stack up, shared with the enthusiasm of someone who’s genuinely captivated by what these IEMs bring to the table.

The Aroma Audio Jewel feels like a journey into the ethereal. When I slip these in, it’s as if I’m floating, enveloped by music that unfolds with a spacious, almost otherworldly grace. The soundstage is vast, with every note given room to breathe, creating a sense of grandeur that’s hard to forget. Listening to a solo piano piece, I can almost hear the final decay of a note linger in the air, adding a touch of majesty to the experience. It’s like playing a pristine recording through a high-end audio system in a perfectly treated room—polished, precise, and just a bit distant, as if you’re admiring the music from a slight remove.
By contrast, the Forte Ears MacBeth pulls me right into the heart of the performance. The soundstage is more intimate, but what it lacks in width, it makes up for in vibrancy and immediacy. With the MacBeth, I feel like I’m sitting next to the harpist, hearing the pluck of each string with a warmth and energy that’s utterly captivating. It’s not about artificial polish here; it’s about music that feels alive, like the instruments are playing just for me. When a violin comes in, it’s sweet and harmonious, with a playful charm that keeps me hooked, reluctant to hit pause.

Tonally, the Jewel leans reserved, excelling in detail retrieval. It captures subtleties—like that last shimmer of a cymbal or the faint resonance of a vocalist’s breath—with a clarity that’s almost academic in its precision. The MacBeth, on the other hand, is the life of the party. It’s musical and fulfilling, with an energy that makes every track feel like a celebration. A well-recorded jazz trio through the MacBeth is like stumbling into a lively club where the band’s having the time of their lives; the same track through the Jewel feels like a private recital in a grand hall, refined and composed.
To put it in more relatable terms, the Jewel is like stepping into a Bentley dealership where the staff know your family by reputation. It’s sophisticated, respectful, and carries an air of legacy—never calling you by your first name, always maintaining a sense of decorum. The MacBeth, meanwhile, is like walking into a Lotus showroom with bold colors and a buzzing vibe. There’s a full bar, the music’s pumping, and you’re instantly caught up in the excitement. One’s an arranged marriage of meticulous engineering; the other’s love at first listen, full of passion and spontaneity.

I’d wager the MacBeth was tuned by someone who lives and breathes music—a true aficionado who wanted every note to sing. It’s got a soulful quality that makes it hard to put down. The Jewel, for all its brilliance, feels like it was crafted to meet a checklist of audiophile ideals: detailed, expansive, pristine. It’s the difference between a surgeon driving a Porsche Carrera for its precision and a crypto maverick roaring around in a Lamborghini for the sheer thrill. Both are impressive, but they speak to different sides of the heart. For me, the MacBeth’s infectious energy makes it the one I reach for when I want to fall in love with music all over again. But when I’m in the mood for something grander, the Jewel delivers a masterclass in refinement. They’re two sides of the same coin—both exceptional, just waiting for the right listener to claim them.

Awesome write up, sir! I’ve not had the pleasure to hear the Jewel in any form, but the more I hear people talk about it the more I really want to. 100% on the money, too, Riccardo Yeh is so passionate about music and specifically lover of opera, which was the inspiration for both the tuning and the name of the Macbeth. It’s a beautiful, it’s engaging, it’s lively.

If you haven’t already, I’d be curious to hear your thoughts about the pairing of Ambition with your Jewel and see what it does, for better or worse, to the sound of your Jewel.

 

[Daveshast]

It's been some time coming. I had originally passed on the Storm LE when it had released thinking ooo that's steep to some years later coming to the realisation that like Trailii, there are IEM's that are the absolute benchmark in their category. For a technical, BA/EST set that is perfectly tuned with a subtle low end lift there is not much that beats the Storm.

Since that time, I had heard Storm numerous times, often using it as a reference point for other auditions.

Driving out of the Hugo 2 with a PWA Orphy adapter for the first 5 minutes having had the most hectic of days.

I can now call this set my own.

Superb craftsmanship. A thank you to @toranku for excellent communication and the bespoke ordering process. And @Chang for the cable options and discussion. Any time you want to visit, would love to catch up in person. I rarely make it to Singapore with my other commitments. A call out to @Yifang also

Absolutely stunning.

 

[emdeevee]

I did a comparison of between my CIEM Jewel and Forte Ears Macbeth recently. Jewel is parked with Eletech Aeneid and MacBeth has the Ambition.

I recently had the pleasure of comparing two remarkable in-ear monitors: the Aroma Audio Jewel and the Forte Ears MacBeth. Each offers a distinct listening experience, like two different invitations to enjoy music’s soul. Here’s my take on how they stack up, shared with the enthusiasm of someone who’s genuinely captivated by what these IEMs bring to the table.

The Aroma Audio Jewel feels like a journey into the ethereal. When I slip these in, it’s as if I’m floating, enveloped by music that unfolds with a spacious, almost otherworldly grace. The soundstage is vast, with every note given room to breathe, creating a sense of grandeur that’s hard to forget. Listening to a solo piano piece, I can almost hear the final decay of a note linger in the air, adding a touch of majesty to the experience. It’s like playing a pristine recording through a high-end audio system in a perfectly treated room—polished, precise, and just a bit distant, as if you’re admiring the music from a slight remove.
By contrast, the Forte Ears MacBeth pulls me right into the heart of the performance. The soundstage is more intimate, but what it lacks in width, it makes up for in vibrancy and immediacy. With the MacBeth, I feel like I’m sitting next to the harpist, hearing the pluck of each string with a warmth and energy that’s utterly captivating. It’s not about artificial polish here; it’s about music that feels alive, like the instruments are playing just for me. When a violin comes in, it’s sweet and harmonious, with a playful charm that keeps me hooked, reluctant to hit pause.

Tonally, the Jewel leans reserved, excelling in detail retrieval. It captures subtleties—like that last shimmer of a cymbal or the faint resonance of a vocalist’s breath—with a clarity that’s almost academic in its precision. The MacBeth, on the other hand, is the life of the party. It’s musical and fulfilling, with an energy that makes every track feel like a celebration. A well-recorded jazz trio through the MacBeth is like stumbling into a lively club where the band’s having the time of their lives; the same track through the Jewel feels like a private recital in a grand hall, refined and composed.
To put it in more relatable terms, the Jewel is like stepping into a Bentley dealership where the staff know your family by reputation. It’s sophisticated, respectful, and carries an air of legacy—never calling you by your first name, always maintaining a sense of decorum. The MacBeth, meanwhile, is like walking into a Lotus showroom with bold colors and a buzzing vibe. There’s a full bar, the music’s pumping, and you’re instantly caught up in the excitement. One’s an arranged marriage of meticulous engineering; the other’s love at first listen, full of passion and spontaneity.

I’d wager the MacBeth was tuned by someone who lives and breathes music—a true aficionado who wanted every note to sing. It’s got a soulful quality that makes it hard to put down. The Jewel, for all its brilliance, feels like it was crafted to meet a checklist of audiophile ideals: detailed, expansive, pristine. It’s the difference between a surgeon driving a Porsche Carrera for its precision and a crypto maverick roaring around in a Lamborghini for the sheer thrill. Both are impressive, but they speak to different sides of the heart. For me, the MacBeth’s infectious energy makes it the one I reach for when I want to fall in love with music all over again. But when I’m in the mood for something grander, the Jewel delivers a masterclass in refinement. They’re two sides of the same coin—both exceptional, just waiting for the right listener to claim them.

Great descriptors for both iems! I can totally understand what you mean and these types of differences are everything when it comes to explaining them! Thanks my bhai!

 

[Ike1985]

I did a comparison of between my CIEM Jewel and Forte Ears Macbeth recently. Jewel is parked with Eletech Aeneid and MacBeth has the Ambition.

I recently had the pleasure of comparing two remarkable in-ear monitors: the Aroma Audio Jewel and the Forte Ears MacBeth. Each offers a distinct listening experience, like two different invitations to enjoy music’s soul. Here’s my take on how they stack up, shared with the enthusiasm of someone who’s genuinely captivated by what these IEMs bring to the table.

The Aroma Audio Jewel feels like a journey into the ethereal. When I slip these in, it’s as if I’m floating, enveloped by music that unfolds with a spacious, almost otherworldly grace. The soundstage is vast, with every note given room to breathe, creating a sense of grandeur that’s hard to forget. Listening to a solo piano piece, I can almost hear the final decay of a note linger in the air, adding a touch of majesty to the experience. It’s like playing a pristine recording through a high-end audio system in a perfectly treated room—polished, precise, and just a bit distant, as if you’re admiring the music from a slight remove.
By contrast, the Forte Ears MacBeth pulls me right into the heart of the performance. The soundstage is more intimate, but what it lacks in width, it makes up for in vibrancy and immediacy. With the MacBeth, I feel like I’m sitting next to the harpist, hearing the pluck of each string with a warmth and energy that’s utterly captivating. It’s not about artificial polish here; it’s about music that feels alive, like the instruments are playing just for me. When a violin comes in, it’s sweet and harmonious, with a playful charm that keeps me hooked, reluctant to hit pause.

Tonally, the Jewel leans reserved, excelling in detail retrieval. It captures subtleties—like that last shimmer of a cymbal or the faint resonance of a vocalist’s breath—with a clarity that’s almost academic in its precision. The MacBeth, on the other hand, is the life of the party. It’s musical and fulfilling, with an energy that makes every track feel like a celebration. A well-recorded jazz trio through the MacBeth is like stumbling into a lively club where the band’s having the time of their lives; the same track through the Jewel feels like a private recital in a grand hall, refined and composed.
To put it in more relatable terms, the Jewel is like stepping into a Bentley dealership where the staff know your family by reputation. It’s sophisticated, respectful, and carries an air of legacy—never calling you by your first name, always maintaining a sense of decorum. The MacBeth, meanwhile, is like walking into a Lotus showroom with bold colors and a buzzing vibe. There’s a full bar, the music’s pumping, and you’re instantly caught up in the excitement. One’s an arranged marriage of meticulous engineering; the other’s love at first listen, full of passion and spontaneity.

I’d wager the MacBeth was tuned by someone who lives and breathes music—a true aficionado who wanted every note to sing. It’s got a soulful quality that makes it hard to put down. The Jewel, for all its brilliance, feels like it was crafted to meet a checklist of audiophile ideals: detailed, expansive, pristine. It’s the difference between a surgeon driving a Porsche Carrera for its precision and a crypto maverick roaring around in a Lamborghini for the sheer thrill. Both are impressive, but they speak to different sides of the heart. For me, the MacBeth’s infectious energy makes it the one I reach for when I want to fall in love with music all over again. But when I’m in the mood for something grander, the Jewel delivers a masterclass in refinement. They’re two sides of the same coin—both exceptional, just waiting for the right listener to claim them.

Lambo's...loose plastic parts everywhere, interior, poor handling. Every lambo I've been in has been a huge dissapointment aside from the sound, Porsche on the other hand, never. A Porsche is vastly superior to a lambo in almost every regard.

Neil meets Sabbath

 

[NJoyzAudio]

I did a comparison of between my CIEM Jewel and Forte Ears Macbeth recently. Jewel is parked with Eletech Aeneid and MacBeth has the Ambition.

I recently had the pleasure of comparing two remarkable in-ear monitors: the Aroma Audio Jewel and the Forte Ears MacBeth. Each offers a distinct listening experience, like two different invitations to enjoy music’s soul. Here’s my take on how they stack up, shared with the enthusiasm of someone who’s genuinely captivated by what these IEMs bring to the table.

The Aroma Audio Jewel feels like a journey into the ethereal. When I slip these in, it’s as if I’m floating, enveloped by music that unfolds with a spacious, almost otherworldly grace. The soundstage is vast, with every note given room to breathe, creating a sense of grandeur that’s hard to forget. Listening to a solo piano piece, I can almost hear the final decay of a note linger in the air, adding a touch of majesty to the experience. It’s like playing a pristine recording through a high-end audio system in a perfectly treated room—polished, precise, and just a bit distant, as if you’re admiring the music from a slight remove.
By contrast, the Forte Ears MacBeth pulls me right into the heart of the performance. The soundstage is more intimate, but what it lacks in width, it makes up for in vibrancy and immediacy. With the MacBeth, I feel like I’m sitting next to the harpist, hearing the pluck of each string with a warmth and energy that’s utterly captivating. It’s not about artificial polish here; it’s about music that feels alive, like the instruments are playing just for me. When a violin comes in, it’s sweet and harmonious, with a playful charm that keeps me hooked, reluctant to hit pause.

Tonally, the Jewel leans reserved, excelling in detail retrieval. It captures subtleties—like that last shimmer of a cymbal or the faint resonance of a vocalist’s breath—with a clarity that’s almost academic in its precision. The MacBeth, on the other hand, is the life of the party. It’s musical and fulfilling, with an energy that makes every track feel like a celebration. A well-recorded jazz trio through the MacBeth is like stumbling into a lively club where the band’s having the time of their lives; the same track through the Jewel feels like a private recital in a grand hall, refined and composed.
To put it in more relatable terms, the Jewel is like stepping into a Bentley dealership where the staff know your family by reputation. It’s sophisticated, respectful, and carries an air of legacy—never calling you by your first name, always maintaining a sense of decorum. The MacBeth, meanwhile, is like walking into a Lotus showroom with bold colors and a buzzing vibe. There’s a full bar, the music’s pumping, and you’re instantly caught up in the excitement. One’s an arranged marriage of meticulous engineering; the other’s love at first listen, full of passion and spontaneity.

I’d wager the MacBeth was tuned by someone who lives and breathes music—a true aficionado who wanted every note to sing. It’s got a soulful quality that makes it hard to put down. The Jewel, for all its brilliance, feels like it was crafted to meet a checklist of audiophile ideals: detailed, expansive, pristine. It’s the difference between a surgeon driving a Porsche Carrera for its precision and a crypto maverick roaring around in a Lamborghini for the sheer thrill. Both are impressive, but they speak to different sides of the heart. For me, the MacBeth’s infectious energy makes it the one I reach for when I want to fall in love with music all over again. But when I’m in the mood for something grander, the Jewel delivers a masterclass in refinement. They’re two sides of the same coin—both exceptional, just waiting for the right listener to claim them.

BigBeans.

Great write up.
You had me imagining the differences with your descriptions. And smiling as I read.
And you captured what I’ve experienced with both IEMs if only in universal formats.

It was great to see that hearing “Ambition on Macbeth” look the first time you tried the paring. You got to see that look on Bharat's face this past weekend
Wondering now that you have some quality alone time, your thoughts on the paring.

Thanks again for the write up and look forward to talking again soon!

 

[emdeevee]

Lambo's...loose plastic parts everywhere, interior, poor handling. Every lambo I've been in has been a huge dissapointment aside from the sound, Porsche on the other hand, never. A Porsche is vastly superior to a lambo in almost every regard.

Neil meets Sabbath

I guess Jewel must be an almost perfect IEM for you! A Porsche guy thru and thru!

Edit: Lambo guys unite

 

[GiullianSN]

Alright, time to settle down and write a bit of my experience in CJ SG 2025 as my first CanJam.

I got to SG a couple days before the show so a could meet with old times Watercooler virtual friends (some from the time where Watercooler was not even called like that). What a great meet up we had over the weekend. It was really interesting as when we met in person really felt like we knew each other for 6+ years. So much fun during all weekend and good food. I came back home feeling that I got really good friends in there and I'm sure everyone in our small crew felt the same.





Thanks @AxLvR , @Valrhona , @yaps66 , @Loafy , @Damz87 , @Deezel177 , @metaljem77 , @HiFiHawaii808 , @needtosleep , Josh, Nathan, @Crazeee , @RonaldS86 , Tommy, @Yifang … Many brand representatives which I have had contacts over the years as well... Even caught up with @stacey and @Ivan0118 on the last day. (Sorry if i forgot someone…)

Like I say (and many do the same), this hobby is a lot about the people and the community and this CJ proved this saying to be right.


Alright...Now going to what you guys like...

I will break this Weekend impressions in 3 parts, so we don’t get too bored.

Much of my tests were done with:

- Cayin N6iii + stock motherboard
- Mostly used Songs from Death (Voice of the Soul), Slayer (Chasing Death), Polythia (ABS and Playing God), Hans Zimmer (Pirates of Caribbean), Insomnium (Equivalence), Slipknot (Dead Memories).


Part 1 - Pre-show





The friends catch up and share together with brand/shops meet. In the first day we had a closer meetup with the smaller group where we shared our own gear. Also visited Zeppelin and Effect Audio. Next day we went to visit AV One and Nihilo shop (Subtonic team new showroom), where we met a bunch of new people including @He_Is_Emil and @SoundJedi . We had great chat around their new releases and the design directions behind each product. Learned quite a bit with these two.

L&P P6P 10th Anniversary Gold - It almost made me cry for selling my Ti edition. Reminded how engaging and musical P6P is. Still the best sounding DAP for me and the 10AE Gold is a natural progression of that, small difference, but impressed how they can still squeeze improvements on a 10yo design. P6P is not the most technical IEM, but it's musicality is addicting, UI is still a pain, but it's an small price for the sound performance.

L&P LP5 10th Anniversary - Talking about old legendary design and sound, this one was a big surprise, smooth and textured sound. Reminded of LP6 7AE, not the most detailed and neutral, far from that, it’s just addicting. The UI though, it’s like a GameBoy like @Crazee says.

Brise Fugaku - The hype on this is real, amazing and holographic bass, defined and punchy. Treble is not perfect, well defined and extended. Still really good. In general is a good warm IEM that is easy to listen too. All in all Fugaku plays in its own league. I wish the energiser gets lighter and more compact in a second generation.



Rapsodio Supreme V3 - Glary and metallic sound, not my taste, but I understand the public it targets. @needtosleep Nightcraft bespoke cable made it a much better IEM and with a more controlled treble.

Lime Audio Terra - Definitely gets the signature of Lime ears, but is the brighter and more forward of the 3 brothers. it gives a good sense of details and is not our usual safe signature. Which I really appreciate from Lime Ears. It made me want to listen to my library again just to see how they would sound out of Terra. As expected, a step back in details and resolution from Mares. I would put Mares as the evolution on Terra and Incognito as the mid ground in evolution or even by itself.



Lime Audio Incognito - Great tuning, pleasing to all songs, warm and spacious, deep sub and lower mids. Separation and imaging on spot, 3D soundstage. Deep male vocals. Compared to Terra, it has a bit more warmth on the treble still adding details and wider soundstage.



Lime Audio Mares - Wider, brighter, more resolution and details than the siblings, thumpy mid bass but definitely not overwhelming, right amount. Deep toms on the drums with detailed bass side by side, while guitars on the side and well present. When all band come together sounds full and immersing, still detailed. This is not a well recorded song and can sound congested when in full power if the gear doesn’t have good separation and resolution, this is not the case for Mares, it sounds really good and still powerful without being fatiguing. Stage is Surrounding and 3D. A bit on the bright side compared to incognito. (Insomnium - Equivalence / Slayer - Chasing Death)



Symphonium Giant - Deep and thumpy mid bass, rumbling deep subs, warm, warm, male vocal brought a step back and above average details. A slight elevation in the high hats and cymbals. Better than titan for me, but still in the “too much” region of bass for my taste.

TSMR RGB II - It can be that I was tired already, or the settings on the switch, but I didn’t match with this one on the IEM Tinder world. Bass was not good, treble sounds off and not much mids, soundtracks sounds missing the “grandness” of it. Better give another chance on a better opportunity to revisit my first impression. Some really liked it on the Nihilo meet up, so don't take my dislike to the letter.



Thieaudio Valhalla - good, good rumbling bass, midway soundstage (not too wide and not too deep, but 3d), good resolution and details. Treble is nicely tuned and never fatiguing. Imaging is a bit mixed and not sharply separated, but really enjoyable and musical. All in all, I really liked it and I think it will be fighting really hard in its price range. Keep an eye out for this one.





Effect Audio x Elysian Labs Apostle - Right as I remember. Wide and grandious on the right level. Unmistakable treble from Ely, but not bright, can be fatiguing for some as any Ely. But the balance is really good. A clear evolution from Pilgrim a clear step down from Anni, but more affordable. Still expensive. I expected this to be in the 1500 range. Insomnium sound deep and brain shaker toms without overwhelming the guitars. When the whole band jumps in sounds elevated and slightly sibilant in the vocals.



JH Sharona - I can finally say that I demoed this one... Have been trying to get my hands on it for 2 years. I sounds right as I expected it to do, from @Deezel177 and @gLer impressions. A perfect evolution from Layla/Roxanne. The added RAU drivers really brings the treble and details of this to a couple steps up. If one wants a JH IEM, this is the one to get, for sure.



Alright...see you in a couple days for Part 2 .

Alright, time for another day in Singapore and now officially part of Canjam SG.

Again the great crew together along the show and meeting up for an amazing lunch at a restaurant inside the Pan Pacific. As the CJ tradition there was the official Watercooler picture with everyone.

CanJam Day 1 - The Opening of the Amusement Park

Aful Flagship Prototype - Full sounding, deep and rumbling bass, could have a bit more detail on the mid bass, but just being nitpicking. 3D soundstage, not too wide, but also not narrow, feels like a concert venue instead of a stadium or studio. Drums sound amazing. Guitars are full and engaging. Very musical. Good hight on the treble, tonality is slightly out for higher pitched guitar notes. BCD driver may be the one helping with the reverb extension.

Aful Cantor - Is a well known IEM in the sub 1k region and a good reference for the new prototype. It is more spacious and open. but definitely more Brighter and may please the people which likes more elevated higher frequencies. Bass is tight and controlled but lack a bit of thickness, same for upper mids. The prototype sounds like all that was addressed, but then it may please a different public than Cantor. This one being Harder to drive as well.

Aful Polarnight - The only earbuds I had a chance to test and what a surprise, I’m really glad I did. These because the best earbuds in my small collection instantaneously. It sounds deep and wide. upper mids and treble sound textured and defined, never fatiguing. All these things are basically what earbuds struggle to deliver without constant adjustments to fit. I stopped for a one song at the end of the day and ended up spending 2h enjoying Roger Waters’ “Amused to Death” and “Is This The Life We Really Want?” Albums.

Volk audio Etoile - Reminds the pre-odin EE sound with better and more controlled bass and treble. Textured mids and sparkly treble, but not fatiguing at all. Mid bass rollover sounds fast and slightly extended. Snares, cymbals and hats sounds accurate. Imaging and separation on Slayer sounds about right. Death voice of the soul shows the spiky guitar chords without being fatiguing. Hans zimmer sounds airy with good transitions and bass/treble extension. Could be more open. A bit congested in the lower mids.

APX V3 Prototype - Polythia bass sounds good, mids are forward and good texture, but the “tss” sound is very intrusive and takes the attention from everything else and becomes fatiguing. You can hear that almost all the time. Hard competition for APX In today’s market. APX when for bright on V1 to bassy on V2 and now “this”.

Nostalgia Pendragon - Nothing bad to say, also not much good. For me, the best Nostalgia I demoed. Heavy mid bass, forward upper mids and treble, great for fast female vocal like Polyphia ABC. A bit wide soundstage, not too wide. It’s just good nothing special to stand out in the price range market.

Noble Shogun - Good and tight bass, not overwhelming, less than Mysticraft tribid and other warm and bassy IEMs around, best treble out of a Noble I heard, not too much and not fatiguing. Reminds of Mentor sound. Leans toward the top frequencies, but still warm. Not too wide soundstage, but not bad. High hats still sounds congested in Slayer’s “Chasing Death”. Death’s “Voice Of The Souls” is not fatiguing, guitar sounds warm. Definitely the warmer Noble from memory.

Noble REX TWS - I went to Noble specially for this one as I need a new good sounding TWS (I’m bored of my APP2). But found out it’s too bright for me actually. Maybe I didn’t get a good seal. I have to give it another try.

Traillii Ti - Love the look and feel. Remarkable sound, better than OG, upper mids it’s more in my liking. Not much to say from what people already know. Classic. Good to lower down my defences agains Trailli OG and give it another chance. But I think there are better things these days, specifically considering this investment.

Traillii Ti Dragon - More open sounding, separated vocals and more 3d. One of those surprises on how they keep finding opportunities to squeeze performance out of something people already love. Out of the three, this is the Traillii to get, when price is no question and if you’re one of the lucky ones to find one.

Alpha&Omega Omega - Textured and controlled bass. Good mids but lacks consistency in fast paced songs, forward vocal. Imaging and separation is close to the head, narrow, not much depth. Still a bit of “ts” but more defined than Nostalgia Pendragon. All in all, didn’t get my full attention and stayed in the “Good” grade.

Alpha&Omega Fulgrim - Bassy and warm. Good treble, but lacks a bit of resolution. Tactical mids, wide and holographic stage. Good separation. Imaging has good blend, but I would want more notes definition in the mids. Understandable the likes of it, but at this price range, the competition is delivering more.

FatFreq Quantum w/ soundstage module - Like the FF house sound, but with this module it gets elevated extremes being bright and bassy. Guitars are full and strong. Good for polyphia metalic/acoustic with heavy drums. Even the “less” bassy module is still quite strong on the mid bass. Would like to spend more time to understand better the sound direction on this. Design is questionable to say the least.

Mysticraft Hex - Many people already talked about this and it is definitely the star of the show. it sounds lovely with instrumental metal. Separation, definition and resolution are the worlds that always come to mind when I remember Hex. I’m glad I had multiple opportunities to listen to this and in various environments to confirm it was not an impression from the busy show floor.

Mysticraft Tribid - This is one of the best IEM I heard under 1.5k. Balanced IEM with elevated bass and defined treble. A clear evolution from Pilgrim and an small step behind Annihilator. Competition should keep an eye on this one. for 999$ it will be hard to beat. The design on the show was in clear shell without details, but the final design will be metal shell. Let's wait and see what Lee will come up with.

Yu9 Que - One of the big surprises of the show and one of the best below 500$ IEM I heard in quite some time. It has a mild V sound, warm lower mids, good deep bass and slight forward treble. Engaging and musical. Nice rumbling and reverb in Dark Tranquility "Faithless by Default". Vocal slightly back, strong guitars, slightly out my head stage. Could be more detailed on the lows if I'm being nitpicking. But perfect balance for an everyday driver. (Prototype design, final faceplate with be machined aluminium)

That's it for now folks, see you on Day 2 - The Final Cut.

 

[yaps66]

someone who lives and breathes music—a true aficionado

Sounds like Riccardo!