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

[Nostoi]

I'm mostly asking because the headroom of the pre-amp section is also very important. If the power-amp is asking too much from the source it may have an impact on especially the "ease" the music is reproduced and dynamics. But perhaps the DAPs were designed with this in mind so it could definitely work.

drftr

What headphones/IEMs are you using? Personally I wouldn't worry. I was using various Lotoo DAPs with the immensely powerful Thrax Resolute poweramp, which also has no volume control, so controlling the output solely from the variable LO on the DAP side and the results were very good - complete control even with IE900.

In that case, the Thrax was asking a great deal from the DAP but the variable LO on Lotoo is very well implemented. The Sound Tiger amps are very modest in comparison - 920w output, so it doesn't really present an issue.

The main thing is to use variable LO rather than headphone out.

 

[Sifo]

Did you get a chance to try Final A10000?

no completely packed and always had a line. I'll try it when it hits e-ear

Thank you so much for the Watatsumi impression. I am waiting for someone to give some inputs on it since no demos are available in our country yet.

There's no denying it's a highly capable amp, the amount of power it has with how clean the output is, is certainly an accomplishment, but it's going to heavily depend on source/cable/iem synergy.

 

[478932]

Treble is too smooth on attack but the decay is alright. Stage overall wide but not a lot of depth, sounds more coherent, much cleaner background, no hiss (vs tsu2)

What is your setup for watatsumi and tsu? I was there too and I didn’t hear the overtly boomy bass, especially with my Mason FS, which is already a pretty bassy iem.
Did you try running with Brise’s IEM cables?

 

[Sifo]

What is your setup for watatsumi and tsu? I was there too and I didn’t hear the overtly boomy bass, especially with my Mason FS, which is already a pretty bassy iem.
Did you try running with Brise’s IEM cables?

Used their Walkman IC to wm1z og (J region stock tuning), wasn't using a Brise cable but that would just add more boom if it was a Shiro lol. Was using FitEar 334SR as my main test IEM, but I've heard the Tsu v2 under a variety of different set ups and that amp has always been boomy, it's kinda Brise's signature sound... it works well for some IEM and not so well for others. Literally the first thing I noticed when I tried Watatsumi was the bass. It's very airy and takes up space but is a bit slow on the decay and lacking a bit of texture on the attack.

edit: also I should clarify, I put pros and cons in the same sentences cuz again I stopped taking notes so I am essentially just rambling, it's up to the reader to interpret whether that boom and airiness is something they want. For me personally, I'd prefer more sub texture during the decay and tight, fast, hard hitting attack in the mid bass. It's basically how I hear the Fugaku as well, but Fugaku executes it way better as a combo of iem + amp, huge sounding with good macro dynamics, much better attack and much more detail. Lastly, I do not like the Mason FS NS so it's likely we are simply listening for different things.

 

[478932]

Used their Walkman IC to wm1z og (J region stock tuning), wasn't using a Brise cable but that would just add more boom if it was a Shiro lol. Was using FitEar 334SR as my main test IEM, but I've heard the Tsu v2 under a variety of different set ups and that amp has always been boomy, it's kinda Brise's signature sound... it works well for some IEM and not so well for others. Literally the first thing I noticed when I tried Watatsumi was the bass. It's very airy and takes up space but is a bit slow on the decay and lacking a bit of texture on the attack.

edit: also I should clarify, I put pros and cons in the same sentences cuz again I stopped taking notes so I am essentially just rambling, it's up to the reader to interpret whether that boom and airiness is something they want. For me personally, I'd prefer more sub texture during the decay and tight, fast, hard hitting attack in the mid bass. It's basically how I hear the Fugaku as well, but Fugaku executes it way better as a combo of iem + amp, huge sounding with good macro dynamics, much better attack and much more detail. Lastly, I do not like the Mason FS NS so it's likely we are simply listening for different things.

Fascinating. Thanks for the clarification. I have a feeling that you may like the new A10K.

 

[Alexcargtz]

I've had quite a bit of time now with the Shanling MG800, and fully appreciate how they are loved so much by the select few that own a set - I definitely waited too long to take the plunge!

Some brief impressions - all of my listening so far has been with the balanced filters.



What's immediately apparent is how large and spacious they sound, for what is a very tiny IEM. The open back really does create a massive sense of stage size which is wonderfully captivating and immersive. The tuning is smooth, dynamic, and with excellent resolution - bass has good depth for sub and a decent mid kick, with fantastic mid-range clarity and really beautiful lush/vibrant tonality. The treble extends nicely, nothing harsh and has a good sense of air. Overall, I would describe as a highly engaging set with wonderful timbre, very impressive technical capability and incredibly musical... I would comfortably position in my imaginary single DD 'hall of fame'

Oh and beautiful build quality too, hard to get across how small they are in pictures.

I hope Shanling continues the MG series. We need more of this semi-open back design with exotic dynamic drivers. Love the form factor and the lack of pressure build-up.

 

[Sifo]

Fascinating. Thanks for the clarification. I have a feeling that you may like the new A10K.

I'll check it out as soon as it arrives to e-e for demo

 

[Scubadevils]

I hope Shanling continues the MG series. We need more of this semi-open back design with exotic dynamic drivers. Love the form factor and the lack of pressure build-up.

Yes absolutely. I don’t typically think of Shanling in the context of IEMs but MG800 has been a valuable lesson in that regard!

@cn11 and @Ace Bee - I completely understand your love for this set!

 

[Frankie D]

Noble Shogun, I saw the graph and was worried, after I listened to it, it started off sounding alright until I tried it with some metal; 0 guitar crunch, so that kinda killed it for me. It was alright for EDM. The highlight is still the 4.4 barrel.

I have to agree, the 4.4mm barrel on the Shogun cable looks exceptional. I had never seen it before. A great look.

 

[Ace Bee]

Yes absolutely. I don’t typically think of Shanling in the context of IEMs but MG800 has been a valuable lesson in that regard!

@cn11 and @Ace Bee - I completely understand your love for this set!

I'm just eagerly waiting for a detailed impression and comparison with other sets in a similar price bracket from you. It surprises me every day - just when I think maybe I have got something better and it is time to move on from MG800, I give it a listen and it reminds me why it has a permanent place in my collection. Simply marvelous in its own way.

 

[Alexzander]

Nice catch on that early deal! $119 for the DX1 sounds like a good haircut on the price, especially if it holds up to the hype. Fingers crossed shipping goes smoothly and tariffs don’t sneak up on it. Keep us posted once it lands!

Just got one too btw. As for the sound I doubt you could get something more technical and coherent for the price having balanced natural-neutral tuning with a slight bass boost.

Even without any burn-in subbass reaches deep without any roll-off, mid bass is moderately punchy, mids are neutral and clear, a trick with non-pronounced lower treble but slightly boosted upper treble works really well - it adds to separation and airiness.
The stage is out of the head (wasn’t expecting this for the price) but definitely not the grandest, still impressive though.
Separation overall is above average, imaging is decent: you can still hear bells ringing making a 360 degrees circle around your head in the Chocolate Chip Trip by the Tool - but left right movement is more clear and precise than backward forward one.

The con could be the shape and weight disregarding if you have small, large or medium size ears due to a not exactly anatomic bulbous shape and stainless steel material used.
I’ve settled down on included Tri-Clarion and my own SpinFit 145 eartips.
Supplied cable sounds good but looks overly thin.

Would be happy to have the same driver in some resin custom-like shell and with a bit more lush tuning and even more boosted sub bass.

 

[Menkau-ra]

A2P TR17HP, didn't really take any notes but it was a warm, smooth, relaxed listen with 0 noise. Great cost performance value but long lead time (3 months is what they told me right now). Amazing form factor!

Interesting. Is that a buy?

 

[aaf evo]

From seeing Slot’s first game at Anfield back in August '24 to watching the title be won today… a lot of very happy emotions.




What a lovely Sunday... I hope you other Reds out there enjoying this moment. YNWA



I really love this combination. I know AK DAPs get disregarded often due to lacking power to sound authoritative and grippy but this synergy is sublime. I also can't ignore just how pleasant the Copper Nickel version of the 3000M sounds which given its tiny footprint is just awesome. Storm still sounds incredibly well layered and dynamic with its pinpoint imaging. From more powerful amps you do get a bigger stage and deeper/harder hitting bass, but this balance of tone and tech here works so well for me whereas sometimes I find Storm can sound a bit too "raw" or lifeless with certain chains despite them driving it better. It's definitely a "can't see the woods for the trees" situation IMO.



Happy Sunday.

 

[THE 001 Music]

I have to agree, the 4.4mm barrel on the Shogun cable looks exceptional. I had never seen it before. A great look.

Unfortunately, the Shogun is sold out, which is unsurprising cosidering its bargain price (only USD$5,482.00).

 

[cn11]

I've had quite a bit of time now with the Shanling MG800, and fully appreciate how they are loved so much by the select few that own a set - I definitely waited too long to take the plunge!

Some brief impressions - all of my listening so far has been with the balanced filters.



What's immediately apparent is how large and spacious they sound, for what is a very tiny IEM. The open back really does create a massive sense of stage size which is wonderfully captivating and immersive. The tuning is smooth, dynamic, and with excellent resolution - bass has good depth for sub and a decent mid kick, with fantastic mid-range clarity and really beautiful lush/vibrant tonality. The treble extends nicely, nothing harsh and has a good sense of air. Overall, I would describe as a highly engaging set with wonderful timbre, very impressive technical capability and incredibly musical... I would comfortably position in my imaginary single DD 'hall of fame'

Oh and beautiful build quality too, hard to get across how small they are in pictures.

So glad to hear that you are digging them. And I agree on how surprisingly small they are. With tips that work best for you, they totally disappear and you hardly realize there's anything in your ears providing that large scale of sound. I love that paradox about 'em. Very well said about the sound qualities too!