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

[F700]

Prototype 634ears Loak2-TX04 - Dethonray DTR1 LE. This is massive and accurate sound.

 

[UnknownOperator]

My review of the absolute amazing FATFreq Quantum is online now!
https://www.head-fi.org/showcase/fatfreq-x-effect-audio-quantum.28151/reviews#review-37856

Their shipping rollout of the Deuce made me lose any interest I once had in dealing with them, but, nevertheless, I am intrigued.

 

[RedCurry]

Their shipping rollout of the Deuce made me lose any interest I once had in dealing with them, but, nevertheless, I am intrigued.

I think they've learned their lesson. I got mine super fast. And it does sound really good!

 

[FreeWheelinAudioLuv2]

Thanks. I asked because I'm looking for something even more portable than the A&K SE300 that I now use (and I love), and with a bit of different sound profile.
The RU7 is great, and has that, but because I carry it in my pocket of my pants, cables between my iPhone and the RU7 break constantly. So the A100 is worth looking into. I'm also looking into the iBasso DX260 and the A&K SP3KM. I hope anyone has somethinbg to say about that, compared to the SE300.

I highly recommend the Hiby R3 II (not the 2025) as a sensational sounding so small it does fit in a pocket DAP, that's $130.00, so cheap as chips (for a dap), that has an excellent BT function, PEQ if you're into that sort of thing, Soundfield to expand stage, high and low gain, and it can power pretty much any IEM.

Also the FiiO JM21 (it's got even more power than the R3 II, if you desire that sort of thing), which is Android, has a very neutral sound signature, system wide EQ, and a very fluid and snappy UI, and that one is about $199.00 (I recently upgraded to the M21, but that one hasn't landed yet, so I can't speak for it's sonics).

Also the Cayin N3 Ultra, which is tubey goodness, that also has solid state, plenty of power too, and very versatile, while transparent, warm, and technical.

 

[THE 001 Music]

Their shipping rollout of the Deuce made me lose any interest I once had in dealing with them, but, nevertheless, I am intrigued.

Judging by your equipment list, I suspect that you will be disappointed by the Quantum. I own at least two planar magnetic earphones that are superior to Quantum in every aspect, one of which is a fraction of the price.

 

[jjss]

PW Audio has revived the Meier Audio's CORDA QUICKSTEP and make it into a 4.4 bal amp. PW Audio has secured the production authorization from Dr Meier and the unit is now available for purchase ..

https://www.accessoryjack.com/produ...r-support-4-4mm-plug-9v-battery-for-headphone

Interested to know if anyone has tried this??

 

[mvvRAZ]

Thanks. I asked because I'm looking for something even more portable than the A&K SE300 that I now use (and I love), and with a bit of different sound profile.
The RU7 is great, and has that, but because I carry it in my pocket of my pants, cables between my iPhone and the RU7 break constantly. So the A100 is worth looking into. I'm also looking into the iBasso DX260 and the A&K SP3KM. I hope anyone has somethinbg to say about that, compared to the SE300.

I've been listening to the SP3000M for a little under a day, but so far it's by far the best DAP I've tried and it's not even close.

I wouldn't describe it as a proper warm DAP, it feels decently neutral but it's almost like a "sweet" neutral if that makes any sense... takes the edge off ever so slightly without a significant sacrifice in the resolution. It's the most pleasant tonality I've ever experienced in a DAP, and it has a really large stage with amazing dynamics

It's also really small, and actually portable. The regular edition is really light and easy to carry around, the Copper Nickel is pretty heavy, but it's still absolutely tiny compared to modern offerings

 

[el-jorge]

I highly recommend the Hiby R3 II (not the 2025) as a sensational sounding so small it does fit in a pocket DAP, that's $130.00, so cheap as chips (for a dap), that has an excellent BT function, PEQ if you're into that sort of thing, Soundfield to expand stage, high and low gain, and it can power pretty much any IEM.

Also the FiiO JM21 (it's got even more power than the R3 II, if you desire that sort of thing), which is Android, has a very neutral sound signature, system wide EQ, and a very fluid and snappy UI, and that one is about $199.00 (I recently upgraded to the M21, but that one hasn't landed yet, so I can't speak for it's sonics).

Also the Cayin N3 Ultra, which is tubey goodness, that also has solid state, plenty of power too, and very versatile, while transparent, warm, and technical.

Great recommandations. I'm going to look into the Cayin N3 Ultra also. Next to the other two on my shortlist.

 

[SbassX]

Oxidized copper apparently loses about 50% of its conductiveness compared to pure copper. But you can't really tell how much oxidation actually has taken place on the individual wires, whether you'd be able to hear the difference, and whether that makes it sound worse or better to your ears. The combination of those factors makes it an exercise in futility, I think.

That makes sense. On paper, the drop in conductivity from oxidation sounds significant, but in practice, with the minuscule resistance changes and how subjective hearing is, it’s almost impossible to pin down any significant sonic impact. Especially when the rest of the chain plays a far larger role in shaping what we perceive i guess.

Hi,

I am considering between the Flipears Legion and preowned Empire Ears Legend Evo for bass/EDM/Trance/Dubstep genre. I will be pairing it with Effect Audio CODE 23 and iBasso DC Elite. How do these two compare? Is it worth topping up a few hundreds dollars more for a preowned Legend Evo, instead of getting a brand new Flipears Legion? And should I consider the Empire Ears Raven?

This replaces the Fatfreq Maestro Mini or Scarlet Mini in my collection. Initially I was about to let the Maestro Mini go, but since pairing with DC Elite, which sounds neutral, reference and pairs well with colored IEMs like Maestro Mini, the Scarlet Mini does not make sense anymore.

Both seem to be great. I havent heard the legion but I'd lean slightly toward the Legion from all that i have seen about it. The Legend Evo is defo a beast of a set and that crazy bass, but it can feel a bit overwhelming or too recessed in the mids for some. Plus the legion cheaper and newer would make it a better a long term bet i suppose

 

[mikaik]

With a big full sound, reminiscent of the late 70's - early 80's Hifi systems, Darker is such an oddball in my collection. Takes a bit of time to wrap your head around the lack of treble* but once you do, it's so addictive.

*the treble is not really lacking, but less intense than in most sets. The details start emerging after 5-10 min...

 

[Valrhona]

With a big full sound, reminiscent of the late 70's - early 80's Hifi systems, Darker is such an oddball in my collection. Takes a bit of time to wrap your head around the lack of treble* but once you do, it's so addictive.

*the treble is not really lacking, but less intense than in most sets. The details start emerging after 5-10 min...

Nice color synergy. Have you tried the Analog?

 

[mikaik]

Nice color synergy. Have you tried the Analog?

Analog I think it's this one...yes. I still prefer Darker.

 

[Silverlinings]

With a big full sound, reminiscent of the late 70's - early 80's Hifi systems, Darker is such an oddball in my collection. Takes a bit of time to wrap your head around the lack of treble* but once you do, it's so addictive.

*the treble is not really lacking, but less intense than in most sets. The details start emerging after 5-10 min...

It is “darker”

 

[Boostcut]

Nicehck himalaya
Miroak-ii
Shanling ME600

Hi, with same tips which of the two isolate noise better, ME600 or Himalaya ?

Could you tell more about your experiences with those 2 iems and particularly about instruments separation and subbass/midbass performances please ? And for Himalaya do you use non stock nozzles ?

 

[statuefiddle]

Here are my thoughts after a couple weeks with the Lime Ears Terra. It's a $1200 IEM with one 7mm titanium-diaphragm dynamic driver, four Knowles BAs, and one Knowles RAU tweeter BA with a 4-way crossover packed into aluminium shells. Thanks to AudioGeek EU for the tour!

I liked these a lot. The Terra has a tastefully V-shaped sound signature that manages to avoid the common pitfall of recessed mids. Instead, the mids are just slightly set back in the mix and sound very natural. This is one of those sets that worked excellently with each new genre I threw at it. a true all-rounder for my preferences.

Terra is engaging and detailed, with nice separation and good sense of space. The bass has great kick while remaining tight and clean, with a fast, elastic quality. While not a massive subbass rumble monster, it maintains a good balance between mid and subbass.

Compared to the Kiwi Ears Punch, male vocals have less body, but they also sound more natural. For hip-hop and electronic music, I do prefer the Punch's more bombastic bass tuning. Vocals have a bit of distance in contrast to more intimate tunings like the Letshuoer Cadenza 12. On busy passages like double kick drums, the bass doesn't quite match the separation of the Cadenza 12, though it's still very good. The subbass doesn't dig quite as deep as the CraftEars Omnium or Kiwi Ears Punch.

Fit was a little tricky. The shells are light and their shape works well, but the nozzles felt right on the border of being too wide for my ears, despite measuring less than 6.5mm. Still, I could listen for hours without issues.

The Lime Ears Terra is easy to recommend if you're looking for a fun, engaging, well-balanced set that performs admirably across the board. Well done, Lime Ears!