So i've asked
@toranku for permission to post my impressions from canjam on his thread and he has kindly given his assent, so here goes - hope people will find this useful:
Kumitate Labs Proto 2.1 (?)
This is the 2nd version of the KL Proto, with a configuration of 1DD+3BA, which is different from the original Proto which was 1DD+2BA. Ito told me that the main purpose of this difference was to get greater dynamics and a more full-bodied sound. Naturally, the Proto is still a work in progress. My general impressions are that it is a sub-bass heavy signature, a bit too much for me (but something bass lovers will enjoy) The treble extension I find not to be complete, as some of the higher frequencies get drowned out, but of high quality – vocals sound really good on this. I found the entire package to sound quite a fair bit better to me on the 2nd listen.
Kumitate Labs REF
I did not spend much time with this, and the only thoughts I have is that the Proto is better in almost every way – I find the REF to be lacking in resolution and the entire package could be more tight – having said that, that is probably a result of me preferring a more technically-focused IEM.
Final new B-series –
B1 1DD+1BA
B2 1BA
B3 2BA
I will be trying to listen to more of this once it comes out around June-July as the reps told me – unfortunately I did not have much time to listen to it, but it is a rather different take compared to the E-series. I find the B1 to take similarities to the Sony N3, without the bass bleed that is a problem with the N3. The B2 suitably impressed me with a much wider and more expansive sound that I have not heard from a single BA in awhile. I will need more time with these to give more accurate impressions.
Acoustune 1690TI
Alongside with the 1650WH, these are 2 upcoming single-DD IEMs, with the 1650WH using a different material from the original 1650. The 1690TI uses the same 4th gen 14mm dynamic driver previously used, and uses Pentaconn connectors which they say reduces noise and wear and tear. One of the big criticisms I have had of the 1650 and 1670 was that they sounded off in tonality and often felt metallic and with an unnatural edge. The 1690TI sounds more natural and is more controlled in comparison, with a less forward and brazen presence, which I find to be a good change.
Audiofly
This is the first time I've heard their offerings, and I have mixed feelings about their performance – these are not particularly outstanding in any means, yet not incompetent – perhaps it is a result of being in such a competitive market with so many outstanding models from everywhere now. I spent some time with their hybrid and their flagship, which they have in addition to a 2BA, 4BA, and 6BA model. Their reps also tell me that their tunings are targeted at different people for each – the 6BA is technically competent, the 8BA is mid-treble forward, the 4BA is flat, etc.
Audiofly 1DD+2BA
The hybrid has a slightly mid-forward presentation, probably somewhat of a downward sloping signature. I would say that it is quite aggressive and in your face. The reps told me that it had a very strong bass, but I could not really feel it, though this could be due to me not being able to get a really good fit with it. I found the treble extension to be sufficient, yet not particularly outstanding.
Audiofly 8BA
Currently only available in custom, this immediately strikes me as treble and mids-forward, similar to the hybrid in that it has a rather aggressive touch to it. I find it to be a relatively standard tuning, with the bass seemingly recessed in contrast to some of the more bass-boosted tunings that are becoming popular in pure-BA IEMs. In that respect I have no particular strong feelings on it, as they do not strike me as being extremely clean or highly resolving, in comparison to offerings from qdc or even 64.
Vision Ears Elysium
This is VE’s stab at a hybrid – 2 electrostatic drivers, 1 BA and 1 DD. What’s special about these is that unlike what you would expect, the BA is used for the bass, and the DD is used for mids. This is both good and bad: the bass of the Elysium is not overpowering and is tight and controlled, while lacking the rumble that DDs usually bring to the table. The mids are lush, yet sometimes feel a bit boomy – this could be the DD, in comparison to some of the more coherent BA IEMs on the market. The treble was present, but not brilliant – but I am told this is due to the Elysium needing a lot of power to drive, which I did not have at the time. Overall, the Elysium is a refreshing take from VE, and a move away from their more professionally-driven line-up, this would be a “fun tuning” that is enjoyable to listen to.
Dita Dream XLS
This is the successor to the Dita Dream, and uses the same dynamic driver, but upgraded in some way that I was unable to figure out. I remember finding the original Dream very easy on the ear and extremely smooth. I find the new XLS version to retain this quality, but with improved resolution. I was pleasantly surprised by the resolution of this IEM, and it has a very slight V-shaped sound, less so than the original Dream. Overall, this is a very enjoyable IEM to listen to and would be great for casual and easy listening – the market that Dita targets anyway.
Hidition Violet
This is the upcoming flagship of Hidition, an 11BA monster that quite frankly was the star of the show to me. It builds on the successes of the NT6 and the Viento-R, providing a very competent package that sounds amazing (did I mention the shells look absolutely beautiful as well?). The bass presence is outstanding for a BA-only IEM, and there is clarity and resolution in spades. I also have heard some who said the treble quality is not quite right, i.e. does not faithfully reproduce recordings, but I find them to render instruments, especially strings, beautifully. I was drawn back for a 2nd listen on day 2 after being blown away on day 1, and boy these do not disappoint.
