- Joined
- Jan 30, 2011
- Posts
- 13,315
- Likes
- 24,354
Hi all
Sorry - I know some people are impatient for some information. Hopefully this will help some of you.
So without further ado – here's what arrived.
Kombi Tips
If you haven't used them before and use silicone – consider getting some. Similar shape to the Sony Hybrid/Sony Isolation, layer of foam inside. What you get is the durability of silicone, and the fit of foam. They are brilliant.
The IEM stands (you'll see them in the photos). I'll use these a lot I think.
They don't come as part of the Hunter package - Bob had some spare so he sent some with the package. I think they are cool.
The Vyrus (topic for another day – I will be reviewing)
2 sets of cables for the Hunter – standard Trinity Braid and standard braid with moldable ear hooks. I have no idea what cables will be in the final version.
Filters – both damped and undamped as follows:
Purple damped / undamped
Gold damped / undamped
Gun metal damped
Silver damped / undamped
Bob also said that the filters had probably been mixed up during the show (they are usually matched really well). Again - these are prototypes, and I know when finals come – the differences between filters will be more uniform, and same filters will be closely matched.
The damped and undamped filter graphs are shown below. These are all from the left earpiece which does not have the driver issues.
Here is the graph for current left vs right with the gold damped filters, and also the graph for the set I'm using now for evaluation – left ear gold damped, and right ear gun-metal damped. It works pretty well.
Next is a series of photos of the Hunter prototype. Sorry – this time you won't get a commentary on dimensions (its almost 1am – and my current workload hasn't abated – so its an early start for me tomorrow + my daughter's birthday, and I know which is more important). If I get time I'll go over them in the weekend.
As far as fit goes – really comfortable. Here's my exact comment to Bob:
My other comments on sound signature / sound quality:
And thats it from me. I'll try and answer specific questions over the next couple of days.
Sorry - I know some people are impatient for some information. Hopefully this will help some of you.
Please note
- This is not a review (reasons why below)
- Impressions are after 2.5 days with them, and because of some issues, total listening time is only about 6-7 hours
- Measurements (graphs) are taken with my Veritas set-up. My usual disclaimer applies -
- The graphs below are generated using the Vibro Veritas coupler and ARTA software. Ken Ball (ALO/Campfire) graciously provided me with measurement data which I have used to recalibrate my Veritas so that it mimics an IEC 711 measurement standard (Ken uses two separate BK ear simulators, we measured the same set of IEMs, and I built my calibration curve from shared data). I do not claim that this data is 100% accurate, but it is very consistent, and is as close as I can get to the IEC 711 standard on my budget.
- The sample I have for evaluation is one of the pair used during the UK show (I think Vince will get the other one). It is just a prototype, so it has been repeatedly pulled apart, reset, plugged, unplugged, etc, etc. It's not perfect.
- When they arrived – the right side had an obvious imbalance – vocals appeared to be panning right. When I measured them, the bass is off slightly on the right side (which of course makes vocals more prominent).
- The left side socket is very loose – so much so that its difficult to maintain a solid connection a lot of the time, and the audio is either weak, or cuts out. I've managed to jury rig a solution but it means I can't be swapping filters in and out – because every time I do that I have to reset again.
- I've managed to get an almost perfect match (good enough for evaluation anyway) by using a gunmetal filter on the right side and gold damped on the left (you'll see the graphs shortly).
- It took me 3 hours just to get the measurements – and this pair is not good enough to complete a review in their current condition.
What you also need to know
- Bob wanted me to post this warts and all – he believes in hiding nothing
- Please do not comment with something like “if this is the way the quality is, it's disappointing”. This is a prototype – it will be nothing like the end quality.
- We've already talked about a couple of ideas to fix some of the potential issues (like the cable connections – and as usual, Bob was way ahead of me with ideas. Its interesting that we both had similar ideas, but different implementation. Both of us talking about longer pins, and Bob has said that there will be a solution before they go to production
So without further ado – here's what arrived.
Kombi Tips
If you haven't used them before and use silicone – consider getting some. Similar shape to the Sony Hybrid/Sony Isolation, layer of foam inside. What you get is the durability of silicone, and the fit of foam. They are brilliant.
| [size=inherit] | ||
New pack Kombi tips (these are large) | the large tips | 3 size options |
The IEM stands (you'll see them in the photos). I'll use these a lot I think.
They don't come as part of the Hunter package - Bob had some spare so he sent some with the package. I think they are cool.
Hunter on stand - face on | Hunter on stand - side view |
The Vyrus (topic for another day – I will be reviewing)
2 sets of cables for the Hunter – standard Trinity Braid and standard braid with moldable ear hooks. I have no idea what cables will be in the final version.
Filters – both damped and undamped as follows:
Purple damped / undamped
Gold damped / undamped
Gun metal damped
Silver damped / undamped
| [size=inherit] | ||
All filters | Gold and purple | Gun-metal and silver |
Bob also said that the filters had probably been mixed up during the show (they are usually matched really well). Again - these are prototypes, and I know when finals come – the differences between filters will be more uniform, and same filters will be closely matched.
The damped and undamped filter graphs are shown below. These are all from the left earpiece which does not have the driver issues.
Undamped | Damped |
Here is the graph for current left vs right with the gold damped filters, and also the graph for the set I'm using now for evaluation – left ear gold damped, and right ear gun-metal damped. It works pretty well.
Imbalance (unfortunately) | Filter combo I'm using to fix |
Next is a series of photos of the Hunter prototype. Sorry – this time you won't get a commentary on dimensions (its almost 1am – and my current workload hasn't abated – so its an early start for me tomorrow + my daughter's birthday, and I know which is more important). If I get time I'll go over them in the weekend.
| [size=inherit] | ||
Cables and filters removed | Cable connector and socket | Filter/nozzle attached |
| [size=inherit] | ||
Inside face nicely bevelled and rounded | Good angle on the nozzle | Side view to show what they would be like when worn |
| [size=inherit] | ||
Better view of the nozzle | With Kombi tips | Not an overly shallow fit - thumbs up! |
As far as fit goes – really comfortable. Here's my exact comment to Bob:
Really comfortable shape and fit | And easy to lie down with |
My other comments on sound signature / sound quality:
And thats it from me. I'll try and answer specific questions over the next couple of days.
Summary
- Despite the issues, these sound really good
- They are Trinity house sound – but refined
- Really good resolution
- I can't wait to try a final pair
