Does anyone know if and how to buy the UM Blue Silicone Eartips? @UniqueMelody?
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Unique Melody Flagships--Mason & Mentor Announcement and Impression Thread
- Thread starter UniqueMelody
- Start date
UniqueMelody
Sponsor: Unique Melody
Musicteck may still have a few accessory packs for sale. That package includes silicone tips and UM foam tips(not the comply).
Great, thank you for the answer!
Alpexis
100+ Head-Fier
Any thoughts on trading a Mentor for a Mason FS? How would it change my overall sound experience (with sp3k)?
Alpexis
100+ Head-Fier
Any thoughts on Sonnet of Adam vs Ode to Laura for upgrading Mentor? Goal is a bit less bloom and thickness.
fejnomit
1000+ Head-Fier
If that is the goal, then I would choose Sonnet of Adam
UniqueMelody
Sponsor: Unique Melody
I would highly recommend Adam as well. I love it.
After enough time, I decided to write a somewhat proper impression on the Mentor since it passed my multi-months audit. At this moment, I am aware and have been tempted by the highly praised Amber Pearl (claimed to be even more technical), but I hesitate to get it in fear of losing certain characteristics.
Starting off, there is a coloration/warmth in the lower to mid frequencies of the Mentor though to some it might not be immediately noticeable or perceived, since this warmth doesn't compromise realistic timbre. It has a subtle ability to introduce a subtle warmth/coloration in the lower to mid frequencies that enhances the enjoyment and engagement of the listening experience (to otherwise less captivating songs) without sacrificing the natural and realistic presentation of the sound (esp. songs with depth and elements of bass guitar/lower orchestral instruments).
Despite the injection of warmth or flavor in the Mentor's sound, a key aspect is its ability to maintain crispness and clarity in higher-pitched female vocals. There is a delicate balance achieved by the Mentor's tuning without sacrificing the intricate details and clarity, particularly in the higher frequency ranges. On top, the crispness and etherealness of higher-pitched female vocals are reduced by several % but there is a noticeable increase in details and weight in the vocals. Other warm/smooth IEMs, even with (very) forward vocal presentation, will lose around 30% of the crispness. The Mentor maintains it 90-95% and refines it.
the Mest indigo/mk3 have an oval soundstage with holographic treble (mk2 flatter and lacks holographic treble). the Mentor is characterized by an overall holographic and 3-dimensional soundstage with a more immersive and layered sonic experience across the FR.
For treble, the source determines whether the Mentor's treble becomes harsh and/or splashy. treble tuning appears to be carefully executed to retain a balance between sparkle and realism while minimizing harshness and sibilance (if not using non-optimal source). this tuning approach seems to aim to deliver as vibrant treble as possible, avoiding any muting or dampening of high-frequency details, but at the same time with the intention of not allowing the treble to spotlight over the midrange.
Having said that, the mentor does not require a smooth DAP for optimal performance as long as it's not a splashy one. I prefer this type of treble tuning to the typical smooth treble tuning. the Mentor finds a balance between realism and sparkle without succumbing to harshness or sibilance. Unlike smoother tunings, this does not come at the cost of a slightly muted/veiled treble. I could say this is one of multiple interpretations of a perfect balanced treble tuning. Only if paired with non-optimal source does treble become harsh/splashy.
While the imaging hype of the Mentor is true, it understates the other areas it excels in. In my view, the Mentor’s overall sound quality is a finetuned blend of various elements, each contributing to maximize engagement and immersion, but refraining from heading over to actual "warm", "smooth", or "dark" territory (not even a bit for the latter two).
Attributes like layering, separation, depth, bass intricacies, resolution, note presentation, imaging, and any nuanced tonal characteristics will not be delved into in this post (spoiler: mostly praises).
To summarize, I feel like the Mentor is tuned for those seeking a warm-neutral, mid-centric tuning, preserving (as much as possible) the hallmark vividness, crispness, and brightness (often found in Asian-style tuning?). This also means it is not for those who seek a wow factor from basshead tunings, warm/thick tunings, or treblehead tunings (despite the Mentor excelling across the entire FR). I will emphasize "captivating" again, because this is a subtle trait that those coming from warmer IEMs may not notice. There is some magic at work so it's not typical warm-neutral to me.
PS: I found these sonic traits are diminished by the fitting/angle/positioning of the Mentor, regardless of the seal quality. The stock cable plays a vital role in the Mentor's unique coloration, distinguishing it from my other well-measured cables that anti-cable enthusiasts recommend. Eartips affect almost everything in either a slight or drastic way. having experimented with too many, I found only the stock and one other that can reproduce a desirable tuning for me, but I can only recommend stock for the time being.
Starting off, there is a coloration/warmth in the lower to mid frequencies of the Mentor though to some it might not be immediately noticeable or perceived, since this warmth doesn't compromise realistic timbre. It has a subtle ability to introduce a subtle warmth/coloration in the lower to mid frequencies that enhances the enjoyment and engagement of the listening experience (to otherwise less captivating songs) without sacrificing the natural and realistic presentation of the sound (esp. songs with depth and elements of bass guitar/lower orchestral instruments).
Despite the injection of warmth or flavor in the Mentor's sound, a key aspect is its ability to maintain crispness and clarity in higher-pitched female vocals. There is a delicate balance achieved by the Mentor's tuning without sacrificing the intricate details and clarity, particularly in the higher frequency ranges. On top, the crispness and etherealness of higher-pitched female vocals are reduced by several % but there is a noticeable increase in details and weight in the vocals. Other warm/smooth IEMs, even with (very) forward vocal presentation, will lose around 30% of the crispness. The Mentor maintains it 90-95% and refines it.
the Mest indigo/mk3 have an oval soundstage with holographic treble (mk2 flatter and lacks holographic treble). the Mentor is characterized by an overall holographic and 3-dimensional soundstage with a more immersive and layered sonic experience across the FR.
For treble, the source determines whether the Mentor's treble becomes harsh and/or splashy. treble tuning appears to be carefully executed to retain a balance between sparkle and realism while minimizing harshness and sibilance (if not using non-optimal source). this tuning approach seems to aim to deliver as vibrant treble as possible, avoiding any muting or dampening of high-frequency details, but at the same time with the intention of not allowing the treble to spotlight over the midrange.
Having said that, the mentor does not require a smooth DAP for optimal performance as long as it's not a splashy one. I prefer this type of treble tuning to the typical smooth treble tuning. the Mentor finds a balance between realism and sparkle without succumbing to harshness or sibilance. Unlike smoother tunings, this does not come at the cost of a slightly muted/veiled treble. I could say this is one of multiple interpretations of a perfect balanced treble tuning. Only if paired with non-optimal source does treble become harsh/splashy.
While the imaging hype of the Mentor is true, it understates the other areas it excels in. In my view, the Mentor’s overall sound quality is a finetuned blend of various elements, each contributing to maximize engagement and immersion, but refraining from heading over to actual "warm", "smooth", or "dark" territory (not even a bit for the latter two).
Attributes like layering, separation, depth, bass intricacies, resolution, note presentation, imaging, and any nuanced tonal characteristics will not be delved into in this post (spoiler: mostly praises).
To summarize, I feel like the Mentor is tuned for those seeking a warm-neutral, mid-centric tuning, preserving (as much as possible) the hallmark vividness, crispness, and brightness (often found in Asian-style tuning?). This also means it is not for those who seek a wow factor from basshead tunings, warm/thick tunings, or treblehead tunings (despite the Mentor excelling across the entire FR). I will emphasize "captivating" again, because this is a subtle trait that those coming from warmer IEMs may not notice. There is some magic at work so it's not typical warm-neutral to me.
PS: I found these sonic traits are diminished by the fitting/angle/positioning of the Mentor, regardless of the seal quality. The stock cable plays a vital role in the Mentor's unique coloration, distinguishing it from my other well-measured cables that anti-cable enthusiasts recommend. Eartips affect almost everything in either a slight or drastic way. having experimented with too many, I found only the stock and one other that can reproduce a desirable tuning for me, but I can only recommend stock for the time being.
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MSwiss
Head-Fier
Good morning all,
I’ve recently joined the Mentor club and I’m in search of an good pairing DAP for these beauties.
I normally use Chord products whilst at home but when travelling it kills my phone battery and it’s not quite so convenient.
I’d like to try a good matching DAP and I’m looking for owners recommendations please. The A&K SP3000 & Shanling M9+ seem to the top contenders but I would love to hear real world experiences and other recommendations please.
Thanks in advance.
I’ve recently joined the Mentor club and I’m in search of an good pairing DAP for these beauties.
I normally use Chord products whilst at home but when travelling it kills my phone battery and it’s not quite so convenient.
I’d like to try a good matching DAP and I’m looking for owners recommendations please. The A&K SP3000 & Shanling M9+ seem to the top contenders but I would love to hear real world experiences and other recommendations please.
Thanks in advance.
WarrenS
100+ Head-Fier
There are so many great sounding DAP's on the market but may I suggest that you get one with a 4.4 Line Out. This way you will be able to add the new iBasso PB5 portable Tube Amp which sounds absolutely amazing with the Mentor's!
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I highly recommend the Shanling M9 plus. For so many reasons, it's the best DAP and beautifully drives MM.
Kiats
Headphoneus Supremus
@UniqueMelody can I check where the thread for the latest iteration of the Mason FS is? Thanks!
UniqueMelody
Sponsor: Unique Melody
Here: Thread 'Evolving the UM Reference: A New Chapter for the Mason Series—Mason Nuit Étoilée & Soleil Tombé' https://www.head-fi.org/threads/evo...eries—mason-nuit-Étoilée-soleil-tombé.971503/
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