Xelento vs Andromeda / Vega

[interstella]

I've had the ie80's for over 2 years now, and feel it's about time to make an upgrade. I'm torn between Xelento, Andromeda or Vega. Unfortunately I'm unable to audition any of these, so I'd appreciate some input before I make my decision.

The main benefit of getting the Xelento's would be the 5 year warranty, as well as no import taxes.
Price for the Xelento would be ~950€, whereas the Andromedas and Vega might end up along the lines of 1200€ / 1500€ post import tax respectively. I'd be willing to pay the higher price if I was convinced there was a difference in sound quality, but everything I've read comparing the Andromeda or Vega to the Xelento's has been very mixed.

As I understand the Vega's are very bass-heavy IEM's and that's not necessarily what I'm looking for, so my primary focus is on either Xelento or Andromeda, but I'm open to the Vegas as well. I'm looking in particular for something with good soundstage and instrument separation.

Thanks in advance!

 

[money4me247]

I own both the andromeda and xelento. they both sound very good but different sound sig. i have not heard the ie80 so i cant say how they compare that, and i dont want to mislead you.

sonically they are both high quality and relatively natural sounding (aka both seems closer to a flat neutral oriented sound sig rather than vshaped or midfocused or dark or bright). sidebyside, the andromeda is brighter and more sparkle than the xelento. xelento has more visceral bass. the andromeda is more clinical and has the edge with some technical aspects like soundstage, while the xelento a bit more lush and intimate with its presentation, very smooth and less likely to offend with its sound sig. the andromeda is closer to my personal ideal sound sig preference for critical listening.

in direct relative comparision, xelento is a bit more laid back with a more dynamic punchy bass with subtle midbass emphasis, more intimate mids, and more relaxed and smooth treble. the andromeda's bass has a subtle subbass emphasis, tighter bass notes but not as hardhitting or visceral, less intimate presentation, a tad more clinical sound, more treble extension and treble energy, very detailed and sparkly, slightly larger soundstage width. andromeda soundstage is considered top of the line, but still not as good as fullsized open headphones known for soundstage like akg 7xx or sennheiser hd800s. tbh soundstage difference between flagship IEMs is not that dramatic to me.

Two important things to keep in mind regarding the andromeda.
1) the fit can be very fincky & the online reviews that i read definitely did not stress that comfort can rly be an issue with this design. it was extremely uncomfy for me at first, almost returned it. i wld be hesitant to recommend it if you arent able to try it first just because of that factor can be so personal. it just has a large housing with prominent edges. i was able to get a comfy fit using rly large eartips with a shallow insertion to prevent the housing from touching my ears.
2) the andromeda is prone to hissing depending on what source you use. it hisses with all my amplifiers (oppo ha1, grace m9xx, gungnir). it does hiss with my laptop and home computer. the hiss is hard to hear when music is playing. luckily it does not hiss when i use my steinburg audio interface or my samsung s8+. I believe it does not hiss from iphones and some DAPs, but this may or may not be an issue depending on how sensitive you are to hiss.
3) its sound sig changes depending on the outout impedance of your source devices. this is common with balanced armature IEMs. just be aware it may sound different when u plug it into different devices. I think 2-3ohm output impedance is a common recommendation for the andromeda.

the andromeda is a bit more of a diva, but i do think I prefer its sound sig personally. has some nonsonic issues like comfort/device compatibility that can be straight dealbreakers. if you like a sennheiser hd800S type of sound, the andromeda does that kind of presentation well. I do not think the andromeda is fatiguing with its treble, but also depends on personal pref. andromeda does have rly good bass extension with good subbass presence. I wld say wld probably fall into the neutral to brighter than neutral, and more clinical type of presentation with emphasis on technical performance. very cohensive and well-balanced sound sig. pretty sure most audiophile-focused listeners wld be happy with its tuning. rly great value and overall sonic performance.

the xelento is more comfy and sound sig more stable over larger range of output impedance due to being a dynamic driver. easier blind recommendation as no major dealbreakers and sound sig is smooth with a more laidback presentation. very safe option. can nitpick on some aspects of its tuning, but more a personal preference thing. the biggest concern for the xelento wld be if the sound signature tuning matches ur personal taste as everything else is topnotch.

hope this info is helpful

 

[interstella]

I own both the andromeda and xelento. they both sound very good but different sound sig. i have not heard the ie80 so i cant say how they compare that, and i dont want to mislead you.

sonically they are both high quality and relatively natural sounding (aka both seems closer to a flat neutral oriented sound sig rather than vshaped or midfocused or dark or bright). sidebyside, the andromeda is brighter and more sparkle than the xelento. xelento has more visceral bass. the andromeda is more clinical and has the edge with some technical aspects like soundstage, while the xelento a bit more lush and intimate with its presentation, very smooth and less likely to offend with its sound sig. the andromeda is closer to my personal ideal sound sig preference for critical listening.

in direct relative comparision, xelento is a bit more laid back with a more dynamic punchy bass with subtle midbass emphasis, more intimate mids, and more relaxed and smooth treble. the andromeda's bass has a subtle subbass emphasis, tighter bass notes but not as hardhitting or visceral, less intimate presentation, a tad more clinical sound, more treble extension and treble energy, very detailed and sparkly, slightly larger soundstage width. andromeda soundstage is considered top of the line, but still not as good as fullsized open headphones known for soundstage like akg 7xx or sennheiser hd800s. tbh soundstage difference between flagship IEMs is not that dramatic to me.

Two important things to keep in mind regarding the andromeda.
1) the fit can be very fincky & the online reviews that i read definitely did not stress that comfort can rly be an issue with this design. it was extremely uncomfy for me at first, almost returned it. i wld be hesitant to recommend it if you arent able to try it first just because of that factor can be so personal. it just has a large housing with prominent edges. i was able to get a comfy fit using rly large eartips with a shallow insertion to prevent the housing from touching my ears.
2) the andromeda is prone to hissing depending on what source you use. it hisses with all my amplifiers (oppo ha1, grace m9xx, gungnir). it does hiss with my laptop and home computer. the hiss is hard to hear when music is playing. luckily it does not hiss when i use my steinburg audio interface or my samsung s8+. I believe it does not hiss from iphones and some DAPs, but this may or may not be an issue depending on how sensitive you are to hiss.
3) its sound sig changes depending on the outout impedance of your source devices. this is common with balanced armature IEMs. just be aware it may sound different when u plug it into different devices. I think 2-3ohm output impedance is a common recommendation for the andromeda.

the andromeda is a bit more of a diva, but i do think I prefer its sound sig personally. has some nonsonic issues like comfort/device compatibility that can be straight dealbreakers. if you like a sennheiser hd800S type of sound, the andromeda does that kind of presentation well. I do not think the andromeda is fatiguing with its treble, but also depends on personal pref. andromeda does have rly good bass extension with good subbass presence. I wld say wld probably fall into the neutral to brighter than neutral, and more clinical type of presentation with emphasis on technical performance. very cohensive and well-balanced sound sig. pretty sure most audiophile-focused listeners wld be happy with its tuning. rly great value and overall sonic performance.

the xelento is more comfy and sound sig more stable over larger range of output impedance due to being a dynamic driver. easier blind recommendation as no major dealbreakers and sound sig is smooth with a more laidback presentation. very safe option. can nitpick on some aspects of its tuning, but more a personal preference thing. the biggest concern for the xelento wld be if the sound signature tuning matches ur personal taste as everything else is topnotch.

hope this info is helpful

Thanks for the comparison! I'm still not sure, but by your account I'm leaning more towards Andromeda. Fit is a big concern with Andromeda, but I have a feeling I will regret having not gone for them later on, if I do decide for Xelento.
The words you use to describe Xelento, 'intimate' and 'smooth' i associate with negative features in sound. I associate intimate with smaller soundstage and leaning towards worse instrument separation, and smooth as though it has a perceived veil covering the sound.Is that how you would describe Xelento in comparison to Andromeda? You gave a very vivid description of the Andromeda, which I assume means you prefer them by a fair margin, but would you mind going a bit more in depth on the Xelento tuning in comparison?

 

[money4me247]

I think reading online impressions of headphones and IEMs can be one of the most misleading endeavors and I do feel like my word choices may be biasing you one way or another based on your perceived definition of the word. I only mean my descriptions to be a direct side-by-side comparison of these two headphones against each other. So yes, the xelento has a smaller sound stage than the andromeda, but I do think both these two IEM would be classified as having very good sound stage compared to flagship IEMs in general. the difference is relatively subtle and more just that the andromeda has a wider left-right panning effect than anything else. the andromeda has a bit more treble energy and slightly more emphasis around the 5k to 10k and 16-18khz regions compared to the xelento in a side-by-side comparison, so the andromeda sounds a bit edgier and less smooth, but this quality can be a pro or a con depending on preference.

The xelento's sound is very solid and weighty. You can really hear that visceral thump to the bass notes without the bass notes drowning out the rest of the frequency. The way the xelento's bass is tuned is interesting as it gives you that subwoofer like feel with a emphasis in the lower 30-50hz type region for a rumbling thumping type visceral sensation to the bass, but does not make the notes appear too thick or bloated or overtly full as you will get with more of an upper bass emphasis. The andromeda's bass notes will be thinner in relative comparison, but it also gives a similar curve though much less pronounced tuning with clean subtly emphasized subbass also around 30-50khz without boosting upper bass for that clean rumble. The andromeda's rumble is good for a balanced armature driver, but lacking in slam and impact when compared to the xelento. both these IEM midrange tuning is surprisingly similar. they both sound overall very linear throughout the midrange with just the most careful pull back in the upper midrange around 1-2khz for that subtle prevention against a tinny or metallic attack to the notes.

The treble between the two headphones is another area of great differentiation, though both very well done, but very subtle characteristic tonal differences. Regarding treble and treble dips/peaks, I can only hear up to 18khz. Both the xelento and andromeda have a similar 4-5khz bump. then the Xelento has a bit more pronounced dip at 6khz followed by an earlier peak at 7-8Khz, then a similar peak 13khz, and then earlier at 15khz. On the other hand, Andromeda's treble just stays at a bit higher level throughout with the similar 4-5khz bump to start followed by a 6khz drop that goes into a very prominent peak at 8-10khz, then similar 13khz peak, then 15-17khz that stays elevated as it hits the upper registrars. The 9khz peak on the andromeda is the most prominent peak of its treble signature. So the andromeda balances a very fine line where you can sometimes get a bit of silibance, but other times it seems like the sound has that extra crispness to its edges giving a bit more definition and 'piercing-ness' to its presentation. the andromeda stays elevated a bit more at the end of the upper treble registrars so a bit more airy sound. The xelento also has that good airy extension but smoother without as strong peaks in the upper registrars. The xelento's treble energy is more focused around the 7khz while the andromeda focus a lot more at the 9 khz region. their treble notes both sound extremely well-defined, just the xelento has a clean smooth edge that does not get as piercing while the andromeda does sometimes stray into more piercing higher energy treble. basically, the andromeda's treble is likely as high energy as I would be comfortable with as on some tracks it does get subtly sibilant, while the xelento is as smooth as I am comfortable with without feeling like you are missing that extra bite to the treble notes. But ya, in relative comparision, the andromeda has a more piercing bite to its treble notes. Neither headphones are veiled though. I would consider the HD650 to have a veil if you do a direct comparison against the AKG 7xx or Hifiman HE400i or even the hd600, and neither IEM falls into the HD650 mid-centric low treble energy type sound signature. Not sure what types of open heapdhones you are familiar with but I would say the Andromeda would be like the AKG q701 while the xelento is more like the AKG K7xx. overall tuning is actually more similar than different (aka probably not really worth it to have both), but has just subtle enough tweaks that really make them very great for someone with a picky criteria but looking for a subtle variation.

If I was going to go into a open headphone comparison, I would say the Andromeda are most similar to the HD800S while the Xelento is most similar to the HE-1k. The Andromeda's strength is the sound stage, treble detail and treble energy, airiness, and linear/present bass extension. The Andromeda's weakness is thin body to its notes and treble may be fatiguing. So if you like a more clinical analytical presentation like the HD800 and aren't afraid of treble fatigue, then the Andromeda is the headphone for you. The Xelento's strength is the way it combines very detailed non-fatiguing treble smoothly into the weighty and solid low-end. The xelento's have an almost subwoofer-like solid presentation of bass without resorting towards an overly dramatic or bloated bass boost. The xelento's present the sound in such a way that you can sometimes confuse yourself thinking that this is a bright IEM or maybe a dark IEM depending on the song that is playing. The xelento always has a solid punch and weight behind each of its notes, one of the more speaker-like IEMs. The Andromeda on the other hand are definitely a tad bit brighter and thinner while maintaining a cohesive and linear sound signature. Just like the HD800S you can always tell is just a tad bit brighter and thinner relatively, but that extra bit of sparkle and brightness along with that leaner analytical presentation can be extremely enjoyable. I actually usually main the HD800S so that may be why I am draw towards the Andromeda at first. The Xelento's do remind of me of one of my personal favorite headphones of all time, the HE-1K, but the HE-1K is a bit sketchy with its build quality and price point and revisions nowadays, so I've moved away from it. I still think the HE-1K betters the Focal Utopia overall in overall sound quality. However, the Utopia does have a bit more discrete weighty impact and slam to its notes, while the HE-1K has a more ethereal rumbling tectonic-like bass presentation where you feel it in your bones more than your chest.

It is funny because the Andromeda is one of the most "dynamic driver like" balanced armature IEM I've heard (with its lower frequency and subass, punchiness and rumble), while the Xelento is one of the most "balanced armature like" dynamic driver IEMs I've heard (especially with its treble presentation). They each does their strength extremely well and then "their weakness" is likely still ahead of many other top tier IEMs that supposed to be specifically known for that exceling in that area.

When you say "intimate" and "smooth" as a possible negative, the headphones that spring to my mind would be the Audeze line-up which really emphases a upper bass and upper midrange for that fullness and thick presentation. Or something like the Oppo PM-1 that decreases presence range from 2khz to 5khz for a more closed in presentation. Neither of these IEMs are like that and their frequency tuning do not really reflect that type of sound signature. Out of the supposedly 'reference flagship' IEMs, the Noble 10U is the IEM that would spring to my mind when you say an IEM that sounds "intimate" and "smooth" as it has a strong upper bass-lower midrange bump and then a decreased presence range from 3khz-6khz. The result is a sound signature that is never offensive, but also lacking in excitement and feels a bit too thick and congested for me.

To be honest, I feel like the xelento is one of the best performing but under the radar IEMs I've played with recently while the Andromeda's get a lot of hype, I do think that the Andromeda does definitely deserved it, but at the same time there are also definitely some drawbacks on the Andromedas that often get failed to mentioned.

I do wish I've had experience with your IEM of choice the IE80s, so I know your relative reference point.

 

[money4me247]

also, thank you for your question. it has actually been a while since I've sat down and did a critical shoot out between my gear. forgot how fun it is. realistically, it is hard to go wrong with either one, but I hope you can get a sense of the overall differences by the way I describe it, and then maybe find some other reviews that compare those towards something else you are familiar with and you may be able to get a better sense of where these two lie along your preferences

 

[stenog]

I think reading online impressions of headphones and IEMs can be one of the most misleading endeavors and I do feel like my word choices may be biasing you one way or another based on your perceived definition of the word. I only mean my descriptions to be a direct side-by-side comparison of these two headphones against each other. So yes, the xelento has a smaller sound stage than the andromeda, but I do think both these two IEM would be classified as having very good sound stage compared to flagship IEMs in general. the difference is relatively subtle and more just that the andromeda has a wider left-right panning effect than anything else. the andromeda has a bit more treble energy and slightly more emphasis around the 5k to 10k and 16-18khz regions compared to the xelento in a side-by-side comparison, so the andromeda sounds a bit edgier and less smooth, but this quality can be a pro or a con depending on preference.

The xelento's sound is very solid and weighty. You can really hear that visceral thump to the bass notes without the bass notes drowning out the rest of the frequency. The way the xelento's bass is tuned is interesting as it gives you that subwoofer like feel with a emphasis in the lower 30-50hz type region for a rumbling thumping type visceral sensation to the bass, but does not make the notes appear too thick or bloated or overtly full as you will get with more of an upper bass emphasis. The andromeda's bass notes will be thinner in relative comparison, but it also gives a similar curve though much less pronounced tuning with clean subtly emphasized subbass also around 30-50khz without boosting upper bass for that clean rumble. The andromeda's rumble is good for a balanced armature driver, but lacking in slam and impact when compared to the xelento. both these IEM midrange tuning is surprisingly similar. they both sound overall very linear throughout the midrange with just the most careful pull back in the upper midrange around 1-2khz for that subtle prevention against a tinny or metallic attack to the notes.

The treble between the two headphones is another area of great differentiation, though both very well done, but very subtle characteristic tonal differences. Regarding treble and treble dips/peaks, I can only hear up to 18khz. Both the xelento and andromeda have a similar 4-5khz bump. then the Xelento has a bit more pronounced dip at 6khz followed by an earlier peak at 7-8Khz, then a similar peak 13khz, and then earlier at 15khz. On the other hand, Andromeda's treble just stays at a bit higher level throughout with the similar 4-5khz bump to start followed by a 6khz drop that goes into a very prominent peak at 8-10khz, then similar 13khz peak, then 15-17khz that stays elevated as it hits the upper registrars. The 9khz peak on the andromeda is the most prominent peak of its treble signature. So the andromeda balances a very fine line where you can sometimes get a bit of silibance, but other times it seems like the sound has that extra crispness to its edges giving a bit more definition and 'piercing-ness' to its presentation. the andromeda stays elevated a bit more at the end of the upper treble registrars so a bit more airy sound. The xelento also has that good airy extension but smoother without as strong peaks in the upper registrars. The xelento's treble energy is more focused around the 7khz while the andromeda focus a lot more at the 9 khz region. their treble notes both sound extremely well-defined, just the xelento has a clean smooth edge that does not get as piercing while the andromeda does sometimes stray into more piercing higher energy treble. basically, the andromeda's treble is likely as high energy as I would be comfortable with as on some tracks it does get subtly sibilant, while the xelento is as smooth as I am comfortable with without feeling like you are missing that extra bite to the treble notes. But ya, in relative comparision, the andromeda has a more piercing bite to its treble notes. Neither headphones are veiled though. I would consider the HD650 to have a veil if you do a direct comparison against the AKG 7xx or Hifiman HE400i or even the hd600, and neither IEM falls into the HD650 mid-centric low treble energy type sound signature. Not sure what types of open heapdhones you are familiar with but I would say the Andromeda would be like the AKG q701 while the xelento is more like the AKG K7xx. overall tuning is actually more similar than different (aka probably not really worth it to have both), but has just subtle enough tweaks that really make them very great for someone with a picky criteria but looking for a subtle variation.

If I was going to go into a open headphone comparison, I would say the Andromeda are most similar to the HD800S while the Xelento is most similar to the HE-1k. The Andromeda's strength is the sound stage, treble detail and treble energy, airiness, and linear/present bass extension. The Andromeda's weakness is thin body to its notes and treble may be fatiguing. So if you like a more clinical analytical presentation like the HD800 and aren't afraid of treble fatigue, then the Andromeda is the headphone for you. The Xelento's strength is the way it combines very detailed non-fatiguing treble smoothly into the weighty and solid low-end. The xelento's have an almost subwoofer-like solid presentation of bass without resorting towards an overly dramatic or bloated bass boost. The xelento's present the sound in such a way that you can sometimes confuse yourself thinking that this is a bright IEM or maybe a dark IEM depending on the song that is playing. The xelento always has a solid punch and weight behind each of its notes, one of the more speaker-like IEMs. The Andromeda on the other hand are definitely a tad bit brighter and thinner while maintaining a cohesive and linear sound signature. Just like the HD800S you can always tell is just a tad bit brighter and thinner relatively, but that extra bit of sparkle and brightness along with that leaner analytical presentation can be extremely enjoyable. I actually usually main the HD800S so that may be why I am draw towards the Andromeda at first. The Xelento's do remind of me of one of my personal favorite headphones of all time, the HE-1K, but the HE-1K is a bit sketchy with its build quality and price point and revisions nowadays, so I've moved away from it. I still think the HE-1K betters the Focal Utopia overall in overall sound quality. However, the Utopia does have a bit more discrete weighty impact and slam to its notes, while the HE-1K has a more ethereal rumbling tectonic-like bass presentation where you feel it in your bones more than your chest.

It is funny because the Andromeda is one of the most "dynamic driver like" balanced armature IEM I've heard (with its lower frequency and subass, punchiness and rumble), while the Xelento is one of the most "balanced armature like" dynamic driver IEMs I've heard (especially with its treble presentation). They each does their strength extremely well and then "their weakness" is likely still ahead of many other top tier IEMs that supposed to be specifically known for that exceling in that area.

When you say "intimate" and "smooth" as a possible negative, the headphones that spring to my mind would be the Audeze line-up which really emphases a upper bass and upper midrange for that fullness and thick presentation. Or something like the Oppo PM-1 that decreases presence range from 2khz to 5khz for a more closed in presentation. Neither of these IEMs are like that and their frequency tuning do not really reflect that type of sound signature. Out of the supposedly 'reference flagship' IEMs, the Noble 10U is the IEM that would spring to my mind when you say an IEM that sounds "intimate" and "smooth" as it has a strong upper bass-lower midrange bump and then a decreased presence range from 3khz-6khz. The result is a sound signature that is never offensive, but also lacking in excitement and feels a bit too thick and congested for me.

To be honest, I feel like the xelento is one of the best performing but under the radar IEMs I've played with recently while the Andromeda's get a lot of hype, I do think that the Andromeda does definitely deserved it, but at the same time there are also definitely some drawbacks on the Andromedas that often get failed to mentioned.

I do wish I've had experience with your IEM of choice the IE80s, so I know your relative reference point.

This is a very good comparison and the most detailed description of the Xelento I have read. I am desperately trying not to buy the Xelento but I know I will like it if I do...

I am not sure if I should thank you or not for this comparison

 

[Dr. Hugo]

I think reading online impressions of headphones and IEMs can be one of the most misleading endeavors and I do feel like my word choices may be biasing you one way or another based on your perceived definition of the word. I only mean my descriptions to be a direct side-by-side comparison of these two headphones against each other. So yes, the xelento has a smaller sound stage than the andromeda, but I do think both these two IEM would be classified as having very good sound stage compared to flagship IEMs in general. the difference is relatively subtle and more just that the andromeda has a wider left-right panning effect than anything else. the andromeda has a bit more treble energy and slightly more emphasis around the 5k to 10k and 16-18khz regions compared to the xelento in a side-by-side comparison, so the andromeda sounds a bit edgier and less smooth, but this quality can be a pro or a con depending on preference.

The xelento's sound is very solid and weighty. You can really hear that visceral thump to the bass notes without the bass notes drowning out the rest of the frequency. The way the xelento's bass is tuned is interesting as it gives you that subwoofer like feel with a emphasis in the lower 30-50hz type region for a rumbling thumping type visceral sensation to the bass, but does not make the notes appear too thick or bloated or overtly full as you will get with more of an upper bass emphasis. The andromeda's bass notes will be thinner in relative comparison, but it also gives a similar curve though much less pronounced tuning with clean subtly emphasized subbass also around 30-50khz without boosting upper bass for that clean rumble. The andromeda's rumble is good for a balanced armature driver, but lacking in slam and impact when compared to the xelento. both these IEM midrange tuning is surprisingly similar. they both sound overall very linear throughout the midrange with just the most careful pull back in the upper midrange around 1-2khz for that subtle prevention against a tinny or metallic attack to the notes.

The treble between the two headphones is another area of great differentiation, though both very well done, but very subtle characteristic tonal differences. Regarding treble and treble dips/peaks, I can only hear up to 18khz. Both the xelento and andromeda have a similar 4-5khz bump. then the Xelento has a bit more pronounced dip at 6khz followed by an earlier peak at 7-8Khz, then a similar peak 13khz, and then earlier at 15khz. On the other hand, Andromeda's treble just stays at a bit higher level throughout with the similar 4-5khz bump to start followed by a 6khz drop that goes into a very prominent peak at 8-10khz, then similar 13khz peak, then 15-17khz that stays elevated as it hits the upper registrars. The 9khz peak on the andromeda is the most prominent peak of its treble signature. So the andromeda balances a very fine line where you can sometimes get a bit of silibance, but other times it seems like the sound has that extra crispness to its edges giving a bit more definition and 'piercing-ness' to its presentation. the andromeda stays elevated a bit more at the end of the upper treble registrars so a bit more airy sound. The xelento also has that good airy extension but smoother without as strong peaks in the upper registrars. The xelento's treble energy is more focused around the 7khz while the andromeda focus a lot more at the 9 khz region. their treble notes both sound extremely well-defined, just the xelento has a clean smooth edge that does not get as piercing while the andromeda does sometimes stray into more piercing higher energy treble. basically, the andromeda's treble is likely as high energy as I would be comfortable with as on some tracks it does get subtly sibilant, while the xelento is as smooth as I am comfortable with without feeling like you are missing that extra bite to the treble notes. But ya, in relative comparision, the andromeda has a more piercing bite to its treble notes. Neither headphones are veiled though. I would consider the HD650 to have a veil if you do a direct comparison against the AKG 7xx or Hifiman HE400i or even the hd600, and neither IEM falls into the HD650 mid-centric low treble energy type sound signature. Not sure what types of open heapdhones you are familiar with but I would say the Andromeda would be like the AKG q701 while the xelento is more like the AKG K7xx. overall tuning is actually more similar than different (aka probably not really worth it to have both), but has just subtle enough tweaks that really make them very great for someone with a picky criteria but looking for a subtle variation.

If I was going to go into a open headphone comparison, I would say the Andromeda are most similar to the HD800S while the Xelento is most similar to the HE-1k. The Andromeda's strength is the sound stage, treble detail and treble energy, airiness, and linear/present bass extension. The Andromeda's weakness is thin body to its notes and treble may be fatiguing. So if you like a more clinical analytical presentation like the HD800 and aren't afraid of treble fatigue, then the Andromeda is the headphone for you. The Xelento's strength is the way it combines very detailed non-fatiguing treble smoothly into the weighty and solid low-end. The xelento's have an almost subwoofer-like solid presentation of bass without resorting towards an overly dramatic or bloated bass boost. The xelento's present the sound in such a way that you can sometimes confuse yourself thinking that this is a bright IEM or maybe a dark IEM depending on the song that is playing. The xelento always has a solid punch and weight behind each of its notes, one of the more speaker-like IEMs. The Andromeda on the other hand are definitely a tad bit brighter and thinner while maintaining a cohesive and linear sound signature. Just like the HD800S you can always tell is just a tad bit brighter and thinner relatively, but that extra bit of sparkle and brightness along with that leaner analytical presentation can be extremely enjoyable. I actually usually main the HD800S so that may be why I am draw towards the Andromeda at first. The Xelento's do remind of me of one of my personal favorite headphones of all time, the HE-1K, but the HE-1K is a bit sketchy with its build quality and price point and revisions nowadays, so I've moved away from it. I still think the HE-1K betters the Focal Utopia overall in overall sound quality. However, the Utopia does have a bit more discrete weighty impact and slam to its notes, while the HE-1K has a more ethereal rumbling tectonic-like bass presentation where you feel it in your bones more than your chest.

It is funny because the Andromeda is one of the most "dynamic driver like" balanced armature IEM I've heard (with its lower frequency and subass, punchiness and rumble), while the Xelento is one of the most "balanced armature like" dynamic driver IEMs I've heard (especially with its treble presentation). They each does their strength extremely well and then "their weakness" is likely still ahead of many other top tier IEMs that supposed to be specifically known for that exceling in that area.

When you say "intimate" and "smooth" as a possible negative, the headphones that spring to my mind would be the Audeze line-up which really emphases a upper bass and upper midrange for that fullness and thick presentation. Or something like the Oppo PM-1 that decreases presence range from 2khz to 5khz for a more closed in presentation. Neither of these IEMs are like that and their frequency tuning do not really reflect that type of sound signature. Out of the supposedly 'reference flagship' IEMs, the Noble 10U is the IEM that would spring to my mind when you say an IEM that sounds "intimate" and "smooth" as it has a strong upper bass-lower midrange bump and then a decreased presence range from 3khz-6khz. The result is a sound signature that is never offensive, but also lacking in excitement and feels a bit too thick and congested for me.

To be honest, I feel like the xelento is one of the best performing but under the radar IEMs I've played with recently while the Andromeda's get a lot of hype, I do think that the Andromeda does definitely deserved it, but at the same time there are also definitely some drawbacks on the Andromedas that often get failed to mentioned.

I do wish I've had experience with your IEM of choice the IE80s, so I know your relative reference point.

money4me247, thank you so much for this extremely detailed comparison. As I research a bit about Xelento, reading your post is quite literally for me a moment when I realize how wonderful the world of audio gear is and how helpful and kind people can be. Thanks a lot.