In more than a few ways, I prefer it to the Apollo-X (custom version). Spartan has a smaller.. but tighter, more cohesive soundstage.. better center stage presentation (less diffused).. more neutral freq tuning (Apollo-X was a little too rolled off in the upper treble). Spartan's bass is flatter/more reference, as well.
Trying to think of how I'd describe the sound quality/tuning in relative terms.. slightly warmer UERM (i.e. off a neutral, 1-2 ohm OI amp) + a smoother, more holographic-sounding Ety ER4SR? Yep.. kinda like that. I can't speak for the universal version of the Spartan.. but this custom version I have is checking all the boxes for me.
Pretty sure this will be my last custom IEM for a while. Been on that merry-go-round for a while and this guy performs in line with my priorities. Will go grab a uni IEM next.. maybe something less reference/more fun.. Series 5S, I'm looking at you.
Oops, ignore my PM! I didn't see you had posted these impressions when I sent it. I'm going to lend you my universal Spartans in a month or two, I want to hear your thoughts on the differences between the custom and the universal.
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