shotgunshane’s IEM (custom and universal) recommendations, favorites and classics

That would be a great add!

 

For those who are not happy with the short cable of the MH755 .... if you can be bothered.....
https://www.reddit.com/r/headphones/comments/ag3udm/mh755_mmcx_mod_guide_credit_g_anon/

 

Anybody of you heard the Astell Kern AK XB10 Bluetooth Portable Amplifier ($ 129.00)?
The one that looks like an Ice Hockey Puck ...
How does the AK XB10 compare to the BTR1K and ES100 .... ?

 

Has anyone heard the Fiio FA1? Looking for a cheaper single BA IEM - mainly vocals for live performance.

 

Yes, I have an AK XB10. But unfortunately, I haven't heard the other two.

I can just compare it to the Shanling M0, which supports LDAC and sounds a smidgen better than the XB10 to my ears. However, the XB10 sounds very good too, via aptX HD. And it's lighter than the M0 and easy to clip on, so it too gets a lot of use.

 

Instead of the BTR1K, comparisons should be with the newer and more capable BTR3.

I decided against the XB10 because in addition to Bluetooth, I also wanted USB DAC capability to use with my laptop. The BTR3 and ES100 both have the capability but not the XB10. I also saw complaints that the XB10's round shape makes it hard to locate the button you want.

Between the BTR3 and ES100, you can look at this review. I went with the ES100 because I liked the way Radsone engaged with customers on Head-Fi, and updated firmware and app based on feedback. Unfortunately their representative was eventually banned from posting, I believe because they didn't become a site sponsor. The ES100 and app have features very much oriented towards audiophiles. The BTR3 is also very appealing with its more premium build and better ergonomic design.

 

@shotgunshane what cables do you recommend for the Decas? I can't help feeling that the stock generic cables supplied with mine can be improved on.

 

Thanks @shotgunshane I will look in to getting some low priced 4 core cables. Satin Audio in Vietnam has some $109 Griffin cables that Deezel @ thl compared favourably to the Ares II for $40 less.

Perfect Seal needs more love I am very pleased with my Decas. My old UE-10 Pros were wearing out. There are so many IEMs on the market now that choosing one without benefit of trying first means relying on reviews I trust like yours. My waiting time was only three weeks not bad. For me the Decas are driven quite well by a Vali 2 and I enjoy listening to them as much as my HD800S. Imaging and layering is very good and the bass is just right for me.

The Decas are very technically competent and revealing. When I switched from the Vali 2 to a Magni 3 the wide and deep headstage collapsed to a flat plane. Nice synergy between the Vali 2 and Decas. I was going to go with the AR6 but am glad I went with the Decas instead for the extra bass. Fit and finish is top shelf. Probably should ship with that higher quality Plastics1 cable though for $1450.

I am intrigued by the JH Audio Lola design and may make a trip over to Orlando to try them out. No interest in universal fit IEMs here except for trial I am too used to wearing customs.



Further thoughts after living with the Decas for a while. The sound of the Decas through the Vali 2 is qulte close to the HD800S also on the Vali 2. The bass on the Decas hits harder than the HD800S. Headstage width is comparable and so is imaging. The HD800S do provide a bit more depth and a smidge of extra air around instruments and performers. This is with the stock Plastics1 cable that Mike Martinez used when he tuned the Decas.

I tried a Moon Audio Bronze Dragon and it was not a good match for the Decas. Too warm and the midbass emphasis hurt the imaging. Sent them back and using the stock cable with the Decas for the moment.

The Decas are very musical and satisfying to listen with. Going from my Vali 2 > Deca to the HD800S driven by the Kenzie I gain minor headstage depth and air around performers and instruments. It is an improvement I notice but at a significant cost. I have a lot more invested in the Kenzie than the Vali 2. I also have to use a Loki to boost bass on the HD800S. Bass on the Decas is fine no EQ necessary.

I need to get another amp in to try with the Decas, maybe a Lyr 3 to see if there is a noticeable improvement in sound quality over using the Vali 2. To be continued...

 

I opened up my Noble X IEM’s to see if I could notice any way that could possibly save them. Right channel is distorting. Thought someone might be interested in seeing the guts. I noticed that one of the drivers seems to have a much more sloppy connection of the rubber tube to the driver than the other one. I wonder if that could possibly have anything to do with the distorting<?>

 

Looks like tears in the silicone.

 

I'd check the solder joints first. Even if there was a tear in the silicone, I don't think it would cause distortion. You'd hear decrease in the bass (pressure leak) similar to when you don't get a seal with tips. Not sure about the midrange driver tho..

 

Actually one of the wires came out of its solder after I took this pic. They were all definitely connected before. I don’t have a soldering iron on this side of the Pacific. I need to get one.

 

Can anyone give me comparisons between the Sony Ex1000 and Jvc HA-FD01? I currently own the Ex1000 and I'm really enjoying the texture of the bass as well as how natural everything sounds. I don't have too many issues with the treble spike, so I'm wondering if the mids and treble on the FD01 are better enough on the FD01 than the Ex1000 to be worth getting.

 

There's quite a bit of info already in the FD01 thread.

Comparison between EX1000 and stock FD01:

Comparisons between EX1000 and modded FD01:

 

Thanks! I actually did check some of those posts in the other FD01 thread, but I suppose I was looking for a few more opinions to get a better picture of whether the FD01 really is an upgrade to the ex1000s.
But, do you (or anyone who has heard these two iems) mind answering a few more questions not quite addressed in those comparisons?

1. I keep hearing that the ex1000s have a "romantic" presentation to them. I don't quite 100% understand yet what that means, but would you describe the FD01 to be similar in this aspect?

2. How is the comfort of the FD01? The ex1000s feel really lightweight but the FD01s look a bit bulky and heavy.

3. I saw a few opinions that the FD01 bass is a bit thin and "analytical". Would you describe the bass as not as lively as the Ex1000s?

4. How is the guitar crunch on the FD01?

Also for anyone who's heard the ER-4S, how do the mids and highs compare to the FD01 and Ex1000?