Audeze new planar IEMs

Discussion in 'IEMs and Portable Gear' started by mrweirdude, Sep 1, 2016.

  1. MuppetFace

    MuppetFace Sultana of Seafoam Green - Moderator

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    I like stingray shaped things.

    But I was speaking more about the concept, not these IEMs necessarily. I'm personally not a fan of Audeze products. Well, the LCD-1 and LCD-2 are alright, but everything else can take a flying leap as far as I'm concerned.
     
  2. Huxleigh

    Huxleigh Almost "Made"

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  3. yaluen

    yaluen Acquaintance

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    I actually still have a couple sets, neither came from Japan interestingly enough. Stock, the fit is rather painful, too much pressure on the entrance of my ear canals. I've tied blocks of foam to the temple rests to space out the earpieces. That compromises the seal some so I lose a bit of deep bass. You really need the tips to be jammed to your ears for optimal sound, and that's not pleasant at all.

    Its industrial design is certainly unique, bold yet entirely functional. No other headphone is quite like it. I remain unconvinced that its acoustic design was as thought through. Its response above 1kHz is entirely shelved down, and the distortion profile also points to design flaws (http://www.innerfidelity.com/images/YamahaYH5M.pdf). It's a wonder how the tone of it isn't entirely borked, and I agree with you is actually quite nice sounding. Understandable though since it was made in an era when little attention was paid to housings and ear coupling in general.

    I actually expect the iSines to sound nice as well, especially bass to mids having that characteristic ortho flat response and meaty texture. Looking at the exploded view pic and overall construction, I'm not optimistic Audeze did anything to address sealed ear canal resonance however.
     
  4. zerodeefex

    zerodeefex SBAF's Imelda Marcos

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    I looked for a pair for years. Slightly jealous you have two. I always wanted to hear them.
     
  5. yaluen

    yaluen Acquaintance

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    TBH they're not that remarkable compared to all the great IEMs we have nowadays. Upper bass to lower midrange does have a unique sense of body and density though.
     
    Last edited: Sep 10, 2016
  6. TRex

    TRex Almost "Made"

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  7. Out Of Your Head

    Out Of Your Head Friend

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  8. yaluen

    yaluen Acquaintance

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    I'd like to get ears on these to judge for myself, but bleh, it's disheartening to read your comment. One of the things I was afraid of when Apple killed the HP jack and put their support behind wireless and HPs with built-in DACs was exactly this. Hopefully active HPs that resort to DSP/EQ correction don't become the norm over properly tuned passive HPs.

    Audeze trying to spin it as something other than a gimped product:
    http://www.head-fi.org/t/818870/aud...m-planar-magnetic-earphones/510#post_12898515
    http://www.head-fi.org/t/818870/aud...m-planar-magnetic-earphones/525#post_12899238
     
  9. Kattefjaes

    Kattefjaes Mostly Harmless

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    God, that sounds like Bose QC-XX squared...
     
  10. yaluen

    yaluen Acquaintance

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  11. Kattefjaes

    Kattefjaes Mostly Harmless

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    BTW, I listened to both of these, and couldn't get them not to sound sucky. They're huge, plasticky, stick out and the ear hooks were terribly fragile. The isolation was awful, too. I really am wondering who'd pay for these on purpose..
     
  12. burnspbesq

    burnspbesq Friend

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    I'll probably buy them from someplace with a 30-day, NQA return policy. I'm skeptical, but I want to hear them for myself.
     
  13. Kattefjaes

    Kattefjaes Mostly Harmless

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    You're probably not the only one, I suspect that they'll become quite the rubber product.
     
  14. Warrior

    Warrior RIP 2021

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    Any updates on these? I just ordered the 20s from Audeze. Says about 1-2 weeks for delivery. Hoping I like them, but you can return them so low risk.
     
  15. Chris1967

    Chris1967 Friend

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    I heard the demo prototypes 10's (the 20,s unfortunately got lost in the post) in October, and they sounded superb. Nothing like any other in ear i have tried. I must admit the way they sit on the ears is strange an i am not sure of long term comfort/seal.

    Waiting for the local dealer to get them in and give them a good listen, with both cables (curious about the reports about large differences between the two).
     
  16. Warrior

    Warrior RIP 2021

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    Mine will be here Friday. I hope they are nice, and they sound better than traditional iems.
     
  17. Warrior

    Warrior RIP 2021

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    Mine arrived a little while ago. Nozzles are so huge. Having a hard time getting a seal.
     
  18. Kunlun

    Kunlun cat-alyzes cat-aclysmic cat-erwauling - Friend

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    @Warrior Annnnnnnnnnnd?

    Did you find a fit that works?

    How's the sound quality of these ear-mantas?

    I'm interested, so please share if you have a moment!
     
  19. Warrior

    Warrior RIP 2021

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    Having a hard time with a good fit tbh. I left then in my office and I took the day office, so I'll try again on Monday. From what I've heard, so far, nothing special.
     
  20. Kunlun

    Kunlun cat-alyzes cat-aclysmic cat-erwauling - Friend

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