IEM general discussion thread

I just got one of these Tripowin Zoe cables for my UERM: https://www.amazon.com/Tripowin-Upg...JMNLYL/ref=cm_cr_arp_d_bdcrb_top?ie=UTF8&th=1
Although nowadays there's heaps of options for the overmolded UE connector if you just look for "QDC" connection.

 

Does anyone have experience with the QDC Anole V3II? They are currently at drop.com for 299$ for another couple of hours. Since I lost my Massdrop Plus, I need to find a replacement for them.

 

Should start off by saying, I only use my IEMs (7hz Timeless) at desktop. Right now, they're connected via a 4.4mm to 4-pole XLR adapter to my LAuX and Gungnir. On the IEMs themselves, I like them enough not to catch and release them, although they are a bit v-shaped for my taste, or treble forward, but they have other strengths that make up for the tuning, and anyway, with the power on tap with the Liquid Gold X, they can handle some pretty extreme EQ (not that I go quite that far, but I do EQ down the highs a bit and make some other adjustments here and there).

Okay, now question time: if I were to downsize this rig and make one specifically for IEMs, what is my best bet for a desktop solution and the 7hz Timeless specifically?

I am considering:

• Modi Multibit with a Vali 2++ (possibly with a Loki/Lokius so I don't have to PEQ)
• MMB with a Piety (same maybe on Loki)
• iFi Gryphon
• iFi GO bar
• Cayin RU6
• and the dark horse, a now-vintage Geek Out V2, which I have previously owned and loved

Looking to maximize synergy with the Timeless, play to its strengths (micro detail & resolve), forgive its weaknesses (almost glare-y treble, soft transients/attack) and give me enough headroom to EQ, if needed. I consider my current full-size setup to be mostly neutral, natural and resolving and would like to keep these qualities in an IEM setup. Other options are most welcome.

 

You've seen the Timeless thread, right?

Glarey treble didn't seem to be a problem for people who were able to obtain good fit. Rather, if there was a common issue, it was with the texture and level of the mid-bass. I'd suggest trying a variety of tips before you spend big on amps / sources.

With good fit, the consensus seemed to be that warmer (but not too bassy) sources went best with these. Numerous people mentioned they sounded good from the Vali 2+. Also Ifi gear.

 

shouldn’t have said glare-y, it’s just a bit bright for my tastes. But to your point, I think I am using tips that are too small, that might be the problem—I’ll try different tips. Ordered some from penon audio but they cancelled my order bc it was too small lol. Have to make do with stock tips ig.

 

The RU6 sounds good with the Timeless and improves the timbre. If I were doing it again though I would skip the RU6 and go to the Hiby RS2. It's an upgrade in sound, and you get the added bonus of a DAP should you want to use it as such. USB DAC function works flawlessly for me.

 

Does anyone have any experience with the Kiwi Orchestra?

 

Looking at size and impedance specs it seems there's quite a variety of drivers being used now. S12 and Timeless could well be the same, but e.g. the Moondrop Stellaris is listed as having a 14.5 mm driver (within error of the 14.8 & 14.2 given for the S12 & Timeless, respectively), but an impedance of 36 Ohms vs the 15-16 Ohms of the other two. And exploded internal pics show some have single-sided magnet arrays whereas others have double; etc.

But yeah - in many cases the implementation seems to leave a lot to be desired...

 

I can say with quite a bit of confidence that they’re not. I think a couple might be. I’m suspicious the Zetian Wu uses the same driver as the S12. But I’ve bought and modded all of them and they either respond very differently to the same mods or once tuned to the same FR don’t sound the same at all and I don’t think the enclosures could account for it.

The Zetian Wu and S12 do sound very similar with similar mods though and the differences could be the enclosure shape. The S12 has more potential though.

The Timeless and S12 sound completely different even once tuned similarly.

 

I'm not saying it would be a good idea... but I think I'd like to try my iem cable hanging down from my ciem (in front of the ear) rather than behind my ear. This linsoul cable is more comfortable than my old UE cable but it still fatigues my ear after a while... Does anyone know of an iem cable that goes in front ofthe ear (2-pin .75mm) I don't think I can just unplug my cable (UE4) and rotate it... Quarky request, I'm guessing.

 

Is it the QDC connector like the rest of the UE lineup or is it flush? I picked up a cable from Linsoul for my LCD-i4 that drops straight down, but it is a 0.78mm 2-pin. Null audio might an option if you can't find anything on Amazon.

 

If the holes are the same size so the pins will fit after rotating, there's no reason you couldn't use a cable with L-shaped plugs inserted backwards (I'm guessing it doesn't have ear guides or you've removed them). It'll invert the polarity (see below) but if you can hear this and don't like it, or to quell nervosa, you might be able to 'pre'-invert in whatever player software you're using.

 

Jm2c, you could also try to route the cable through these super soft ear savers:

https://www.etsy.com/listing/1265309096/3-pair-set-of-eyeglass-ear-savers

 

I never saw reviews or comments here at SBAF about the Drop + Grell TWS1X true wireless headphones. THEY ARE DOWN TO $99 at drop. Anyone ever try them?

edit : oops, didn’t mean to capitalize like it’s a huge deal but it’s already been quoted.

 

@shotgunshane have you tried the THIEAUDIO Monarch mk2? I just tried them in Sydney and loved the tuning - fast, consistent across the FR with excellent instrument separation. If anything maybe a bit tilted towards the treble.

I'd be interested to know your thoughts.

 

Dunu Talos planar +/- BA hybrid

Ok, these are a bit weird: a 14.6mm planar driver with a switch that kicks a dual-BA into or out of the top end. Unlike some recent ones, the (in this case optional) HF drivers do indeed make a difference to the frequency response, elevating it by a few dB above 6 kHz:



The effect on the impedance profile is also evident. The two measures suggest the passband for the BA is >2 kHz. Any differences in the distortion profile (I wondered if there'd be more H3 vs H2 in the highs with the BAs engaged) are below the noise floor of my system regardless of SPL (I measured at 80, 90, & 100 dB).

The tonal balance of these isn't for me - it's too high in the 2.5~3.5 kHz area, and also marginal around 7-10k even with the BAs switched off. With the BAs on, the treble is too elevated throughout and becomes rougher and less natural sounding, and sibilants become overemphasized.

Non-tonal aspects, though, are pretty nice. Bass is well balanced between sub, mid & upper, and is very nicely textured, having both good rumble and tautness. They have nice natural timbre through the range and are notably slammier thoughout than the Timeless (especially) and S12. @Brause (this is his pair on loan) likes these better - he's less sensitive at 3k than I am - putting Talos (BA off), S12 & Timeless as 1-2-3. My order of preference is reversed.

Putting the switchable BA drivers in these was a waste, IMO. It's a gimmick that makes them sound different, but worse.

 

I agree on the switch..."BA mode" makes the sound overly bright...works for the few people who like this signature...and rarely for people who don't, when they deal with muffled recordings.