My Auteur Classic LTD just arrived. No sound impressions yet because I'm still trying to get over their sheer beauty.

What are other (cheaper?) dongles that sound better?

I don't have a dedicated DAC apart from some USB C dongles. Would that be any better?

Anybody here using the Qudelix just as a DAC for desktop listening? Any hints? I have some nice new headphones incoming and realised that the amp in the Qudelix probably wouldn't cut it. It was juuuust giving me enough power for my 6XX with a balanced cable and the high performance mode turned...

This may annoy some people here, but there's no need to spend big on cables IMO. I got a short-ish custom cable for mine for like $20, I think it looks great.

I was gonna wait until November but holy moly these are incredible. I guess I missed the boat though because I can't see any of them on the site anymore...?

I mentioned this before but I I spent a good three hours comparing the Mk3 and the LTD in-store before deciding on the LTD. The TLDR is that while the Mk3 definitely has bigger, boomier bass (not in a bad way), I slightly preferred the LTD for its more forward midrange. It's not a night-and-day...

Cool, I don't think I could see it on the store page. In that case I'll probably grab a 4.4mm and a 2.5mm balanced. Although it does seem comical having such chonky headphones and a cable with a teeny tiny 2.5mm on the end lol.

I'm pretty sure I'll be buying these for myself in November when the next sale rolls around. Does ZMF offer a 2.5mm balanced cable option?

So, if the Qudelix says 90+ but tends to report higher than reality, then...safe to assume that I'm not listening at dangerous volume? That's all I really want to know!

I haven't read through 300+ pages but I have a couple of questions. First, how accurate is the 5K's dBSPL calculator? I know that I do listen to music somewhat loud, but for example, when I punched in the impedance and sensitivity of my Fostex TH-X00, the Qudelix says I'm listening at over 90...

I got a friend who is after a set with excellent treble. We auditioned the Kiwi Ears Quintet and she loved them but is hesitant about paying $200ish for IEMs and plus they're an awkward fit for her tiny, tiny ears. I'm looking at the EW200 and the EA500LM as cheaper alternatives, can somebody...

Yep, a similar thing happened to me, and I was banned from shipping a rechargeable case from Japan to China (not sure if this is a rule in other countries). Long story short, I just had to bin that unit. There was nothing I could do about it and ended up buying a second one. But then one of the...

I have the Dekoni leather pads on mine. I still think they sound good? But I'm not an expert. Is it still worth doing the $45 Lawton tune-up on the X00 in 2024?

I use a $20 Tripowin cable with my Prestige LTD ¯\_(ツ)_/¯

Less bass is OK but what do you mean by pure? I didn't think the Quintet sounded artificial or bass-heavy.

My friend loves the treble of the Quintet, but they're a bad fit for her with their massive long nozzles, and she doesn't want to spend $200ish on IEMs. Is there anything else that has treble like the Quinet for a lower price...?

Urgh I can't wait to buy my pair in November. As for cables, I run my 6XX with a 2.5mm balanced cable out of my Qudelix for a bit of extra juice, would a similar cable work with the Auteur Classic (aesthetic concerns aside lol).

Damn girl, just got the TRN T on my Prestige LTD, and I think these are the ones. The fit is great, they disappear into my ears, and I think the bass is actually given a bit of boost due to the shorter bores meaning the IEMs are just that tiny bit closer to my ears. They're nice and grippy too...

Right! That's an interesting new option. BUT...I just don't think I want a closed headphone to be my one-and-only. I'm still fairly sure I'll be getting the Auteur Classic in November. BTW. The Auteur Classic retails for US$1500. What are the November sale prices like?

I'm on the warpath to find the ultimate tips for my Prestige LTD. So far...the winner is the Kbear 07 due to sheer comfort. I tried the Xelastec and Sedna MAX but the Xelastecs get dirty and gross and the MAX started to get a bit itchy after long listening sessions. The Kbear on the other hand...

Same, I tend to just reach for the LTD all the time as I know they will be able to handle whatever mood shifts I have throughout the day (rock to hip-hop? No worries. Pop to jazz? No worries.) I've also been through a few tips and to be quite honest haven't found much difference in the sound...

Turns out I'm an idiot because it should be blue DOWN not blue UP.

I have my 5K set to turn off after 5 minutes of inactivity on Bluetooth, but I've noticed I can't turn it back on unless I plug it into something via USB. I can hear the click when it powers off but then can't turn it back on with by long-pressing blue up, or long-pressing blue up + red up for 5...

The S12 Pro were my first "serious" IEM after only dabbling in $20-30 sets like the Blon BL03. I really like them and I don't find the treble to be too harsh. Anyway my friend is looking to pick up a new pair of IEMs. She got the cheap Tangzu Waner but didn't like the thick bass. She tried my...