[nhat_thanh]

Thanks Kiats for the detailed impressions (and Steve too!). Indeed the MEMS speakers benefit a lot from additional power. The Onix with its balanced output of 5W @ 32Ohm is far more powerful than the little AP0, hence your impression of more flourished signature

Back at Canjam Singapore I had a seminar about MEMS and their characteristics, which would explain why MEMS speakers scale a lot with different sources. Let me see if I can reuse it over here.

 

[Kiats]

Thanks Kiats for the detailed impressions (and Steve too!). Indeed the MEMS speakers benefit a lot from additional power. The Onix with its balanced output of 5W @ 32Ohm is far more powerful than the little AP0, hence your impression of more flourished signature

Back at Canjam Singapore I had a seminar about MEMS and their characteristics, which would explain why MEMS speakers scale a lot with different sources. Let me see if I can reuse it over here.

Yeah... It really scaled up wonderfully with the Unix Miracle. I suspect that this definitely one of the direction in which the development of any future energizer can take. Because the sound quality was really stunning.

 

[o0genesis0o]

Thanks Kiats for the detailed impressions (and Steve too!). Indeed the MEMS speakers benefit a lot from additional power. The Onix with its balanced output of 5W @ 32Ohm is far more powerful than the little AP0, hence your impression of more flourished signature

Back at Canjam Singapore I had a seminar about MEMS and their characteristics, which would explain why MEMS speakers scale a lot with different sources. Let me see if I can reuse it over here.

Please do share! I missed that seminar (because I didn’t go to canjam ). I’ve always been curious about that “scaling” characteristic and how one can engineer to make that happen.

 

[Ghawke]

My Mems-3S arrived this afternoon. I was able to benefit from a very generous trade in on my mems-2. Currently I am listening through my Diablo 2, which has the driving power and as the D2 is Mems ready it removed the need for the EP0. Hawkwind's latest album is a good workout for the Mems-3s as the album covers quite a genres of sound. I am very impress so far. Much more detail than the Mems-2 and the open back really helps the the flow of sound.

 

[nhat_thanh]

My Mems-3S arrived this afternoon. I was able to benefit from a very generous trade in on my mems-2. Currently I am listening through my Diablo 2, which has the driving power and as the D2 is Mems ready it removed the need for the EP0. Hawkwind's latest album is a good workout for the Mems-3s as the album covers quite a genres of sound. I am very impress so far. Much more detail than the Mems-2 and the open back really helps the the flow of sound.

With the Diablo 2, you can enjoy more sound tuning options as the xMEMS mode on the Diablo 2 is EQ-ed internally. You can try connecting it straight from the Diablo 2 running Normal or Turbo to the AP0 energizer to get the non-EQ signature, which is also very impressive in its own way!

 

[Ghawke]

I gave it a try but using the FiiO Q15 on Bluetooth, It's very impressive. Later today I am going to see if the ifi go blu has enough power through the AP0.

 

[oratory1990]

Please do share! I missed that seminar (because I didn’t go to canjam ). I’ve always been curious about that “scaling” characteristic and how one can engineer to make that happen.

MEMS speakers (at least those currently on the market) differ from "traditional" loudspeakers in that their electric impedance is almost fully capacitive, meaning they have a very high impedance at low frequencies (Megaohms) but then steadily decrease towards high frequencies. The impedance at 20 kHz is only a thousandth of the impedance at 20 Hz.
They also require higher voltages, roughly ten times the voltage that electrodynamic speakers need. You'll need an amplifier capable of 15-20 Vrms to drive them to full levels.
On top of that, some of the existing MEMS speakers require a DC voltage on top of the signal voltage. The amount of DC required varies depending on the material type used for the active layer in the MEMS stack, but can be as high as 15 V DC. This will influence the distortion levels significantly, but also affects the voltage sensitivity of the loudspeaker.

There are not many amplifiers(*) on the market that can drive MEMS speakers. The iFi Diablo-X has a built-in, fixed EQ filter, which will affect the sound significantly of course.

*There are a lot of components (such as this purpose built one) for amplifiers, but those are ICs to be used in e.g. TWS (or other consumer electronics applications), not in desktop-amplifiers.

Indeed the MEMS speakers benefit a lot from additional power.

The power itself is not the relevant factor - it's the voltage.
MEMS speakers have a much higher impedance (see above), so even with the high voltage they still don't draw a noteworthy amount of current.
They're voltage driven.

 

[iamfuki]

The Soranik Mems3s is a true technical marvel, pushing the boundaries of what an in-ear monitor (IEM) can achieve.

Detail review:
Important note:The following review is conducted with the stock energizer (AP0).
Though being an iem, the Mems3s scales well with powerful sources. I've even tried it with a "crazy" portable stack and the result was mind-blowing.

Bass:
The Mems3s exhibits a fast, precise bass response that leaves a lasting impression. Its agility allows for well-separated bass notes, even during complex passages. Whether it’s the thump of a kick drum or the resonance of a bass guitar, the Mems3s handles it with finesse.
Midrange:
Prepare to be astounded by the Mems3s’ midrange capabilities. It paints an intricate sonic canvas, revealing macro and micro details alike. Imagine sitting in the front row of a live orchestra—the Mems3s brings that level of realism. Each instrument occupies its own space, creating a holographic presentation.
Treble:
The Mems3s’ treble extends into the stratosphere, reaching up to 80 kHz. This isn’t just about numbers; it’s about the delicate shimmer of cymbals, the airy decay of vocals, and the sparkle of high-frequency harmonics. The treble is both articulate and ethereal, adding layers of texture to your listening experience.
Technical Prowess:
What truly sets the Mems3s apart is its technical prowess. It’s not just about frequency response; it’s about how effortlessly it handles complex passages. Transients are lightning-fast, imaging is precise, and separation is surgical. Whether you’re dissecting a symphony or analyzing a jazz quartet, the Mems3s reveals every nuance.
Soundstage and Imaging:
The Mems3s boasts an open-back headphone staging that sets it apart from other IEMs. Its holographic imaging creates a sense of space that rivals even full-sized headphones. Personally, I would say that it reminds me of the Arya which is a great headphone that I have been using as my benchmark for how a good open-back headphone should be.
Overall Impression:
While it’s unfair to directly compare the Mems3s to other IEMs, it doesn’t claim the title of the absolute best iem I’ve heard. Personally, I still prefer the Annihilator 23 and Supreme V3. However, the Mems3s operates in a league of its own, offering a unique listening experience that’s hard to match.
Remember, audio preferences are subjective, and what matters most is how the IEM resonates with your personal taste. The Soranik Mems3s certainly stands out as an impressive contender in the audiophile world!