Reviews by Headphones and Coffee

Headphones and Coffee

Previously known as Wretched Stare
ok
Pros: Looks good, comfortable nice cable for the cost and a pouch.
Cons: not the most detailed, recessed treble, weird tips
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The packaging of the Q1 is simple and understated and has good documentation. Inside one finds the Q1, two kinds of tips one shallow and the other a stubby dual flange and an adequate cable. The build of the Q1 looks fantastic and I personally think its so pretty. I found them comfortable but only after using the tips from the EPZ G10. isolation will be good if you find the right tips and the elongated nozzles aren't a problem.

Description
Item model number: Q1
Plug type: 0.78mm double pin
Mini Jack: 3.5mm
Matching method: wear around the ear
Type: Dynamic Headphones
Conductor: Oxygen Free Copper (OFC) Silver Plated
Drive unit: 13mm dual cavity composite dynamic driver
Diaphragm: Polymer titanium-coated composite diaphragm
Frequency Response: 20Hz-40KHz
Sensitivity: ≥115dB
Rated impedance: 32Q

Sound:

Bass: presents powerful, Bass details are very smooth and enjoyable. Mid-Bass is snappy and fast and does bleed a little into the Mids. Sub-Bass is more Prominet. The overall texture is average.
Mids: Present with a slight hint of warmth but overall are neutral. Instead of forwarding they are laid-back and not centered, separation and clarity are fair. In general, they sound warm with smoothness and a little recessed with average texture.
Treble: The highs are veiled; they are somewhere behind the stage with smooth details heard.
Soundstage has width depth and height lesser. It is average in imaging for the price.

Conclusion: I really wanted to like these, I've heard good things about the Q5 and I love the G10 but this one is definitely not my thing, I honestly think these are for specific music, maybe not western style music. More for casual listening maybe of eastern music. it took around 4 days to burn in

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Headphones and Coffee

Previously known as Wretched Stare
An amazing budget planar!
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Model: ARTTI T10

Driver Configuration: 14.2mm Dual Magnetic Circuit Planar Driver

Acoustic Duct: Carefully Selected Acoustic Damping System

Cavity Material: PC Engineering Plastic + UV handling Technique

Faceplate: 6063 Aviation Aluminum Alloy CNC Carved Decorative Plate

Cable Material: 4-Core 216 Strands * 0.05mm High-Purity Copper Silver-Plated Wire

Cable Length: 1.2m

Cable Connector: Standard 0.78mm 2-Pin

Cable Plug: 3.5mm/4.4mm Plug (depends)

Storage Box: Hard Bulletproof Cloth Velvety Storage Box

Ear Tips: Silicone Tips

Impedance: 16.5Ω±1% (@1kHz)

Distortion: ≤1.5% (@1kHz)

Sensitivity: 96dB/mW (@1kHz)

Frequency: 20Hz-20kHz
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The ARTTI (Letshuoer) T10 is a entry level planar IEM. So far I'm liking the companies two models the R1 triple dynamic and T10 planar. Inside the box you will find the T10, a cable that comes in either 3.5mm and 4.4mm, the cable itself is pretty good for its price range. You also find a case and some very decent letShuoer tips in narrow and wide bore.
The body of the T10 is 3D printed resin of the matte variety with an aluminum circular faceplate. It doesn't look amazing, but it also doesn't look bad either. Its lightweight and unique circular shape might not fit everyone perfectly but as for me I found it comfortable for hours. The ARTTI T10's isolation will depend on how good a seal you can achieve but it should be average and above.

Sound Impressions:
The 14.2mm driver of the T10 is similar if not the same as the S12 but the tuning is different.
The Bass: Is very deep and impactful, while not the speediest Bass it retains good speed and control in both the Sub and Mid Bass. The Bass is more impactful with the narrow tips, I recommend the wide ones with this its better but still so enjoyable.
Mids: There is bleed into the Mids themselves giving the lower Mids warmth and thickness but not overly so. Mids present warm and smooth with average details, there is a lift in the upper mids giving them a slightly brighter presentation. Vocals have forward but not in your face positioning and mids in general have decent separation and clarity with details being average and smooth.
Treble: I extended well and has good air and sparkle to compliment the lower end, details are also smoothed but natural in sound and no harshness was heard using my equipment.
Soundstage: Is above average, imaging is good with average accuracy, this still would work for most casual games and movies sounded great.

Afterthoughts:
The ARTTI / Letshuoer T10 is a mazing performer while not the most detailed IEM it gives an amazing blend of warm, musical, and smooth details in a wonderful, fun and engaging V-shaped sound that Is sure to be loved for casual listening. I personal love this IEM.


Waveway
Waveway
What is that red headphone amp /dac?
NymPHONOmaniac
NymPHONOmaniac
indeed amazing...damn, it need more review.
will work on this! i own like 15 planars....
its a bit sad here tbh...no sound description....one graph W and then you its more a video review so...
man, life is unfair!

Headphones and Coffee

Previously known as Wretched Stare
Excellent value
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The EPZ G10 comes in an informative box, simple in design but it does the trick.
Inside the box is:
1 x Pair IEM
1 x Detachable 4-core single crystal copper silver plated (no mic)
1 x User Manual
1 x Purple Light Torch
1 x Warranty Card
6 x Pair spare tips (3 x wide bore SML, 3 x double flange SML)
1 x Headphone Splitter for PC Gaming
1 x Carry Pouch
The resin build seems well made and it was comfortable in my ears moving from music to games for a long time.
I found all the included accessories to be of good quality and the black light included was a nice touch. Honestly, I was amazed with the value of this under $30 IEM made for gaming. The included cable has a built-in microphone that was clear for calls and had acceptable volume. The isolation on the G10 was good and stock tips worked well.
𝐒𝐩𝐞𝐜𝐬
Model: EPZ G10
Material: Silica gel
Sound Isolating:YES
With Microphone: Yes
Magnet Type:Neodymium
Sensitivity:100dB
Impedance Range: up to 32 Ω
Frequency Response Range: 20 - 20000Hz
Cable Length:1.2m
Plug Type:2Pin 0.78
Cable Jack: 3.5mm

Sound Impressions:
Bass:
The G10 has a lower end that has a nice wide dynamic range, the kind you would hear from a good set of speakers placed at optimal distance. The Sub-bass has a deep rumble when called upon but a fast roll off. The Mid-Bass is nimble and has a decent texture to its punchy response. Bass in general has warmth and with good control and clarity. The Bass does bleed into the lower Mids but its minimal and welcomed.
Mids:
Midrange is typical Harman tuning with the Mids being more neutral with a minor warmth on the lower mids and upper mids brighter and thinner. There is a nice clarity in the vocals, and they are pushed forward but I didn't hear any shouty or aggressive spikes. The Mids have a surprising amount separation for an IEM of this price range, with good details as well.
Treble:
The highs present with a reserved amount of sparkle and good air to them. they have a smoothed detail but come across natural with no sibilance or spikes.
Soundstage:
The Staging is wide and very accurate, placement it excellent and it is hard to believe how well this unit is for gaming and music. The soundstage does not suffer and congestion and has a decent depth and height as well.

Afterthoughts:
The EPZ G10 is exceptional value offering a large amount of accessories and good build quality. Not just good by its price standards, it offers good Harman tuning with quality Bass, nice defined Mids and smooth treble with an open and detailed soundstage.
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Headphones and Coffee

Previously known as Wretched Stare
Fun IEM
Pros: The build is light and colorful. Sound is very enjoyable.
Cons: The cable could be better.
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The ARTTI R1 IEM
ARTTI is a sub brand of Letshuoer, the R1 has a unique acoustic setup, featuring two 6mm titanium dome dynamic driver, combined with an 8mm custom composite beryllium diaphragm dynamic driver. Three-Way Sound Separation: With a physical and electronic three-way sound separation system, you'll enjoy crystal-clear audio across all frequencies. The PCB crossover board enhances precision and minimizes phase interference.

Iside the small but appropriate box is the R1 triple dynamic monitor a set of ear tips, a cable in either 3.5mm or 4.4mm configuration and a cloth case similar to the kind KBear and HZ used to give. The R1 unit itself is well made and while it feels solid it is light enough to be comfortable for most ears, but the unique shape may not be for all ears.
Product Specs:
Model: ARTTI R1

Driver Unit: 2* 6mm titanium dome dynamic driver+ 1* 8mm beryllium-plated low-frequency dynamic driver

Impedance: 20.4Ω±1% (@1kHz)

Total Harmonic Distortion (THD): ≤3% (@1kHz)

Sensitivity: 102dB/mW (@1kHz)

Frequency Response: 20Hz-20kHz

Cable Length: 1.2M±0.1M

Plug: 3.5mm/4.4mm-0.78PIN

Cable: Four-strand 216-core * 0.05mm Australian high-purity copper wire

Sound Impressions:
The R1 has amazing lower end prowess the Bass has a powerful attack and with good speed and clarity. Sub-Bass presents deep and yet very balanced, with Mid-Bass just above the neutral point and both have some really good texture and warmth. Bleed is minimal with only the lower Mids having coloration. Upper mids are rich with a thickness to them. Male vocals sound very well defined. The positioning of the vocals is centered and slightly forward with little to no recession or harshness. Female vocals are decent with a more laid-back energy. Details are average and smooth. This by no means negates the richness of the Midrange.
The upper frequencies are airy and extended enough to sound natural but are more towards the smooth side, there is enough details and energy to match the Bass.
Soundstage: There is good separation and Staging has a wide and equally deep and high presentation. Imaging is average. This IEM would do well with movies and some games particularly open world.

Afterthoughts: If you are looking for a well-made, pleasant, and very fun sounding IEM with good dynamics and smoothness the R1 should be on your list as a good value.

Headphones and Coffee

Previously known as Wretched Stare
awesome!
Pros: A smooth no-offensive lush tonality, made for enjoyment. Great accessories
Cons: Not a super detail IEM, the look may not be impressive considering the cost.
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Lets talk about the Lestshuoer S15 successor, replacement or evolution of the very well accepted S12, s12 Pro, Z12 line of IEM. It come in a medium sized box with a large array of very nice accessories. Let's start with the 3D printed case it is similar to the DZ4 made from hard plastic with a soft feel to it, it should provide adequate protection and storage of the S15. Personally, I would have liked a case they use more often but I can't fault it as it fits everything well. The unboxing presentation was very enjoyable and unique. The cable is very well made, looks good and is modular. Honestly, I couldn't ask for better. Comfort wise the fit will depend on the tips that are included you get two sets with three sizes and wide and normal bore. Isolation and comfort for me were excellent. Build is lightweight due to the 3D printed body. In all honesty these do not look the price, but performance is the draw here. That said I think they look cool, and the color is pretty.

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Specifications:
Model: S15 Wired In-Ear Monitor
Sensitivity: 106dB
Frequency Response: 20Hz〜40kHz
Impedance: 30Ω
Chassis Material: 3D printed resin
Cable: 1.2m 216-strands silver-plated monocrystalline copper
Driver: 14.8mm Planar Driver + 6mm Passive Filtering Module

Sound Impressions: The S15 is a smooth and rich almost U-shaped planar IEM.

Bass:
The lower end is more Mid-Bass focused but Sub-Bass has excellent texture and a natural roll-off with a notable rumble but only as a footnote to the details as the majority of the bass is mostly neutral. Bass in general has a fine punch with an above average dexterity, and it is also well controlled with minimal leakage. It present warm and with a fine smooth detail.
Midrange:
The lower Mids are as smooth and rich as honey, such a lavish tone so pleasant with whatever I was listening to. The upper Mids present with good clarity and vocals both male and female are lush and smooth without missing important details. This S15 is far and so much different than its siblings the S12 and S12 pro.
Treble:
The highs will not impress the treble-head, but the sensitive will rejoice with glee. The Treble is relaxed and still presents with minimal sparkle and air, but it just avoids darkness and yet still manages to push out a fair amount of details that sound natural and clear.
Soundstage: is wide, I found it to be precise in imaging and with clear positioning where instruments were, congestion was not heard, and I do thin while not as huge as some others it would work well for gaming and movies on the go.
Afterthoughts:
The S15 is a quintessential example of a smooth and pleasant tuned IEM done right its warm lush tone goes well with all genres of music and compliments Jazz, LoFi and rock amazingly. It should be noted details are not missing just kept natural and not in your face. The separation, and placement are near perfect. Compared to other planar like the much brighter S12, the more balanced and rounded AS-one, and the more V-shaped MP145, the S15 has a unique take on the planar experience.

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Headphones and Coffee

Previously known as Wretched Stare
Bright and delicious
Pros: Good details, technicals, and dynamics
Cons: May be too bright for some. Thinner mids than I would like personally.
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Lets talk about the Simgot EA1000. We will start with the very nicely presented accessories in a very ornate little box. Inside the box is a bunch of replacement gaskets, three tuning nozzles including the one already on it, a really nice, crafted case with a magnetic clasp, the beautify made cable and units themselves. they included tips have three sizes and there are two sets of each size, while it is nice to have extra, I would have liked a different opening size bore. That said the accessories given and the quality overall is top notch.
I found the EA1000 very comfortable and surprisingly lighter than the EA500LM that is currently in development. Isolation is superb and so is build quality, as always Simgot makes a sturdy and good-looking product.

𝐒𝐩𝐞𝐜𝐬:
Model: SIMGOT EA1000 Fermat
Name:[Fermat]ultra-premium dual-magnet dual cavity purple-gold diaphragm dynamic in-ear headphones
Driver: 2nd generation DMDCM 10mm dual-magnet dual-cavity dynamic
Diaphragm: sputter deposition purple-gold diaphragm
impedance: 16 ohms 15%(@1kHz)
Sensitivity: 127dB/VRMS(@1kHz)
Frequency response: 10Hz-50kHz
Effective frequency response: 20Hz-20kHz
Headphone jack: 0.78mm 2-pin
Cable: high purity silver-plated OFC wire in Litz structure

The heart of the EA1000 lies in its extraordinary SDPGD™ Technology. Developed over three years by Simgot, this diaphragm is a testament to precision and ingenuity. It boasts remarkable characteristics, including high rigidity, exceptional hardness, lightweight construction, and the perfect blend of elasticity required for deep bass. Unlike conventional titanium or beryllium diaphragms, the Purple-Gold Diaphragm undergoes a meticulous process involving multiple layers of transparent, custom-targeted vacuum high-temperature sputtering on a specialized base film. This results in a mesmerizing, mysterious purple-gold hue, achieved through the interference of reflected light from both the base film and the sputtered layers.
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Sound Impressions:
For the majority of this review my equipment was
The ifi Diablo 2 and although I don't usually use Bluetooth for testing the Lossless Bluetooth was acceptable, mostly I used it wired and also the ifi Gryphon, TRI TK-2, Aune x1S and the TempoTec V6.
The Bass: of the EA1000 is impressive offering a nice natural decay and impressive but controlled punch.
The Sub-Bass climb to the Mid-Bass is smooth and linear, there is a nature progression and withdrawal. It is without a doubt one of the best Bass implantations I have heard in some time. It's not by any means a Bass focused or Bass head IEM . The Bass is just a very good quality Bass with good quantity for a large array of music. Jazz sounded so inviting I listened for so long I forgot the time.
The Midrange: on the Simgot EA1000 are forward with a superior clarity and fine details. I find the level of forwardness to be fine, but I could understand it getting a little spicy depending on music and equipment. I would recommend a warmer source to compliment the brightness of the EA1000. I found Female voices to be crisper and more energetic and male voces to be more pleasant and natural sounding. Separation and instrument tone was far better than average.
The Treble on this IEM was open and clear with details I wasn't expecting from a single Dynamic. The EA1000 almost sounds like a hybrid in the upper frequencies, it's a testament to the great tuning at Simgot. I found no harshness using my equipment other than the Aune x1S 10th Anniversary. The Treble in general presents as Neutral and full of fine details.
Soundstage: on the EA1000 is open and wide but very organic sounding, instrument separation and location are above average and very good in my opinion. Busy recordings are no problem, and it will work excellent for mobile games.

My Afterthoughts:
The EA1000 is an extremely well-made and good-looking IEM with a wonderful combination of technical prowess and enjoyable qualities. The EA1000 builds on the strength of the past and delivers a well-tuned Single dynamic. This is one of my favorite Single DD right now.
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Headphones and Coffee

Previously known as Wretched Stare
60MM OF ENJOYMENT!
Pros: Harman goodness, never harsh, comfortable and built like a tank
Cons: Pads are smaller on inside diameter and not very thick. cable included is almost ten feet long and a smaller one would have been appreciated.
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My thanks to Apos audio for the chance to review this amazing set of headphones. as always my opinions are my own.
https://apos.audio/products/fiio-ft3-open-back-dynamic-driver-headphones

Product highlights
60mm large dynamic driver for powerful sound
Beryllium-plated gasket and DLC diaphragm
350Ω high impedance for pure sound
Asymmetrical magnetic circuit system
Furukawa monocrystalline copper wire cable
Aluminum alloy construction
Comfortable open-back design with hollow mesh
3-axis swiveling design for a perfect fit
Angled drivers for reduced frequency response distortion
Open-back design
2 distinct sounding ear pads
Specs
Impedance: 350Ω
Sensitivity: 102dB
Frequency Response Range: 7Hz-40kHz
Driver Type: 60mm Dynamic Driver
Diaphragm Material: Beryllium-plated Gasket + DLC Diaphragm
Weight: 13oz (391g)
Earpad Pressure: 4.0N±0.3N
Cable Length: ~9.8ft (~3m)

What’s included
3.5mm interchangeable plug
4.4mm interchangeable plug
3.5mm female to 6.35mm male adapter
4.4mm female to XLR-4 male balanced adapter
Leather storage case
Protein leather earpads
Suede earpads
Headphone cable
Instructions

Build:
The FT3 is made of all aluminum giving it both strength and a lighter weight compared to other metal headphone, while it does have a decent heft it still is comfortable for music or gaming for a few hours. The Cable is made of over 9 feet of Furukawa monocrystalline copper cable and made so well, my only gripe is foe me the length is unnecessary and very cumbersome. I luckily have a large assortment of cables that fit. while the pads are on the thinner side, they still feel quite plush and comfortable, although my ears were rubbing against the round and much smaller internal diameter. Sitting listening to music this wasn't much of a bother only moving around it was noticed. Build in general is much superior to HifiMan or Sennheiser in the same price range. Acessories with the Fiio are amazing quality, the case looks so nice, and the additional pads are a welcome feature. Between the velour and leatherette, I prefer the leatherette. The velour makes it a little more V-shaped and less airy.
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Sound Impressions:

Bass:
The Bass is well defined with a nice but somewhat reserved impact, it is not to say the Bass does not dig down low but has a more controlled approach to its delivery. It becomes slightly more emphasized with the Velour pads. In general, the Bass is very good for an open back set of headphones. I think the Philips X2HR has slightly more Bass reach but not more Bass quality.

Midrange:
The Midrange presents Neutral and detailed with a hint of warmth in the lower mIds, mids are well placed and vocals both male and female are positioned centered. The vocals are more towards the thin side with colder sounding upper mids and female vocals. they are open and there is an almost analytical quality to the midrange in general.

Treble:
The highs are well extended well with excellent details and compliment the Bass well like a textbook Harman should. There is good air and separation throughout.

Soundstage:
The staging is wide, and imaging is very good, this however is not as deep or height wise. the FT3 can handle just about anything and from gaming to music and even movies and soundstage keep up with even the busiest of recordings.

Afterthoughts:
The Fiio FT3 is a very well made, Harman V-shaped headphone with a comfortable fit and signature It would be a good choice for casual listening with its detailed and pleasant tuning.


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bcschmerker4
bcschmerker4
Ten feet? Sounds worthy of a test run in 篠田之室 Shinoda Hall, OMS 胡桃河町日系油童教會 Japanese Christian Church of Walnut Creek (CA, USA). I's trying to get an optimum headset for the current PEAVEY® FX2-32 recording console.

Headphones and Coffee

Previously known as Wretched Stare
Balanced
Pros: Not harsh, not boring, lightweight and solid built, good accessories
Cons: nothing
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AOSHIDA E20

10MM BERYLLIUM COATED DYNAMIC DRIVER + 8MM DLC DIAPHRAGM
Dual Dynamic Driver Design
High-Precision 3D Printing Chamber
Ergonomic Design
Open Design
Four-Strand 216-Core * 0.05mm High-Purity Copper Wire
High-Quality Earplug Sleeves and case

Technical Details

Distort
≤1%@1kHz
Impedance
12Ω+1%@1kHz
Sensitivity
98dB/mw@1kHz
Frequency response
20Hz-40kHz
Dynamic drive
10mm beryllium coated dynamic driver +8mm DLC diaphragm
Wire rod
1.25m,0.05mm*216 strands of copper
Interface
3.5mm plug,0.78 dual pin interface

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The Aoshida E20 is a collaboration between Aoshida audio and LetShuoer build, and packaging is much like the ARTTI. The 3D printed shell is light but strong and has a nice-looking faceplate, it comes in two color choices silver and gold, but the gold looks more bronze to be honest. The isolation is dependent on fit and for me the fit was very good with the E20 being nice and light. Build quality is on par with the E20s competitors. Acessories are actually plentiful for the cost and the cable is very good for a stock cable. When comparing the E20 to the Truthear Zero the E20 has a more Balanced Harman tuning with better texture and technicalities, while of course the ZERO Blue and Red are more attractive looking and mellow sounding. Out of those I would have to pick the E20 as it has better quallity Bass.

Sound Impressions:
Bass:
The lower frequencies have a well-controlled and textured attack. Sub-Bass has a nice rumble then a fast withdrawal Mid-Bass hits with precision and speed. The Bass has subtle warmth, with fine details and clarity. It's a realy good balanced quality Bass.
Mids:
The Midrange is clear and open sounding with the lower Mids having a tinge of warmth and a medium thickness, and upper mids are a little brighter but far from too much. the two strike a well balance giving both Male and Female vocals a fine tone and engaging amount of focus. Vocals are more centered just in front of instruments and the separation between them are defined nicely.

Treble:
The Highs here are nicely done, there is a decent amount of air and sparkle, the Treble has a natural detail and decay with an almost BA quality. No harshness up top with very good energy, I found it well done indeed.

Soundstage ETC:
Soundstage here is wide with an equal amount of depth and imaging was also precise and could be used for gaming.

Conclusion and afterthoughts:


The Aoshida/ Letshuoer E20 is a good budget offering. It has a good number of accessories to get started and offers an exciting but Balanced signature with good technical abilities and enough fun. Comparing it to other Dual drivers, I find this my favorite Dual DD so far.

Headphones and Coffee

Previously known as Wretched Stare
Very good Direction
Pros: A smooth enjoyable tuning
Cons: Cable and accessories are minimal.
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Build:
let's start with the package. inside one finds the Rhapsody, that typical CCA / KZ cable, Starline, tips and a tool for the switches. You would not know by the simple package that inside it a flagship with multiple drivers, there is no little metal banner proclaiming the cool name. Inside is the stuff you'll need to get started listening to your IEM.
The shell of the Rhapsody is large is thickness but not as big as the AS24, small ears should take note though. The Rhapsody has a resin body with metal faceplate. It has a cool scalloped shell design. I found very good isolation with the stock tips. overall comfort was good for me, but the cables small hook created pressure, so I needed to fix it.

There are four switches on each unit allowing you to customize your experience with the Rhapsody, I found the adjustments to effect mid or sub-Bass or both in various degrees. The tastefully implemented switches work better than I was expecting.

For the majority of this review, I will be using stock configuration and accessories. Equipment used were the ifi Hip-DAC 3, Hidizs S9 Pro Plus, Questyle M15 and Tempotech V6. the AZ10 was used post testing and paired well with this IEM. Streaming was through Tidal HQ and Spotify, DSD and Flack through Hiby and Foobar2000.

Technical Details
lmpedance
15-20Ω
Product model
Rhapsody
Sensitivity
102土3dB
Frequency
20-40000Hz
Plug type
3.5mm
Pin Type
0.75mm
Cable Type
silver-plated cable
Cable length
120+5cm

Sound impressions:
The Rhapsody presents with a Bassy, warm, and smooth V-shaped natural signature.
Bass:
The lower end has good emphasis. Both Mid-Bass and Sub-Bass have an impressive amount of energy and control.
Mid-Bass seems to be more prominent out of the two with a good speed and plenty of power. Sub-Bass has very good depth, one thing I liked is it doesn't linger very long, the rumble moves on quickly. I think Bass sounded better after a long burn in but it's just my opinion. The Bass details are average but good for the cost, details in general are good but this is definitely not a technical IEM is a fun and pleasant one.

The Midrange:
The Mids come across with a lush and mildly thick and warm presentation, still there is good separation and clarity. The Mids have a fine balanced property. Vocals, both male and female are forward / center and have a middle level of energy. I found it good because there is no harshness and shout here just natural sounding vocal representation. Fine details are smoothed but not missing. Lower mids at times have a small recession that is only noticed by me with older rock songs that have male singers. The Midrange in general is very enjoyable with my music and the balance with some neutral and smoothness just enhance some good old rock music and pop.

Treble:
The Treble was very well done to me, there is good air and sparkle with decent details and separation considering the cost it was impressive. The highs compliment the soundstage and vice versa. there's not an abundance of brightness, it's more like well-matched BA drivers working seamlessly to produce a realistic outcome. In general, the Treble sounds open and with a fair level of energy treble sensitives would like and others would too.

Soundstage, ETC: The CCA Rhapsody does soundstage right, its wide with good imaging and its accurate too. The technical abilities are above average here. I would not say its holographic, but it is a nice wide and deep soundstage.
I think it complements the rest of the tuning quite well.

Afterthoughts:
The CCA Rapsody is amazing considering the cost, there is a wonderful balance and smoothness. When compared toa more expensive IEM like the MD Blessing-3 that is far more expensive, the Rhapsody excelled more in bass and without the muddiness that the Blessing showed at times. The Rhapsody also showed zero harshness under various circumstances I had heard in many more expensive hybrids that were brighter up top. To be fair the Moondrop B3 is a great IEM, it has excellent resolution and details are abundant. The point being the Rhapsody is also a multi driver IEM that sounds much different from other KZ, with good technicalities and a pleasant all-day kind of tuning for much less. Most IEM have one or more thing quirks or things that add character or turn off users. The Think the $50 will appeal to music lovers and enthusiast alike. Hard core detail heads, treble heads and critical listeners maybe not your thing here but it's both enjoyable and pleasant for the cost.

D
Daniel Ricardo
Fully agree with this review, sadly I'll have to buy another one for myself because my husband claimed mine as soon as he felt the fit and isolation were perfect for him, I let it pass because god knows his ears are unique lol.
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ruffandruff
ruffandruff
Thanks for the review man. Can it be driven with the fosi ds2 on SE out?
S
STRATEGIST

Headphones and Coffee

Previously known as Wretched Stare
wow
Pros: Harman neutral-ish, lightweight, very good cable and pouch, comfortable.
Cons: Very good but basic accessories, fingerprint magnet but nothing really bad
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ProductSIMGOT EM6L
Driver1DD+4BA per side hybrid in-ear headphones
Dynamic Driverhigh-performance polymer composite diaphragm & dual-cavity driver
Impedance26Ω±15%(@1kHz)
Sensitivity119dB/Vrms(@1kHz)
Frequency Response Range8Hz-40kHz
Effective Frequency Response20Hz-20kHz
Shell Materialhigh-precision 3D-printed resin
Earphone Connector0.78mm 2-pin
Cable Materialhigh-purity silver-plated OFC cable

The package of the EM6L is both informative and good looking with its all black and metallic hue. Inside one finds the Simgot EM6L, very good quality tips in different sizes, a nice-looking cable, and a good size case. While the accessories are basic, they are more than enough to get started. The Shells of the phoenix are light and made from a resin with a shiny piano black look. The guitar pick shape is very ergonomic and provides a good seal. Isolation is very good as is comfort. There was zero sound leakage. The cable is OFC with silver plating, is both soft and holds its shape without tangling. The ear hooks are preformed and one of the softest I've used. The case is a very good size and fits the EM6L, and everything included with room for a dongle or small Bluetooth receiver.
Here is a visual representation of my equipment.
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This may not be everything used in testing as it is a fraction of my equipment. For the purposes of simplification, the majority of testing is done on the ifi Hip-Dac3, Gryphon, and The Diablo 2, The Questyle M15 and M12, The TempoTec V6 and Hidizs S9 pro plus, AP80 PRO X, and XO. Bluetooth devices are omitted from testing and only used for personal enjoyment.

Songs are varied and from my eclectic playlist, they consist of Rock, Hip-Hop, Rap, Jazz, Lofi, Metal, Country, Classical, pop, K-pop, and OST from Anime and Video games.

Sound Impressions:

Bass?:
Presents a unique tuning it is Sub-Bass focused but just north of Neutral, still Bass in general has decent texture and great speed, prefect for faster metal music and it goes well with just about every genre of music.
While Bass isn't overly punchy it still has a nice tight punch and details. When called upon the Sub-Bass has a nice rumble.
Mids:
The Midrange is perfectly centered with vocals just in front of instruments, Mids present clear and with a good medium weight and very well-done separation. Both male and female vocals are very natural sounding without shouty or recession.

Highs:
The Treble is smooth and organic sounding. There is good air and layering and a fair amount of energy and sparkle to the top end. The EM6L is perfect for treble sensitive as it doesn't over do the extension or have large spikes. You get a well extended treble with good details and a natural decay.

Soundstage ETC:
The Soundstage is huge with almost equal height and depth. The Simgot has excellent technicalities with imaging and a very accurate positioning. The EM6L could easily do well for gaming and media.


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Afterthoughts:
The Simgot is a well-made and decent priced Hybrid, its tuning goes well with everything, and it has just enough energy to be fun while still being very technical and detailed. Out of a bunch of similar hybrids I think the EM6L is one of my favorites. Definitely a everyday all arounder.



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In comparison:
The Simgot EM6L Phoenix is just one out of many 1DD 4BA hybrids I have listened to. The Yanyin Canon2, and Simgot EM6L hold the top spots for overall goodness, while the Truthear Nova, Hidizs MS5 and JoyodioVZ10 are super fun and Bass heavy in comparison. Last the Tanchjim Kara not bad by any means but less exciting than the others and very safe.
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Headphones and Coffee

Previously known as Wretched Stare
Great quality dongle
Pros: A perfect blend of power and great sound in a solid build. Physical Buttons and 4.4mm
Cons: No case or cover
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Opening the small box, one finds the Hidizs S9 PRO PLUS, a USB Type-C to Type-C cable, a USB Type-C to USB-A adapter, the User manual and the Warranty card inside. The Dongle itself is made well a nice mixture of metal and glass or high-quality plastic. It features external buttons that look like dials.

It features an RGB indicator light to show what file quality is being used.
As followed.
Yellow: DSD 64/128
Purple: DSD 256/512
Blue: PCM 176.4/192(kHz)
Red: PCM 352.8/384(kHz)
White: PCM 705.6/768(kHz)
Green: PCM 44.1/48/88.2/96(kHz)

The Martha named after that last passenger pigeon has a ESS9038Q2M DAC chip at its heart. With up to 138mW+138mW SE 3.5mm and Up to 180mW+180mW BAL 4.4mm power. I like that they have decided to go with the 4.4mm instead of the 2.5mm that the original had.

Sound Impressions:
The S9 PRO PLUS Martha is very transparent with very good dynamics and clarity, midrange is expressive, and treble is extended naturally. There is good separation and details with only a hint of warmth in the lower Bass and a mild lift in treble. Ground noise is nonexistent and the device powers planar IEM to prefect proportions.

Conclusion: The S9 PRO PLUS Martha is a well-made and great sounding dongle with good power and excellent clarity and resolution.

The Martha also has seven amazing filter effects, Here's a list of them in order:

.Anodizing fast roll-off (Default Filter): Slightly forward vocals, extended high frequencies with reduced resonance.
.Linear phase fast roll-off: Enhanced analytical capabilities, delivering a clean and crisp sound.
.Linear phase slow roll-off: Enriched harmonics, full low frequencies, and a natural reverb.
.Minimum phase fast roll-off: Balanced and moderate sound.
.Minimum phase slow roll-off: Clean sound with a forward position.
.Hybrid fast roll-off: Soft and smooth sound with enhanced detail.
.Brick wall: Excellent dynamics and strong presence.



Headphones and Coffee

Previously known as Wretched Stare
Low-cost high performance
Pros: Solid build, semi-open back, good tonality *?
Cons: Tips are mushy, there is some spiciness from upper mids to lower treble, tips can help and maybe a pouch would have been nice.
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The TIN HifI ELF C0 is the latest in their C Series, it is a lower budget offering with minimal accessories and comes in a few colors and a non-detachable or detachable cable variation in 3.5mm or USB-C. The units are made of metal with a semi open back design, they are in the bullet shape category but thicker like 1more or Periodic. I found them comfortable despite the size. The tips were a different story, I found them mushy and just not good for me. The cable was stiff and springy but adequate. the optional ear hooks are not necessary but appreciated. Comfort and isolation are average considering the open nature it was decent enough, comfort will depend on tip choice and ear size. I settled on hybrid tips.

Sound Impressions.

The ELF C0 is a V-shaped earbud.
Bass: The lower end has good focus here, Sub-Bass hits with a nice deep reverberation and control. Sub-Bass is more prominent than the Mid-Bas but still the Mid-Bass still has a nice speed and decent kick to it. Bass in general is well textured and warm.
Midrange: The lower Mids have a nice thickness with a warm, smooth and rich tone but suffer from a significant recession. Upper Mids are brighter. at the point where the upper mids and lower treble meet there is a little heat but it's not too harsh with a proper tip change and a warmer source. Vocals are forward and Male vocals have decent weight and energy, Female vocals are more energetic and sharper.
Treble: The Highs are open and airy with a great amount of energy and sparkle, highs are detailed and extend outward, perhaps too much at times. the upper range is bright but not totally harsh and sharp. they do sound natural.
Soundstage: The soundstage is quite good, it combines a wide field with good depth and height, it is accurate and overall technicalities are above average. Under normal circumstances this is always an attribute to look for, but it can be overwhelming given the upper brightness without correction.

Afterthoughts:
The Tin hifi ELFC0 is a interesting IEM for the cost. Good Bass, typical Mids and energetic treble combined with a wide detailed stage and very good details and nice technicalities for the cost. I think with a tip, cable change and the proper amp like the Hip-Dac or similar they could be someone's daily driver just not mine.










Specifications

  • Driver Type: 1 dynamic driver with a 10mm PU+titanium plated composite diaphragm.
  • Frequency Response: 20Hz-20kHz.
  • Sensitivity: 105±3dB @1kHz 0.179V
  • Impedance: 32 Ω±15%.
  • Power rating: 3mW.
  • Maximum power: 5mW
  • Maximum distortion: 3% @1k Hz 0.179V
  • Jack Connector: SE 3.5mm gold plated / USB Type-C connector.
  • Capsule Connection Type: 2Pin 0.78mm.
  • Capsule Weight: 3.8g.
  • Cable length: 1.25m.
  • Capsule colors: gold or blue and black.




Headphones and Coffee

Previously known as Wretched Stare
A hidden gem
Pros: A really amazing value desktop amplifier with lots of features
Cons: Nothing major at this price point, perhaps a little more power but that's nit picking.
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The Fosi SK01 comes in the typical fosi audio box inside one finds a USB-C cable for charging, yes even though this looks like it would be one of those power brick plug in amplifiers, it is in fact internal battery powered and while its small its definitely not a portable. It has an all-aluminum design with both dial and quickset buttons for EQ , and The SK01 buttons that control features such as loudness, tone, and gain. as well. It also has a 2500mA battery with 6 hours of playback time.

Here is a basic assessment of the sound as you can change it so drastically.
As is out of the box the SK01 present with a just north of neutral sound and more toward balanced, it has a nice semitransparent sound with some nice details and separation. It mirrors the source superbly. Using the different buttons one can get to totally neutral or a very rich dynamic sound. It ran my most demanding headphones with good loudness. To be fair I tested it with my SMSL m100 a neutral sounding simple DAC. I really wish Fosi would make something like this as an all-in-one unit no need for a separate DAC, honestly that would be great. There is clarity and power here, I wouldn't recommend very sensitive all BA and hybrid IEM but most single dynamic and planar work well with the SK01. As far as headphones, some of my duller ones become very exciting with just the press of a button. The EQ is well implemented and the BASS, MIDS, AND TREBLE is precise in control.


Afterthought:
The Fosio audio SK01 is one of those rare hidden gems that offers good sound, lots of features and build quality for less than expected. It's built like a tank and is highly customizable sound wise. Truely a cool device.

Specifications​

SpecificationsDetails
ModelSK01
Input3.5MM line in
Output3.5mm Headphone, 6.35mm Headphone, 3.5MM line out
Amp output maximum powerHigh Gain: RMS 2400mw/ 32Ω,Low Gain: RMS 300mw/32Ω
Frequency Range20Hz-20kHz (±0.5dB)
THD+N0.001% @ 1kHz and 770mV
SNR≥108dB
Headphone matching impedance16-300Ω
Device Dimension4.76*2*1.69inch (121*51*43mm)
Net Weight0.641b/290g
Power Supply5V, USB Type-C

richard51
richard51
I ordered one for my secondary desktop headphone and active speakers ... my main headphone system dont need this ...
richard51
richard51
I own one and at this price cannot fault it. He can even drive3 my AKG K240 sextett very well. I bought a Douk P2 tube preamplifier at the same price and there was a great improvement on the headphone and even out of my active speakers from the Douk... But Douk preamp +Fosi amp. as headphone gear is stellar... Better there is but at which price, i bought the two for 100 bucks.

Headphones and Coffee

Previously known as Wretched Stare
Better than ever
Pros: Build is solid, good power, that ifi sound, lots of features.
Cons: despite internal upgrades power is the same
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My thanks to ifi for the review unit to test out. As always, my opinion is my own.

The ifi HIP-DAC V3 comes in the same style box same assortment of cables and basically a similar metal body with new titanium shadow coloring. Inside there are a lot of micro changes and upgrades. It still is built exceptionally well and has that ifi house sound I love so much via those great Burr-Brown, XMOS 16-Core chips and other quality components inside.

SPECIFICATIONS
Input: USB-C
Formats supported: DSD256, PCM 384kHz, MQA Decoder
DAC: Bit-Perfect DSD & DXD DAC by Burr Brown
Headphone Outputs

Balanced: 4.4mm
S-BAL: 3.5mm
Power Output
Balanced: 400mW @ 32Ω; 6.3V @ 600Ω
S-BAL: 280mW @ 32Ω; 3.2V @ 600Ω
Output Impedance
Balanced: ≤1Ω , With iEMatch engaged: ≤4.5Ω
S-BAL: ≤1Ω , With iEMatch engaged: ≤4.5Ω
SNR
Balanced: <109dB(A) @ 0dBFS
S-BAL: <103dB(A) @ 0dBFS
DNR
Balanced: <109dB(A)
S-BAL: <103dB(A)
THD + N
Balanced: <0.006X% (360mW/2.0V @ 600Ω)
S-BAL: <0.01% (100mW/1.27V @ 16Ω)


Frequency Response: 20Hz - 45kHz (-3dB)
Power Consumption: <2W idle, 4W max
Battery: Lithium-polymer 2200mAh approx. 8 hours
Power System: Charging via USB-C, BC V1.2 compliant up to 1000mA charging current
Dimensions: 102 x 70 x 14 mm (4.0" x 2.8" x 0.6")
Net weight: 135 g (0.30 lbs)

FEATURES
MQA (Master Quality Authenticated)
Hi-Res True Native® playback of all music formats from MP3 to DSD256, PCM384 and DXD384.
The Burr-Brown True Native® chipset means file formats remain unchanged or ‘bit-perfect’.
The XMOS 16-Core chip processes the audio data received via the USB digital input.
It is a superior method to the traditional single-ended circuit approach. Balanced circuits reduce noise and crosstalk.
XBass is an analogue headphone spatialiser.
iFi’s exclusive S-Balanced® circuit delivers maximum performance from single-ended and balanced headphones alike.


IN THE BOX
iFi hip-dac3
USB-C Male - USB-C Male Cable
USB-A Male - USB-C Male Cable
Warranty Card
User Manual
Quick Start Guide

Opening up the box for the Hip-Dac3 one finds simple accessories but pretty much all you will need. The cable is a better quality this year and of the same copper one found in the Gryphon. The Hip3 is lightweight and thin, easily taken anywhere. I love the satisfying click when turning on the unit. Buttons and switches are all in easy-to-use locations and features are well implemented.

Sound Impressions:
The Xbass feature noticeably increases the depth of the lower end, it does this tastefully and without muddying up the rest of the frequencies. Features like the power match and the new ie match greatly improve the quality of headphones and IEMs performance. Using the Hip3 there is way a noticeable difference between stock audio in both volume and quality, the Hip-DAC3 has extremely low noise and even my most sensitive all BA IEM had no hiss as with some external units. Clarity and details with a touch of that ifi warmth would be my sound impressions in a nutshell.
It has good dynamics and decent soundstage not overly wide but perhaps very natural sounding. Power-wise it may not be a Diablo2 but it certainly has enough for everyday use and even my planar IEM and headphones sounded very good on this little device.

Afterthoughts:
The ifi Hip-Dac3 is a budget friendly portable DAC/Amp with a bunch of useful features and excellent internals.
The constant evolution of the product line is always done to a tasteful degree. The inclusion of ie Match and dual USB-C as well as internal updates make this the best Hip-Dac yet, but I would have liked a little more power out of the S-balanced and 4.4mm, the sound while mostly unchanged is clearer and louder. If you don't have the Hip2 or really need the ie match feature, then defiantly get this one it's a gem for sure.

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mars chan
mars chan
Nice review , I'm thinking of buying a dac in this form factor and this is one of the top contender.

Headphones and Coffee

Previously known as Wretched Stare
Works as promised.
Pros: onboard memory, soft rubber, great connectivity
Cons: nothing other than typical bone conducting limitations.
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The Nank(Naenka) Runner Diver2 Professional Swimming Headphones.

The Runner Diver 2 Bone Conduction headphones come in a fine box with nice graphics and documentation.
Inside the sturdy box is the RD2, a set of swimming plugs, a silicone rubber strap, the instructions and warranty information, and the magnetic charging cable. The construction is a very soft silicone rubber material on the outside, it feels well-built and comfortable.

The device has a lot of useful features. Including Bluetooth 5.3 that is compatible with iOS and Android Bluetooth-ready devices. Pairs with smartphones, tablets, Mac, PC computers and laptops. It also has a180mAh that gives it 10 hours at 60% volume, its magnetic fast charging technology let it be fully charged in 1.5 hours. It features internal memory of 32GB, that is accessed by pressing the power button three times to switch to MP3 mode, or back to Bluetooth mode, it should be noted that only TF mode works while underwater. There is also waterproof performance and a large 16mm dynamic driver.

Sound impressions:

The Runner Diver 2 is bone conducting and as far as these types of headphones work, they sound very well-tuned.

Bass:
The Bass while not super impactful and deep like a regular headphone can be felt and heard simultaneously, Bass is good and enjoyable even under water.
Midrange:
Is particularly good there is plenty of clarity and details to listen to music or your favorite podcast here.
Vocals sound clear and forward with no harshness.
Treble:
Treble has a great extension with cymbals and instruments sounding clear and natural.

Conclusion:
The Nank(Naenka) Runner Diver2 is a improvement of this kind of device. It has a bunch of features, sounds good and works without any problems for me. I find it a good quality product and great for working out or just walks on rainy days.

Headphones and Coffee

Previously known as Wretched Stare
Yanyin Canon II
Pros: It is a lovely looking IEM made from good quality resin.
The build, comfort and isolation are excellent.
Sound is both pleasant and engaging.
Cons: While accessories are good, they are minimal, treble not the most energy
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Today I'm giving my impressions on the YANYIN Canon II.
Canon as in a piece in which the same melody is begun in different parts successively, so that the imitations overlap: Not Cannon as in artillery or Bass-Cannon but this does have some tasty Bass.

The Box is an all-black box there is documentation on it, its graphics simple and good.
Inside there are a set of tips in various sizes, a very nice case and a good quality cable. The Canon 2 has a colorful design and is made with smooth ergonomics, so it is comfortable for all day use with isolation being very good.
Constuction consist of 1 Biological Dynamic Driver and 4 Balanced Armature Drivers
High Quality Graphene Single Crystal Copper Silver-Plated Cable
Medical Resin Shell, Galaxy-looking Faceplate
2 Tuning Switches, for 4 different musical styles. The Canon is available in 3.5mm, 2.5mm, and 4.4mm, the one I received was 3.5mm. The switches work to give subtitle changes to the Bass and overall presentation.
For my review I will be returning them to stock position.
As always, my opinion is my own and I do not get paid take part in affiliate links or am influenced in any way other than by what I hear.


Specs:
Driver
1DD+4BD
DRC
27-40Ω
Input
112dB
Frequency
5Hz-25kHz
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Sound Impressions:

First the equipment used, it's all wired not Bluetooth devices are used in the testing. HiRes files from high quallity MP3 to DSD, Flac and Alac are used. Today's equipment was the ifi Hip-Dac3 , Gryphon and UNO, Dongles include the Questyle M15, Hidizs S9 pro plus, XO and the Fosi DS2.

Bass:
The lower end presents with a nice blend of power and control, there is an excellent amount of detail here Bass lovers will appreciate.
The Sub-Bass is more prominent with far reaching depth, I found the rumble wonderful. While not the swiftest Bass it still has a above average speed to it. Mid-Bass however does have more speed and a nice tight impact to it. Bass in general has a nice wide and encompassing field, kind of like sitting in front of a nice stereo rack system with big full range speakers. I want to sit in a comfortable chair and let the bass surround me listening to the Red Hot Chili Peppers. Thats the vibe I get off of these great sounding IEM.


Mids:
The midrange is clear and transparent, due to the control from the bass. the mids in general are very detailed and a nice splash of technicalities here make for an engaging listen. The Mids themselves are not overly thick but maintain a decent body and richness. Vocals have a centered position with a little forwardness. Both male and female sound natural and full.

Treble:
The Highs are delightful, providing you are not a treble head audiophile. To me there is nothing wrong with the extension it has a fair amount of energy and sparkle, and the details here have a natural smoothness that compliments its realistic presentation. Another great feature is the lack of harsh spikes and in your face brightness.

Soundstage:

This is another strong point of the Yanyin Canon 2, staging is vast. The height and depth are above average and while still begin a natural expansion the width is very open. It's not overly wide to the point of holographic or unnatural borders but it's still big enough. The imaging is impressive and very accurate.

Afterthoughts:
The Yanyin Canon II is a very well-balanced. IEM it compliments a wide variety of music.
I personally love this IEM it has the perfect blend of Technicalities, Dynamics, and Details. There is great instrument separation. If you are looking for something that could be used all day and is well balanced this one may be just right.

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D
DannyDanz
Yeaps Canon 1 was the one with the Treble energy. As another reviewer here said it's a "jack of all master of none" kind of IEM that you can listen all day with. Nice review!

Headphones and Coffee

Previously known as Wretched Stare
Well rounded
Pros: A quality resin build, not offensive, forgiving, quality accessories, and well-rounded tuning.
Cons: Not the most exciting IEM, basic accessories for the cost tips, case and IEM.
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Today I'm going to talk about my experience with the Tanchjim Kara.
The Kara is a hybrid IEM with one dynamic and four balanced armatures, this is a complex configuration that has been popular as of late. Such IEM as Joyodio VZ10, Simgot EM6L, Truethear Nova, Yanyin Canon and a few others off the top of my head. The Kara comes in at around $140-180 depending on the vendor, so its not the most expensive but more in the middle range when considering a ten-driver hybrid.
I'm not going to bore you with the box, it's a sturdy box and has good information and graphics, nuff said.
Inside that box one finds two sets of tips and they come in three sizes, a very large rounded white case, it is more than adequate to store the IEM and tip with room for a dongle or Bluetooth amplifier of smaller proportions. You will also find a thin but nice-looking quality cable, it is 3.5mm and a standard two pin 0.78mm, similar to many Tanchjim cables in thickness. It is made from LITS with anti-oxidization structure and made from oxygen free copper with silver plating. The Kara is a smaller/ Medium sized IEM so it was comfortable for long use, isolation was average.
Overall construction is entirely Resin with the back being transparent and the front plate opacity giving it an almost ICE looking affect. This unit was sent to me from Apos to test out and give my honest opinion as always, I'm not paid or influenced, just a guy who has listened to thousands of IEM over the years. https://apos.audio/products/tanchjim-kara-hybrid-iem

Specs:
Sensitivity: 115dB/Vrms
Frequency response: 7-40kHz
THD: <0.8%@1kHz
Drive unit: DMT 3 Ultra
Impedance: 27Ω±10%
Pin specification: Gold-plated straight pin
Diaphragm: Peek+PU
Wire specifications: 1.25m, 3.5mm, 0.78 PIN
Conductor: Litz oxygen-free copper wire
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Sound Impressions:
Equipment for reviews from now on will be simple, I will no longer use BT for testing as it can dramatically change the signature and honestly steaming FLAC or ALAC files via Bluetooth kinda defeats the purpose, I'll still use them from my private enjoyment and am awaiting more support for lossless Bluetooth. So, equipment used was the ifi Hip-Dac 3 via the Hibiy music app and Foobar2000 and the Hidizs S9 pro plus, the ifi Gryphon and Questyle M15.

BASS:
As always, I'll start at the bottom and work upwards.
The lower end of the Kara is tuned towards neutral but with the Sub-Bass being more balanced in its presentation. Sub-Bass has a nice, rounded impact with average speed and decay, it is very organic sounding with a smooth detailed and decently textured sound. Mid-Bass is tighter and faster but falls behind the sub-bass and is just shy of neutral. Songs like Imagine Dragons: Bones show off the excellent control the Bass has.

Midrange:
The lower Mids have a mild recession, they present with a fine warmth and body, there is average separation and details are good with some smoothing. Upper Mids are brighter with a nice sense of neutrality. Vocals both male and female are forward and a little before center. Female vocals are energetic with a non in your face distance I can appreciate. While the Mids have a nice tone there can be some thinness to them at times, it's not overly so but will depend on source and music. Ultimately Mids are pleasant and enjoyable without harshness.

Treble:
The highs are well controlled and not intrusive. treble sensitive people take note you will love the Kara.
Treble has a nice amount of sparkle and air but only enough as to add to the natural sounding highs. The details are average with a nice smooth presentation and a fast roll-off. Just enough to keep it from being dull.

Soundstage:
The Kara has a natural field of stage, it surrounds one's head but is not holographic or over boosted. The width is above average, and height and depth are a little smaller. There is good separation and imaging is accurate. I found no fault even on busy recording, so it does a good job here. Listening is more towards a theater sized building and perhaps the middle row.

Afterthoughts:
The Tanchjim Kara is unique among similar hybrids, the Canon is more detailed and has more energy, the Nova is super fun and Bass is emphasized but the Kara has its charm as it is not harsh, peaky or shouty in any way. The Kara can easily be a daily driver and something you keep in all day long it's just that well rounded.
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fidgeraldo
fidgeraldo
Very interesting name translated into my language :wink:

Cheers!

Headphones and Coffee

Previously known as Wretched Stare
Good beginning
Pros: Features per cost , size and decently made , Multiple connectivity.
Cons: Accessories are minimal, Bluetooth is very limited SBC only.
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The PS100 is a versatile and compact audio decoder converter with HDMI ARC, optical, coaxial, and USB inputs, making it suitable for various audio setups. Whether you want to connect it to your TV, computer, or smartphone, the PS100 promises to deliver enhanced sound quality and ease of use.

The SP100 is a tiny DAC , the build is all plastic and it has the following specs.

Technical Parameter:
Input: Optical/Coaxial/HDMI/USB
Output level: 1.9Vrms
THD+N: 0.005% (-85dB)
Dynamic Range: 96dB
SNR: 98dB
Sampling Rate:
USB PCM: 44.1kHz~48kHz
Opt/Coax PCM: 44.1 kHz~192kHz
Power Consumption: <2W
Standby Power: <0.1W
Size: 105 x22 x80mm (W x H x D)
Weight: 90g/0.20lbs
Accessories:
1* PS100 1* HDMI Cable 1* USB Cable 1* User manual 1* SMSL card

The USB , optical, and coaxial worked flawless. Providing a much clearer and more detailed presentation of the sound.
Decent dynamics and mid and treble representation. The Bluetooth however is limited to the lowly SBC , it smoothed over details and emphasized the highs and lows to mediocre levels. I would recommend using it wired for more discerning Audiophiles. Still wired and HDMI ARC are very useful, for gamers and casual Bluetooth is fine. My favorite connection for these types of devices are optical.

The device is small and it's really useful for a gamer as it doesn't take a lot of space and can be tucked away or even attached to the back of the TV or computer system.

I tested mine with the powerful Burson amplifier. And another SMSL product, I found it paired equal well with all.
Wether I was listening to high end Yamaha YH-L700A Bluetooth or my Hifiman Ananda via wired. It's performance was adequate and dependable.

I think for a beginner or a budget minded Audiophile. You would find this product very nice for the under $30 price. It had a lot of features for such a low cost.

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Headphones and Coffee

Previously known as Wretched Stare
Dynamic and Detailed
Pros: BASS!
Good resolution, details, dynamics and technicalities.
Nice accessories.
Comfortable with perfect isolation and a well-built IEM.
Cons: Upper Mid emphasis, only 3.5mm no balanced or modular cable. Cloth cable will not be everyones favorite.
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https://shenzhenaudio.com/products/truthear-nova-1dd-4ba-in-ear-headphone

SPECIFICATIONS
Sensitivity: 123dB/Vrms @1kHz
THD: THD≤1% @1kHz (94dB)
Frequency response: 8-40kHz (IEC61094, Free Field)
Effective frequency response: 20-20kHz (IEC603184,-3dB)
Diaphragm of Dynamic driver: PU suspension+LCP dome composite diaphragm

Looking at the package for the Nova you see the well-done Anime graphics used a lot in IEM packaging these days. It is tastefully done and there is good documentation on the box as well. Inside the Box is two sets of dual-flanged ear white and black silicon tips in the box, a pair of foam tips, and a small, medium, and large smoke color silicon. Also included is a unique pouch/ case and a robust cloth blue and black cable with a 3.5mm termination and two pin 0.78 connectors.
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The shell of the Nova is smooth and rounded, similar to the Zero but a more ergonomic and thicker size design. The nozzle has a good length and I found it very comfortable with excellent isolation. The 3D printed shell is solid and it feels very well built and looks fantastic.

Sound Impressions.
The Bass on the Nova is amazing, very good depth, well textured, and lots of rumble in the Sub-Bass. Surprisingly the Driver handles itself well, there is only minimal bleed due to the Bass having a well-controlled punch. Bass in general is warm and rich, it also has good speed and details. Mid-Bass presents with good distinguishable impact, natural detail, and excellent speed as well.
The Mids on the Truthear Nova are complex.
The Lower Mids are tonally warm with a smoother detail but are very pleasant and have decent tone weight to them. There is a mild recession as with all V-shaped tuning, but vocals are forward. However, the upper Mids can be more emphasized at times, and tend to be more forward. There is good separation between the instruments with a little more detail and above average technicities.
The Treble is neutral it has a decent extension but is more smoothed in its details and instruments sound the way they are supposed to, It's a realistic portrayal. The treble is refreshing and pleasant.

The Soundstage isn't overly wide but is a little above average. Where the Nova shines is a well-placed and accurate portrayal of the surroundings. It can handle busy recordings without falling apart.

Afterthoughts:

The Nova from Truthear is a very enjoyable Harman tuning with an extra side of Bass, it's a well-tuned and enjoyable IEM with both fun smooth qualities and technical ability. This is proof Truthear is improving, and I think many will love this unit.




Equipment used
ifi Gryphon , Questyle M15, Tempotec V6, Periodic Neon and Hidizs XO, AP80 and S9 pro.

Many thanks to Shenzhen Audio for sending me the Truthear Nova in for review.
My opinions are my own as always.
H
helloh3adfi
@dolph99 Can't stay low forever. I hoped they'll release a flagship.
audio heathen
audio heathen
@dolph99
IMO they certainly didn't. Got to listen to a pair yesterday. It's not apples to apples but the Hexa is still better performance/$ if that tuning is your thing. Frankly for the asking price, these are in a weird place for me. The accessories are all over the place, in terms of quality. The shell is, basically on the same level of quality with their $50 offerings... the sound is, with my chain and library at least... a bit honky. I would venture a guess that it isn't going to be the "bench" for anyone but the truthear diehards.

@helloh3adfi
I truly hope this isn't their flaship tbh.
dezzadk
dezzadk
I've had a tough time with bass on IEMs. They don't come close to my Ultrasone Pro 900, I don't expect them either, but I am hot on the Nova for the price and the praise simply.. ScientificAudiophile, Sharur have both praised these and they seem to some of the only reviewers I tend to watch these days. The rumble and the room for bass haven't been impressive on any IEM's I've tried IKKO OH10 wasn't anything special, Ziigaat Cincotres was better but still not roomy enough, the bass is more forward and lacks depth.

Headphones and Coffee

Previously known as Wretched Stare
Smooth performer
Pros: Bass is pleasant with good depth and details. Mids are forward and clear.
Cons: Case is a little smaller than needed. Upper-Mids are a little thin
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The Letshuoer Solist comes well documented and premium looking package. Inside one finds all the accessories you will need.
Included inside:
●LETSHUOER Soloist

●Stock cable

●Six pairs of silicone eartips

●Two paid of foam eartips

●2.5mm to 3.5mm adapter

●2.5mm to 4.4mm adapter

●Carrying case
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The soloist is small, and the resin shape is rounded so it will be comfortable for all ear types. I found the build to be sturdy and light, the unique dynamic Kevlar dome driver with liquid silicone inside and the beautiful outside make this one special. The isolation was above average and stock tips worked well. I really like the included 2.5mm balanced cable with adapters.

Specifications
Impedance: 32±2Ω
Sensitivity at 1w: 105±1db
Distortion: 0.5%±0.2%
Frequency Response: 20Hz-30KHz
Net Weight: 6.5g
Connector: 0.78 2Pin
Housing Material: Resin
Construction: High Precision 3D Printing

Sound:

Bass:
Sub-Bass is deep with great weight and details, the texture and control are good. The Sub-Bass responds well the rock and EDM music with a nonaggressive deep rumble. Mid-Bass has a nice defined speedy slam and overall, the Bass presents with almost zero distortion even on boosted recordings.

Midrange:
The Mids present Clear and engaging. The Lower mids have a little warmth and some recession but the upper Mids are forward and energetic with a little thinner sound. Still there are good details here. For the most part Midrange has great separation and transparency. Male vocals come across inviting and smooth, while Female vocals are more aggressive but not to shouty and harsh levels at normal volume. I found the Mids well done even if a little uneven at times.

Treble:
The highs have good resolution. There is no peaks or sudden dips just a nice pleasant natural tone with great extension. Sound of symbols crashing are highly organic. This is not a treble head IEM but these are good quality highs with neutrality.

Soundstage:
Is wide but not holographic or 3D but its good, not the widest but it certainly is more natural in size than other Bass oriented IEM. It also has excellent placement and details.

Conclusion:
The LetShuoer Soloist is a great Bass centered IEM with a fun V-shaped signature and some really good technicalities.
It's made well, comes with a lot of accessories and it looks beautiful in my opinion.

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