Disclaimer: I was sent a review unit for free from Linsoul. Thank you very much.

Price: 250 usd

Specifications:

DRIVERS Kiwi Ears Customized HI*2+Kiwi Ears Customized MID*4+Knowles LOW*2

IMPEDANCE 16Ω

SENSITIVITY 112dB


Accessories:

Carry case

3 types of silicone tips S/M/L sizes


Cable: Measures at around 0.47ohm, 7n OFC cable. Thicker than average 4-core cables. Has a working plastic chin-slider, divider and connectors are in metal. Looks very similar to cable A6 in my database (aka, Tri Through).







Build: Full resin build, also seems to be filled with resin internally as it does have some heft to it. Nozzle has 3 sound bores each with BA dampers inside. There is no real lip on the nozzle for the tips but there is a slight bump around the edge so they are secure enough for me at least.

Fit: Size wise considering it has 8 BAs, it is on the smaller side. But overall, it is bigger than average iems. Shape fits my ears very well though and with the non-vented shell, it is a very good fit.

Comfort: Since the shell is non-vented, that is a big con for the comfort as there is pressure build up and my ears really cannot handle using this for a long time at all as the pressure is painful.

Isolation: Top tier due to non-vented shell and shape/size.

Setup: Schiit Asgard 3 (low-gain, volume around 8 o´clock), stock clear tips L, stock cable 3.5mm

Lows: The bass on the Lite is very impressive for a BA iem, extends quite low and has a lot of texture for a non-vented woofer. Speed and tightness are pretty average for a BA iem, as in, very fast and tight. Quantity will not satisfy bassheads though but the quality is very impressive.

Mid-bass: Metallica – fight fire with fire (01:11-01:52), Very fast attack and decay along with a very tight bass as expected from a non-vented BA, texture is better than average for a BA though but lacks quantity for me. The (02:55-03:01) section with the chopper is clean and hearable.

Hiroyuki Sawano – Pretenders (01:18-01:47), texture is good and very clean due to the speed and tightness but lacking quantity due to the speed.

Sub-bass: Djuro – Drop that bass (01:15-01:30), good extension but lacking some rumble. Punch quantity is pretty good and has texture, very fast and tight so it is clean.

Will Sparks – Sick like that (03:08-03:22), Texture is pretty good but it is lacking quantity.

Mids: Both male and female vocals are fairly balanced sounding overall, but the male vocals do tend to be a bit recessed and lacking warmth, timbre is good but could be better, especially the male vocals. Female vocals are tuned very well and without shoutyness although the smoothness does sometimes come and bite it as the dynamic range could be better and it is a bit overly smooth sometimes.

Female-vocals: Hiroyuki Sawano – OldToday (01:25-01:52), Vocal timbre is pretty good, while they aren’t too forward, they are not recessed either well balanced and good tonality, clarity is good but could be better. Instruments lack some air though but is very smooth and clean.

Yuki Hayashi – MightU (01:58-02:55), female vocal Tonality could be a bit brighter and more dynamic as it is a bit too smooth but very clean and detailed.

Evanescence – Bring me to life (01:18-01:35), Not shouty at all nor peaky but also a bit too smooth (which also affects dynamic range).

Hiroyuki Sawano – Crescent (02:07-02:26), Very slightly peaky, separation is good and it does not sound chaotic.

Male-vocals: Hiroyuki Sawano – Pretenders (00:57-01:17), male vocal tonality is good but slightly recessed, clean though. Instrument tonality could be a bit warmer.

Hiroyuki Sawano – Scapegoat (00:57-01:17), male vocal tonality lacks a lot of warmth and is a bit recessed, clean and detailed though. Instrument could be a lot warmer as well.

Treble: Linkin Park – Shadow of the Day (03:24-03:42), Electric guitars are not sharp at all, but is a bit too smooth and dynamic range could be better. Timbre is pretty good.

Deuce – America (03:03-03:16), separation and imaging are good and it doesn’t sound chaotic.

Hiroyuki Sawano – Lose (string version) (01:22-01:59), violin tonality could be brighter, airier and more textured as well as less smooth, timbre is decent. Cello tonality lacks some warmth and texture, decent timbre.

Hiroyuki Sawano &Z (02:18-02:57), Clarity could be better and airier. But otherwise, it is clean.

Soundstage: Average stage width but pretty decent depth.

Tonality: Balanced, tuned so that neither the bass, mids nor treble stands out too much from each other and with very good tonal balance and is tuned very well in my opinion but the smoothness can be a bit too much sometimes and making the dynamic range poorer. Timbre overall is very good for a BA iem.

Details: Macro-details are pretty good although micro-details are a bit bottlenecked by the somewhat lack of upper-treble/air.

Instrument Separation: Imaging and separation are pretty good.

Songs that highlight the IEM: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B-1ZzOp0UUA https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FtAxf0DwTek https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RdO7M73tLOk

Good genres: OST, Classical,

Bad genres: EDM, Hip-hop

Comparisons:

IEM: SeeAudio Bravery, Elecom EHP-CAP20 tips L, stock cable 3.5mm

Bass: Djuro – Drop that bass (01:15-01:30), extends just a bit more and with slightly more rumble on the Bravery. Punch quantity is similar but tighter and faster as well as more textured on the Lite.

Hiroyuki Sawano – Pretenders (01:18-01:47), mid-bass quantity is higher on the Bravery but more textured on the Lite as well as bit tighter and faster, better timbre on the Lite.

Metallica – fight fire with fire (01:11-01:52), speed is similar but tighter and quite a bit more textured on the Lite, quantity is comparable but less clean on the Bravery and each individual hit are more smeared out.

Mids: Hiroyuki Sawano – OldToday (01:25-01:52), Similar vocal quantity but better a bit better tonality (brighter) and timbre on the Lite as well as cleaner sounding.

Evanescence – Bring me to life (01:18-01:35), both are similar non-shouty but the bravery has a bit better dynamic range as it is less smooth.

Hiroyuki Sawano – Scapegoat (00:57-01:17), vocal and instrument tonality (warmer) and timbre are better on the Bravery but cleaner and more detailed on the Lite.

Treble: Linkin Park – Shadow of the Day (03:24-03:42), Electric guitar timbre and tonality are slightly better on the Bravery as well as less overly smooth. It is more fatiguing though.

Hiroyuki Sawano – Lose (string version) (01:22-01:59), Violin and cello tonality, timbre and texture are a bit better on the Bravery, similar macro-detail but better micro-detail on the Bravery.

Hiroyuki Sawano &Z (02:18-02:57), tonality is better on the Bravery as it is airier and a bit brighter and better timbre as well. Lite is overly smooth compared to it. Similar detail.

Technicalities: Shiro Sagisu – Hundred years war (02:24-02:57), stage is deeper on the Lite with similar width, more macro-details and better imaging on the Lite. Timbre is slightly better overall on the Bravery.

Overall: The Bravery having a vented BA woofer but still losing in bass quality (texture) was pretty surprising to me, and while the Bravery did extend a bit more and rumble more, I still take the bass on the Lite instead. Other than that, the Lite overall is just a better iem to me, as neither of them are what I consider as “fun” sounding iems, the Lite being the cleaner one and more technical overall is the reason I believe it is better.


IEM: Audiosense DT600 (Tanya filter + 30ohm resistor), Elecom EHP-CAP20 tips L, stock cable 3.5mm

Bass: Djuro – Drop that bass (01:15-01:30), extends and rumbles a lot more on the DT600. Punch quantity is also higher on the DT600 but less tight, slower and less textured. Timbre is a bit better on the DT600.

Hiroyuki Sawano – Pretenders (01:18-01:47), quantity is perceived as similar due to the faster and tighter bass on the Lite and with a bit more texture. Timbre is similar.

Metallica – fight fire with fire (01:11-01:52), Very similar speed and tightness but a bit more quantity and texture on the Lite while it is a cleaner and airier on the DT600.

Mids: Hiroyuki Sawano – OldToday (01:25-01:52), vocal quantity is bit higher and cleaner on the DT600 but timbre is better on the Lite as well as tonality, since the DT600 lacks in note-weight and sounds too thin.

Evanescence – Bring me to life (01:18-01:35), shoutier vocals and much peakier treble on the DT600 as well as thinner note weight. Timbre is better on the Lite.

Hiroyuki Sawano – Scapegoat (00:57-01:17), vocal quantity is similar but much more tonally accurate and better timbre on the Lite. Same with instruments. Airier and more clarity due the brightness on the DT600 though.

Treble: Linkin Park – Shadow of the Day (03:24-03:42), electric guitars are brighter on the DT600 but not particularly sharper, tonality is better on the DT600 but better timbre on the Lite.

Hiroyuki Sawano – Lose (string version) (01:22-01:59), Cello tonality and timbre are a lot better on the Lite, similar texture and detail. Violin tonality and treble extension are better on the DT600 but better timbre on the Lite.

Hiroyuki Sawano &Z (02:18-02:57), tonality and timbre are better on the Lite, lacking a lot of note weight on the DT600 but is cleaner on it.

Technicalities: Shiro Sagisu – Hundred years war (02:24-02:57), stage is wider on the DT600 but deeper on the Lite. Separation and micro-details are a bit better on the DT600 but imaging and macro-details are better on the Lite. Timbre is a lot better on the Lite.

Overall: The DT600 has better sub-bass and an airier treble but other than that the Lite is better. If you prefer harman-like tunings or anything brighter with less mid-bass, then the DT600 will be better for you though, but otherwise the Lite is the better iem IMO.

IEM: Tanchjim Oxygen, Final Audio Type E tips LL, Cable A6 4.4mm

Bass: Djuro – Drop that bass (01:15-01:30), extends a bit more on the O2 and rumbles a bit more. Punch quantity is a bit higher on the Lite and tighter/faster on it. Similar texture. Timbre is better on the O2.

Hiroyuki Sawano – Pretenders (01:18-01:47), Similar texture, speed and tightness but slightly more quantity on the O2. Timbre is very similar.

Metallica – fight fire with fire (01:11-01:52), Cleaner and airier on the O2 due to the treble but otherwise very similar bass.

Mids: Hiroyuki Sawano – OldToday (01:25-01:52), Vocal quantity is a lot higher on the O2 and with better tonality and timbre, a bit airier as well. Instrument tonality is better on the Lite due to the warmth and more detailed, but is airier and cleaner on the O2 with better timbre.

Evanescence – Bring me to life (01:18-01:35), a LOT shoutier vocals on the O2 as well as peakier treble, timbre is better on the O2 and have more dynamic range.

Hiroyuki Sawano – Scapegoat (00:57-01:17), Vocal tonality is better on the Lite but better timbre on the O2 as well as being cleaner. Instrument tonality is a bit better on the Lite due to the warmth but timbre and clarity are better on the O2.

Treble: Linkin Park – Shadow of the Day (03:24-03:42), electric guitar tonality and timbre are a lot better on the O2 but it is a lot sharper as well (and more fatiguing).

Hiroyuki Sawano – Lose (string version) (01:22-01:59), Cello tonality and texture are bit better on the Lite but better timbre on the O2. Violin tonality, timbre, treble-extension and detail are better on the O2.

Hiroyuki Sawano &Z (02:18-02:57), tonality and timbre are better on the O2, similar detail but cleaner on the O2.

Technicalities: Shiro Sagisu – Hundred years war (02:24-02:57), stage is a lot wider on the O2 but a bit deeper on the Lite. Similar separation and imaging. Macro-detail is better on the O2 but similar micro-details. Timbre is better on the O2.

Overall: It is extremely impressive to me that the Lite can actually rival the Oxygen in bass quality and quantity, even if the Oxygen is not a top tier DD in those regards. Other than that, the Lite is a more balanced and much safer tuned iem compared to the more dynamic and fatiguing Oxygen. If you prefer a more relaxed, balanced and more versatile tuning, then the Lite is better. If you want a specialist for OST, acoustic/vocal music then the Oxygen is better.


Graph:

Cable source:

https://docs.google.com/spreadsheet...zTm4ei7HEfP8AI1zxswrMw2ho/edit#gid=1801072063

Reference/test songs:

Disclaimer: I received this review unit from Dunu. Thank you very much.

Price: 380 usd

Specifications:

FREQUENCY RESPONSE: 5 Hz – 40 kHz

IMPEDANCE: 15ohm at 1 kHz

SENSITIVITY: 109 +-1 dB at 1 kHz

TOTAL HARMONIC DISTORTION: < 0.3% at 1 kHz


Accessories:

INCLUDED PLUG TERMINATION(S):

4.4 mm TRRRS Balanced

3.5 mm TRS Single-Ended

2.5 mm TRRS Balanced

Grey Balanced Tips (×3, S/M/L)

Red Core Tips (×3, S/M/L)

Black tips (×3, S/M/L)

Microfiber Cleaning Cloth

Cleaning Brush

DUNU DC-16 3.5-to-6.3 mm Adapter

Airplane Adapter

Carry case


Cable: 4-core modular SPC cable that is very lightweight and pretty soft. Metal connectors and dividers except on the mmcx which is plastic. Has a working chin-slider but L/R markings are very hard to spot. Resistance is pretty high at 0.49 ohms (2.5/4.4mm) and at 0.54 ohms with the 3.5mm jack. The aesthetics in my opinion isn’t very good looking either and with the high resistance, it makes the cable a bit disappointing IMO.




Build: Entirely made out of aluminum including the nozzle and it has a metal mesh, same shell as the EST112 except the color, faceplate design and nozzle are different. It is vented, size is a bit bigger than average.

Fit: works well for me and shouldn’t be a problem for most people except for the ones with very small ears. Insertion is a bit deeper than average but depending on tip fitment on the nozzle you can get a deeper insertion that’s a bit too deep for me personally.

Comfort: Very good for me, despite the size. But I still prefer smaller iems in terms of long-term comfort.

Isolation: Average, nothing special.

Setup: Schiit Asgard 3 (low-gain, volume around 8 o´clock), Elecom EHP-CAP20 tips L, stock cable 4.4mm

Lows: Sub-bass focused but not leaning too much away from mid-bass either. Texture, tightness, and decay are quite good. Overall quantity is a bit lacking for me though and it isn’t really that bassy.

Mid-bass: Metallica – fight fire with fire (01:11-01:52), the bass is clean due to the speed and tightness, quantity is a bit low though but has good texture. The (02:55-03:01) section with the chopper is hearable, although not very clean and it is lacking some clarity.

Hiroyuki Sawano – Pretenders (01:18-01:47), texture, speed, and tightness are very good, but lack some quantity.

Sub-bass: Djuro – Drop that bass (01:15-01:30), Doesn’t have much rumble due to the very fast decay. The extension is below average around this price range. The texture is quite good and it is tight, but lacking some quantity for me.

Will Sparks – Sick like that (03:08-03:22), Texture is quite good and it is tight as well as fast, lacking some quantity though.

Mids: Female vocals are slightly above neutral, have pretty good tonality, without shoutyness. Male vocals are neutral but can lack some warmth but are otherwise clean.

Female-vocals: Hiroyuki Sawano – OldToday (01:25-01:52), vocal tonality could be brighter and with more clarity, there is some BA timbre in it, detail is pretty good though, quantity is slightly above neutral. The instrument tonality is very good but has BA timbre and lacks some clarity.

Yuki Hayashi – MightU (01:58-02:55), vocal and instrument tonality needs more brightness and clarity. BA timbre is slightly present.

Evanescence – Bring me to life (01:18-01:35), not shouty at all nor peaky.

Hiroyuki Sawano – Crescent (02:07-02:26), not shouty, but the treble (7-8k) is fatiguing.

Male-vocals: Hiroyuki Sawano – Pretenders (00:57-01:17), vocal and instrument tonality are quite good, timbre is pretty good here.

Hiroyuki Sawano – Scapegoat (00:57-01:17), vocal and instrument tonality needs more warmth and has some BA timbre, vocal quantity is neutral.

Treble: Linkin Park – Shadow of the Day (03:24-03:42), electric guitars aren’t sharp and have pretty good tonality. Has some BA timbre though.

Deuce – America (03:03-03:16), slightly fatiguing treble due to the cymbals, not chaotic due to the excellent imaging though.

Hiroyuki Sawano – Lose (string version) (01:22-01:59), Cello tonality is pretty good and it is clean with pretty good texture, timbre could be better though. Violin tonality is lacking some clarity, treble-extension and timbre could be better as well.

Hiroyuki Sawano &Z (02:18-02:57), tonality and timbre are pretty good.

Soundstage: very wide stage, depth is average.

Tonality: Pretty balanced with an overall tilt towards warmth, note weight is very slightly on the thicker side. Is pretty versatile overall, but more of a “jack of all genres, master of none”.

Details: Macro-details are very good (and without tonality boost), micro-details are below average.

Instrument Separation: Excellent separation and imaging.

Songs that highlight the IEM: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0yqQnJSZRW8 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g8JN3gFWm3c https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dJ-QLl5qjLg

Good genres: Jack of all genres

Bad genres: Master of none

Comparisons:

IEM: Dunu Titan S, stock tips M, stock cable 3.5mm

Bass: Djuro – Drop that bass (01:15-01:30), extends lower, rumbles a bit more, more textured, and a bit more quantity on the VULKAN. Similar speed while the VULKAN is a straight-up upgrade here.

Hiroyuki Sawano – Pretenders (01:18-01:47), more textured and a bit more quantity on the VULKAN and cleaner and more detailed, similar speed though.

Metallica – fight fire with fire (01:11-01:52), quantity is slightly higher on the VULKAN, more textured and individual hits are more distinct than the Titan S, cleaner and more detailed.

Mids: Hiroyuki Sawano – OldToday (01:25-01:52), vocal tonality and timbre are much better on the Titan S, with more clarity, although detail is better on the VULKAN. Instrument tonality is better on the VULKAN (warmer) and more detailed but better timbre on the Titan S.

Evanescence – Bring me to life (01:18-01:35), much shoutier on the Titan S and more fatiguing overall.

Hiroyuki Sawano – Scapegoat (00:57-01:17), vocal and instrument tonality and detail are better on the VULKAN but better timbre on the Titan S.

Treble: Linkin Park – Shadow of the Day (03:24-03:42), electric guitars are a bit sharper on the Titan S but have better tonality and timbre on it, more textured and more detailed on the VULKAN.

Hiroyuki Sawano – Lose (string version) (01:22-01:59), Cello tonality, texture, and detail are better on the VULKAN, with similar timbre. Violin tonality and timbre are better on the Titan S, but more detailed on the VULKAN.

Hiroyuki Sawano &Z (02:18-02:57), tonality is slightly better on the VULKAN but better timbre on the Titan S.

Technicalities: Shiro Sagisu – Hundred years war (02:24-02:57), width is better on the VULKAN, similar depth though. Imaging, separation, and detail are a lot better on the VULKAN, despite the tonality advantage the Titan S has. Timbre is better on the Titan S.

Overall: The VULKAN is clearly more technical, although its tonality is less of a specialist like the Titan S and more versatile. If you want something for vocals/acoustic, I would get the Titan S instead, otherwise the VULKAN is technically better, even though I personally prefer the Titan S overall.



IEM: LZ A7 (pop-black, high-density tuning foam), Final Audio Type E tips LL, cable A3 4.4mm

Bass: Djuro – Drop that bass (01:15-01:30), rumbles a lot more with slower decay and more extension on the A7. Punch quantity is also higher on the A7 but tighter, faster and more textured on the VULKAN. More tonally correct on the A7.

Hiroyuki Sawano – Pretenders (01:18-01:47), a bit more quantity on the A7, similar tightness but a bit faster on the VULKAN as well as more textured. More tonally correct and better timbre overall on the A7 though, although I prefer the mid-bass on the VULKAN more.

Metallica – fight fire with fire (01:11-01:52), bass is a bit cleaner on the VULKAN and more textured, similar speed/tightness and quantity though.

Mids: Hiroyuki Sawano – OldToday (01:25-01:52), vocal quantity is a tiny bit more forward on the A7, better tonality and timbre on it as well, similar detail. Instrument tonality and timbre are a lot better on the A7, with similar detail.

Evanescence – Bring me to life (01:18-01:35), a bit shoutier vocals, and sharper treble on the A7.

Hiroyuki Sawano – Scapegoat (00:57-01:17), vocals and instrument tonality and timbre are a lot better on the A7, cleaner on it as well but similar detail.

Treble: Linkin Park – Shadow of the Day (03:24-03:42), electric guitars are more tonally correct on the A7 (brighter) but both have some unnatural timbre.

Hiroyuki Sawano – Lose (string version) (01:22-01:59), Cello tonality and timbre are better on the A7, but cleaner and more textured on the VULKAN. Violin tonality is better on the A7, with similar detail, timbre (both unnatural), and treble extension.

Hiroyuki Sawano &Z (02:18-02:57), better tonality and timbre on the A7, with similar detail.

Technicalities: Shiro Sagisu – Hundred years war (02:24-02:57), slightly wider on the VULKAN but deeper and more holographic on the A7. Imaging and separation are a bit better on the VULKAN, similar detail though. Timbre and coherency are better on the A7.

Overall: the A7 is tuned a lot better for my library and is pretty similar in technicalities, with better timbre and coherency as well.



IEM: Dunu EST112, Elecom EHP-CAP20 tips L, stock cable 4.4mm

Bass: Djuro – Drop that bass (01:15-01:30), extension is very similar, but rumbles a little bit more on the VULKAN while the punch quantity is also a bit higher on it, while it is a bit tighter/faster on the EST112. Similar texture. Tonality is slightly better on the VULKAN.

Hiroyuki Sawano – Pretenders (01:18-01:47), a bit higher quantity on the VULKAN, but a bit tighter, faster, and more textured on the EST112. Tonality and timbre are better on the EST112.

Metallica – fight fire with fire (01:11-01:52), a lot cleaner on the EST112 (due to the treble), similar bass quantity, speed, tightness, and texture though.

Mids: Hiroyuki Sawano – OldToday (01:25-01:52), vocal tonality is a lot better on the EST112, as well as timbre, detail, and clarity with more forward vocals. Instrument tonality is slightly better on the VULKAN but better timbre, detail, and clarity on the EST112.

Evanescence – Bring me to life (01:18-01:35), shoutier and more fatiguing (brighter) on the EST112.

Hiroyuki Sawano – Scapegoat (00:57-01:17), vocal and instrument tonality are better on the VULKAN, although it is a lot cleaner and has a better timbre and more forward vocals on the EST112.

Treble: Linkin Park – Shadow of the Day (03:24-03:42), electric guitars are more fatiguing on the EST112 due to the brighter tonality, but have better timbre and detail.

Hiroyuki Sawano – Lose (string version) (01:22-01:59), Cello tonality is slightly better on the VULKAN, but cleaner and more detailed on the EST112 with similar texture and timbre. Violin tonality, timbre, texture, detail, clarity, and treble extension are a lot better on the EST112.

Hiroyuki Sawano &Z (02:18-02:57), better tonality, timbre, detail, and clarity on the EST112.

Technicalities: Shiro Sagisu – Hundred years war (02:24-02:57), similar width, but deeper and airier stage on the EST112. Imaging, separation, and detail are better on the EST112. Timbre and coherency are better on the EST112.

Overall: The EST112 is pretty much better on all factors. And if you tape the inner vent with micropore tape, it is better in all factors. I would get the EST112 instead of the VULKAN if the price isn’t the deal-breaker.



Conclusion: The VULKAN is not a bad iem, but IMO it struggles to have an identity and even more so when you factor in its price compared to the competitors. I recommend just going straight for the EST112 if you want to experience a well-tuned and technical iem from Dunu.

Graph:

Cable source:

https://docs.google.com/spreadsheet...zTm4ei7HEfP8AI1zxswrMw2ho/edit#gid=1801072063

Reference/test songs:

Disclaimer: I received this review unit for free from KZ, thank you very much.

Price: 16 usd

Specifications:

Impedance: 26ohm

Sensitivity: 112db+-1db

Frequency: 20-40000Hz


Accessories:

S/M/L Clear Starline Tips


Cable: 2-core SPC cable, no chin-slider, plastic divider, and connector. A decent cable.




Build: Plastic build, a bit on the smaller side like most KZs, does not have a wing. Nozzle has a lip.

Fit: Great, the smaller side is a great fit for my ears and like most other KZs.

Comfort: Small size and no wings = great comfort.

Isolation: Average.

Setup: Schiit Asgard 3 (low-gain, volume around 8 o´clock),

Lows: A bit more mid-bass focused than sub-bass, but both are elevated. Speed is pretty good and is a bit on the tighter side. The texture is a bit over average at this price range.

Mid-bass: Metallica – fight fire with fire (01:11-01:52), bass could be cleaner despite it not being loose and pretty fast, the texture is decent but lacking some quantity. The (02:55-03:01) section with the chopper could be cleaner and more forward.

Hiroyuki Sawano – Pretenders (01:18-01:47), quantity is pretty good, as well as speed and tightness. The texture is ok.

Sub-bass: Djuro – Drop that bass (01:15-01:30), has rumble but could extend lower. Punch quantity is good but texture and tightness could be better, and speed is pretty good.

Will Sparks – Sick like that (03:08-03:22), quantity is pretty good as well as tightness and speed, but the texture could be a bit better.

Mids: Recessed mids both male and female. Male vocals have pretty good tonality, but female vocals do need to be brighter. They both lack some clarity and detail. Not for vocal lovers, but not shouty at least.

Female-vocals: Hiroyuki Sawano – OldToday (01:25-01:52), Vocal tonality could be a bit brighter, cleaner as well as more forward (it is recessed) but the timbre is pretty good. Instrument tonality and timbre are quite good but could be cleaner and more detailed.

Yuki Hayashi – MightU (01:58-02:55), vocals could be a lot more forward, as well as brighter, more detailed, and cleaner, timbre is good. Instrument tonality needs more brightness, lacks detail and clarity, and good timbre.

Evanescence – Bring me to life (01:18-01:35), vocals aren’t shouty, but the cymbals are a bit spicy (elevated).

Hiroyuki Sawano – Crescent (02:07-02:26), non-shouty vocals, but the cymbals are a bit sharp.

Male-vocals: Hiroyuki Sawano – Pretenders (00:57-01:17), recessed vocals, tonality is decent but could be cleaner and more detailed, timbre is good. The instrument tonality is pretty good but lacks some detail and clarity, timbre is good.

Hiroyuki Sawano – Scapegoat (00:57-01:17), vocals are recessed, lacks a bit of warmth and note-weight could be thicker while also lacking clarity and detail. The instrument tonality is decent but lacks a lot of detail and clarity.

Treble: Linkin Park – Shadow of the Day (03:24-03:42), electric guitars aren’t sharp, have pretty good tonality and timbre.

Deuce – America (03:03-03:16), is chaotic due to the separation and imaging.

Hiroyuki Sawano – Lose (string version) (01:22-01:59), Cello tonality, timbre, and texture are pretty good, could be cleaner and more detailed though as there is some bleed. Violin tonality could be a bit brighter, cleaner, and more detailed, but timbre and treble extension are pretty good

Hiroyuki Sawano &Z (02:18-02:57), pretty good tonality and timbre, could be cleaner and more detailed though.

Soundstage: stage both in width and depth are pretty good.

Tonality: V-shaped, tonal balance is pretty good and doesn’t lean too much towards warmth due to the upper-treble elevation. Note-weight is slightly on the thicker side. Timbre is pretty good (best so far from the KZs I have heard).

Details: Macro-detail is pretty average for this price range (low-res) but micro-details are pretty good (helped by the sheer amount of upper-treble).

Instrument Separation: Separation and imaging are average for this price range, struggle with busier tracks and especially ones with bass, where it can be a bit bloated.

Songs that highlight the IEM: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vIaH35-MLsk https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WNCp3o6Ct5w https://soundcloud.com/djfusiont/djfusion-kingmalcolm-right-back-trance-rap-beats-yuri-kane-sample https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eVTXPUF4Oz4

Good genres: Hip-Hop, EDM, Trance, Rock/metal

Bad genres: OST, acoustic/vocals

Comparisons:

IEM: CCA CRA (500 mesh + Sony General Foam), stock tips L, stock cable 3.5mm

Bass: Djuro – Drop that bass (01:15-01:30), extends a bit lower on the CRA, and a bit more rumble. Punch quantity is similar but more textured, tighter, and faster on the CRA. More tonally correct on the CRA but better timbre on the Ultra.

Hiroyuki Sawano – Pretenders (01:18-01:47), a bit more quantity on the Ultra, but more textured, faster, and tighter on the CRA. More detailed and cleaner on the CRA, tonality is slightly better on the CRA, and timbre is better on the Ultra.

Metallica – fight fire with fire (01:11-01:52), more quantity on the Ultra but tighter, faster and a bit more textured on the CRA.

Mids: Hiroyuki Sawano – OldToday (01:25-01:52), similar vocal quantity, but a bit better tonality on the CRA as well as being more detailed and cleaner but the timbre is better on the Ultra. Instrument tonality and timbre are better on the Ultra but cleaner and more detailed on the CRA.

Evanescence – Bring me to life (01:18-01:35), slightly shoutier vocals on the Ultra but sharper treble on the CRA.

Hiroyuki Sawano – Scapegoat (00:57-01:17), vocal and instrument tonality and timbre are better on the Ultra, but cleaner and more detailed on the CRA.

Treble: Linkin Park – Shadow of the Day (03:24-03:42), electric guitars are a lot sharper on the CRA, more tonally correct, and better timbre on the Ultra.

Hiroyuki Sawano – Lose (string version) (01:22-01:59), Cello tonality, timbre, and texture are a bit better on the Ultra, but cleaner and more detailed on the CRA. Violin tonality, treble-extension, detail, and clarity are a bit better on the CRA, with a similar timbre.

Hiroyuki Sawano &Z (02:18-02:57), tonality and timbre are better on the Ultra, but cleaner and more detailed on the CRA.

Technicalities: Shiro Sagisu – Hundred years war (02:24-02:57), the stage is wider and airier on the CRA, but a bit deeper on the Ultra. Separation and detail are a lot better on the CRA and imaging. Timbre is better on the Ultra.

Overall: I do prefer the (modded) CRA over the Ultra and it is more technical. However, it is a bit less versatile than the Ultra and also needs modding. If you don’t want to mod or just want the safer tuned iem, the Ultra is the one to get.



IEM: CCA CRA+ (350 Mesh), stock tips L, stock cable 3.5mm

Bass: Djuro – Drop that bass (01:15-01:30), sub-bass rumbles a bit more on the CRA+ but extends a bit lower on the Ultra as well as being tighter, faster, and more textured on it.

Hiroyuki Sawano – Pretenders (01:18-01:47), similar quantity but more textured, tighter, and a bit faster on the Ultra as well as being cleaner and more detailed.

Metallica – fight fire with fire (01:11-01:52), similar quantity and texture, but cleaner on the Ultra due to the slightly faster and tighter bass and airier treble.

Mids: Hiroyuki Sawano – OldToday (01:25-01:52), vocal tonality is better on the Ultra as well as being a bit more forward, cleaner, and more detailed, similar timbre though. Instrument tonality is better on the Ultra, cleaner and more detailed but similar timbre.

Evanescence – Bring me to life (01:18-01:35), slightly shoutier on the Ultra and slightly brighter and airier treble.

Hiroyuki Sawano – Scapegoat (00:57-01:17), better vocal and instrument tonality on the CRA+, but a bit more recessed vocal on it. Better clarity and detail on the Ultra, similar timbre.

Treble: Linkin Park – Shadow of the Day (03:24-03:42), electric guitars on the Ultra have better tonality, clarity, and detail. Although tamer on the CRA+ with similar timbre.

Hiroyuki Sawano – Lose (string version) (01:22-01:59), Cello tonality is quite similar, but a bit more textured and cleaner on the Ultra with similar detail and timbre. Violin tonality, treble-extension, detail and clarity are better on the Ultra, similar timbre.

Hiroyuki Sawano &Z (02:18-02:57), better tonality, clarity and detail on the Ultra.

Technicalities: Shiro Sagisu – Hundred years war (02:24-02:57), wider on the Ultra, similar depth. Imaging and timbre are similar, but more detailed and with a bit better separation on the Ultra.

Overall: The Ultra is tuned better and more technical. Although the edge in technicalities the Ultra has over the CRA+ is most likely due to the mod dampening the CRA+, they should be more even stock vs stock, but in that scenario, the CRA+ treble is too much for me.



IEM: DQ6 (High-density Tuning Foams), Elecom EHP-CAP20 tips L, Cable A3 4.4mm

Bass: Djuro – Drop that bass (01:15-01:30), rumbles more, and extends a bit lower on the Ultra. Punch quantity is a bit higher on the Ultra, but more textured and tighter on the DQ6, similar speed. A bit better tonality on the DQ6.

Hiroyuki Sawano – Pretenders (01:18-01:47), similar quantity, but more textured and tighter on the DQ6, similar speed. A bit better timbre on the Ultra but better tonality on the DQ6.

Metallica – fight fire with fire (01:11-01:52), a bit cleaner on the Ultra due to the treble air, but the bass is quite similar.

Mids: Hiroyuki Sawano – OldToday (01:25-01:52), vocals are a bit more forward, cleaner and more detailed as well as having a bit better tonality on the DQ6, and timbre is better on the Ultra. Instrument tonality and timbre are better on the Ultra, but more detailed on the DQ6.

Evanescence – Bring me to life (01:18-01:35), vocals are a bit shoutier on the DQ6 and sharper treble on it.

Hiroyuki Sawano – Scapegoat (00:57-01:17), vocal and instrument tonality and timbre a bit better on the Ultra, but cleaner, more detailed, and a bit more forward vocal on the DQ6.

Treble: Linkin Park – Shadow of the Day (03:24-03:42), a bit sharper electric guitars and sharper treble on the DQ6.

Hiroyuki Sawano – Lose (string version) (01:22-01:59), Cello tonality, texture, detail, and clarity are better on the DQ6 and a bit better timbre on the Ultra. Violin tonality, detail, and clarity are a bit better on the DQ6, but the timbre and treble extension are better on the Ultra.

Hiroyuki Sawano &Z (02:18-02:57), tonality, detail, and clarity are better on the DQ6, but better timbre on the Ultra.

Technicalities: Shiro Sagisu – Hundred years war (02:24-02:57), much wider and a lot deeper stage on the DQ6 as well as more holographic. Separation and imaging are a bit better on the DQ6, more macro-details on the DQ6 while micro-details are better on the Ultra.

Overall: The DQ6 is the better tuned and more technical iem, especially with its soundstage. But the Ultra has the safer treble, better timbre, and does not need any modding.



Conclusion: The EDX Ultra is currently the best non-modded KZ I have heard. So, if you want a KZ but do not want to mod, this is a great pick. It is essentially a mix between the CRA (treble) and the DQ6 (bass/mids).

Graph:

Cable source:

https://docs.google.com/spreadsheet...zTm4ei7HEfP8AI1zxswrMw2ho/edit#gid=1801072063

Reference/test songs:

Disclaimer: I received this review unit for free from KZ, thank you very much.

Price: 33 usd (pre-sale price, not sure about MSRP)

Specifications:

N/A

DD + MST


Accessories:

S/M/L silicone tips




Cable: 8-core cable, no chin-slider, has a metal 3.5mm connector but plastic 2pin connectors.





Fit: Great fit for me, very good shape and does not have the wing that some of their other iems have.

Comfort: Very good for me due to the size and shape.

Isolation: Average, nothing special.

Setup: Schiit Asgard 3 (low-gain, volume around 8 o´clock), stock tips L, stock cable 3.5mm

Lows: Sub-bass focused with a lot of elevation, decent extension and does rumble, is tight and fast but it is lacking in texture and doesn’t sound too clean (treble is a bit dark and does affect the overall clarity). Mid-bass is also elevated a bit but still fast/tight, better textured than the sub-bass.

Mid-bass: Metallica – fight fire with fire (01:11-01:52), pretty clean due to the fast/tight bass but lacking a lot of texture, decent quantity. The (02:55-03:01) section with the chopper is hearable but not very clean.

Hiroyuki Sawano – Pretenders (01:18-01:47), quantity is pretty good and tight/fast but texture could be better and overall cleaner sounding.

Sub-bass: Djuro – Drop that bass (01:15-01:30), decent extension and rumbles. Punch quantity is high and also tight/fast but lacking in texture.

Will Sparks – Sick like that (03:08-03:22), high quantity, tight and fast but texture could be better.

Mids: Decent vocal tonality, but both male and female vocals lack clarity, its not very clean and the timbre is unnatural. The vocals are recessed as well.

Female-vocals: Hiroyuki Sawano – OldToday (01:25-01:52), vocal tonality is decent, but lacking in clarity, has unnatural timbre and recessed. Instrument tonality is good but with unnatural timbre and lacking clarity.

Yuki Hayashi – MightU (01:58-02:55), vocal and instrument tonality needs to be brighter and with more clarity, has poor timbre as well.

Evanescence – Bring me to life (01:18-01:35), vocals aren’t shouty nor peaky treble.

Hiroyuki Sawano – Crescent (02:07-02:26), vocals aren’t shouty but the treble is peaky.

Male-vocals: Hiroyuki Sawano – Pretenders (00:57-01:17), good vocal and instrument tonality but lacking in clarity and has poor timbre, recessed vocals.

Hiroyuki Sawano – Scapegoat (00:57-01:17), vocal and instrument tonality is lacking some warmth and clarity, recessed vocals and poor timbre.

Treble: Linkin Park – Shadow of the Day (03:24-03:42), electric guitars aren’t sharp but lacking in texture and clarity, timbre is unnatural.

Deuce – America (03:03-03:16), separation and imaging can’t handle it and it sounds chaotic.

Hiroyuki Sawano – Lose (string version) (01:22-01:59), Cello tonality is good but lacking in texture, clarity and has a bit unnatural timbre. Violin tonality is decent, but lacking clarity, treble-extension and has unnatural timbre.

Hiroyuki Sawano &Z (02:18-02:57), decent tonality but lacking in clarity and timbre is poor

Soundstage: Average, nothing special.

Tonality: V-shaped, a bit on the darker side due to the treble (upper-treble roll-off). Note-weight is slightly on the thicker side, it is a pretty versatile tonality for my library but it has poor timbre so that is a bottleneck.

Details: Macro-details is decent, but lacking in micro-details.

Instrument Separation: Separation and imaging are below average.

Songs that highlight the IEM: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9zz5X1uwKcM https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DQYRFL5asv4 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xdgvEulj0LU

Good genres: good match for my library, but Trance and EDM works the best.

Bad genres: good match for my library, but Hip-hop and R&B are the weaker genres due to the fast/tight bass and acoustic/vocal stuff due to the timbre.

Comparisons:

IEM: CCA CRA (500 mesh + Sony General Foam), stock tips L, stock cable 3.5mm

Bass: Djuro – Drop that bass (01:15-01:30), similar extension but more rumble on the ZES. Punch quantity is similar but a lot more textured, faster and tighter on the CRA. A bit more tonally correct on the ZES but better timbre on the CRA.

Hiroyuki Sawano – Pretenders (01:18-01:47), a bit more quantity on the ZES but more textured, faster and tighter on the CRA. More tonally correct, cleaner, more detailed and better timbre on the CRA.

Metallica – fight fire with fire (01:11-01:52), cleaner and more detailed on the CRA due to the much faster/tighter and a bit lower bass quantity. More textured on the CRA.

Mids: Hiroyuki Sawano – OldToday (01:25-01:52), vocal tonality, clarity and detail are a lot better on the CRA as well as a bit more forward and with better timbre. Instrument tonality is better on the ZES but better timbre, detail and clarity on the CRA.

Evanescence – Bring me to life (01:18-01:35), a bit shoutier on the CRA and peakier and more fatiguing treble.

Hiroyuki Sawano – Scapegoat (00:57-01:17), vocal and instrument tonality are better on the ZES but cleaner, more detailed and better timbre on the CRA.

Treble: Linkin Park – Shadow of the Day (03:24-03:42), electric guitars are sharper and more fatiguing on the CRA but better timbre on it.

Hiroyuki Sawano – Lose (string version) (01:22-01:59), Cello tonality is better on the ZES but better timbre, texture, detail and clarity on the CRA. Violin tonality, timbre, treble-extension, clarity and detail are all a lot better on the CRA.

Hiroyuki Sawano &Z (02:18-02:57), better tonality, timbre and detail on the CRA.

Technicalities: Shiro Sagisu – Hundred years war (02:24-02:57), wider and airier on the CRA with similar depth. Imaging, separation, detail and timbre are a lot better on the CRA.

Overall: Male vocals are tuned better and treble is safer, that’s all the ZES does better than the CRA, the CRA stomps pretty hard. Just get the CRA instead, they are both trying to do the same thing, but the CRA is much better.



Conclusion: The build quality is a step up from usual KZs, but just get the CCA CRA instead…

Graph:


Cable source:

https://docs.google.com/spreadsheet...zTm4ei7HEfP8AI1zxswrMw2ho/edit#gid=1801072063

Reference/test songs:

Disclaimer: I received this review unit for free from Softears, thank you very much. This review is based on a mod.

Price: 285 usd

Specifications:

Impedance: 5Ω@ 1kHz

Sensitivity: 123.7dB/Vrms@1kHz

Effective frequency response: 20- 20kHz (IEC60318-4)

Frequency range: 8- 40kHz(1/4 inch free field microphone, -5 dB)

THD:< 1%@ 1kHz

Shell: imported medical resin+aluminum alloy

Driver: 10mm dynamic +2 balanced armature

Dynamic diaphragm: PU flexible suspending+beryllium-plated




Accessories:

S/M/L foam tips

S/M/L narrow bore silicone tips

S/M/L U.C tips (very similar to the Azla Crystals, seems to be included for the earlier buyers of the Volume)

Carry case

Carry bag

Cleaning cloth

Cleaning brush



Cable: Black 4-core cable, measures at 0.39 ohm. Does not have a chin-slider, has metal divider/connectors. Be aware that if you change the cable to a 3rd party cable, it will most likely affect the FR.






Build: Resin body and a metal faceplate, essentially identical to the shell of the Moondrop Blessing 2 without the brushed metal faceplate. Due to the big size the weight is also a bit heavier than average.

Fit: Very good in terms of shape for my ears but the size is borderline too big for me and can be an issue for people with similarly small ears.

Comfort: Due to the big shell it is not comfortable for me during 30min-1h+ sessions. The shape itself is quite good for my ears though.

Isolation: Very good, the shell is quite big so that helps in this regard.



MOD: The stock version is way too bright and has too much 3k for me, it can be fixed by putting an Y2 Paper filter (link at the bottom) on top of the BA bore (which houses a Knowles damper). This review is based on this mod.

IMPEDANCE WARNING: Due to the low impedance (and uneven impedance curve), be aware that the output impedance of the amp will affect how the FR is. With lower impedance = less bass and higher impedance = more bass in general.

Setup: Schiit Asgard 3 (low-gain, volume around 8 o´clock), Elecom EHP-CAP20 tips L, stock cable 3.5mm + Y2 Paper Filter on BA bore

Lows: Neutral with some sub-bass boost and impressive extension, quantity is lacking for my preferences, but has pretty good texture and is very clean due to the speed/tightness.

Mid-bass: Metallica – fight fire with fire (01:11-01:52), very clean due to the very tight, fast and low bass quantity, good texture. The (02:55-03:01) section with the chopper is hearable and clean.

Hiroyuki Sawano – Pretenders (01:18-01:47), very clean due to the fast and tight bass, quite low quantity but is quite textured.

Sub-bass: Djuro – Drop that bass (01:15-01:30), extends very low, although not much rumble and the decay is quite fast. Punch quantity slightly boosted but still pretty low, pretty good texture and it is very fast and tight.

Will Sparks – Sick like that (03:08-03:22), more quantity would be better, but quite good texture and it is clean due to the speed/tightness.

Mids: Very good female vocals, clean and slightly forward, matches very well with “weeb” vocals, like Aimer, ReoNa and REOL. Male vocals on the other hand can lack some warmth and note-weight but is clean and neutral. Good timbre for both vocals and instruments and has good coherency.

Female-vocals: Hiroyuki Sawano – OldToday (01:25-01:52), vocal tonality is very good, clean and has good timbre, quantity is slightly forward. Instrument tonality could be slightly warmer, but has pretty good timbre/coherency and is clean.

Yuki Hayashi – MightU (01:58-02:55), vocal and instrument tonality are excellent, good timbre and clean.

Evanescence – Bring me to life (01:18-01:35), slightly shouty and peaky treble.

Hiroyuki Sawano – Crescent (02:07-02:26), shouty and peaky treble, fatiguing.

Male-vocals: Hiroyuki Sawano – Pretenders (00:57-01:17), vocal and instrument tonality is pretty good as well as timbre and clean.

Hiroyuki Sawano – Scapegoat (00:57-01:17), vocal and instrument tonality needs to be warmer, good timbre, clean and neutral vocals though.

Treble: Linkin Park – Shadow of the Day (03:24-03:42), electric guitars aren’t sharp, very good tonality and timbre.

Deuce – America (03:03-03:16), not shouty, only slightly fatiguing due to the bright tonality, imaging and separation are excellent.

Hiroyuki Sawano – Lose (string version) (01:22-01:59), Cello tonality lacks some warmth and texture could be better, clean and has decent timbre. Violin tonality, timbre, extension and clarity are very good.

Hiroyuki Sawano &Z (02:18-02:57), decent tonality, although a bit too bright (and lacking mid-bass), clean and has good timbre.

Soundstage: Slightly above average width, but pretty good depth.

Tonality: Bright-neutral with a slight sub-bass boost, note-weight is a bit on the thinner side. Good timbre and coherency. Not very versatile for my library but more of a weeb tuning specialist.

Details: Excellent macro and micro-details without much tonality “cheating”.

Instrument Separation: Excellent separation and imaging.

Songs that highlight the IEM: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pCC6qbAnX00 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ngm99aJh7ig https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QtXNvoPfO84 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8IK6eLTNV1k https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U6IPdxz24ao https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wY9Q-_3Dye8 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-8J8T09075E

Good genres: Jpop, OST, acoustic/vocal (WEEB TRACKS)

Bad genres: Hip-hop, EDM, R&B

Comparisons:

IEM: Tanchjim Oxygen, Final Audio Type E tips L, cable A6 4.4mm

Bass: Djuro – Drop that bass (01:15-01:30), extends lower on the Volume but similar rumble. Punch quantity and speed are quite similar but more textured and tighter on the Volume. Slightly better tonality on the Volume but better timbre on the O2.

Hiroyuki Sawano – Pretenders (01:18-01:47), a bit cleaner on the Volume due to the tighter bass, more textured on it as well but similar quantity and speed. A bit better tonality on the Volume, better timbre on the O2.

Metallica – fight fire with fire (01:11-01:52), bass itself is cleaner on the Volume due to the tighter bass (more textured as well) but the O2 has more treble and is brighter overall so it ends up being cleaner on the O2.

Mids: Hiroyuki Sawano – OldToday (01:25-01:52), vocal tonality and timbre are a bit better on the O2, similar detail but cleaner on the O2. Instrument tonality is better on the Volume and more detailed but cleaner and better timbre on the O2.

Evanescence – Bring me to life (01:18-01:35), shoutier vocals and peakier treble on the O2, more fatiguing.

Hiroyuki Sawano – Scapegoat (00:57-01:17), vocal and instrument tonality and detail are better on the Volume but slightly more forward vocals and cleaner on the O2

Treble: Linkin Park – Shadow of the Day (03:24-03:42), electric guitars are a bit sharper and brighter on the O2, better timbre though.

Hiroyuki Sawano – Lose (string version) (01:22-01:59), Cello tonality, texture and detail are better on the Volume but similar timbre and cleaner on the O2. Violin tonality, timbre and clarity are better on the O2, a bit more detailed and better treble-extension on the Volume.

Hiroyuki Sawano &Z (02:18-02:57), better tonality and detail on the Volume, cleaner and slightly better timbre on the O2.

Technicalities: Shiro Sagisu – Hundred years war (02:24-02:57), wider on the O2 but a lot deeper on the Volume. Similar imaging and separation but a bit more detailed on the Volume.

Overall: The Volume is the better iem in terms of tonality and technicalities, O2 is the brighter iem and is even more of a specialist whereas the Volume is more versatile in what it can play.



IEM: Moondrop Blessing 2, Spinfits CP145 tips L, stock cable 3.5mm

Bass: Djuro – Drop that bass (01:15-01:30), extends a lot lower and rumbles a lot more on the Volume. Punch quantity is higher and a lot more textured on the Volume but faster and tighter on the B2. Tonality and timbre are much better on the Volume.

Hiroyuki Sawano – Pretenders (01:18-01:47), a bit more quantity on the Volume but a lot more textured on it, faster and tighter on the B2 and cleaner. Much better timbre and tonality on the Volume.

Metallica – fight fire with fire (01:11-01:52), a bit more quantity on the Volume and a lot more textured on it, cleaner and a bit more detailed on the B2 due to the faster and tighter bass.

Mids: Hiroyuki Sawano – OldToday (01:25-01:52), Vocals are cleaner, a bit more forward and a bit more detailed on the B2 but much better tonality and timbre is leagues ahead on the Volume. Instrument tonality and timbre are much better on the Volume, cleaner and a bit more detailed on the B2 though.

Evanescence – Bring me to life (01:18-01:35), vocals are very slightly shoutier on the B2 and treble is sharper on it.

Hiroyuki Sawano – Scapegoat (00:57-01:17), vocal and instrument tonality and timbre are leagues ahead on the Volume, similar vocal quantity but cleaner and a bit more detailed on the B2.

Treble: Linkin Park – Shadow of the Day (03:24-03:42), similar tonality but better timbre on the Volume, more fatiguing on the B2 due to the brighter tonality.

Hiroyuki Sawano – Lose (string version) (01:22-01:59), Cello tonality, timbre and texture are a lot better on the Volume, cleaner and a bit more detailed on the B2. Violin tonality, detail, clarity and treble-extension are better on the B2 but a lot better timbre on the Volume.

Hiroyuki Sawano &Z (02:18-02:57), Better tonality and timbre on the Volume, cleaner and more detailed on the B2.

Technicalities: Shiro Sagisu – Hundred years war (02:24-02:57), a bit wider on the B2 but a lot deeper and more holographic on the Volume. Imaging is better o the Volume while separation and detail are better on the B2. Timbre and coherency are leagues ahead on the Volume.

Overall: The Volume is the better tuned and has better timbre/coherency with a big edge in soundstage over the B2. Volume is the better iem for my library.



IEM: Dunu Titan S, stock tips L, stock cable 3.5mm

Bass: Djuro – Drop that bass (01:15-01:30), extends lower and rumbles more on the Volume. Punch quantity is a bit higher on the Volume and is much more textured, faster and tighter. More tonally correct on the Volume with a bit better timbre on the Titan S.

Hiroyuki Sawano – Pretenders (01:18-01:47), similar quantity, but more textured on the Volume and a bit tighter and faster as well as cleaner and more detailed. More tonally correct on the Volume, a bit better timbre on the Titan S.

Metallica – fight fire with fire (01:11-01:52), very similar tonality but more textured, cleaner and more detailed on the Volume.

Mids: Hiroyuki Sawano – OldToday (01:25-01:52), Very similar tonality but cleaner, more detailed and a bit more forward vocals on the Volume while timbre is a bit better on the Titan S. Instrument tonality is slightly warmer (better) on the Volume, cleaner and more detailed but better timbre on the Titan S.

Evanescence – Bring me to life (01:18-01:35), a bit shoutier and a bit peakier treble on the Titan S.

Hiroyuki Sawano – Scapegoat (00:57-01:17), Very similar vocal and instrument tonality but cleaner and much more detailed on the Volume. Timbre is a bit better on the Titan S.

Treble: Linkin Park – Shadow of the Day (03:24-03:42), electric guitars are extremely similar in tonality, but a bit better timbre on the Titan S while it is more detailed and cleaner on the Volume.

Hiroyuki Sawano – Lose (string version) (01:22-01:59), Cello tonality and timbre are extremely similar but more textured, cleaner and more detailed on the Volume. Violin tonality, texture, treble-extension, detail and clarity are much better on the Volume while timbre is better on the Titan S.

Hiroyuki Sawano &Z (02:18-02:57), Better tonality, detail and clarity on the Volume, better timbre on the Titan S.

Technicalities: Shiro Sagisu – Hundred years war (02:24-02:57), a lot wider and much deeper on the Volume. Imaging, separation and detail are much better on the Volume. Better timbre on the Titan S.

Overall: The Volume (MODDED) is the true upgrade to the Titans S. If you got the Titan S and want the upgrade, this is it.



Conclusion: Get this ONLY if you are willing to use a simple, cheap and risk-free mod to tame the 3k peak and if you do, it is an excellent iem aimed at the so called “weeb” tuning. Forget about it in stock unless you are a treble-head or love elevated 3k area. Do be aware of the FR changes if you use it on an amp with a different output impedance than the amps I use (Asgard 3/Atom). As the very low impedance and non-flat impedance curve on the Volume is causing it to be susceptive to FR changes due to differing OI on amps.

Graph:

MOD MATERIAL: https://www.aliexpress.com/item/1005002584285688.html

Cable source:

https://docs.google.com/spreadsheet...zTm4ei7HEfP8AI1zxswrMw2ho/edit#gid=1801072063

Reference/test songs:

Disclaimer: I received this review unit for free from Earsonics, thank you very much.

Price: 490 euro

Specifications:

Sensitivity: 122dB/mW

Frequency response: 10Hz-20kHz

DCR: 16.5 ohms



Accessories:

M/L Silicone tips

M/L double flange silicone tips

M/L Foam tips

Cleaning brush

Carry case




Cable: 4-core cable, metal divider/connectors and has a working chin-slider. The 2pin connector is extremely tight though and is very hard to detach.





Build: Full metal build and is very heavy. The nozzle doesn’t have any filters in it so getting dirt/wax in it could be a cause of concern and the nozzle itself is very thin so not a lot of tips fit it. Shell is pretty

Fit: Fit itself is good although it is pretty big, there is a strange effect where at insertion it takes 2-3 seconds before the pressure dissipates (during which time the sound is very weird), similar to what happened with the Tri i3 Pro.

Comfort: Not that good for me due to the big shell which is borderline too big for me, there is some pressure build up and slight driver flex and the shell is very heavy.

Isolation: Above average, big shell helps it.

Setup: Schiit Asgard 3 (low-gain, volume around 8 o´clock), stock tips (single flange) L, stock cable 3.5mm

Lows: A ton of mid and sub-bass, focused on sub-bass but since there is a lot of mid-bass as well, it isn’t that clean and is on the looser side, speed is pretty average but it does end up sounding bloated.

Mid-bass: Metallica – fight fire with fire (01:11-01:52), decently clean, fast and tight despite the big quantity, texture could be better. The (02:55-03:01) section with the chopper is hearable, although not very clean.

Hiroyuki Sawano – Pretenders (01:18-01:47), a lot of quantity, is decently fast/tight and with good texture.

Sub-bass: Djuro – Drop that bass (01:15-01:30), extends pretty low and rumbles a lot, although not very clean. Punch quantity is high but is loose, decent speed and texture.

Will Sparks – Sick like that (03:08-03:22), a lot of quantity, decent texture but could be faster and tighter.

Mids: Both male and female vocals are very recessed, quality wise they struggle because the bass is bleeding into the mids and making it very unclean. Not for mid lovers.

Female-vocals: Hiroyuki Sawano – OldToday (01:25-01:52), vocal tonality is too warm, lacking clarity and timbre is a bit off, very recessed as well. Instrument tonality is decent but there is bleed from the mid-bass and it is unclear, timbre is a bit off.

Yuki Hayashi – MightU (01:58-02:55), vocal and instrument tonality are way too warm, lacking a lot of brightness and clarity, vocals are very recessed as well.

Evanescence – Bring me to life (01:18-01:35), vocals aren’t shouty nor peaky treble.

Hiroyuki Sawano – Crescent (02:07-02:26), vocals aren’t shouty but treble is a bit peaky.

Male-vocals: Hiroyuki Sawano – Pretenders (00:57-01:17), vocal tonality and timbre are decent, does lack some clarity and is recessed though.

Hiroyuki Sawano – Scapegoat (00:57-01:17), vocal and instrument tonality is pretty good but lacking clarity, has bass bleed and recessed timbre, decent timbre.

Treble: Linkin Park – Shadow of the Day (03:24-03:42), electric guitar isn’t sharp but they do lack some texture and timbre could be better.

Deuce – America (03:03-03:16), not fatiguing treble but imaging and separation can’t keep up, chaotic.

Hiroyuki Sawano – Lose (string version) (01:22-01:59), cello tonality, timbre and texture are pretty good but lacking clarity and sounds bloated.

Hiroyuki Sawano &Z (02:18-02:57), tonality could be better, lacking clarity and sounds bloated, timbre is decent.

Soundstage: width is average, but depth is pretty impressive and is holographic.

Tonality: Warm V-shaped, note-weight is a bit on the thicker side, does suit my library pretty well but the very recessed mids makes it a poor match for vocal focused genres.

Details: Macro-detail is decent, but lacking in micro-details.

Instrument Separation: Separation and imaging are heavily bottlenecked by the massive bass.

Songs that highlight the IEM: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vMRxHpcKjEY https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bKDdT_nyP54 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2IH8tNQAzSs

Good genres: Hip-Hop, R&B, EDM

Bad genres: Acoustic/vocal tracks, OST, rock/metal

Comparisons:

IEM: Blon BL-03 (mesh-mod), Radius Deep Mount tips L, cable B3 4.4mm

Bass: Djuro – Drop that bass (01:15-01:30), extends deeper and rumbles more on the Onyx. Punch quantity is higher on the Onyx, similar texture, but a bit faster/tighter and cleaner on the 03. More tonally correct and better timbre on the 03.

Hiroyuki Sawano – Pretenders (01:18-01:47), more mid-bass on the Onyx, similar texture but tighter/faster and cleaner on the 03. More tonally correct and better timbre on the 03.

Metallica – fight fire with fire (01:11-01:52), a bit cleaner on the 03 due to the cleaner (tighter, faster and less bass quantity) bass.

Mids: Hiroyuki Sawano – OldToday (01:25-01:52), vocals are more forward, cleaner, much more tonally accurate and with much better timbre, similar detail. Instrument tonality is better on the 03 and with much better timbre, cleaner on the 03 but similar detail (heavily bottlenecked technicalities on the Onyx).

Evanescence – Bring me to life (01:18-01:35), vocals are a bit shoutier on the 03 but treble is a bit peakier on the Onyx.

Hiroyuki Sawano – Scapegoat (00:57-01:17), vocal and instrument tonality and timbre are much better on the 03, cleaner on the 03, similar detail.

Treble: Linkin Park – Shadow of the Day (03:24-03:42), electric guitars are a bit sharper on the Onyx, more tonally correct and much better timbre own the 03.

Hiroyuki Sawano – Lose (string version) (01:22-01:59), Cello tonality, texture, timbre and clarity are better on the 03, similar detail. Violin tonality, timbre and clarity are better on the 03 similar macro-detail but better micro-detail and treble-extension on the Onyx.

Hiroyuki Sawano &Z (02:18-02:57), tonality and timbre are better on the 03 and cleaner.

Technicalities: Shiro Sagisu – Hundred years war (02:24-02:57), wider and much deeper soundstage on the Onyx. Imaging, separation and detail are comparable due to the massive bottleneck the Onyx has due to its bass. Timbre is much better on the 03.

Overall: The Onyx has an excessive and way too much bass even compared to the 03. The 03 is tuned a lot better and timbre is also a lot better on it, comparable technicalities due to the bass bottleneck on the Onyx.



IEM: Dunu Falcon Pro (reference filter), Elecom EHP-CAP20 tips L, stock cable 4.4mm

Bass: Djuro – Drop that bass (01:15-01:30), extends lower and rumbles more on the Onyx. More punch quantity on the Onyx but less textured, slower and looser than the FP. A bit more tonally correct on the FP and with better timbre.

Hiroyuki Sawano – Pretenders (01:18-01:47), more quantity on the Onyx, but more textured and cleaner (faster/tighter) on the FP. More tonally correct and with better timbre on the FP.

Metallica – fight fire with fire (01:11-01:52), lower bass quantity on the FP, a bit faster/tighter, similar texture.

Mids: Hiroyuki Sawano – OldToday (01:25-01:52), a lot better tonality and timbre on the FP, pretty unnatural on the Onyx and more recessed on it. Instrument tonality is a bit better on the Onyx but better timbre, detail and clarity on the FP.

Evanescence – Bring me to life (01:18-01:35), slightly shoutier on the Onyx and peakier treble.

Hiroyuki Sawano – Scapegoat (00:57-01:17), vocal and instrument tonality and timbre are a lot better on the FP, cleaner and more detailed as well.

Treble: Linkin Park – Shadow of the Day (03:24-03:42), electric guitars are a bit sharper and has worse timbre on the Onyx.

Hiroyuki Sawano – Lose (string version) (01:22-01:59), Cello tonality, timbre, detail and clarity are better on the FP, similar texture. Violin tonality is a bit better on the FP, a lot better timbre, detail and clarity on the FP, slightly better treble-extension on the Onyx though.

Hiroyuki Sawano &Z (02:18-02:57), better tonality and timbre on the FP, cleaner and more detailed as well.

Technicalities: Shiro Sagisu – Hundred years war (02:24-02:57), stage is a lot wider and deeper, more holographic on the Onyx. Better separation, imaging and detail on the FP. A lot better timbre (and coherency) on the FP.

Overall: The Onyx has even more mid-bass than the N3 and a lot more sub-bass, more recessed mids and peakier treble. FP has a lot better tonality, timbre and also an edge in technicalities.



IEM: Sony XBA-N3, Final Audio Type E tips LL, cable A6 4.4mm

Bass: Djuro – Drop that bass (01:15-01:30), similar extension but rumbles more on the Onyx. More quantity on the Onyx, but more textured and a bit faster/tighter on the N3. More tonally correct on the N3 and with better timbre and coherency.

Hiroyuki Sawano – Pretenders (01:18-01:47), more quantity on the Onyx but more textured and cleaner due to the faster/tighter bass on the N3. More tonally correct and better timbre on the N3.

Metallica – fight fire with fire (01:11-01:52), more quantity, but more textured, faster and tighter on the N3 and cleaner.

Mids: Hiroyuki Sawano – OldToday (01:25-01:52), vocal tonality is more accurate, forward, cleaner, more detailed and better timbre on the N3. Instrument tonality and timbre are better on the N3, cleaner, more detailed on it.

Evanescence – Bring me to life (01:18-01:35), slightly shoutier vocals on the Onyx and peakier treble.

Hiroyuki Sawano – Scapegoat (00:57-01:17), vocals are more recessed on the Onyx. Vocal and instrument tonality, timbre, detail and clarity are better on the N3.

Treble: Linkin Park – Shadow of the Day (03:24-03:42), electric guitars are sharper and more fatiguing on the Onyx, better timbre on the N3 and a bit better tonality.

Hiroyuki Sawano – Lose (string version) (01:22-01:59), Cello tonality and texture are similar, but better timbre and detail on the N3. Violin tonality, timbre, detail, treble-extension and clarity are better on the N3.

Hiroyuki Sawano &Z (02:18-02:57), better tonality, timbre, cleaner and more detailed on the N3.

Technicalities: Shiro Sagisu – Hundred years war (02:24-02:57), Wider on the Onyx but deeper and more holographic on the N3. Better imaging, separation, detail, timbre and coherency on the N3.

Overall: The N3 stomps the Onyx hard, tonality, timbre and technicalities are all better on the N3.



Conclusion: Absolutely ridiculous pricing, even excluding the sound (which is competing in the sub 50 usd range) there are major design errors here (pressure build-up, driver flex, no filter in the nozzle, heavy shell). Go back to the drawing board and try again…

Graph:

Cable source:

https://docs.google.com/spreadsheet...zTm4ei7HEfP8AI1zxswrMw2ho/edit#gid=1801072063

Reference/test songs:

Disclaimer: I received this review unit for free from KZ. Thank you very much.

Price: 32 usd

Specifications:

IMPEDANCE: 24Ω

SENSITIVITY: 112dB

FREQUENCY RESPONSE: 20Hz - 40KHz


Accessories:

S/M/L silicone tips



Cable: 2-core cable, plastic divider/connectors. It’s the same cable as on the CRA with a different color.






Build: Metal faceplate with resin body, average size. Looks very high quality but the resin doesn’t feel as good as some other (a lot more expensive) resin iems. There is an inner-vent and vent on the faceplate to alleviate pressure. Nozzle is metal and has a lip and the mesh is metal as well.

Fit: Works great and is secure.

Comfort: Not good for longer sessions as my ears hate the wing on it.

Isolation: Average, nothing special.

Setup: Schiit Asgard 3 (low-gain, volume around 7-8 o´clock), Elecom EHP-CAP20 tips L, stock (mic) cable 3.5mm

Lows: Elevated sub and mid-bass with a sub-bass focus. Pretty good texture and speed, but could be a bit tighter overall. Bass quantity itself isn’t what I call basshead, but due to the somewhat dark treble it does affect the perception of the bass so it sounds a lot more elevated than it would normally be with some more treble.

Mid-bass: Metallica – fight fire with fire (01:11-01:52), slightly bloated bass, could be a bit faster/tighter but has good texture. The (02:55-03:01) section with the chopper is hearable but not very clean, lacking clarity.

Hiroyuki Sawano – Pretenders (01:18-01:47), a lot of quantity and good texture, good speed and tightness, lacking clarity overall though (due to the treble).

Sub-bass: Djuro – Drop that bass (01:15-01:30), rumbles a lot and extends pretty low. Punch quantity is high and has good texture, could be a bit tighter though but decent speed.

Will Sparks – Sick like that (03:08-03:22), a lot of quantity, decent speed but could be tighter and more textured.

Mids: Both male and female vocals are recessed, more so with male vocals though but they are more tonally correct (warmth) while female vocals tend to lack some brightness. Good timbre, but could be cleaner overall.

Female-vocals: Hiroyuki Sawano – OldToday (01:25-01:52), vocal tonality lacks a bit of brightness and could be more forward as it is a bit recessed, timbre and clarity are pretty good. Instrument tonality and timbre are good, could be cleaner though.

Yuki Hayashi – MightU (01:58-02:55), vocal and instrument tonality needs to be brighter and cleaner, good timbre though.

Evanescence – Bring me to life (01:18-01:35), non-shouty vocals and non-peaky treble.

Hiroyuki Sawano – Crescent (02:07-02:26), non-shouty vocals and non-peaky treble.

Male-vocals: Hiroyuki Sawano – Pretenders (00:57-01:17), vocal and instrument tonality are pretty good as well as timbre, but vocals are a bit recessed and could be cleaner.

Hiroyuki Sawano – Scapegoat (00:57-01:17), very good vocal and instrument tonality, good timbre, could be cleaner though and more forward vocals.

Treble: Linkin Park – Shadow of the Day (03:24-03:42), electric guitars aren’t sharp at all and has pretty good tonality and timbre.

Deuce – America (03:03-03:16), not fatiguing but a bit chaotic due to the separation/imaging.

Hiroyuki Sawano – Lose (string version) (01:22-01:59), Cello tonality, texture and timbre are pretty good, but could be cleaner. Violin tonality, timbre, treble-extension and clarity could be better.

Hiroyuki Sawano &Z (02:18-02:57), tonality is decent, although lacking air in the treble and could be cleaner, timbre is decent at least.

Soundstage: Pretty good width and it has some depth as well.

Tonality: L-shaped, bassy, recessed mids and dark treble. Note-weight is a bit on the thicker side, versatile for my library and with good timbre overall.

Details: Macro-details are average, below average with micro-details.

Instrument Separation: separation and imaging are average, does struggle a bit with busier tracks though.

Songs that highlight the IEM: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=offvqocFb-E https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2IH8tNQAzSs https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0RiQDCWsk-U https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vjVkXlxsO8Q https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DelhLppPSxY https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0y2a2GEREC8

Good genres: EDM, R&B, Hip-Hop, Rock/metal

Bad genres: Classical, OST, Acoustic/vocal

Comparisons:

IEM: KZ DQ6 (High-Density Tuning Foams), Elecom EHP-CAP20 tips L, cable A3 4.4mm

Bass: Djuro – Drop that bass (01:15-01:30), extension is similar but rumbles more on the DQ6S. Punch quantity is higher on the DQ6S but tighter, faster and more textured on the DQ6. Tonality is a bit more accurate and also better timbre on the DQ6S.

Hiroyuki Sawano – Pretenders (01:18-01:47), slightly more quantity on the DQ6S, but tighter, faster and more textured on the DQ6. More tonally correct on the DQ6 but slightly better timbre on the DQ6S.

Metallica – fight fire with fire (01:11-01:52), cleaner on the DQ6 due to the slightly tighter and faster bass (along with more treble). Similar quantity and texture.

Mids: Hiroyuki Sawano – OldToday (01:25-01:52), Slightly more forward vocals on the DQ6 with better tonality, clarity and slightly more detailed but better timbre on the DQ6S. Instrument tonality and timbre are better on the DQ6S but cleaner and more detailed on the DQ6.

Evanescence – Bring me to life (01:18-01:35), vocals are slightly shoutier on the DQ6 and peakier treble.

Hiroyuki Sawano – Scapegoat (00:57-01:17), vocal and instrument tonality and timbre are better on the DQ6S, but cleaner and more detailed on the DQ6.

Treble: Linkin Park – Shadow of the Day (03:24-03:42), electric guitars tonality is a bit better on the DQ6 and cleaner, but timbre is slightly better on the DQ6S and less sharp.

Hiroyuki Sawano – Lose (string version) (01:22-01:59), Cello tonality and timbre are a bit better on the DQ6S but more textured, cleaner and more detailed on the DQ6. Violin tonality, treble-extension, detail and clarity are better on the DQ6, slightly better timbre on the DQ6S.

Hiroyuki Sawano &Z (02:18-02:57), better tonality, airier and cleaner on the DQ6. Slightly better timbre on the DQ6S.

Technicalities: Shiro Sagisu – Hundred years war (02:24-02:57), wider and airier on the DQ6, similar depth. Imaging is similar but better separation and detail on the DQ6. Timbre is better on the DQ6S.

Overall: The DQ6 is more technical and the better iem for my library (Hiroyuki Sawano and trance mainly), although the DQ6S is doing a better job with rock/metal, hip-hop and R&B than the DQ6. The DQ6S has better timbre and is the safer rec and a better option if you don’t want to mod the DQ6 with the tuning foams.



IEM: Blon BL-03 (mesh mod), Radius Deep Mount Tips L, cable B3 4.4mm

Bass: Djuro – Drop that bass (01:15-01:30), extends a bit lower and a bit more rumble on the DQ6S. A bit more punch quantity on the DQ6S, but a bit more textured, faster and tighter on the 03. A bit better tonality on the DQ6S but better timbre on the 03.

Hiroyuki Sawano – Pretenders (01:18-01:47), more mid-bass on the DQ6S and more textured, cleaner due to the faster and tighter bass on the 03 though. More tonally correct and better timbre on the 03.

Metallica – fight fire with fire (01:11-01:52), cleaner on the 03, a bit lower quantity on it but a bit faster/tighter bass, similar texture.

Mids: Hiroyuki Sawano – OldToday (01:25-01:52), A bit more forward vocals as well as more tonally correct and better timbre on the 03, similar detail. Instrument tonality is a bit better on the 03, much cleaner and better timbre as well.

Evanescence – Bring me to life (01:18-01:35), shoutier vocals and peakier treble on the 03.

Hiroyuki Sawano – Scapegoat (00:57-01:17), vocal and instrument tonality are a bit better on the 03, cleaner (slightly bloated on the DQ6S in comparison) as well as better timbre and a bit more forward vocal.

Treble: Linkin Park – Shadow of the Day (03:24-03:42), electric guitars are brighter and a bit more fatiguing on the 03 but more tonally correct and with better timbre.

Hiroyuki Sawano – Lose (string version) (01:22-01:59), Cello tonality, timbre and clarity are better on the 03 but similar detail and better texture on the DQ6S. Violin tonality, timbre and clarity are better on the 03 but similar detail and a bit better treble-extension on the DQ6S.

Hiroyuki Sawano &Z (02:18-02:57), better tonality, timbre and cleaner on the 03.

Technicalities: Shiro Sagisu – Hundred years war (02:24-02:57), wider and a bit deeper stage on the DQ6S. Imaging is a bit better on the DQ6S, similar separation and detail though. Timbre is better on the 03.

Overall: They are technically quite close and somewhat similar in their tonality, although the 03 (mesh mod) has more treble and air, so it sounds more balanced and better for my library.



IEM: CCA CRA (500 mesh + Sony General Foam), stock tips L, stock cable 3.5mm

Bass: Djuro – Drop that bass (01:15-01:30), Extends a bit lower on the CRA, similar rumble but cleaner on the CRA. Punch quantity is similar but much tighter/faster, cleaner and more textured on the CRA. More tonally correct on the DQ6S and a bit better timbre.

Hiroyuki Sawano – Pretenders (01:18-01:47), more quantity on the DQ6S, looser and slower bass. More textured, cleaner and more detailed on the CRA. More tonally correct on the CRA but better timbre on the DQ6S.

Metallica – fight fire with fire (01:11-01:52), much cleaner on the CRA due to the tighter and faster bass, more quantity on the DQ6S, similar texture.

Mids: Hiroyuki Sawano – OldToday (01:25-01:52), vocals are more tonally correct, cleaner, more detailed and a bit more forward on the CRA, timbre is a bit better on the DQ6S. Instrument tonality is a bit better on the DQ6S as well as timbre, although a lot cleaner and more detailed on the CRA.

Evanescence – Bring me to life (01:18-01:35), vocals are similar non-shouty but peakier and much more fatiguing treble on the CRA.

Hiroyuki Sawano – Scapegoat (00:57-01:17), Vocal and instrument tonality and timbre are better on the DQ6S, but cleaner and more detailed on the CRA, similar vocal quantity.

Treble: Linkin Park – Shadow of the Day (03:24-03:42), electric guitars are sharper on the CRA, although better tonality and timbre on it as well as cleaner and more detailed.

Hiroyuki Sawano – Lose (string version) (01:22-01:59), Cello tonality, texture, detail and clarity are better on the CRA but better timbre on the DQ6S. Violin tonality, texture, detail, clarity and treble-extension are a lot better on the CRA but better timbre on the DQ6S.

Hiroyuki Sawano &Z (02:18-02:57), Better tonality, detail and clarity on the CRA, timbre is better on the DQ6S.

Technicalities: Shiro Sagisu – Hundred years war (02:24-02:57), stage is wider on the CRA but deeper on the DQ6S. Separation, detail and imaging are a lot better on the CRA. Better timbre on the DQ6S.

Overall: They are quite different where the DQ6S is the warmer/relaxing set, the CRA is more energetic and more technical.





Conclusion: The DQ6S is a very different set from the regular DQ6, where it goes for a much safer, warmer and relaxing but bassier tuning. If you listen to rock/metal this is my current default rec in this price range for them. But if you have a library more similar to mine (Sawano and trance), then the regular DQ6 (+mods) is a lot better.



Also, if you have the regular unmodded DQ6 and want to “demo” the DQ6S, here is the PEQ preset for that:

Low-shelf: 55hz, Q: 1.0, gain: 2db

Peak: 200hz, Q: 1.4, gain: -0.7db

Peak: 2000hz, Q: 3.0, gain: -3.2db

Peak: 5100hz, Q: 5, gain: -5db

Peak: 8000hz, Q: 3, gain: -3db

Peak 10 000hz, Q: 4, gain: -9db

Preamp: -2db

(Still a bit airier and cleaner bass and more energetic treble on the DQ6, but is pretty close otherwise.)

Graph:



Cable source:

https://docs.google.com/spreadsheet...zTm4ei7HEfP8AI1zxswrMw2ho/edit#gid=1801072063

Reference/test songs:

Disclaimer: I received this review unit for free from Moondrop directly. Thank you very much.

Price: 190 usd

Specifications:

Frequency response range: 10Hz-45kHz (IEC61094, Free Field)

Effective frequency response range: 20Hz-20kHz (IEC60318-4, -3dB)

Impedance: 32Ω±15% (@1KHz)

Sensitivity: 123dB/Nrms (@1KHz)

Distortion: < 0.15% (@1khz, AES17 20khz, A-weight)



Accessories:

S/M/L Spring tips (silicone)

S/M/L foam tips

Carry bag

Carry pouch

Weeb poster card



Cable: 2-core cable, measures at 0.24 ohm, metal divider/connectors, has a working (too tight though) chin-slider.






Build: Full metal build, nozzles are replaceable and has metal mesh. It doesn’t weight a lot for something in a metal shell though.

Fit: Basically, the same as the old KXXS, it is pretty decent but not very secure for me.

Comfort: Quite good

Isolation: Average

Setup: Schiit Asgard 3 (low-gain, volume around 8 o´clock), Silver nozzle, Final Audio Type E Tips L, stock cable 3.5mm

Lows: Pretty flat sounding bass, very clean due to the fast/tight bass while texture is lacking but is fine for the tracks it is good at (weeb/OST). Not for bassheads that want lots of quantity nor a lot of texture.

Mid-bass: Metallica – fight fire with fire (01:11-01:52), clean due to the fast/tight and low bass quantity, lacking texture though. The (02:55-03:01) section with the chopper is hearable and clean.

Hiroyuki Sawano – Pretenders (01:18-01:47), tight and fast, clean with decent texture although quantity is pretty low.

Sub-bass: Djuro – Drop that bass (01:15-01:30), Lacking in extension and rumble, punch quantity needs to be a lot higher and more textured.

Will Sparks – Sick like that (03:08-03:22), clean due to the speed/tightness, but lacking a lot of quantity, decent texture.

Mids: Both male and female vocals have excellent timbre, female vocals have great tonality and without being shouty. Although male vocals can lack some warmth. Instrument timbre such as piano´s are excellent.

Female-vocals: Hiroyuki Sawano – OldToday (01:25-01:52), great vocal timbre, although tonality could be a bit brighter and cleaner. Instrument tonality and timbre are excellent, could be a bit cleaner though.

Yuki Hayashi – MightU (01:58-02:55), Both vocal and instrument tonality needs to be brighter and cleaner, but very good timbre.

Evanescence – Bring me to life (01:18-01:35), non-shouty vocals and non-peaky treble.

Hiroyuki Sawano – Crescent (02:07-02:26), a bit peaky treble.

Male-vocals: Hiroyuki Sawano – Pretenders (00:57-01:17), Pretty good vocal and instrument tonality, but could be warmer. Timbre is very good though, but could be a bit cleaner.

Hiroyuki Sawano – Scapegoat (00:57-01:17), Vocal and instrument tonality needs more warmth, but very good timbre, could be cleaner though.

Treble: Linkin Park – Shadow of the Day (03:24-03:42), electric guitars aren’t sharp, good tonality and very good timbre, texture could be better though.

Deuce – America (03:03-03:16), non-peaky treble but a bit chaotic due to the imaging.

Hiroyuki Sawano – Lose (string version) (01:22-01:59), Cello tonality could be warmer and have more texture and clarity, great timbre. Violin tonality could be brighter, cleaner and with more treble-extension, good timbre.

Hiroyuki Sawano &Z (02:18-02:57), decent tonality, timbre is very good though.

Soundstage: Below average for this price range.

Tonality: Neutral, very well-balanced tonality between warmth and brightness, note-weight is also pretty balanced between thick and thin. Excellent timbre. It’s a pretty versatile tonality, although for my library I do need more bass, thus it is more of a specialist for me.

Details: Below-average for this price range.

Instrument Separation: Average separation and imaging.

Songs that highlight the IEM: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rY7BSUHeHVM

Good genres: OST, Acoustic/vocal tracks

Bad genres: EDM, Trance, Hip-Hop, R&B



Comparisons:

IEM: Dunu Titan S, stock tips (grey/transparent) L, stock cable 3.5mm

Bass: Djuro – Drop that bass (01:15-01:30), pretty much identical bass.

Hiroyuki Sawano – Pretenders (01:18-01:47), Very similar but a bit tighter/faster and cleaner due to the brighter tonality on the Titan S.

Metallica – fight fire with fire (01:11-01:52), very similar but a bit cleaner on the Titan S due to the brighter tonality.

Mids: Hiroyuki Sawano – OldToday (01:25-01:52), vocal tonality is a bit better and cleaner on the Titan S but timbre is better on the Kato. Instrument tonality and timbre are better on the Kato, similar clarity and detail.

Evanescence – Bring me to life (01:18-01:35), shoutier and a bit more fatiguing due to the brighter tonality on the Titan S.

Hiroyuki Sawano – Scapegoat (00:57-01:17), vocal and instrument tonality and timbre are better on the Kato, similar detail but a bit cleaner on the Kato.

Treble: Linkin Park – Shadow of the Day (03:24-03:42), electric guitars are slightly more tonally correct on the Kato and with a bit better timbre.

Hiroyuki Sawano – Lose (string version) (01:22-01:59), Cello tonality, timbre, texture, clarity and detail are very similar. Violin tonality and timbre are slightly better on the Kato, very similar detail, texture and treble-extension.

Hiroyuki Sawano &Z (02:18-02:57), very similar tonality, slightly better timbre on the Kato.

Technicalities: Shiro Sagisu – Hundred years war (02:24-02:57), slightly wider on the Kato, slightly deeper on the Titan S. Imaging, separation and detail are on par. Timbre is better on the Kato.

Overall: They are both very similar in both tonality and technicalities, the Titan S is the brighter one while the Kato is more neutral and has better timbre. Value wise the Titan S is a lot better but harder to drive in terms of power.



IEM: Moondrop KXXS, Elecom EHP-CAP20 tips L, Blessing 2 stock cable 3.5mm

Bass: Djuro – Drop that bass (01:15-01:30), extends lower on the Kato, similar rumble. Punch quantity is higher on the KXXS but much cleaner due to the tighter/faster bass on the Kato as well as with more texture. More tonally correct on the Kato and with much better timbre, bloated on the KXXS in comparison to the Kato.

Hiroyuki Sawano – Pretenders (01:18-01:47), a bit more quantity on the KXXS, similar texture but much cleaner due to the tight/faster bass on the Kato as well as better timbre.

Metallica – fight fire with fire (01:11-01:52), much cleaner on the Kato due to the much faster and tighter bass, a bit more textured and more quantity on the KXXS.

Mids: Hiroyuki Sawano – OldToday (01:25-01:52), vocal tonality, timbre, clarity, detail and even forwardness are better on the Kato. Instrument tonality is a bit better on the KXXS but a lot better timbre, clarity and detail on the Kato.

Evanescence – Bring me to life (01:18-01:35), very similar but a bit peakier treble on the KXXS.

Hiroyuki Sawano – Scapegoat (00:57-01:17), vocal and instrument tonality are a bit better on the KXXS but a lot cleaner more detailed and with better timbre on the Kato.

Treble: Linkin Park – Shadow of the Day (03:24-03:42), electric guitars are sharper on the KXXS, a lot better timbre, detail and clarity on the Kato.

Hiroyuki Sawano – Lose (string version) (01:22-01:59), Cello tonality is a bit better on the KXXS but a lot cleaner, more detailed, better timbre and more textured on the Kato. Violin tonality and treble-extension are very similar but cleaner, more detailed and a lot better timbre on the Kato.

Hiroyuki Sawano &Z (02:18-02:57), cleaner, more detailed and better timbre on the Kato and a bit better tonality.

Technicalities: Shiro Sagisu – Hundred years war (02:24-02:57), a lot wider on the Kato and airier, as well as a bit deeper. Imaging, separation, detail and timbre are much better on the Kato.

Overall: RIP KXXS, Kato murdered it pretty badly.



IEM: Tanchjim Oxygen, Final Audio Type E tips LL, Cable A6 4.4mm

Bass: Djuro – Drop that bass (01:15-01:30), extends a bit lower and a bit more rumble on the O2. Punch quantity is similar but more textured, faster, tighter and cleaner on the O2. A bit more tonally correct on the O2 and better timbre.

Hiroyuki Sawano – Pretenders (01:18-01:47), similar quantity but a lot more textured on the O2 as well as faster/tighter and cleaner. More tonally correct and better timbre on the O2.

Metallica – fight fire with fire (01:11-01:52), Cleaner due to the fast/tighter bass on the O2 as well as more textured.

Mids: Hiroyuki Sawano – OldToday (01:25-01:52), Vocal tonality, timbre, detail and clarity are better on the O2 and a bit more forward. Instrument tonality is better on the Kato but better timbre, detail and clarity on the O2.

Evanescence – Bring me to life (01:18-01:35), shoutier vocals and more fatiguing (brighter) treble.

Hiroyuki Sawano – Scapegoat (00:57-01:17), vocal and instrument tonality and timbre are better on the Kato, but cleaner and more detailed on the O2.

Treble: Linkin Park – Shadow of the Day (03:24-03:42), electric guitar is a bit sharper and more fatiguing on the O2 but more tonally correct, similar timbre.

Hiroyuki Sawano – Lose (string version) (01:22-01:59), Cello tonality and timbre are better on the Kato, but more textured, cleaner and detailed on the O2. Violin tonality, timbre, treble-extension, detail and clarity are better on the O2.

Hiroyuki Sawano &Z (02:18-02:57), a bit better tonality on the O2, cleaner and more detailed. Similar timbre.

Technicalities: Shiro Sagisu – Hundred years war (02:24-02:57), a lot wider and airier soundstage on the O2 similar depth. Imaging, separation and detail are better on the O2. Timbre is a bit better on the O2 (but the Kato is pretty close).

Overall: The O2 is the more technical iem and also the better tuned one, but the Kato is a good alternative if you want something similar but with a warmer tonality.



MOD SECTION: The 2 nozzles that are included are empty and identical, so you can use one pair of them to mod with. The mod I will talk about uses the “Sony Import Foam” (link down below), where you just need to put it into the nozzle from the bottom.


Comparison (with mod):

IEM: Sony XBA-Z5, Sony EP-EX11 tips L, cable A3 4.4mm



Bass: Djuro – Drop that bass (01:15-01:30), Extends a lot lower and rumbles more on the Z5. Punch quantity is a bit higher and much more textured on the Z5, a bit slower and looser bass on the Z5. More tonally correct on the Z5 but better timbre on the Kato.

Hiroyuki Sawano – Pretenders (01:18-01:47), More quantity and more textured on the Z5 and more detailed, but a bit cleaner on the Kato due to the faster/tighter bass. Tonality is better on the Z5 but better timbre on the Kato.

Metallica – fight fire with fire (01:11-01:52), Cleaner on the Kato due to the tighter, faster and lower bass quantity, more textured and more detailed on the Z5.

Mids: Hiroyuki Sawano – OldToday (01:25-01:52), Vocal tonality, clarity and detail are a bit better on the Z5, similar quantity but better timbre on the Kato. Instrument tonality, detail and clarity are better on the Z5 but better timbre on the Kato.

Evanescence – Bring me to life (01:18-01:35), a bit more fatiguing on the Z5 due to the shoutier vocals (slightly).

Hiroyuki Sawano – Scapegoat (00:57-01:17), Vocal tonality is a bit better on the Z5 but cleaner and more forward on the Kato, timbre is similar. Instrument tonality and detail are better on the Z5 with similar timbre but cleaner on the Kato.

Treble: Linkin Park – Shadow of the Day (03:24-03:42), electric guitars are a bit more tonally correct (brighter) on the Z5 but better timbre on the Kato.

Hiroyuki Sawano – Lose (string version) (01:22-01:59), Cello tonality, timbre, texture and detail are better on the Z5 but cleaner on the Kato. Violin tonality is very similar, but a bit better timbre on the Kato while it is a bit more detailed on the Z5 with a bit better treble-extension.

Hiroyuki Sawano &Z (02:18-02:57), a bit better tonality on the Z5 but better timbre and cleaner on the Kato, similar detail.

Technicalities: Shiro Sagisu – Hundred years war (02:24-02:57), much deeper, a bit wider and more holographic on the Z5. Imaging and micro-details are better on the Z5, similar separation and macro-details. Timbre is better on the Kato.

Overall: the modded Kato is quite similar to the Z5, but more neutral and with better timbre, while the Z5 is more technical.





Conclusion: The Kato is a well-tuned iem with excellent timbre, not the most technical in its price range but makes up for it with modding potential (can turn into a Sony XBA-Z5-ish iem).

Graph:


MOD material:
https://www.aliexpress.com/item/1005003707507573.html

Cable source:

https://docs.google.com/spreadsheet...zTm4ei7HEfP8AI1zxswrMw2ho/edit#gid=1801072063

Reference/test songs:

Disclaimer: I received this review unit for free from Dunu, thank you very much.

Price: 80 usd

Specifications:

Impedance: 32Ω @ 1kHz.

Sensitivity: 110dB.

Total Harmonic Distortion: <0.3%.

Frequency Response: 5Hz-40kHz.



Accessories:

S/M/L silicone tips (3 types)

Clip

Carry case


Cable: 4-core cable, measuring at 0.66 ohm which is pretty bad nowadays. Metal divider and 3.5mm connector, plastic on the 2pin connectors. It has a working chin-slider.






Build: Metal shell and metal nozzle with a lip. The 2pin connector is recessed and does look a bit more unique than usual, but it still works with 3rd party cables. (my unit is a blemished unit, so that’s why the nozzle isn’t perfectly round.)

Fit: Very good for me, the nozzle is on the longer side though, so people with a shorter ear canal might have a problem with it.

Comfort: Pretty good, the shell is a bit smaller than average.

Isolation: Average, nothing special, the big vent on the faceplate doesn’t affect the isolation.

Setup: Schiit Asgard 3 (low-gain, volume around 8 o´clock), stock tips (grey/transparent) M, stock cable 3.5mm

Lows: Pretty flat sounding bass not a lot of quantity with sub/mid-bass. Very clean and it is pretty fast/tight, texture is lacking though. Not for bassheads but works well for its intended tuning (acoustic/vocal tracks).

Mid-bass: Metallica – fight fire with fire (01:11-01:52), very clean due to the fast/tight bass but lacking a lot of quantity and texture. The (02:55-03:01) section with the chopper is clean and hearable.

Hiroyuki Sawano – Pretenders (01:18-01:47), quantity is lacking but decent texture, clean due to the speed/tightness.

Sub-bass: Djuro – Drop that bass (01:15-01:30), lacking in extension and rumble. Punch quantity needs to be a lot higher and more textured; it is clean though (fast/tight).

Will Sparks – Sick like that (03:08-03:22), decent texture, fast and tight but lacking in quantity.

Mids: Excellent female vocals tonality and timbre, very clean and detailed, non-shouty, forward when needed otherwise neutral placement. Male vocals can lack some warmth but has good timbre, clean and detailed. Great for vocal lovers.

Female-vocals: Hiroyuki Sawano – OldToday (01:25-01:52), great vocal tonality, timbre and clarity, also forward. Instrument tonality is pretty good although would be better with some more warmth, good timbre and clean.

Yuki Hayashi – MightU (01:58-02:55), great vocal and instrument tonality, timbre, very clean as well.

Evanescence – Bring me to life (01:18-01:35), shouty vocals, not particularly peaky treble though.

Hiroyuki Sawano – Crescent (02:07-02:26), shouty vocals and peaky treble, very fatiguing.

Male-vocals: Hiroyuki Sawano – Pretenders (00:57-01:17), vocal and instrument tonality and timbre are pretty good, although some more warmth would be better, it is very clean and vocals have a neutral placement.

Hiroyuki Sawano – Scapegoat (00:57-01:17), vocal and instrument tonality needs to be warmer, good timbre and clean though.

Treble: Linkin Park – Shadow of the Day (03:24-03:42), electric guitars aren’t sharp, good tonality and timbre.

Deuce – America (03:03-03:16), treble is fatiguing due to the bright tonality, a bit chaotic though.

Hiroyuki Sawano – Lose (string version) (01:22-01:59), Cello tonality needs to be warmer and texture is lacking, clean and decent good timbre. Violin tonality, timbre, treble-extension and clarity are very good.

Hiroyuki Sawano &Z (02:18-02:57), decent tonality, although lacks warmth (and bass quantity/texture), timbre and clarity are good.

Soundstage: Average stage, nothing special.

Tonality: Bright-neutral, note-weight is a bit on the thinner side. Specialist for acoustic/vocals tracks.

Details: Good macro and micro-details.

Instrument Separation: Imaging and separation are pretty good.

Songs that highlight the IEM: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hSzyI3u5DFo https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7HxxQ8d68_E https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8F_11HaH4mE https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=INTpLH-prt8 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9zz5X1uwKcM https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QtXNvoPfO84

Good genres: Acoustic/vocal, OSTs

Bad genres: EDM, Trance, Hip-Hop

Comparisons:

IEM: Tin Hifi T3 Plus (2 High-density tuning foams + Tanchjim filter), Elecom EHP-CAP20 tips L, stock cable 3.5mm

Bass: Djuro – Drop that bass (01:15-01:30), extends a bit lower and rumbles more on the T3 Plus. Punch quantity is higher on the T3 Plus but similar texture and much cleaner due to the faster/tighter bass on the Titan S. More tonally correct on the T3 Plus, but a bit better timbre on the Titan S.

Hiroyuki Sawano – Pretenders (01:18-01:47), more quantity but more textured, faster/tighter and cleaner on the Titan S.

Metallica – fight fire with fire (01:11-01:52), Much cleaner on the Titan S due to the lower bass quantity and much tighter/faster bass, a bit more textured on it.

Mids: Hiroyuki Sawano – OldToday (01:25-01:52), vocal tonality, timbre, clarity and detail are much better on the Titan S, also more forward vocals. Instrument tonality is better on the T3 Plus but better timbre, clarity and detail on the Titan S.

Evanescence – Bring me to life (01:18-01:35), a bit shoutier on the Titan S and brighter tonality so it is more fatiguing.

Hiroyuki Sawano – Scapegoat (00:57-01:17), vocal and instrument tonality are a bit better on the T3 Plus but a lot cleaner, more detailed and better timbre on the Titan S.

Treble: Linkin Park – Shadow of the Day (03:24-03:42), electric guitars are more fatiguing due to the brighter tonality but also more accurate tonality and timbre on the Titan S.

Hiroyuki Sawano – Lose (string version) (01:22-01:59), Cello tonality is better on the T3 Plus but better timbre, texture, detail and clarity on the Titan S. Violin tonality, timbre, treble-extension, detail and clarity are better on the Titan S.

Hiroyuki Sawano &Z (02:18-02:57), a bit better tonality on the T3 Plus, but cleaner, more detailed and better timbre on the Titan S.

Technicalities: Shiro Sagisu – Hundred years war (02:24-02:57), a bit wider on the Titan S but a bit deeper on the T3 Plus. Imaging, separation, detail and timbre are better on the Titan S.

Overall: They are different in tonality; the Titan S is more of a reference tuned iem while the T3 Plus is going for a more fun tonality. The Titan S is a lot more technical and has better timbre than the T3 Plus.



IEM: Dunu Falcon Pro (reference filter), Elecom EHP-CAP20 tips L, cable 4.4mm

Bass: Djuro – Drop that bass (01:15-01:30), extends lower and rumbles a little bit more. Punch quantity is a bit higher and more textured, but faster/tighter and cleaner on the Titan S. A bit better tonality on the Falcon Pro, similar timbre.

Hiroyuki Sawano – Pretenders (01:18-01:47), a lot more quantity on the Falcon Pro and more textured, cleaner on the Titan S with its much faster/tighter bass though. More tonally correct on the Falcon Pro, similar timbre.

Metallica – fight fire with fire (01:11-01:52), cleaner and more detailed on the Titan S due to the bloated bass on the Falcon Pro (slower/looser and much more quantity).

Mids: Hiroyuki Sawano – OldToday (01:25-01:52), vocal tonality, detail, clarity and forwardness are better on the Titan S but better timbre on the Falcon Pro. Instrument tonality and timbre are better on the Falcon Pro but cleaner and more detailed on the Titan S.

Evanescence – Bring me to life (01:18-01:35), shoutier vocals and more fatiguing overall due to the brighter tonality on the Titan S.

Hiroyuki Sawano – Scapegoat (00:57-01:17), Vocal and instrument tonality and timbre are better on the Falcon Pro but cleaner and more detailed on the Titan S.

Treble: Linkin Park – Shadow of the Day (03:24-03:42), electric guitars are more tonally correct on the Titan S but more fatiguing (brighter), timbre is similar.

Hiroyuki Sawano – Lose (string version) (01:22-01:59), Cello tonality, timbre and texture are better on the Falcon Pro but cleaner and more detailed on the Titan S. Violin tonality, timbre, detail, clarity and treble-extension are better on the Titan S.

Hiroyuki Sawano &Z (02:18-02:57), tonality is a bit better on the Falcon Pro, similar timbre but more detailed and cleaner on the Titan S.

Technicalities: Shiro Sagisu – Hundred years war (02:24-02:57), similar width but deeper on the Falcon Pro. Imaging, separation and detail are better on the Titan S. Similar timbre.

Overall: The Titan S is more technical; they specialize in different genres where the Titan S is meant for acoustic/vocal tracks and the Falcon Pro is better for rock/metal. The Titan S is the better value, although I personally do prefer the Falcon Pro when it is playing rock/metal tracks compared to the Titan S playing acoustic/vocal tracks.



IEM: Tanchjim Oxygen, Final Audio Type E tips LL, Cable A6 4.4mm
Bass: Djuro – Drop that bass (01:15-01:30), extends lower on the O2, similar rumble. Punch quantity is very similar but more textured and cleaner due to it being a bit faster/tighter on the O2. Similar tonality but a bit better timbre on the O2.

Hiroyuki Sawano – Pretenders (01:18-01:47), very similar quantity but more textured, faster and tighter on the O2, cleaner and more detailed on it. Similar tonality but a bit better timbre on the O2.

Metallica – fight fire with fire (01:11-01:52), cleaner on the O2 due to the faster/tighter bass (and brighter tonality) with more texture, similar quantity.

Mids: Hiroyuki Sawano – OldToday (01:25-01:52), vocal tonality, timbre, clarity and detail are better on the O2. Instrument tonality is better on the Titan S but better timbre, clarity and detail on the O2.

Evanescence – Bring me to life (01:18-01:35), shoutier vocals and peakier treble on the O2.

Hiroyuki Sawano – Scapegoat (00:57-01:17), vocal and instrument tonality and timbre are better on the Titan S but cleaner and more detailed on the O2.

Treble: Linkin Park – Shadow of the Day (03:24-03:42), electric guitars are a lot sharper on the O2, better tonality on the Titan S, similar timbre.

Hiroyuki Sawano – Lose (string version) (01:22-01:59), Cello tonality is slightly better on the Titan S but more textured, cleaner, more detailed and a bit better timbre on the O2. Violin tonality, timbre, treble-extension, texture, clarity and detail are better on the O2.

Hiroyuki Sawano &Z (02:18-02:57), a bit better tonality on the Titan S, cleaner and more detailed on the O2 and a bit better timbre on it.

Technicalities: Shiro Sagisu – Hundred years war (02:24-02:57), a lot wider on the O2 and a bit deeper. Imaging, separation, details and timbre are better on the O2.

Overall: They are both aimed at doing the same thing, but the O2 is the more technical one while it is also brighter. The Titan S have a safer tonality, as the O2 can have too much treble occasionally.



IEM: CCA CRA (500 mesh + Sony general foam), stock tips L, stock cable 3.5mm

Bass: Djuro – Drop that bass (01:15-01:30), extends lower and rumbles a lot more on the CRA. Punch quantity is a lot higher and more textured on the CRA, tighter/faster and cleaner on the Titan S. More tonally correct on the CRA but better timbre on the Titan S.

Hiroyuki Sawano – Pretenders (01:18-01:47), more quantity and a lot more textured on the CRA, a bit faster/tighter on the Titan S. More tonally correct on the CRA but better timbre on the Titan S.

Metallica – fight fire with fire (01:11-01:52), Cleaner on the Titan S due to the tighter/faster and lower bass quantity. More textured on the CRA though.

Mids: Hiroyuki Sawano – OldToday (01:25-01:52), vocal tonality, timbre, clarity and forwardness are better on the Titan S, similar detail. Instrument tonality is better on the CRA, similar detail but cleaner and better timbre on the Titan S.

Evanescence – Bring me to life (01:18-01:35), slightly shoutier vocals on the Titan S but peakier treble on the CRA.

Hiroyuki Sawano – Scapegoat (00:57-01:17), vocal and instrument tonality are better on the CRA, but better timbre and cleaner on the Titan S, similar detail.

Treble: Linkin Park – Shadow of the Day (03:24-03:42), Electric guitars are sharper on the CRA but more tonally correct and a bit better timbre.

Hiroyuki Sawano – Lose (string version) (01:22-01:59), Cello tonality, texture and timbre are better on the CRA, similar detail but a bit cleaner on the Titan S. Violin tonality, texture, treble-extension and clarity are better on the CRA, similar detail and better timbre on the Titan S.

Hiroyuki Sawano &Z (02:18-02:57), a bit better tonality on the CRA but cleaner and better timbre on the Titan S.

Technicalities: Shiro Sagisu – Hundred years war (02:24-02:57), wider and deeper, more holographic stage on the CRA. Imaging and separation are better on the Titan S, similar macro-details but more micro-details on the CRA. Better timbre on the Titan S.

Overall: They are quite even with technicalities, but the CRA is better if you want a more fun iem (and more to my preferences) while the Titan S is better if you want something more neutral.



Conclusion: If you want a neutral iem at this price range, then this is my default recommendation. Highly recommended.

Graph:

Cable source:

https://docs.google.com/spreadsheet...zTm4ei7HEfP8AI1zxswrMw2ho/edit#gid=1801072063

Reference/test songs:

Disclaimer: I received this review unit for free from CCA/KZ themselves, thank you very much. (I also bought a unit personally at my own expense, which is why I have 2 units.)
Review is done with my mod, which is explained down below.

Price: 14 usd

Specifications:
Impedance: 34ohm

Sensitivity: 105db

Frequency: 20HZ-40kHZ


S/M/L silicone clear tips



Cable: 2 core cable, plastic divider/connectors. The plastic cover around the wire is either transparent black/clear depending on the iem color (black or silver).






(black version)




(Silver version)


Build: Entirely plastic shell with transparent clear/black depending on the version, nozzle has a lip for the tips. The stock mesh (protection and also dampener) is pretty fragile though.

Fit: fits like their older iems, with no wing and is very secure. Average size.

Comfort: Very good, does NOT have the wing that some of their newer iems got which was NOT comfortable for me.

Isolation: Average, nothing special.

Mod: Remove the stock filter, put 1 piece of “Sony General Foam” in the nozzle and put a “500 mesh” on top. (links to the material at the bottom.)

Setup: Schiit Asgard 3 (low-gain, volume around 8 o´clock), stock tips L, stock cable 3.5mm, 500 Mesh + Sony General Foam

Lows: Elevated mid and sub-bass, sub-bass focused with epic texture and clean despite the big elevation, fast and tight. Mid-bass texture is a bit worse than the sub-bass, but still very good. Extends very low, although it doesn’t rumble that much due to the quick decay, so it isn’t fully a basshead set.

Mid-bass: Metallica – fight fire with fire (01:11-01:52), clean due to the speed and tightness, although a bit more quantity would be better, good texture. The (02:55-03:01) section with the chopper is clean and hearable.

Hiroyuki Sawano – Pretenders (01:18-01:47), very clean and texture is quite good, still on the tighter and faster side while the quantity is elevated.

Sub-bass: Djuro – Drop that bass (01:15-01:30), very impressive extension and it does rumble although not that much (fast decay). Punch quantity is high but clean due to the speed and tightness, good texture.

Will Sparks – Sick like that (03:08-03:22), Very clean and elevated bass with lots of texture, fast and tight.

Mids: Excellent female vocal tonality, clean and neutral placement with great timbre. Male vocals are also very good tonally and has good timbre but can sometime lack some warmth (clean though) and are slightly recessed. It doesn’t have forward vocals though, so it isn’t for vocal lovers but it does do them very well for V-shaped iem.

Female-vocals: Hiroyuki Sawano – OldToday (01:25-01:52), Excellent vocal tonality, clean and neutral placement with very good timbre. Instrument tonality is also very good, with great timbre and is clean.

Yuki Hayashi – MightU (01:58-02:55), vocal and instrument tonality could be slightly brighter but very good timbre, clean and neutral placement (vocals).

Evanescence – Bring me to life (01:18-01:35), vocals aren’t shouty, but treble is a bit peaky.

Hiroyuki Sawano – Crescent (02:07-02:26), none shouty vocals but treble is peaky.

Male-vocals: Hiroyuki Sawano – Pretenders (00:57-01:17), Very good vocal and instrument tonality, clean and very good timbre, slightly recessed vocals.

Hiroyuki Sawano – Scapegoat (00:57-01:17), Vocal and instrument tonality could be warmer, but clean and has good timbre.

Treble: Linkin Park – Shadow of the Day (03:24-03:42), electric guitars aren’t sharp with very good tonality and timbre.

Deuce – America (03:03-03:16), chaotic due to the imaging and slightly peaky treble.

Hiroyuki Sawano – Lose (string version) (01:22-01:59), Cello tonality could be warmer and with more texture, clean and has good timbre. Violin tonality is excellent, great treble-extension, timbre and clarity.

Hiroyuki Sawano &Z (02:18-02:57), very good tonality, airy and clean.

Soundstage: Very wide, impressive depth and airiness.

Tonality: V-shaped, balanced between warmth and bright, and not particularly thin nor thick note-weight, very versatile.

Details: Extremely good (punches way above its price range) macro and micro-details.

Instrument Separation: very good separation and does not struggle with busier tracks, imaging is average and nothing special (although very good for the price).

Songs that highlight the IEM: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xdgvEulj0LU https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9y1RjtBaRWk https://soundcloud.com/djfusiont/king-of-dubstep-vocal-beats https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wh11u95kimU https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vMRxHpcKjEY https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=INTpLH-prt8 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UbLPbGGaOBg https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iLBBRuVDOo4 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hSzyI3u5DFo

Good genres: Great match for my library, but Trance and EDM works the best.

Bad genres: Great match for my library, but Hip-hop and R&B are the weaker genres due to the fast/tight bass.

Comparisons:

IEM: CCA CRA (STOCK), stock tips L, stock cable 3.5mm

Bass: Djuro – Drop that bass (01:15-01:30), identical bass, slightly warmer overall on the modded version.

Hiroyuki Sawano – Pretenders (01:18-01:47), identical bass, slightly warmer overall and more refined treble on the modded version.

Metallica – fight fire with fire (01:11-01:52), identical bass, slightly warmer overall and more refined treble on the modded version.

Mids: Hiroyuki Sawano – OldToday (01:25-01:52), Extremely similar but a bit peakier on the stock version.

Evanescence – Bring me to life (01:18-01:35), sharper and more fatiguing on the stock version.

Hiroyuki Sawano – Scapegoat (00:57-01:17), better tonality on the modded version due to it being slightly warmer and less peaky treble.

Treble: Linkin Park – Shadow of the Day (03:24-03:42), electric guitars are a bit sharper on the stock version.

Hiroyuki Sawano – Lose (string version) (01:22-01:59), Identical with the Cello. Violins are a bit sharper on the stock version but otherwise identical.

Hiroyuki Sawano &Z (02:18-02:57), a bit peakier on the stock version.

Technicalities: Shiro Sagisu – Hundred years war (02:24-02:57), Identical technicalities and timbre.

Overall: The modded versions is basically refining the weak spot of the stock version while not making any big changes to it overall.



IEM: KZ DQ6 (High-Density Tuning Foam), Elecom EHP-CAP20 tips L, cable A3 4.4mm

Bass: Djuro – Drop that bass (01:15-01:30), extends lower on the CRA with similar rumble (although faster decay so it is cleaner on the CRA). Punch quantity is higher and more textured on the CRA as well as faster/tighter. More tonally correct on the CRA and a bit better timbre.

Hiroyuki Sawano – Pretenders (01:18-01:47), similar quantity but a bit more textured on the DQ6 while it is faster/tighter on the CRA. More tonally correct on the DQ6 but a bit better timbre on the CRA.

Metallica – fight fire with fire (01:11-01:52), cleaner on the CRA, but a bit more textured and more quantity on the DQ6.

Mids: Hiroyuki Sawano – OldToday (01:25-01:52), vocal tonality is a bit better, cleaner, more detailed and with better timbre on the CRA and a bit more forward. Instrument tonality is a bit better on the DQ6 but cleaner and more detailed on the CRA.

Evanescence – Bring me to life (01:18-01:35), cleaner on the CRA and a bit brighter, more fatiguing, similar peaky treble.

Hiroyuki Sawano – Scapegoat (00:57-01:17), vocal tonality is similar but cleaner, more detailed and better timbre on the CRA. Instrument tonality is better on the DQ6 but cleaner, more detailed and better timbre on the DQ6.

Treble: Linkin Park – Shadow of the Day (03:24-03:42), similar electric guitars but a bit more fatiguing due to the brighter tonality on the CRA but better timbre.

Hiroyuki Sawano – Lose (string version) (01:22-01:59), Cello tonality, texture and timbre are a bit better on the DQ6 but cleaner and more detailed on the CRA. Violin tonality, timbre, treble-extension, detail and clarity are a lot better on the CRA.

Hiroyuki Sawano &Z (02:18-02:57), tonality is a bit better on the CRA due to the airier, cleaner and more detailed treble as well as better timbre.

Technicalities: Shiro Sagisu – Hundred years war (02:24-02:57), a bit wider and deeper on the DQ6. Imaging, separation, macro-detail and timbre are better on the CRA, micro-detail is a lot better on the CRA.

Overall: The CRA is the better iem, from timbre, technicalities to most of the tonality, although the DQ6 has the bigger soundstage and does have better mid-bass.



IEM: Fiio FD5, Elecom EHP-CAP20 tips L, stock cable 4.4mm

Bass: Djuro – Drop that bass (01:15-01:30), extends lower and rumbles a bit more on the CRA. Punch quantity is higher and more textured on the CRA, similar tightness but a bit faster on the CRA. More tonally correct and slightly better timbre on the CRA.

Hiroyuki Sawano – Pretenders (01:18-01:47), similar texture and tightness, but a bit slower and more quantity on the FD5, cleaner and more tonally correct on the CRA5 with a bit better timbre.

Metallica – fight fire with fire (01:11-01:52), cleaner on the CRA due to the faster and a bit lower bass quantity, similar texture.

Mids: Hiroyuki Sawano – OldToday (01:25-01:52), a bit more forward vocals on the CRA, a bit better tonality and timbre, cleaner and similar detail. Instrument tonality is slightly better on the FD5 but cleaner and similar detail on the CRA.

Evanescence – Bring me to life (01:18-01:35), shoutier and peakier on the FD5.

Hiroyuki Sawano – Scapegoat (00:57-01:17), vocal and instrument tonality are better on the FD5, but cleaner and similar detail on the CRA. Timbre is similar.

Treble: Linkin Park – Shadow of the Day (03:24-03:42), electric guitars are a bit sharper on the FD5, but brighter and more fatiguing on the CRA.

Hiroyuki Sawano – Lose (string version) (01:22-01:59), Cello tonality, texture and timbre are better on the FD5 but cleaner on the CRA. Violin tonality, treble-extension, clarity and detail are better on the CRA but timbre is better on the FD5.

Hiroyuki Sawano &Z (02:18-02:57), tonality is slightly better on the CRA, cleaner and airier, similar detail.

Technicalities: Shiro Sagisu – Hundred years war (02:24-02:57), a lot wider, deeper and more holographic on the FD5. Separation and imaging are similar, more micro-details on the CRA but similar macro-details. Timbre is similar.

Overall: CRA is tuned better and competes with the FD5 in technicalities and timbre.



IEM: Tanchjim Oxygen, Final Audio Type E tips LL, cable A6 4.4mm

Bass: Djuro – Drop that bass (01:15-01:30), extends and rumbles a lot more on the CRA. Punch quantity and texture are a lot higher on the CRA, but faster/tighter on the O2. More tonally correct and better timbre on the CRA.

Hiroyuki Sawano – Pretenders (01:18-01:47), a lot more texture and more quantity on the CRA, but faster/tighter on the O2. More tonally correct and better timbre on the CRA.

Metallica – fight fire with fire (01:11-01:52), cleaner and more detailed on the O2 due to the lower bass quantity, faster and tighter bass, less textured though.

Mids: Hiroyuki Sawano – OldToday (01:25-01:52), Vocals are more forward, cleaner, more detailed, more tonally correct and better timbre on the O2. Instrument tonality is better on the CRA, but more detailed, cleaner and better timbre on the O2.

Evanescence – Bring me to life (01:18-01:35), shoutier on the O2, similarly peaky treble but more fatiguing on the O2.

Hiroyuki Sawano – Scapegoat (00:57-01:17), Vocal and instrument tonality are a lot better on the CRA, but cleaner, more detailed and better timbre on the O2.

Treble: Linkin Park – Shadow of the Day (03:24-03:42), electric guitars are a bit sharper on the CRA but overall brighter and more fatiguing on the O2.

Hiroyuki Sawano – Lose (string version) (01:22-01:59), Cello tonality and texture are better on the CRA but better timbre and detail on the O2. Violin tonality and treble-extension are better on the CRA but better timbre and macro-detail on the O2.

Hiroyuki Sawano &Z (02:18-02:57), better tonality on the CRA but cleaner and better timbre on the O2.

Technicalities: Shiro Sagisu – Hundred years war (02:24-02:57), a bit wider but a lot deeper on the CRA. Imaging, separation and macro-detail are better on the O2 while micro-detail is better on the CRA.

Overall: They are very different in tonality, while the O2 is more of a specialist for acoustic/vocal genres, the CRA is the more versatile one and the only genres the O2 is doing better than the CRA are the acoustic/vocal stuff. O2 does have an edge in technicalities and in timbre, but they are still quite close.



IEM: Sony MDR-EX800ST (Filterless + PEQ), Final Audio Type E tips LL, stock cable 3.5mm

Bass: Djuro – Drop that bass (01:15-01:30), extends lower and rumbles more on the 800ST. Punch quantity is similar but more textured on the 800ST while it is faster/tighter on the CRA. More tonally correct on the 800ST with similar timbre.

Hiroyuki Sawano – Pretenders (01:18-01:47), more quantity and more textured on the 800ST, tighter/faster and cleaner on the CRA. More tonally correct on the 800ST with similar timbre.

Metallica – fight fire with fire (01:11-01:52), cleaner on the CRA due to the faster/tighter and lower bass quantity.

Mids: Hiroyuki Sawano – OldToday (01:25-01:52), Vocal tonality is similar but cleaner and more detailed on the CRA with a bit better timbre. Instrument tonality is a bit better on the 800ST but cleaner and more detailed on the CRA with similar timbre.

Evanescence – Bring me to life (01:18-01:35), shoutier on the 800ST and similarly peaky treble.

Hiroyuki Sawano – Scapegoat (00:57-01:17), vocal and instrument tonality are a bit better on the 800ST but cleaner and more detailed on the CRA.

Treble: Linkin Park – Shadow of the Day (03:24-03:42), electric guitars are sharper and more fatiguing on the CRA, similar timbre.

Hiroyuki Sawano – Lose (string version) (01:22-01:59), Cello tonality, timbre and texture are better on the 800ST but cleaner and similar detailed on the CRA. Violin tonality, texture and timbre are better on the 800ST but better treble-extension on the CRA and similar detail.

Hiroyuki Sawano &Z (02:18-02:57), better tonality on the 800ST and timbre.

Technicalities: Shiro Sagisu – Hundred years war (02:24-02:57), Soundstage is leagues ahead on the 800ST in both width and depth. Imaging and separation are a bit better on the CRA and more detailed as well. Timbre is similar.

Overall: The CRA is more technical and more balanced tonally than the 800ST. But I do prefer the 800ST due to its bass and stage (which are both a lot better).



IEM: GS Audio GD3A, Elecom EHP-CAP20 tips L, cable A6 4.4mm

Bass: Djuro – Drop that bass (01:15-01:30), extends lower and rumbles more on the CRA. More punch quantity and a lot more textured on the CRA a bit faster/tighter on the GD3A. More tonally correct and better timbre on the GD3A.

Hiroyuki Sawano – Pretenders (01:18-01:47), a bit more quantity on the CRA and a lot more textured, faster/tighter on the GD3A. More tonally correct and better timbre on the CRA.

Metallica – fight fire with fire (01:11-01:52), cleaner on the GD3A due to the faster/tighter bass, but a lot more textured on the GD3A.

Mids: Hiroyuki Sawano – OldToday (01:25-01:52), vocal tonality is a bit better and cleaner on the GD3A, similar detail, vocal quantity and timbre. Instrument tonality and timbre are slightly better on the CRA but similar detail and clarity.

Evanescence – Bring me to life (01:18-01:35), vocals are shoutier on the GD3A but peakier treble on the CRA.

Hiroyuki Sawano – Scapegoat (00:57-01:17), vocal and instrument tonality and timbre are better on the CRA, similar macro-detail but cleaner on the CRA.

Treble: Linkin Park – Shadow of the Day (03:24-03:42), electric guitars are a bit sharper and brighter on the GD3A.

Hiroyuki Sawano – Lose (string version) (01:22-01:59), Cello tonality, timbre, texture and detail are better on the CRA. Violin tonality, timbre, treble-extension and detail are better on the CRA.

Hiroyuki Sawano &Z (02:18-02:57), better tonality, timbre and cleaner on the GD3A.

Technicalities: Shiro Sagisu – Hundred years war (02:24-02:57), a bit wider on the GD3A but deeper and more holographic on the CRA. Imaging and macro-detail are similar but better separation and micro-details on the CRA. Timbre is better on the CRA.

Overall: They are both aiming for the same type of tonality, but the GD3A is pretty much doing the (almost) same thing better. If you want a hybrid, with less bass texture and upper-treble the GD3A is better though, otherwise just get the CRA.



IEM: Sony XBA-N3, Final Audio Type E tips LL, cable A6 4.4mm

Bass: Djuro – Drop that bass (01:15-01:30), extends lower on the CRA but rumbles more on the N3. Punch quantity is higher on the CRA, more textured and faster/tighter. More accurate tonality on the N3 and timbre is slightly better as well.

Hiroyuki Sawano – Pretenders (01:18-01:47), higher quantity on the N3 but more textured, cleaner, tighter and faster on the CRA. A bit better tonality on the CRA with better timbre on the N3.

Metallica – fight fire with fire (01:11-01:52), cleaner on the CRA due to the much lower bass quantity and faster/tighter bass, similar texture.

Mids: Hiroyuki Sawano – OldToday (01:25-01:52), vocal tonality, clarity and detail are better on the CRA as well as a bit more forward, while timbre is a bit better on the N3. Instrument tonality and timbre are better on the N3 but cleaner and more detailed on the CRA.

Evanescence – Bring me to life (01:18-01:35), slightly shoutier on the N3 but peakier treble on the CRA and more fatiguing.

Hiroyuki Sawano – Scapegoat (00:57-01:17), vocal and instrument tonality and timbre are a lot better on the N3, slightly more forward as well but cleaner and more detailed on the CRA.

Treble: Linkin Park – Shadow of the Day (03:24-03:42), electric guitars are sharper on the CRA but more tonally accurate while timbre is better on the N3.

Hiroyuki Sawano – Lose (string version) (01:22-01:59), Cello tonality, timbre and texture are a lot better on the N3 but cleaner and more detailed on the CRA. Violin tonality, texture, treble-extension, clarity and detail are better on the CRA but a bit better timbre on the N3.

Hiroyuki Sawano &Z (02:18-02:57), a bit better tonality and timbre on the N3 but better clarity and detail on the CRA.

Technicalities: Shiro Sagisu – Hundred years war (02:24-02:57), similar width but deeper and more holographic on the N3. Imaging and timbre are better on the N3 but better separation and detail on the CRA.

Overall: They are both quite different, the N3 is a more relaxed, warmer and mid-bassy sound than the CRA which is more energetic and sub-bassy.



IEM: LZ A7 (Pop-Black, High-Density Tuning Foams), Final Audio Type E tips LL, Cable A3 4.4mm

Bass: Djuro – Drop that bass (01:15-01:30), extends lower and rumbles a bit more on the CRA. Punch quantity is higher on the CRA and more textured as well as faster/tighter. More tonally correct and better timbre on the CRA.

Hiroyuki Sawano – Pretenders (01:18-01:47), similar quantity but more textured on the A7 while it is a bit faster/tighter on the CRA. More tonally correct on the A7 but a bit better timbre on the CRA.

Metallica – fight fire with fire (01:11-01:52), cleaner on the CRA due to the faster/tighter bass, but similar quantity with a bit more texture on the A7.

Mids: Hiroyuki Sawano – OldToday (01:25-01:52), Vocal tonality, timbre and clarity are a bit better on the CRA and a bit more forward, similar detail. Instrument tonality is better on the A7 but better timbre and clarity on the CRA.

Evanescence – Bring me to life (01:18-01:35), similar non-shouty vocals but a bit peakier treble on the CRA.

Hiroyuki Sawano – Scapegoat (00:57-01:17), vocal and instrument tonality is better on the A7 and a bit more forward vocals, but cleaner on the CRA.

Treble: Linkin Park – Shadow of the Day (03:24-03:42), electric guitars are sharper but more tonally correct and better timbre on the CRA.

Hiroyuki Sawano – Lose (string version) (01:22-01:59), Cello tonality, texture and timbre are a bit better on the A7 but cleaner and more detailed on the CRA. Violin tonality is somewhat similar but better treble-extension on the CRA, similar detail and clarity.

Hiroyuki Sawano &Z (02:18-02:57), better tonality on the A7 but a bit better timbre on the CRA with similar detail and clarity.

Technicalities: Shiro Sagisu – Hundred years war (02:24-02:57), wider soundstage on the A7 but a bit deeper on the CRA. Imaging and separation are better on the A7 but similar detail.

Overall: They are pretty even with technicalities, tonality wise the A7 is the warmer and more relaxing one while the CRA is more energetic.



IEM: Shuoer EJ07m, Final Audio Type E tips, Cable A6 4.4mm

Bass: Djuro – Drop that bass (01:15-01:30), extends a bit lower on the 07m but rumbles a bit more on the CRA. Punch quantity is higher, more textured and faster/tighter on the CRA. More tonally correct and slightly better timbre on the CRA.

Hiroyuki Sawano – Pretenders (01:18-01:47), similar texture but more quantity on the CRA, similar tightness but a bit faster on the CRA.

Metallica – fight fire with fire (01:11-01:52), similar speed and tightness but more quantity and texture on the CRA.

Mids: Hiroyuki Sawano – OldToday (01:25-01:52), Vocal tonality, clarity and detail are better on the 07m and also more forward vocals, timbre is better on the CRA. Instrument tonality and timbre are better on the CRA while detail and clarity are better on the 07m.

Evanescence – Bring me to life (01:18-01:35), a bit shoutier on the 07m while the treble is peakier on the CRA.

Hiroyuki Sawano – Scapegoat (00:57-01:17), vocal and instrument tonality and timbre are better on the CRA. A bit more forward vocals and more detailed on the 07m.

Treble: Linkin Park – Shadow of the Day (03:24-03:42), electric guitars are sharper but a bit more tonally correct and with better timbre on the CRA.

Hiroyuki Sawano – Lose (string version) (01:22-01:59), Cello tonality, timbre and texture are better on the CRA but a bit cleaner and similar detail on the CRA. Violin tonality, timbre, texture, treble-extension and clarity are better on the CRA, similar macro-detail but more micro-detail on the 07m.

Hiroyuki Sawano &Z (02:18-02:57), better tonality and timbre on the CRA, cleaner on the 07m.

Technicalities: Shiro Sagisu – Hundred years war (02:24-02:57), wider on the CRA but a lot deeper and more holographic on the 07m. Macro-detail, Imaging and separation are better on the 07m while micro-details are better on the CRA. Timbre is better on the CRA.

Overall: Tonality for my library is a lot better on the CRA and timbre is also better on the CRA being a single DD, but if you want a more balanced tonality then the EJ07M is better. Technicalities are indeed better on the EJ07M but the difference is not big at all (Diminishing return).



Conclusion: If you haven’t ordered the CRA already and if I didn’t make it obvious enough, I can´t recommend this enough. Price be damned, its performing way higher than it is priced at, they probably forgot a digit or 2 when it was put on sale.

Graph:

PEQ:

Sony EX800ST (filterless):

low-shelf: 25hz, Q:0.6, gain: 4db

low-shelf: 50hz, Q: 0.7, gain: 5.5db

low-shelf: 100hz, Q: 0.7, gain: 6db

peak: 2000hz, Q: 2, gain: -2db

peak: 3987hz, Q: 2.53, gain: 6.1db

peak: 5595hz, Q: 4.28, gain: -9.4db

peak: 6117hz, Q: 1.14, gain: 1.5db

peak: 8000hz, Q: 5, gain: -2db

High-shelf: 10 000hz, Q: 0.7, gain: 4.5db

Preamp: -10db

Mod material links:

https://www.aliexpress.com/item/1005002875037663.html

https://www.aliexpress.com/item/1005003707507573.html

Cable source:

https://docs.google.com/spreadsheet...zTm4ei7HEfP8AI1zxswrMw2ho/edit#gid=1801072063

Reference/test songs:

Disclaimer: I received this review unit for free from HifiGo, thank you very much.

Price: 80 usd

Specifications:

Impedance: 32Ω±15%.

Sensitivity: 105±3dB.

Frequency response range: 10Hz-20kHz.


Accessories:

S/M/L silicone black tips

S/M/L silicone clear/red tips

M foam tips

Pouch



Cable: Black 4-core cable, measuring on the higher side at 0.49ohm. Has a working chin-slider, metal divider/connectors.




Build: Resin shell, metal nozzle with a lip. The regular filter has another damping filter underneath it.

Fit: Very good, it does have a wing that my ears don’t like in terms of comfort but it is making it secure.

Comfort: Slightly bigger than average, not that comfortable for me for longer sessions.

Isolation: Average, nothing special.

Setup: Schiit Asgard 3 (low-gain, volume around 8 o´clock), Elecom EHP-CAP20 tips, stock cable 3.5mm, 2 High-Density Tuning Foams + Tanchjim Filter

Lows: Both sub and mid-bass are elevated, mid-bass is on the tighter/faster side but sub-bass is slower/looser, not that clean and overall lacking texture.

Mid-bass: Metallica – fight fire with fire (01:11-01:52), is clean due to the speed/tightness, slightly elevated but lacking in texture. The (02:55-03:01) section with the chopper is hearable, although could be cleaner.

Hiroyuki Sawano – Pretenders (01:18-01:47), elevated quantity, still clean due to the speed/tightness but texture could be better.

Sub-bass: Djuro – Drop that bass (01:15-01:30), extension is below average, not that much rumble. Punch quantity is a bit lacking and lacks a lot of texture, not that clean though as it is a bit on slow/loose.

Will Sparks – Sick like that (03:08-03:22), quantity is decent, clarity and texture could be better as well as faster/tighter.

Mids: Slightly recessed both male and female, female vocals can lack some brightness and clarity. Male vocals are pretty good tonally but not very clean.

Female-vocals: Hiroyuki Sawano – OldToday (01:25-01:52), vocal tonality lacks some brightness, timbre is pretty decent, slightly recessed, average detail and clarity. Instrument tonality and timbre are good, average detail and clarity, although not so much micro-details.

Yuki Hayashi – MightU (01:58-02:55), vocal and instrument tonality could be brighter, more forward and cleaner, good timbre though.

Evanescence – Bring me to life (01:18-01:35), slightly shouty vocals and non-peaky treble.

Hiroyuki Sawano – Crescent (02:07-02:26), slightly shouty vocals and peaky treble.

Male-vocals: Hiroyuki Sawano – Pretenders (00:57-01:17), vocal tonality and timbre are pretty good but slightly recessed.

Hiroyuki Sawano – Scapegoat (00:57-01:17), vocal and instrument tonality are good, is a bit unclean though and slightly recessed mids.

Treble: Linkin Park – Shadow of the Day (03:24-03:42), electric guitars aren’t sharp, lacking some brightness, decent timbre.

Deuce – America (03:03-03:16), not peaky but a bit chaotic due to the separation/imaging.

Hiroyuki Sawano – Lose (string version) (01:22-01:59), Cello tonality and timbre are decent, lacking in texture and clarity though. Violin tonality and timbre are decent, lacking treble-extension, clarity and detail though.

Hiroyuki Sawano &Z (02:18-02:57), decent tonality lacking in clarity though, timbre is good.

Soundstage: Below average in width, average depth.

Tonality: Mildly V-shaped, leaning towards warmth and thicker note-weight. Is pretty versatile, “jack of all genres, master of none” type.

Details: Average macro-details (below average for the price), below average micro-details.

Instrument Separation: Separation below average for the price, average imaging.

Songs that highlight the IEM: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TCXhD9cwXZA https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j_Jrql4ZXUo https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vIaH35-MLsk

Good genres: Jack of all genres, master of none but works slightly better for warmer stuff like R&B and Hip-Hop.

Bad genres: Jack of all genres, master of none but works slightly worse for classical, OST, acoustic/vocal stuff.

Comparisons:

IEM: KZ DQ6 (High-Density Tuning Foam), Elecom EHP-CAP20 tips, cable A3 4.4mm

Bass: Djuro – Drop that bass (01:15-01:30), extends lower and rumbles a lot more on the DQ6. Punch quantity is higher and a LOT more textured as well as faster/tighter, cleaner on the DQ6 similar detail. Tonality is a lot better on the DQ6, better timbre on the T3 Plus though.

Hiroyuki Sawano – Pretenders (01:18-01:47), more quantity and a lot more texture on the DQ6 as well as cleaner, faster/tighter. More tonally correct on the DQ6 but better timbre on the T3 Plus.

Metallica – fight fire with fire (01:11-01:52), cleaner (faster/tighter) on the DQ6 as well as more quantity and more textured on it. More tonally correct on the DQ6 but better timbre on the T3 Plus.

Mids: Hiroyuki Sawano – OldToday (01:25-01:52), cleaner, better tonality and a bit more forward vocals on the DQ6 but better timbre on the T3 Plus. Instrument tonality and timbre are better on the T3 Plus similar detail but cleaner on the DQ6.

Evanescence – Bring me to life (01:18-01:35), slightly shoutier vocals and peakier treble on the DQ6.

Hiroyuki Sawano – Scapegoat (00:57-01:17), slightly better vocal (and slightly more forward) and instrument tonality as well as cleaner on the DQ6, similar detail but better timbre on the T3 Plus.

Treble: Linkin Park – Shadow of the Day (03:24-03:42), sharper electric guitars on the DQ6 but better tonality, slightly better timbre on the T3 Plus.

Hiroyuki Sawano – Lose (string version) (01:22-01:59), Cello tonality, texture, timbre and clarity are better on the DQ6, similar detail. Violin tonality, treble-extension, clarity and detail are better on the DQ6 but better timbre on the T3 Plus.

Hiroyuki Sawano &Z (02:18-02:57), better tonality and cleaner on the DQ6 but better timbre on the T3 Plus.

Technicalities: Shiro Sagisu – Hundred years war (02:24-02:57), a LOT wider, airier and slightly deeper on the DQ6. Imaging and separation are slightly better on the T3 Plus but similar macro-details while micro-details are better on the DQ6. Timbre is better on the T3 Plus.

Overall: The DQ6 is better tuned for my library and technically pretty similar (although vastly bigger stage on the DQ6), while timbre is better on the T3 Plus. The T3 Plus is more versatile, balanced and as safer iem though.



IEM: Blon BL-03 (Mesh-Mod), Radius Deep Mount tips L, cable B3 4.4mm

Bass: Djuro – Drop that bass (01:15-01:30), extends a bit lower and rumbles more on the 03. Punch quantity is a bit higher and more textured on the 03, cleaner as well and tighter/faster. More tonally correct on the 03 and better timbre.

Hiroyuki Sawano – Pretenders (01:18-01:47), a bit more quantity and texture on the 03 but cleaner due to the faster/tighter bass. More tonally correct and better timbre on the 03.

Metallica – fight fire with fire (01:11-01:52), cleaner on the 03 due to the faster and tighter bass, more textured and a bit higher quantity as well.

Mids: Hiroyuki Sawano – OldToday (01:25-01:52), Vocal tonality and timbre are a lot better on the 03 as well as cleaner and more forward vocals, similar detail though. Instrument tonality and timbre are also a lot better on the 03 and cleaner, similar detail.

Evanescence – Bring me to life (01:18-01:35), slightly shoutier and peakier on the 03.

Hiroyuki Sawano – Scapegoat (00:57-01:17), vocal tonality, timbre and clarity are better on the 03 and a bit more forward, similar detail.

Treble: Linkin Park – Shadow of the Day (03:24-03:42), better tonality, timbre and clarity on the 03, slightly more fatiguing though.

Hiroyuki Sawano – Lose (string version) (01:22-01:59), Cello tonality, timbre, texture and clarity are better on the 03 similar detail. Violin tonality, timbre, clarity and detail are better on the 03 but better treble-extension on the T3 Plus although a lot airier on the 03.

Hiroyuki Sawano &Z (02:18-02:57), better tonality, timbre and clarity on the 03 similar detail.

Technicalities: Shiro Sagisu – Hundred years war (02:24-02:57), wider and airier on the 03, similar depth. Imaging and separation are slightly better on the T3 Plus, similar macro-details and micro-details. A lot better timbre on the 03.

Overall: The 03 is a lot better both tonally and timbre, comparable in technicalities.





Conclusion: I cannot recommend this at the price it is at, it is overpriced when you factor in what you can get at the budget range nowadays. Although if you want a “jack of all genres, master of none” that is relatively safe, then it can still be a good recommendation.

Graph:

Cable source:

https://docs.google.com/spreadsheet...zTm4ei7HEfP8AI1zxswrMw2ho/edit#gid=1801072063

Reference/test songs:

EDIT 2023-08-25: If you are not aware, I am selling my own Earbuds, called RikuBuds: https://rikubuds.com/

Disclaimer: I bought this on my own expense on the NiceHCK store at AliExpress. Leaving the link because it is hard to find, but this lucky bag has a 100% rate for the Qian39: https://www.aliexpress.com/item/1005003181873387.html

Price: 6 usd

Specifications:

Accessories:

1 pair of full foams


Cable: A standard black cable, no chin-slider, fully plastic and is on the thinner side. Durability might be a concern because of that.



Build: Plastic shell, very small (smaller than usual MX500 shells) and super lightweight.

Fit: God-tier, no problems and fits extremely well. Is small enough so it gets a deeper fit than regular MX500 shell.

Comfort: God-tier, small shell and lightweight, no issues for longer sessions.

Isolation: None

Setup: Schiit Asgard 3 (low-gain, volume around 8 o´clock), full foams, stock cable 3.5mm

Lows: Mid-bass focused but still clean. Sub-bass is still a bit more elevated than most buds. Very good texture and is on the tighter/faster side. The reason for the elevated and yet clean bass, is that the shell allows a deeper fit than with regular MX500 shells, so the driver doesn’t need to compensate by elevating the bass more and the quality is higher because of that as well (probably).

Mid-bass: Metallica – fight fire with fire (01:11-01:52), the bass is on the tighter/faster side and quantity is a bit elevated with good texture, not that clean due to the poor separation though. The (02:55-03:01) section with the chopper is hearable but not that clean.

Hiroyuki Sawano – Pretenders (01:18-01:47), Clean due to the speed/tightness but also elevated with good texture.

Sub-bass: Djuro – Drop that bass (01:15-01:30), doesn’t extend nor rumble much. Punch quantity could be a lot higher while texture, speed and tightness are pretty good.

Will Sparks – Sick like that (03:08-03:22), quantity is decent but could be higher while texture, speed and tightness are pretty good.

Mids: Excellent vocal tonality, both male and female, neutral placement, still clean despite the mid-bass focused bass and has excellent timbre as expected from a bud.

Female-vocals: Hiroyuki Sawano – OldToday (01:25-01:52), vocal tonality and timbre are excellent, quite forward and clean as well. Instrument tonality, timbre and clarity are very good.

Yuki Hayashi – MightU (01:58-02:55), instrument and vocal tonality and timbre are excellent, very clean as well.

Evanescence – Bring me to life (01:18-01:35), not shouty nor peaky treble, slightly fatiguing due to the tonality though.

Hiroyuki Sawano – Crescent (02:07-02:26), slightly shouty and peaky treble, fatiguing.

Male-vocals: Hiroyuki Sawano – Pretenders (00:57-01:17), vocal and instrument tonality are very good, clean as well.

Hiroyuki Sawano – Scapegoat (00:57-01:17), vocal and instrument tonality lacks warmth, and lacks some clarity, timbre is good though.

Treble: Linkin Park – Shadow of the Day (03:24-03:42), electric guitars aren’t sharp, very good tonality and timbre. Lacks some texture though.

Deuce – America (03:03-03:16), not peaky treble, but very chaotic due to the separation and imaging.

Hiroyuki Sawano – Lose (string version) (01:22-01:59), Cello tonality and timbre are good, texture, clarity and detail could be better. Violin tonality and timbre are very good but treble-extension and detail could be better.

Hiroyuki Sawano &Z (02:18-02:57), tonality and timbre are very good, but can be cleaner.

Soundstage: Quite wide and deep even for a bud.

Tonality: Bass-boosted neutral, excellent timbre as expected from a bud, note-weight is slightly on the thicker side.

Details: Good for the price, but definitely lacking when compared to higher priced buds.

Instrument Separation: Struggles with separation on busier tracks and imaging is nothing special (not a problem for the price though).

Songs that highlight the Earbud: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-u6C-LLdfsc https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uj5DRn7Y4ok https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mLUguXpUIb0 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eVTXPUF4Oz4

Good genres: Rock/metal, Acoustic/vocal, Hiroyuki Sawano

Bad genres: Not much, its very versatile for my library although it does struggle more on busier tracks.



Comparisons:

Earbud: Yincrow X6, full foams, stock cable 3.5mm

Bass: Djuro – Drop that bass (01:15-01:30), extends lower and rumbles more on the X6. Punch quantity is higher on it and more textured but a bit tighter and faster on the Qian39. More tonally correct on the X6 with similar timbre.

Hiroyuki Sawano – Pretenders (01:18-01:47), a bit more bass quantity on the X6 but more textured, tighter and faster on the Qian39. More tonally correct and with better timbre on the Qian39.

Metallica – fight fire with fire (01:11-01:52), similarly clean because of the cleaner (less quantity, tighter and faster) bass on the X6 better separation on the X6.

Mids: Hiroyuki Sawano – OldToday (01:25-01:52), vocal tonality, clarity and forwardness are better on the Qian39 very similar detail and timbre. Instrument tonality is slightly better on the Qian39, cleaner but very similar timbre and detail.

Evanescence – Bring me to life (01:18-01:35), slightly peakier on the Qian39 and more fatiguing due to the brighter tonality.

Hiroyuki Sawano – Scapegoat (00:57-01:17), slightly better vocal and instrument tonality and timbre on the X6 but more forward and cleaner vocals on the Qian39

Treble: Linkin Park – Shadow of the Day (03:24-03:42), extremely similar tonality and timbre as well as detail, slightly cleaner on the X6 overall.

Hiroyuki Sawano – Lose (string version) (01:22-01:59), Cello tonality and timbre are very similar but slightly better texture and cleaner on the X6. Violin tonality is slightly better on the X6 as well as better treble-extension, but very similar timbre and detail.

Hiroyuki Sawano &Z (02:18-02:57), a bit better tonality and cleaner on the Qian39, similar detail and timbre.

Technicalities: Shiro Sagisu – Hundred years war (02:24-02:57), slightly wider and deeper on the Qian39 but a bit airier on the X6. Imaging, separation and micro-detail are a bit better on the X6 but similar macro-details and timbre.

Overall: Both are excellent, if you want something more fun, bassier (more V) then the X6 is your pick. If you prefer something more balanced and more mids but still pretty fun, then get the Qian39. The Qian39 is taking over my default rec for budget buds though, due to the price, comfort, fit, even though they are comparable in sound.



Earbud: K´s LBBS, full foams, stock cable 3.5mm

Bass: Djuro – Drop that bass (01:15-01:30), extends lower and rumbles more on the Qian39. Punch quantity and texture are also better on the Qian39 but cleaner and more detailed, faster and tighter on the LBBS. More tonally correct on the Qian39 but better timbre on the LBBS.

Hiroyuki Sawano – Pretenders (01:18-01:47), a lot more mid-bass on the Qian39 and a bit more textured on it, but a lot cleaner on the LBBS due to the faster/tighter bass. More tonally correct on the Qian39 but a bit better timbre on the LBBS.

Metallica – fight fire with fire (01:11-01:52), a lot cleaner and detailed on the LBBS due to the faster, tighter and lower bass quantity. But also, more fatiguing due to the brighter tonality.

Mids: Hiroyuki Sawano – OldToday (01:25-01:52), Vocal tonality, timbre, detail, clarity and forwardness are a lot better on the LBBS. Instrument tonality is better on the Qian39 but better timbre and a lot cleaner and more detailed on the LBBS.

Evanescence – Bring me to life (01:18-01:35), slightly shoutier and peakier treble on the LBBS, more fatiguing.

Hiroyuki Sawano – Scapegoat (00:57-01:17), vocal and instrument tonality are better on the Qian39 but a lot cleaner, detailed, more forward vocals and better timbre on the LBBS.

Treble: Linkin Park – Shadow of the Day (03:24-03:42), electric guitars are a lot sharper and more fatiguing on the LBBS.

Hiroyuki Sawano – Lose (string version) (01:22-01:59), Cello tonality and texture are better on the Qian39 but a lot better detail, clarity and timbre on the LBBS. Violin tonality, timbre, texture, detail, clarity and treble-extension are a lot better on the LBBS.

Hiroyuki Sawano &Z (02:18-02:57), better tonality on the Qian39 but better timbre, cleaner and more detailed on the LBBS.

Technicalities: Shiro Sagisu – Hundred years war (02:24-02:57), wider and airer stage on the LBBS but deeper on the Qian39. Imaging, separation and detail are leagues ahead on the LBBS. Timbre is better on the LBBS.

Overall: The LBBS is pretty much better in every way, but the Qian39 is closer to my tonal preferences and is better if you want a more relaxing, fatigue-free, bassier bud.



Conclusion: The Qian39 not only does it have an amazing sound for this price but it’s also THE most comfortable/fitting bud I have tried so far. Get it while the stock is left.

Cable source: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheet...zTm4ei7HEfP8AI1zxswrMw2ho/edit#gid=1801072063

Reference/test songs:

Disclaimer: I bought this at my own expense on AliExpress when it was at 20 usd. (Will judge it as if it was an 80 usd iem, since you do need the Tanchjim filters from the Tanya.)

Price: 60 usd as of this review (bought at 20)

Specifications:

Driver/Transducer: 5 Balanced Armatures

(1 Low Frequency + 1 Mid Frequency + 1 Mid/High Frequency + 2 High Frequency)

Sensitivity: 105 dB/mw

DC resistance: 14 ohms

Connection: 2-Pin 0.75mm diameter

Frequency response range: 20hz - 40KHz


Accessories:

None


Cable: 4-core cable, plastic divider/connectors, has ear-hooks instead of a memory wire like older KZ cables had. Is decent but does look cheap because of the plastic.




Build: Full metal shell, nozzle has a lip, is vented. Is pretty lightweight for a metal iem because it is hollow on the inside.

Fit: Slightly bigger than average, shouldn’t be a problem for most but the corners can a problem for comfort as they can stab you.

Comfort: VENTED SHELL! Almost no pressure builds up because of that, great comfort (the best) for a BA iem. BUT the shell corners CAN stab your ears depending on the position (and ears) so be aware of that, I didn’t have much problems with it though.

Isolation: Above average, not as good as regular BA iems with non-vented shell but a lot better than most iems.

Setup: Schiit Asgard 3 (low-gain, volume around 8 o´clock), Tanchjim filter + PEQ, Elecom EHP-CAP20 tips L, stock cable 3.5mm

Lows: Pretty good bass for a BA iem actually, has rumble and does extend pretty good as well. Is on the tighter and faster side along with elevated sub-bass focus and mid-bass. Texture is where it can be better though.

Mid-bass: Metallica – fight fire with fire (01:11-01:52), pretty clean due to the speed and tightness, quantity is a bit elevated but lacking texture. The (02:55-03:01) section with the chopper is clean but not that forward.

Hiroyuki Sawano – Pretenders (01:18-01:47), quantity is a bit elevated and is on the tighter/faster side, tonally correct although texture could be better.

Sub-bass: Djuro – Drop that bass (01:15-01:30), extension and rumble are pretty good for a BA, but still lacking. Punch quantity is decent, tight/fast but lacking texture.

Will Sparks – Sick like that (03:08-03:22), quantity is pretty elevated still clean due to the speed/tightness but lacking some texture.

Mids: Vocals are very good tonally and with good timbre, no bass bleed either so it is pretty clean. But is a bit recessed (both male/female).

Female-vocals: Hiroyuki Sawano – OldToday (01:25-01:52), vocal tonality is pretty good, clean as well but is a bit recessed, timbre is good. Instrument tonality, timbre and clarity are pretty good.

Yuki Hayashi – MightU (01:58-02:55), vocal and instrument tonality are very good, a bit recessed vocals though, good clarity and timbre though.

Evanescence – Bring me to life (01:18-01:35), non-shouty vocals but a bit peaky treble.

Hiroyuki Sawano – Crescent (02:07-02:26), sharp treble and fatiguing.

Male-vocals: Hiroyuki Sawano – Pretenders (00:57-01:17), vocal and instrument tonality are very good, good timbre and clarity, although the vocals are a bit recessed.

Hiroyuki Sawano – Scapegoat (00:57-01:17), vocal and instrument tonality are good, decent timbre and clarity, a bit recessed vocal.

Treble: Linkin Park – Shadow of the Day (03:24-03:42), electric guitars aren’t sharp and pretty good tonally, timbre is decent.

Deuce – America (03:03-03:16), a bit peaky treble, chaotic due to the separation and imaging though.

Hiroyuki Sawano – Lose (string version) (01:22-01:59), Cello tonality, timbre and clarity are pretty good although texture could be better. Violin tonality, timbre and clarity are good but treble-extension can be better.

Hiroyuki Sawano &Z (02:18-02:57), tonality, timbre and clarity are good a bit peaky treble though.

Soundstage: pretty good width and depth

Tonality: Mild V-shaped, pretty balanced between warmth and bright, note-weight is slightly on the thicker side.

Details: pretty good macro-details, micro-details are pretty average though.

Instrument Separation: separation and imaging are slightly below average, does struggle on busier tracks.

Songs that highlight the IEM:

Good genres: Rock/metal, Hiroyuki Sawano, R&B, OST

Bad genres: EDM, Trance, Hip-Hop

Comparisons:

IEM: KZ DQ6 (High-density tuning foams), Elecom EHP-CAP20 tips L, cable A3 4.4mm

Bass: Djuro – Drop that bass (01:15-01:30), extends lower and rumbles more on the DQ6. Punch quantity is similar but a lot more texture and is a bit tighter and faster on the DQ6. Tonality and timbre are better on the DQ6.

Hiroyuki Sawano – Pretenders (01:18-01:47), Similar quantity but a lot more textured as well as a bit tighter/faster on the DQ6. More tonally correct and better timbre on the DQ6.

Metallica – fight fire with fire (01:11-01:52), cleaner on the DQ6 due to the slightly lower quantity and faster/tighter but more textured on it.

Mids: Hiroyuki Sawano – OldToday (01:25-01:52), vocal tonality, timbre, clarity, detail and forwardness are better on the DQ6. Instrument tonality is a bit better on the BA10 but more detailed, cleaner and better timbre on the DQ6.

Evanescence – Bring me to life (01:18-01:35), a bit shoutier and peakier treble on the DQ6.

Hiroyuki Sawano – Scapegoat (00:57-01:17), vocal and instrument tonality are better on the BA10, similar timbre, cleaner and more detailed on the DQ6 but harsher treble.

Treble: Linkin Park – Shadow of the Day (03:24-03:42), electric guitars are sharper on the DQ6 but a bit better timbre, treble is harsher on it though.

Hiroyuki Sawano – Lose (string version) (01:22-01:59), Cello timbre, texture, detail and clarity are better on the DQ6 but slightly better tonality on the BA10. Violin tonality, timbre, texture, treble-extension, detail and clarity are better on the DQ6.

Hiroyuki Sawano &Z (02:18-02:57), tonality, timbre, detail and clarity are better on the DQ6.

Technicalities: Shiro Sagisu – Hundred years war (02:24-02:57), a lot wider and airier on the DQ6 but a bit deeper on the BA10. Imaging and separation are a lot better on the DQ6, detail is also better on the DQ6. Timbre is pretty similar.

Overall: DQ6 is the overall better iem to me, but the BA10 is actually closer to my preference target and is very impressive for a BA iem.



IEM: Audiosense DT600 (Tanchjim filter + 30ohm adapter), Elecom EHP-CAP20 tips L, stock cable 3.5mm

Bass: Djuro – Drop that bass (01:15-01:30), extends lower on the DT600 but rumbles more on the BA10. Punch quantity is similar but a bit more textured and a lot faster/tighter on the DT600. Tonality and timbre are better on the BA10.

Hiroyuki Sawano – Pretenders (01:18-01:47), more quantity and more textured on the BA10 but cleaner because of the tighter and faster bass on the DT600. More tonally correct and better timbre on the BA10.

Metallica – fight fire with fire (01:11-01:52), cleaner on the DT600 due to the lower quantity and faster/tighter bass but more textured and better timbre on the BA10.

Mids: Hiroyuki Sawano – OldToday (01:25-01:52), vocal tonality, clarity, detail and forwardness are better on the DT600 but much better timbre on the BA10. Instrument tonality and timbre are a lot better on the BA10 but much cleaner and more detailed on the DT600.

Evanescence – Bring me to life (01:18-01:35), shoutier vocals and sharper treble on the DT600.

Hiroyuki Sawano – Scapegoat (00:57-01:17), Vocal and instrument tonality and timbre are a lot better on the BA10, cleaner and more detailed on the DT600 but a bit more recessed vocal on the DT600.

Treble: Linkin Park – Shadow of the Day (03:24-03:42), electric guitars are a lot sharper and has worse timbre on the DT600.

Hiroyuki Sawano – Lose (string version) (01:22-01:59), Cello tonality and timbre are much better on the BA10 but cleaner, more detailed and more textured on the DT600. Violin tonality, treble-extension, detail and clarity are a lot better on the DT600, timbre is a lot better on the BA10.

Hiroyuki Sawano &Z (02:18-02:57), better tonality and timbre on the BA10. A lot cleaner and more detailed on the DT600.

Technicalities: Shiro Sagisu – Hundred years war (02:24-02:57), a bit wider on the DT600 but a lot deeper and more holographic on the BA10. Imaging, separation and detail are a lot better on the DT600. Timbre is a lot better on the BA10.

Overall: The BA10 is tuned better and has a lot better timbre than the DT600. The DT600 has better technicalities except soundstage though.



IEM: SeeAudio Bravery, Elecom EHP-CAP20 tips L, stock cable 3.5mm

Bass: Djuro – Drop that bass (01:15-01:30), extends lower and rumbles more on BA10. Punch quantity is higher on the BA10 but some more texture and a bit faster/tighter on the Bravery. More tonally correct and a bit better timbre on the BA10.

Hiroyuki Sawano – Pretenders (01:18-01:47), a bit more quantity and texture on the BA10 but cleaner due to the faster/tighter bass on the Bravery. A bit better tonality and timbre on the BA10.

Metallica – fight fire with fire (01:11-01:52), a bit more quantity on the BA10, similar texture but cleaner due to the faster and tighter bass on the Bravery.

Mids: Hiroyuki Sawano – OldToday (01:25-01:52), vocal tonality is a bit better on the Bravery although shoutier, cleaner and more detailed on it as well as a bit more forward but timbre is better on the BA10. Instrument tonality and timbre are much better on the BA10, cleaner and more detailed on the Bravery.

Evanescence – Bring me to life (01:18-01:35), shoutier vocals and much peakier treble and more fatiguing on the Bravery.

Hiroyuki Sawano – Scapegoat (00:57-01:17), Vocal and instrument tonality and timbre are much better on the BA10, cleaner and more detailed on the Bravery.

Treble: Linkin Park – Shadow of the Day (03:24-03:42), electric guitars are a lot sharper on the Bravery and has worse timbre on it.

Hiroyuki Sawano – Lose (string version) (01:22-01:59), Cello tonality and timbre are better on the BA10 but better texture, clarity and detail on the Bravery. Violin tonality, treble-extension, detail and clarity are better on the Bravery but better timbre on the BA10.

Hiroyuki Sawano &Z (02:18-02:57), tonality and timbre are better on the BA10 but cleaner and more detailed on the Bravery.

Technicalities: Shiro Sagisu – Hundred years war (02:24-02:57), wider soundstage and airier on the Bravery but deeper on the BA10. Imaging, separation and detail are much better on the Bravery. Timbre is better on the BA10.

Overall: The BA10 is tuned better and has better timbre than the Bravery. The Bravery has better technicalities though.



Conclusion: Released in 2018, this old (for Chi-fi standard) BA iem is currently my favorite BA iem. Great iem after you have put Tanchjim filters and some PEQ, not really recommended otherwise though. Thanks for reading.

Graph:

PEQ preset:
Low-shelf: 35hz, Q: 0.6, gain: 3db
Low-shelf: 85hz, Q: 0.6, gain: 4db
Low-shelf: 350hz, Q:0.6, gain: -4db
Peak: 2700hz, Q: 3, gain: -2db
High-shelf: 10 000hz, Q: 0.7, gain: 3db

Preamp: -6db

Cable source:

https://docs.google.com/spreadsheet...zTm4ei7HEfP8AI1zxswrMw2ho/edit#gid=1801072063

Reference/test songs: