V3 is a giant leap forward comparing to the v1, althought my distant memory could be wrong. The mid is still less full-bodied (or colored) than a mid-centric counterpart, say Fidus A91; but it has improved in other fields considerably. It is one of the few that I feel constantly the need to turn up volume in order to hear more details. And... the build quality is still a bit "sketchy-looking" (actually well-made but not polished or refined) compared to others.
flinkenick's 17 Flagship IEM Shootout Thread (and general high-end portable audio discussion)
V3 is a giant leap forward comparing to the v1, althought my distant memory could be wrong. The mid is still less full-bodied (or colored) than a mid-centric counterpart, say Fidus A91; but it has improved in other fields considerably. It is one of the few that I feel constantly the need to turn up volume in order to hear more details. And... the build quality is still a bit "sketchy-looking" (actually well-made but not polished or refined) compared to others.
- Joined
- Dec 27, 2010
- Posts
- 9,018
- Likes
- 1,769
Seen a little on the qdc 8, ciem? Bought new from a Chinese site?
Universal. I don't like CIEM as it requires a longer wait time/ build time. Bought from Music Sanctuary- a Singaporean site I suppose.
I don't think QDC even qualifies as Chi-Fi anymore; the quality they produce is on par with - if not surpasses - that of their Western competitors, easily. Music Sanctuary is also a fantastic place to shop from. I know the guys over there personally and you're in very safe hands.
Almost (sadly) feels like blasphemy to ask this, but any recommendations that might be comparable in SQ to some of these flagships around the $500 mark? Looking for a bass- and mid-centric, warm tuning.
And an entirely different question, anywhere to reshell an A12 other than 64 Audio? Their service is about $400 which is quite steep.
And an entirely different question, anywhere to reshell an A12 other than 64 Audio? Their service is about $400 which is quite steep.
You can try looking for a T8iE on Amazon or secondhand market. Brilliant tuning at a great price.
Also the Massdrop plus is rumoured to be excellent at a price of $299. Give it a shot maybe. My two cents.
The T8iE recommendation is a great shout. The Custom Art FIBAE 2 is also a fantastic IEM that mostly fits your needs. Unfortunately, I don't think the typical reshell companies (i.e. InEarz, AAW, etc.) work with ADEL/APEX-equipped IEMs, so 64Audio is pretty much your only option.
Thanks to both! Been eyeballing the Massdrop one as well but the ship date of Feb 21 seems pretttty far away for one as impatient as myself lol
Shoot inearz an email- ask whether they can do a special service for you.
Other options:
Fitear 111 https://aloaudio.deals/shop/fitear-111-x-alo-audio-open-box/
VSonic GR09
Unique Melody Martian
Campfire Lyra II or Jupiter (?)
Sony MDR-EX1000 (xD)
Other options:
Fitear 111 https://aloaudio.deals/shop/fitear-111-x-alo-audio-open-box/
VSonic GR09
Unique Melody Martian
Campfire Lyra II or Jupiter (?)
Sony MDR-EX1000 (xD)
Try to find a used EE Spartan, or Cerberus. They've one of the best SQ/value in their price-range. The Spartan for me is my favourite all-rounder IEM. Plays any tracks well.
Nice! Let us know when you've received it. And please do share some impression.
Last edited:
Like @Deezel177 said, the FIBAE-2 are a great option for that. I demoed them briefly at the Indulgence show and was really impressed by their sound compared to my Ei.3. A little higher in price are the Noble Dulce Bass, but that is then only the universal option.
On a different note... Thursday will be Vision Ears day!
Well, not the whole day, but I'll try to demo them as long as I can. 
I'd suggest the Lyra II from CA, but I can see you've already got the Vega, so wouldn't be that much of a departure signature wise. If you can find them on the FS boards, the old school Aurisonics ASG range (2 or 2.5 models, and the 1Plus) have a bass and mid range slant and some seriously good vocals if you aren't looking for "new".
Like @Deezel177 said, the FIBAE-2 are a great option for that. I demoed them briefly at the Indulgence show and was really impressed by their sound compared to my Ei.3. A little higher in price are the Noble Dulce Bass, but that is then only the universal option.
On a different note... Thursday will be Vision Ears day!
Nice! For your tastes I'd fully recommend the VE5 and VE8, but the other models deserve attention too, of course.
Personally, if you're short on time, maybe don't spend too much on the VE6. It's a fantastic IEM, but knowing your affinity for smooth treble responses, the VE6 may not be for you. But, if you can, give it a shot and see if you can test your limits a bit. Yes, the VE5 absolutely top my list, as I really want to hear IEMs that excel at vocals. I am very curious about the VE6 and VE8 too, of course, and, if I have the time, I will have a listen to the other models as well. Really looking forward to it and again my compliments to Vision Ears for arranging this, outstanding service!Nice! For your tastes I'd fully recommend the VE5 and VE8, but the other models deserve attention too, of course.
