Reviews of IEM/earphones/earbuds. If you have a product for review, please email paulwasabii@gmail.com or Facebook Group: facebook.com/groups/hopesanddriams or Twitter: twitter.com/paulwasabii or Discord: paulwasabii#2743 Measurements are here: pw.squig.link/
Hi Paul, I was wondering if you could give me some advice? I've used some old Sony IEMs for many years and they just gave out. They were actually very good. I'm hoping for a step up, but keeping it fairly cheap. I mostly listen to Thrash Metal, Rock, Punk, Prog rock. I was thinking KZ ZS 10 X or Pro 2, ZSN Pro 2, 7Hz Crinacle Zero 2 or similar, together with a Fiio JA11 DAC to increase volume, as My Poco X6 5G is a bit quiet on full volume. Any thoughts? Thanks in advance.
I wanted to say thank you for all your informative vids and for the time 4 months ago you gave me advice on my iem journey! Thanks to you, I learned how to figure out my preferred sound and tuning. I also got more into using EQ to help nudge certain iems to come as close to my preferences as I can get. So now I think I will set my endgame iems as both the Hype 4 and Xenns Tea Pro, as they both fall within relative margin of what I like. For now, I will enjoy one more price bracket before jumping to those two. I am going to try and get the Letshouer Cadenza4 and the Ziigaat DosCinco, as my two $250~ iems. This should give me two iems to enjoy different aspects of tunings I like, before my endgame. Thanks again!
Yep, just remember its a warmer set, has some bass which will work on rock. If you can try other tips, that will help too on dialing in the sound to how you like it.
Ordered open box Phoenixcall wondering if I could diy mod it to sound like Dark Phoenix. It's coming tomorrow so it's a quite interesting that you just put this out. Now I really wamt it to work out 😁
Please let me know what you end up doing if you can. I have the Phoenixcall and like the looks of the og better than the Dark Phoenix but I won't deny that the tuning looks and sounds to be better done on this version. I would think they could be matched pretty closely with eq as long as nothing has been changed internally. I haven't really experimented with it too much (as other sets keep drawing my attention 😅).
@@_-Z- Ive loved the PC look since it came out but the tuning looked not my cuppa Joe. So opportunity showed itself on Amazon and I figured I have 30 days to figure it out. My Simgot Tuning kit showed up today to add to my Tanya and other filters. I'll let u know.
I have no idea, kinda complex set with 5 drivers. I am hard on the OG set, but I will acknowledge lots of people liked it as-is. Decent chance you will like it as they do.
A big part is the volume, if you like the OG, you might like it more than the Darker one. But as soon as I heard Dark Phoenix, he is closer in volume to me and that balance works better for us.
I have to admit that both versions have their place. As I said, in retrospect, the idea was right, but the tuning on Dark Phoenix fits me like a glove.
@@PaulWasabii I saw a lot a reviews on both versions and mostly positive but the fact that the Dark Phoenix can volume scale better , it seems more likely I will also enjoy source matching it. Thanks for sharing your experience 😃
I have the original PhoenixCall and my problem with it is fit. If I leave it in my ears for longer than 15 minutes, it starts hurting. As for Kinera tuning, I was strangely attracted to Freya 2 for some time. But moved on later. Still have them sitting on the shelf in a beautiful box.
Did I say it was bad news for people who like Kinera tuning? I have tried a few of their sets and they are like PhoenixCall to me, just slightly off and not as enjoyable. I will also admit that a lot of people like their tuning style and how it varies set to set.
The Tin HiFi T2+ is my jam (along with the TRN ST5). Does the Cadenza 4 fit that profile? (have the Pula PA02). If not what set would you recommended as an upgrade or major upgrade in the T2+ sound signature? or should I just stick with what I have and enjoy!
My default response is if you have a set that you like, don't chase the rainbow. You will get something different, perhaps something you like and then a part of it you do not. As far as safe, likeable sets go, Cad4 is there, but I would also say it is more of a sidegrade to Pula. Cad4 uses nice drivers, but you are going to pay a lot of money for some refinement.
Also, does anyone know which frequency or frequencies have to do with making a toms on drums sound punchy? Theres a certain point where it pierces the ears that i cant find it described on a graph but would like to know what parts of the graph that would be represented. Any help is appreciated.
Here is my advice, if you look on squig, it breaks subbass 20-80hz, midbass 80-300hz. Raise and lower those levels in EQ on your favorite set on your favorite tracks. You can also split midbass in half, lower and upper and do the same. Or you can cheat and play your tracks with a histogram or other frequency display to get a better idea.
Im so torn but awaiting delivery. Im hoping its great for metal! I like the P5 but there's something about it that i feel hurts my experience at louder volumes, and the Cincotres is smoother which i am learning i dig more but lacks bass...i do like good treble though...its just the peakyness that hurts my ears. Will the Dynaquattro be my dream? 😮
Maybe, might fit between P5 and Cincotres. The hard part might be the treble level, I'd say its a bit low for me but I would prefer balance to a bass heavy sound.
Here is the issue, KE4 is basically trying to be the anti-SM4, the anti Harman style. KE4 is more relaxed, more natural, more organic, lower engagement. SM4 is almost the opposite of those, over energetic, less natural, more technical, more engaging.
My advice is to enjoy the P5 for as long as possible before looking for a new set. Most people get a new set, love it, and then want more, Don't do that, enjoy it, get used to it. I also never heard P5 so I have no idea, but make sure the fit is right, try all 3 sizes of tips.
just got mine a few days back, after watching your review! this is my 1st IEM! i couldn't believe this thing can sound as much better! WOW BTW great video!
Here is my advice, stop watching review videos and enjoy it for a few months. Otherwise you are going dive into the rabbit hole of chasing something better.
@@PaulWasabii Man, you are right! I was watching many comparisons between IEMS and thought there are many better options. I'll make an effort to avoid this rabbit hole Chasing ! Thanks for the timely advice! 🙂
Good job on the reviews! I dont suppose you could comment on whether Polaris or EDC Pro is noticeably better with Isolation compared to the other? Also, would you say they are similar driver quailty or is the newer Polaris a better driver?
It is hard to pin down KZ on driver quality, but both are nice DD. I am not an isolation person as I listen in quiet rooms. If that is a concern, I'd probably use foam tips
Yes, interesting but as I said, I think it needs some tweaks to the target on this set. I don't think it was a great match and then the price complicates the matter. People have expectations for the price beyond hitting a target. That being said, people who are primarily timbre heads, they will get it. Everyone else just notices their priorities as not being the priority.
Confused between ew200 vs truthear hexa I listen pop,vocal,instrumental,electronic and open bass I like energetic,spacious,airy,wide soundstage and mid forward iem I have AirPods Pro 2 and kz zsn pro x Clean and crisp high quality sound Thank you😊
Clean and crisp is probably closer to Hexa. I never heard it, but the people who don't like Hexa would probably say too clean and crisp, that is not natural to some people.
Eh, a ton of people bought Castor at this point. Its a low risk set as long as you prefer more bass. Also be sure to try all the tip sizes, get the fit right.
I was confused between the castor and the carol. Just want something with good sound, this is my first chi-fi purchase. I enjoy bass, but would like something with good sound signature. Which one would you recommend around the $15-$25 price point?
I never heard Explorer, but that is a flatter signature, the treble level is much lower. That is appealing to some, not to others. Que is closer to a more familiar tuning, slightly V shaped so bass and treble boost for engagement. I believe a lot of people like Explorer, just be sure you like what they like.
Hi Paul, I need your advice/help! I love my KZ Castor Bass UUDD, I love BASS! It's literally perfect for the music I listen too, amazing bass and no piercing treble to me. However, I have a FOMO with the latest release's of IEM's, like the CCA Hydro, Rhapsody and this KZ ZAR. Would the ZAR have the same amount/better Bass and Better Treble than my KZ Castor Bass? Is it an upgrade for me to get the ZAR? Also, my Rosefinch has an Insane amount of Bass more than my Castor Bass, however I feel the Treble/Highs on the Rosefinch are too dark/laidback compared to my Castor Bass. Based on your reviews of the Rhapsody and Hydro, those two IEM's don't have the same amount of BASSHead levels I'm looking for. That's why I haven't really upgraded from my Castor Bass. What about the TRN St7, the price seems to be pretty good just to try as I don't have any Hybrid Bass style IEM? Can you suggest a Hybrid upgrade over my Castor Bass, that has the same amount/better bass, but with better treble? Other than a FATfreq Scarlet Mini etc which I can't afford. Maybe in the $120-140 Canadian Range? Oh. also I purchased a 3.5mm 75ohm adapter just to see how much bass it adds to any of my IEM/Earbuds/Headphones I currently own. I haven't taken a listen to it yet! I could be happy with this + Castor Bass? I got the idea of buying the 75ohm adapter from watching Hobby Talk's vid and I just saw his Squig graph of the Castor Bass UUDD + 75ohm looks insane! Cheap version of a FATfreq Maestro Mini/Scarlet Mini/FATfreq x HBB Deuce!!!! hobbytalk.squig.link/?share=%CE%94_10dB_Target,KZ_Caster_UUDD_75 I am tempted by the Pre Order FATfreq x HBB Deuce but that's $339 CDN! It looks so sexy though! I mean if I'm uber happy with my Castor Bass and I don't need to chase anything higher tier I'm ok to not buy anything at the moment? Thanks for your help, keep up the amazing channel! 😁
Don't chase the rainbow, it will lead to disappointment. Rhapsody and Hydro are different sets and different bass. I wouldn't get a 75ohm adapter, too hard to drive unless you have a decent amp, you get a lesser but still boost from 35ohm but much easier to use. I am waiting for the Deuce reviews like everyone else, obviously it has bass but the rest, not sure. I would do nothing for a bit, there is supposed to be a Castor Pro soon. KZ Saga has a bass version, but its a different bass shelf than castor, more subbass focus.
good review...the graph of Supermix 4 resembles Estrella...does the sound is also similar on both??confused, whether the extra 150 bucks worth it?plz reply
They really aren't similar and perhaps Jay did that intentionally. The bass is very different and if you like a ton of bass, then its Estrella. Also SM4 is leaner in the lower mids, midbass, and over energetic in the upper mid so if you just care about female vocals, that is the SM4 style. Jay tried to fill in the mids so more bass presence and fuller mids. Two different styles.
brother you still have this? do you find any issue after long time use, long session...? saw some online reviews where couple of people complained about its nozzle filters, they mentioned filter placed on nozzle without glue and easily fall of, did you face any problem with filter,... please let me know
This is a case of pay attention to what owners are saying and ignore reviewers. My set is here and probably in perfect condition as I don't use it. If people are using it and reporting that problem, that is your answer.
As far as I understand it, JM1 has a flat bass target, which is tuned up due to the preference adjustment from research on in room speakers. That preference adjustment is where the bass arguments come, from both Harman and JM1
I will admit to being picky on bass levels especially on sets with lower treble. I would also say its at the heart of the resolution complaint on KE4. If you are going to prioritize bass over mids, better be spectacular, otherwise drop them under the mids.
When this was first announced I was expecting it to be a Quartet replacement, but it ended up being nearly twice the price while still getting lukewarm reviews. Seems like a bit of a miss.
Yes, probably recommended over 80db only. It isn't a low volume set at all and you need quite a bit to get the dynamics. After that, not enough there to keep me engaged, but yes, its for higher vol people.
Hey, i am looking for an iem around 40 dollars which has comfort ,energetic sound and sometime gaming. Kiwi ears Cadenza, Moondrop chu 2, EPZ Q1 Pro, Kinera Celest Abyss and Blond Bl 03 are in my list. I have used tangzu waner and Truthear ear gate. Truthear GATE was a little bit big for my ears and its sound was also not enough for me. So can you suggest me a good iem for 40$
Your best bet from the budgets I've tried are Simgot ew200 (good for gaming too), Kiwiears Cadenza, CCA C12. They all lean brighter but are great, Cadenza is more balanced out of the 3. However, if you like the warner sound hit up the fudu on sale, it's nice with some dunu s&s tips.
Most of those sets are going to be similar to Wan'er. Perhaps slightly different sound, but mostly different flavors and sidegrades. Maybe Simgot EW300, energetic sound, sharp sound for gaming.
This set in particular comes in at a price point where people might expect a level of resolve that isn't apparent out of the box. I had to be fair, its there, but the tuning isn't showing it off as much as it should.
Yeah, its super hard to pull off a big stage with the KE4 tuning. As I said, poke at it with EQ, bump some treble and you can make it sound bigger. But Hype 2 is better
