Yes Explorer should be on the radar for anyone looking for that type of relaxed tuning. Sad we don't have many options though. I may not prefer this set but it will definitely find lots of homes.
I own this set, and I agree they are small ear approved. I also agree that they don't have a lot of air, and the stage is a bit congested. They are crazy smooth, with no sibilance, with good imaging. They have copious mid-bass, and a great warm lean. I find the Explorer great for classic and prog rock, but most folks would likely prefer the Galileo. You just named two of my favorite all day sets. If I am looking for air I am more likely to grab Olina, Kailua, or Nv in this price range.
Explorer and Galileo are great all day no fatigue sets. I'd throw the EPZ Q1 in there as well. Not the Pro, the OG. Sometimes you just need sound but not fatigue.
I think I can understand if someone is just exhausted by crispy Chi-fi mids and treble and need something to chill out to. I think I got spoiled by starting my exploration into IEMs with the Dunu SA6, which to my ears is as warm, smooth, and clean as the reviews indicated. And after a while I got a little bored and needed something with more energy. Only after trying a number of well-reviewed IEMs have I finally begun to really appreciate what the SA6 offers. Warm and smooth yet clean and detailed is not terribly common. Seems like Aful tuned just a little too dark for most people, but I'd like to see more competition in the sub-$150 for good smooth/warm tunings. What is the competition in this price range (or cheaper)? Juzear 41T? Pula PA02? Not a ton come mind.
Completely agree. I strongly believe in as many flavors as possible to maximize options for the consumers. No reason to have everything sound the same. Explorer is definitely unique especially in its price point.
Danny, love your channel and your down to earth style. I have the Performer 5’s - love them. Was going to try these, but went with the Magic One first. Didn’t like them to the extent I wanted to send them back - purchased from HiFi Go. After 6 email exchanges & repetitive questions / answers they still have given the green light to return them (willing to take credit). I actually think something is wrong with them - the base sounds distorted. Any advice?
Did you go over their return policies? They have a whole page on their website dedicated to return, exchange and refund policies and what your options are.
From the word you describe the sound, it's remind me of VE Monk Plus. I'm not saying 5USD can compare like 50-200USD but just i term of sound tuning. VE Monk Plus is always the last Earphone I will use Monk Plus after I use another earphone/headphone/IEM for somewhile. sound is very relaxing and sound is decent enough to chill down front of the desk.
I like this iem quite a bit actually. Reminds me of the cklvx d41, just not as airy. Or maybe a Hexa that knows how to have fun? Somewhere between that.
Hey Danny, I’m curious what amp or dongle did you use..? Word is to have success with the Explorer you need run balanced and have a source with at least 500mw of power to get them to open up.
@@ImAWSMDanny The Subbass is outstanding The Texture of the Mid is the Star of the show plus amazing micro details. I'm more into analytical IEMs ,only the P8 can give me this Performance. Recently bought the Zenns Mangird Top , it doesn't have that Quality of Subbass and Texture of Mids even the micro details the P8 is better Regardless the price difference. The Pilgrim have slightly better SubBass than the Top but the P8 still have better Mids and micro details,I find the Pilgrim is slightly toward brighter sound. My favourite music mostly are vocal centric, only the P8 capable of giving me this high quality of Texture.Even I tried many speaker brands up to $3k still don't have this beautiful vocal texture i.e. Kef R200, Dynaudio Emit 20, Polk r200 , Wharfedale Evo 4.2 , Dali Ikon 7 ,KLH Kendall Tower ,Q Acoustic Concept 40 Tower, Focal etc, I think ATC do have this type of sound signature but they are $5k plus speakers . So in comparison the P8 value is superb and outstanding Dave-Audio In Review/GizAudio have top praise on the Performer 8, remember he is a professional DRUMMER.He's reviews are solid for sure. All other Top IEMS,they can be good at Metal / Rock / Dance Music/Rap/K-pop/Techno/R&B/Hip-hop/DJ Mix and so on , but just not the best in Vocal Thank You .
Danny, love your channel and your down to earth style. I have the Performer 5’s - love them. Was going to try these, but went with the Magic One first. Didn’t like them to the extent I wanted to send them back - purchased from HiFi Go. After 6 email exchanges & repetitive questions / answers they still have given the green light to return them (willing to take credit). I actually think something is wrong with them - the base sounds distorted. Any advice?