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Brandfuchs

Brandfuchs

100+ Head-Fier
For Fostex TH909 Premium Stereo Headphones in Headphones
Pros: Work of art design; well tamed treble and bass; upfront vocals
Cons: Bass that doesn't sounds 'Fostex'

Prelude​

20240418162745.jpg

When it comes to the TH909, most discussions revolve around two main points:
1: whether the 909 is an...
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Enther

Enther

100+ Head-Fier
For Focal Elegia in Over-Ear
Pros: Spectacular for relax sessions, some classicals musics, vocals genres....
Good resolution.
Very good dynamics.
It has good spatial technicalities (although there are few ones already here for similar prices equal or better)
The midrange seems to be the best I have heard on a closed back.
I think it's very pretty.
Cons: It does not have a pure or natural tone.
It is not the most versatile headset on the market. I wouldn't consider it an "all-rounder."
It needs a little more dB to be more complete on bass department.
In 2024 there are MANY options, like the Hifiman R9 (better tonality, scene and bass impact).
INTRO​
Welcome to the written review of the Focal Elegia.
In previous reviews we have analyzed in-ears. Today it's time to talk about an over-ear headphone, from the Focal...
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InvisibleInk
InvisibleInk
Owners will typically want to replace the cable, experiment with different ear pads, and use a headband cover during the course of their long ownership of this headphone. I say long ownership because they are built to last and they will. I'd start with the headband cover, because the underside of the headphone tends to get soiled in an unsightly way the more it is used.
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Enther
Enther
The cable I can use is the "new" version from Focal. Before, they had a thicker and more rigid cable by default.
Regarding the pads, I'm not a fan of that. And even less at these prices. Spending €500 or the €1000 it was worth to have to change the pads and experiment, I don't think it's fair. There will be those of us who will gladly do it but I don't see it well. The changes are very subtle.
Yes Yes. In the Focal Clear the top of the headband also gets stained.

Thanks for comment.
geoffalter11

geoffalter11

Headphoneus Supremus
For Meier-Audio Corda Soul in Amp/DACs
Pros: Best All In One I've Ever Heard
Pre-Amp
DSP (All Exists in Digital Domain)
Reference Amp with 2 Different OHM Settings
Reference Level DAC
Top End Resolution
Smooth
Micro-Detail
Low Level Detail
Bit Perfect
Cons: Fingerprint Magnet
Takes awhile to learn all of its functions
Maxes out at 24/192 for those who want higher resolution source files
Does not have I2S, as the Digital Connection De Jour
Cannot use as a fixed DAC, only as a Pre-Amp, AIO or as a Fixed Amp to another DAC
Well, this review has been in the works for far too long. For that I owe Arthur Power at Power Holdings, and Dr Jan Meier my sincerest apologies. I have not been able to write due to severe...
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warrenpchi
warrenpchi
Con: Figuring out how to dial the Stargate.
geoffalter11
geoffalter11
That is funny. I suggest not dialing it at all and just enjoying its brilliance. Accept the crossfeed which is amazing.
piglet
piglet
My new Corda Soul MkII arrived yesterday and I had a late night last night listening to music with it, up 'til 5am actually.

I am planning to do a review myself in a month but my very initial impressions of this DAC/amp completely concord with your review.
AudioCritic87

AudioCritic87

New Head-Fier
For FiiO FH7 in In-Ear
Pros: -The bass is deep and loud. The sound is clear.
-The headphones are well-made and will last a long time.
-They are a good deal for the money.
Cons: • They are heavy and big.
• Some people may find them uncomfortable to wear for a long time because of their size and weight.
• The sound does not seem to come from all around you.
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Introduction:
Meet the Fiio FH7, a special earphone that combines different types of drivers. It has 4 balanced armature drivers and 1 dynamic driver...
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Brandfuchs

Brandfuchs

100+ Head-Fier
For HIFIMAN Jade II Electrostatic Headphone and Amplifier in Over-Ear
Pros: Neutral tuning; smooth vocal; decent resolution... Annnnd most importantly, that alluring green driver!
Cons: Non-adjustable in drivers' angle; cables made irreplaceable; Bass lacks punchiness
Disclaimer: This one is not a tour unit, I purchased it. I didn't participated the tour because HFM didn't organise it here in China..
2df842025aafa40fa0365f13ee64034f79f01911.jpg

The purchase of...
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balvan

balvan

100+ Head-Fier
For Audeze LCD-24 Limited Edition in Over-Ear
Pros: Unique Prestation
Great Bass
Very musical and fun
Light Weight Audeze
Cons: Weak Treble at default - you must EQ and choose a bright amp
AMP picky - must be bright, can't be a warm amp
Vocals could be better
Introduction
I got the LCD-24 by snatching it off eBay and I've been using it exclusively for about 3 weeks. I am not a professional reviewer so I'll try to keep things...
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IgeNeLL

IgeNeLL

500+ Head-Fier
For final A8000 in Universal Fit
Pros: Insane transient speed response
Clear bass response and staging
Mid-range clarity and articulation
Luxurious appearance
Greate depth and edge definition
Cons: Bright tone
Suitable not so wide range of music
Distortion at hight volume level

Introduction​

The dynamic transducer is the most used driver in the audio industry. It is known for its ability to produce powerful dynamic peaks and impactful bass. However...
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truongmusic
truongmusic
Great review, Massive and useful amount of information
Brandfuchs
Brandfuchs
Nice review & very characteristic photos!
lepermessiah

lepermessiah

New Head-Fier
For BGVP ArtMagic V12 in In-Ear
Pros: Excellent technicalities- especially soundstage, quite musical, airy sounding IEM, natural bass, mids and well done treble, superb build quality, great comfort
Cons: Apart from a slightly better stock cable that could be included, not all that much for me
As one gets into the rarefied air of higher realms of IEMs, the driver count can get out of hand. The BGVP V12 boasted as much drivers as its name did- twelve balanced armatures. The...
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C

Chaotic

New Head-Fier
For AUDIOSENSE DT200 in Universal Fit
Pros: Smooth treble
Great timbre especially for BA
Textured bass
Forward mids (personal preference)
Non-fatiguing tuning
Great soundstage
Good detail
Good separation
Wonderful design
Great build quality
Cons: Some are bothered by a 10khz peak
Okay noisy cable that holds memory
Wish for more sub extension
I am new-ish to this hobby and specifically IEMs, I have heard the Aful Performers 5 and 8, Truthear HEXA, and the Truthear Zero:Red as far as IEMs go.[ATTACH type="full"...
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Murphity

Murphity

New Head-Fier
For Dan Clark Audio AEON Flow RT Closed in Over-Ear
Pros: Comfort
Build
Pleasant timbre (on thickest pads)
Cons: Spicy treble
Tuning pads ruin detail
High power requirement
I’m here today with a review of the Aeon Closed RT, purchased back in 2021 for $500 as my first experience with DCA headphones. I eventually used it for a 15% Club DCA discount on the $4k Expanse...
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Marijn Riz

Marijn Riz

New Head-Fier
For BQEYZ Spring II in Universal Fit
Right time to the full review of the BQEYZ Spring 2. listen to them now for a couple of days now. “Non” stop without using any other IEM’s in between like I always try to do to give you...
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MetehanMinatozaki

MetehanMinatozaki

New Head-Fier
For iBasso IT00 in Universal Fit
Pros: -Controlled treble
-Big sub bass response
-Heavy and controlled mid bass
-Good shell quality
-Good bass dynamics
Cons: -Below average mmcx quality
-Dull midrange
-Bad cable quality
-Average detail production
-Average resolution
-Feels dark.
Disclaimers

I bought this iem with my own money. This review is completely subjective...
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GREQ

GREQ

Headphoneus Supremus
For Kaldas Research RR1 Conquest in Over-Ear
Pros: Iconic Design
Phenomenal Treble/Bass Extension
Electrostatic With Bass!!!
World Class Separation
Phenomenal Build Quality
Detachable Cables
Many Cheap Replacement Parts Available From Manufacturer
Cons: Electrostatic requires specific amplification
Headband adjustment with Allen keys
Headband can scratch cups
Ear pad depth
Kaldas Research RR1 Conquest Premium

Five years after it’s release, the continued relevance of this headphone today cannot be overstated.

[ATTACH type="full"...
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IamInnocentX3
IamInnocentX3
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voja
voja
Majestic photos accompanied by a pleasant read! Thank you so much for sharing this review with this community. Wow. Stellar work, GREQ!!!
GREQ
GREQ
Edited - I hilariously didn't realise the foam in the box was just packaging material.
Removing this foam makes for a beautiful display piece.
Photo added above.
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MetehanMinatozaki

MetehanMinatozaki

New Head-Fier
For Whizzer Kylin HE01 in Universal Fit
Pros: Tight, controlled bass, good dyanmics for price, great detail production for price, ok soundstage for price
Cons: Scooped upper mids, harsh treble, REALLY annoying upper midrange
Accessories and box of HE01B

Simply, it comes with a hard carrying case, vocal and referance eartips, cable and iem itself. pretty good for price.

How it sounds?

It sounds like a old...
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jeromeoflaherty

jeromeoflaherty

New Head-Fier
For Anker Soundcore Q30 in Wireless
Pros: ANC is excellent for price
Comfortable
Sounds great once EQ is applied
Good battery life
Cons: A bit dated now compared to competition
Treble even after EQ is still a bit rough

A good entry level ANC headphone can be made better with measurements​

This was my initial Soundcore headphone, it was (and still is) a very cheap fully featured ANC bluetooth...
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Argha

Argha

New Head-Fier
For Softears RSV in Universal Fit
Pros: Vocals
Timber
Inoffensive tuning
A very accurate sense of Neutrality
Note weight
Cohesion of BA drivers
Cons: Air Pressure due to no ventilation
The depth of the shell is a bit much
Shell quality feels cheap
Sometimes sound dark
Low resolution in this price range
The nozzle is big & slippery
RSV Review​

Photo from Arghadeep (Duggu).jpg


As an audiophile, I have come across some in-ear monitors (IEMs) that make me...
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briantbrain

briantbrain

New Head-Fier
For Sennheiser IE 900 in Universal Fit
Pros: + The best fitting IEM of all time in my ears
+ Includes cables with 3 jack options (although the cables are ugly like wilted noodles)
+ Best Shell finishing and built quality used.
+ "Correct" punchy bass.
+ "Correct" sub-bass rumble.
+ Crystal Clear sounding from Low to High freq.
+ Shining-Shimmering-Splendid treble.
+ Fun engaging power from Low to high freq.
+ Best detail and clarity IEM on Single DD.
Cons: - Slightly recessed mid presentation
- The vocals, which are too clear, feel quite sharp and less natural for some people accustomed to hearing recorded voices.
- The overly bright treble can make ears sore and tired.

"The IEM Endgame for me" is a statement I used to believe in until I reached the point where even after defeating the Final Boss, another Final Boss emerges when our game...​

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ericpalonen
ericpalonen
Thank you for that awesome review! Bass texture is one of the first things I focus on as well -- I want to hear whether those strings are round wound or flat wound 🤪
briantbrain
briantbrain
AudioCritic87

AudioCritic87

New Head-Fier
For Sennheiser IE 900 in Universal Fit
Pros: + Exceptional clarity and detail across the frequency spectrum.
+ Wide soundstage for depth and immersion.
+Premium build quality for durability and aesthetic appeal.
+Comfortable fit for extended listening sessions.
Cons: -High price point may deter budget-conscious buyers.
-Cable may tangle easily due to its length.
-Limited availability of aftermarket cables due to proprietary connector.
IMG_2974.jpeg

Sound:

The IE900 offers an amazing sound with clear and precise details. Whether it's the deep bass or the high notes, every part of the music sounds...
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lepermessiah

lepermessiah

New Head-Fier
For TRI Starshine in Universal Fit
Pros: Very crisp, musical, airy sounding IEM, clear bass, nice mids and shimmery treble, build quality, comfort, nice unboxing experience, good cable
Cons: Though comfortable, the shells are on the larger side; all that treble can be fatiguing for some and for long listening sessions, needs a powerful source for making it sing, the carrying case could be better
TRI is a premium arm of KBear. The China based KBear brand was established in 2014 by Shenzhen Lingyin Technology Co Ltd and was primarily catering to the budget audio gear segment. Since...
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notaris

notaris

Head-Fier
For Aune Jasper in In-Ear
Pros: Beautifully balanced and very nicely sounding; the right amount of well controlled bass, great mids, and very extended highs; extremely transparent, with very high resolution; very good soundstage; very precise image; very broad dynamics; a truly all-rounder of top class.
Cons: Maybe an impression of a bit forward mids at times; not the biggest soundstage in height.
Introduction

Aune, or Wuhan Ao Lai Er Technology Co., Ltd., as is the official name of the Company, is a brand dedicated to developedesktop and portable audio products, such as...
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