I am not sure if I would say accurate and faithful since that meaning can vary from person to person. In my mind, I would consider the Unique Melody MEST to be more “accurate and faithful” since that IEM sounds the most true to life that I have heard.
To clarify what I mean by audiophile bass head is there are quite a few reviews/reviewers who review at this price range who seem to be allergic to having some sort of quantity of bass so when they hear a IEM with bass quantity, they think bass head when it really isn’t. For example, Sony IER-Z1R I would not consider consumer or audiophile bass head level amount of bass (even though it is quite punchy), but for certain audiophiles it is. Legend X can have noticeably more quantity of bass than the Sony IER-Z1R when called for which is where I call audiophile bass head. Not mind rumbling amounts of bass (until you add bass boost from the right amps), but still a large enough quantity that doesn’t sacrifice the other frequency ranges.
Thing with consumer-level IEMs and even some bassy high end IEMs are they have that heavy quantity of bloated bass or if it has good bass, it bleads a decent amount into the mids and causing the overall signature to be warm and loses the enjoyment of the midrange and overall coherency of the whole IEM sound. The Legend X doesn’t have that issue to my ears and is more unique to describe. It’s like you can have a big L_ or small L, but still have the rest of the frequency being coherent and technical. Not sure if this makes sense, but I might be able to describe better once I get more time with the Legend X as it’s an IEM that changes on brain burn-in.
Vega is up there for sure. I need to listen again which one wins in overall quantity, but from memory, they are definitely different sounding IEMs. Legend X is like taking a really coherent and smooth sounding high end IEM and having the ability to have more bass quantity, while if I remember correctly, the Vega has this special engaging factor to it that is really enjoyable to listen to. I would recommend if possible to give the Legend X sometime when you hear it as it changes after the initial listen.
Any new release that can match the beautiful bass of Fiio FH5 or Sony N3 but with better tonality, soundstage and technicality? So many good IEMs and technologies lately Dusk, Believe, Tea, FD5, L5 etc but none seem to have exceptional bass from all the reviews I’m reading.
The Fiio FH3 is also a great choice. It sounds very similar to the FD5 but with slightly more forward vocals. I think I prefer the FD5 personally because of BA tonality, but at about half the price, the FH3 gets you very close. Some might even prefer the more forward vocal presence.
Another option would be Thieaudio Clairvoyance or Monarch. They don’t only have fantastic bass, they are the total package.
I do have the FH3, I don’t find the bass to be nearly as good or satisfying as the FH5. Might give Thieaudio a try as I haven’t heard anything from them yet.
Was saying the FH3’s bass quality and quantity is quite equivalent to the FD5 as you asked. The FH5 is a great IEM but does not have a beryllium DD. Some may not care about the differences especially if their library doesn’t require speed and control.
The video I posted, Andrew/Resolve asks the question if the Monarch is the best IEM for bass. If you want quality sub-bass, the Monarch is the way to go. If you want that same sub-bass but even more mid-bass but less detail and brightness overall, the Clairvoyance is the IEM you want.
My Clairvoyance should be here on Monday, I’m so excited.
(for anyone wondering, the reported difference in bass between the Monarch and the Clairvoyance is that the Monarch is more sub-bass focused and the Clairvoyance is more mid-bass focused)
I would consider myself as a semi-basshead and I tried some different IEMs over the last year.
ISN H40: Loved them over months but I always struggled a little bit with the comfort after one or two hours. And yeah, I love bass, but sometimes they were a bit too boomy (I think because of the strong mid-bass) but still so much fun. Sold them a few weeks ago.
Penon Orb: Fantastic sub-bass, great bass overall. But in comparison to my other IEMs they sound just boring and not engaging in any way. Still a good IEM but I sold them.
FiiO FH3: Great fit and seal and very pleasant tuning to my ears. Good bass and non fatiguing, smooth highs (sometimes just a little bit metallic and tinny). So much fun listening with them to all kinds of music. But sometimes they are too forward sounding for my ears, I often listen to very aggressive music and in this case I like recessed mids. Also the soundstage is not the best, very narrow. Didn’t sell them, they are my go-to IEM right now.
Sony XBA-N3: Great and strong bass, recessed mids (good point for me) and smooth highs. Good soundstage, very energetic, fun fun fun and still detailed and airy enough for my taste.
But the fit and seal… damn I don’t get any good fit and seal. Tried several tips and sizes (Series E, Spiral Dots, Azla Xelastecs, stock tips, stock tips of other IEMs), tried wearing them over the ear like custom-like IEMs and straight down like earbuds. I can forget it, they don’t fit good and sit very loose (few steps and they fall out).
So here I am, looking for an IEM sounding like the Sonys and fitting like the FH3 or the Orb.
Is there anything out there? I would spend easily 600$.
Aw, really? I was hoping Orb would be a lot better than H40(sold mine, way too bassy/colored), and a for sure keeper. When you say boring, are they like KXXS? Legacy 3? Tin 2? HD600?
The Orbs are great headphones, don’t get me wrong. When the H40 were too bassy and colored for you, the Orbs could be just right for you.
What I mean with boring (just in comparison to the H40 for example) is that they lack of highs and upper mids. But because of that they’re super relaxed.
I love the bass on FH3, but the treble edge is too much, and they could sound much better in all areas besides bass.
Do you like your Orb more than Legacy 3? Legacy 4? Mangird Tea? DM6? Um… I don’t understand why there is barely any discussion anywhere about Orb. And the people who have it only compare it to more unusual IEMs.
When you say boring, are they like KXXS? Legacy 3? Tin 2? HD600?
I don’t understand why there is barely any discussion anywhere about Orb. And the people who have it only compare it to more unusual IEMs.
Now I need to figure out what other IEMs to order, to do a shootout against it. Orb, L4, A7, DM8, KBB