Yeah I keep hoping Tanchjim gets thier stuff together with a proper release.
2 Likes
Love your no-BS reviews. You are more dedicated to the hobby and providing good information for fellow enthusiasts than kissing manufacturersâ asses to get more free gear.
Kudos!
2 Likes
Thanks Paul. 
That kind of feedback encourages me to stay the course.
2 Likes
Apevoix Grit â Organic Waves for the Senses
Preamble:
Apevoix landed on the IEM scene in late 2024 with a single release. The $199 Grit remains their only product to date. Although the Grit is an auspicious release, we havenât heard much else from this company.
The hybrid driver setup includes a single dynamic driver, four balanced armatures and a single bone conduction driver per side. This setup is far from unusual these days, and the proof is always in the listening. The Grit has revealed itself to be an outstanding performer, favouring musicality over out-right stark technicalities.
Regarding tuning, we have a neutral/warm presentation, or a slight U-shape if that is more de-scriptive. There is enough detail and treble lift in there to keep things sounding lively as well.
The Grit is easy to drive, but as usual, I always recommend a better source to wring the most performance out of this IEM. Tip rolling is essential both for sound quality and to ensure a good seal.
SPECS:
Drivers: Bass: 10mm bio-cellulose composite diaphragm
Midrange: 2x BA. (manufacturer undisclosed)
Treble; 2x BA. (manufacturer undisclosed)
11mm Bone conduction driver
Sensitivity: 104 dB
Impedance: 16 Ω
Frequency range: 20 Hz to 20,000 Hz
Earphone connector: 0.78
Build & Fit:
I did not receive the full retail package for review.
The Grit is an attractive IEM with outstanding build quality. A dark motif with shiny elements in the cap decorates the black resin shells. The Grit is a larger IEM and will require some tip rolling both for sound and to ensure a tight seal. Fit was not an issue for me, and I found the experience comfortable.
The cable supplied was the NiceHCK Black Cat cable, which is a quality product. The cable supplied came with a 4.4mm balanced tip, which is my preferred.
Bass:
Let me start off by saying that the Grit has one of the best implementations of a bone conduc-tion driver I have heard. Working in concert with the 10mm dynamic driver, the bass produced is or-ganic and natural with outstanding texture. The bass drive and impact are also good. When I listened to âCircumstanceâ by Wayman Tisdale, my ears welcomed a lush, well-defined sound. Moving on the âAngelâ by Massive Attack, the low end again satisfied with excellent texturing and a meaty yet con-trolled delivery.
âOur Relationship: by Dephazz followed suit with the double bass being relayed with great clarity and an organic density that satisfied. âEkuseniâ by Caiiro is a house music track with a driving bass and high energy everywhere else. The Grit played this back effortlessly, the low end staying well com-posed and solid while not clouding the rest of the frequency range.
With all this bass excellence on display, it pleased that the bass did not bleed into the midrange. Apevoix has done a masterful job tuning the low end of the Grit. A truly satisfying performance by any measure.
Midrange:
The Apevoix offers a balanced yet rich-sounding midrange with added warmth and good spacing. Detail retrieval is good with macro over micro here, but enough to keep things very interesting.
Vocals are forward in the mix, but the well-managed pinna gain results in no harshness or undue emphasis. Male vocals have a bit of chesty warmth, while female vocals are well-focused.
The midrange has a great density while not sounding overly thick and mushy. Note weight is quite good given that density while remaining sharp. Apevoix has, like only a few before it, successful-ly, walking a fine line here between an overly dark sound and one that is too thin and analytical. This has led to a more organic and, to my ears, very pleasing balance and presentation.
The timbre is good, and it handles transients well. The Grit midrange also has an open character, maintaining this even on busier tracks. I never felt that the Grit was âholding backâ the music, being a very responsive IEM.
Treble:
The treble extends moderately with a smooth yet detailed delivery. Because it rolls off at the very top, you hear the lower treble as more energetic, but it still keeps the top-end balance.
Treble has good definition with adequate sparkle and air. The Gritâs treble perfectly complements the rest of the frequency range. It has density, yet still adds air to the sound. Again, a wonderful example of walking that fine line in tuning.
The Grit has excellent sound. From its amazingly textured and dense bass leading into a warm yet detailed midrange and topping off with a treble that perfectly complements the sound, it is a treat to listen to. Organic and immersive are good words to describe the sound character.
IMAGING & SOUNDSTAGE:
The Apevoix Grit offers a large soundscape, defined more by the depth of bass. Moreover, the sound clearly defines height and width. Imaging within that soundstage is solid.
The presentation here is beyond the ears and adds to the overall organic sonics. Instruments are well-separated even on busier tracks, the Grit sounding open and responsive.
CONCLUSION:
The Apevoix Grit is a well-executed IEM from a company that has only released this one prod-uct. The quality of sound it produces is fantastic, suiting my listening preferences well.
The Grit is a musical and organic-sounding IEM with immersive sonics that will age very well in this fast-moving IEM market. There is a saying that âGood Sound Has No Expiration Dateâ. The Grit is testament to that truth, and the offers a performance that time has not touched. I would put it up against any of the recent players in and above its price range today, confident that it will do well.
Consider the Apavoix Grit if you are after a dense, organic sound with clean delivery.
4 Likes
Symphony Ears Pres5tige â Vocal Focused Smoothness
Preamble:
Symphony Ears may not have a high level of recognition, but this will soon change. This company is a labour of love by a single individual, Isaiah Schell, a young entrepreneur with obviously keen audio sensibilities. Each IEM is meticulously hand-assembled to order by Isaiah Schell; there are presently three available with variations.
The $679 Pre5tige, no I did not misspell that, is an ambitious IEM by any standards. The driver complement includes one 10mm bio-fibre dynamic driver for bass, one Sonion 26UA balanced armature for midrange, one Knowles 33518 balanced armature for the treble, a single 7mm magnetostat super tweeter and finally an 11mm bone conduction driver.
Regarding tuning, the Pre5tige offers a balanced sound signature with some vocal lift. This seems to be the signature direction of this IEM as the midrange, or more precisely vocals, is the shining star.
While the Pre5tige is moderately easy to drive, itâs always recommended to use a more capable source.
Specs:
1x 10mm bio-fiber dynamic driver for bass
1x 11mm bone-conduction driver
1x Sonion 26UA BA for midrange
1x Knowles 33518 BA for treble
1x 7mm magnetostat super tweeter
5 way electronic crossover
Build & Fit:
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Attractive IEM. Larger-sized shells with gorgeous top plate.
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Build quality is good, but not stellar. I noticed some rough areas on the shell.
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Medium size and ergonomic shape made for a comfortable fit.
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The supplied accessories are also of good quality.
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Good quality Black Cat cable, 4.4mm balanced end.
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Quality tips included.
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The included carrying case is generic, but functional, with a good useful size.
SOUND:
Bass:
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Bass goes relatively deep with decent authority.
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The presentation is more balanced than boosted.
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Rumble is there, but moderate.
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Mid-bass has great speed and snap. Nicely articulate.
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Bass texturing and detail are notable.
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The midrange and lower mids sometimes obscured Bass.
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Bass is natural and organic.
Midrange:
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Balanced midrange presentation. Vocals stand out in the mix.
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Detail retrieval is good, macro over micro.
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The lower midrange has warmth. Male vocals have a pleasing tone with good emotional delivery.
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Female vocals are clear and expressive.
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Pleasing timbre and balance.
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There is moderate pinna gain, and there is little to no harshness.
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Note-weight and density are good.
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Layering and separation are good but not class-leading.
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Transients exhibit a sharp, rapid attack with natural decay.
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Overall midrange clarity is pleasing, though not class-leading.
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Organic delivery with natural instruments and vocals.
Treble:
-
The treble extension is reasonable.
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Inoffensive treble presentation. Some listeners might find it too controlled.
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Detail retrieval is good.
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Adequate quantities of sparkle and air.
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Treble does lack some energy on some tracks.
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The treble presentation complements the rest of the frequency range in tone.
The Pre5tige offers a balanced tuning overall, but vocals get some extra love. Well-recorded tracks are where the Pre5tige shines and its potential blossoms.
Bassheads will not be satisfied with the Pre5tigeâs low end as it prioritizes balance in its tuning. It offers good detail and speed with adequate power and drive, though is sometimes a little obscured by the midrange. The tuning makes the treble inoffensive, which may put off treble lovers, with enough detail and sparkle and air so as not to sound congested.
Where the Pre5tige really performs is in the overall smoothness of playback, in particular vocals. The expressiveness of both male and female vocals is quite organic. Itâs also notable how unrestrained the playback of transients is. The sharp attack caught my attention more than once.
IMAGING & SOUNDSTAGE:
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A moderate-size open soundstage.
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Instrument placement is accurate.
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The dimensions balance with a slightly more prominent width.
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Good instrument spacing.
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Layering and instrument separation are pleasing.
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Vocals are distinct from the music. Easy to follow.
CONCLUSION:
The Symphony Ears Pre5tige is something to be proud of. The scope of this release would be a challenge even for a seasoned larger company.
The tuning prioritizes balance over excess. Is the Pre5tige for everyone? No, and neither is any IEM made, IMHO. Vocal lovers, though, will find much to like in the sound of the Pre5tige.
3 Likes
Stay the course, please! 
1 Like
Awesome review Kingnubian.
You have captured the essence of what is the Apevoix Grit to a T.
2 Likes
Isaiah certainly exhibits talent in his production and tuning of IEMâs.
Excellent accurate and honest review of the Pre5tige.
2 Likes
Excited ro hear this one non ChiFi
1 Like
Mail call with the NICEHCK Audio Octave , Nice 10 Band PEQ Companion App! Dongle sounds great as well with combo ESS9039QM2 and SM8262 Op Amps. 550mW into 4.4 32ohms is also nothing to sneeze at!
4 Likes
Sometimes between gear reviews we get time to enjoy what we feel like listening to.
Our favorites, and one of mine is the Oriveti OH700VB, I love this IEM and still feel it is highly competitive still today.
My little stack is the Shanling Audio M1 Plus and the MusicTeck Nippo A100 , I think this little dongle is a banger 
Enjoy your music I certainly am!
4 Likes
Another Dongle review a bit different worthy of a look
How I get my review scores
1 Like
Letshuoer D02 Review - Letshuoerâs First $30 IEM, Did They Miss the Mark?
Pros:
- Good accessories package (specially the carry case)
- Beautiful design
- Great Fit and comfort
- Good treble
- Good micro detail retrieval
Cons:
- Tuning is not for everybody
- Not enough bass to balance out the uppermids
- Uppermids became too forward and shouty for me
Specs And Driver Configuration
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Driver configuration: Single DD
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Sensitivity: 108dB
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Impedance: 26Ω
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Shell Material: Metal + Resin
Before starting the review, I want to thank Letshuoer for sending this iem for a review.
Accessories Package
The accessories package is good for the price. Things provided in the box are 1. Hockey puck style carry case 2. Two different types of tips 3. 3.5mm Cable
The carry case is excellent. It offers great protection for the IEMs, is built really well, and feels sturdy and robust. Itâs nice to see this good quality of a case provided with a budget iem. The included cable is decent for the price too, it feels sturdy and reliable, though itâs on the thinner side. The ear tips are also decent, giving a good seal and providing fair isolation.
Aesthetics and Build Quality
Letshuoer has done a commendable job with the aesthetics of the D02. It looks beautiful and comes in two colorways: blue + silver and pink + silver. Iâm a huge fan of the pink version. itâs vibrant, saturated, and stands out nicely. The circular design also looks very cool and different.
The build quality is solid for the price. The shells use a mix of metal and resin: the faceplate and the upper half of the shell are made of metal, the mid-section is resin, and the nozzle is metal again. The shells have a nice heft to them, giving a premium and robust feel in the hand.
Fit and Comfort
The fit and comfort of the IEM are very good despite its rounded shape. The overall shell is quite small, and the nozzle isnât too large, so it fits my ears well. The shells donât jut out of the ear, and they even passed my sleep test. Overall, I have no complaints about fit and comfort, I can wear them for hours on end without any issues.
Sources Used
To test the D02, I used the FiiO Jiezi, Lotoo Paw S1, and FiiO JM21. The D02 is very easy to drive, and all of my sources powered it without any issues. That said, I would suggest pairing it with a warmer, more relaxed-sounding source for the best experience.
Sound
I used the DUNU Candy tips for my sound testing, as they gave me the best fit and sound. The D02 has a very unique tuning for its price range. It leans heavily towards an upper-mid, vocal-centric sound signature, certainly not something that will appeal to everyone.
Bass
The bass on this set is decent. The quality is good, but the quantity feels a bit lacking, which makes the overall sound signature less balanced. Itâs a very monitor-like bass profile; itâs there when called for, but never overstepping or overshadowing other frequencies in the mix.
The sub-bass rumble and mid-bass slam are both decent, but again, this kind of tuning wonât satisfy bass lovers. Itâs not the best choice for bass-heavy genres like rock, hip-hop, or pop.
**
Mids**
The mids are the make-or-break part of the D02âs sound signature. Youâll either love them or hate them. The tuning puts a lot of emphasis on the mids, they take center stage and draw most of your attention in the mix.
The lower mids are clean and free of muddiness. However, if you prefer your lower mids to sound thicker and weightier, you wonât find that here. The focus is clearly on clarity rather than musicality.
The upper mids are the star of the show. They are forward and energetic, though they can get a bit too much for my taste. The pinna gain rises and peaks too early at around 2.3 kHz, and with the lack of bass presence to counterbalance it, the result can be fatiguing. Ideally, for this tuning to work better, the pinna gain should peak closer to 3 kHz with slightly less energy.
Male vocals sound decent but female vocals are clearly in the spotlight. They come across as energetic and forward, sometimes even shouty depending on the track. That said, the presence region has just the right amount of energy to give vocals bite without tipping into sharpness or sibilance territory.
Treble
The treble on the D02 is very good. Itâs smooth, nicely extended, and rounds out the sound signature well. Thereâs a good amount of incisiveness and bite, which adds energy without becoming harsh. The extension into the air region is also commendable, helping with micro-detail retrieval and giving the sound a sense of openness.
Detail Retrieval and Technical Performance
The detail retrieval and overall technical performance of the D02 are good. Macro detail retrieval is decent, itâs not the punchiest-sounding IEM in its price range but micro detail retrieval is impressive, picking up subtle nuances in tracks very well.
The soundstage isnât the widest, yet it doesnât feel cramped either. Front-to-back depth is handled nicely, and instrument separation, layering, and imaging are all quite good for the price.
Conclusion
The D02 is a very good first attempt at a budget IEM from Letshuoer. They got quite a few things right like the carry case, aesthetics, build quality, and fit and comfort are all excellent. However, when it comes to tuning, itâs a bit polarizing and definitely not for everyone.
If youâre someone who enjoys a vocal-forward sound signature that brings female vocals to life with energy and liveliness, this IEM could be a great fit. But for me, the tuning needs a few refinements, such as toning down the upper mids and addressing the 2.2 kHz peak.
Overall, Iâd give it a semi-thumbs up. Iâd recommend demoing it before making a purchase to see if the tuning suits your preferences.
7 Likes
A little comparison of you were thinking about picking one up over the other to help you out.
2 Likes
Ice Labs Prismatica Kaleidoscope â Open Clarity
Preamble:
Ice Labs may not be a household name, but with the release of the $880 USD Prismatica, they are making a more prominent push for recognition.
The Prismatica, there is a more expensive Gold Version as well, sits at the bottom of a two-product catalog which includes the more costly Spectrumica . Sporting a driver complement of five balanced armatures, the Prismatica follows the likes of 64Audio and a few others in bringing to market a high-quality BA-only IEM.
The Prismatica is relatively easy to drive but, at the risk of sounding repetitive, deserves a more revealing source given its inherent resolving properties. Regarding tuning, we have a moderate V-shaped presentation that is tastefully done.
Specs:
1 x Knowles ultra-low-frequency driver
2 x Sonion composite ultra-high-frequency drivers
2 x Full-range drivers
Crossover: 3-way PTBC crossover
Crossover Type: First-order acoustic tuning crossover
Sound Outlets: 3 independent ports
Frequency Response: 12Hz-25kHz
Sensitivity: 106dB (1kHz)
Impedance: 13.5 Ohms (1kHz, 100mV)
Standard Cable:
AWG: 24.6 5N LCOFC Long Crystal Oxygen-Free Copper Silver-Plated Wire
Standard 4.4mm balanced plug
Build & Fit:
1. Attractive IEM. Larger-sized metal shells with a matte black anodized finish and gorgeous top plate.
2. Build quality is excellent.
3. The ergonomic shape afforded a good fit despite the larger size.
4. The supplied accessories are also of excellent quality.
5. The 4.4mm balanced cable is gorgeous with standout quality.
6. The included metal case is also of exemplary quality and design.
SOUND:
Bass:
1. Bass quality and depth are standout.
2. Speed, control and texturing are noteworthy.
3. Rumble is present with no undue softness or overhang.
4. Mid-bass has great speed and snap. Nicely articulate.
5. Bass has great detail.
6. The bass does not bleed into the midrange.
7. Bass is natural and organic.
Midrange:
1. Balanced midrange presentation. Vocals just slightly back in the mix.
2. Detail retrieval is very good.
3. The lower midrange has touch of warmth. Male vocals have good clarity and are fluent.
4. Female vocals are clear and expressive with a little added lift.
5. Pleasing timbre and balance.
6. There is moderate pinna gain, and there is little to no harshness.
7. Note-weight and density are adequate.
8. Layering and separation are good.
9. Transients exhibit a sharp, rapid attack with natural decay.
10. Overall midrange clarity is well done.
11. Organic delivery with natural instruments and vocals.
Treble:
1. The treble extends well.
2. Energetic yet clear treble.
3. Detail retrieval is good.
4. Pleasing quantities of sparkle and air.
5. treble adds spaciousness to tracks.
6. The treble presentation complements the rest of the frequency range in tone.
The Prismatica offers a wonderful open landscape of music with notable bass control and detail, an expressive midrange and well extended and airy treble. All isnât perfect, and there are a few things of note. I also noticed a mild but noticeable BA timbre. Another thing to be mindful of is that the Prismatica is not the most forgiving of poorly recorded tracks, in particular those with lots of upper midrange and treble energy, leading to some harshness in the sound.
Still, there is much to like here with an articulate and high quality of sound reproduction.
IMAGING & SOUNDSTAGE:
1. A moderate-size open soundstage.
2. Instrument placement is accurate.
3. The dimensions balance with a slightly more prominent width.
4. Notable instrument spacing.
5. Layering and instrument separation are pleasing.
CONCLUSION:
The Ice Labs Prismatica has on offer a clean, articulate sound with ample energy that I believe many will appreciate. While not perfect, and no IEM I have heard is, the Prismatica, with its beautiful bass, clear open midrange and airy treble, has much to offer. Just feed it quality recordings.
At just under $900 USD, Ice Labs has its work cut out for them. There are a few price-comparable IEMs that will put up a strong challenge with what the Prismatica brings to the table. Still, the Prismatica is a strong showing from Ice Labs.
1 Like
You ever revisit a set you thought was mediocre, just ok? Then throw a new source you never had originally and was amazed of finding synergy thatâs actually terrific?
Well HiBy Music R6 Pro2 2025 MusicTeck Nipo A100 and the TRI Audio i3 MK3 just happen to be that mix.
I am alot more taken with this set than I was when I reviewed them.
Honestly I give most credit to the A100 being so punchy in the bass and having big juice and the Eletech Baroque eartips making the difference.
Canuck Audioholics Anonymous (CAA)
5 Likes
Thieaudio Valhalla - The King of All BA IEMs
Pros:
- Excellent Build quality
- Aesthetics are on point
- Fun U-shaped sound signature done right
- Excellent bass performance ( bass has density, good dynamics and feels very bouncy)
- Mids are presented well despite not being the main focus of the tuning
- Smooth and extended treble ( has sweetness like Est treble)
- Good Macro and Micro detail pickup, very punchy sounding
- Stage is wide and deep feels very holographic
- Excellent instrument separation, layering and imaging
Cons:
- Fit can be challenging for people with small ears
- Thicc shell
- The sock cable could have been more lavish
- The initial attack of the Bass is not as crisp and well defined as I would have liked
- Not for people who want thick and lush lower mids
- Not for people who want their vocals to be center of attention
- The upper treble region can be a bit too much (needs tip rolling) (subjective)
Specs And Driver Configuration
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19 BA Drivers per Side
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Driver Details: 4 Sonion 38D1XJ Sub-woofers, 10 Sonion E50DA Dual Mid BAs, 4 Knowles RDE-33729 High BAs, 1 Knowles WBFK-30095 Ultra-high BA
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Impedance: 9Ω @ 1kHz
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Sensitivity: 103dB @ 1kHz
Before starting the review, I want to thank The Audiostore for providing me with the loaner unit. After the review, the unit goes back to them.
Accessories Package
As this is a loaner unit, I canât comment on the full unboxing experience or the complete accessories package. I only received the IEM and the stock cable. That said, the cable provided is good; itâs the same cable as the Thieaudio Origin, the Elite Noir, though here it comes with slightly different plugs to match Valhallaâs colourway.
The cable is sufficient for the price. Itâs thick, substantial, and robust. Despite its heft, it handles surprisingly well with minimal memory. But, personally, at this price, âsufficientâ is not enough. I would have loved to see a more lavish, truly bespoke cable for the Valhalla, something that feels even more premium and exclusive than the Elite Noir.
Aesthetics and Build Quality
The faceplate design of the Valhalla is genuinely well executed. Itâs not as intricate or detailed as other Thieaudio sets like the Origin, Hype 10, or V16.
Instead, it opts for a simpler zigzag pattern over a plain black background. Depending on the light, it shimmers with shades of deep blue and orangish-red. I actually think this works in its favour, as the design complements the Valhallaâs more mature aesthetic and pairs nicely with the titanium shells.
Thereâs a subtle complexity to the faceplate that catches the eye without being overly flashy. And if you do want something flashier, Thieaudio offers 14 custom faceplates for an extra cost.
Build quality is equally impressive. The shells are crafted from CNC-machined grade 5 titanium, which gives them a dense, almost indestructible feel. The natural titanium color, paired with the matte finish, looks strikingly premium, upmarket and industrial.
Iâm especially glad they went with a matte finish over gloss, since it avoids fingerprints and keeps the shells looking clean. Despite this robust construction, the Valhalla doesnât feel overly heavy. Titanium is lighter than stainless steel, so while the shells carry a satisfying heft that reinforces their durability, the weight is kept in check and never becomes too much.
Fit and Comfort
The fit and comfort will likely be the most controversial part of this IEM. The shells are thiccc, big, and the nozzle has medium thickness with a relatively short length. Thieaudio has added some contouring to make the shape more ergonomic, and that does help, but you still canât ignore the sheer bulk of the shells. Tip rolling is definitely recommended to achieve both a secure seal and better comfort. For me personally, the Valhalla fit reasonably well. I could wear them for about 2 to 2.5 hours without any issues, but beyond that, my ears started to hurt and I had to take a break.
Sources Used
In terms of sources, I did most of my testing on my desktop stack, the Topping e70 velvet and a70 pro. For portable sources, I used Chord Mojo 2.
Valhalla is relatively easy to power, but I still would recommend a good source to extract the best performance out of Valhalla. It scales beautifully with sources.
Sound
I tried a wide range of eartips with the Valhalla and ultimately settled on the Azla SednaEarfit Max. The Valhalla follows a fun U-shaped tuning that highlights both sub-bass and upper treble, but the rest of the tuning is also handled with impressive finesse. Letâs take a closer look.
Bass
The bass is the star of the show on this IEM; itâs thunderous and flaunts itself without masking the mids. Donât let the BAs fool you into thinking that it will have typical BA bass; itâs far from the truth here. Valhallaâs bass delivers both in quantity and quality.
The sub-bass digs deep and low, offering impressive rumble and texture, while the mid-bass comes through with satisfying thump and slam. The overall bass presentation has a real sense of physicality to it. For example, in the intro of Angel by Massive Attack, you can literally feel your ears shake with the bass, and itâs an absolute blast. The bass dynamics and sense of punch are excellent here.
Now, being a BA set, most people have a preconceived notion that BA will have a crip and well-defined attack and fast decay, this is not true with Valhalla, and itâs completely opposite. The decay is on the slower side, giving the bass a satisfying feel, more density and richness. But, the initial attack of the bass isnât as crisp and well defined as I would have liked, its a bit diffused. This is the only con I can pinpoint in Valhallaâs bass.
The overall bass has excellent elasticity and feels very bouncy with excellent density. All of these qualities of Valhallaâs bass create a sense of depth. Overall, I love the bass on the Valhalla. Itâs addictive, unique and incredibly fun to listen to. Itâs among the most unique BA bass I have heard, tied with Symphonium Crimson. Crimson has a more crisp initial attack and slightly faster decay, but it lacks the density and spaciousness of Valhalla. Both are unique and excellent in their own ways.
Mids
The mids are surprisingly well-tuned, especially considering they arenât placed front and center in the overall tuning. At first glance at the graph, you might think the lower mids would sound too lean and clean, but a closer look shows thereâs still energy in the 150â300Hz range. This gives the lower mids enough weight and body to sound natural, without tipping into excessive warmth or muddiness.
The upper mids are also nicely done; theyâre tuned to complement the overall sound rather than drawing too much attention to themselves. They arenât overly forward; they have just the right amount of energy to sound natural without pulling focus away from the rest of the frequency response.
Male vocals sound excellent, with a nice weight and richness without sounding overly warm and muddy. Female vocals are also well-rendered, though theyâre not as open or extended as something like the Hype 10 or Monarch mk4. Still, for this type of tuning, they sound quite good and donât feel lacking.
The presence region is also spot-on, giving vocals enough bite and clarity without veering into sharpness or sibilance.
That said, if you prefer your lower mids warm, thick, and lush, the Valhalla wonât be your ideal match. Likewise, if you want vocals to take center stage, this isnât the IEM for you. On Valhalla, vocals are designed to complement the sound signature rather than shine as the star of the show.
Treble
The treble is excellent, let me say this upfront: this is the best BA treble I have ever heard. Thieaudio really did justice to BAs with the Valhalla. The treble is smooth yet impressively extended, designed to grab your attention and flaunt itself without ever crossing into sharpness or sibilance. It has great bite with crisp edges, adding sparkle and definition.
The one area that might be divisive is the air region. Extension here is excellent, giving the sound plenty of openness and airiness, but the quantity can sometimes make the treble feel a touch less natural. Tip rolling helps, Azla SednaEarfit Max, for instance, tamed this region for me slightly. Ultimately, this comes down to whether you enjoy that coloration in your music or not. Personally, I donât find it intrusive, the emphasis isnât strong enough to upset the overall balance.
What really surprised me is the trebleâs character. It carries a certain sweetness I usually associate with EST drivers, yet Thieaudio managed to achieve this with BAs alone. Which makes Valhallaâs treble even more astonishing for me.
Detail Retrieval and Technical Performance
The detail retrieval and overall technical performance are excellent. Micro detail retrieval is excellent; it shows minor nuances in the tracks well, and it does so without artificially boosting the mid-treble to the stratosphere. Macro detail retrieval is also excellent. Valhalla sounds dynamic and punchy, delivering an engaging and lively presentation.
The soundstage is quite impressive, itâs another party piece of the Valhalla. It has excellent width, but the depth that it creates is even more impressive. Overall, staging feels very holographic. The imaging, layering and instrument separation within that stage is also impressive. You can easily pinpoint where all the instruments are and how far and close they are.
Thieaudio Valhalla Vs Monarch Mk4 Vs V16 Divinity
Instead of making this review even longer, I am working on a video on this topic. I will edit this review when it is live.
Conclusion
By now, itâs probably obvious, Iâm absolutely gushing over the Valhalla. Thieaudio really knocked it out of the park with this one. In my opinion, this is the best all-BA set currently available on the market. Theyâve executed the sound signature exceptionally well, itâs addictive, fun, and incredibly engaging. Most impressive of all, they managed to make a 19-BA IEM sound remarkably cohesive. For me, itâs easily in the running for IEM of the Year 2025.
That said, itâs not without flaws. The fit may be challenging for people with smaller ears, and the bass attack isnât quite as crisp as I would have liked. Beyond those two points, though, I struggle to find anything truly wrong with this set.
Itâs honestly a little sad that my time with the Valhalla is limited, and Iâll have to send it back. Still, itâs left a lasting impression, and I wonât be forgetting it anytime soon. Now the real question is, which one of my friendsâ kidney should I sell to afford a pair?
6 Likes
Fantastic review thanks for sharing!
Thatâs alot of drivers in there!
4 Likes
Venture Electronics Vanguard â Price/Performance Musicality
Preamble:
I am no stranger to Venture Electronics. Run by the charismatic âWild Leeâ, heâs actually pretty down to earth, VE is a company best known for bringing to market good sounding gear at reasonable prices. That being said, they offer some higher-end products as well.
The $100 USD Vanguard is a full sized over ear headphone featuring a single 40mm dynamic driver. Letâs get this out of the way right away. The Vanguard is hard to drive with its 300ohm impedance and lower than usual 95dB/1mW sensitivity. It demands a capable source; a warmer source was my preference, with ample output to bring the Vanguard to life. When the source meets these criteria, the Vanguard responds with a balanced yet nicely detailed sound that belies its more than reasonable asking price.
Venture Electronics proclaims the Vanguard as a successor to the Sennheiser HD600 and HD650. Lofty talk coming out of VE thatâs for sure. I am not one to appreciate puffed-up claims by marketing departments, as giving in to them usually just creates lofty expectations that more often than not fall short of being realized. I would prefer that accomplished companies like VE and others allow a product to stand on its own merits, instead of setting listeners up for an encounter with cognitive dissonance.
Now that I am off my soapbox, I will say that the Vanguard is a great-sounding set with audio performance well above its asking price. Read on to find out more.
Specs:
Driver: 1x 40mm biological diaphragm dynamic driver
Frequency Response: 20hz-20Kz
Rated Power: 500mw
Sensitivity: 95db/1mW
Impedance: 300 ohm
Cable: Double 3.5mm
Weight: 260g
Build & Fit:
1. The Vanguard has a simple yet attractive design.
2. Build quality is good and feels sturdy enough.
3. Comfort is a big plus here. The Vanguard never felt uncomfortable even after long sessions.
4. The supplied accessories are also of excellent quality.
5. The 4.4mm balanced cable is quite nice and of decent length and build quality.
6. The included metal case is also of exemplary quality and design.
SOUND:
Bass:
1. The bass is tight and balanced.
2. Speed, control and texturing are noteworthy.
3. Sub-bass drive, slam and rumble are moderate at best.
4. The mid-bass has great speed and snap. Nicely articulate.
5. Bass has great detail if lean into the deepest registers.
6. The bass does not bleed into the midrange.
7. Bass is natural and organic.
Midrange:
1. Balanced midrange presentation.
2. Detail retrieval is good.
3. Lively midrange presentation without harshness.
4. Vocals are usually slightly forward in the mix.
5. Pleasing timbre and balance.
6. There is moderate pinna gain, and there is little to no harshness.
7. Note-weight and density are adequate.
8. Layering and separation are good.
9. Transients exhibit a sharp, rapid attack with natural decay.
10. Overall midrange clarity is quite notable.
11. Organic delivery with natural instruments and vocals.
Treble:
1. The treble extends well.
2. Energetic yet clear treble with a smooth delivery.
3. Detail retrieval is good.
4. Pleasing quantities of sparkle and air.
5. The treble adds spaciousness to tracks.
6. The treble presentation has significant presence without overshadowing the other frequencies.
The Venture Electronics Vanguard offers an engaging listening experience. From its standout clarity to its clean yet responsive delivery, there is much to like here. Of course, there are some caveats, and it really comes down to what type of music the listener enjoys. While most Jazz, Smooth Jazz and vocal-focused tracks will sound wonderful, songs that have a strong bass underpinning like drum and bass, house music and some hip-hop may come up somewhat short on impact.
I have been told that the Vanguard takes to equalization well, but I could not test that out. Knowing this, I have to say that the Vanguard has been my companion for many hours of enjoyable listening. It is one of the few products that just begs the listener to just listen and stop being critical. It has a wonderful, clean, yet smooth delivery with a large open soundscape rarely found when listening to IEMs.
IMAGING & SOUNDSTAGE:
1. A large open soundstage.
2. Instrument placement is accurate.
3. The dimensions balance with a slightly more prominent width.
4. Notable instrument spacing.
5. Layering and instrument separation are pleasing.
CONCLUSION:
The Venture Electronics Vanguard is a statement product. I say this because you would be hard pressed to find a distinctly better-sounding over-ear headphone at $100 let alone somewhat higher priced. VE has played to its strengths in offering an incredible price/performance product.
There are things to note, though. The Vanguard will take a capable source to drive it properly, extracting all the performance it is more than capable of. Also, those wanting skull-shaking bass in the deepest registers might be disappointed.
Listeners who value headphones with exceptionally clear audio, combined with great comfort and good build quality, should definitely consider the Venture Electronics Vanguard.
3 Likes
$100 Banger IMO
2 Likes