I’ve heard that Planars have tremendous advantages on tubes. The usual planar timbre is taken care of with the pleasant distortions that tubes usually bring, making them sound more natural. But again, that’s just what I’ve heard from around the community- I’ve yet to try it my self. I cheap tube amp is in the pipeline for me for sure and I think if you can afford one and you have space for one, I think every audiophile should at least have a taste of tubes one day!
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yes, planar iems are kinda the exception for tubes. They work a lot better than other driver types cuz there is minimal noise compared to other iems.
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The toe wrap is a nice touch lol
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In fact the most “tubey” tube amplifiers - OTL ones - are particularly bad pairing towards low impedance planar transducers. They operate with very high voltage but are very current limited, so they have very limited output in impedance ranges than planar usually operate (<50Ohms). Some have 10x less mW at 32 Ohms than at 300. Also they have extreme level of distortion there and very high impedance making them less useful
Check Valhalla, Darkvoice and Bottlehead Crack - one of the most well respected tube amps around.
Hybrids and non otls may work fine, but those are less “tubey”
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That dude looks absolutely jazzed.
Reminds me of this song here 
The band name definitely is probably the main contributor.
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Random thought of the day at 6:30AM.
Broke out the Truthear Hexa for the first time in about 3 months. Wow - I actually forgot how much I enjoy these. I’m currently A/B’ing them against the EA500, they both have a warm tilting signature giving vocals and instruments precedence, plus they’re about the same price give or take $10 here and there depending on sales and what not so I think comparing them makes sense.
Right off the bat I can say that the EA500 as a total package is probably a better “value” considering the price. The accessories, unboxing experience, and the overall look and feel of the Simgot comes across as more premium. Not to mention, I feel as though the included cable with the EA500 is actually useable. The cable packaged with the Hexa is unusable in my opinion. Too springy, it tangles a lot and the ear hooks are oddly bouncy. The design is obviously very subjective, I enjoy both but they are quite literally on the complete opposite sides of the spectrum. On one hand, you have the Hexa. Very minimalistic, all black and low key:
I love the design of the Hexa. The Smokey plastic/resin inner part coupled with the metal faceplate, displaying a simple script depicting the insignia of the company, Truthear. Fit is amazing for me personally and noise isolation is literally top tier.
Then you have the Simgot. They’re simply gorgeous but in a different way. Complete metal build that feels heavy in the hands, but comfortable in the ear.
(Pictured is not the Stock cable)
Fit, seal and isolation on the Simgot are not up to the Hexas, for my ears at least. Some considerable tip rolling was involved just to find the right fit and seal. I finally settled on the Radius Deep Mount clear tips in the largest size I have. That seems to give me a proper seal, and the IEMs also stay in my ear securely. But I can absolutely tell that the Hexa isolates outside sounds far better, not to mention the Hexa has a longer nozzle, so they can seat farther in your ear canal, this is something I personally prefer. The IEM just feels more secure, whether they actually are or not is not really the main consideration for me, as long as I can feel confident in them being in my ears, that helps me forget about them actually in my ears allowing me to enjoy the music a bit more. I know, it sounds silly but it’s all psychological.
In terms of sound, I’ll make this nice and short. I think they both work for me in different ways. They’re both really great for vocals and instruments, using the bass and treble as a compliment to the mids.
The Simgot brings vocals front and center, with the rest of the band surrounding them - the stage feels wider with the EA500, and with those two components working in tandem, wider stage + more forward vocals, I’d say the EA500 is a much more engaging listen. Details come across more aggressively, not in a way where they’re harsh or sibilant in anyway, just more in your face. The Hexa is the opposite. The Hexa is warm, laid back and they come across more natural and neutral. As a result of this, they can come across less engaging on initial listen once you press that play button. But let them sink in a bit … really listen. I found that while the EA500 is undoubtedly a more fun listen, the Hexa comes across as effortless in it’s approach. The added air around 15k on the EA500 does make the sound appear more open, and I absolutely appreciate that - but the more natural approach the Hexa takes ensures things like cymbals sound more true-to-life. Bass response I would say absolutely goes to the EA500 - not only is there a touch more mid bass, but the texture and tactile feel is superior. The Hexa’s bass comes across as a bit blunted, and even dare I say, soft at times. Further adding to that laid back feel.
Detail retrieval is a toss up, I think they both do a fantastic job and it’s clear the drivers in both IEMs are well picked. With the Hexa having 3 BAs, you’d think that maybe there would be more details to hear, but it’s quite the opposite. I think having those 3 BAs rather than just 1 DD allowed Truthear to smoothen out the mids and the treble response. Resolution I’d say goes to the EA500. As I said above, they come across as more open, with details being easier to hear, but I don’t think there are more of them. Sound stage goes to EA500, but I don’t necessarily think this is a bad thing. I’d say the Hexa is a more intimate listen, it’s a matter of preference at that point. I enjoy both.
I should note that I’m using the Red nozzles on the EA500, the Black nozzles came across too harsh in the gain.
I would say get the Hexa if you:
- Prefer the Aesthetics
- Prefer a deeper fit/like more isolation
- Like a laid back approach, you’ll never have to worry about sibilance or anything harsh killing your ears.
Get the EA500 if you:
- Want a more engaging listen
- value mid bass response over sub bass
- enjoy listening to female vocals
- are not sensitive to upper treble peaks
Thanks for reading, dudes! I’m sure we all pretty much either have the EA500 or Hexa already, but I figured I’d exercise the ol’ noggin in the early AM, keep me sharp 
Take care 
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Ah, nice pic of the EA500 with a copper colour cable. I have a spare bronze/dark copper cable that I think will fit the slightly recessed 2 pin connectors but wasn’t sure how it would look with the silver finish (not got the Simgots yet). Looks good and saves me buying yet another cable - thanks for posting it!
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Thanks, man! I’ve since swapped out that XINHS cable for the Hakugei Golden Bodhi because the XINHS cable is unfortunately 2.5mm and 4.4mm is my main termination now a days. Unfortunate because the XINHS cable is absolutely gorgeous. It’s a little stiff, so it’s best for heavier IEMs but besides that, it’s an amazing cable.
Check it out!
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One I think’ll work is a Xinhs cable, with 2.5mm termination as intend taking EA500s out and about and Hiby R3 pro is 2.5mm balanced
Nice work chap - I ordered both of these last week - so good to know they are not redundant and offer somewhat complimentary pieces within a collection. 
Them lol
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Thanks, man. You should be in a good position with both of these guys for under $200 for sure.
While I’m not the biggest fan of Carbon Fiber hardware, I love the color of that cable. Very nice
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Ha, if only it was actual Carbon Fibre (sadly faux plastic methinks).
well, afaik, there are many ways to make carbon fiber. One of them is from paper and plastic. 
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I’ve always wondered whether these cables have actual carbon in the hardware, but I always figured it was faux carbon considering the cost and honestly, you have to have some level of expertise to weave carbon.
I definitely didn’t know they, I guess I’m referring to the carbon fiber found on super cars 
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Aye, maybe - when I think of carbon fibre though I picture lovely pre-preg carbon fibre weave that’s cured in an autoclave to create lightweight motorbike panels and other farkles 
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Story Time
Today I had to move the last pieces of furniture into my new apartment and my pops lended a hand. Him and I always get lost in conversations and then we end up not getting things done, it’s a bit funny but I love talking to him about random things, we’re always so interested and engaged in the conversation and it really makes it a fun time. Plus, he’s such a character. He’s old Italian guy that grew up with a million brothers and sisters in the north end of Boston, of course he’s a character.
Anyways - my whole obsession with music and audio started with him, growing up with his collection of CDs and big ass stereo set up in the living room. I really do credit him for my love of music now that I’m an adult. Well, today was the first day I really got to share with him where that obsession has taken me.
He chose Comfortably Numb for the Sundaras and When the Levee Breaks for the Monarch’s. I remember distinctly when it hit him - he said “Dom, I have goosebumps right now, Woooooahhh” with a huge smile on his face during Comfortably Numb.
When I showed him the entire collection, of course like the father that he is, he told me the importance of saving money, buying a house, yadayadayada.
That all went away when I pressed play.
I just wanted to share this small story with you guys as it was a highlight of my day.
Enjoy this pic of the old man rocking out 
Take care, guys.
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I love everything about this
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It’s all about sharing, brother.
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Getting lost in the conversation with your pop? That has had no price! The fact this time was about audio is the icing on the cake 
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