Just to say thank you on the KBEAR Rosefinch recommendation. This is insanely fun IEM.
It reminds me of my CAL!2 headphone but bass is more extreme, midrange more even and treble is darker. Non fatiguing ( except for bass, but that is not fatigue but adrenalin shot ) so it really calls for higher volumes. And then the bass is even more crazy.
This is really EDM / modern production specialist. It has it’s party trick, but it does it fantastic. A budget version of Focus EDM. Never mind how expensive IEM you have in the stable, this is a great addition.
I planed it for a gift, but seems I’ll have to get another one.
Sounds like the Ripples would be my jam in the TGXear lineup. Thanks for the quick impression. I’ve been wanting to pull the trigger on one of his builds just constantly torn on which. This may have helped. Would you say any closely compare to a rikubud or if it’s even worth the extra cost for Ripples?
I have thoughts about both of these questions, but I’m going to wait until I’m not answering them off of memory. When I get my Grand Rider (and RBW’s Grand Archer/Serratus) back from Dom, I’ll make sure I can come back to these.
Just got done with a ~4 1/2 hour hangout/listening session with @rattlingblanketwoman , what a top dude! Finally got the chance to hear some Yanyin & Penon units (Canon and Fan 2, which he graciously let me borrow for extended listening) as well as getting to geek out over headphones, music, the hobby and life in general. Great way to spend the evening!
Talk about a humble and generous guy. I have both the U6T and Mest MKII to borrow, after finally trying the likes of the Isabellae, two Rikubuds, and the CA Nova. Guy is insanely smart, with some very varied life experiences. Kind, friendly, and great to talk to!
I don’t really spend any time hanging out 1 on 1 with anyone in the first place, and certainly don’t have any friends in the hobby, so this was such a great opportunity for both to come together.
Extra shout out to my lovely wife for being happy for and supportive of this happening, taking care of dinner and bedtime for the wee ones.
This really is so different to the average forum, especially audio forums. Long may this place flourish!
Edit:
I was going to say “Not that it’s helpful information to anyone, but the U6t sound how I imagined the Meteor (which I haven’t tried) would sound”
Checked a squig to see if my based-on-nothing idea of the Meteor’s sound actually is anything like the U6t:
What a ridiculously beautiful way to wake up today.
Absolutely love this. Even though IEMs, headphones and Audio as a whole can be very subjective, personal experiences, this hobby is all about the community, the camaraderie and the journey. I’ve learned that this year and it’s invaluable.
Here’s to more audiophile friendships and brotherhoods
I think the Lancer class is closest to Ripples. But without a Grand Lancer in the lineup, it’s a bloodbath in comparison
I’ve had some Ripples/Serratus time because Dom is still under the weather and dropped RBW’s box of goodies back off to me. Put some morning listening time in and I have some impressions.
In terms of your question @rattlingblanketwoman, both Serratus and Ripples can of course fall into that category. It would come down to taste, library, and instant emotional connection what set does that for any person, but yes both of these sets are capable of pulling that emotion out of you.
It’s just that Ripples pulled that out for me.
All the pretty words and descriptions (soundstage this, punchy that, etc.) are pedantic: Either of these earbuds are endgame shit. The only way to know the difference between two different kinds of perfect, is if you have them side-by-side to compare. If you have one or the other what’s the actual difference then? If you buy both, I don’t know if you’d need to buy anything else in this hobby. You’re done, game over.
If you still need me to give you something: Serratus and Ripples are complimentary sets. Serratus is more airy with a wider, larger soundstage where you’re going to get a superior presence; Ripples is more intimate and natural with body and a perfect mid-bass to upper-mid performance.
I think most people would edge Serratus ahead of Ripples, especially if you’re a soundstage/sparkles chaser. One isn’t “better” than the other. It’s about preference.
If you’ve followed my thread for any amount of time, if you’ve heard the sets I’ve heard and vibed with me, if I’ve dropped a recommendation that hit home for you, this next paragraph is for you:
I don’t know how much money you’d have to spend to more precisely hit everything I love in a set that reproduces music, but it’s not worth it. I may come across something better than this, but I have no reason to try. I’m quick to try and demo and listen to different sets because I can have an insane amount of curiosity and I need to know what’s out there. I am deliberate when BUYING sets to keep. When I buy something for me, it’s going to stick because I don’t like to swing and miss. Ripples is an extra-inning, 2 out, walk-off grand slam! But I’m still not telling you have to buy this. $300 is still $300. But without the hyperbole and drunkenness, Serratus is a masterpiece but when it’s time to give it back to RBW, I will not hesitate. Ripples though (for me), is like Panda to @MMag05 and Mini to @domq422: Instantly Irreplaceable
) so it really calls for higher volumes. And then the bass is even more crazy.
Everything else is perfect.