Wasn’t sure about the looks but they are better in real life, like 'em. Wasn’t sure what cable I’d get with 4.4mm termination, actually like the hardware and it’s soft/well behaved. Fit very comfortable (so far).
Quick spin through some tunes, very quick impressions (I am no expert so usual salt, pinch, take applies). For me, I think the bass DD maybe? has less snap (slower decay?) that doesn’t quite work as well with hard, fast music eg Slipknot, Machine Head, Slayer compared to the UM 3DT and I’ll also add the Olina [stock] in here. They also don’t have as much treble ‘bite’ to them as the 3DT, which for me I find really works on this part of my library.
On the other hand older classic rock sounds very, very good through these - like AC/DC Powerage ( @Ohmboy 's fault ), Fleetwood Mac, Deep Purple. As indeed does Public Enemy (Brothers Gonna Work It Out just hit the shuffle).
What’s good about this journey is learning all the time about my preferences and also that I’m not particularly treble sensitive (age playing a part no doubt!) - I have no issues with long listening sessions with the 3DTs, although they do demand your attention some times.
Yeah I think the biocellulose (ie paper) DD in Penon Serial (same with Yanyin IEMs) has a relaxed and loose bass quality. I like the Aladdin bass - might get the Canon sometime as an upgrade. I bet @rattlingblanketwoman would agree with your impressions!
The Serials get better/more coherent/clearer over time. They need some time like good wine. The slower decay will stay though but that’s what I love about them.
I switch between the provided green tips and epro horn tips.
Good to know, I’ll definitely be giving them time - I do like them, just don’t work as well as other IEMs I have for some of my library. I’ve flirted with both types of the stock silicon tips, but Med CP100s are doing it for me at the moment. I did get some L epro horns to try on my 3DTs as it happens, but they just don’t create a seal for me. They were the ones with larger bore (01s I think?) to fit the 3DT nozzle so might order the other ones - like all tips stupidly expensive for what they are plus I don’t know what size I’ll need so it’s x 3.
They seem like they’d be real nice although personally I think the Thummim fits my preferences better. I’m getting more into 2ch now so all my money is going there instead
CRA with Xelastec tips and deep insertion is a true upgrade to the VK4. Similarly great tuning, more clarity, less fatiguing bass, and the narrow nozzles fit me better. I can definitely side sleep with these, no problem. The treble quality on these is outstanding - very natural sounding, a touch bright, but not thin nor fatiguing.
Orchestra, as all expensive OEMs I’ve owned, is a disappointment. Despite a reputation for being really well tuned, it doesn’t sound very natural to me, be it with voices, piano or strings. It’s a weird combination of thick/withdrawn combined with unnaturally bright treble. I may need to play with tips some more, but the comparatively awkward fit doesn’t motivate me to.
Playing around with various Tips on the Monarch gives a ridiculous amount of variation. I’m currently rocking the cylindrical translucent tips provided with the timeless, medium size and I find those to sound the absolute best albeit sacrificing on isolation as they do let in more outside noise compared to a foam. I tried foam as well, great seal of course but they seem to emphasize the low end a hair too much. I got
Some ePro EP00 tips waiting for me at home, a recommendation by the man @DaveB him self, I’m hoping those are a good fit for me.
Now, to replace the cable. It’s just too heavy and the ear hooks don’t quite fit my ears well. I may play around with changing the form Of the hooks but, the weight of the cable is definitely a problem for on the go listening.
I’m also looking to replace and upgrade my FiiO BTR3K. It’s a great little device, truly, but I am just not too informed on the DAC side of this hobby. Can anyone recommend a great, portable DAC for under $200 that would suite the Monarch MKIIs? There are so many options I’m beginning to Get slightly overwhelmed and I can’t seem to find a good one site or page to compare all the options.
As portable as possible honestly. As long as something has a battery and can be taken around in a small satchel, I’m good! The desk top set up will come one day
You won’t get much choice if you want clean power + all the bells and whistles;
It wont be as small as your BTR3k.
If you don’t mind the size and to use a dongle (like apple dongle or anything alike) to plug it, Topping NX7 is a no brainer. The reason for its price versus the competition is actually pretty simple: no dac, no BT, no buttons, just crystal clean ESS power. 1.4w power, negative gain, 0.1ohm OI.
Thanks for that, @DaveB. Reading the write up I can confidently say most of it goes over my head lol but from what I can understand, it seems like a solid option. I will definitely look into where I can grab one in a relatively reasonable time frame. Thanks again for the rec!
Interesting. I was looking at the NX7 briefly the other day. It looks very pocketable, and the no BT isn’t necessarily a deal breaker for me. I can always just use the BTR3 if I need the BT. I will look into it, thanks brother!
), Fleetwood Mac, Deep Purple. As indeed does Public Enemy (Brothers Gonna Work It Out just hit the shuffle).
)
Portable is as good as it gets. Transportable is a whole new thing 
