If you are honest to yourself you quickly notice that real life difference between best wired IEMs and decent BT TWS is marginal and probably indistinctuishable in most of the real love scenarios when you listen to music. We are just futile in audiophile community :); I don’t mind it though g
3 Likes
While we’re talking TWS.
The last 48h I drove 1600km through Europe mostly Autobahn with average speed of 130 km/h. 90% of the driving time I listened to music with two TWS and ANC on.
Alternating between the Huawei Freebuds Pro 2 and the Devialet Gemini whenever the battery ran low.
First of all I love these to TWS so much. Great sound, super effective ANC even on low, highly recommended.
Anyway the big revelation for me was that I noticed how loud car driving actually is. Now after arriving at my destination I feel so much more relaxed without that common long-drive head droning and without that temporary tinnitus syndrome.
3 Likes
sorry, can’t agree to this with listening so far.
Not a chance time to up your game if you can’t hear a difference. I can noticeably on the same device between BT and wired.
Can I agree with the stock tips on the XM4’s. Sounded really bad to me. Haven’t played with the EQ so I can’t talk much on that, but the stock sound to me (with silicon tips) is still a good step behind the modded Olinas. For me it’d be AirPods Pro 2–>Galaxy Buds2 Pro—>AirPods Pro 1/ XM4s. YMMV!
Try the XM4’s with a good EQ and silicone tips - that really opens them up and sets them apart from the Airpods Pro 1 (1st gen - I have both). As an EQ you could try (+3 at 2,5k, +6 at 6.3k, +6 at 16k). I also think that having the option to EQ them inside their app (and having the EQ saved to the earbuds) is a very important advantage of the XM4’s compared to other buds.
Don’t be sorry, be happy you’re not hearing it the way I’m hearing it. 
1 Like
Sounds like you are describing Timeless. Bass rumble, a bit bright, good resolution. You won’t be disappointed.
So I have an EQ app on my mac and phone which allows me to EQ all my sets (even TWS), so I guess that advantage doesn’t really do much for me, but again, I can see that being very useful for others who are willing to fiddle. I also in general just don’t like EQing TWS since I’ve run into multiple connectivity issues and distortions. Tips wise I tried multiple, but tbh I just don’t think it’s worth all the effort when the AirPods Pro 2 sounds already really good stock. I can see it being a nice set for people who like warmer signatures though 
1 Like
Do you have the AirPods Pro 1 to compare? How would you describe the changes from 1 to 2?
If you don’t mind me asking what EQ are you using for Mac and iPhone? I was under the impression that iOS does not allow full system EQ… if someone has gotten around that it would be great to see.
You got me wrong I think, I know there is and I can hear the difference when I listen carefully. What I was saying is that in most typical use cases of IEMs you listen on the go, at work doing something and then this slight difference (heard while critical listening or ABing) is not so important anymore 
2 Likes
On Mac, I can recommend Soundsource for EQ. One time purchase at 40 USD. But you can try it out first. On iPhone, there is no full system EQ. You would have to use something like a Qudelix 5K. I wonder, as Vividici_111 was refering to his “phone”, if he’s an Android user.
1 Like
$12, or the time taken to audition and return it. It’s to do with driver performance at that price. Case in point, the HBBxQKZ has excellent tuning. The tonality is really good. But the technicalities are mediocre and there’s an overall timbre to it that reminds me of other $20 sets. I think there’s only so much that can be done with driver materials available at this price. Don’t get me wrong, I think HBB has done everything possible with the driver, it sounds as good as it’s going to, and it sounds good. But if I’m not going to reach for it, it’s still a needless buy.
In other words, if I only had $20 for an IEM then absolutely, and I’d be blessed that tuning like this are available at the price. But because I have IEMs that are better (like the Serial obviously will be), there’s no point in having something just for fun.
Even the Fan does not have typical driver tech for its cost, the timbre is well above its price range. But again, the Fan starts no lower than $70 so we’d expect that.
So even if it’s excellent it’s redundant for me to buy, but I’m sure it’s a godsend if it’s all someone can get. At least with the HBBxQKZ it’s very very good for the price, what would only be achievable for $70-100 a year or year and a half ago.
2 Likes
The reason I’m pushing isn’t because I think you’ll think it’s better than the Penons of the world. But your opinion matters about Bass sets, and for people that can’t spend Penon money, they need to know they have options. Just like people needed to know Chu and Zero exist, they should know QKZ and Rosefinch exist too. I just want people to know about this really good set and if a bass guy like you won’t even try it, why would anyone else?
2 Likes
That’s fair. Alright, I’ll probably check one out before the day’s close! The graph comparison was a nice touch!
1 Like
5 Likes
Order placed. Did I see “biological” in the driver material name??? Very promising if so, biodynamics have produced my favorite bass so far. I’ll get it Tuesday. $12.83 total.
3 Likes
Ya I have both the Pro 1 and 2, as well as the Galaxy Buds2 Pro and the XM4 (borrowed). Impressions:
Buds2 Pro:
@Kenyon And yes, sorry I didn’t clarify. I‘m currently using ann Android so the EQ would be on the Android. My audio chip is messed up on my iPhone. Sorry for getting your hopes up haha
1 Like