I do have G5 but not BTR7 though. I got approx 5-6 hours of continuous listening on a mid-gain 40% knob volume directly connected via USB-C as source if that helps. I’m using it on a daily basis since a month after it got released.
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Thanks for the impressions! I owned the Canon some time ago, and I think the 010 and 001 will be interesting for you. The 000 setting was quite bassy, although it was still very fun.
I also found it interesting how your sound preferences have changed - I’m curious if mine have as well. I know for sure that I’m a timbre-head now, after mainly listening to TGXEAR and EA500 sets 
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Thanks for the info brother 
Looks like I might be switching to the G5 then
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G5 is really worth it! and if you maybe have an Q5K lying around like I had you can use AUX in of G5 and make use of the PEQ
In AUX mode battery life is much longer, Q5K is the weak point battery wise in this case but as I use it on the computer every now and then it gets some juice while listening to music
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Akros just posted a video on the Whizzer KylinAcoustic HE10, something he compares extensively to the Simgot EA500 in terms of price, performance and quality.
It’s worth noting that he does not claim that one is better than the other, and that you should not go get the Whizzer HE10 immediately if you already own the EA500.
Here is a screenshot of their graphs, where the blue is the HE10, whilst red being the EA500
He states that the HE10 sounds like it has a slight boost in the bass-region, but only when the song really has that lower frequency bass. He says they both have that same beautiful detail retrieval, technicalities, soundstage and giving that airy sound.
I for one am cursed with that the EA500 nozzle doesn’t fit me well, as well as did the bandaid mod to my pair to get that slight bump in bass. I still pick up my EA500 probably the most out of all my iems, and push through the pain just because the sound is simply excellente. Needless to say, I am very tempted to try these.
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What sound signature does Akros prefer or is his favorite anyhow?
I would base my guess on his target/preferred sound based on his Erasmus collab
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It’s a hard call, cause he tends to see the positives in a lot of sets. But generally I’d say he appreciates a neutral-warm sound signature. Something with a bit of soul to it, and not too lean.
Some notable sets he has praised:
Simgot EA500
KZ X HBB PR2
Dunu SA6 MK2
Juzear 41T
AüR Audio lineup
Aful Performer 5
ISN EST50
Penon Fan 2
Penon Serial
Yanyin Canon
These are obviously sets I have been interested in as well, can’t speak for the videos I haven’t seen.
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Gosh, these little suckers are outstanding.
KZxHBB PR2
I could pay $400 instead of $40 and I’d still be pretty overwhelmed by the sound quality they offer.
Very dynamic, full of energy, yet detailed and holographic. Not congested by any means.
They pair well with Whizzer EasyTips SS20.
Can’t do much cable rolling at the time since these are my first KZs ever and I have yet to order anything compatible with their proprietary pins.
One thing worth noting: they are very INsensitive. I had to crank up my volume knob up to 45-50 /100 in TempoTec March III which, for me, is a record breaking value.
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He likes many different sets, from my talks with him it can be both more lush sounding sets or more detailed lean sets.
@trouble mention very many of the sets he loves. For example I think he prefers the SA6 MK2 over the Neon Pro because of the slightly relaxed treble, same for 41T over the SR05 for the same reason.
Penon Serial and VE SIE that both have a more analogue and lush sound that he loves. But he can also like more neutral or bright sets when they are tuned good.
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It’s a panda type of night tonight, and while my listening session is quickly coming to an end, I just need to highlight these beauties for a few reasons;
Numero uno is the fact that they are simply amazing devices in which to transmit audio into your ears. Truly. I know a lot of people listen to and love planars but I also know an equal amount of folks don’t jive with the planar sound, but I can assure you; if timbre and tonality is the main issue for you, these are not offenders of any sort of planar timbre. They are DD like in presentation - smooth, articulated, warm and relaxing without sacrificing on technicalities. I saw a comment earlier over on head-fi where someone was surprised someone would value timbre and tonality over techs so much. I used to be like this as well - but I think as you go on in this hobby, hearing the smallest most minute details can remain fun, but it won’t be what determines an IEMs value. These honestly changed that for me. I can say that the OG Wu or HBB Hook X may have better techs in terms of overall resolution, but when you A/B all 3 of them side-by-side, the difference in naturalness is the main highlight. That’s not to say that the Pandas are lacking in the detail department either, don’t get me wrong, they have plenty of little nuances within their presentation - they just aren’t as in your face as the other planar brothers. The timbre supports the rest of the overall presentation so well, that it is addicting and I mean that. For genres like Jazz where it is strictly (mostly) physical instrumentation, there is no better planar I’ve heard, maybe even on the market period - which leads me to my next point;
The market has been getting stale. Let’s face it. This forum has had its slow days more often than not lately and it’s almost like the IEM market has started to become the Smartphone world where each release is such a rat race to just put a new product out on the market in order to remain relevant while only really providing either a small incremental improvement or even, a flat out side-grade. The Pandas are an old set by IEM standards and yet, it still remains special and absolutely, without a doubt, competitive in every sector and description we tend to use on reviews.
My point is; don’t go chasing the rabbit - enjoy what you have if you have something that you enjoy. Collecting is one thing and I get that, the curiosity in this hobby will always be there, but understanding and remembering what we’re all doing here in the first place is pivotal;
Music.
Enjoy your night fellas, sorry for the random ramblings 
(Ps. As always, thank you to my tour buddies for providing such an experience for me on nights like this - you guys are amazing )
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Very well said. It’s a strong testament to the Pandas performance and tuning when there’s many times I reach for these vs IEMs 5 to 10 times their cost.
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I love everything about this post! This is what we are hear for. I also agree 1000% about the market stalling out. Imo it’s never been a better time to get into the hobby but as someone whose been in it I don’t see anything interesting coming out. Maybe when xMEMs drops but at the moment it’s either budget or totl releases
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Awesome writeup! PSA: I haven’t ordered from this Alix store before, but they have pandas for 88 USD.
https://a.aliexpress.com/_Ezq3w2Z
Store reviews are very good, but purchase after doing your own due diligence
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Anyone tried or graphed the EPZ K5 apart from Akros?
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I’ve never crossed the $300 mark, so I need some advice here… Is it worth changing two $200-$300 very good sets by a $600 one? As I never touched or experienced IEM’s in the $500-$600 range I don’t know what to expect and if the law of diminishing returns will hit hard and make me regret of this movement.
I appreciate some advice from the more experienced here 
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Absolutely, in my case, 10x the cost. The monarch’s can go a little neglected at times, but that’s okay. The pandas deserve the attention.
Very true, I think a new tech like xMEMS will revitalize the market but as of right now, there’s never been a better time if you’re a beginner, while also being a pretty boring time if you’ve been in it for a while in terms of new releases. I predict the side-grade releases will slow down dramatically by the end of the summer and we’ll really see a big drought unless one of those new techs are released to market.
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Are you happy with your two sets?
If you are, then you don’t need to upgrade to a $600 set.
If you’re looking for a change or something different, then yes, there CAN be an upgrade up at or over $500. But if you like what you have, there’s no need to go further up. Dom is literally talking about how a $100 IEM makes him feel as much or more than his $600-1000 sets at times.
What are you looking for in your journey? The will guide whether you spend up or not
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I feel that, I have only gone above $200 three times. 7Hz Timeless, while being a great set, the S12 was better in many ways, but similar enough, and $70 less. The Mangird Tea was $260 when I got it, and it is still one of my favorite sets. The Xenns Mangird Tea2 is the slightly more V shaped version that replaced the Tea, and it is pretty amazing. I have thought about getting the Xenns UP but I am not sure if I would get enough value of a set that pricey ( $700 ).
I have to admit that with the number of good affordable sets out right now, I would have a hard time justifying the very small improvements that are had for the extra money. Things like the Simgot EA500, the QKZxHBB, Galileo, Olina SE, and P1 Max, are all great and under $100.
I think it ends up being more about how it hits you.
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are you talking new prices or used? I am a big fan of buying used as you can get some really good deals on IEMs that make an upgrade worth it. In my opinion I haven’t found anything in the 5-600 (new) range thats a big enough jump from stuff in the 2-300 range.
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