Superior and Sennheiser Momentum 3’s timbre (not tuning) sounds pretty close to me, maybe they are using similar drivers.
If the tuning is a bit better (currently that’s a Japan domestic Pop genre targeting), I’d think Superior is justifiable single DD purchase for $100.
At least not like DLC/CNT type of forced sounding treble.
By the way I’ll probably review similarly tuned KBEAR streamer (or maybe they are the same drivers), let’s see.
I also appreciate the element of a “wow factor,” which is why I’ve found that many pricey IEMs aren’t worth it, especially balanced or neutral(w/ bass boost) sound signature IEMs that costs between $1-3k. In my view, this initial sense of amazement often requires a unique tuning of the frequency response that stands out to the listener, combined with a high level of technical prowess. Examples would the be Elysian Annihilator, FiR Xe6, CA Trifecta, FatFreq Maestros, etc.
On that note, the UM MM stood out as an exception for me. It’s the only IEM (including headphones from $1-5k I’ve heard) where the “balanced” tuning of the Mentor managed to convince me that its value was relatively worth it. This is significant as I believe the Monarch Mk2 should be valued at around $500 for a wired IEM.
I share a similar experience with you when it comes to the balanced tuning of the Mentor. When I first listened to it, I did not personally experience the “wow factor” that I typically seek. The reason I felt it was actually priced right was because in each area where some other IEM’s tuning would have been “exposed”, the Multiverse Mentor never got exposed in any area and in comparison, sounded more mature and sophisticated. It is 1 IEM not failing in any aspect as though it was doing a 1 vs 5 and chilling in all criteria. (Most of the kilobuck+ IEMs don’t outright fail in some aspect to be fair. Often they all pass but Mentor is more refined/solid when A/B’ing)
Ofc, that is in regard to performance and sound depth, which means it’s something you don’t realize until you do. If pitted up against the unique traits of other IEMs, like Annihilator’s light treble, Jewel’s spaciousness/airiness, FatFreq’s sub-bass thickness, Trifecta’s blanket of sound, or another IEM’s very warm/emotive vocals, all of these (combined with good technicalities) stand out more because that is their superpower.
Anyway, the UM MM is the only IEM without an “initial” wow factor that still made me bow my head to its price. Ofc, for ppl seeking a specific sound signature, no summit-fi will fully please them if the tuning doesn’t match. (example is if they heard a demo 5 years ago and are on a hunt for that sound, they will be disappointed by many summit-fi that doesn’t match the tuning but they don’t realize this). UM MM, due to its balanced tuning, will suffer a bit more when it comes to initial wow factor.
With that being mentioned, there is a subtle touch of warmth within the MM’s balanced sound signature. It doesn’t quite cross the threshold to be classified as a fully warm IEM, but it possesses enough warmth to evoke a refined and elevated sensation, while also being capable of conveying an airy quality in specific tracks. So rather than exhibiting warm and emotive vocals, the MM presents itself as sophisticated and imbued with depth.
Wow, sounds like you found a perfect match for you and I’m sure plenty of others feel the same about the MM or they wouldn’t be making it.
BTW, when I say “wow factor” I don’t mean some kinda tuning that makes a particular area stand out. I mean an overall presentation that provides and experience that’s beyond what I can get with IEMs that I can purchase for less. I actually tend to prefer IEMs that are fairly neutral and tend to find those that use tuning tricks to create cool spatial effects or increased perceived detail to be fatiguing and unnatural sounding.
Out of curiosity, did you try any other TOTL IEMs that you found similarly worthy or did you try any that you thought were vastly overpriced and, if so, why? I love seeing how other people view things like this which is why I’m asking.
Any Campfire Atlas owners here? At ~360 USD (Pre-Owned) is it a good IEM? I’m thinking of replaceing my Legato with this one for fun listening.
NiceHCK Headphone Case
Was interested in getting another Effect Audio Case, the new NiceHCK offering was interesting and I could also get a 9 slot for half the price of EA.
Quality is not as high as Camber Case, but for this cost I can not complain.
It look good and has large room, the walls can be rearranged after what suits you.
The Velcro could have been better, so the walls is not super secure.
https://www.aliexpress.com/item/100…order_list.order_list_main.16.4f9c1802iKzVUU
Hey guys, what was that Mele mod to help negate the condensation build up?
It was a filter replacement from a different set right?
This will be a bit of a mess of scattered thoughts. Among some premium options, I’ve heard (or demoed for most) the UM Multiverse Mentor, Elysian Annihilator 2023, Elysian Diva 2023, FiR XE6, CA Trifecta, Noble Ronin, Penon Impact, Anole VX, FatFreq Grand Maestro, FatFreq Maestro SE, 64Audio U12t, 7th Acoustics Supernova, Rhapsodio Infinity Mk2, Mest Indigo, Mest Mk3, Monarch Mk2, V16 Divinity, SR8 (probably forgot some others). Ones I have my eyes on and researched about but have not heard are the Jewel, IE900, and IE600 (I have researched Storm but ultimately lost interest in it based on that).
As regard to value, I’ve found that most of the IEMs priced over $1,000 (excluding summit-fi models) don’t quite align with my perception of worth, as I’ve mentioned before. For the summit-fi models, the subjective aspect of tuning preference often comes into play, making them worth it to some but not necessarily to me.
For instance, the FatFreq Maestro SE exhibits added weight, richness and substance, imparting a thick, cozy and enveloping quality from the bass elevated to that extent, but it overshadows certain midrange details and veils the treble response. It’s not worth it for me but it is the best IEM that does this in our current market.
As such, you get the idea of how in our current audio landscape, summit-fi IEMs with specific targeted tunings are challenging to criticize, particularly if they combine exceptional technology with their particular tuning.
I would’ve said Anole VX would’ve been worth it, but in today’s market the Annihilator takes over and in addition has better bass for a treblehead IEM. So now, Annihilator “yes” and Anole VX “no” (imo). However, it’s important to note that the Annihilator, while superior in some respects, doesn’t qualify as an all-rounder and might not cater to all genres, even with its enhanced bass over the obsolete Anole VX.
On a different note, my brief session with the Rhapsodio Infinity Mk2 has left me somewhat undecided. It’s challenging to provide a conclusive judgment as it demonstrated a unique premium audio quality on the high-end desktop setup I demoed. For me, the novelty of its sound presentation, commendable micro dynamics, and expansive soundstage didn’t fully compensate for the absence of the most precise imaging and the most natural timbre at its price point—especially considering the substantial power requirements it entails.
The Jewel is something I’ve had my eyes on but never heard. I’ve read it’s spacious, clear and clean. I have been looking to add this tuning profile (at summit-fi level) to my collection. Despite the appeal, I will say that some aspects I’ve encountered in my research give me pause, but still considering it at 2nd hand market price.
Noble Ronin is cheaper than MM and so worth it imo, slightly focusing more on vocals with slight warmth, which is the only area I can firmly say can be preferred to over the MM (imo). As such, the price seems reasonable. This would be worth it for others, although I have a specialized warm custom-tuned IEM for emotive vocals already, so for me, the value of the Ronin takes a bit of a hit.
Regarding the Penon Impact, I’d personally prefer it to be $500 more affordable. However, in relative terms, the price tag of $2,500 seems justifiable when considering the pricing of the Ronin and MM. However, it’s worth noting that the Impact’s technological aspect falls behind that of the Mentor.
The $1k+ ones like U12t, Monarch Mk2, Elysian Diva, there’s room for reconsideration imo. I’d like the U12t and Monarch Mk2 to be both at $500-$600 and the Diva to be $500-$1,000. The thing is, the Diva doesn’t have the best tech enough to be over $1k imo, as good and unique as the Diva sounds.
Returning to the Mentor, it’s worth mentioning that it stands out as the only IEM I’ve encountered that prompted me to craft an in-depth description of its sonic profile. But this inclination is probably simply due to the Mentor being a bit harder to appreciate and not because I am not impressed with other products. But ultimately, I am probably not one to waste time on doing that.
Anyway, value is difficult, so I would say that for summit-fi, their prices in the used market are well-aligned. What impressed me about the Mentor is, putting it in a simplified/bland way, it’s a summit-fi all-rounder–possibly “the” summit-fi all-rounder. In the sense that when scrutinizing for flaws (particularly concerning harmonics reproduction), whereas other IEMs might make me think “understandable” or “slightly better than anticipated,” the Mentor occasionally led me to think “it’s better” and then the soundstage (not size but spatial presentation), resolution, depth kicks in when I hadn’t intended to assess those, and I thought “I am schooled. So this is a summit-fi all-rounder tuning?”
So, the Mentor had no initial wow factor for me (actually wow factor was my highest weighted criterion). what happened was that I was ended up being schooled by the Mentor, so now I just think if it’s always on sale for $3,600 new (and relatively speaking compared to the current market), I find myself in the unexpected position of being unable to declare it unworthy of its cost. However, I certainly would not recommend anyone in general to buy the Mentor because at the summit-fi price level, it often becomes more feasible to appreciate the tuning of an IEM specialist. Typically, they excel at that aspect while being good-great in others, buyers would not tend to subsequently perceive any other aspect as having room for improvement (if they do not gain awareness of these aspects) which imo justifies the purchase of those IEMs.
So basically, I (and perhaps some others) have been schooled by the Mentor, but I do not feel that necessarily makes the Mentor worth it for others. I can only say that surprisingly, I (personally) couldn’t say it wasn’t worth its price. “wow factor” was my highest weighted criterion in terms of value and probably still is for any new purchase I make, so for general buyers, I’d probably still say go for the wow factor based on the initial listen for the safest bet/value.
PS: important to note that fit can destroy any of these premium IEMs. even when you have a super solid seal that is not real fit. this can make any of the above IEMs sound average.
To clarify, the Mentor was not my perfect match since the sound I am looking for still eludes me (I surmise I need a ~$10k tube-headphone closed back setup to achieve the specific sonic qualities I want). The Mentor isn’t that though, but I was definitely schooled by it.
I feel that Glamdring will rock your world in both price and performance 
Did Mentor teach you that there is a law of diminishing returns? 
I have the Atlas but haven’t heard the Legato… I’d say the Atlas is a very fun IEM to listen. You have bass that is very good in quality and plenty quantity, a terrific soundstage and clear highs… This come to a cost of a bit veiled mids that work for many genres but could annoy on some more vocal-centric tracks.
I love listening to it with electronic and more energetic music. I think it’s bass, soundstage and fun factor might easily please you if that’s your thing.
This is so true. I think part of the reason I love both the Tea and Tea MkII is that they fit me as well as anything not custom could.
Same here for me and Z1R 
Sound Rhyme DTE900 has landed with custom design I chose, first impression is very good. Got that wow factor straight from the go, will come back with more impressions later once I have tried it more.
When it comes to resolution/detail, where would you say the Atlas fits in? Is it as detailed and technical as Mid-Range sets like SA6, IE 600, Mext… Or is it more to the level of Wu, Tea, Blessing 2… Also, I’ve read that it has a fairly wide stage but is the depth/layering any good?
My order for the HiBy R6 Pro II should arrive this week, maybe the pairing of Legato + R6 Pro II will be enough to satisfy me but if not, the Atlas looks like a good option at around 360 USD.
Diminishing returns is so true. I hope my comment did not misrepresent my feelings on this front. My first venture into IEMs above $1k taught me about diminishing returns, which was why I was doubtful of the Mentor beforehand. To be precise, I feel IEMs at the premium level are all overpriced.
It was a generous statement based on “relativity” when I said I could not rebuke the Mentor’s price. If there is no relativity, I would not say any summit-fi is worth it. My belief only holds at this moment in time.
To clarify slightly or reiterate briefly, the Mentor surprised me with how it performed in niche areas from various aspects of a spectrum, which made me “think” this tuning was intricate and elaborate after weighing all trade-offs of tweaking a frequency response. Because this was the first tuning that felt to me like they tested every part of the FR with intention, it is the main reason why I became generous by giving the benefit of the doubt to the R&D this time.
I will add one more praise regarding value I hadn’t touched on outside of the discounted price. The performance of the Mentor I mentioned works on Amp/DACs below $50 as long as it is well-measured, and the Mentor requires no cable swapping. In terms of “relativity”, I feel it’s praiseworthy as mid-fi to summit-fi often requires swapping one or both of these. Examples are how many others show improved tech with unrealistic non-portable amping options (in other words they scale). The Mentor is basically done out of the box without much lost from not choosing to scale (this isn’t something I want to praise about either, but it is what it is if I must focus on value). in other words, no need to spend several thousand on desktop amp/dac, double amping, or aftermarket cable (based on my subjective impressions ofc).
But not to misrepresent myself, if I do not use relativity, then Mentor is overpriced. In addition, I say all summit-fi, all hi-fi, even mid-fi needs to lower their pricing significantly, including Mentor.
Did you get custom shell/faceplate The pictures on Penon look different.
Just because I do know the answer to this from the “dope IEMs” thread - these are a custom shell.
I think a lot of it has more to do with what Precog said, and of course a lot of it depends on the individual for what biases do or do not influence them,
To your last question, I’m not sure if I have any particularly spicy takes, but I’ll point out that hobbies like audio are low-hanging fruit for flexing wealth and they promote echo chambers. This leads to many people feeling compelled to fit in by purchasing what others are purchasing or by sharing the same impressions.
I think it’s also intuitive to think a similar bias (to what you suggest about personal purchases) applies to getting a review sample, in that they won’t appreciate the price of the iem. Though one problem I see in scrutinizing price is that people will try grading by price and then everything looks like Amazon reviews. Then again, there are diminishing returns and it’s definitely possible to like an iem that cost much less relative to more expensive ones.
Yup. That’s all.
