Well, this says a lot about how well they deliver on technicalities. It’s awesome to see it exceeding your expectations!
1 Like
So I’ve been getting into speakers moreso than headphones and IEMs recently and one thing that’s interesting is it’s apparently really important to compare and test speakers in mono as opposed to stereo. So I wonder if any of you IEM/headphone reviewers have tried that? 
Oh here’s the research on mono listening with speakers in case you’re wondering https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=7kDr0vEdfhY
1 Like
If I’ve understood the paper correctly, this has pretty much entirely to do with the spatial physics involved with speaker-listening that are completely irrelevant for headphone/IEM listening.
That said, I imagine listening to mono tracks make it easier to pick out certain characteristics of reproduction that stereo effects in other mixes may distract from, e.g. if you’re really trying to hone in on the tonality/technicality of a set. Stereo sounds good though, so the idea is hard sell for me 
Most music produced in mono is old too, so your selection would be pretty limited (and often poorer quality) unless you use DSP to downmix stereo to mono, but then you’re adding another layer of confusion.
3 Likes
Yeah its a hard sell for sure since stereo sounds so much better 
My understanding is they actually did the blind listening tests in both mono and stereo before writing their conjecture on why their findings which as the video points out shows mono to be much less forgiving than stereo listening.
Yeah, but I think those differences noted can be attributed to the complex interactions between the speakers in freespace (dispersion patterns of the drivers, phase interactions, etc). Those things aren’t factors when listening to headphones/IEMs, since the sound very conveniently gets piped right into their respective earholes = almost zero interaction between the left and right sides. 
2 Likes
Got a pricey one for you here! I think the most expensive set I’ve heard to date, and from friends in Poland no less! 
I enjoyed listening to the CraftEars Omnium for a couple weeks. It’s a $2700 USD hybrid IEM featuring a tribrid setup with a 9.2mm dynamic driver, 10mm planar magnetic driver, and five balanced armatures in a 6-way crossover design. It has an impedance of 12Ω ±0.8Ω, sensitivity not published. This is a unit on tour with AudioGeek EU, so thanks to them!
The tuning is engaging with some intensity. Detail retrieval very good, with excellent separation across all frequencies without being treble-forward. Other sets might emphasize cymbal decay or spatial cues more prominently, but the Omnium strikes a nice balance.
The bass is one of the most satisfying I’ve heard - fast, snappy, and incredibly tight while still delivering a nice kick. There’s more emphasis on subbass than midbass, with great extension. This tuning really shines with synths, pop, and hip-hop, though it’s less impactful with kick drums and bass guitars.
Vocal presentation feels well balanced with good weight and a bit of space, avoiding an overly intimate presentation. There’s some intensity in the upper mids that might fatigue sensitive listeners during longer sessions, but it suited me quite well. The mids have good body and weight overall.
Comfort is good despite the medium to large shell size. The stems are long enough that the body doesn’t contact other parts of my ear, making these very comfortable despite the shell size. Sound isolation is above average, providing excellent reduction of surrounding noise.
I preferred this tuning over the Letshuoer Cadenza 12 (2024) and Dunu Glacier when comparing them directly. The Omnium’s combination of razor-sharp bass reproduction and excellent separation throughout the frequency range makes it stand out, though each set has its own strengths. I’ll be posting a comparison between the three soon!
10 Likes
Thanks for posting your impressions - I need to hear this!
1 Like
Hexa pulling a surprise move—love that! The Volume S sounds like a solid upgrade. What made you fall out of love with the EA1000?
It’s the tuning overall, for I am so tired of IEMs that have a V-shaped tuning. Sure it’s not exactly fully V-shaped but it’s close to that signature overall. Not only the tuning, also its tonality as well for the Pilgrims to me are more natural sounding than the EA1000. They are still impressive in some aspects like its technicalities but technicalities can only take you so far when the foundational tuning is not at your preference.
Lately for me, it’s been neutral or balance, and yes there will be some of those occasions where I prefer an IEM that might be neutral or balanced with a bit of warmth. But most of the time, I don’t want too much coloration on my tuning.
1 Like
Completely get where you’re coming from. Technicalities are great, but if the foundational tuning doesn’t click, it’s hard to stay engaged and by the looks of it seems like the Pilgrims hit that spot for you
1 Like
Yeah, I totally get that. No matter how strong the technicalities are, if the tuning doesn’t sit right, it’s hard to be invested.
1 Like
Ok continuing on, since I have managed to sell my ifi ZEN DAC V1, Hidizs MP145, Kefine Delci AE and my Simgot EA1000, I have gathered a total of $260 from my previous business transactions from the marketplace. Now I am currently looking for an IEM set that is at that price range and I was originally going to get the Softears Volume S but someone already beaten me to it. So right now I am looking for an IEM set that is like similar to the Volume S or at least a neutral/balanced IEM that is on that price range, so any recommendations fron you cool folks will be appreciated.
1 Like
I appreciate the link but I am afraid the shipping costs will be too damn high for me to undertake since I am from the other part of the world, particularly at SEA. But man it’s such a shame that there is one like that priced at the exact amount I need.
1 Like
Musicteck is selling the Volume S for $271 open box, like new. Find $11 in your couch cushions and buy it!
I appreciate the link but I am afraid you’re a bit too late on that for I have already bought a new set for the Volume S. I hope I will like this set for there are some who told me that this is like an upgraded version of the Truthear Hexa which I still love to use all the time. I mean no problem though, if like days or weeks that I never like Volume S, I could always sell it.
1 Like
Good luck! I hope you’ll dig the Volume S.
I had it on a tour for a week earlier this month, and I didn’t want to forward it to the next person! I miss the Volume S – a sure sign it was a good match for me.
2 Likes
Yeah I hate that when that happens, when you have finally find the right match for your ears and sound preference but you have to give it back to its original owner or if you have your own, sell it due to some valid reasons, that’s where the regret comes out.
1 Like
Regret, but with the gift of clarity that I know this is a good set for me. I wouldn’t miss it if it wasn’t! 
1 Like
I’m getting some super magic synergy with DX180 and Pilgrim OG. Dang. Sub bass is still changing with only 40 hours on them.
More time on the Pilgrims and the treble magic has faded away to…well it’s gone. I was really enjoying them but they sound way too safe now. The bass seems to have less impact as well. I’ve checked a few times over a few days to ensure it’s not my ears or allergies etc. Himalya still sound great throughout for me.
1 Like