Penon Archangel and ISN EST80. Both look great with the GY HI-FI aftermarket cables.
Archangel sounds very bassy, slightly colored yet fun and decently technical. Also, it’s versatile with the 2 switches that can actually change how it sounds. There are 3 sound signatures ranging from U, L or V shape depending on your mood. My fav switch config is 1-1 due to its great V shape sound with its fun bombastic bass. Also, the treble sounds energetic, detailed, well extended and yet is mostly fatigue free surprisingly.
But, the vocals ain’t my jam as it sounded more on the neutral and balanced side rather than musical. I would prefer the vocals to be more forward, thicker and lush. It ain’t a big deal breaker tho, just simply not hitting my sound preferences.
However, what really pissed me off was the Cadmus II stock cable being absolute trash. I found it to be malleable, the weaving is loose and the same with the connector. I had to return the Cadmus II cable and will receive the ASOS+ cable and the orange ear tips as replacement. I’m glad I just got the GY HI-FI cables for better aesthetics and build quality. Do better Effect Audio and Penon, that’s absolutely disappointing and pathetic for your $250 cable being this useless. If rate the Archangel solely on the sound then it’s a 8.5/10 but for the overall package, it’ll be a 7.5/10.
The ISN EST80 is a W shape sounding IEM and sounds very colored, fun and decently technical. It has a better stock cable ironically due to its cheaper price compared to the Archangel. The stock cable has a much tighter weaving, not pliable and the connector is a lot tighter this time.
The bass is well balanced and doesn’t favor the sub/midbass. Also, it’s textured, has a good kick and hits deep when needed. Bass quantity it’s not even close to the Archangel in comparison but for bass quality the EST80 is on par. Mids are great especially the vocals cuz it sounds thick, lush and forward just like how I wanted. Treble is energetic and detailed but the airiness could be better, quite ironic given the 2 EST drivers. I might have to tip roll to improve overall treble. I’ll give the EST80 an 8.3/10.
Both IEMs scale well with volume but the fit and comfort goes to the EST80 due to its slightly smaller size and more ergonomic fit. The Archangel is large and chonky, for me it’s a non issue but to some, good luck.
If you want a fun yet balanced sound then get the EST80. If you only care about bass and nothing else then get the Archangel.