Alright - y’all need to stop, I’m starving now 
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lol I had to eat lunch after I saw this picture
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Symphonium Audio x Elise Audio: Helios SE - First Impressions
Frequency Response Graph:
2023 has been the most boring year for me, audio wise. The plethora of (insert random negative adjective here) IEMs has been over the roof. First, I feel the manufacturers are either apreensive on new/different releases or completly uninspired uninspired. Lately all we’ve been getting is either gargatuous and undeserved price tags or simply ultra budget sets, that let’s be real, most are beaten by a very small margin by next week, for 5 dollars less.
As a costumer, this is great. You can basicly ignore every release and come back for the final scraps by the end of the year, and pick whatever it’s best for your budget - which, depending on, might be the same set you almost bought by the start of year.
Now, as a reviewer, this rollercoaster gets too booring too fast. It’s no secret that most reviewers have been pouring out way less content because, let’s be honest here, there’s not much to talk about. And then stuff like the Helios SE appears out of the the blue. And you stay pragmatic as always. And then you try it. And then you crash on the floor. And then the faith gets restored.
The Helios OG wasnt my thing. The bass was too recessed and the fit was, most likely, top 3 of worst fits I’ve had. In the end, I left it bittersweet: one of the best trebles ever (if not the best), a true technical performer and with some magic… and I just couldnt love it. Needless to say that when SE was introduced to me (everyday for months, thanks @Xavilaw), I was skeptical, to a point I didnt buy it in the first batch. But oh boy was I wrong.
There’s no easy to say this but objectively, the SE is a top performer just like the original Helios, with a more palatable tuning and a way more welcoming fit. The OG still has a slight technical advantage due to the tuning tilt. Still being objective, the SE is one of the best iems of the year, and one people should aspire to demo, although it is limited to 50 units.
Now, I won’t turn this into an actual review, but I gotta feed the ducks in the people are on the fence. Let’s start with the cons, I guess:
- It’s the hardest iem to drive I’ve ever tried, beating it’s predecessor. And I don’t mean on a meme take, but rather on holy jesus you need some power to get to a listening volume. As an actual example, i usually run U12T on - 53db on my L70. SE goes to - 36db. Lol.
- While the fit is much better, it’s still not small and not ergonomic, so earlets might have problems.
- If you live in the EU, you will get tax striked. Thanks Brexit.
- If you need midbass emphasys or you prefer warm tunings, move along.
- You might find yourself playing a lot with tips.
But why is it so good for me, you might ask?
- In a sum, it is very balanced. It clearly reminds me of the original, but Meteor doesn’t leave the back of my mind. To me, it’s clearly in its DNA.
- Insanely well achieved sub-bass shelf. Leave your shoes and preconceived ideas at the door - BA or not, this sub-bass is good.
- Great neutral mid-range with a well cut pinna-gain. Pianos and female vocals are greatly accurate and transparent, without feeling weightless.
- Best in class treble with extension to back it up.
- Great imaging chops, detail retreval and dynamics. Only a step below the front-runners in these departments.
- Fixes the plasticness of the original.
- If you are into sources, you will appreciate this set.
I ain’t gonna sugar coat it. Subjectively speaking, the Helios SE is one of my favourite iems ever, with my favourite treble to date. I have no problem calling it the IEM of the year, and we havent finished the first half yet. And I’m not saying this lightly, as it been trading blows back and forth with Gaea and U12T non-stop.
By the time I’m writing this post, there’s a couple units left. For those who seem attracted and its price is just okay to be paid, you have my obvious recommendation. If nymz paying 350€ of taxes additionally to the asking price doesn’t scream a recommendation, I don’t know what does.
To end this ramble on a high note, while I may have not been in the first batch, @SoundJedi was kind enough to let me choose my S/N.
50/50, like everything in life - either you do or you don’t.
Personal Rank: 9/10.
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Ah, I completly forgot about these.
These were one of my first purchases and my first proof of concept on a custom design shell.
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Asking for advice I’ve got the Hiby RS2 and have been told it sounds even better through a dedicated amp I do most my listening in bed so want suggestions on a good portable amp. I’ve been looking at the topping NX7, Shanling H5, H7 and the Topping G5 what would be my best option?
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Mojo2, feed that through usb 
But from those, while Im tempted by the h5, but seems the OI is very very high. H7 is a different beast.
G5 is a great all rounder for the price, and Id get it over NX7 for convinience.
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I’m about to eat my own hand, haven’t been able to eat because I’m stuck at work 
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Bad day to send pics? Because I just got delivered some Rikubuds…
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Fantastic brief write up, my friend - thank you for sharing and entrusting me with your photos.
These look incredible and that FR looks absolutely incredible. They are most likely right up my alley.
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Send em alllllllllll
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Seeing Supernova hit your target nearly to a tea did it not make your top 2023 because of its release date? Seemed to only gain traction this year and could loosely fit as a 2023. Had it been a 2023 release would you have placed it above Helios SE?
I didn’t end keeping the Helios SE as it just didn’t have anything fun going for it to my preference. Super technical with the treble, imaging and separation but, far to resolving on poorly recorded tracks and no midbass to back half my library. Made everything sound lifeless. My set actually sold back to the owner of Elise so guess he saved on the taxes since the Elise only cost him $15 
.
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Convenience in what way?
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I believe he’s saying that because the NX7 is purely just an amp and the G5 is an all in one with Bluetooth thus, you’d have to have a separate DAC for the NX7. That’s how I took the statement
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No, I’m considering date of listening and not release. Those two and Gaea are the top 3 of the year for me, so far. Objectively speaking, I think the SE is better than Supernova, but they are different beasts, so is Gaea.
Nowadays, a set has to have that “something” attached to it, or I will probably just find better in my stash.
I’m glad you guys found out a solution. Knowing your tastes, I’d never recommend SE to you, just like I would never rec Supernova to @SoundEater. Supernova will fit you much better 
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Exactly what Dom said.
NX7 you always need a source/dac for it to run. For some dollars more, you get the DAC and BT even.
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This is what I found on the net:
" These are the Letshuoer DZ4.
3DDS+1PR (passive radiator)
Sub-100$ marvel.
Punchy, holographic, thick timbre only DDs can offer, cohesive balance. S12 vibe is there but mids are perhaps even better.
Can’t tell more even if I want too, I need more listen and perhaps minimal burn in is legit for 3 dynamic drivers too…i can give benefit of doubt to that, but first impressions are promising.
These will be release somewhere in July. "
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The only thing that worries me about DZ4 is that my eardrums will wonder why I’m tormenting them with bright sound!
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