Got a sweet little treat in the mail yesterday (but I didn’t notice until today because I’ve been sick and only scooped the mail this morning):
Rikubuds Saber 3
I have to tip my hat once again to @Rikudou_Goku , you just keep getting better with every generation! I swapped from the white foams to the black lower-density foams to pull a little more upper mids and treble to the forefront, but boy howdy, this may be your best one yet! The Gen 3 fit and comfort is the best I have ever experienced from a bud (including bell-shaped) and the timbre is super-natural while allowing the whole spectrum to shine; the subbass won’t blow anyone’s mind, but it does dig deeper than I expected. Midbass is pleasantly punchy but tight, while male vocals and female vocals are well represented with no lack or overbearing qualities IMO. The treble is even and sparkles abound for such a balanced set. Staging and imaging are superior as well. If someone wanted to get into buds and wasn’t sure what particular sound they were looking for, I think these would be my new default recommendation. Just wonderful!
Additional sidenote, the new cables are great, too: a bit stiff to the touch but they have no memory and lay flat, with almost no weight to it.