I haven’t purchased any additional IEM’s since the Pula PA02, haven’t seen a need to. Have been eyeing the Mangrid Tea Pro and QoA Adonis New, we’ll see what 2025 brings.
Absolutely similar feeling
Have listened to tea pro a couple of times. Absolutely love that iem currently deciding between Odyssey & Tea pro. Although I do have Arcadia… So it’s a lil bit rough
Tea Pro is such a solid choice, great balance and versatility, especially for vocals. Odyssey is definitely tempting with its punchier sound tho.
I keep figuring I will jump at some point. I love the Tea1 and Tea2, and know that the Tea Pro even even a bit more V than Tea 2, but they were both great IEMs.
Sounds like you’re already pretty deep in the Tea game haha
@nymz ( who I miss, and hope is doing well ) was the guy that convinced me I needed to try the OG Tea back in 2022. The Tea2 was already out, and it went on sale for about $260 on Drop. I also think the Tea and Tea2 had shells that were nearly perfect for my ears and the nozzle angle was ideal to deliver that sweet, sweet bass into my earholes.
I don’t think the Adonis New is a super stand-out IEM. The bass is a bit mushy and soft on the impact, it has a lot of it, but it doesn’t have enough definition to stand out. The Tea Pro on the other hand has less bass on a graph but, to my ears, sounds like it has more because of the impact. It’s night and day to me.
Now, there is a big price difference so you’ll have to navigate that with your wallet!
Thank you @domq422 ya beat to the punch, was just going to ask if anyone had listened to both for a comparo.
Anytime, bro. The Tea Pro is a far superior IEM in pretty much every way. I know it’s a lot more, but imo it’s worth it.
I’ve recently begun refreshing on the IEMs available in the sub-$400 range. After 5 different sets in the $89-$150 range I’m finding quite significant improvements by going up just a bit to $250-$400. There are some OK sounding ones in the <$100 but only in a disposable use case like risk of loss or drowning etc.
At the moment the Hype 2 are really doing it for me w/o PEQ. CincoTres should be here today. The Pula PA02 is on the list but weeks away on Amazon. There are far too many good candidates to try now vs. waiting.
It’s been fun so far. I’ve learned a ton of what I like and don’t like. Oh and I’m amazed at what the SpinFit W1 does! I’m impressed how many people like a VERY bright treble based on many of the ‘mainstream’ reviews. At 58 my hearing isn’t what it was at 20 but I’m also treble sensitive. But at the same time I don’t want to give up detail but not always wanting scalpel sharp detail Balance leaning warm.
I don’t need much sub-bass response for my usual listening so I don’t have that extreme to worry about…
The reviews have some value but there’s nothing like hearing them with the ability to return.
Edit: Cincotres are keepers for me w/Spinfit W1 M or L, both seal fine. Balanced improves them on the Qudelix 5k at least as does 4V but 2V is fine too with vocals slightly more forward…but much less battery consumed.
That’s an awesome deal for the OG Tea! Totally agree, when the fit and nozzle angle hit just right, it’s like everything clicks. Sweet bass delivered perfectly, hard to beat that!
Having had a chance to hear all three of the Hype models, they are all pretty amazing. The Hype 2 is the best value of the bunch. The ZiiGaat Cincotres and Doscinco are both incredible, but don’t sleep on the Arcadia. I currently own the Hype 10, Doscinco, and Explorer, but I think Arcadia is my favorite set of 2024.
It is still on my wishlist, and I am sure I will get it eventually. I think the Tea & Tea2 are among the best all time in the sub-$500 category.
I just wanna say that imo buying budget/affordable sets before getting an expensive end game (if you haven’t spend much time with iems) is definitely a good choice, even when you already have an idea of what tuning you like. I only had the og Chu and Ziigaat Nuo up until mid last year, which I enjoyed but made me feel wanting something more.
Before that I thought I am one who enjoys super thumpy bass (altho not basshead level) and would not enjoy bright tuning. After getting some sets end of last year (S08, Klean, Gimlet, YuXuanJi, Cinno, Vivace), my initial thought was wrong. I actually enjoy a set that’s a bit more vocal forward but still balanced enough that I can enjoy each instruments and not get drowned by the vocal. Also I actually enjoy a well extended bright treble that borders spicy level while the bass can sit a bit back compared to the vocals and instruments (altho thump is always welcomed to me as long not muddy). So far I enjoyed the S08 with a bit of EQ adjustment in the treble and Klean the most out of all my iems.
As my next set I would probably go for the Tea Pro, Hype 4 or Odyssey as my end game. Would these iem fit my prefered tuning?
You’ve nailed the joy of exploring different tunings, it’s amazing how preferences can shift once you try more sets. I totally agree about the appeal of vocal-forward sets with bright treble and balanced bass. From your list, I think the Tea Pro would align well with your preferences, but if you’re craving a touch more energy and excitement, the Odyssey could be a fantastic choice. For me, having that bit of bass thump alongside detailed treble makes all the difference.
This is so on point. While I have a preferred tuning, I sometimes just enjoy something different. As a basshead, I still enjoy sets like the Aful MagicOne, and the ZiiGaat Cinno.
To that point I keep eyeing the CVJ Aria, because the tuning is not like the others.
I think any of those could work for you, but given your statement that you like things a little vocal-forward and highs bordering on spicy, I’d put the Letshuoer Cadenza 4 on that list as well. Keep an eye out as it regularly goes on sale for $199 (instead of the retail $250) if you want to give it a shot. Cadenza 4 and Odyssey were probably my two favorite sub-$1K sets of the last year, along with Estrella (which doesn’t sound like what you’re looking for).
Is the treble on Tea Pro fun enough for you? The Tea Pro tempts me with the bass but Odyssey is 100 bucks less
I eq’d my iem to Cadenza 4 and definitely enjoy it but found the bass a bit lacking. Maybe because its just eq. I do actually enjoy Estrella when I got to demo them, but find them a bit too much for me on both ends. If it were toned down a bit then it would have been perfect for me I think!
Hard to say, I’m not a big proponent of EQ as a replacement for hearing actual gear but the Cadenza 4 is definitely not bass-forward so in your case you may want to skip unless you get a chance to demo a pair. I really like the bass on the Cadenza 4 but it takes a backseat to the mids and treble for sure.
I think Odyssey is what you want tbh.
Like a more-linear Estrella with flatter treble and takes volume more easily to taste.
Edit: Regarding Tea Pro, I have to leave that up to others that have heard it; I haven’t 'tasted Tea" since the OG.
definitely will keep an eye out for it. I do enjoy how the vocal sounds with EQ so it might be a sleeper hit for me! And you are right, the Odyssey might be for me after all