Hey another new toy at my house. This is the new akm sub $100 dac from topping
Got some new basotect foam to better visually match my other absorbers.
I should have gotten them earlier; my DIY absorbers are still a few bucks less expensive but took me a lot of work and getting materials while this basotect foam is ready out of the box.
Tea 2 and now Fan 2. Guess I have a knack for 2’s. Doing some brain burn-in since yesterday.
Early impression, I found my EJ07M note texture superior right after my first song however this is noticeably has better note texture and technicalities than Tea2 which I think is Tea 2’s weakness. I say Fan 2 sounds lush but not as lush and smooth as EJs.
Soundstage and imaging are really nice, I did not notice this on my other IEMs right away, probably the deep insertion of Fan 2 made me notice it.
Tea 2 sounds thicker however Fan 2 is not note thin, notes has weight in it.
EJ07M and Tea 2 vocals are more forward however Fan 2 has more forward vocals than P1 Max and slightly more forward than Meteor.
I honestly like Fan 2’s deep bass, when a song calls for a bass it does not shy away and it does not bleed. What I personally wish is that it has a little bit more treble extension.
Being exposed to EJ KL and Meteor, Fan 2 did not impress me right away on my first listen. After a day, oh my oh my.. the instrument separation and details are superb. Whatever song I throw at it sounds so good! Even being a neutral set, bass did not disappoint me.
I say this set is really good and is a bang for the buck specially when on sale.
Very nice, enjoy that new shiny, man ![]()
I fondly remember my short time with the Fan 2. I think the overall warmer tuning and fantastic imaging gives this IEM a leg up when it comes to live recordings of yesteryear - classic rock and jazz and what not.
Thanks man! That’s true, my other IEMs didn’t wow me on live recordings as much as Fan 2 did with its imaging. It’s really good!
I say the price is worth it compared to a 350$ Tea 2 set in terms of technical performance ![]()
Seriously good! I remember the fit was a bit shocking at first, but once I get the correct tips on there, they were very comfortable. Excellent for isolation, no doubt.
Good stuff, man. I hope you took advantage of the crazy 50% off coupon Penon sent out, for around $165-ish (under $200) I think the compete with the rest of em for sure.
As the forum’s resident Fan 2 whore:
Yeah at the Ali E price or the 50% off Penon price, Fan 2 is worth it IMO. Can’t wrap my head around it at full price though.
The thing about Fan 2 being neutral is that it stands out as having a distinctly unique neutral tuning. Most neutral tunings are upper-midrange leaning, so they’re brighter (and sometimes thinner). The Fan 2’s tuning is neutral but has a significant midbass bump, with a level sub-bass. So you get the bass you’re supposed to but the bass isn’t overemphasized so it’s not a muddy bass. Plus the DDs in it are quality drivers.
It’s the easiest recommendation to make if you want a warm rendition of neutral.
I found out what the problem was with my PX8 - actually there is nothing wrong with the active noise cancelling and transparency mode on the set itself… What was causing the issue is that in the room where I was using them, there is this ultrasonic mouse repellant device plugged in at the corner of the room… It seems that the active noise cancellation and transparency modes on the B&W PX8 actually generate some audible noise everytime the inaudible ultrasonic device “sounds”… I only realized this was happening when I moved into another room and the glitchy noises disappeared… ![]()
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what are those $25 earbuds?
They are the NCP 80 Ω buds, the LCP version.
US $13.39 41% Off | 3.5mm MMCX Flat Headphones 8 Strand Metal Shell Earphones Titanium/ LCP Diaphragm Drivers Earphones
https://a.aliexpress.com/_mLJhLnC
$13.39??..
I’ll bite… ![]()
I think the $13 listing is no cable but if you have an extra MMCX cable laying around, you save $12 ![]()
To update my original post, my LP is dead. It cut out Saturday after about six hours use.
Already applied for an RMA.
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and then some ShaneD !! That sucks for sure… I have never had a problem with mine luckily.
My first one ran strong for years. I am hoping for a quick replacement and to get right back at it.
Yikes. Sorry to hear that, Shane. Hopefully they will turn it around quickly for you.
Oh nice! I saw that one and was curious about it. Will be interested to read your impressions. ![]()





