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  34. <title>Reviews: Fir Audio Rn6 (Custom) vs. Xe6 (Custom) Comparison – Rn6 is a Xe6 with a more Audiophile Tuning</title>
  35. <link>https://audiotiers.com/reviews-fir-audio-rn6-custom-vs-xe6-custom-comparison-rn6-is-a-xe6-with-a-more-audiophile-tuning/</link>
  36. <comments>https://audiotiers.com/reviews-fir-audio-rn6-custom-vs-xe6-custom-comparison-rn6-is-a-xe6-with-a-more-audiophile-tuning/#respond</comments>
  38. <dc:creator><![CDATA[Barra]]></dc:creator>
  39. <pubDate>Tue, 02 Jan 2024 01:17:59 +0000</pubDate>
  40. <category><![CDATA[CIEMs]]></category>
  41. <category><![CDATA[Review]]></category>
  42. <category><![CDATA[Reviews]]></category>
  43. <category><![CDATA[Fir Audio]]></category>
  44. <category><![CDATA[Fir Audio Rn6]]></category>
  45. <category><![CDATA[Radon 6]]></category>
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  48. <description><![CDATA[UPDATE: Based on feedback, this Rn6 review has been updated to be a direct comparison to its twin Xe6. They are both the same build using the same parts but have different tuning as outlined in this update. Pros: Exotic or God-tier performance, bone conduction that adds new tactile spatial elements plus bass for an [&#8230;]]]></description>
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  54. <style>/*! elementor - v3.18.0 - 20-12-2023 */
  55. .elementor-widget-text-editor.elementor-drop-cap-view-stacked .elementor-drop-cap{background-color:#69727d;color:#fff}.elementor-widget-text-editor.elementor-drop-cap-view-framed .elementor-drop-cap{color:#69727d;border:3px solid;background-color:transparent}.elementor-widget-text-editor:not(.elementor-drop-cap-view-default) .elementor-drop-cap{margin-top:8px}.elementor-widget-text-editor:not(.elementor-drop-cap-view-default) .elementor-drop-cap-letter{width:1em;height:1em}.elementor-widget-text-editor .elementor-drop-cap{float:left;text-align:center;line-height:1;font-size:50px}.elementor-widget-text-editor .elementor-drop-cap-letter{display:inline-block}</style> <p><strong>UPDATE</strong>: Based on feedback, this Rn6 review has been updated to be a direct comparison to its twin Xe6. They are both the same build using the same parts but have different tuning as outlined in this update.</p><ul><li><strong>Pros</strong>: Exotic or God-tier performance, bone conduction that adds new tactile spatial elements plus bass for an entirely new listening experience that you can feel, best-in-class clarity and detail plus bass, full-sized performance. Adds more resolution over Xe6 answering some calls for those that enjoyed the Kr5 over the Xe6.<strong><br /></strong></li><li><p><strong>Cons</strong>: Not cheap.</p></li></ul><p><b>FIRST IMPRESSIONS</b>: Fir Audio was listening to some of the Xe6 reviews of critics requesting a more treble-forward audiophile sound over the luxurious creamy Xe6 sound. Now both preferences are met with the introduction of the Rn6.<br /><br /><strong>First was the Xe6</strong>: The Xenon 6 (Xe6) is Fir Audio’s next generation of their extremely popular M5, one of the best in-ears of all time when it was launched. The Xe6 from the new Frontier Series offers a very euphonic tactile sound with 3D sound staging moving from the M5’s more transparent and traditional audiophile sound with big bass. However, that came with a small but loud minority that was critical of the change preferring the next model down in the Frontier Series, the Kr5. The Kr5 sports the more traditional BA treble that is more forward and brighter overall vs. the electrostatic driver treble in the Xe6. Problem solved, Xe6 fans bought the Xe6 and the critics purchased the Kr5.<br /><br /><strong>Introducing the Rn6</strong>: To showcase the capabilities of the 6-driver Frontier Series configuration and to answer the calls of those vocal critics, Fir Audio came out with a limited series Rn6 which amounts to a retuned Xe6. They took their Xe6 flagship 6-driver model and re-tuned it for a leaner, reference warm sound signature calling it the Rn6. So which is better…read on for the detailed answer…but in short, it depends on which signature you prefer.<br /><br /><b>Tour: Fir Audio Frontier Series – Xe6, Kr5, Ne4, Plus Rn6</b></p><div class="bbImageWrapper  js-lbImage" style="box-sizing: border-box; display: inline-block; max-width: 100%; color: #000000; font-family: 'Segoe UI', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Roboto, Oxygen, Ubuntu, Cantarell, 'Fira Sans', 'Droid Sans', sans-serif; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; white-space: normal; background-color: #e6e6e6; text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial; cursor: pointer;" title="1704155027678.png" data-src="https://cdn.head-fi.org/a/12254006.png" data-lb-sidebar-href="" data-lb-caption-extra-html="" data-single-image="1" data-fancybox="lb-item-26440" data-caption="&lt;h4&gt;1704155027678.png&lt;/h4&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;https:&amp;#x2F;&amp;#x2F;www.head-fi.org&amp;#x2F;showcase&amp;#x2F;fir-audio-radon-6-rn6.26440&amp;#x2F;reviews#sc_review-32587&quot; class=&quot;js-lightboxCloser&quot;&gt;Barra · Jan 1, 2024 at 5:39 PM&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;"><img fetchpriority="high" decoding="async" class="bbImage" title="1704155027678.png" src="https://cdn.head-fi.org/a/12254006.png" alt="1704155027678.png" width="1406" height="791" data-url="" data-zoom-target="1" /></div><p>For those that do not know me, I am active on AudioTiers and HEADFI under the username “Barra” and have been hosting product tours for almost a decade now. During this time, I have been able to hear all the greats and experienced the evolution of CIEMs/IEMs and all the associated equipment. From that experience, I can say without a doubt that Fir Audio has always been on top of all the lists in terms of performance and unique tuning capabilities. I have managed a number of tours for Fir Audio and am very excited to now offer another 2022 flagship tour for the Frontier Series. To sign up and to hear the Xe6, Kr5, and Ne4 for yourself, please go to the tour thread and follow the instructions: <a class="link link--external" href="https://audiotiers.com/tour-fir-audio-gen2-frontier-series-ciem-lineup-xenon-6-krypton-5-neon-4/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow ugc noopener">https://audiotiers.com/tour-fir-audio-gen2-frontier-series-ciem-lineup-xenon-6-krypton-5-neon-4/</a>.<br /><br /><b>UPDATE: </b>As you might guess, we are now adding the Rn6 to our tour as soon as a unit becomes available.<br /><br />As always, my goal is not to just offer my opinion but to offer tours so you can hear this equipment for yourself. If you are not already an AudioTiers tour member, please go to AudioTiers.com and follow the instructions in the “Getting Started” box on the Tours page: <a class="link link--external" href="https://audiotiers.com/tours/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow ugc noopener">https://audiotiers.com/tours/</a>.<br /><br /><span data-s9e-mediaembed="youtube"><iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/FM0URNNC09E" scrolling="no" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" data-mce-fragment="1"></iframe></span><br /><br /><i>Fir Audio Frontier Tour Kickoff Video</i><br /><b><br />The Fir Audio Family</b><br /><br />Fir Audio is a premium CIEM manufacturer out of the US that has a full lineup of premium IEMs and custom IEMs and is a longtime favorite on HEADFI and AUDIOTIERS. Their lineup has always made the top of the charts in performance including the M5, M4, as well as their Five x Five. To learn more about Fir Audio, their new Frontier Series, or to purchase the Radon 6 from this review, please visit their website at: <a class="link link--external" href="https://www.firaudio.com/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow ugc noopener">https://www.firaudio.com</a>.<br /><br /></p><div class="bbImageWrapper  js-lbImage" style="box-sizing: border-box; display: inline-block; max-width: 100%; color: #000000; font-family: 'Segoe UI', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Roboto, Oxygen, Ubuntu, Cantarell, 'Fira Sans', 'Droid Sans', sans-serif; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; white-space: normal; background-color: #e6e6e6; text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial; cursor: pointer;" title="1704155164961.png" data-src="https://cdn.head-fi.org/a/12254013.png" data-lb-sidebar-href="" data-lb-caption-extra-html="" data-single-image="1" data-fancybox="lb-item-26440" data-caption="&lt;h4&gt;1704155164961.png&lt;/h4&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;https:&amp;#x2F;&amp;#x2F;www.head-fi.org&amp;#x2F;showcase&amp;#x2F;fir-audio-radon-6-rn6.26440&amp;#x2F;reviews#sc_review-32587&quot; class=&quot;js-lightboxCloser&quot;&gt;Barra · Jan 1, 2024 at 5:39 PM&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;"><img decoding="async" class="bbImage" title="1704155164961.png" src="https://cdn.head-fi.org/a/12254013.png" alt="1704155164961.png" width="555" height="177" data-url="" data-zoom-target="1" /></div><p><br /><b><br />The Fir Audio Radon 6</b><br /><br />The Xenon 6 and the new Radon 6 are Fir Audio’s new flagship IEMs available in both universal-fit and custom-fit models. The Radon 6 is a limited edition offering providing the same configuration as the Xenon 6 but at a different more treble-forward audiophile tuning vs. the lusher Xenon 6 tuning.<br /><br />The Radon 6 is a Limited-Edition Anniversary model, the Universal-Fit model is limited to 300 production units world-wild. The Custom-fit model is limited to 100 units worldwide and only 20 units are produced per month. Celebrating 5 years in pursuit of the ultimate in-ear monitor listening experience.<br /><br />Fir Audio has applied everything they learned from Frontier Series and mindfully returned our popular 6-driver model and arrived at a leaner, reference warm sound signature. Featuring proprietary technologies such as Kinetic Bass, ATOM Venting, Open Acoustics, and Rigid Technologies. It is offered at $3299.<br /><br /></p><div class="bbImageWrapper  js-lbImage" style="box-sizing: border-box; display: inline-block; max-width: 100%; color: #000000; font-family: 'Segoe UI', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Roboto, Oxygen, Ubuntu, Cantarell, 'Fira Sans', 'Droid Sans', sans-serif; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; white-space: normal; background-color: #e6e6e6; text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial; cursor: pointer;" title="1704155257619.png" data-src="https://cdn.head-fi.org/a/12254017.png" data-lb-sidebar-href="" data-lb-caption-extra-html="" data-single-image="1" data-fancybox="lb-item-26440" data-caption="&lt;h4&gt;1704155257619.png&lt;/h4&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;https:&amp;#x2F;&amp;#x2F;www.head-fi.org&amp;#x2F;showcase&amp;#x2F;fir-audio-radon-6-rn6.26440&amp;#x2F;reviews#sc_review-32587&quot; class=&quot;js-lightboxCloser&quot;&gt;Barra · Jan 1, 2024 at 5:39 PM&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;"><img decoding="async" class="bbImage" title="1704155257619.png" src="https://cdn.head-fi.org/a/12254017.png" alt="1704155257619.png" width="1981" height="750" data-url="" data-zoom-target="1" /></div><p><br /><br /><b>Configuration</b><br /><br />The Radon 6 comes equipped with 6 drivers &#8211; one 10mm dynamic driver for lows which is fed into a Kinetic Bass port, 4 balanced armature drivers (1 bass, 2 mid, 1 high), and an electrostatic driver (EST) for the ultra-highs. This differs from the M5 that proceeds it on two counts – an extra BA for bass, and the Kinetic Bass port. This is enough to create an entirely new experience. The M5 is rated for 6.8ohms with a frequency range of 10hz &#8211; 20 kHz whereas the Xe6 is rated at 28ohms with a frequency range of 20hz -20khz although the Xe6 feels like it would be the one that digs into the 10hz range due to the kinetic feedback.<br /><br />Several technologies are associated with the Xe6 including Kinetic Bass, Atom Venting, Open Acoustics, and Rigid Technologies. I believe that the Kinetic Bass and the Rigid Technologies are the only two new technologies that differentiate it from the M5 with Kinetic Bass being the star of the show. The Atom Venting is a key technology for me as it allows me to turn up the volume more without hurting my ears allowing a more dynamic sound in exchange.<br /><br /><b>Universal vs. Custom</b><br /><br />As you can see from the picture above, the universal build on the Frontier Series is smoking hot – it even looks better in person. However, the custom options are stellar too – a huge improvement in options and appeal since I ordered my custom M5. You can see how beautiful the results were from my build experience – and yes, the other options were great enough that I often second-guess myself having desired several available options.<br /><br />The universal format of the Frontier series all has a heft to them and a nice universal fit where I was able to get the majority of the performance offered by these monitors. While some may have perfect ear canals to get full performance from a universal, I do not so I did experience better performance from the custom version. This may be even more important for a bone conduction design as the tight fit that my custom offered me provides better contact with the bone conduction port which provides me with a lift in the effect vs. the universal option.<br /><br /><b>Fit</b><br /><br />Based on the bend I have in my inner ear, I can only use the soft silicone tips to get a good seal, so I have not explored any other options. However, the seal provides great performance from the traditional sound port but does not affect the contact from the bone conduction port which is all about the fit of the universal paired to your outer ear. Therefore, your mileage may vary based on these considerations.<br /><br /><b>Custom Build Process and Unboxing</b><br /><br />There is not much to say about a custom in-ear other than you can expect to get what you design and those premium manufacturers like Fir Audio put out stellar quality as you might expect. More importantly, Fir Audio has nailed all my custom designs in fit as this is the reason that I go custom…nailed it. Also are choices and ease of design which Fir Audio nails as well. For more insight into the Fir Audio custom build process or the unboxing experience, please see my Xe6 review where I detail both: <a class="link link--external" href="https://audiotiers.com/reviews-fir-audio-xe6-custom-an-exotic-listening-experience-that-adds-a-new-tactile-dimension-to-sound/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow ugc noopener">https://audiotiers.com/reviews-fir-&#8230;e-that-adds-a-new-tactile-dimension-to-sound/</a><br /><br /><b>The Radon 6 Sound</b><br /><br /></p><div class="bbImageWrapper  js-lbImage" style="box-sizing: border-box; display: inline-block; max-width: 100%; color: #000000; font-family: 'Segoe UI', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Roboto, Oxygen, Ubuntu, Cantarell, 'Fira Sans', 'Droid Sans', sans-serif; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; white-space: normal; background-color: #e6e6e6; text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial; cursor: pointer;" title="1704155543253.png" data-src="https://cdn.head-fi.org/a/12254027.png" data-lb-sidebar-href="" data-lb-caption-extra-html="" data-single-image="1" data-fancybox="lb-item-26440" data-caption="&lt;h4&gt;1704155543253.png&lt;/h4&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;https:&amp;#x2F;&amp;#x2F;www.head-fi.org&amp;#x2F;showcase&amp;#x2F;fir-audio-radon-6-rn6.26440&amp;#x2F;reviews#sc_review-32587&quot; class=&quot;js-lightboxCloser&quot;&gt;Barra · Jan 1, 2024 at 5:39 PM&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="bbImage" title="1704155543253.png" src="https://cdn.head-fi.org/a/12254027.png" alt="1704155543253.png" width="1981" height="750" data-url="" data-zoom-target="1" /></div><p><br /><br />The name AUDIOTIERS comes from my attempt to offer performance tiers to provide perspective on the various in-ear offerings and the surrounding gear that we are touring. While we have hosted mid-tier and some entry-tier IEMs, we have mostly focused on the top-tier offerings with some mid-tier options for those who don&#8217;t wish to pay flagship prices. The best of the best are termed exotics for their ability to be unique and stand above the crowd. The top 5 of the exotics are awarded GOD-Tier status. The Xenon takes its place among those 5 GOD-Tier IEMs and the Radon is slightly different tuned twin is its equivalent in performance sharing this honor in that seat.<br /><br />To describe the Radon signature in a nutshell – like its Xenon twin, it has the character of the Abyss full-sized exotic headphone. There is a clarity to the signature, but it is also euphoric and thick even though that sounds contradictory. While it is not the HD800-sized soundscape, it is large or full-sized in stature offering ease in hearing all the details that it serves up in gobs. While there are finer details like you might find in the HD800 presentation, it is more about sensory details and ambiance – that “being there” experience makes it feel warmer and more tube-like. Where the Radon and Xenon 6 stand alone from other god-tier performers is in the kinetic feedback that offers something new…a sound that you can feel as well as hear. This is different than other bone conductive earphones that I have heard/felt, in that it carries a broader frequency and in a more defined, clearer way that brings transparency with it. You have to hear it to know what I mean, so please join the tour.<br /><br /></p><div class="bbImageWrapper  js-lbImage" style="box-sizing: border-box; display: inline-block; max-width: 100%; color: #000000; font-family: 'Segoe UI', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Roboto, Oxygen, Ubuntu, Cantarell, 'Fira Sans', 'Droid Sans', sans-serif; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; white-space: normal; background-color: #e6e6e6; text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial; cursor: pointer;" title="1704155919536.png" data-src="https://cdn.head-fi.org/a/12254037.png" data-lb-sidebar-href="" data-lb-caption-extra-html="" data-single-image="1" data-fancybox="lb-item-26440" data-caption="&lt;h4&gt;1704155919536.png&lt;/h4&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;https:&amp;#x2F;&amp;#x2F;www.head-fi.org&amp;#x2F;showcase&amp;#x2F;fir-audio-radon-6-rn6.26440&amp;#x2F;reviews#sc_review-32587&quot; class=&quot;js-lightboxCloser&quot;&gt;Barra · Jan 1, 2024 at 5:39 PM&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="bbImage" title="1704155919536.png" src="https://cdn.head-fi.org/a/12254037.png" alt="1704155919536.png" width="1981" height="750" data-url="" data-zoom-target="1" /></div><p><br /><br /><b>The Radon and Xenon Sound Comparison</b><br /><br /></p><div class="bbImageWrapper  js-lbImage" style="box-sizing: border-box; display: inline-block; max-width: 100%; color: #000000; font-family: 'Segoe UI', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Roboto, Oxygen, Ubuntu, Cantarell, 'Fira Sans', 'Droid Sans', sans-serif; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; white-space: normal; background-color: #e6e6e6; text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial; cursor: pointer;" title="1704155899743.png" data-src="https://cdn.head-fi.org/a/12254036.png" data-lb-sidebar-href="" data-lb-caption-extra-html="" data-single-image="1" data-fancybox="lb-item-26440" data-caption="&lt;h4&gt;1704155899743.png&lt;/h4&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;https:&amp;#x2F;&amp;#x2F;www.head-fi.org&amp;#x2F;showcase&amp;#x2F;fir-audio-radon-6-rn6.26440&amp;#x2F;reviews#sc_review-32587&quot; class=&quot;js-lightboxCloser&quot;&gt;Barra · Jan 1, 2024 at 5:39 PM&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="bbImage" title="1704155899743.png" src="https://cdn.head-fi.org/a/12254036.png" alt="1704155899743.png" width="1406" height="802" data-url="" data-zoom-target="1" /></div><p><br /><br />While they are very close in signature, there are some distinct differences. The Radon is more audiophile-tuned with treble forward while the Xenon is lusher and more set back. The Radon is like being on stage with the details in your face while the Xenon is seated in the front first balcony taking in the larger experience. The Radon is a slightly more intensive listening experience for detail nuts with gobs of detail in your face while the Xenon is a more relaxed listening experience for feeling the vibe and how it all comes together. They are both enveloping tube-like experiences, but the Xenon is more of a lush tube whereas the Radon is a cleaner tube amp experience. They are both huge in experience and explosive in bass and tactile feeling but seated differently within the event both offering that full-sized “being there” experience.<br /><br /><b>Optimizing and Pairing</b><br /><br /></p><div class="bbImageWrapper  js-lbImage" style="box-sizing: border-box; display: inline-block; max-width: 100%; color: #000000; font-family: 'Segoe UI', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Roboto, Oxygen, Ubuntu, Cantarell, 'Fira Sans', 'Droid Sans', sans-serif; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; white-space: normal; background-color: #e6e6e6; text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial; cursor: pointer;" title="1704155873876.png" data-src="https://cdn.head-fi.org/a/12254034.png" data-lb-sidebar-href="" data-lb-caption-extra-html="" data-single-image="1" data-fancybox="lb-item-26440" data-caption="&lt;h4&gt;1704155873876.png&lt;/h4&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;https:&amp;#x2F;&amp;#x2F;www.head-fi.org&amp;#x2F;showcase&amp;#x2F;fir-audio-radon-6-rn6.26440&amp;#x2F;reviews#sc_review-32587&quot; class=&quot;js-lightboxCloser&quot;&gt;Barra · Jan 1, 2024 at 5:39 PM&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="bbImage" title="1704155873876.png" src="https://cdn.head-fi.org/a/12254034.png" alt="1704155873876.png" width="1563" height="1172" data-url="" data-zoom-target="1" /></div><p><br /><br />As I did not find either the Radon 6 lacking in any area, I did not feel that rolling cables at this point would be a benefit. The stock cable is wonderful, and the resulting sound is more than satisfactory. So, this optimization section is mainly about pairing given that we have all already made investments in gear that we would like to use with our purchases. My preferred DAPs are the Sony WM1a and the Calyx M as I have sold my AK and other DAPs that were not being used. The Hugo 2 rounds out my setup by offering top-tier performance using my Sony or iPhone as a source. My desktop DAC/AMP is the Burson C3R offering 7.5 watts of pure performance to test the limits of scalability. Based on experience, the C3R wattage scales my dynamic drivers to the extreme but is not necessary for BA-only setups. Here is what I found.</p><ul><li><b>iPhone 13 Max Plus</b>: Amazon HD Music is a new app on my iPhone that has improved my sound quality considerably. From the standard Apple Music app, the Rn6 sounds great, but better on my better DAPs. The new Amazon app takes this up several notches and gets the iPhone closer to my dedicated DAPs mentioned below. The music discovery on the iPhone has made it my preferred method to listen to the Rn6 on the go. Either way, the music sounds full-sized from the iPhone, just more filled out with the Amazon app. But the dedicated DAPs are better overall. I just wish that I had access to the Amazon music app with these DAPs. As mentioned above, the only weakness of the iPhone is that in crowded or dynamic passages there can be some clipping at first. However, for whatever reason, the clipping seems to disappear, and the fullness of the note returns after the iPhone warms up with 15 minutes or so of constant playing. Of note is the need to turn up my iPhone to about 80 to 90 percent volume with the VE EXT vs. around 50 percent volume or less with the Rn6. The iPhone doesn’t feel colored in the signature offering a very revealing look at the Rn6 but may not extend to the extremes like my better sources. Ultimately, I would say that the Rn6 scales up better than it scales down but is extremely good on lower-end devices as well. Vs Xe6 – a final note is that I tend to choose the Xe6 over the Rn6 on the iPhone given the lower fidelity as the Xe6 is more forgiving whereas the Rn6 tends to expose the iPhone’s weaknesses.</li><li data-xf-list-type="ul"><b>Calyx M</b>: The Calyx M is famous for its sound quality implying that the 9018 is responsible. While the stats don’t speak to this, the amp is likely to be the bigger influencer burning up a giant battery in less than four hours to meet that quality output. The clarity and transparency offered in the colder Calyx M signature offer more detail than the Sony below. In comparison, I used to like the Calyx M better than the Sony until I got a custom firmware upgrade on the Sony. The Calyx takes the audiophile performance up a notch with more and tighter detail, while Sony can be more fun. An advantage the Calyx has over Sony is that volume slider that allows me to perfect the volume for each song instantly and to play the Rn6 louder than normal for short bursts. This is more important for the Rn6 vs. my other non-vented IEMs as the ATOM system allows me to play louder without damaging my ears. The clarity of the Calxy M boosts the detail even more on the Rn6 and the powerful amp boosts the texturing. The M is a great pairing with the Rn6 offering a slightly different signature than the Sony which comes across as warmer and punchier. Vs. Xe6 &#8211; the Xe6 loses some of the tube-like euphonics on the M offering more clarity and finer details where the Rn6 stays treble forward. The pairing is perhaps better for the Xe6 to offer greater detail while retaining the euphonics, but it works great for the Rn6 as well.</li><li data-xf-list-type="ul"><b>Sony WM1a</b>: The Sony was almost sold last year as it didn’t pair well with my CIEMs until I got the new custom firmware. The new firmware now plays nicely with all my CIEMs. The Rn6 pairs great with the Sony offering retaining its warm tint to its performance with a nice girth to the note and more resonance and textures. The Sony with its superior battery life and UX is my go-to DAP for the Rn6. The Rn6 signature is a little lusher on the Sony offering a nice pairing for slightly different tuning. In the end, the Rn6 sounds fantastic on Sony. Vs. Xe6 – both sound great, but the Sony offers a little lusher signature with the Rn6 making it a little easier a listen while retaining the Audiophile intent so I prefer the Rn6 over the Xe6 in this case.</li><li data-xf-list-type="ul"><b>Hugo 2</b>: The H2 takes the experience up significantly on both the Rn6 and the Xe6 with a better DAC and AMP. The pairing is more in line with the Calyx M but on steroids. The bass comes out more – but cleaner with sharper edges and the fine detail is at another level. With the H2, the sound also gets fuller – more euphonic. However, as with the M, the H2 brings out the clarity/transparency of the Rn6/Xe6 making them sound faster for more of an audiophile sound rather than the more fun Sony. The problem with the H2 is that it is a stack that is not always convenient, so this is not as normal of a pairing as the Burson C3R which takes it up even another notch given the additional driving power if I have to deal with the inconvenience. The Rn6/Xe6 performance is significantly improved with the H2 with an additional gob of detail and is a wonderful pairing.</li><li data-xf-list-type="ul"><b>Burson C3 Reference</b>: Going desktop, the Burson C3R is my favorite pairing supersizing the overall SQ significantly and in a fun musical way that crushes the Sony. It should also be mentioned that I am employing the Amazon HD Music application as a source and running it through my Sonarworks True-Fi application tuned to my HD800 headphones that work well with the Rn6/Xe6 signature. Playing through iTunes with True-Fi turned off brings down the sound quality noticeably, so some may consider this a cheat. Regardless, the C3R drives 7.5 watts into the Rn6/Xe6 and offers a significant boost to the low end with more punch and more clarity. While the C3R is slightly warmer than the H2, not by much. The soundstage also grows with the C3R. A traditional BA configuration such as the VE PHöNIX doesn’t handle the power boost as well having to keep the volume down to 1 out of 100 or it can sound overdone whereas the Rn6/Xe6 loves the additional overhead to drive the dynamic driver as well as to bring out more detail from the ESTs. My conclusion is that the Rn6/Xe6 grabs another boost in detail and soundstage with a quicker bass note offering peak performance – it is the best I have heard the Rn6/Xe6 sound.</li></ul><p>Overall, I find that the hybrid/tribrid offerings like the Rn6/Xe6 sound their best when offered more power overhead and a more detailed, higher-end DAC such as with my desktop setup. While the Rn6/Xe6 sounds great scaled down to the iPhone, it would be a shame to not let the Rn6/Xe6 reach its full potential on a desktop system as well. Vs. Xe6 – finally, the Rn6 with its audiophile tuning is better suited for a higher-end setup as the flaws on the lower-end DAC/amps are very transparent.<br /><br /><b>Radon 6 Comparisons</b><br /><br /></p><div class="bbImageWrapper  js-lbImage" title="1704155794992.png" data-src="https://cdn.head-fi.org/a/12254033.png" data-lb-sidebar-href="" data-lb-caption-extra-html="" data-single-image="1"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="bbImage" title="1704155794992.png" src="https://cdn.head-fi.org/a/12254033.png" alt="1704155794992.png" width="1000" height="750" data-url="" data-zoom-target="1" /></div><p><br /><br />The comparisons offered below are of the Fir Audio M5 for those choosing within the Fir Audio brand and of Vision Ear’s new PHöNIX and EXT flagships which seem to be the most commonly requested comparisons within the HEADFI community. To compare the custom Rn6 to the other IEMs, we used the sources described in the previous section. My music ranges from EDM to classical to rock to metal to pop to new age and easy listening – yes, I am all over the place. My preference in listening and comparison testing is to play all genres randomly to jolt my senses while getting a wide sampling of music. Here is what I found.<br /><br /><b>Fir Audio M5</b><br /><br />The M5 is very different in signature than the Rn6. What they have in common is a very full-sized sound for a “being-there” experience and ginormous bass that is textured and life-like natural and exotic audiophile performance with gobs of detail. However, they offer this experience in two different signatures. The M5 can be considered more intimate while also having a wider soundstage with intimacy in the vocals and more space between instruments for transparency. The Rn6 of more tube-like romantic while retaining its clarity having more of a 3D involving soundscape with a new tactile feel to it. Both the Rn6 and the M5 allow you to get up close and personal with the singer. I may be overstating the differences to create a meaningful comparison as they both offer a full experience, but the experience is different. The Rn6 has a fuller stage which makes it feel more compact, but it probably can be better described as round vs. the traditional large width of the M5. What I am getting at is that there is just more information provided with the Rn6 to listen to as it adds atmospheric clues. This additional 3d sense probably comes from that tactile feeling provided by the bone conduction technology. Different from other bone-conduction headphones I have heard, the Rn6 seems to bring out a sound that you can feel in the treble range as well. As for bass, they both have that huge dynamic driver, but the Rn6 adds both the kinetic port as well as an additional BA dedicated to bass. While the M5 is no slouch with bass, there is just more information in the Rn6 output. I would say that while they are both fast, the M5 feels faster and clearer than the bass on the Rn6 which adds a lot of atmospheres to the equation. However, the Rn6 is more detailed. In the end, the Rn6 and the M5 will both have prominent spots in my IEM library allowing me to have two different exotic performance options to listen to my music library to hear it differently – win/win.<br /><br /></p><div class="bbImageWrapper  js-lbImage" style="box-sizing: border-box; display: inline-block; max-width: 100%; color: #000000; font-family: 'Segoe UI', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Roboto, Oxygen, Ubuntu, Cantarell, 'Fira Sans', 'Droid Sans', sans-serif; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; white-space: normal; background-color: #e6e6e6; text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial; cursor: pointer;" title="1704155770793.png" data-src="https://cdn.head-fi.org/a/12254032.png" data-lb-sidebar-href="" data-lb-caption-extra-html="" data-single-image="1" data-fancybox="lb-item-26440" data-caption="&lt;h4&gt;1704155770793.png&lt;/h4&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;https:&amp;#x2F;&amp;#x2F;www.head-fi.org&amp;#x2F;showcase&amp;#x2F;fir-audio-radon-6-rn6.26440&amp;#x2F;reviews#sc_review-32587&quot; class=&quot;js-lightboxCloser&quot;&gt;Barra · Jan 1, 2024 at 5:39 PM&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="bbImage" title="1704155770793.png" src="https://cdn.head-fi.org/a/12254032.png" alt="1704155770793.png" width="1406" height="886" data-url="" data-zoom-target="1" /></div><p><br /><b>Vision Ears PHöNIX</b><br /><br />The PHöNIX is Vision Ears&#8217; new flagship in-ear replacing their previous ERLKöNIG flagship. The PHöNIX has already gained a huge fanbase given its exotic performance and is likely to replace the ERLKöNIG in AUDIOTIER’s god-tier 5 lineup. As a traditional BA configuration with 13 BAs, the PHöNIX is easier to drive than the Rn6 which is a tribrid boasting both a dynamic driver as well as ESTs plus a kinetic port which all take additional power. Regardless, both sound wonderful on my iPhone, and both scale considerably on better gear. They are both top-of-the-game, god-tier performers with different signatures to enjoy your music library.<br /><br />What is different about the PHöNIX vs. the Rn6 is most notable in the bass response. While the PHöNIX enjoys that Vision Ears BA bass mastery, there is no comparison to the much more powerful Rn6 bass which compares closer to the Vision Ears EST while still surpassing the EST given the additional tactile Kinetic port. If you are looking for bass first, the Rn6 wins. However, the PHöNIX is more romantic than the Rn6 which is quite romantic itself. I often make the comparison between high-end solid-state and tube-like tuning where the solid-state has more transparency, and faster notes with more contrast whereas the tube-like sound is more akin to warm, lush, and romantic. On that scale – 1 for solid-state and 10 for tubes, the PHöNIX is a 9/10 where the Rn6 is a 5/6, and the EXT being compared next is a 3/4. In the end, both the PHöNIX and the Xe6 are the best of the best with different signatures – the PHöNIX may appeal more to easy listeners and classical genres while the Xe6 will blow the mind of those that love more lively POP or EDM. The PHöNIX is one where you sip fine wine and relax whereas the Rn6 will get you up on the tables to dance. Your choice…<br /><br /></p><div class="bbImageWrapper  js-lbImage" style="box-sizing: border-box; display: inline-block; max-width: 100%; color: #000000; font-family: 'Segoe UI', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Roboto, Oxygen, Ubuntu, Cantarell, 'Fira Sans', 'Droid Sans', sans-serif; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; white-space: normal; background-color: #e6e6e6; text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial; cursor: pointer;" title="1704155750183.png" data-src="https://cdn.head-fi.org/a/12254031.png" data-lb-sidebar-href="" data-lb-caption-extra-html="" data-single-image="1" data-fancybox="lb-item-26440" data-caption="&lt;h4&gt;1704155750183.png&lt;/h4&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;https:&amp;#x2F;&amp;#x2F;www.head-fi.org&amp;#x2F;showcase&amp;#x2F;fir-audio-radon-6-rn6.26440&amp;#x2F;reviews#sc_review-32587&quot; class=&quot;js-lightboxCloser&quot;&gt;Barra · Jan 1, 2024 at 5:39 PM&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="bbImage" title="1704155750183.png" src="https://cdn.head-fi.org/a/12254031.png" alt="1704155750183.png" width="1406" height="967" data-url="" data-zoom-target="1" /></div><p><br /><b>Vision Ears EXT</b><br /><br />As mentioned above, this new co-flagship Vision Ears IEM is more solid-state in tuning offering an incredibly transparent experience backed by the second-best bass in the business. While the M5 could share that second-best bass title, it is more of an all-rounder where the bass is not as forward in the signature. The EXT doesn’t fool around, that bass is huge with a 10mm dynamic driver that is only beaten by the Rn6 due to that tactile kinetic bass port technology that takes it to the next level. However, the bass is not the full story with the EXT, it is an Elysium plus. The VE Elysium is known for its mids forward signature that is very unique and exotic in performance. The Elysium is my best of the best for mids, but this is the key focus there it is not an all-rounder, but it is my go-to vocals IEM. The EXT adds that incredible bass to the equation offering the full spectrum of sound taking it to flagship status making it one of AUDIOTIERS&#8217; exotic class IEMs. These two IEMs are both exotic and offer stellar sound quality. They both offer full-sized sound and an extreme frequency range with the power to drive textures and detail from end to end. The difference is mainly in the clarity focus of the EXT vs. the euphoric richness of the Rn6.<br /><br />To summarize, the EXT is more solid-state with a lively signature and an extremely awesome bass response, the PHöNIX is at the other end of the spectrum with a more laid-back, rich tube-like feel in comparison, with the Rn6 being somewhere in between with an additional level-up in a 3D atmosphere with a sound that you can feel. The Rn6 is closer to the PHöNIX than to the EXT in terms of lushness but retains that 10mm dynamic bass excitement of the EXT. Again, the PHöNIX wins for easy or traditional listening while the EXT and the Rn6 win for more dynamic genres such as POP or EDM. They all sound wonderful with all genres but have the tools to take their favored genres one step further. So what do you prefer, solid-state or tube-like signatures?<br /><br /></p><div class="bbImageWrapper  js-lbImage" style="box-sizing: border-box; display: inline-block; max-width: 100%; color: #000000; font-family: 'Segoe UI', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Roboto, Oxygen, Ubuntu, Cantarell, 'Fira Sans', 'Droid Sans', sans-serif; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; white-space: normal; background-color: #e6e6e6; text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial; cursor: pointer;" title="1704155726061.png" data-src="https://cdn.head-fi.org/a/12254030.png" data-lb-sidebar-href="" data-lb-caption-extra-html="" data-single-image="1" data-fancybox="lb-item-26440" data-caption="&lt;h4&gt;1704155726061.png&lt;/h4&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;https:&amp;#x2F;&amp;#x2F;www.head-fi.org&amp;#x2F;showcase&amp;#x2F;fir-audio-radon-6-rn6.26440&amp;#x2F;reviews#sc_review-32587&quot; class=&quot;js-lightboxCloser&quot;&gt;Barra · Jan 1, 2024 at 5:39 PM&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="bbImage" title="1704155726061.png" src="https://cdn.head-fi.org/a/12254030.png" alt="1704155726061.png" width="1563" height="1172" data-url="" data-zoom-target="1" /></div><p><br /><b>Concluding Thoughts</b><br /><br />The Rn6 is sure to wow any listener as a unique listening experience and an easy recommendation for those who can afford it. They offer peak performance checking all the boxes of modern technology and easily reach my exotic performance tier and are a candidate for my god-tier award. The only concern is for a more laidback music listener as this is an extremely energetic IEM that makes you want to get up and dance vs. sit down and sip wine. Regardless, if you live in the US, then you are free to join our Fir Audio Frontier Series tour to hear the Xe6/Rn6 as well as their lower-cost siblings the Kr5 and the Ne4 for yourself allowing you to decide for yourself – the way it should be.</p> </div>
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  68. <title>Reviews: Fir Audio Xe6 (Custom) – An Exotic Listening Experience that Adds a new Tactile Dimension to Sound</title>
  69. <link>https://audiotiers.com/reviews-fir-audio-xe6-custom-an-exotic-listening-experience-that-adds-a-new-tactile-dimension-to-sound/</link>
  70. <comments>https://audiotiers.com/reviews-fir-audio-xe6-custom-an-exotic-listening-experience-that-adds-a-new-tactile-dimension-to-sound/#respond</comments>
  72. <dc:creator><![CDATA[Barra]]></dc:creator>
  73. <pubDate>Sat, 23 Dec 2023 22:49:03 +0000</pubDate>
  74. <category><![CDATA[CIEMs]]></category>
  75. <category><![CDATA[Review]]></category>
  76. <category><![CDATA[Reviews]]></category>
  77. <category><![CDATA[Fir Audio]]></category>
  78. <category><![CDATA[Fir Audio Xe6]]></category>
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  80.  
  81. <description><![CDATA[UPDATE: My apologies, it was pointed out to me that this review had disappeared from our site sometime over the last year only to be found on HEADFI. It is now back up here on AUDIOTIERS and will be accompanied by an updated version of my Rn6 review that had also disappeared. Sorry for the [&#8230;]]]></description>
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  87. <p><strong>UPDATE</strong>: My apologies, it was pointed out to me that this review had disappeared from our site sometime over the last year only to be found on HEADFI. It is now back up here on AUDIOTIERS and will be accompanied by an updated version of my Rn6 review that had also disappeared. Sorry for the inconvenience. </p> </div>
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  95. <ul><li><strong>Pros</strong>: Exotic or God-tier performance, bone conduction that adds new tactile spatial elements plus bass for an entirely new listening experience that you can feel, best-in-class clarity and detail plus bass, full-sized performance.</li><li><strong>Cons</strong>: Not cheap.</li></ul><p>The Xenon 6 (Xe6) is Fir Audio’s next generation of their extremely popular M5, one of the best in-ears of all time when it was launched. However, listening to both side-by-side, there is little similarity between the two signatures other than both offering exotic performances that put them above the top tier. I will undoubtedly keep both to offer two different signatures to enjoy my music library – the Xe6 is more euphonic and 3D with the M5 being more transparent and traditional sounding.</p><p>The M5 won a spot in the God-Tier category due to its overwhelming AudioTiers membership phrase and was awarded my “If I Could Only Have One” award due to its versatility compared to the others in that category. I have a feeling that the Xe6 will gain its spot in the God-Tier category as well once everyone gets a chance to hear it. Yes, we have a tour so that you can hear this IEM as well as the Kr5 and Ne4 in the Frontier Series as well – we want to hear what you think. </p><h2>Tour: <b>Fir Audio Frontier Series – Xe6, Kr5, Ne4</b></h2><p>For those that do not know me, I am active on AudioTiers and HEADFI under the username “Barra” and have been hosting product tours for almost a decade now. During this time, I have been able to hear all the greats and experienced the evolution of CIEMs/IEMs and all the associated equipment. From that experience, I can say without a doubt that Fir Audio has always been on top of all the lists in terms of performance and unique tuning capabilities. I have managed several tours for Fir Audio and am very excited to now offer another 2022 flagship tour for the Frontier Series. To sign up and to hear the Xe6, Kr5, and Ne4 for yourself, please go to the tour thread and follow the instructions: <a class="link link--external" href="https://audiotiers.com/tour-fir-audio-gen2-frontier-series-ciem-lineup-xenon-6-krypton-5-neon-4/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow ugc noopener">https://audiotiers.com/tour-fir-audio-gen2-frontier-series-ciem-lineup-xenon-6-krypton-5-neon-4/</a>.</p><p>As always, my goal is not to just offer my opinion but to offer tours so you can hear this equipment for yourself. If you are not already an AudioTiers tour member, please go to AudioTiers.com and follow the instructions in the “Getting Started” box on the Tours page: <a class="link link--external" href="https://audiotiers.com/tours/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow ugc noopener">https://audiotiers.com/tours/</a>.</p><p><iframe title="US AUDIOTIERS Tour: Fir Audio Frontier Flagship Tour Kickoff" width="1200" height="675" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/FM0URNNC09E?feature=oembed" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe></p><p><b><i>Fir Audio Frontier Series Tour Kickoff Video</i></b></p><h2><b>The Fir Audio Family</b></h2><p>Fir Audio is a premium CIEM manufacturer out of the US that has a full lineup of premium IEMs and custom IEMs and is a longtime favorite on HEADFI and AUDIOTIERS. Their lineup has always made the top of the charts in performance including the M5, M4, as well as their Five x Five. To learn more about Fir Audio, their new Frontier Series, or to purchase the Xenon 6 from this review, please visit their website at: <a class="link link--external" href="https://www.firaudio.com/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow ugc noopener">https://www.firaudio.com</a>.</p><p><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-2658" src="https://audiotiers.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/1645648082666-300x113.png" alt="" width="300" height="113" /></p><h2><b>The Fir Audio Xenon 6</b></h2><p>The Xenon 6 is Fir Audio’s new flagship IEM available in both universal-fit and custom-fit models.</p><p><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-2664" src="https://audiotiers.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/1645648116972-300x300.png" alt="" width="300" height="300" srcset="https://audiotiers.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/1645648116972-300x300.png 300w, https://audiotiers.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/1645648116972-150x150.png 150w" sizes="(max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px" /></p><h3>Configuration​</h3><p>The Xenon 6 comes equipped with 6 drivers &#8211; one 10mm dynamic driver for lows which is fed into a Kinetic Bass port, 4 balanced armature drivers (1 bass, 2 mid, 1 high), and an electrostatic driver (EST) for the ultra-highs. This differs from the M5 that proceeds it on two counts – an extra BA for bass, and the Kinetic Bass port. This is enough to create an entirely new experience. The M5 is rated for 6.8ohms with a frequency range of 10hz &#8211; 20 kHz whereas the Xe6 is rated at 28ohms with a frequency range of 20hz -20khz although the Xe6 feels like it would be the one that digs into the 10hz range due to the kinetic feedback.</p><p>Several technologies are associated with the Xe6 including Kinetic Bass, Atom Venting, Open Acoustics, and Rigid Technologies. I believe that the Kinetic Bass and the Rigid Technologies are the only two new technologies that differentiate it from the M5 with Kinetic Bass being the star of the show. The Atom Venting is a key technology for me as it allows me to turn up the volume more without hurting my ears allowing a more dynamic sound in exchange.</p><h3>Universal vs. Custom​</h3><p>As you can see from the picture above, the universal build on the Frontier Series is smoking hot – it even looks better in person. However, the custom options are stellar too – a huge improvement in options and appeal since I ordered my custom M5. You can see how beautiful the results were from my build experience – and yes, the other options were great enough that I often second-guess myself having desired several available options.</p><p>The universal format of the Frontier series all has a heft to them and a nice universal fit where I was able to get the majority of the performance offered by these monitors. While some may have perfect ear canals to get full performance from a universal, I do not so I did experience better performance from the custom version. This may be even more important for a bone conduction design as the tight fit that my custom offered me provides better contact with the bone conduction port which provides me with a lift in the effect vs. the universal option.</p><h3>Fit​</h3><p>Based on the bend I have in my inner ear, I can only use the soft silicone tips to get a good seal, so I have not explored any other options. However, the seal provides great performance from the traditional sound port but does not affect the contact from the bone conduction port which is all about the fit of the universal paired to your outer ear. Therefore, your mileage may vary based on these considerations.</p><h3>Build​</h3><p>There is not much to say about a custom in-ear other than you can expect to get what you design and those premium manufacturers like Fir Audio put out stellar quality as you might expect. More importantly, Fir Audio has nailed all my custom designs in fit as this is the reason that I go custom…nailed it. Also are choices and ease of design which Fir Audio nails as well. Other than that, most manufacturers create a plastic form-fitting insert other than a very few that do silicone, and we can inspect for bubbles and imperfections which there are none in my Xe6 which is perfect.<br /><br />The size characteristics change between manufacturers with my Empire Ears being the smallest custom and 64 Audio being my largest with Fir Audio being a comfortable middle. There are advantages to each, but my preference is the size middle ground like Fir Audio with a tighter fit but small enough that I can forget that it is in my ear. I also appreciate the Atom-X venting and how it is seamlessly integrated. Some other manufacturers can make this vent pop out and catch on things which is not a problem here. Venting is important to me as discussed elsewhere so better integration is also important to me.<br /><br />The design is beautiful having chosen their “Purple Leaf” faceplates as seen below. It was simple to create my design using the interface shown below which is loaded with premium choices and offers a WYSIWYG design flow. This allowed me to see and perfect my choices throughout the process with the flexibility to go back and make changes. You may also notice from the picture that there is now a 2-pin option that was not available when I created my M5 design. This 2-pin option allows me to roll cables now without the need for a unique adapter.</p><p><br /><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="bbImage" title="1645648313995.png" src="https://cdn.head-fi.org/a/11704853.png" alt="1645648313995.png" width="900" height="438" data-url="" data-zoom-target="1" /></p><p>Where there is a big build consideration is in the universal design. The Xe6 metal design is so beautiful that it is tempting for even me to choose this over the custom design to gain that unique build characteristic. However, in the end, when comparing the sound, I am sure that the custom was a better option for me and my signature preferences. It is worth joining our tour just to be able to look at the build quality of these IEMs.</p><p class="bbImageWrapper  js-lbImage" style="box-sizing: border-box; display: inline-block; max-width: 100%; color: #000000; font-family: 'Segoe UI', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Roboto, Oxygen, Ubuntu, Cantarell, 'Fira Sans', 'Droid Sans', sans-serif; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; white-space: normal; background-color: #e6e6e6; text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial; cursor: pointer;" title="1645648329328.png" data-src="https://cdn.head-fi.org/a/11704854.png" data-single-image="1" data-fancybox="lb-item-25722" data-caption="&lt;h4&gt;1645648329328.png&lt;/h4&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;https:&amp;#x2F;&amp;#x2F;www.head-fi.org&amp;#x2F;showcase&amp;#x2F;fir-audio-xenon-6.25722&amp;#x2F;reviews#sc_review-28028&quot; class=&quot;js-lightboxCloser&quot;&gt;Barra · Feb 23, 2022 at 1:38 PM&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="bbImage" title="1645648329328.png" src="https://cdn.head-fi.org/a/11704854.png" alt="1645648329328.png" width="900" height="341" data-url="" data-zoom-target="1" /></p><p>In the end, I am very satisfied with the design I created and love the nice tight fit that offers optimal sound without the chance of breaking my seal. Even better, I have perfect contact with the bone conduction port offering the best Kinetic experience.</p><p class="bbImageWrapper  js-lbImage" style="box-sizing: border-box; display: inline-block; max-width: 100%; color: #000000; font-family: 'Segoe UI', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Roboto, Oxygen, Ubuntu, Cantarell, 'Fira Sans', 'Droid Sans', sans-serif; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; white-space: normal; background-color: #e6e6e6; text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial; cursor: pointer;" title="1645648345799.png" data-src="https://cdn.head-fi.org/a/11704855.png" data-single-image="1" data-fancybox="lb-item-25722" data-caption="&lt;h4&gt;1645648345799.png&lt;/h4&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;https:&amp;#x2F;&amp;#x2F;www.head-fi.org&amp;#x2F;showcase&amp;#x2F;fir-audio-xenon-6.25722&amp;#x2F;reviews#sc_review-28028&quot; class=&quot;js-lightboxCloser&quot;&gt;Barra · Feb 23, 2022 at 1:38 PM&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="bbImage" title="1645648345799.png" src="https://cdn.head-fi.org/a/11704855.png" alt="1645648345799.png" width="902" height="498" data-url="" data-zoom-target="1" /></p><h3>Unboxing​</h3><p>What’s in the box? The box looks very commercial and professionally done…as you might see in a big box retail store. This is getting more common, but I have received many in a pouch with no packaging so I still appreciate a good box experience.</p><p class="bbImageWrapper  js-lbImage" style="box-sizing: border-box; display: inline-block; max-width: 100%; color: #000000; font-family: 'Segoe UI', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Roboto, Oxygen, Ubuntu, Cantarell, 'Fira Sans', 'Droid Sans', sans-serif; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; white-space: normal; background-color: #e6e6e6; text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial; cursor: pointer;" title="1645648378334.png" data-src="https://cdn.head-fi.org/a/11704856.png" data-single-image="1" data-fancybox="lb-item-25722" data-caption="&lt;h4&gt;1645648378334.png&lt;/h4&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;https:&amp;#x2F;&amp;#x2F;www.head-fi.org&amp;#x2F;showcase&amp;#x2F;fir-audio-xenon-6.25722&amp;#x2F;reviews#sc_review-28028&quot; class=&quot;js-lightboxCloser&quot;&gt;Barra · Feb 23, 2022 at 1:38 PM&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="bbImage" title="1645648378334.png" src="https://cdn.head-fi.org/a/11704856.png" alt="1645648378334.png" width="898" height="553" data-url="" data-zoom-target="1" /></p><p>The unwrapped box gives way to a slipcover to reveal a heavy-weight cardboard cover box with your contents.</p><p class="bbImageWrapper  js-lbImage" style="box-sizing: border-box; display: inline-block; max-width: 100%; color: #000000; font-family: 'Segoe UI', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Roboto, Oxygen, Ubuntu, Cantarell, 'Fira Sans', 'Droid Sans', sans-serif; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; white-space: normal; background-color: #e6e6e6; text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial; cursor: pointer;" title="1645648399350.png" data-src="https://cdn.head-fi.org/a/11704857.png" data-single-image="1" data-fancybox="lb-item-25722" data-caption="&lt;h4&gt;1645648399350.png&lt;/h4&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;https:&amp;#x2F;&amp;#x2F;www.head-fi.org&amp;#x2F;showcase&amp;#x2F;fir-audio-xenon-6.25722&amp;#x2F;reviews#sc_review-28028&quot; class=&quot;js-lightboxCloser&quot;&gt;Barra · Feb 23, 2022 at 1:38 PM&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="bbImage" title="1645648399350.png" src="https://cdn.head-fi.org/a/11704857.png" alt="1645648399350.png" width="900" height="591" data-url="" data-zoom-target="1" /></p><p>Slipping the cover off reveals your in-ears along with a Fir patch and some instructions.</p><p class="bbImageWrapper  js-lbImage" style="box-sizing: border-box; display: inline-block; max-width: 100%; color: #000000; font-family: 'Segoe UI', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Roboto, Oxygen, Ubuntu, Cantarell, 'Fira Sans', 'Droid Sans', sans-serif; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; white-space: normal; background-color: #e6e6e6; text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial; cursor: pointer;" title="1645648413335.png" data-src="https://cdn.head-fi.org/a/11704858.png" data-single-image="1" data-fancybox="lb-item-25722" data-caption="&lt;h4&gt;1645648413335.png&lt;/h4&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;https:&amp;#x2F;&amp;#x2F;www.head-fi.org&amp;#x2F;showcase&amp;#x2F;fir-audio-xenon-6.25722&amp;#x2F;reviews#sc_review-28028&quot; class=&quot;js-lightboxCloser&quot;&gt;Barra · Feb 23, 2022 at 1:38 PM&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="bbImage" title="1645648413335.png" src="https://cdn.head-fi.org/a/11704858.png" alt="1645648413335.png" width="902" height="666" data-url="" data-zoom-target="1" /></p><p>Removing the top foam that holds your in-ears, beneath resides your case.<br /><br /></p><p class="bbImageWrapper  js-lbImage" title="1645648426696.png" data-src="https://cdn.head-fi.org/a/11704859.png" data-single-image="1"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="bbImage" title="1645648426696.png" src="https://cdn.head-fi.org/a/11704859.png" alt="1645648426696.png" width="900" height="680" data-url="" data-zoom-target="1" /></p><p>As you can see, the case holds not only your in-ears but has all the required tools held within. Of key importance is that you are provided with three options for your venting system offering a variety of signatures. The effect typically allows you to have the most bassy to least bassy option with a middle ground to choose from.</p><p><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="bbImage" title="1645648441474.png" src="https://cdn.head-fi.org/a/11704860.png" alt="1645648441474.png" width="900" height="519" data-url="" data-zoom-target="1" /></p><h2><b>The Xenon 6 Sound</b></h2><p>The name AUDIOTIERS comes from my attempt to offer performance tiers to provide perspective on the various in-ear offerings and the surrounding gear that we are touring. While we have hosted mid-tier and some entry-tier IEMs, we have mostly focused on the top-tier offerings with some mid-tier options for those who don&#8217;t wish to pay flagship prices. The best of the best are termed exotics for their ability to be unique and stand above the crowd. The top 5 of the exotics are awarded GOD-Tier status. The Xenon is likely to take its place among those 5 GOD-Tier IEMs.</p><p>To describe the Xenon signature in a nutshell – it has the character of the Abyss full-sized exotic headphone. There is a clarity to the signature, but it is also euphoric and thick even though that sounds contradictory. While it is not the HD800-sized soundscape, it is large or full-sized in stature offering ease in hearing all the details that it serves up in gobs. While there are finer details like you might find in the HD800 presentation, it is more about sensory details and ambiance – that “being there” experience makes it feel warmer and more tube-like. Where the Xenon 6 stands alone is in the kinetic feedback that offers something new…a sound that you can feel as well as hear. This is different than other bone conductive earphones that I have heard/felt, in that it carries a broader frequency and in a more defined, clearer way that brings transparency with it. You have to hear it to know what I mean, so please join the tour. </p><h2><b>Optimizing and Pairing</b></h2><div class="bbImageWrapper js-lbImage" title="1645648491176.png" data-src="https://cdn.head-fi.org/a/11704861.png" data-lb-sidebar-href="" data-lb-caption-extra-html="" data-single-image="1"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="bbImage" title="1645648491176.png" src="https://cdn.head-fi.org/a/11704861.png" alt="1645648491176.png" width="1000" height="750" data-url="" data-zoom-target="1" /></div><p>As I did not find either the Xenon 6 lacking in any area, I did not feel that rolling cables at this point would be a benefit. The stock cable is wonderful and the resulting sound is more than satisfactory. So this optimization section is mainly about pairing given that we have all already made investments in gear that we would like to use with our purchases. My preferred DAPs are the Sony WM1a and the Calyx M as I have sold my AK and other DAPs that were not being used. The Hugo 2 rounds out my setup by offering top-tier performance using my Sony or iPhone as a source. My desktop DAC/AMP is the Burson C3R offering 7.5 watts of pure performance to test the limits of scalability. Based on experience, the C3R wattage scales my dynamic drivers to the extreme but is not necessary for BA-only setups. Here is what I found.</p><ul><li data-xf-list-type="ul"><b>iPhone 13 Max Plus</b>: Amazon HD Music is a new app on my iPhone that has improved my sound quality considerably. From the standard Apple Music app, the Xe6 sounds great, but better on my better DAPs. The new Amazon app takes this up several notches and gets the iPhone closer to my dedicated DAPs mentioned below. The music discovery on the iPhone has made it my preferred method to listen to the Xe6 on the go. Either way, the music sounds full-sized from the iPhone, just more filled out with the Amazon app. But the dedicated DAPs are better overall. I just wish that I had access to the Amazon music app with these DAPs. As mentioned above, the only weakness of the iPhone is that in crowded or dynamic passages there can be some clipping at first. However, for whatever reason, the clipping seems to disappear, and the fullness of the note returns after the iPhone warms up with 15 minutes or so of constant playing. Of note is the need to turn up my iPhone to about 80 to 90 percent volume with the VE EXT vs. around 50 percent volume or less with the Xe6. The iPhone doesn’t feel colored in the signature offering a very revealing look at the Xe6 but may not extend to the extremes like my better sources. Ultimately, I would say that the Xe6 scales up better than it scales down but is extremely good on lower-end devices as well.</li><li data-xf-list-type="ul"><b>Calyx M</b>: The Calyx M is famous for its sound quality implying that the 9018 is responsible. While the stats don’t speak to this, the amp is likely to be the bigger influencer burning up a giant battery in less than four hours to meet that quality output. The clarity and transparency offered in the colder Calyx M signature offer more detail than the Sony below. In comparison, I used to like the Calyx M better than the Sony until I got a custom firmware upgrade on the Sony. The Calyx takes the audiophile performance up a notch with more and tighter detail, while Sony can be more fun. An advantage the Calyx has over Sony is that volume slider that allows me to perfect the volume for each song instantly and to play the Xe6 louder than normal for short bursts. This is more important for the Xe6 vs. my other non-vented IEMs as the ATOM system allows me to play louder without damaging my ears. The clarity of the Calxy M boosts the detail even more on the Xe6 and the powerful amp boosts the texturing. The M is a great pairing with the Xe6 offering a slightly different signature than the Sony which comes across as warmer and punchier. The Xe6 loses some of the tube-like euphonics on the M offering more clarity and finer details.</li><li data-xf-list-type="ul"><b>Sony WM1a</b>: The Sony was almost sold last year as it didn’t pair well with my CIEMs until I got the new custom firmware. The new firmware now plays nicely with all my CIEMs. The Xe6 pairs great with the Sony offering retaining its warm tint to its performance with a nice girth to the note and more resonance and textures. The Sony with its superior battery life and UX is my go-to DAP for the Xe6. The Xe6 signature is not colored on the Sony sounding as expected due to both having similar characteristics. In the end, the Xe6 sounds fantastic on Sony.</li><li data-xf-list-type="ul"><b>Hugo 2</b>: The H2 takes the experience up significantly on the Xe6 with a better DAC and AMP. The pairing is more in line with the Calyx M but on steroids. The bass comes out more – but cleaner with sharper edges and the fine detail is at another level. With the H2, the sound also gets fuller – more euphonic. However, as with the M, the H2 brings out the clarity/transparency of the Xe6 making it sound faster for more of an audiophile sound rather than the more fun Sony. The problem with the H2 is that it is a stack that is not always convenient, so this is not as normal of a pairing as the Burson C3R which takes it up even another notch given the additional driving power if I have to deal with the inconvenience. The Xe6 performance is significantly improved with the H2 with an additional gob of detail and is a wonderful pairing.</li><li data-xf-list-type="ul"><b>Burson C3 Reference</b>: Going desktop, the Burson C3R is my favorite pairing supersizing the overall SQ significantly and in a fun musical way that crushes the Sony. It should also be mentioned that I am employing the Amazon HD Music application as a source and running it through my Sonarworks True-Fi application tuned to my HD800 headphones which work well with the Xe6 signature. Playing through iTunes with True-Fi turned off brings down the sound quality noticeably, so some may consider this a cheat. Regardless, the C3R drives 7.5 watts into the Xe6 and offers a significant boost to the low end with more punch and more clarity. While the C3R is slightly warmer than the H2, not by much. The soundstage also grows with the C3R. A traditional BA configuration such as the VE PHöNIX doesn’t handle the power boost as well having to keep the volume down to 1 out of 100 or it can sound overdone whereas the Xe6 loves the additional overhead to drive the dynamic driver as well as to bring out more detail from the ESTs. My conclusion is that the Xe6 grabs another boost in detail and soundstage with a quicker bass note offering peak performance – it is the best I have heard the Xe6 sound.</li></ul><p>Overall, I find that the hybrid/tribrid offerings like the Xe6 sound their best when offered more power overhead and a more detailed, higher-end DAC such as with my desktop setup. While the Xe6 sounds great scaled down to the iPhone, it would be a shame to not let the Xe6 reach its full potential on a desktop system as well.</p><h2><b>Comparisons</b></h2><div class="bbImageWrapper js-lbImage" title="1645648524669.png" data-src="https://cdn.head-fi.org/a/11704862.png" data-lb-sidebar-href="" data-lb-caption-extra-html="" data-single-image="1"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="bbImage" title="1645648524669.png" src="https://cdn.head-fi.org/a/11704862.png" alt="1645648524669.png" width="900" height="655" data-url="" data-zoom-target="1" /></div><p>The comparisons offered below are of the Fir Audio M5 for those choosing within the Fir Audio brand and of Vision Ear’s new PHöNIX and EXT flagships which seem to be the most commonly requested comparisons within the HEADFI community. To compare the custom Xe6 to the other IEMs, we used the sources described in the previous section. My music ranges from EDM to classical to rock to metal to pop to new age and easy listening – yes, I am all over the place. My preference in listening and comparison testing is to play all genres randomly to jolt my senses while getting a wide sampling of music. Here is what I found.</p><h3>Fir Audio M5</h3><p>The M5 is very different in signature than the Xe6. What they have in common is a very full-sized sound for a “being-there” experience and ginormous bass that is textured and life-like natural and exotic audiophile performance with gobs of detail. However, they offer this experience in two different signatures. The M5 can be considered more intimate while also having a wider soundstage with intimacy in the vocals and more space between instruments for transparency. The Xe6 of more tube-like romantic while retaining its clarity having more of a 3D involving soundscape with a new tactile feel to it. The Xe6 focuses more on atmosphere and the big picture while the M5 allows you to get up close and personal with the singer. I may be overstating the differences to create a meaningful comparison as they both offer a full experience, but the experience is different. The Xe6 has a fuller stage which makes it feel more compact, but it probably can be better described as round vs. the traditional large width of the M5. What I am getting at is that there is just more information provided with the Xe6 to listen to as it adds atmospheric clues. This additional 3d sense probably comes from that tactile feeling provided by the bone conduction technology. Different from other bone-conduction headphones I have heard, the Xe6 seems to bring out a sound that you can feel in the treble range as well. As for bass, they both have that huge dynamic driver, but the Xe6 adds both the kinetic port as well as an additional BA dedicated to bass. While the M5 is no slouch with bass, there is just more information in the Xe6 output. I would say that while they are both fast, the M5 feels faster and clearer than the bass on the Xe6 which adds a lot of atmosphere to the equation. However, the Xe6 is more fun. In the end, the Xe6 and the M5 will both have prominent spots in my IEM library allowing me to have two different exotic performance options to listen to my music library to hear it differently – win/win.</p><div class="bbImageWrapper js-lbImage" style="box-sizing: border-box; display: inline-block; max-width: 100%; color: #000000; font-family: 'Segoe UI', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Roboto, Oxygen, Ubuntu, Cantarell, 'Fira Sans', 'Droid Sans', sans-serif; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; white-space: normal; background-color: #e6e6e6; text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial; cursor: pointer;" title="1645648581018.png" data-src="https://cdn.head-fi.org/a/11704864.png" data-lb-sidebar-href="" data-lb-caption-extra-html="" data-single-image="1" data-fancybox="lb-item-25722" data-caption="&lt;h4&gt;1645648581018.png&lt;/h4&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;https:&amp;#x2F;&amp;#x2F;www.head-fi.org&amp;#x2F;showcase&amp;#x2F;fir-audio-xenon-6.25722&amp;#x2F;reviews#sc_review-28028&quot; class=&quot;js-lightboxCloser&quot;&gt;Barra · Feb 23, 2022 at 1:38 PM&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="bbImage" title="1645648581018.png" src="https://cdn.head-fi.org/a/11704864.png" alt="1645648581018.png" width="900" height="567" data-url="" data-zoom-target="1" /></div><h3>Vision Ears PHöNIX</h3><p>The PHöNIX is Vision Ears&#8217; new flagship in-ear replacing their previous ERLKöNIG flagship. The PHöNIX has already gained a huge fanbase given its exotic performance and is likely to replace the ERLKöNIG in AUDIOTIER’s god-tier 5 lineup. As a traditional BA configuration with 13 BAs, the PHöNIX is easier to drive than the Xe6 which is a tribrid boasting both a dynamic driver as well as ESTs plus a kinetic port which all take additional power. Regardless, both sound wonderful on my iPhone, and both scale considerably on better gear. They are both top-of-the-game, god-tier performers with different signatures to enjoy your music library.</p><p>What is different about the PHöNIX vs. the Xe6 is most notable in the bass response. While the PHöNIX enjoys that Vision Ears BA bass mastery, there is no comparison to the much more powerful Xe6 bass which compares closer to the Vision Ears EST while still surpassing the EST given the additional tactile Kinetic port. If you are looking for bass first, the Xe6 wins. However, the PHöNIX is more romantic than the Xe6 which is quite romantic itself. I often make the comparison between high-end solid-state and tube-like tuning where the solid-state has more transparency, faster notes with more contrast whereas the tube-like sound is more akin to warm, lush, and romantic. On that scale – 1 for solid-state and 10 for tubes, the PHöNIX is a 9/10 where the Xe6 is a 6/7, and the EXT being compared next is a 3/4. In the end, both the PHöNIX and the Xe6 are the best of the best with different signatures – the PHöNIX may appeal more to easy listeners and classical genres while the Xe6 will blow the mind of those that love more lively POP or EDM. The PHöNIX is one where you sip fine wine and relax whereas the Xe6 will get you up on the tables to dance. Your choice…</p><div class="bbImageWrapper js-lbImage" style="box-sizing: border-box; display: inline-block; max-width: 100%; color: #000000; font-family: 'Segoe UI', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Roboto, Oxygen, Ubuntu, Cantarell, 'Fira Sans', 'Droid Sans', sans-serif; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; white-space: normal; background-color: #e6e6e6; text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial; cursor: pointer;" title="1645648616883.png" data-src="https://cdn.head-fi.org/a/11704865.png" data-lb-sidebar-href="" data-lb-caption-extra-html="" data-single-image="1" data-fancybox="lb-item-25722" data-caption="&lt;h4&gt;1645648616883.png&lt;/h4&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;https:&amp;#x2F;&amp;#x2F;www.head-fi.org&amp;#x2F;showcase&amp;#x2F;fir-audio-xenon-6.25722&amp;#x2F;reviews#sc_review-28028&quot; class=&quot;js-lightboxCloser&quot;&gt;Barra · Feb 23, 2022 at 1:38 PM&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="bbImage" title="1645648616883.png" src="https://cdn.head-fi.org/a/11704865.png" alt="1645648616883.png" width="900" height="619" data-url="" data-zoom-target="1" /></div><h3>Vision Ears EXT​</h3><p>As mentioned above, this new co-flagship Vision Ears IEM is more solid-state in tuning offering an incredibly transparent experience backed by the second-best bass in the business. While the M5 could share that second-best bass title, it is more of an all-rounder where the bass is not as forward in the signature. The EXT doesn’t fool around, that bass is huge with a 10mm dynamic driver that is only beaten by the Xe6 due to that tactile kinetic bass port technology that takes it to the next level. However, the bass is not the full story with the EXT, it is an Elysium plus. The VE Elysium is known for its mids forward signature that is very unique and exotic in performance. The Elysium is my best of the best for mids, but this is the key focus there it is not an all-rounder, but it is my go-to vocals IEM. The EXT adds that incredible bass to the equation offering the full spectrum of sound taking it to flagship status making it one of AUDIOTIERS&#8217; exotic class IEMs. These two IEMs are both exotic and offer stellar sound quality. They both offer full-sized sound and an extreme frequency range with the power to drive textures and detail from end to end. The difference is mainly in the clarity focus of the EXT vs. the euphoric richness of the Xe6.</p><p>To summarize, the EXT is more solid-state with a lively signature and an extremely awesome bass response, the PHöNIX is at the other end of the spectrum with a more laid-back, rich tube-like feel in comparison, with the Xe6 being somewhere in between with an additional level-up in a 3D atmosphere with a sound that you can feel. The Xe6 is closer to the PHöNIX than to the EXT in terms of lushness but retains that 10mm dynamic bass excitement of the EXT. Again, the PHöNIX wins for easy or traditional listening while the EXT and the Xe6 win for more dynamic genres such as POP or EDM. They all sound wonderful with all genres but have the tools to take their favored genres one step further. So what do you prefer, solid-state or tube-like signatures?</p><p><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="bbImage" title="1645648653494.png" src="https://cdn.head-fi.org/a/11704866.png" alt="1645648653494.png" width="1000" height="750" data-url="" data-zoom-target="1" /></p><h2><b>Concluding Thoughts</b></h2><p>The Xe6 is sure to wow any listener as a unique listening experience and an easy recommendation for those who can afford it. They offer peak performance checking all the boxes of modern technology and easily reach my exotic performance tier and is a candidate for my god-tier award. The only concern is for a more laidback music listener as this is an extremely energetic IEM that makes you want to get up and dance vs. sit down and sip wine. Regardless, if you live in the US, then you are free to join our Fir Audio Frontier Series tour to hear the Xe6 as well as its lower-cost siblings the Kr5 and the Ne4 for yourself allowing you to decide for yourself – the way it should be. </p> </div>
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  108. <title>Tour: Fir Audio Gen2 Frontier Series CIEM Lineup &#8211; Xenon 6, Krypton 5, Neon 4</title>
  109. <link>https://audiotiers.com/tour-fir-audio-gen2-frontier-series-ciem-lineup-xenon-6-krypton-5-neon-4/</link>
  110. <comments>https://audiotiers.com/tour-fir-audio-gen2-frontier-series-ciem-lineup-xenon-6-krypton-5-neon-4/#comments</comments>
  112. <dc:creator><![CDATA[Barra]]></dc:creator>
  113. <pubDate>Fri, 14 Jan 2022 02:34:07 +0000</pubDate>
  114. <category><![CDATA[CIEMs]]></category>
  115. <category><![CDATA[Tours]]></category>
  116. <category><![CDATA[Fir Audio]]></category>
  117. <category><![CDATA[Krypton 5]]></category>
  118. <category><![CDATA[Neon 4]]></category>
  119. <category><![CDATA[Tour]]></category>
  120. <category><![CDATA[Tribrid]]></category>
  121. <category><![CDATA[Xenon 6]]></category>
  122. <guid isPermaLink="false">https://audiotiers.com/?p=2441</guid>
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  124. <description><![CDATA[Starting at the Top and Staying at the Top &#60;h4&#62;August 2020 &#60;/h4&#62; &#60;style&#62;/*! elementor - v3.13.2 - 11-05-2023 */ .elementor-widget-image{text-align:center}.elementor-widget-image a{display:inline-block}.elementor-widget-image a img[src$=&#8221;.svg&#8221;]{width:48px}.elementor-widget-image img{vertical-align:middle;display:inline-block} The CIEMs in this tour are available for purchase here: https://www.firaudio.com/ TOUR UPDATE: ADDING THE NEW RADON Rn6 TO THE TOUR  &#8211; Fir Audio just released their new Rn6 Anniversary model [&#8230;]]]></description>
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  133. .elementor-heading-title{padding:0;margin:0;line-height:1}.elementor-widget-heading .elementor-heading-title[class*=elementor-size-]>a{color:inherit;font-size:inherit;line-height:inherit}.elementor-widget-heading .elementor-heading-title.elementor-size-small{font-size:15px}.elementor-widget-heading .elementor-heading-title.elementor-size-medium{font-size:19px}.elementor-widget-heading .elementor-heading-title.elementor-size-large{font-size:29px}.elementor-widget-heading .elementor-heading-title.elementor-size-xl{font-size:39px}.elementor-widget-heading .elementor-heading-title.elementor-size-xxl{font-size:59px}</style><h1 class="elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default">Starting at the Top and Staying at the Top</h1> </div>
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  137. <h4 class="elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default">August 2020 </h4> </div>
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  143. <img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="5743" height="922" src="https://audiotiers.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/fir_logo_rect_white.png" class="attachment-full size-full wp-image-775" alt="" srcset="https://audiotiers.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/fir_logo_rect_white.png.webp 5743w, https://audiotiers.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/fir_logo_rect_white-1536x247.png.webp 1536w, https://audiotiers.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/fir_logo_rect_white-2048x329.png.webp 2048w" sizes="(max-width: 5743px) 100vw, 5743px" /> </a>
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  148. <p><strong>The CIEMs in this tour are available for purchase here</strong>: <a href="https://www.firaudio.com/">https://www.firaudio.com/</a></p> </div>
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  152. <p><strong>TOUR UPDATE: ADDING THE NEW RADON Rn6 TO THE TOUR </strong> &#8211; Fir Audio just released their new Rn6 Anniversary model which is limited to 300 production units world-wide. Per Fir: &#8220;We’ve applied everything we learned from Frontier Series and mindfully retuned our popular 6-driver model and arrived at a leaner, reference warm sound signature. Featuring proprietary technologies such as Kinetic Bass, ATOM Venting, Open Acoustics, and Rigid Technologies.&#8221;</p><p>While it has not been confirmed, this description sounds like an answer to the forum debates on the Xenon 6 vs. the Krypton 5. Some like the leaner signature of the 5 over the 6 which sounds more reference to many. While the Rn6 retains the Xe6 fun factor, I can contest it is more detailed, with much greater textures, and feels at least in early listening to be more intimate in the soundstage.  But who cares what I think, try it for yourself in this tour. If you do care what I think, you are also in luck as I am working on a review comparing the two 6&#8217;s.</p><p>To be fair to those that are still waiting on their first turn for the Frontier series, I will send the Rn6 in the opposite direction to allow those at the end of the line to get a tour kit in their hand ASAP. Fir has promised that I will have the tour kit soon so it will hit the road immediately when it arrives.</p> </div>
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  156. <p>As a follow-up to their M Series and Five x Five tours, the Gen2 Frontier Series tour is highly anticipated and expected to be spectacular. Given the skill level of Bogdan Belonozhko, the founder as proven by the incredible success of his M Series, when he creates a new flagship, and updated lineup, there is little doubt the results will live up to the expectations. However, what does this mean for the industry, just how high can we raise the bar for a CIEM? This is what we will find out for ourselves on this tour.</p><p>While there is a number of new technologies being introduced, perhaps the most exciting is the new kinetic bass. This new technology leverages bone conduction to create a more tactile bass that you can not only hear, but feel in your bones. This is created by a large 10mm dynamic driver that faces the outside of the IEM shell transmitting the vibration directly to the ear cartilage and surrounding area for a more immersive sound with &#8220;increased dimension and an off-the-charts low-frequency extension. I cannot wait to hear/feel that. 🙂</p> </div>
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  163. <span class="elementor-button-text">BECOME A VERIFIED TOUR MEMBER</span>
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  171. <h3>Fir Audio Tour Kit</h3><p>We have arranged for a tour kit to hear the new lineup. These are not full retail boxes so we can ship them economically. This is obviously the universal format, however, they are also available in custom-fit designs as well.</p><h4><strong>Tour Kit Contents</strong></h4><ul><li><a href="https://www.firaudio.com/store/xenon-6">Kenon 6</a>: $3899 &#8211; Equipped with 4 balanced armature drivers, a 10mm dynamic driver for lows, fed into a Kinetic Bass port. Tied together by an electrostatic driver that elevates the track’s finer details. Lifelike resolution, unlike anything you’ve ever heard before.</li><li><a href="https://www.firaudio.com/store/krypton-5">Krypton 5</a>:  $2999 -Outfitted with 4 balanced armature drivers, a 10mm dynamic driver for lows, fed into FiR Audio’s Kinetic Bass port.</li><li><a href="https://www.firaudio.com/store/neon-4">Neon 4</a>: $2299 &#8211; Equipped with 3 balanced armature drivers, a 10mm dynamic driver for lows, fed into FiR Audio’s Kinetic Bass port.</li><li><a href="https://www.firaudio.com/store/radon-6">Radon 6</a>: $3299 &#8211; Like the Xe6, equipped with 4 balanced armature drivers, a 10mm dynamic driver for lows, fed into a Kinetic Bass port. Tied together by an electrostatic driver that elevates the track’s finer details. Lifelike resolution, unlike anything you’ve ever heard before.</li></ul><h3>Fir Audio Tour Kickoff Video</h3> </div>
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  182. <h3>Tour Kit Pictures</h3> </div>
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  198. <h3>Barra&#8217;s Quick Initial Impressions</h3><p>The best part of managing tours is getting to hear all the great gear for myself. Here are some brief impressions from what I have heard so far between the tasks required to set up this tour:</p><ul><li><a href="https://www.firaudio.com/store/xenon-6">Xenon 6</a>: $3899 &#8211; The Xenon 6 is clearly above the pack in exotic performance territory. It has a &#8220;high-end tube amp&#8221; sound signature with huge amounts of ambience and euphonics that is quite an experience by itself. However, the new bone conduction technology adds a new dimension to the sound that takes it a level above. While warm in tone and feel, there is a detailed clarity that makes it audiophile in nature and an extra  dimension to that detail that a while to realize just how much it adds. This is an IEM that everyone should hear.</li><li><a href="https://www.firaudio.com/store/krypton-5">Krypton 5</a>:  $2999 &#8211; The 5 doesn&#8217;t have the ESTs like its bigger brother so it has more of a traditional BA treble sound with clearer edges and more shimmer. While the bass and the kinetic bass tech is the same, the kinetic port is slightly smaller bringing out more mids and treble and opens up the sound stage a bit. </li><li><a href="https://www.firaudio.com/store/neon-4">Neon 4</a>: $2299 &#8211; Again, the 4 has the same BA treble as the 5 and less bass than the 6, but there is a simplicity to the sound that makes the 4 a very enjoyable listen. I can see the 4 becoming very popular based on the price to performance ratio which is stellar. The mids also seem more forward for those that are mids first fans.</li></ul><p>Overall, this family is stellar like the M line before it. They all share that same 10mm kinetic bass driver which adds a huge new dynamic to the performance that you have to hear to understand. The big differentiator in this lineup is between the 6 which has the EST treble and the other two which have the traditional BA treble. Just to add, I am very much enjoying my custom Xe6 vs. the universal as it has that additional fit/seal that adds a larger helping of that new kinetic sound dimension. It is a touch more euphonic and addicting to me.</p><h3>Rules and Responsibilities</h3><p>Most of our tours are offering 7-day auditions which you are required to ship out to the next participant on day 8. Yes, you pay the shipping to the next participant, but we organize into logistically friendly orders to minimize the shipping expense.</p><p>The <a href="https://audiotiers.com/rules/">tour membership rules and responsibilities are described here</a>. The key idea is that we must be communicative to participate and to keep the tour moving and interesting. It is our responsibility to follow these rules and to ensure the ability to ship out on day 8 when our turn is over.</p><p><b>UPDATE 5/26/22</b>:</p><ul><li><b>New Member Address Verification</b>: THERE IS NO NEED TO VERIFY ADDRESSES ON ESTABLISHED &#8220;US TOURS&#8221; or &#8220;US TOURS REVIEWER&#8221; MEMBERS &#8211; ONLY NEW &#8220;MEMBERS&#8221;. If the participant&#8217;s status shows &#8220;Member&#8221; and is indicated on the participant list, then please wait to ship until I verify the shipping address by responding to the provided address that we are verified and good to go.</li></ul><h3>Signing up for the Tour</h3><p>To sign up for the tour, you must be a verified tour member and have joined our new AUDIOTIERs platform. <a href="https://audiotiers.com/qualifications/">The membership qualifications and requirements are described here</a> if you are not already a member. Whether a HEADFI tour member needs to transfer their membership to the new platform or you are a new member looking to apply for tour membership, please follow the instructions in the GETTING STARTED box below. We are now accepting applications from both US and Canadian citizens.</p> </div>
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  206. <h2 class="elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default">Getting<br>Started</h2> </div>
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  214. <p><strong>NEW TOUR MEMBERS</strong>: 1) <a href="https://audiotiers.com/community/?foro=signup">Register</a>, 2) <a href="https://audiotiers.com/community/announcements/">Subscribe</a>, 3) <a href="https://audiotiers.com/apply-for-tours/">Apply</a>, 4) <a href="https://audiotiers.com/tours/">Join Tours</a></p> </div>
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  218. <p><strong>EXISTING HEADFI TOUR MEMBERS</strong>: 1) <a href="https://audiotiers.com/community/?foro=signup">Register</a>, 2) <a href="https://audiotiers.com/community/announcements/">Subscribe</a>, 3) <a href="https://audiotiers.com/tours/">Join Tours</a></p> </div>
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  234. <div><p><strong>Tour Signups for Verified Members</strong>: If you would like to be part of this tour, please feel free to <em><strong>post your request in the comments below</strong></em>.</p><p><strong>Reviewers First Tour</strong>: This is a REVIEWERS GO FIRST TOUR, so if you would like to skip to the front of the line, please note that you would like to be a full reviewer in the request as in the sample below:</p></div><p><strong>Sample Signup Request</strong>: I live in Anthem, AZ and would like to participate in the tour. I agree to follow the terms of the tour. I have emailed my required ID verification documentation to <a href="mailto:billb@AudioTiers.com">billb@AudioTiers.com</a>. AS A FULL REVIEWER, PLEASE MOVE ME TO THE FRONT OF THE LINE.</p><h3>Tour Participant Logistics</h3><p>We have two tour kits to minimize wait and are offering 7-days auditions to each participant. This logistics list is updated as I can to show you were we are in the order with each participant bolded to signify that they received the kit. This is where you will find the next two participants to contact when you receive the kit.</p><p><strong>Signup Period</strong>: During our signup period, we collect the initial participants and provide them with a logistically friendly portion of the tour. This is the lowest cost portion in terms of shipping. Once this closes, we move to the latecomer portion.</p><p><strong>Latecomer Period</strong>: Latecomers are welcome to the tour on a first-come, first-serve basis. We will continue taking latecomer requests until we run out of participants or the manufacturer asks us to end the tour.</p> </div>
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  238. <h1><b>Fir Audio US Tour Logistics</b></h1><h4><strong>Frontier Tour Kit</strong></h4><ol><li data-xf-list-type="ol"><strong><a id="js-XFUniqueId30" class="username" href="https://www.head-fi.org/members/191965/" data-xf-init="member-tooltip" data-user-id="191965" data-username="@Barra">@Barra</a> – Anthem, AZ</strong></li><li style="line-height: 30.403px;" data-xf-list-type="ol"><strong>REVIEWER: ngoshawk &#8211; Warrensburg, MO</strong></li><li data-xf-list-type="ol"><strong>REVIEWER: ike &#8211; elizabethtown, KY</strong></li><li><strong>REVIEWER: Solstice15 – Rochester, NY</strong></li><li data-xf-list-type="ol"><strong>REVIEWER: kubig123 &#8211; NYC</strong></li><li data-xf-list-type="ol"><strong>REVIEWER: csglinux &#8211; LA, CA</strong></li><li><strong>REVIEWER: HifiHawaii808 – Honolulu, HI</strong></li><li style="line-height: 30.403px;"><strong>masahito29 – Wahiawa, HI (member)</strong></li><li style="line-height: 30.403px;"><strong>blotmouse – Seattle, WA (member)</strong></li><li style="line-height: 30.403px;"><strong><a style="color: #1691aa; outline: 0px;" href="https://audiotiers.com/community/profile/80/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer ugc">&gt;&gt;&gt;hamhamhamsta</a> &#8211; Santa Ana, CA</strong></li><li style="line-height: 30.403px;"><strong>rwelles – Florence, OR</strong></li><li style="line-height: 30.403px;"><strong>hypermuteki – Las Vegas, NV</strong></li><li><strong>circa – Denver, CO</strong></li><li><strong>fiacogarcia – Fort Collins, CO</strong></li><li><strong>kadinh – Amarillo, TX</strong></li><li><strong>uthood – Dallas, TX</strong></li><li><strong>barra &#8211; Anthem, AZ (Kit Check 1/23)</strong></li><li data-xf-list-type="ol">Rio1969 &#8211; Richmond, TX (member)</li><li>Towa – Nashville, TN</li><li>mashuto – Sterling, VA (member)</li><li data-xf-list-type="ol">kdestremps28 &#8211; North Grafton, MA (member)</li><li data-xf-list-type="ol">Garney &#8211; Melrose, MA (member)</li><li data-xf-list-type="ol">android &#8211; Lynnwood, WA </li><li data-xf-list-type="ol">Infoseeker &#8211; Canton, MI (member)</li><li data-xf-list-type="ol">rantng &#8211; NYC</li><li data-xf-list-type="ol">Tybot &#8211; Albuquerque, NM</li><li data-xf-list-type="ol">Blueshound24 &#8211; Sioux Falls, SD</li><li>barra &#8211; Anthem, AZ</li></ol><div id="comment-868" class="wpd-comment-right"><div class="wpd-comment-header"> </div></div> </div>
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  242. <h1><b>Fir Audio US Tour Logistics</b></h1><h4><b>Rn6 Tour Kit &#8211; Tracking Backwards after Reviewers</b></h4><ol><li data-xf-list-type="ol"><a id="js-XFUniqueId30" class="username" href="https://www.head-fi.org/members/191965/" data-xf-init="member-tooltip" data-user-id="191965" data-username="@Barra">@Barra</a> – Anthem, AZ</li><li style="line-height: 30.403px;" data-xf-list-type="ol">REVIEWER: ngoshawk &#8211; Warrensburg, MO</li><li data-xf-list-type="ol">REVIEWER: ike &#8211; elizabethtown, KY</li><li>REVIEWER: Solstice15 – Rochester, NY</li><li data-xf-list-type="ol">REVIEWER: kubig123 &#8211; NYC</li><li data-xf-list-type="ol">REVIEWER: csglinux &#8211; LA, CA</li><li>REVIEWER: HifiHawaii808 – Honolulu, HI</li><li style="line-height: 30.403px;">masahito29 – Wahiawa, HI (member)</li><li style="line-height: 30.403px;">blotmouse – Seattle, WA (member)</li><li style="line-height: 30.403px;"><a style="color: #1691aa; outline: 0px;" href="https://audiotiers.com/community/profile/80/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer ugc">&gt;&gt;&gt;hamhamhamsta</a> &#8211; Santa Ana, CA</li><li style="line-height: 30.403px;">rwelles – Florence, OR</li><li style="line-height: 30.403px;">hypermuteki – Las Vegas, NV</li><li>circa – Denver, CO</li><li>fiacogarcia – Fort Collins, CO</li><li>kadinh – Amarillo, TX</li><li>uthood – Dallas, TX</li><li>barra &#8211; Anthem, AZ (Kit Check 1/23)</li><li data-xf-list-type="ol">Rio1969 &#8211; Richmond, TX (member)</li><li>Towa – Nashville, TN</li><li>mashuto – Sterling, VA (member)</li><li data-xf-list-type="ol">kdestremps28 &#8211; North Grafton, MA (member)</li><li data-xf-list-type="ol">Garney &#8211; Melrose, MA (member)</li><li data-xf-list-type="ol">android &#8211; Lynnwood, WA </li><li data-xf-list-type="ol">Infoseeker &#8211; Canton, MI (member)</li><li data-xf-list-type="ol">rantng &#8211; NYC</li><li data-xf-list-type="ol">Tybot &#8211; Albuquerque, NM</li><li data-xf-list-type="ol">Blueshound24 &#8211; Sioux Falls, SD</li><li>barra &#8211; Anthem, AZ</li></ol><div id="comment-868" class="wpd-comment-right"><div class="wpd-comment-header"> </div></div> </div>
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  251. <wfw:commentRss>https://audiotiers.com/tour-fir-audio-gen2-frontier-series-ciem-lineup-xenon-6-krypton-5-neon-4/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
  252. <slash:comments>69</slash:comments>
  255. <post-id xmlns="com-wordpress:feed-additions:1">2441</post-id> </item>
  256. <item>
  257. <title>Reviews: Vision Ears EXT &#8211; Taking the Elysium to the Next Level</title>
  258. <link>https://audiotiers.com/reviews-vision-ears-ext-taking-the-elysium-to-the-next-level/</link>
  259. <comments>https://audiotiers.com/reviews-vision-ears-ext-taking-the-elysium-to-the-next-level/#comments</comments>
  261. <dc:creator><![CDATA[Barra]]></dc:creator>
  262. <pubDate>Tue, 16 Nov 2021 22:47:41 +0000</pubDate>
  263. <category><![CDATA[CIEMs]]></category>
  264. <category><![CDATA[Reviews]]></category>
  265. <category><![CDATA[EXT]]></category>
  266. <category><![CDATA[Vision Ears]]></category>
  267. <guid isPermaLink="false">https://audiotiers.com/?p=2337</guid>
  268.  
  269. <description><![CDATA[Pros: Exotic performance, unique VE etheric rendering, best-in-class bass performance, best-in-class clarity, full-sized performance Cons: Only available in universal fit, requires significantly more volume from your DAPs to match output vs. other CIEMs To be clear, the VE EXT is not just an upgraded Elysium, it is at a whole new level with a different [&#8230;]]]></description>
  270. <content:encoded><![CDATA[ <div data-elementor-type="wp-post" data-elementor-id="2337" class="elementor elementor-2337">
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  277. <ul><li><strong>Pros</strong>: Exotic performance, unique VE etheric rendering, best-in-class bass performance, best-in-class clarity, full-sized performance</li><li><strong>Cons</strong>: Only available in universal fit, requires significantly more volume from your DAPs to match output vs. other CIEMs</li></ul> </div>
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  281. <p>To be clear, the VE EXT is not just an upgraded Elysium, it is at a whole new level with a different overall signature. It is now supporting two dynamic drivers which should be of interest to anyone that enjoys full-sized audiophile bass. The best-in-call mids that the Elysium offers are still there, but it is not the focus of the EXT. Those mids/vocals are still forward and intimate but are now accompanied by the dual lead guitars over the vocalist’s shoulders, gobs of venue ambiance, and full-sized bass that you can feel all around while maintaining the Elysium’s texturing all the way down and up in the frequency range. Therefore, the EXT is competing more with the ERL and now the new Phonix.</p> </div>
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  285. <h2 class="elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default">Tour: Vision Ears PHöNIX and EXT Flagships</h2> </div>
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  289. <p>For those that do not know me, I am active on AudioTiers and HEADFI under the username “Barra” and have been hosting product tours for almost a decade now. During this time, I have been able to hear all the greats and experienced the evolution of CIEMs/IEMs and all the associated equipment. From that experience, I can say without a doubt that Vision Ears has always been on top of all the lists in terms of performance and unique tuning capabilities. I have managed a number of tours for Vision Ears and am very excited to now offer another 2021 flagship tour for the Phonix and the EXT. To sign up and to hear the EXT and the Phonix for yourself, please go to the tour thread and follow the instructions: <a class="link link--external" href="https://audiotiers.com/tour-vision-ears-phonix-and-ext-flagships/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow ugc noopener">https://audiotiers.com/tour-vision-ears-phonix-and-ext-flagships/</a>.<br /><br />As always, my goal is not to just offer my opinion, but to offer tours so you can hear this equipment for yourself. If you are not already an AudioTiers tour member, please go to AudioTiers.com and follow the instructions in the “Getting Started” box on the Tours page: <a class="link link--external" href="https://audiotiers.com/tours/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow ugc noopener">https://audiotiers.com/tours/</a>.</p> </div>
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  299. <p><b><i>Vision Ears Tour Kickoff Video</i></b></p> </div>
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  303. <h2 class="elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default">The Vision Ears Family</h2> </div>
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  307. <p>Vision Ears is a premium CIEM manufacturer out of Germany that has a full lineup of premium IEMs and custom IEMs and are longtime favorites on HEADFI and AUDIOTIERS. Their lineup has always made the top of the charts in performance including the VE8, Elysium, the now-retired king – ERLKöNIG, plus the new EXT and Phonix. To learn more about Vision Ears, their lineup, or to purchase the EXT from this review, please visit their website at: <a class="link link--external" href="https://vision-ears.de/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow ugc noopener">https://vision-ears.de/</a>.</p> </div>
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  311. <img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="600" height="374" src="https://audiotiers.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/logo-vision-ears-white.png" class="attachment-large size-large wp-image-2273" alt="" srcset="https://audiotiers.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/logo-vision-ears-white.png.webp 600w, https://audiotiers.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/logo-vision-ears-white-50x31.png.webp 50w" sizes="(max-width: 600px) 100vw, 600px" /> </div>
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  315. <h2 class="elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default">The Vision Ears EXT
  316. </h2> </div>
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  320. <p>The EXT is a new dual flagship from Vison Ears sharing the top spot with the new Phonix. The EXT is being seen as an upgrade from the Elysium while the more expensive Phonix appears to be a replacement for the now-retired ERLKöNIG. While this review is on the EXT specifically, many readers are comparing these two to decide on a purchase as they are very close in overall performance with sonic preference being the key determining factor. Therefore, I will offer a number of comparisons within this EXT review. As the EXT is also seen as an upgrade to the Elysium, I will be offering a number of Elysium comparisons within this review as well. However, as I pointed out in the introduction, I don’t feel that this is simply an Elysium upgrade, that it is at a higher level of performance and has a different signature.</p><h3><strong>Universal Format Only</strong></h3><p>Both are only available in universal format only. While this was always the case with the ERLKöNIG, so it is not surprising in its replacement, the Elysium had a custom option so not having that option in the EXT was a disappointment for me. Having a custom option is very important to me as I have fit issues that are eliminated by having a custom IEM. My perfect fit allows me to wear them in an active environment without losing my seal forcing me to continually readjust and ensuring that I always have perfect performance so I can hear to the extreme ends of the frequency spectrum and that I can experience the full impact of the bass response.</p><p>My Elysium is a custom fit and this should be noted in the comparisons. This is because the custom Elysium has superior performance to the universal version as experienced in my online conversations with universal version owners as well as my direct experience comparing the universal tour Elysium to my own custom version. The difference in performance was a significant boost in the bass which the universal version owners felt was missing. A perfect seal is the only way to get a perfect bass response, and the Elysium was susceptible to imperfect seals issues as the mids were so prevalent that most never realized there was an issue. Most people will notice a marked improvement when cupping their hands over their ears when wearing a universal IEM – due to an imperfect seal.</p><p>While I would love for both/either of these models to gain a custom option, this is not likely. It was explained to me by Vision Ears that: “Both new models are just available as universals and it is not planned to make them custom &#8211; would be difficult anyway because the shell and faceplate material is an essential part of the design and not so easy to transfer to a custom version.”</p><h3><strong>Configuration – Yes, it has Two Dynamic Drivers</strong></h3><p>The EXT is a tribrid IEM with four electrostatic drivers – same as the Elysium – to create a wide-open landscape of lush details, an additional new 9.2mm dynamic driver with loads of power in the very low end replacing the Elysiums single BA bass module, and the same 6mm driver for the mids that was found in the Elysium. Yes, you hear correctly, there are two dynamic drivers, one for the mids and a larger one for sub-bass. This configuration similarity is why the EXT is looked at as an upgraded Elysium, it is the same configuration with the addition of a new 9.2mm dynamic driver for the lows. However, the tuning and crossing is very different which will be detailed in the comparison section.</p><p>The Phonix on the other hand is a traditional 12 BA configuration – 4 low, 4 mid, 4 high – same as the ERLKöNIG with the addition of a new super-tweeter offering a new 13th driver. From memory – I don’t have the ERLKöNIG on hand currently to compare directly &#8211; the sonic results are similar to the ERLKöNIG on its popular second switch. The Phonix in contrast has no switch. As the ERLKöNIG is rated at GOD-TIER status, just matching performance is quite a feat. I am hoping to get the tour ERLKöNIG sometime soon to be able to compare directly.</p><h3><strong>Build</strong></h3><p>The EXT feels noticeable smaller and lighter than the Phonix. While side-by-side pictures don’t echo this feel, the EXT disappears and sucks into the ears while the Phonix just feels more substantial overall. They are both comfortable, but the EXT does a better job of disappearing while listening to music. I can actually lay with my ear on the pillow with the EXT while listening to music at night where I wouldn’t do this with the Phonix. The Elysium is not comparable as it is a custom build with a custom faceplate. However, the Elysium is one of the most recognizable faceplates in the world of IEMs and is extremely beautiful.</p> </div>
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  325. <a href='https://audiotiers.com/reviews-vision-ears-ext-taking-the-elysium-to-the-next-level/img_1590/'><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="300" height="300" src="https://audiotiers.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/IMG_1590-300x300.jpg" class="attachment-medium size-medium" alt="" srcset="https://audiotiers.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/IMG_1590-300x300.jpg.webp 300w, https://audiotiers.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/IMG_1590-1024x1024.jpg.webp 1024w, https://audiotiers.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/IMG_1590-150x150.jpg.webp 150w, https://audiotiers.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/IMG_1590-768x768.jpg.webp 768w" sizes="(max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px" /></a>
  326. <a href='https://audiotiers.com/reviews-vision-ears-ext-taking-the-elysium-to-the-next-level/img_1630/'><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="300" height="300" src="https://audiotiers.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/IMG_1630-300x300.jpg" class="attachment-medium size-medium" alt="" srcset="https://audiotiers.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/IMG_1630-300x300.jpg.webp 300w, https://audiotiers.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/IMG_1630-1024x1024.jpg.webp 1024w, https://audiotiers.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/IMG_1630-150x150.jpg.webp 150w, https://audiotiers.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/IMG_1630-768x768.jpg.webp 768w" sizes="(max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px" /></a>
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  331. <p>The EXT feels solid and uses a nice aluminum while the Phonix feels heavier and more solid in a good way. They both are beautiful and well built, but the Phonix was obviously the one designed to win the beauty contest and is priced higher to match its looks. The carbon fibre in the picture below is very beautiful but is dark and not immediately noticeable unless in the direct Arizona sunlight. The Phonix faceplate does pop and appears fiery in the sunlight which is extremely beautiful. Apparently, the Phonix likes it here in Phoenix. <img decoding="async" class="smilie smilie--emoji" title="Smiling face with smiling eyes    :blush:" src="https://cdn.jsdelivr.net/joypixels/assets/6.6/png/unicode/64/1f60a.png" alt="😊" data-shortname=":blush:" /></p> </div>
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  336. <a href='https://audiotiers.com/reviews-vision-ears-ext-taking-the-elysium-to-the-next-level/attachment/1636869867022/'><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="300" height="300" src="https://audiotiers.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/1636869867022-300x300.png" class="attachment-medium size-medium" alt="" srcset="https://audiotiers.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/1636869867022-300x300.png.webp 300w, https://audiotiers.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/1636869867022-150x150.png.webp 150w" sizes="(max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px" /></a>
  337. <a href='https://audiotiers.com/reviews-vision-ears-ext-taking-the-elysium-to-the-next-level/attachment/1636869876299/'><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="300" height="300" src="https://audiotiers.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/1636869876299-300x300.png" class="attachment-medium size-medium" alt="" srcset="https://audiotiers.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/1636869876299-300x300.png.webp 300w, https://audiotiers.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/1636869876299-150x150.png.webp 150w" sizes="(max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px" /></a>
  338. <a href='https://audiotiers.com/reviews-vision-ears-ext-taking-the-elysium-to-the-next-level/attachment/1636869885997/'><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="300" height="300" src="https://audiotiers.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/1636869885997-300x300.png" class="attachment-medium size-medium" alt="" srcset="https://audiotiers.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/1636869885997-300x300.png.webp 300w, https://audiotiers.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/1636869885997-150x150.png.webp 150w" sizes="(max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px" /></a>
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  343. <h3><strong>Fit</strong>​</h3><p>The fit and seal for both the EXT and the Phonix is superb, but the seal on the EXT is better for me. The EXT somehow is sucked into my ear offering a custom-like fit and seal while the Phonix feels more external while still offering a great seal. Both have a good enough seal that they work well in an active environment. My Elysium is a custom fit so there is no comparison – it is perfect. As a traditionally custom-only company, Vision Ears has only recently begun offering universal versions of its extended lineup. Previously, only the ERLKöNIG was offered in universal. As a traditionally custom-only company, Vision Ears is one of the best in the business at getting a perfect custom fit. In fact, my Elysium is the best custom fit that I own.</p><p>For me, I only go silicone due to the inner workings of my ears. With a significant bend in my ear channel, the silicone offers a wedge to seal the IEM and get full performance. Therefore, I have not tried any other tips to offer other suggestions.</p><h3><strong>Packaging</strong>​</h3><p>Vision Ears packaging is worth discussing as they have gone above and beyond. There is not much to say as the following picture say it all, but they do accessorize well.</p> </div>
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  348. <a href='https://audiotiers.com/reviews-vision-ears-ext-taking-the-elysium-to-the-next-level/img_1634/'><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="300" height="300" src="https://audiotiers.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/IMG_1634-300x300.jpg" class="attachment-medium size-medium" alt="" srcset="https://audiotiers.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/IMG_1634-300x300.jpg.webp 300w, https://audiotiers.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/IMG_1634-1024x1024.jpg.webp 1024w, https://audiotiers.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/IMG_1634-150x150.jpg.webp 150w, https://audiotiers.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/IMG_1634-768x768.jpg.webp 768w" sizes="(max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px" /></a>
  349. <a href='https://audiotiers.com/reviews-vision-ears-ext-taking-the-elysium-to-the-next-level/img_1633/'><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="300" height="300" src="https://audiotiers.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/IMG_1633-300x300.jpg" class="attachment-medium size-medium" alt="" srcset="https://audiotiers.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/IMG_1633-300x300.jpg.webp 300w, https://audiotiers.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/IMG_1633-1024x1024.jpg.webp 1024w, https://audiotiers.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/IMG_1633-150x150.jpg.webp 150w, https://audiotiers.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/IMG_1633-768x768.jpg.webp 768w" sizes="(max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px" /></a>
  350. <a href='https://audiotiers.com/reviews-vision-ears-ext-taking-the-elysium-to-the-next-level/img_1640/'><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="300" height="300" src="https://audiotiers.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/IMG_1640-300x300.jpg" class="attachment-medium size-medium" alt="" srcset="https://audiotiers.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/IMG_1640-300x300.jpg.webp 300w, https://audiotiers.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/IMG_1640-1024x1024.jpg.webp 1024w, https://audiotiers.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/IMG_1640-150x150.jpg.webp 150w, https://audiotiers.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/IMG_1640-768x768.jpg.webp 768w" sizes="(max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px" /></a>
  351. <a href='https://audiotiers.com/reviews-vision-ears-ext-taking-the-elysium-to-the-next-level/img_1642/'><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="300" height="300" src="https://audiotiers.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/IMG_1642-300x300.jpg" class="attachment-medium size-medium" alt="" srcset="https://audiotiers.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/IMG_1642-300x300.jpg.webp 300w, https://audiotiers.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/IMG_1642-1024x1024.jpg 1024w, https://audiotiers.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/IMG_1642-150x150.jpg.webp 150w, https://audiotiers.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/IMG_1642-768x768.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px" /></a>
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  356. <h2 class="elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default">The EXT Sound
  357. </h2> </div>
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  361. <p>The name AudioTiers comes from my attempt to offer performance tiers to provide perspective to these various in-ear offerings and the surrounding gear. While we have definitely hosted mid-tier and some entry-tier IEMs, we have mostly focused on the top-tier offerings with some mid-tier. The best of the best are termed exotics for their ability to be unique and stand above the crowd. The top 5 of the exotics are awarded GOD-Tier status. The ERLKöNIG is among those 5 GOD-Tier IEMs, but will lose its position soon as it is no longer available since being retired by Vision Ears. The Phonix has a good chance of replacing the ERLKöNIG, it is that good. The EXT is neck to neck with the Phonix as it is that good also. However, we never award exotic or God-Tier status to new entries until we get consensus from our membership which is likely to happen. My expectation is that they will fall into the exotic category at the minimum.<br /><br />To describe the EXT signature, in a nutshell, is that it offers extreme clarity, euphoric and powerful texturing from end to end of the frequency spectrum, all supported by exotic bass performance for a full-sized soundstage. The bass is quick and large, but is only there when it is called for – the 9.2mm sub-bass otherwise disappears allowing the dynamic mids to take over. The sub-bass never steps on the mid-bass which is significant given that they are both dynamic drivers. For those audiophile bass lovers out there, the EXT delivers on the bass, but it is certainly not a fart cannon. This bass has impact and soul, but it is not always on. It offers warm characteristics even though the EXT has extreme clarity.<br /><br />What is unique about this IEM is its reach both up and down while retaining power throughout the frequency range to drive textures, but allowing space between the instruments to offer clarity and positioning with gobs of detail. I could say the same thing about the Phonix, but it is warmer vs. the EXT clarity. The best way to describe the sound is to compare it to other familiar IEMs as at this level they are all superb and we are splitting hairs on performance. So it all comes down to your preferred signature which can best be described through contrasting and comparing with other great IEMs. But first, let&#8217;s discuss optimizing and pairing to set the stage.</p> </div>
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  365. <h2 class="elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default">Optimizing and Pairing
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  371. <a href='https://audiotiers.com/reviews-vision-ears-ext-taking-the-elysium-to-the-next-level/img_1615/'><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="300" height="300" src="https://audiotiers.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/IMG_1615-300x300.jpg" class="attachment-medium size-medium" alt="" srcset="https://audiotiers.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/IMG_1615-300x300.jpg.webp 300w, https://audiotiers.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/IMG_1615-1024x1024.jpg 1024w, https://audiotiers.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/IMG_1615-150x150.jpg.webp 150w, https://audiotiers.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/IMG_1615-768x768.jpg.webp 768w" sizes="(max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px" /></a>
  372. <a href='https://audiotiers.com/reviews-vision-ears-ext-taking-the-elysium-to-the-next-level/img_1591/'><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="300" height="300" src="https://audiotiers.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/IMG_1591-300x300.jpg" class="attachment-medium size-medium" alt="" srcset="https://audiotiers.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/IMG_1591-300x300.jpg.webp 300w, https://audiotiers.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/IMG_1591-1024x1024.jpg.webp 1024w, https://audiotiers.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/IMG_1591-150x150.jpg.webp 150w, https://audiotiers.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/IMG_1591-768x768.jpg.webp 768w" sizes="(max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px" /></a>
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  375. <div class="elementor-element elementor-element-5a51b64 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor" data-id="5a51b64" data-element_type="widget" data-widget_type="text-editor.default">
  376. <div class="elementor-widget-container">
  377. <p>As I did not find either the EXT or the Phonix lacking in any area, I did not feel that rolling cables at this point would be a benefit. The stock cables are wonderful and the resulting sound is satisfactory. So this optimization section is mainly about pairing given that we have all already made investments in gear that we would like to use with our purchases. My preferred DAPs are the Sony WM1a and the Calyx M as I have sold my AK and other DAPs that were not being used. The Hugo 2 rounds out my setup offering top-tier performance using my Sony or iPhone as a source. My desktop DAC/AMP is the Burson C3R offering 7.5 watts of pure performance to test the limits of scalability. Based on experience, the C3R wattage scales my dynamic drivers to the extreme but is not necessary for BA-only setups. Here is what I found.</p><ul><li data-xf-list-type="ul"><b>iPhone 11</b>: Amazon HD Music is a new app on my iPhone that has improved my sound quality considerably. From the standard Apple Music app, the EXT sounds great, but better on my better DAPs. The new Amazon app takes this up several notches and gets the iPhone closer to my dedicated DAPs mentioned below. In fact, the music discovery on the iPhone has made it my preferred method to listen to the EXT on the go. Either way, the music sounds full-sized from the iPhone, just more filled out with the Amazon app. But the dedicated DAPs are clearly better overall. I just wish that I had access to the Amazon music app with these DAPs. As mentioned above, the only weakness of the iPhone is that in crowded or dynamic passages there can be some clipping at first. However, for whatever reason, the clipping seems to disappear, and the fullness of the note returns after the iPhone warms up with 15 minutes or so constant playing. Of note is the need to turn my iPhone about 80 to 90 percent volume with the EXT vs. around 50 percent volume or less with my other IEMs such as the Phonix. While this sounds like it may be a disadvantage, it feels like to more power to drive the output also grips the drivers better for more texture. The iPhone doesn’t feel colored in the signature offering a very revealing look at the EXT but may not extend to the extremes like my better sources.</li><li data-xf-list-type="ul"><b>Calyx M</b>: The Calyx M is famous for its sound quality implying that the 9018 is responsible. While the stats don’t speak to this, the amp is likely to be the bigger influencer burning up a giant battery in less than four hours to meet that quality output. The clarity and transparency offered in the colder Calyx M signature offer more detail than the Sony below. In comparison, I used to like the Calyx M better than the Sony until I got a custom firmware upgrade on the Sony. The Calyx takes the audiophile performance up a notch with more and tighter detail, while Sony can actually be more fun. An advantage the Calyx has over Sony is that volume slider that allows me to perfect the volume for each song instantly and to play the EXT louder than normal for short bursts. The clarity of the EXT shines on the M and the powerful amp boosts the texturing. The M is a great pairing with the EXT offering a slightly different signature than the Sony which comes across as warmer and punchier. The Phonix loses some of the tube-like euphonics on the M offering more clarity bringing it closer to the EXT signature.</li><li data-xf-list-type="ul"><b>Sony WM1a</b>: The Sony was almost sold last year as it didn’t pair well with my CIEMs until I got the new custom firmware. The new firmware now plays nice with all my CIEMs. The EXT is a wonderful pairing offering a warmer tint to its performance with a nice girth to the note and more resonance and textures. The Sony with its superior battery life and UX is my go-to DAP for the EXT. While the Sony moves the EXT a little in the direction of the Phonix signature, the Phonix signature stays the same on Sony. Both the EXT and the Phonix sound fantastic on Sony.</li><li data-xf-list-type="ul"><b>Hugo 2</b>: The H2 takes the experience up a notch with a better DAC and AMP. The pairing is more in line with the Calyx M but on steroids. The bass comes out more, the detail is at another level, and the sound gets fuller. However, as with the M, the H2 brings out the clarity/transparency of the EXT for more of an audiophile sound rather than the more fun Sony. The problem with the H2 is that it is a stack that is not always convenient, so this is not as normal of a pairing as the Burson C3R which takes it up another notch given the additional driving power if I have to deal with the inconvenience. The Phonix performance also goes up a notch with the H2 with an additional gob of detail.</li><li data-xf-list-type="ul"><b>Burson C3 Reference</b>: Going desktop, the Burson C3R is my favorite pairing supersizing the overall SQ significantly and in a fun musical way that crushes the Sony. It should also be mentioned that I am employing the Amazon HD Music application as a source and running it through my Sonarworks True-Fi application tuned to my HD800 headphones that work well with the EXT signature. Playing through iTunes with True-Fi turned off brings down the sound quality noticeably, so some may consider this a cheat. Regardless, the C3R drives 7.5 watts into the EXT and offers a significant boost to the low end with more punch and more clarity. While the C3R is slightly warmer than the H2, not by much. The soundstage also grows with the C3R. Applied to the EXT it reaches the peak of performance and closes the gap on the Phonix, perhaps matching it. The traditional BA configuration of the Phoenix doesn’t handle the power boost as well having to keep the volume down to 1 out of 100 or it can sound overdone. However, the Phonix does grab another boost in detail and soundstage offering peek performance with the C3R as well. With the C3R, we are splitting hairs and the performance is around the same with two slightly different signatures – EXT offers more punch and dynamic bass with clarity throughout whereas the Phonix reminds me of a wonderful tube amp performance rendering the musical romance that can be missing from modern music.</li></ul><p>Overall, I find that the BA offerings like Phonix or the ERLKöNIG do best with DAPs being overpowered by the desktop. While they sound great scaled down to the iPhone, this is not what they were built for and is a waste at this price point. The EXT and the Elysium require more volume than most to drive them at satisfactory output levels. However, they do play nice with the iPhone even though the volume is most of the way up. The desktop does offer a good amount of scaling as the Elysium and the EXT like the additional power, but they do not need it to reach most of their potential.</p> </div>
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  380. <div class="elementor-widget-container">
  381. <h2 class="elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default">Comparisons</h2> </div>
  382. </div>
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  385. <img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="1024" src="https://audiotiers.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/IMG_1428-1024x1024.jpg" class="attachment-large size-large wp-image-2357" alt="" srcset="https://audiotiers.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/IMG_1428-1024x1024.jpg.webp 1024w, https://audiotiers.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/IMG_1428-300x300.jpg 300w, https://audiotiers.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/IMG_1428-150x150.jpg 150w, https://audiotiers.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/IMG_1428-768x768.jpg.webp 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /> </div>
  386. </div>
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  388. <div class="elementor-widget-container">
  389. <p>To compare to the other IEMs, we used the sources described in the previous section. My music ranges from EDM to classical to rock to metal to pop to new age and easy listening. My preference in listening is to play all genres randomly to jolt my senses while getting a wide sampling of music. While I have already offered some comparisons for the Phonix and the Elysium, I am also in possession of the new Lime Ears flagship, the Pnenma for comparison. Here is what I found.</p><h3><strong>Phonix</strong></h3><p>These two IEMs are both exotic and offer stellar sound quality. They both offer full-sized sound and an extreme frequency range with power to drive textures and detail from end to end. The difference is mainly in the clarity focus of the EXT vs. the euphoric richness of the Phoenix. They both excel at bass, but the EXT bass is definitely more present and dynamic. I am splitting hairs, but I would also say that the Phoenix sound stage feels more full-sized headphone with the EXT being slightly smaller. In the end, the key difference is the EXT clarity focus vs. the warmer, more euphoric Phonix. When I listen to one, I am not missing the other as either are fully satisfying. However, it is always nice to switch as they both are slightly different.</p> </div>
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  393. <img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="1024" src="https://audiotiers.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/IMG_1598-1024x1024.jpg" class="attachment-large size-large wp-image-2358" alt="" srcset="https://audiotiers.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/IMG_1598-1024x1024.jpg.webp 1024w, https://audiotiers.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/IMG_1598-300x300.jpg.webp 300w, https://audiotiers.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/IMG_1598-150x150.jpg.webp 150w, https://audiotiers.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/IMG_1598-768x768.jpg.webp 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /> </div>
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  396. <div class="elementor-widget-container">
  397. <h3><strong>Elysium</strong></h3><p>The Elysium is very different than the EXT. Yes, it has mostly the same configuration, but the dual dynamic drivers and the new tuning make it a very different IEM. The focus is no longer on the mids, the EXT is a full spectrum performer that adds to the Elysium mids in a very dynamic way it is just at a whole new level of performance. The vocalist portrayed by the Elysium, is now accompanied by the full band with the EXT with two lead guitarists over their shoulders and it is easy to tell there are two leads. The EXT bass is now so spectacular that nobody would dare complain. There is also an extremely large soundstage with the EXT with the same intimate presentation so there is more ambiance and spatial cues. That being said, comparing these two very different IEMs reignited my love for the Elysium as well which will always be my go-to driver for intimate vocals. At risk for overusing the exotic term, the Elysium has exotic mids that are unbeatable.</p> </div>
  398. </div>
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  401. <img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="640" height="480" src="https://audiotiers.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/1636870207278.png" class="attachment-large size-large wp-image-2359" alt="" srcset="https://audiotiers.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/1636870207278.png.webp 640w, https://audiotiers.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/1636870207278-50x38.png.webp 50w" sizes="(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px" /> </div>
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  405. <h3><strong>Lime Ears Pnenma</strong></h3><p>The Pnenma is Lime Ears brand new flagship and is phenomenal. Where the EXT is a tribrid, the Pnenma is a hybrid with a dynamic driver for bass and four BA drivers. What is different about the Pnenma is the smaller 7mm (vs. 9.2mm) titanium dynamic bass driver which is extremely fast and punchy. The results are a very resolute bass note with a fast decay that etches out the details that other bass drivers may miss. The smaller driver sacrifices some of the extremely low rumbles but gets clarity in exchange while still offering an enormous and satisfying punch. In contrast to the EXT, the Pnenma bass driver is responsible for a broader range where the bass duties on the EXT are divided between the sub-bass and the mid-bass. However, the effect is similar as the EXT uses a smaller 6mm dynamic driver for the mids as well so the EXT has that rumble separated and in addition for those that find that 20-40 hertz bass to be critical and desire power in this range. Of note, there is a switch on the Pnenma that allows you to switch the bass from forward to neutral. In real-world use, you probably would not buy the Pnenma if you didn’t like its significant bass response so there is no practical reason for turning it down. I left it in bass enhanced for this comparison and found no advantage for switching.</p><p>On the other end of the spectrum, the Pnenma BA treble offers much more shimmer than I have been finding lately in the new offerings. Treble junkies may find this shimmer to be to their liking as it is very compelling and adds a lot to the overall signature. This is a very smooth audiophile shimmer and never approaches sibilance. The Pnenma is a fantastic IEM and is a very good value at its significantly lower price range and will appeal to those that miss the more traditional shimmer that a BA offers. These two IEMs are more complementary than competitors as the endearing characteristics of each are different. One last comment about the Pnenma, it is quite beautiful as you can see in the picture. However, the picture doesn’t do it justice as it looks even better in person.</p> </div>
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  409. <img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="1024" src="https://audiotiers.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/IMG_1623-1024x1024.jpg" class="attachment-large size-large wp-image-2360" alt="" srcset="https://audiotiers.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/IMG_1623-1024x1024.jpg.webp 1024w, https://audiotiers.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/IMG_1623-300x300.jpg.webp 300w, https://audiotiers.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/IMG_1623-150x150.jpg.webp 150w, https://audiotiers.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/IMG_1623-768x768.jpg.webp 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /> </div>
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  413. <h3><b>Concluding Thoughts</b></h3><p>The EXT and the Phonix are both easy recommendations for those that can afford them. They offer peak performance checking all the boxes of modern technology. The only downside is the lack of a custom option, but I find these both to offer a solid seal even in the universal format where this is not as much of a concern. Regardless, if you live in the US, then you are free to join our EXT/Phonix tour and hear them for yourself so you can decide for yourself – the way it should be. <img decoding="async" class="smilie smilie--emoji" title="Smiling face with smiling eyes    :blush:" src="https://cdn.jsdelivr.net/joypixels/assets/6.6/png/unicode/64/1f60a.png" alt="😊" data-shortname=":blush:" /></p> </div>
  414. </div>
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  417. </div>
  418. </section>
  419. </div>
  420. ]]></content:encoded>
  422. <wfw:commentRss>https://audiotiers.com/reviews-vision-ears-ext-taking-the-elysium-to-the-next-level/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
  423. <slash:comments>2</slash:comments>
  426. <post-id xmlns="com-wordpress:feed-additions:1">2337</post-id> </item>
  427. <item>
  428. <title>Tour: Empire Ears EVO</title>
  429. <link>https://audiotiers.com/tour-empire-ears-evo/</link>
  430. <comments>https://audiotiers.com/tour-empire-ears-evo/#comments</comments>
  432. <dc:creator><![CDATA[Barra]]></dc:creator>
  433. <pubDate>Tue, 28 Sep 2021 17:29:21 +0000</pubDate>
  434. <category><![CDATA[CIEMs]]></category>
  435. <category><![CDATA[Tours]]></category>
  436. <category><![CDATA[Empire Ears]]></category>
  437. <guid isPermaLink="false">https://audiotiers.com/?p=2300</guid>
  438.  
  439. <description><![CDATA[Legend X, but Better? &#60;h4&#62;October 2021&#60;/h4&#62; &#60;img width="620" height="264" src="https://audiotiers.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/EE-Logo.jpg" alt="" loading="lazy" srcset="https://audiotiers.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/EE-Logo.jpg 620w, https://audiotiers.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/EE-Logo-50x21.jpg 50w" sizes="(max-width: 620px) 100vw, 620px" /&#62; &#60;strong&#62;Empire Ears IEMs Discussed in this Tour can be found here&#60;/strong&#62;: &#60;a href="https://empireears.com/"&#62;https://empireears.com/&#60;/a&#62; TBD BECOME A VERIFIED TOUR MEMBER Empire Ears Tour Kit We have two tour kits in full retail boxing for our [&#8230;]]]></description>
  440. <content:encoded><![CDATA[ <div data-elementor-type="wp-post" data-elementor-id="2300" class="elementor elementor-2300">
  441. <section class="elementor-section elementor-top-section elementor-element elementor-element-cde9a7b elementor-section-boxed elementor-section-height-default elementor-section-height-default" data-id="cde9a7b" data-element_type="section">
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  446. <div class="elementor-widget-container">
  447. <h2 class="elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default">Legend X, but Better?</h2> </div>
  448. </div>
  449. <div class="elementor-element elementor-element-f7144e0 elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading" data-id="f7144e0" data-element_type="widget" data-widget_type="heading.default">
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  451. <h4 class="elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default">October 2021</h4> </div>
  452. </div>
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  454. <div class="elementor-widget-container">
  455. <img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="620" height="264" src="https://audiotiers.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/EE-Logo.jpg" class="attachment-full size-full wp-image-2306" alt="" srcset="https://audiotiers.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/EE-Logo.jpg.webp 620w, https://audiotiers.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/EE-Logo-50x21.jpg.webp 50w" sizes="(max-width: 620px) 100vw, 620px" /> </div>
  456. </div>
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  459. <p><strong>Empire Ears IEMs Discussed in this Tour can be found here</strong>: <a href="https://empireears.com/">https://empireears.com/</a></p> </div>
  460. </div>
  461. <div class="elementor-element elementor-element-19b66f2 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor" data-id="19b66f2" data-element_type="widget" data-widget_type="text-editor.default">
  462. <div class="elementor-widget-container">
  463. <p>TBD</p> </div>
  464. </div>
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  468. <a class="elementor-button elementor-button-link elementor-size-xl elementor-animation-pop" href="#">
  469. <span class="elementor-button-content-wrapper">
  470. <span class="elementor-button-text">BECOME A VERIFIED TOUR MEMBER</span>
  471. </span>
  472. </a>
  473. </div>
  474. </div>
  475. </div>
  476. </div>
  477. </div>
  478. </div>
  479. </section>
  480. <section class="elementor-section elementor-top-section elementor-element elementor-element-5ff7f67 elementor-section-boxed elementor-section-height-default elementor-section-height-default" data-id="5ff7f67" data-element_type="section">
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  485. <div class="elementor-widget-container">
  486. <h2>Empire Ears Tour Kit</h2><p>We have two tour kits in full retail boxing for our tour:</p><ul><li><b>EVO ($?): TBD</b></li></ul><h2>Empire Ears Tour Kickoff Video</h2> </div>
  487. </div>
  488. <div class="elementor-element elementor-element-a662aa0 elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading" data-id="a662aa0" data-element_type="widget" data-widget_type="heading.default">
  489. <div class="elementor-widget-container">
  490. <h2 class="elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default">
  491.  
  492. Video Coming Soon!
  493.  
  494. </h2> </div>
  495. </div>
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  497. <div class="elementor-widget-container">
  498. <h2>Tour Kit Pictures</h2> </div>
  499. </div>
  500. <div class="elementor-element elementor-element-cde4a3a elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading" data-id="cde4a3a" data-element_type="widget" data-widget_type="heading.default">
  501. <div class="elementor-widget-container">
  502. <h2 class="elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default">
  503.  
  504. Pictures Coming Soon!
  505.  
  506. </h2> </div>
  507. </div>
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  510. <h2>Barra&#8217;s Quick Initial Impressions</h2><p>The best part of managing tours is getting to hear all the great gear for myself. Here are some brief impressions from what I have heard so far between the tasks required to set up this tour:</p><ul><li><strong>EVO</strong>: TBD</li></ul><p>TBD</p><h2>Rules and Responsibilities</h2><p>Most of our tours are offering 7-day auditions which you are required to ship out to the next participant on day 8. Yes, you pay the shipping to the next participant, but we organize into logistically friendly orders to minimize the shipping expense.</p><p>The <a href="https://audiotiers.com/rules/">tour membership rules and responsibilities are described here</a>. The key idea is that we must be communicative to participate and to keep the tour moving and interesting. It is our responsibility to follow these rules and to ensure the ability to ship out on day 8 when our turn is over.</p><h2>Signing up for the Tour</h2><p>To sign up for the tour, you must be a verified tour member and have joined our new AUDIOTIERs platform. <a href="https://audiotiers.com/qualifications/">The membership qualifications and requirements are described here</a> if you are not already a member. Whether a HEADFI tour member that needs to transfer their membership to the new platform or you are a new member looking to apply for tour membership, please follow the instructions in the GETTING STARTED box below. We are now accepting applications from both US and Canadian citizens.</p> </div>
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  525. <div class="elementor-widget-container">
  526. <h2 class="elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default">Getting<br>Started</h2> </div>
  527. </div>
  528. </div>
  529. </div>
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  533. <div class="elementor-widget-container">
  534. <p><strong>NEW TOUR MEMBERS</strong>: 1) <a href="https://audiotiers.com/community/?foro=signup">Register</a>, 2) <a href="https://audiotiers.com/community/announcements/">Subscribe</a>, 3) <a href="https://audiotiers.com/apply-for-tours/">Apply</a>, 4) <a href="https://audiotiers.com/tours/">Join Tours</a></p> </div>
  535. </div>
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  537. <div class="elementor-widget-container">
  538. <p><strong>EXISTING HEADFI TOUR MEMBERS</strong>: 1) <a href="https://audiotiers.com/community/?foro=signup">Register</a>, 2) <a href="https://audiotiers.com/community/announcements/">Subscribe</a>, 3) <a href="https://audiotiers.com/tours/">Join Tours</a></p> </div>
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  542. </div>
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  553. <div><p><strong>Tour Signups for Verified Members</strong>: If you would like to be part of this tour, please feel free to <em><strong>post your request in the comments below</strong></em>.</p><p><strong>Reviewers First Tour</strong>: This is a REVIEWERS GO FIRST TOUR, so if you would like to skip to the front of the line, please note that you would like to be a full reviewer in the request as in the sample below:</p></div><p><strong>Sample Signup Request</strong>: I live in Anthem, AZ and would like to participate in the tour. I agree to follow the terms of the tour. I have emailed my required ID verification documentation to <a href="mailto:billb@AudioTiers.com">billb@AudioTiers.com</a>. AS A FULL REVIEWER, PLEASE MOVE ME TO THE FRONT OF THE LINE.</p><h2>Tour Participant Logistics</h2><p>We are offering 7-days auditions to each participant. This logistics list is updated as I can to show you where we are in the order with each participant bolded to signify that they received the kit. This is where you will find the next two participants to contact when you receive the kit.</p><p><strong>Signup Period</strong>: During our signup period, we collect the initial participants and provide them with a logistically friendly portion of the tour. This is the lowest cost portion in terms of shipping. Once this closes, we move to the latecomer portion.</p><p><strong>Latecomer Period</strong>: Latecomers are welcome to the tour on a first-come, first-serve basis. We will continue taking latecomer requests until we run out of participants or the manufacturer asks us to end the tour.</p> </div>
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  556. <div class="elementor-widget-container">
  557. <h2>Empire Ears US Tour Logistics</h2><h4><strong>Tour Kit 1:</strong></h4><ol><li style="line-height: 30.403px;" data-xf-list-type="ol"><strong>Barra – Anthem, AZ</strong></li><li data-xf-list-type="ol"> </li></ol><h4><strong>Tour Kit 2:</strong></h4><ol><li style="line-height: 30.403px;" data-xf-list-type="ol"><strong>Barra – Anthem, AZ</strong></li><li> </li></ol> </div>
  558. </div>
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  561. </div>
  562. </section>
  563. </div>
  564. ]]></content:encoded>
  566. <wfw:commentRss>https://audiotiers.com/tour-empire-ears-evo/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
  567. <slash:comments>29</slash:comments>
  570. <post-id xmlns="com-wordpress:feed-additions:1">2300</post-id> </item>
  571. <item>
  572. <title>Tour: Vision Ears PHöNIX and EXT Flagships</title>
  573. <link>https://audiotiers.com/tour-vision-ears-phonix-and-ext-flagships/</link>
  574. <comments>https://audiotiers.com/tour-vision-ears-phonix-and-ext-flagships/#comments</comments>
  576. <dc:creator><![CDATA[Barra]]></dc:creator>
  577. <pubDate>Sun, 26 Sep 2021 23:55:25 +0000</pubDate>
  578. <category><![CDATA[CIEMs]]></category>
  579. <category><![CDATA[Tours]]></category>
  580. <category><![CDATA[Phonix]]></category>
  581. <guid isPermaLink="false">https://audiotiers.com/?p=2267</guid>
  582.  
  583. <description><![CDATA[Raising the Bar Once Again &#60;h4&#62;October 2021&#60;/h4&#62; &#60;style&#62;/*! elementor - v3.8.1 - 13-11-2022 */ .elementor-widget-image{text-align:center}.elementor-widget-image a{display:inline-block}.elementor-widget-image a img[src$=&#8221;.svg&#8221;]{width:48px}.elementor-widget-image img{vertical-align:middle;display:inline-block} Vision Ears IEMs Discussed in this Tour can be found here: https://vision-ears.de/ As the host of many Vision Ears tours, I have become accustomed to an extremely high-quality product. In fact, to date, I have yet [&#8230;]]]></description>
  584. <content:encoded><![CDATA[ <div data-elementor-type="wp-post" data-elementor-id="2267" class="elementor elementor-2267">
  585. <section class="elementor-section elementor-top-section elementor-element elementor-element-76f4b31 elementor-section-boxed elementor-section-height-default elementor-section-height-default" data-id="76f4b31" data-element_type="section">
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  590. <div class="elementor-widget-container">
  591. <h2 class="elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default">Raising the Bar Once Again</h2> </div>
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  593. <div class="elementor-element elementor-element-3bd4c3a elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading" data-id="3bd4c3a" data-element_type="widget" data-widget_type="heading.default">
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  595. <h4 class="elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default">October 2021</h4> </div>
  596. </div>
  597. <div class="elementor-element elementor-element-7425a5d elementor-widget elementor-widget-image" data-id="7425a5d" data-element_type="widget" data-widget_type="image.default">
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  599. <img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="600" height="374" src="https://audiotiers.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/logo-vision-ears-white.png" class="attachment-full size-full wp-image-2273" alt="" srcset="https://audiotiers.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/logo-vision-ears-white.png.webp 600w, https://audiotiers.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/logo-vision-ears-white-50x31.png.webp 50w" sizes="(max-width: 600px) 100vw, 600px" /> </div>
  600. </div>
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  603. <p><strong>Vision Ears IEMs Discussed in this Tour can be found here</strong>: <a href="https://vision-ears.de/">https://vision-ears.de/</a></p> </div>
  604. </div>
  605. <div class="elementor-element elementor-element-47860ae elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor" data-id="47860ae" data-element_type="widget" data-widget_type="text-editor.default">
  606. <div class="elementor-widget-container">
  607. <p>As the host of many Vision Ears tours, I have become accustomed to an extremely high-quality product. In fact, to date, I have yet to hear a single product that comes from Vision Ears that has not been spectacular. What is nice about Vision Ears is that they are a master of all tunings offering a variety of signatures to please almost anyone &#8211; all at extreme levels of performance. So with this new dual flagship tour, expectations are high. As you will see in my initial impressions below or later in my full reviews, Vision Ears has done it again.</p> </div>
  608. </div>
  609. <div class="elementor-element elementor-element-f9594ff elementor-align-center elementor-widget elementor-widget-button" data-id="f9594ff" data-element_type="widget" data-widget_type="button.default">
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  612. <a class="elementor-button elementor-button-link elementor-size-xl elementor-animation-pop" href="#">
  613. <span class="elementor-button-content-wrapper">
  614. <span class="elementor-button-text">BECOME A VERIFIED TOUR MEMBER</span>
  615. </span>
  616. </a>
  617. </div>
  618. </div>
  619. </div>
  620. </div>
  621. </div>
  622. </div>
  623. </section>
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  630. <h2>Vision Ears Tour Kit</h2><p>We have two tour kits in full retail boxing for our tour:</p><ul><li><a href="https://vision-ears.de/premiumline_en/phoenix"><strong>PHöNIX</strong> </a>(3.500,- EUR): The PHöNIX has been developed so that you can experience music like never before. It is equipped with 13 balanced armature Drivers. This powerful engine is controlled by a passive 5-way crossover to produce an outstanding sound with staggering precision and clarity.</li><li><a href="https://vision-ears.de/premiumline_en/ext"><strong>EXT</strong> </a>(2.650,- EUR): Listening to the EXT will bring you closer to the true spirit of your sound. The four electrostatic drivers create a wide open landscape of lush details that never feel exaggerated. In combination with a 9.2mm dynamic driver, with loads of power in the very low end and a 6mm driver for the mids, we were able to uncover the uncompromising beauty and greatness of your music.</li></ul><h2>Vision Ears Tour Kickoff Video</h2> </div>
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  632. <div class="elementor-element elementor-element-5a73274 elementor-widget elementor-widget-video" data-id="5a73274" data-element_type="widget" data-settings="{&quot;youtube_url&quot;:&quot;https:\/\/youtu.be\/-uDznMpwG0o&quot;,&quot;video_type&quot;:&quot;youtube&quot;,&quot;controls&quot;:&quot;yes&quot;}" data-widget_type="video.default">
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  640. <h2>Tour Kit Pictures</h2> </div>
  641. </div>
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  649. <a data-elementor-open-lightbox="yes" data-elementor-lightbox-slideshow="f8200b2" data-elementor-lightbox-title="VISUAL_02_smaller" data-e-action-hash="#elementor-action%3Aaction%3Dlightbox%26settings%3DeyJpZCI6MjI3OCwidXJsIjoiaHR0cHM6XC9cL2F1ZGlvdGllcnMuY29tXC93cC1jb250ZW50XC91cGxvYWRzXC8yMDIxXC8wOVwvVklTVUFMXzAyX3NtYWxsZXIuanBnIiwic2xpZGVzaG93IjoiZjgyMDBiMiJ9" href='https://audiotiers.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/VISUAL_02_smaller.jpg'><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="300" height="300" src="https://audiotiers.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/VISUAL_02_smaller-300x300.jpg" class="attachment-medium size-medium" alt="" srcset="https://audiotiers.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/VISUAL_02_smaller-300x300.jpg.webp 300w, https://audiotiers.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/VISUAL_02_smaller-150x150.jpg.webp 150w" sizes="(max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px" /></a>
  650. <a data-elementor-open-lightbox="yes" data-elementor-lightbox-slideshow="f8200b2" data-elementor-lightbox-title="dynamic-drivers" data-e-action-hash="#elementor-action%3Aaction%3Dlightbox%26settings%3DeyJpZCI6MjI3OSwidXJsIjoiaHR0cHM6XC9cL2F1ZGlvdGllcnMuY29tXC93cC1jb250ZW50XC91cGxvYWRzXC8yMDIxXC8wOVwvZHluYW1pYy1kcml2ZXJzLmpwZyIsInNsaWRlc2hvdyI6ImY4MjAwYjIifQ%3D%3D" href='https://audiotiers.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/dynamic-drivers.jpg'><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="300" height="300" src="https://audiotiers.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/dynamic-drivers-300x300.jpg" class="attachment-medium size-medium" alt="" srcset="https://audiotiers.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/dynamic-drivers-300x300.jpg.webp 300w, https://audiotiers.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/dynamic-drivers-150x150.jpg.webp 150w" sizes="(max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px" /></a>
  651. <a data-elementor-open-lightbox="yes" data-elementor-lightbox-slideshow="f8200b2" data-elementor-lightbox-title="cable" data-e-action-hash="#elementor-action%3Aaction%3Dlightbox%26settings%3DeyJpZCI6MjI4MCwidXJsIjoiaHR0cHM6XC9cL2F1ZGlvdGllcnMuY29tXC93cC1jb250ZW50XC91cGxvYWRzXC8yMDIxXC8wOVwvY2FibGUuanBnIiwic2xpZGVzaG93IjoiZjgyMDBiMiJ9" href='https://audiotiers.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/cable.jpg'><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="300" height="300" src="https://audiotiers.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/cable-300x300.jpg" class="attachment-medium size-medium" alt="" srcset="https://audiotiers.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/cable-300x300.jpg 300w, https://audiotiers.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/cable-150x150.jpg 150w" sizes="(max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px" /></a>
  652. <a data-elementor-open-lightbox="yes" data-elementor-lightbox-slideshow="f8200b2" data-elementor-lightbox-title="halc" data-e-action-hash="#elementor-action%3Aaction%3Dlightbox%26settings%3DeyJpZCI6MjI4MSwidXJsIjoiaHR0cHM6XC9cL2F1ZGlvdGllcnMuY29tXC93cC1jb250ZW50XC91cGxvYWRzXC8yMDIxXC8wOVwvaGFsYy5qcGciLCJzbGlkZXNob3ciOiJmODIwMGIyIn0%3D" href='https://audiotiers.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/halc.jpg'><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="300" height="300" src="https://audiotiers.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/halc-300x300.jpg" class="attachment-medium size-medium" alt="" srcset="https://audiotiers.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/halc-300x300.jpg.webp 300w, https://audiotiers.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/halc-150x150.jpg.webp 150w" sizes="(max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px" /></a>
  653. <a data-elementor-open-lightbox="yes" data-elementor-lightbox-slideshow="f8200b2" data-elementor-lightbox-title="phoenix-b" data-e-action-hash="#elementor-action%3Aaction%3Dlightbox%26settings%3DeyJpZCI6MjI4MiwidXJsIjoiaHR0cHM6XC9cL2F1ZGlvdGllcnMuY29tXC93cC1jb250ZW50XC91cGxvYWRzXC8yMDIxXC8wOVwvcGhvZW5peC1iLmpwZyIsInNsaWRlc2hvdyI6ImY4MjAwYjIifQ%3D%3D" href='https://audiotiers.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/phoenix-b.jpg'><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="300" height="300" src="https://audiotiers.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/phoenix-b-300x300.jpg" class="attachment-medium size-medium" alt="" srcset="https://audiotiers.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/phoenix-b-300x300.jpg.webp 300w, https://audiotiers.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/phoenix-b-150x150.jpg.webp 150w" sizes="(max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px" /></a>
  654. <a data-elementor-open-lightbox="yes" data-elementor-lightbox-slideshow="f8200b2" data-elementor-lightbox-title="plmhs5" data-e-action-hash="#elementor-action%3Aaction%3Dlightbox%26settings%3DeyJpZCI6MjI4MywidXJsIjoiaHR0cHM6XC9cL2F1ZGlvdGllcnMuY29tXC93cC1jb250ZW50XC91cGxvYWRzXC8yMDIxXC8wOVwvcGxtaHM1LmpwZyIsInNsaWRlc2hvdyI6ImY4MjAwYjIifQ%3D%3D" href='https://audiotiers.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/plmhs5.jpg'><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="300" height="300" src="https://audiotiers.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/plmhs5-300x300.jpg" class="attachment-medium size-medium" alt="" srcset="https://audiotiers.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/plmhs5-300x300.jpg.webp 300w, https://audiotiers.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/plmhs5-150x150.jpg.webp 150w" sizes="(max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px" /></a>
  655. <a data-elementor-open-lightbox="yes" data-elementor-lightbox-slideshow="f8200b2" data-elementor-lightbox-title="p-t" data-e-action-hash="#elementor-action%3Aaction%3Dlightbox%26settings%3DeyJpZCI6MjI4NCwidXJsIjoiaHR0cHM6XC9cL2F1ZGlvdGllcnMuY29tXC93cC1jb250ZW50XC91cGxvYWRzXC8yMDIxXC8wOVwvcC10LTEuanBnIiwic2xpZGVzaG93IjoiZjgyMDBiMiJ9" href='https://audiotiers.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/p-t-1.jpg'><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="300" height="300" src="https://audiotiers.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/p-t-1-300x300.jpg" class="attachment-medium size-medium" alt="" srcset="https://audiotiers.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/p-t-1-300x300.jpg 300w, https://audiotiers.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/p-t-1-150x150.jpg 150w" sizes="(max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px" /></a>
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  661. <h2>Barra&#8217;s Quick Initial Impressions</h2><p>The best part of managing tours is getting to hear all the great gear for myself. Here are some brief impressions from what I have heard so far between the tasks required to set up this tour:</p><ul><li><a href="https://vision-ears.de/premiumline_en/phoenix"><strong>PHöNIX</strong> </a>(3.500,- EUR): The Phonix has some big shoes to fill following the ERL as its replacement. While I don&#8217;t have the ERL in my hands currently, from memory, I can tell you that the Phoenix is very much like the ERL on switch 2 which was most people&#8217;s favorite. Now that the ERL is retired, the Phonix is likely to take the ERL&#8217;s place as one of our five GOD-Tier CIEMs. We are just waiting for confirmation from our members to ensure this is not just a honeymoon period. However, it is really that good.</li><li><a href="https://vision-ears.de/premiumline_en/ext"><strong>EXT</strong> </a>(2.650,- EUR): To be clear, the VE EXT is not just an upgraded Elysium, it is at a whole new level with a different overall signature. It is now supporting two dynamic drivers which should be of interest to anyone that enjoys full-sized audiophile bass. The best-in-call mids that the Elysium offers are still there, but it is not the focus of the EXT. My full review can be found here: <a href="https://audiotiers.com/reviews-vision-ears-ext-taking-the-elysium-to-the-next-level/">https://audiotiers.com/reviews-vision-ears-ext-taking-the-elysium-to-the-next-level/ </a></li></ul><p>Vision Ears has outdone themselves again hitting both the EXT and the Phonix out of the park. I cannot wait to hear our member&#8217;s thoughts as these go out to tour.</p><h2>Rules and Responsibilities</h2><p>Most of our tours are offering 7-day auditions which you are required to ship out to the next participant on day 8. Yes, you pay the shipping to the next participant, but we organize into logistically friendly orders to minimize the shipping expense.</p><p>The <a href="https://audiotiers.com/rules/">tour membership rules and responsibilities are described here</a>. The key idea is that we must be communicative to participate and to keep the tour moving and interesting. It is our responsibility to follow these rules and to ensure the ability to ship out on day 8 when our turn is over.</p><p><b>UPDATE 5/26/22</b>:</p><ul><li><b>New Member Address Verification</b>: THERE IS NO NEED TO VERIFY ADDRESSES ON ESTABLISHED “US TOURS” or “US TOURS REVIEWER” MEMBERS – ONLY NEW “MEMBERS”. If the participant’s status shows “Member” and is indicated on the participant list, then please wait to ship until I verify the shipping address by responding to the provided address that we are verified and good to go.</li></ul><h2>Signing up for the Tour</h2><p>To sign up for the tour, you must be a verified tour member and have joined our new AUDIOTIERs platform. <a href="https://audiotiers.com/qualifications/">The membership qualifications and requirements are described here</a> if you are not already a member. Whether a HEADFI tour member that needs to transfer their membership to the new platform or you are a new member looking to apply for tour membership, please follow the instructions in the GETTING STARTED box below. We are now accepting applications from both US and Canadian citizens.</p> </div>
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  671. <section class="elementor-section elementor-inner-section elementor-element elementor-element-c6328fe elementor-section-boxed elementor-section-height-default elementor-section-height-default" data-id="c6328fe" data-element_type="section">
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  673. <div class="aux-parallax-section elementor-column elementor-col-50 elementor-inner-column elementor-element elementor-element-905b2fb" data-id="905b2fb" data-element_type="column" data-settings="{&quot;background_background&quot;:&quot;classic&quot;}">
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  676. <div class="elementor-widget-container">
  677. <h2 class="elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default">Getting<br>Started</h2> </div>
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  680. </div>
  681. <div class="aux-parallax-section elementor-column elementor-col-50 elementor-inner-column elementor-element elementor-element-ca1c329" data-id="ca1c329" data-element_type="column">
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  683. <div class="elementor-element elementor-element-039fb7b elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor" data-id="039fb7b" data-element_type="widget" data-widget_type="text-editor.default">
  684. <div class="elementor-widget-container">
  685. <p><strong>NEW TOUR MEMBERS</strong>: 1) <a href="https://audiotiers.com/community/?foro=signup">Register</a>, 2) <a href="https://audiotiers.com/community/announcements/">Subscribe</a>, 3) <a href="https://audiotiers.com/apply-for-tours/">Apply</a>, 4) <a href="https://audiotiers.com/tours/">Join Tours</a></p> </div>
  686. </div>
  687. <div class="elementor-element elementor-element-1cf81ba elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor" data-id="1cf81ba" data-element_type="widget" data-widget_type="text-editor.default">
  688. <div class="elementor-widget-container">
  689. <p><strong>EXISTING HEADFI TOUR MEMBERS</strong>: 1) <a href="https://audiotiers.com/community/?foro=signup">Register</a>, 2) <a href="https://audiotiers.com/community/announcements/">Subscribe</a>, 3) <a href="https://audiotiers.com/tours/">Join Tours</a></p> </div>
  690. </div>
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  703. <div class="elementor-widget-container">
  704. <div><p><strong>Tour Signups for Verified Members</strong>: If you would like to be part of this tour, please feel free to <em><strong>post your request in the comments below</strong></em>.</p><p><strong>Reviewers First Tour</strong>: This is a REVIEWERS GO FIRST TOUR, so if you would like to skip to the front of the line, please note that you would like to be a full reviewer in the request as in the sample below:</p></div><p><strong>Sample Signup Request</strong>: I live in Anthem, AZ and would like to participate in the tour. I agree to follow the terms of the tour. I have emailed my required ID verification documentation to <a href="mailto:billb@AudioTiers.com">billb@AudioTiers.com</a>. AS A FULL REVIEWER, PLEASE MOVE ME TO THE FRONT OF THE LINE.</p><h2>Tour Participant Logistics</h2><p>We are offering 7-days auditions to each participant. This logistics list is updated as I can to show you where we are in the order with each participant bolded to signify that they received the kit. This is where you will find the next two participants to contact when you receive the kit.</p><p><strong>Signup Period</strong>: During our signup period, we collect the initial participants and provide them with a logistically friendly portion of the tour. This is the lowest cost portion in terms of shipping. Once this closes, we move to the latecomer portion.</p><p><strong>Latecomer Period</strong>: Latecomers are welcome to the tour on a first-come, first-serve basis. We will continue taking latecomer requests until we run out of participants or the manufacturer asks us to end the tour.</p> </div>
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  708. <h2>Vision Ears US Tour Logistics</h2><h4><strong>Tour Kit 1:</strong></h4><ol><li style="line-height: 30.403px;" data-xf-list-type="ol"><strong>Barra – Anthem, AZ</strong></li><li data-xf-list-type="ol"><strong>REVIEWER: jwilliamhust &#8211; Platte City, MO</strong></li><li style="line-height: 30.403px;"><strong>REVIEWER: android &#8211; Lynnwood, WA</strong></li><li style="line-height: 30.403px;"><strong>REVIEWER: HifiHawaii808 &#8211; Honolulu, HI</strong></li><li style="line-height: 30.403px;"><strong>masahito29 &#8211; Wahiawa, HI (member)</strong></li><li><strong>blotmouse &#8211; Seattle, WA (member)</strong></li><li style="line-height: 30.403px;"><strong>deepoison &#8211; Bothell, WA (member)</strong></li><li style="line-height: 30.403px;"><strong>eTHE2 &#8211; Diamond Bar, CA</strong></li><li style="line-height: 30.403px;"><strong>wardo783 &#8211; Porter Ranch, CA</strong></li><li style="line-height: 30.403px;"><strong>rwelles &#8211; Florence, OR</strong></li><li style="line-height: 30.403px;"><strong>hypermuteki &#8211; Las Vegas, NV</strong></li><li><strong>Barra &#8211; Anthem, AZ (KIT REFRESH &#8211; Dec22)</strong></li><li>fiacogarcia &#8211; Fort Collins, CO</li><li style="line-height: 30.403px;">circa &#8211; Denver, CO</li><li style="line-height: 30.403px;"><a href="https://audiotiers.com/community/profile/1370/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer ugc">kdestremps28</a> &#8211; North Grafton, MA (member)</li><li>garney &#8211; Melrose, MA (member)</li><li>infoseeker &#8211; Conton, MI (member)</li><li>barra &#8211; Anthem, AZ</li></ol><h4><strong>Tour Kit 2:</strong></h4><ol><li style="line-height: 30.403px;" data-xf-list-type="ol"><strong>Barra – Anthem, AZ</strong></li><li><strong>REVIEWER: Wildcatsare1 &#8211; Nicholasville, KY</strong></li><li style="line-height: 30.403px;"><strong>REVIEWER: ike &#8211; Elizabethtown, KY</strong></li><li style="line-height: 30.403px;"><strong>REVIEWER: Solstice15 &#8211; Rochester, NY</strong></li><li style="line-height: 30.403px;"><strong>&gt;&gt;&gt;rantng &#8211; Brooklyn, NY</strong></li><li style="line-height: 30.403px;"><strong>Darkestred &#8211; Denville, NJ</strong></li><li style="line-height: 30.403px;"><strong>tawmizzzz &#8211; Somerville, MA</strong></li><li style="line-height: 30.403px;"><strong>mashuto &#8211; Sterling, VA (member)</strong></li><li style="line-height: 30.403px;"><strong>Towa &#8211; Nashville, TN</strong></li><li style="line-height: 30.403px;"><strong>Blueshound24 &#8211; Sioux Falls, SD</strong></li><li style="line-height: 30.403px;"><strong>kadinh &#8211; Amarillo, TX (Shipped K2)</strong></li><li><strong>uthood &#8211; Dallas, TX (Shipped K1)</strong></li><li><strong>barra &#8211; Anthem, AZ (KIT REFRESH &#8211; Dec22)</strong></li><li style="line-height: 30.403px;">guani360 &#8211; Little Elm, TX</li><li>csglinux &#8211; LA, CA</li><li>Tybot &#8211; Albuquerque, NM</li><li>Blueshound24 &#8211; Sioux Falls, SD</li><li>barra &#8211; Anthem, AZ</li></ol><h4>Canadian Interest</h4><ol><li>efejoao &#8211; Vancouver, BC </li></ol> </div>
  709. </div>
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  713. </section>
  714. </div>
  715. ]]></content:encoded>
  717. <wfw:commentRss>https://audiotiers.com/tour-vision-ears-phonix-and-ext-flagships/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
  718. <slash:comments>119</slash:comments>
  721. <post-id xmlns="com-wordpress:feed-additions:1">2267</post-id> </item>
  722. <item>
  723. <title>Tour: Apos Audio &#8211; Topping D90SE DAC, Matrix Mini-i Pro 3, Apos Caspian Headphone, Moondrop Aria IEMs</title>
  724. <link>https://audiotiers.com/tour-apos-audio-topping-d90se-dac-matrix-mini-i-pro-3-apos-caspian-headphone-moondrop-aria-iems/</link>
  725. <comments>https://audiotiers.com/tour-apos-audio-topping-d90se-dac-matrix-mini-i-pro-3-apos-caspian-headphone-moondrop-aria-iems/#comments</comments>
  727. <dc:creator><![CDATA[Barra]]></dc:creator>
  728. <pubDate>Sun, 26 Sep 2021 22:43:24 +0000</pubDate>
  729. <category><![CDATA[Cables]]></category>
  730. <category><![CDATA[CIEMs]]></category>
  731. <category><![CDATA[Headphone]]></category>
  732. <category><![CDATA[Source]]></category>
  733. <category><![CDATA[Tours]]></category>
  734. <category><![CDATA[Apos Audio]]></category>
  735. <category><![CDATA[Tour]]></category>
  736. <guid isPermaLink="false">https://audiotiers.com/?p=2210</guid>
  737.  
  738. <description><![CDATA[A Treasure Trove of Audio Gear &#60;h4&#62;October 2021&#60;/h4&#62; &#60;img width="179" height="72" src="https://audiotiers.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/Apos_RGB_Red_Wordmark_2x_9c522f41-eac4-4503-b572-5c923603fc15_90x@2x.png" alt="" loading="lazy" srcset="https://i0.wp.com/audiotiers.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/Apos_RGB_Red_Wordmark_2x_9c522f41-eac4-4503-b572-5c923603fc15_90x@2x.png?w=179&#38;ssl=1 179w, https://i0.wp.com/audiotiers.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/Apos_RGB_Red_Wordmark_2x_9c522f41-eac4-4503-b572-5c923603fc15_90x@2x.png?resize=50%2C20&#38;ssl=1 50w" sizes="(max-width: 179px) 100vw, 179px" /&#62; &#60;strong&#62;Apos Audio &#60;/strong&#62;&#60;strong&#62;Gear Discussed in this Tour can be found here&#60;/strong&#62;: &#60;a href="https://apos.audio/"&#62;https://apos.audio/&#60;/a&#62;  Apos Audio is an authorized retailer of new audiophile equipment from a growing but carefully curated set of brands [&#8230;]]]></description>
  739. <content:encoded><![CDATA[ <div data-elementor-type="wp-post" data-elementor-id="2210" class="elementor elementor-2210">
  740. <section class="elementor-section elementor-top-section elementor-element elementor-element-6b7c04a elementor-section-boxed elementor-section-height-default elementor-section-height-default" data-id="6b7c04a" data-element_type="section">
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  745. <div class="elementor-widget-container">
  746. <h2 class="elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default">A Treasure Trove of Audio Gear</h2> </div>
  747. </div>
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  749. <div class="elementor-widget-container">
  750. <h4 class="elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default">October 2021</h4> </div>
  751. </div>
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  753. <div class="elementor-widget-container">
  754. <img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="179" height="72" src="https://audiotiers.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/Apos_RGB_Red_Wordmark_2x_9c522f41-eac4-4503-b572-5c923603fc15_90x@2x.png" class="attachment-full size-full wp-image-2213" alt="" srcset="https://audiotiers.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/Apos_RGB_Red_Wordmark_2x_9c522f41-eac4-4503-b572-5c923603fc15_90x@2x.png.webp 179w, https://audiotiers.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/Apos_RGB_Red_Wordmark_2x_9c522f41-eac4-4503-b572-5c923603fc15_90x@2x-50x20.png.webp 50w" sizes="(max-width: 179px) 100vw, 179px" /> </div>
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  757. <div class="elementor-widget-container">
  758. <p><strong>Apos Audio </strong><strong>Gear Discussed in this Tour can be found here</strong>: <a href="https://apos.audio/">https://apos.audio/</a> </p> </div>
  759. </div>
  760. <div class="elementor-element elementor-element-c8635c0 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor" data-id="c8635c0" data-element_type="widget" data-widget_type="text-editor.default">
  761. <div class="elementor-widget-container">
  762. <p>Apos Audio is an authorized retailer of new audiophile equipment from a growing but carefully curated set of brands as well as some of their own lines. As their first tour here on AudioTiers, they wanted to provide a broad selection of some of their most popular gear that will catch your attention. This assortment of gear ranges from DACs to NOON streamers to IEMs to their own Caspian headphone. This will enable you to use your own sources to hear the headphones as well as to try some new options.</p> </div>
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  765. <div class="elementor-widget-container">
  766. <div class="elementor-button-wrapper">
  767. <a class="elementor-button elementor-button-link elementor-size-xl elementor-animation-pop" href="#">
  768. <span class="elementor-button-content-wrapper">
  769. <span class="elementor-button-text">BECOME A VERIFIED TOUR MEMBER</span>
  770. </span>
  771. </a>
  772. </div>
  773. </div>
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  775. </div>
  776. </div>
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  780. <div class="elementor-container elementor-column-gap-default">
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  783. <div class="elementor-element elementor-element-f72e3dd elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor" data-id="f72e3dd" data-element_type="widget" data-widget_type="text-editor.default">
  784. <div class="elementor-widget-container">
  785. <h3>Reviews/Impressions</h3><p>While APOS Tour logistics will be discussed on this thread, please post your reviews to HEADFI and post impressions and links to your reviews on this HEADFI thread: <a href="https://www.head-fi.org/threads/apos-audio-audio-impressions-from-their-treasure-trove-of-audio-gear.961053/">https://www.head-fi.org/threads/apos-audio-audio-impressions-from-their-treasure-trove-of-audio-gear.961053/</a>. </p> </div>
  786. </div>
  787. </div>
  788. </div>
  789. </div>
  790. </section>
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  792. <div class="elementor-container elementor-column-gap-default">
  793. <div class="aux-parallax-section elementor-column elementor-col-100 elementor-top-column elementor-element elementor-element-fdf42d2" data-id="fdf42d2" data-element_type="column">
  794. <div class="elementor-widget-wrap elementor-element-populated">
  795. <div class="elementor-element elementor-element-1ab3bee elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor" data-id="1ab3bee" data-element_type="widget" data-widget_type="text-editor.default">
  796. <div class="elementor-widget-container">
  797. <h1>Apos Audio Tour Kits</h1><p>Given the size of the list, we have decided to break out the gear into two kits &#8211; a desktop kit and a portable kit. We also have full retail boxing for our tour. Below is a description of what you have in store for yourself as a tour member:</p><h2><b>Apos Desktop Tour Kit 1:</b></h2><ul><li data-xf-list-type="ul"><b><a class="link link--external" href="https://apos.audio/products/apos-caspian-headphone" target="_blank" rel="nofollow ugc noopener">Apos Caspian Open-Back Headphones</a> ($499): </b>Made with hand-assembled, sustainable materials, the Apos Caspian is an open-back headphone that looks timeless and sounds thrilling.</li><li data-xf-list-type="ul"><b><a class="link link--external" href="https://apos.audio/collections/brand-spotlight-apos-audio/products/apos-flow-headphone-cable-caspian" target="_blank" rel="nofollow ugc noopener">Apos Flow Headphone Cable</a> ($149): </b>Apos Flow Audio cables are made of 99.99997% pure single-crystal copper, ensuring an oxide-free, unobstructed signal.</li><li data-xf-list-type="ul"><b><a class="link link--external" href="https://apos.audio/collections/brand-spotlight-apos-audio/products/apos-flow-headphone-cable-caspian" target="_blank" rel="nofollow ugc noopener">Matrix mini-i Pro 3</a> ($1025): </b>The Matrix Mini-i 3/Pro 3 is an all-in-one DAC/Amp that features MQA, Roon Readiness, and a beautiful full-color display.</li><li data-xf-list-type="ul"><b><a class="link link--external" href="https://apos.audio/collections/brand-spotlight-topping/products/topping-d90se-dac" target="_blank" rel="nofollow ugc noopener">TOPPING D90SE DAC</a> ($899): </b>The D90SE is the all-new (Summer 2021) digital-to-analog converter from TOPPING featuring a new ESS SABRE ES9038 PRO DAC chip and second-gen 16-core XMOS processor, with MQA now standard.</li><li id="isPasted" data-xf-list-type="ul"><a href="https://apos.audio/collections/top-sellers/products/xduoo-ta-26-tube-amplifier" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><strong>xDuoo TA-26 Tube Amplifier</strong></a><strong> ($319): </strong>Go all-analog with the 500mW xDuoo TA-26 tube amplifier which goes minimal where other amps get fussy. </li></ul><h2><b>Apos Portable Tour Kit 2:</b></h2><ul><li data-xf-list-type="ul"><b><a class="link link--external" href="https://apos.audio/collections/moondrop/products/moondrop-aria-iems" target="_blank" rel="nofollow ugc noopener">Moondrop Aria IEMs</a> ($80): </b>The Moondrop Aria is a Liquid Crystal Polymer IEM with a metal-injected chassis, brass inner cavity, and a crowd-pleasing Harman Curve tuning.</li><li data-xf-list-type="ul"><b><a class="link link--external" href="https://apos.audio/products/lime-ears-pneuma-iems?_pos=1&amp;_sid=54b3534b2&amp;_ss=r" target="_blank" rel="nofollow ugc noopener">Lime Ears Pneuma IEMs</a> ($2160)</b>: The Pneuma is a five driver hybrid with a 7mm titanium dynamic driver for rumbling sub-bass, with four BA handling everything else from low-end punch to high-end sparkle.</li></ul> </div>
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  799. <div class="elementor-element elementor-element-cc921cb elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading" data-id="cc921cb" data-element_type="widget" data-widget_type="heading.default">
  800. <div class="elementor-widget-container">
  801. <h2 class="elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default">Apos Audio Tour Kickoff Video</h2> </div>
  802. </div>
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  810. <div class="elementor-widget-container">
  811. <h2>Tour Kit Pictures</h2> </div>
  812. </div>
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  827. <h2>Barra&#8217;s Quick Initial Impressions</h2><p>The best part of managing tours is getting to hear all the great gear for myself. Here are some brief impressions from what I have heard so far between the tasks required to set up this tour:</p><ul><li><strong><a href="https://apos.audio/products/apos-caspian-headphone">Apos Caspian Open-Back Headphones</a> ($499): </strong>This is my favorite item in the tour. There is a rich audiophile flavor with deep bass that is very seductive. The HP is light and comfortable while offering a good deal of isolation compared to other open competitors finding an optimal ratio. This headphone is great for both movies and audio listening finding an optimal spot at my desktop making my workdays fly.</li><li><strong><a href="https://apos.audio/collections/brand-spotlight-apos-audio/products/apos-flow-headphone-cable-caspian">Apos Flow Headphone Cable</a> ($149): </strong>While I have not yet compared this balanced cable to the provided single-ended cable that comes with the HP, I have not found a reason to try anything else as it is a great match. It is well constructed and ergonomic feeling like it will last many years through any desktop rigors. </li><li><strong><a href="https://apos.audio/collections/brand-spotlight-apos-audio/products/apos-flow-headphone-cable-caspian">Matrix mini-i Pro 3</a> ($1025): </strong>As a streamer that is ideal for Roon, I have not tested its full capabilities given I don&#8217;t have a Roon setup, but as a headphone amp, it works wonderfully. The key appeal for this unit is its bright-colored display that advertises your song and album art making it very fun. I Will wait to hear from some of our Roon experts during the tour.</li><li><strong><a href="https://apos.audio/collections/brand-spotlight-topping/products/topping-d90se-dac">TOPPING D90SE DAC</a> ($899): </strong>This unit is impressive &#8211; a detail forward audiophile DAC with a large soundstage. In comparison to my other DACs, this one pushes forward gobs of detail that you may not hear/notice otherwise offering a new way to listen to your audio library. I really like this unit.</li><li><strong><a href="https://apos.audio/collections/moondrop/products/moondrop-aria-iems">Moondrop Aria IEMs</a> ($80): </strong>Having been spoiled for so long with constant access to the best of the best, it is hard for me to fairly judge this category, however, I have to say that I am surprised by what I experienced at this price point and it would be an easy recommendation for anyone looking in this price range. This is one that I know my wife would appreciate for look and feel, logistics of having a very nice non-tangling cable, and having the clarity and bass that she appreciates. While it will never compare to my customs priced in the thousands, I do have to admit that it is at least 80 percent of the way there for a lot of bang for the buck. </li><li><strong><a href="https://apos.audio/collections/headphone-tube-amps/products/xduoo-ta-26-tube-amplifier">xDuoo TA-26 Tube Amplifier</a> ($319)</strong>: TBD</li><li><strong><a href="https://apos.audio/products/lime-ears-pneuma-iems?_pos=1&amp;_sid=54b3534b2&amp;_ss=r">Lime Ears Pneuma IEMs</a> ($2160)</strong>: TBD</li></ul><p>Each of these tour items is impressive in its own way and will likely appeal to each participant in a different way. I am anxious to hear back from our participants to see their impressions.</p><h2>Rules and Responsibilities</h2><p>Most of our tours are offering 7-day auditions which you are required to ship out to the next participant on day 8. Yes, you pay the shipping to the next participant, but we organize into logistically friendly orders to minimize the shipping expense.</p><p>The <a href="https://audiotiers.com/rules/">tour membership rules and responsibilities are described here</a>. The key idea is that we must be communicative to participate and to keep the tour moving and interesting. It is our responsibility to follow these rules and to ensure the ability to ship out on day 8 when our turn is over.</p><h2>Signing up for the Tour</h2><p>To sign up for the tour, you must be a verified tour member and have joined our new AUDIOTIERs platform. <a href="https://audiotiers.com/qualifications/">The membership qualifications and requirements are described here</a> if you are not already a member. Whether a HEADFI tour member that needs to transfer their membership to the new platform or you are a new member looking to apply for tour membership, please follow the instructions in the GETTING STARTED box below. We are now accepting applications from both US and Canadian citizens.</p> </div>
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  843. <h2 class="elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default">Getting<br>Started</h2> </div>
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  851. <p><strong>NEW TOUR MEMBERS</strong>: 1) <a href="https://audiotiers.com/community/?foro=signup">Register</a>, 2) <a href="https://audiotiers.com/community/announcements/">Subscribe</a>, 3) <a href="https://audiotiers.com/apply-for-tours/">Apply</a>, 4) <a href="https://audiotiers.com/tours/">Join Tours</a></p> </div>
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  855. <p><strong>EXISTING HEADFI TOUR MEMBERS</strong>: 1) <a href="https://audiotiers.com/community/?foro=signup">Register</a>, 2) <a href="https://audiotiers.com/community/announcements/">Subscribe</a>, 3) <a href="https://audiotiers.com/tours/">Join Tours</a></p> </div>
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  870. <div><p><strong>Tour Signups for Verified Members</strong>: If you would like to be part of this tour, please feel free to <em><strong>post your request in the comments below</strong></em>.</p><p><strong>Reviewers First Tour</strong>: This is a REVIEWERS GO FIRST TOUR, so if you would like to skip to the front of the line, please note that you would like to be a full reviewer in the request as in the sample below:</p></div><p><strong>Sample Signup Request</strong>: I live in Anthem, AZ and would like to participate in the tour. I agree to follow the terms of the tour. I have emailed my required ID verification documentation to <a href="mailto:billb@AudioTiers.com">billb@AudioTiers.com</a>. AS A FULL REVIEWER, PLEASE MOVE ME TO THE FRONT OF THE LINE.</p><h2>Tour Participant Logistics</h2><p>We are offering 7-days auditions to each participant. This logistics list is updated as I can to show you where we are in the order with each participant bolded to signify that they received the kit. This is where you will find the next two participants to contact when you receive the kit.</p><p><strong>Signup Period</strong>: During our signup period, we collect the initial participants and provide them with a logistically friendly portion of the tour. This is the lowest cost portion in terms of shipping. Once this closes, we move to the latecomer portion.</p><p><strong>Latecomer Period</strong>: Latecomers are welcome to the tour on a first-come, first-serve basis. We will continue taking latecomer requests until we run out of participants or the manufacturer asks us to end the tour.</p> </div>
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  874. <h2>Apos Audio US Tour Logistics</h2><h4><strong>Lime Ears Pneuma plus Moon Drop Aria Tour Kit 1:</strong></h4><ol><li style="line-height: 30.403px;" data-xf-list-type="ol"><strong>Barra – Anthem, AZ</strong></li><li data-xf-list-type="ol"><strong>REVIEWER: Jwilliamhurst &#8211; MO</strong></li><li data-xf-list-type="ol"><strong>REVIEWER: </strong>ngoshawk &#8211; MO</li><li data-xf-list-type="ol"><strong>REVIEWER: </strong>darmanastartes &#8211; VA</li><li data-xf-list-type="ol"><strong>REVIEWER</strong>: Ike &#8211; KY</li><li data-xf-list-type="ol"> </li></ol><h4><strong>Apos Caspian with Flow Cable Tour Kit 2:</strong></h4><ol><li style="line-height: 30.403px;" data-xf-list-type="ol"><strong>Barra – Anthem, AZ</strong></li><li data-xf-list-type="ol"><strong>REVIEWER: ngoshawk &#8211; MO</strong></li><li data-xf-list-type="ol"><strong>REVIEWER: </strong>mochill &#8211; FL</li><li data-xf-list-type="ol"><strong>REVIEWER: </strong>jcslone &#8211; CA</li><li><strong>REVIEWER: </strong>antdroid &#8211; WA</li><li> </li></ol><h4><strong>Matrix Mini-i Pro 3 Tour Kit 3:</strong></h4><ol><li><strong>Barra – Anthem, AZ</strong></li><li><strong>REVIEWER: jcslone &#8211; CA</strong></li><li><strong>REVIEWER: </strong>mochill &#8211; FL</li><li> </li></ol><h4><strong>Topping D90SE DAC Tour Kit 4:</strong></h4><ol><li><strong>Barra – Anthem, AZ</strong></li><li> </li><li><strong>REVIEWER: </strong>jcslone &#8211; CA</li><li> </li></ol><h4><strong>xDuoo TA-26 Tube Amp Tour Kit 5:</strong></h4><ol><li><strong>Barra – Anthem, AZ</strong></li><li><strong>REVIEWER: Ike &#8211; KY</strong></li><li><strong>REVIEWER: </strong>ngoshawk &#8211; MO</li><li> </li></ol> </div>
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  889. <title>Reviews: FiR Audio M5 (1YR Update): My &#8220;If I Could Only Have One&#8221; CIEM</title>
  890. <link>https://audiotiers.com/reviews-fir-audio-m5-1yr-update-my-if-i-could-only-have-one-ciem/</link>
  891. <comments>https://audiotiers.com/reviews-fir-audio-m5-1yr-update-my-if-i-could-only-have-one-ciem/#comments</comments>
  893. <dc:creator><![CDATA[Barra]]></dc:creator>
  894. <pubDate>Sun, 12 Sep 2021 23:34:09 +0000</pubDate>
  895. <category><![CDATA[CIEMs]]></category>
  896. <category><![CDATA[Reviews]]></category>
  897. <category><![CDATA[Fir Audio]]></category>
  898. <category><![CDATA[M5]]></category>
  899. <guid isPermaLink="false">https://audiotiers.com/?p=1497</guid>
  900.  
  901. <description><![CDATA[Awards &#8220;Fir Audio has raised the bar with its M5 offering GOD-TIER, award-winning performance. This CIEM has ticked every box and has scored top-three across the board in every category. It exceeds my personal needs across every use case making it the CIEM that I would choose if I can only choose one. That being [&#8230;]]]></description>
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  909. <h2>Awards</h2><h5>&#8220;Fir Audio has raised the bar with its M5 offering GOD-TIER, award-winning performance. This CIEM has ticked every box and has scored top-three across the board in every category. It exceeds my personal needs across every use case making it the CIEM that I would choose if I can only choose one. That being said,  is I am proud to award the FIR M5 with our 2021 AudioTiers awards for both our &#8220;GOD-TIER&#8221; achievement award as well as our &#8220;If I Could Only Have One&#8221; achievement award.</h5> </div>
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  949. <p><strong>UPDATE 07/30/21</strong>: After listening to my custom FIR M5 for a year now, I had to come back and update my review to give the M5 the full credit that it deserves. The FIR M5 is absolutely my “If I could only have one” CIEM. After a little background, I will break down why I feel this way.</p><p><strong>BACKGROUND</strong>: Those that know me, know that I have had access to most of the top-tier universal and custom IEMs from the top global manufacturers in the industry for over the last decade through the tours I manage and the reviews that I write. My personal collection of both custom and universal IEMs is extensive as you can view in my HEADFI and AUDIOTIERS signatures which are just a sample of what I have, not all are even listed. I also have extensive conversations with my membership and the top reviewers in the industry and the M5 has not only surprised me but has received the most universal phrase of any IEM I have toured or reviewed. Everyone that I have spoken to without exception has referred to this CIEM as a very special top performer regardless of their signature preferences.</p><p><strong>MY TIERING SYSTEM</strong>: To break down my experience, I categorize the various top-class CIEMs I hear into 3 tiers &#8211; GOD-TIER for the rarified few – the best of the best, TOP-TIER for those that are examples of the best-in-class, and SECOND-TIER for those that are wonderful for specific use cases but not quite best-in-class. Below that, I typically respectfully decline to review. Most are at the lower tiers with a maximum of 5 in GOD-TIER where I place the M5. This list continues to evolve as the bar continues to rise where my previous favorites get pushed down the list. All these CIEMs are over $1000 and can be as high as $5000 now with the price climbing so these are not cheap products and a $5K CIEM is never 5x better than a $1K CIEM so your mileage may vary.</p><p><strong>WHY THE M5</strong>: As a GOD-TIER IEM, the M5 not only is one of the best of the best but it checks every box. It is in the top three in all my use cases and performance categories across the board and is the top performer in many. Yes, if we get granular there are other CIEMs that can beat the M5 in some performance categories, but for my preferences, the M5 comes out on top for these reasons:</p><ul><li><strong>Signature</strong>: To be fair, the M5 caters to my preferred signature as discussed later. It is onstage and intimate, it is full-ranged and full-sized staging, and it is the most realistic bass I have heard. Others may have other preferences, but the M5 nails mine. When I go to other lower-tier options, I feel like something is missing so the M5 gets most of my ear time.</li><li><strong>Custom Fit</strong>: The M5 is a GOD-TIER option that is offered as a custom which is critical to getting the best fit possible. In fact, it is, unfortunately, the only GOD-TIER option that offers a custom option. While some can get full fidelity out of a universal format, I cannot and always deal with compromise. Those universals that fit me the best still require me to stay perfectly still to enjoy them so they only work with a specific at desk audiophile listening use case. However, most of my listening is active and on the go or laying in bed which is not optimal for universal fit.</li><li><strong>Performance</strong>: There is not a performance category that the M5 is not in the top three and in many cases it is the top performer. Most IEMs focus on an area that makes it unique, there is always an area of concern – scales up but not down, requires lots of power, poor isolation, etc. The M5 allows me to enjoy it in all use cases and seems to not have an “Achilles heel”.</li><li><strong>Ear Protection</strong>: FIR’s 3rd generation atom pressure release system offers a pressure-free listening experience that allows me to turn the volume up without hurting my eardrums. I have tried many companies&#8217; pressure release options with varying degrees of success – most having a downside that reduces performance in some way. There is typically a tradeoff of bass performance, detail, and soundstage that you can have two, but not three. The M5 atom system is the best I have heard offering a cavernous, out-of-head soundstage experience and wonderful bass performance while retaining a very tight note – no compromise.</li><li><strong>Low-Level Listening</strong>: The M5 is one of the few that offers stellar low-level listening performance. The presentation holds tight at low volume allowing me to listen to low volumes at night without compromising performance. The full delicate detail remains even when the volume is down, it just moves me off stage and into the second row offering great performance while listening in bed.</li><li><strong>Scales Up and Down</strong>: The M5 sounds as wonderful on an iPhone as it does on a high-end system. Yes, it does scale up on my best equipment to a remarkable level, but on the road, with my iPhone, it offers top audiophile performance as well on the go. There is more performance out of an iPhone than you can actually hear given the background distractions when moving around in day-to-day life or while working out.</li><li><strong>Price Performance</strong>: Believe it or not, at $2800 the M5 is somewhat of a bargain. If you can afford it, the M5 is on the low side of pricing in the GOD-TIER category offering a high price to performance ratio. Relative to its $5K peers, I am more comfortable taking the M5 with me out of the house and to the gym which I would never do with a $5K option. This gives me more versatility to use it as I would like.</li></ul><p>For all those reasons and more, I award the FIR M5 with my “If I could only have one” award as well as the GOD-TIER achievement award. 😊</p> </div>
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  961. <h2 class="elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default">Full Review</h2> </div>
  962. </div>
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  965. <ul><li><strong>Pros</strong>: God-tier performance on everything – checks every box, best bass ever, full-sized performance, low volume audiophile capable</li><li><strong>Cons</strong>: Monopolizes your ear time making you less patient with other CIEMs</li></ul> </div>
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  971. <section class="elementor-section elementor-top-section elementor-element elementor-element-95e87da elementor-section-boxed elementor-section-height-default elementor-section-height-default" data-id="95e87da" data-element_type="section">
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  973. <div class="aux-parallax-section elementor-column elementor-col-100 elementor-top-column elementor-element elementor-element-38d3f56" data-id="38d3f56" data-element_type="column">
  974. <div class="elementor-widget-wrap elementor-element-populated">
  975. <div class="elementor-element elementor-element-bebf4e2 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor" data-id="bebf4e2" data-element_type="widget" data-widget_type="text-editor.default">
  976. <div class="elementor-widget-container">
  977. <p>My quest for the best CIEM started 6 years ago, cumulating into building a full audio tour membership club to be able to feed my addiction with endless tours. Over the course of these tours, I have learned that best is subjective…it depends on your use case. My use cases are on the go, exercise, low volume listening, optimized high-end desktop sources for audiophile best, bass fun, detail retrieval, DAP pairing, genre pairing, etc., etc., etc. This has left room for a number of CIEMs in my portfolio, a whole lot of CIEMS. Each has been optimized with cables and source and genre. Some scale-up, some scale down, some are very specific for a use case.</p><p>Then came the Fir M5. It scales up and down sounding wonderful on my iPhone 11, yet scales even higher on my Burson C3R. It sounds wonderful with all my genres, offers bass fun, excels at detail retrieval, and even works great for noisy gyms. It is my “if I could only have one” CIEM. Since receiving it, it has gotten most of my ear time as it is easy to use. My others may scale higher by a little but require a lot of effort to get there with high-end cables and sources and they cost a lot more. The full-sized sound allows me to hear fine details intimately even in a noisy room. As you can tell, I am very impressed with my custom M5.</p> </div>
  978. </div>
  979. </div>
  980. </div>
  981. </div>
  982. </section>
  983. <section class="elementor-section elementor-top-section elementor-element elementor-element-8b8a0e1 elementor-section-boxed elementor-section-height-default elementor-section-height-default" data-id="8b8a0e1" data-element_type="section">
  984. <div class="elementor-container elementor-column-gap-default">
  985. <div class="aux-parallax-section elementor-column elementor-col-100 elementor-top-column elementor-element elementor-element-1cf41c5" data-id="1cf41c5" data-element_type="column">
  986. <div class="elementor-widget-wrap elementor-element-populated">
  987. <div class="elementor-element elementor-element-ede616f elementor-widget elementor-widget-image" data-id="ede616f" data-element_type="widget" data-widget_type="image.default">
  988. <div class="elementor-widget-container">
  989. <img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="800" src="https://audiotiers.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/m5-1024x800.png" class="attachment-large size-large wp-image-2182" alt="" /> </div>
  990. </div>
  991. </div>
  992. </div>
  993. </div>
  994. </section>
  995. <section class="elementor-section elementor-top-section elementor-element elementor-element-4d5be38 elementor-section-boxed elementor-section-height-default elementor-section-height-default" data-id="4d5be38" data-element_type="section">
  996. <div class="elementor-container elementor-column-gap-default">
  997. <div class="aux-parallax-section elementor-column elementor-col-100 elementor-top-column elementor-element elementor-element-da2b156" data-id="da2b156" data-element_type="column">
  998. <div class="elementor-widget-wrap elementor-element-populated">
  999. <div class="elementor-element elementor-element-c9ab729 elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading" data-id="c9ab729" data-element_type="widget" data-widget_type="heading.default">
  1000. <div class="elementor-widget-container">
  1001. <h2 class="elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default">My CIEM Prospective
  1002. </h2> </div>
  1003. </div>
  1004. <div class="elementor-element elementor-element-5c23039 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor" data-id="5c23039" data-element_type="widget" data-widget_type="text-editor.default">
  1005. <div class="elementor-widget-container">
  1006. <p>For those that don’t know me, I have been hosting numerous TOTL CIEM and cable tours on Head-Fi in the US for the last several years now including most of the top manufacturers ranging from moderately expensive to very expensive options. This has allowed me and my tour participants access to hear some of the most incredible mobile audiophile equipment in existence. Even in the few years that I have been managing these tours, I have seen significant advances in technologies and performance to the point that it is rare to hear any product at this level that I do not like. They are all different in signature appealing differently to different people, but they are pretty much all very good at this point. So when I am raving like I am about the M5, this is in the perspective of most of the top-tier IEMs from the last 6 years. To learn more about me, you can follow me on HEADFI where I go by username BARRA or you can go to my <a href="https://audiotiers.com/">https://audiotiers.com/</a> tour membership site where you can even join my tours. <img decoding="async" class="emoji" role="img" draggable="false" src="https://s.w.org/images/core/emoji/13.1.0/svg/1f60a.svg" alt="😊" /></p> </div>
  1007. </div>
  1008. <div class="elementor-element elementor-element-715133c elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading" data-id="715133c" data-element_type="widget" data-widget_type="heading.default">
  1009. <div class="elementor-widget-container">
  1010. <h3 class="elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default">What is the Deal with Fir Audio</h3> </div>
  1011. </div>
  1012. <div class="elementor-element elementor-element-8dfead6 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor" data-id="8dfead6" data-element_type="widget" data-widget_type="text-editor.default">
  1013. <div class="elementor-widget-container">
  1014. <p>While Fir Audio seems to have come out of nowhere and reached the tops of the performance charts overnight, there is a lot of history behind this achievement. The founder, Bogdan Belonozhko, is one of the Belonozhko brothers of 64 Audio fame. He brings with him the knowledge of 64 Audio performance, but with a twist. With his M5, he has created a tribrid CIEM before 64 Audio has come out with theirs. If you have heard any of the stellar 64 Audio products, then you probably have high expectations for the Fir Audio lineup and based on what I have heard and the reviews I have read, Bogdan has delivered. This is why I reached out to set up a tour so we can all hear them for ourselves. If you are interested in joining the tour to hear for yourself, go here: <a href="https://audiotiers.com/fir/">https://audiotiers.com/fir/</a>.</p> </div>
  1015. </div>
  1016. </div>
  1017. </div>
  1018. </div>
  1019. </section>
  1020. <section class="elementor-section elementor-top-section elementor-element elementor-element-441d810 elementor-section-boxed elementor-section-height-default elementor-section-height-default" data-id="441d810" data-element_type="section">
  1021. <div class="elementor-container elementor-column-gap-default">
  1022. <div class="aux-parallax-section elementor-column elementor-col-100 elementor-top-column elementor-element elementor-element-8baf968" data-id="8baf968" data-element_type="column">
  1023. <div class="elementor-widget-wrap elementor-element-populated">
  1024. <div class="elementor-element elementor-element-a4c954d elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading" data-id="a4c954d" data-element_type="widget" data-widget_type="heading.default">
  1025. <div class="elementor-widget-container">
  1026. <h4 class="elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default">The FIR Family</h4> </div>
  1027. </div>
  1028. </div>
  1029. </div>
  1030. </div>
  1031. </section>
  1032. <section class="elementor-section elementor-top-section elementor-element elementor-element-d4d1b7f elementor-section-boxed elementor-section-height-default elementor-section-height-default" data-id="d4d1b7f" data-element_type="section">
  1033. <div class="elementor-container elementor-column-gap-default">
  1034. <div class="aux-parallax-section elementor-column elementor-col-100 elementor-top-column elementor-element elementor-element-d7f56d4" data-id="d7f56d4" data-element_type="column">
  1035. <div class="elementor-widget-wrap elementor-element-populated">
  1036. <div class="elementor-element elementor-element-88c5a51 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor" data-id="88c5a51" data-element_type="widget" data-widget_type="text-editor.default">
  1037. <div class="elementor-widget-container">
  1038. <p>As seen in the graphic below, the FIR family is 4 IEMs strong and they share a family sound. As you can see from the configuration chart, they all share that same dynamic driver that brings the signature to life.</p> </div>
  1039. </div>
  1040. </div>
  1041. </div>
  1042. </div>
  1043. </section>
  1044. <section class="elementor-section elementor-top-section elementor-element elementor-element-9bfea38 elementor-section-boxed elementor-section-height-default elementor-section-height-default" data-id="9bfea38" data-element_type="section">
  1045. <div class="elementor-container elementor-column-gap-default">
  1046. <div class="aux-parallax-section elementor-column elementor-col-100 elementor-top-column elementor-element elementor-element-2c68287" data-id="2c68287" data-element_type="column">
  1047. <div class="elementor-widget-wrap elementor-element-populated">
  1048. <div class="elementor-element elementor-element-5ae1fbd elementor-widget elementor-widget-image" data-id="5ae1fbd" data-element_type="widget" data-widget_type="image.default">
  1049. <div class="elementor-widget-container">
  1050. <img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="737" src="https://audiotiers.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/Screenshot-2020-10-14-120556-1024x737.png" class="attachment-large size-large wp-image-2183" alt="" /> </div>
  1051. </div>
  1052. </div>
  1053. </div>
  1054. </div>
  1055. </section>
  1056. <section class="elementor-section elementor-top-section elementor-element elementor-element-bfa0f9e elementor-section-boxed elementor-section-height-default elementor-section-height-default" data-id="bfa0f9e" data-element_type="section">
  1057. <div class="elementor-container elementor-column-gap-default">
  1058. <div class="aux-parallax-section elementor-column elementor-col-100 elementor-top-column elementor-element elementor-element-4ab8fa8" data-id="4ab8fa8" data-element_type="column">
  1059. <div class="elementor-widget-wrap elementor-element-populated">
  1060. <div class="elementor-element elementor-element-5e13af5 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor" data-id="5e13af5" data-element_type="widget" data-widget_type="text-editor.default">
  1061. <div class="elementor-widget-container">
  1062. <p>From my FIR tour, I was able to listen to all these siblings side-by-side and found quite a value in the lower-priced options for those that cannot afford the M5. Here are my early listening impressions to offer you a comparison:</p><ul><li><strong>M5</strong>: Nailed it! This is that big bassy sound that I have so been craving. Yes, it rivals my EE LX as the bass king with a different take on bass. My first impression is WOW as it is that different than my other CIEMs in a good way. The sound stage is huge, with players/instruments huge as if I was there. While this is not as warm of a signature as my LX, it is more intimate and close-up for in-your-face fun. Yet it checks all the boxes for audiophile performance. This reminds me a bit of the A18 with the M20 module, but with better bass and lighter treble. I Will be doing a full written and video review on this one so hang tight for comparisons and deeper insights. </li><li><strong>M4</strong>: The M4 is extremely close to the M5 with more of a treble presence. All the bass is there, but the treble stands out more with more splash, sizzle, and air without ever being harsh. But going back to the M5, it is not missing any of this detail, just not as pronounced and more integrated. This is a great option to save some cash for treble lovers that want that M5 bass.</li><li><strong>M3</strong>: Again, that same bass driver is delivering the goods with a well-defined house sound. The M3 is close to the SQ of the M4 but set back a little maybe one section back. While I prefer the M4’s more intimate signature, the M3 is pretty darn close in sound and retains the M4’s larger treble presence.</li><li><strong>M2</strong>: This was my biggest surprise and the greatest value play in the lineup. It has all that bass goodness the rest of the more expensive models boast which makes this lineup so much fun. However, the signature becomes more intimate closer to the M4 than the M3. While I do think that the M4 and M3 have more detailed performance, you would not notice without an A/B sampling as it feels like I am splitting hairs. </li></ul><p>End-to-end all models have that same wonderful bass driver that is very distinctive. The M5 stands out as more refined using the EST top-end drivers, but there are many that prefer the BA treble splashiness and could prefer the M4. The M2 is remarkably close in signature to the M4 with a little less detailed presentation and screams value. Don’t just take my word for it, join the tour and see for yourself.</p><p>Overall, I have to say that we are dealing with another CIEM manufacturer that is continuing to drive the top-tier bar even higher. Yet they have carved out a new signature that is unique to the other manufacturer’s offerings that will definitely drive some solid sales. This lineup is a must-hear if you are considering a CIEM purchase.</p> </div>
  1063. </div>
  1064. </div>
  1065. </div>
  1066. </div>
  1067. </section>
  1068. <section class="elementor-section elementor-top-section elementor-element elementor-element-b413ab4 elementor-section-boxed elementor-section-height-default elementor-section-height-default" data-id="b413ab4" data-element_type="section">
  1069. <div class="elementor-container elementor-column-gap-default">
  1070. <div class="aux-parallax-section elementor-column elementor-col-100 elementor-top-column elementor-element elementor-element-b631a8b" data-id="b631a8b" data-element_type="column">
  1071. <div class="elementor-widget-wrap elementor-element-populated">
  1072. <div class="elementor-element elementor-element-f5ababe elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading" data-id="f5ababe" data-element_type="widget" data-widget_type="heading.default">
  1073. <div class="elementor-widget-container">
  1074. <h4 class="elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default">Tour Kickoff Video</h4> </div>
  1075. </div>
  1076. </div>
  1077. </div>
  1078. </div>
  1079. </section>
  1080. <section class="elementor-section elementor-top-section elementor-element elementor-element-1bdf4eb elementor-section-boxed elementor-section-height-default elementor-section-height-default" data-id="1bdf4eb" data-element_type="section">
  1081. <div class="elementor-container elementor-column-gap-default">
  1082. <div class="aux-parallax-section elementor-column elementor-col-100 elementor-top-column elementor-element elementor-element-ce84664" data-id="ce84664" data-element_type="column">
  1083. <div class="elementor-widget-wrap elementor-element-populated">
  1084. <div class="elementor-element elementor-element-71308d4 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor" data-id="71308d4" data-element_type="widget" data-widget_type="text-editor.default">
  1085. <div class="elementor-widget-container">
  1086. <p>To give you a better perspective on the family, here is my FIR tour kickoff video that shares the universal tour kits and my experience with them.</p> </div>
  1087. </div>
  1088. </div>
  1089. </div>
  1090. </div>
  1091. </section>
  1092. <section class="elementor-section elementor-top-section elementor-element elementor-element-6a12ada elementor-section-boxed elementor-section-height-default elementor-section-height-default" data-id="6a12ada" data-element_type="section">
  1093. <div class="elementor-container elementor-column-gap-default">
  1094. <div class="aux-parallax-section elementor-column elementor-col-100 elementor-top-column elementor-element elementor-element-554c349" data-id="554c349" data-element_type="column">
  1095. <div class="elementor-widget-wrap elementor-element-populated">
  1096. <div class="elementor-element elementor-element-c806e3e elementor-widget elementor-widget-video" data-id="c806e3e" data-element_type="widget" data-settings="{&quot;youtube_url&quot;:&quot;https:\/\/youtu.be\/Cw9DS3cLljw&quot;,&quot;video_type&quot;:&quot;youtube&quot;,&quot;controls&quot;:&quot;yes&quot;}" data-widget_type="video.default">
  1097. <div class="elementor-widget-container">
  1098. <div class="elementor-wrapper elementor-open-inline">
  1099. <div class="elementor-video"></div> </div>
  1100. </div>
  1101. </div>
  1102. <div class="elementor-element elementor-element-ed86beb elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading" data-id="ed86beb" data-element_type="widget" data-widget_type="heading.default">
  1103. <div class="elementor-widget-container">
  1104. <h4 class="elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default">The Custom M5 Unboxing and Impressions Video</h4> </div>
  1105. </div>
  1106. <div class="elementor-element elementor-element-9a107b2 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor" data-id="9a107b2" data-element_type="widget" data-widget_type="text-editor.default">
  1107. <div class="elementor-widget-container">
  1108. <p>To give you an understanding of the M5, I felt it is best to start out with some video so you can see it for yourself.</p> </div>
  1109. </div>
  1110. <div class="elementor-element elementor-element-a8ef21b elementor-widget elementor-widget-video" data-id="a8ef21b" data-element_type="widget" data-settings="{&quot;youtube_url&quot;:&quot;https:\/\/youtu.be\/woHMrEQV_WM&quot;,&quot;video_type&quot;:&quot;youtube&quot;,&quot;controls&quot;:&quot;yes&quot;}" data-widget_type="video.default">
  1111. <div class="elementor-widget-container">
  1112. <div class="elementor-wrapper elementor-open-inline">
  1113. <div class="elementor-video"></div> </div>
  1114. </div>
  1115. </div>
  1116. <div class="elementor-element elementor-element-ef98055 elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading" data-id="ef98055" data-element_type="widget" data-widget_type="heading.default">
  1117. <div class="elementor-widget-container">
  1118. <h4 class="elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default">The Order Process</h4> </div>
  1119. </div>
  1120. </div>
  1121. </div>
  1122. </div>
  1123. </section>
  1124. <section class="elementor-section elementor-top-section elementor-element elementor-element-da54c7d elementor-section-boxed elementor-section-height-default elementor-section-height-default" data-id="da54c7d" data-element_type="section">
  1125. <div class="elementor-container elementor-column-gap-default">
  1126. <div class="aux-parallax-section elementor-column elementor-col-100 elementor-top-column elementor-element elementor-element-0e6da6f" data-id="0e6da6f" data-element_type="column">
  1127. <div class="elementor-widget-wrap elementor-element-populated">
  1128. <div class="elementor-element elementor-element-2a8f4ff elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor" data-id="2a8f4ff" data-element_type="widget" data-widget_type="text-editor.default">
  1129. <div class="elementor-widget-container">
  1130. <p>Having ordered a number of CIEMs, the lack of ordeal here is a great thing – boring is good! The entire process can be handled online offering WIZIWIG support on the custom designer. The material options are good, and the process is easy to follow end-to-end. Best of all, there are no language barriers nor time zone issues. Over the years, I have had a number of less than optimal experiences so having a seamless experience like this is wonderful.</p><p>Here is an image of what I designed:</p> </div>
  1131. </div>
  1132. <div class="elementor-element elementor-element-1e9af07 elementor-widget elementor-widget-image" data-id="1e9af07" data-element_type="widget" data-widget_type="image.default">
  1133. <div class="elementor-widget-container">
  1134. <img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="920" height="517" src="https://audiotiers.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/Fir-Audio-Tour-M5-920x517-1.jpg" class="attachment-large size-large wp-image-2187" alt="" srcset="https://audiotiers.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/Fir-Audio-Tour-M5-920x517-1.jpg.webp 920w, https://audiotiers.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/Fir-Audio-Tour-M5-920x517-1-50x28.jpg.webp 50w" sizes="(max-width: 920px) 100vw, 920px" /> </div>
  1135. </div>
  1136. <div class="elementor-element elementor-element-61c4d51 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor" data-id="61c4d51" data-element_type="widget" data-widget_type="text-editor.default">
  1137. <div class="elementor-widget-container">
  1138. <p>Here are the results:</p> </div>
  1139. </div>
  1140. <div class="elementor-element elementor-element-00f414b elementor-widget elementor-widget-image" data-id="00f414b" data-element_type="widget" data-widget_type="image.default">
  1141. <div class="elementor-widget-container">
  1142. <img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="738" height="553" src="https://audiotiers.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/M5-Customs.jpg" class="attachment-large size-large wp-image-2188" alt="" srcset="https://audiotiers.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/M5-Customs.jpg.webp 738w, https://audiotiers.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/M5-Customs-50x37.jpg.webp 50w" sizes="(max-width: 738px) 100vw, 738px" /> </div>
  1143. </div>
  1144. <div class="elementor-element elementor-element-e83489b elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading" data-id="e83489b" data-element_type="widget" data-widget_type="heading.default">
  1145. <div class="elementor-widget-container">
  1146. <h4 class="elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default">Fit and Finish</h4> </div>
  1147. </div>
  1148. <div class="elementor-element elementor-element-d381b44 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor" data-id="d381b44" data-element_type="widget" data-widget_type="text-editor.default">
  1149. <div class="elementor-widget-container">
  1150. <p>My ears have a weird bend in the inner ear that makes listening to universal IEMs…difficult. This means that I often have to cup my ears or stay perfectly still once I have achieved a perfect seal. This has moved me to mostly choosing custom fit in-ears. This is a process of going to an audiologist and having impressions made – per FIR Audio’s specific instructions – then hoping that the impressions are good enough to use once received. Having found a good local audiologist, I am most certain of a good impression, but there is also a bit of craft and secret sauce from the side of the CIEM manufacturer that can vary the results. For example, Empire Ears creates a smaller mold that is easy to insert while Vision Ears offers a larger mold that creates a suction when inserted or pops when removed. Both work great, but the tighter the fit, the more the frequency range is expressed, and the loser, the more comfortable but susceptible to outside noise. FIR meets the middle ground with a nice fit that is easy to insert but creates a nice suction for full-range sound.</p><p>The finish is outstanding. As you can see in the picture, it is a polished gem and there are no sharp edges anywhere. The “ATOM” module you can see on the face requires more finesse than the typical faceplate, but they offer an outstanding finish. This is a medium-sized mold so it is compact and easy to insert and has a recessed port with a screen to offer wax resistance.</p> </div>
  1151. </div>
  1152. <div class="elementor-element elementor-element-52ef9f5 elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading" data-id="52ef9f5" data-element_type="widget" data-widget_type="heading.default">
  1153. <div class="elementor-widget-container">
  1154. <h4 class="elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default">ATOM (Air Transferring Open Module)</h4> </div>
  1155. </div>
  1156. <div class="elementor-element elementor-element-f8563dd elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor" data-id="f8563dd" data-element_type="widget" data-widget_type="text-editor.default">
  1157. <div class="elementor-widget-container">
  1158. <p>64 Audio being one of the originators of the air module design, it comes as no surprise that Bogdan has brought his own version of the technology to his company. These modules in all their formats and under all the different names all have a single purpose, to protect your hearing. By releasing some of the pressure in an optimized format, your eardrums don’t take a beating that has always been a concern with in-ears. My M5 came with three modules – black, grey, and gold.</p><p>In practice the modulation of the air pressure does two things for those CIEMs that offer it:</p><ul><li><strong>Sound Modulation</strong>: Many manufacturers including FIR offer a variety of modules that offer different sound enhancements. Some are closed offering a larger bass, while some are very open offering more of an out of the head experience.</li><li><strong>Higher Volumes</strong>: Due to the pressure system, volumes can be increased offer many advantages such as a fuller sound without discomfort.</li></ul><p>The <a href="https://www.firaudio.com/store/atom-xl-4pk">ATOM XL 4pk</a> is an offering of additional modules that can be used to shape your sound to your liking.</p> </div>
  1159. </div>
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  1162. <img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="864" height="603" src="https://audiotiers.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/ATOM-Box.png" class="attachment-large size-large wp-image-2189" alt="" srcset="https://audiotiers.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/ATOM-Box.png.webp 864w, https://audiotiers.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/ATOM-Box-50x35.png.webp 50w" sizes="(max-width: 864px) 100vw, 864px" /> </div>
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  1166. <p><strong>From FIR</strong>:</p><p>“atom (air transferring open module) is the 3rd generation module technology that was specifically designed to give the user maximum control with front vented In-Ear Monitors. Boasting a bass tolerance of 1/2 dB makes these modules the most advanced way of fine-tuning that perfect sound signature you’re looking for. A smaller filter design reduces the air volume in the module chamber which can have a positive effect on sound presentation. The 4 pack set comes with an assortment of +, N, -, O (plus, neutral, minus, open). Durability was a high priority with the atom design. Filtering using precise medical grade tubing allows for a consistent production process. atom is also immune to shock from accidental drops and even humidity. Isolation levels vary among the modules relative to the bass leak.”</p><p><strong>ATOM Specifications</strong>:</p><ul><li>(+): Isolation: 17db, Bass: 2db @ 20hz</li><li>(N): Isolation: 15db, (m15 equivalent)</li><li>(-): Isolation: 13db, Bass: 2db @ 20hz</li><li>(O): Isolation: 10db, Bass: -4db @20hz</li></ul> </div>
  1167. </div>
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  1170. <h4 class="elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default">M5 Tribrid Specifications</h4> </div>
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  1174. <p>As can be seen in the FIR family graphic, the 5 in M5 stands for 5 drivers – ESTAT-high, BA for high, mid-high, and mid, then a dynamic driver for the lows. It is a true tribrid. Here is what FIR has to say about the M5:</p><p>“The M5 is the showcase of all the best technology FiR has to offer in the IEM space. Sporting a dynamic driver for lows, 3 balanced armatures for midrange and highs, and an electrostatic driver to assist the treble reproduction, the M5 maximizes its driver count to present an effortlessly massive sound, with shocking clarity and extension on both ends. We’re also proud to be the first in the world to implement the electrostatic drivers, in addition to all the other drivers in the M5, in a tubeless design, paired with the 3rd generation atom pressure release system to provide the M5 with a cavernous, out of head soundstage and a pressure-free listening experience that is well suited to all professional and audiophile use cases.”</p><p><strong>DYNAMIC BASS</strong>: The interesting part for me in this configuration is the dynamic bass module. The M5 is holding the top spot for bass with the EE LX, but both are very different in presentation. The LX is warm and laid back while the M5 is tight and huge without stepping on anything else in the frequency range. There is a clarity that comes with the M5 that you don’t ever hear with bass this big. No, not fart cannon big, but full-sized audiophile speakers in a $100K setup big. We get a full-sized foundation immediately so that the other frequencies are not strained when raising the volumes to reach realistic sizing. I did my best to get some clarity on how this is possible, but all I got from Bogdan was that this is a 10mm dynamic driver with some secret sauce tuning. This is a bigger driver than all the other top-tier CIEMs with the exception of the Noble Sultan that shares the same size with different results.</p><p><strong>ESTAT</strong>: The ESTAT is here to stay. Having heard a number of implementations, when done right, there is an exceptional clarity that cannot be matched by the older BA sound. The goal here is butterfly wings delicacy with oozing detail that if done wrong can be too sharp or even bright. It is fair to say, FIR got it right. Balancing out the huge audiophile bass with butterfly wings delicacy and detail is quite a feat.</p><p><strong>DRIVER FLEX: </strong>None. There seems to be a lot of conversation about this topic in reference to dynamic drivers so I thought I would confirm that I have not heard any driver flex with any of the FIR family lineup. Perhaps this is due to the ATOM modules managing the air pressure.</p><p><strong> </strong><strong>Other Specifications</strong>:</p><ul><li>Range: 10hz &#8211; 20Khz</li><li>Impedance: 6.8ohms</li></ul> </div>
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  1178. <h4 class="elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default">The FIR Family Cabling</h4> </div>
  1179. </div>
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  1182. <p>FIR went proprietary RCX on the cabling. While this is a bummer for us cable rollers with an investment in high-end cables, the cable is great and I have not felt an immediate need to upgrade as I have with many others. While I will explore a little cable rolling later and I am likely to pick up an adapter available from FIR later to enable further cable rolling if I ever get adventurous – for now, this cable is good enough.</p><p>The value of two-pin is that it is widely accepted, but I also have issues swapping cables too much as the hole that you insert the cable pin into does wear out and stretch creating a significant problem down the line. Therefore the MMCX and the RCX were developed to create a better connection as well as the ability to swap out cables without damaging your CIEM. However, the 2-pin seems here to stay which is moving us toward adapters such as this <a href="https://www.firaudio.com/store/rcx-2-pin-adaptor">RCX 2-Pin Adaptor</a> available on the FIR website. What is troublesome though is the price. At $79, it is a deterrent for many…at least until the stock cable breaks.</p><p>My experience with the RCX cable connector is actually quite good. It clicks on with a good click giving you confidence that you are securely connected and remains tight. This and the MMCX are preferable to me if I wasn’t already stuck with 2-pin on my entire CIEM collection.</p> </div>
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  1186. <h2 class="elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default">The M5 Sound</h2> </div>
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  1190. <p>When describing the M5 sound, the first thing that comes to mind is its full-sized presentation even at lower volumes. The second is that wonderful audiophile BASS richness brings the sound stage to life…that being there feel. Then finally, the in-your-face detail from the mids offering butterfly wings to thick textures is what makes it so enjoyable. While most CIEMs with bass this big would be on the warmer side of neutral, the M5 has an intense clarity to it with large staging that allows the details to take center stage.</p><p><strong>BASS</strong>: The M5 is my favorite bass CIEM along with the EE LX. The EE LX is set back, laid back, and calm where the M5 is more center stage, on your feet, and dancing. This bass starts big at low volumes so that it is present for my nighttime listening offering a much richer sound than I can get from my other CIEMs at that volume. The ATOM pressure regulation makes it easy on the ears as well so again, this is a wonderful low volume CIEM that I prefer for my nighttime listening. My other CIEMs need too much volume to sleep comfortably to reach that level of performance. Going to full-on EDM, that 10mm driver pounds and has become my favorite EDM CIEM. Scaling up to my high-end desktop equipment such as my Burson C3R or my Eddie Current ZDs, the bass gets even better with a tighter and more powerful response with a larger soundstage to enliven. Again, this is the top-in-class bass which I will compare later to other top-tier options.</p><p><strong>MIDS</strong>: Given my description of the bass, you would think this was a warmer driver that would sit on the mids, but no, the mids are what I like so much about this CIEM. At low volumes, the voices are all full-sized and upfront and center making them rich and offering gobs of in-your-face detail. In sizing other drivers, I find that the mids fall apart when getting to the right volumes, however, here on the M5, turning up the volume just scales up the details as you would expect from the top-tier audiophile equipment. As mentioned, the mids offer butterfly wing details as well as thick textures at the same time with the separation to hear it all simultaneously.</p><p><strong>TREBLE</strong>: Going back and forth between the M5 with the ESTATs and M4 with the BA driven treble, the BA treble sounds splashy while the ESTAT treble sounds delicate and airy. While the BA treble offers that SHHHHHHH, the ESTATs can bring out the most delicate textures. In fact, the ESTAT implementation with the M5 is so good, it doesn’t call any attention to it. What it does is layers the presentation with additional detail in the mids and the bass. It is so good that the treble goes somewhat unnoticed. With the drier treble, there is a lot more room in the soundstage to bring out the more important details which the M5 does in spades.</p><p><strong>PRESENTATION</strong>: The M5 feels like it is either front row or on stage in its presentation. It is a very intimate affair. I hesitate to say intimate as it is not closed in as that may imply, but more like you are in the middle of a larger theater on the stage in the VIP section.</p><p><strong>SOUND STAGE</strong>: The stage is large, but it is deeper than wide giving the impression that it is narrow. But if you listen, it is not narrow at all, just very layered with the Important voices up close and personal. However, there is a large ambiance, that sucks you in with access to other things going on in the room, as you might hear in live performances. There is clarity and space between voices that allows great staging. I wouldn’t go with a black background with this CIEM as there is such rich depth and depth cues that sometimes offer a holographic feel.</p><p><strong>SCALING DOWN</strong>: My M5 sounds wonderful on my iPhone. Going bike riding is a real treat. I am amazed at how well it scales down, even better than my A12. This is a big driver to sound so good on so little power. I typically find that dynamic drivers don’t do so well on low-powered lower-end gear like the iPhone.</p><p><strong>SCALING UP</strong>: My favorite source for my CIEMs is currently my Burson C3R which takes them to the stratosphere in performance. If I want to know just how high they can fly, the Burson is my go-to setup. In comparison to the much more expensive ERL or THUMMIM or the WRAITH, SULTAN, the M5 holds its own. The ERL peaks out with great DAPs with its BA design and can beat the M5 at that level, but the M5 peeks higher on the Burson where the ELR falls apart. The THUMMIM can beat the M5’s performance on the Burson, but cannot keep up using DAPs as a source. The ERL and the THUMMIM are almost double the price. We will all have varying opinions at this level as they are all stellar and offer different takes on a presentation that will appeal differently to different people, but I think we can all agree that these mentioned CIEMs are top of the class and the M5 belongs here. In scaling up, it is the power that the M5 gobbles up to produce exotic performance and the Burson offers it in spades at 7.5 watts.</p><p><strong>BURN IN</strong>: I thought I should mention that the M5 has benefited significantly from burn-in. While I was wowed out of the box, my review kept being pushed back as I found the performance accelerating over time. While not a total believer in burn-in, I do provide some burn-in time to all my review items to support those that do believe in it. However, I do find that dynamic drivers do benefit from being exercised to loosen up the driver. For example, the iPhone was a loser at first as there was too much driver flutter. After a month, the M5 became my best pairing with my iPhone 11. I also found that the M5 scaled up with the Burson easily with its greater grip of the driver believing that was required, but it turned out that this exercising of the driver was all that was needed. It took a month of continual usage before I felt that there were no longer gains.</p><p><strong>HISS</strong>: Given the low 6.8-ohm impedance, I am often asked about hiss. However, I&#8217;m probably not the right person to ask about hiss as I am over 50 and cannot hear treble like I used to. Regardless, to my ears, there is no problem with hiss on my WM1a, H2, Calyx M, iPhone, or Burson.</p><p><strong>PAIRING GENRES: </strong>Given its intimate nature, it is surprising that the M5 is actually very good across most genres. It is great at EDM as you would imagine, but it is also really great across the newer fresher sounding pop, instrumentals, easy listening, classic rock, and pretty much everything else that I throw at it. Specifically, it is most amazing at live, guitar-focused, or bassy music with incredible texturing and detail. If you would want to sit at the front row of a performance, then the M5 is the right CIEM for you. However, orchestra and opera where you may prefer to sit in the upper balcony to take it all in and enjoy the wider soundstage, the Legend X might be the better choice.</p><p><strong>ADJUSTING TO ESTAT: </strong>There is no ear fatigue with the M5. I bring this up as it took me three solid days of listening to the Valkyrie and the Wraith and their ESTAT implementation before I got used to the ESTAT sound. However, as mentioned earlier, going between the M5 and M4, I am an ESTAT believer and will likely favor ESTATs going forward.</p> </div>
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  1194. <h2 class="elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default">Optimizing and Pairing</h2> </div>
  1195. </div>
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  1198. <p>The M5 sounds great out of the box even before burn-in and the cable is wonderful. However, audiophiles such as I rarely leave good enough alone. After a couple of months of stock setup, it was time to stretch the M5’s legs. Here is what I did describe below.</p><h4><strong>Optimizing Cables</strong></h4><p>In the end, the stock hybrid Effect Audio cable that came with the Valkyrie was the best pairing to my ears. It is a surprisingly good cable to be offered as a standard. While experimenting, here is what I found:</p><ul><li><strong>Moon Audio Black Dragon ($200):</strong> This is the thickest sounding cable of my collection and not a great match. I felt like it muddied the signature and preferred the stock cable.</li><li><strong>DITA Audio OLSO ($599)</strong>: This is a unique oiled copper cable from DITA that really adds to every CIEM that I have paired it with. However, it added a little much with the M5 making the bass too much and created more clipping on lower power sources like my iPhone. It also brought up the treble too much which did change the M5 to more of a V-signature with recessed mids. This is not what I was looking for either.</li><li><strong>Beat Audio Prima Donna 8W ($1199)</strong>: The Prima Donna is a silver alloy 8 wire cable that has wowed me on all my CIEMs offers significant clarity and additional dynamics. However, on the M5, it is just not a great pairing as it added too much treble and it muted the bass.</li><li><strong>Effect Audio Eros II ($279):</strong> This is a surprisingly good stock cable. As a hybrid, it provides the best of the copper thickness and the silver detail to emphasize all the right characteristics of the CIEM. The resulting SQ is very flat and audiophile with gobs of treble and sub-bass detail providing layering for the mids. I don’t have any other hybrid cables currently to compare apples for apples so Eros II has won a place in my heart and will stay on the M5 as long as I have the adapter.</li><li><strong>Stock M5 Cable:</strong> This cable was a win as it sounds as good as any of the others I tried. The only concern was that it tended to get unstranded over time making it look messy and potentially may break. However, the sound won me over, and having lost the adapter, will remain on the M5.</li></ul><p><strong>UPDATE</strong>: I ended up picking up the FIR adapter so that I could roll cables again. At the end after much experimentation, I found the Eletech Iliad to be the best pairing and is what I am using today. The Iliad doesn’t change the M5 signature at all, but just seems to allow the M5 to do everything that it does well…better – a definite level up that I can feel if I ever take that cable off. If you can try it, please do, you will not regret it. <img decoding="async" class="emoji" role="img" draggable="false" src="https://s.w.org/images/core/emoji/13.1.0/svg/1f60a.svg" alt="😊" /></p><h4><strong>Scaling Source</strong></h4><p>While the M5 sounds surprisingly good on everything, there is a difference in results worth discussing. Here is what I found:</p><ul><li><strong>iPhone 11</strong>: Amazon HD Music is a new app on my iPhone that has improved my sound quality considerably. From the standard Apple Music app, the M5 sounds great, but better on my better DAPs. The new Amazon app takes this up several notches and gets the iPhone closer to my dedicated DAPs mentioned below. In fact, the music discovery on the iPhone has made it my preferred method to listen to the M5 on the go. Either way, the music sounds full-sized from the iPhone, just more filled out with the Amazon app. But the dedicated DAPs are clearly better overall. I just wish that I had access to the Amazon music app with these DAPs. As mentioned above, the only weakness of the iPhone is that in crowded or dynamic passages there can be some clipping at first. However, for whatever reason, the clipping seems to disappear, and the fullness of the note returns after the iPhone warms up with 15 minutes or so constant playing.</li><li><strong>Calyx M</strong>: The Calyx M is famous for its sound quality implying that the 9018 is responsible. While the stats don’t speak to this, the amp is likely to be the bigger influencer burning up a giant battery in less than four hours to meet that quality output. The clarity and transparency offered in the colder Calyx M signature offer more detail than the Sony below. In comparison, I used to like the Calyx M better than the Sony until I got a custom firmware upgrade on the Sony. The Calyx takes the audiophile performance up a notch with more and tighter detail, while Sony can actually be more fun. An advantage the Calyx has over Sony is that volume slider that allows me to perfect the volume for each song instantly and to play the M5 louder than normal for short bursts.</li><li><strong>Sony WM1a</strong>: The Sony was almost sold last year as it didn’t pair well with my CIEMs until I got the new custom firmware. The new firmware now plays nice with all my CIEMs. The M5 is a wonderful pairing offering a warm performance with a nice girth to the note and more resonance and textures. The Sony with its superior battery life and UX is my go-to DAP for the M5.</li><li><strong>Hugo 2</strong>: The H2 takes the experience up a notch with a better DAC and AMP. The pairing is more in line with the Calyx M but on steroids. The bass comes out more, the detail is at another level, and the sound gets fuller. However, as with the M, the H2 brings out the clarity/transparency of the M5 for more of an audiophile sound rather than the more fun Sony. The problem with the H2 is that it is a stack that is not always convenient, so this is not as normal of a pairing as the Burson C3R which takes it up another notch given the additional driving power if I have to deal with the inconvenience.</li><li><strong>Burson C3 Reference</strong>: Going desktop, the Burson C3R is my favorite pairing supersizing the overall SQ significantly and in a fun musical way that crushes the Sony. It should also be mentioned that I am employing the Amazon HD Music application as a source and running it through my Sonarworks True-Fi application tuned to my HD800 headphones that work well with the M5 signature. Playing through iTunes with True-Fi turned off brings down the sound quality noticeably, so some may consider this a cheat. Regardless, the C3R drives 7.5 watts into the M3 6.8 ohms, so the volume stays between 1 to 5 out of 100 steps.</li></ul> </div>
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  1202. <h2 class="elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default">Comparisons</h2> </div>
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  1206. <p>As mentioned in the beginning, I have a great collection of CIEM from which I judge all newcomers. Besides having access to all the TOTL CIEMs in my tours, I have accumulated a nice collection of my favorite including – Thummim, ELYSIUM, Legend X, A18 Tzar, Valkyrie, Hidition NT-6 Pro, A12t, Aether, Fearless S12, and others. To offer some insight into the performance here, I will compare the M5 to my best below:</p><ul><li><strong>Thummin</strong>: My other GOD-TIER IEM in my personal collection is the Thummin. I compare this IEM to the ABYSS in a number of ways. One, it has the same signature and is as exotic-sounding as an IEM as the ABYSS is a full-sized headphone. However, both require a great system to reach their full potential and can sound dull on a lessor system. When driven properly on my Burson C3R, the Thummin is the best sounding IEM that I have and yes, it does beat the M5 in this use case. However, the M5 is not far behind, even driven by a lessor setup. In this case, I would compare the M5 to the Audeze LCD-4 – another exotic headphone that is close in sound quality.</li><li><strong>Sultan</strong>: The Sultan has received mixed reviews, but I personally insist that it is one of the rarified GOD-TIER IEMs when driven properly and with the correct seal. While this one is not currently in my collection, I have auditioned it extensively and will speak to it the best I can. I would compare the Sultan with the exotic STAX OO9 electrostatic headphones. The Sultan has the same ability to extract an exotic amount of detail putting it at the top of the class in detail retrieval. Unlike the 009, the Sultan also has a very present and natural bass response which never steps on the detail. The 009 has nice bass, but it seems more distant with the treble more present. The Sultan is definitely treble first, but not at the expense of a fantastic base response. The M5 is more like the Thummin than the Sultan – the Sultan being a very different Audiophile signature that is all about the detail. While the M5 oozes detail as well, it is a more fun first warmer ride. These two IEMs are very complementary offering a great variety for your various genres offering two different presentations so you never get bored.</li><li><strong>64 Audio A18</strong>: The 18 was the detail monster that I used to judge all others. That being said, it has a variable signature which I have standardized with the M15 APEX module that is more analytical and my OLSO cable to maintain that performance while bringing up the bass a notch for a richer character. The 18 has a well-deserved place in the top TOTL CIEM tier and is likely to remain there for a long time. While its perfection quickly impresses, this perfection is also its greatest weakness as it can get boring over time. For this reason, I have collected a range of CIEMs that I rotate to keep my interest high. Compared to the M5, the 18 is showing its age. The M5 has that something special and is more fun leaving the 18 wanting. This is not saying that the 18 is bad as it is a great CIEM, but that the M5 is just that much greater in performance and that the bar for performance has risen in the last half-decade since I got my custom 18.</li><li><strong>Legend X</strong>: My X has been my most listened-to CIEM until the M5 arrived. Going back and forth, there are two very wonderful signatures that are very complimentary and different allowing both to sit prominently in my collection. The X takes the warmer side of the road making all music fun and rich. It makes mediocre music sound good. However, the dual subwoofers in the X are the star of the show. While they only show up when called for, my tendency is to listen to music that calls for bass when listening to the X because it is so much fun. The treble and mids and soundstage are wonderful as well reminding me of the EE Zeus when the bass is not called for so there is nothing bad to report for the X. However, the M5 bass is more intimate where the X bass is laid back and set back. The M5 is in your face on stage while the X is sitting back at the front of the first balcony. I love my X for casual listening, but the M5 is more energetic making it a great daytime driver and the X more of my nighttime listen.</li><li><strong>ELYSIUM</strong>: The ELYSIUM has the best mids period with a dynamic mid-driver. It also has an EST treble set up with a single BA for lows making it a tribrid as well. However, the ELYSIUM and the M5 couldn’t be any more different. The M5 is full-spectrum, energetic, and onstage where the ELYSIUM is intimate as well, but emphasizes the mids. In comparison, I would say that the ELYSIUM is my go-to for vocals where the M5 is more fun and an all-rounder. Like the X, the ELYSIUM is more of an evening listen now that I have the M5 to take over my on-the-go duties.</li></ul> </div>
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  1210. <h2 class="elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default">Concluding Thoughts</h2> </div>
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  1214. <p>I find that about 70 percent of my ear time goes to active on the go listening while I exercise or run chores in or out of the house, with only 10 percent going to nighttime audiophile listening when I get a chance with the other 20 percent listening in bed. While I want top audiophile SQ for all three types of listening, for active listening I prefer a more energetic signature with more bass to compensate for the noise and distraction and also to put a hop in my step and wake me up. At night for audiophile listening, I prefer a bigger soundstage with a gentler audiophile tuning to pull out every last ounce of detail. For in-bed listening, I need a low volume performer that doesn’t sacrifice SQ for low volume. The M5 somehow manages to offer top performance in all three use cases. This is why it is becoming my go-to CIEM for all my needs getting more ear time than any other in my collection.</p> </div>
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  1223. <wfw:commentRss>https://audiotiers.com/reviews-fir-audio-m5-1yr-update-my-if-i-could-only-have-one-ciem/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
  1224. <slash:comments>2</slash:comments>
  1227. <post-id xmlns="com-wordpress:feed-additions:1">1497</post-id> </item>
  1228. <item>
  1229. <title>Closed Tour: iFi Audio &#8211; Black Label Signature and NEO iDSD Tour Series</title>
  1230. <link>https://audiotiers.com/ifi-audio/</link>
  1231. <comments>https://audiotiers.com/ifi-audio/#comments</comments>
  1233. <dc:creator><![CDATA[Barra]]></dc:creator>
  1234. <pubDate>Thu, 05 Nov 2020 22:14:50 +0000</pubDate>
  1235. <category><![CDATA[Closed]]></category>
  1236. <category><![CDATA[Source]]></category>
  1237. <category><![CDATA[Tour]]></category>
  1238. <guid isPermaLink="false">https://audiotiers.com/?p=1608</guid>
  1239.  
  1240. <description><![CDATA[Finding the Right Source &#60;h4&#62;January 2021&#60;/h4&#62; &#60;img width="150" height="174" src="https://audiotiers.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/iFilogo.png" alt="" loading="lazy" srcset="https://audiotiers.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/iFilogo.png 150w, https://audiotiers.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/iFilogo-43x50.png 43w" sizes="(max-width: 150px) 100vw, 150px" /&#62; &#60;strong&#62;iFi Audio &#60;/strong&#62;&#60;strong&#62;Gear Discussed in this Tour can be found here&#60;/strong&#62;: &#60;a href="https://ifi-audio.com/"&#62;https://ifi-audio.com/&#60;/a&#62; iFi Audio has had a long reputation as a quality brand to bring great sound to our audio gear. This long [&#8230;]]]></description>
  1241. <content:encoded><![CDATA[ <div data-elementor-type="wp-post" data-elementor-id="1608" class="elementor elementor-1608">
  1242. <section class="elementor-section elementor-top-section elementor-element elementor-element-75c6d171 elementor-section-boxed elementor-section-height-default elementor-section-height-default" data-id="75c6d171" data-element_type="section">
  1243. <div class="elementor-container elementor-column-gap-default">
  1244. <div class="aux-parallax-section elementor-column elementor-col-100 elementor-top-column elementor-element elementor-element-3943b8e2" data-id="3943b8e2" data-element_type="column">
  1245. <div class="elementor-widget-wrap elementor-element-populated">
  1246. <div class="elementor-element elementor-element-9a2095f elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading" data-id="9a2095f" data-element_type="widget" data-widget_type="heading.default">
  1247. <div class="elementor-widget-container">
  1248. <h2 class="elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default">Finding the Right Source</h2> </div>
  1249. </div>
  1250. <div class="elementor-element elementor-element-14e4aa9 elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading" data-id="14e4aa9" data-element_type="widget" data-widget_type="heading.default">
  1251. <div class="elementor-widget-container">
  1252. <h4 class="elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default">January 2021</h4> </div>
  1253. </div>
  1254. <div class="elementor-element elementor-element-dca82d8 elementor-widget elementor-widget-image" data-id="dca82d8" data-element_type="widget" data-widget_type="image.default">
  1255. <div class="elementor-widget-container">
  1256. <img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="150" height="174" src="https://audiotiers.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/iFilogo.png" class="attachment-full size-full wp-image-1611" alt="" srcset="https://audiotiers.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/iFilogo.png.webp 150w, https://audiotiers.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/iFilogo-43x50.png.webp 43w" sizes="(max-width: 150px) 100vw, 150px" /> </div>
  1257. </div>
  1258. <div class="elementor-element elementor-element-5ac065c elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor" data-id="5ac065c" data-element_type="widget" data-widget_type="text-editor.default">
  1259. <div class="elementor-widget-container">
  1260. <p><strong>iFi Audio </strong><strong>Gear Discussed in this Tour can be found here</strong>: <a href="https://ifi-audio.com/">https://ifi-audio.com/</a></p> </div>
  1261. </div>
  1262. <div class="elementor-element elementor-element-6079712f elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor" data-id="6079712f" data-element_type="widget" data-widget_type="text-editor.default">
  1263. <div class="elementor-widget-container">
  1264. <p>iFi Audio has had a long reputation as a quality brand to bring great sound to our audio gear. This long reputation has led to an extensive lineup that few of us have had the pleasure to audition. Even at CANJAM, it always comes down to making a choice as there are long lines to hear their product so I have heard items here and there as I have had the opportunity. However, I always seem to miss the one that people raved about after the fact.</p><p>To fix this situation, I set up a relationship with iFi to be able to do a series of tours so we can hear each of these important products at our leisure in the comfort of our own homes. My interest lies with the new NEO iDSD and well as their black label products plus the Pro iDSD. What do you want to hear? Please let comments below with your interest as you request participation in these tours. </p><p>To start our tour series, we have been sent an iFi Audio Micro iDSD Signature DAC/AMP to tour in the US. From my initial impressions, I know that this is going to be a popular tour with lots of positive impressions.</p> </div>
  1265. </div>
  1266. <div class="elementor-element elementor-element-e635030 elementor-align-center elementor-widget elementor-widget-button" data-id="e635030" data-element_type="widget" data-widget_type="button.default">
  1267. <div class="elementor-widget-container">
  1268. <div class="elementor-button-wrapper">
  1269. <a class="elementor-button elementor-button-link elementor-size-xl elementor-animation-pop" href="#">
  1270. <span class="elementor-button-content-wrapper">
  1271. <span class="elementor-button-text">BECOME A VERIFIED TOUR MEMBER</span>
  1272. </span>
  1273. </a>
  1274. </div>
  1275. </div>
  1276. </div>
  1277. </div>
  1278. </div>
  1279. </div>
  1280. </section>
  1281. <section class="elementor-section elementor-top-section elementor-element elementor-element-64c9e0a elementor-section-boxed elementor-section-height-default elementor-section-height-default" data-id="64c9e0a" data-element_type="section">
  1282. <div class="elementor-container elementor-column-gap-default">
  1283. <div class="aux-parallax-section elementor-column elementor-col-100 elementor-top-column elementor-element elementor-element-18b33b8" data-id="18b33b8" data-element_type="column">
  1284. <div class="elementor-widget-wrap elementor-element-populated">
  1285. <div class="elementor-element elementor-element-193f02c elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor" data-id="193f02c" data-element_type="widget" data-widget_type="text-editor.default">
  1286. <div class="elementor-widget-container">
  1287. <h2>iFi Audio Micro iDSD Signature Tour Kit</h2><p>We have one tour kit in full retail boxing for our tour:</p><h4><a href="https://ifi-audio.com/products/micro-idsd-signature/"><strong>Tour Kit &#8211; Micro iDSD Signature</strong></a> &#8211; $650</h4><ul><li><span class="a-list-item">Dual Core Burr Brown True Native chipset supports all hi-res audio formats up to PCM 32 bit / 768kHz, DSD512, and MQA</span></li><li><span class="a-list-item">4000mW headphone amplifier with balanced topology and 4.4mm pentacon output</span></li><li><span class="a-list-item">XBass+, 3D+, and iEMatch create an immersive and personalized headphone or speaker listening experience</span></li><li><span class="a-list-item">USB A, S/PDIF digital and optical audio inputs; 6.3mm and 4.4mm headphone outputs, RCA line outputs</span></li><li><span class="a-list-item">Rechargeable battery provides 6-12 hours of listening, or play while charging</span></li></ul><p><strong>PLEASE NOTE</strong>: The tour kit does not contain all the necessary adapters to connect your digital sources. You will need your own pathway to connect to the USB cable. For example, I needed a Lightning to USB cable to connect my iPhone to the provided USB input cables.</p><h2>iFi Audio Tour Kickoff Video</h2> </div>
  1288. </div>
  1289. <div class="elementor-element elementor-element-b1d4b1e elementor-widget elementor-widget-video" data-id="b1d4b1e" data-element_type="widget" data-settings="{&quot;youtube_url&quot;:&quot;https:\/\/youtu.be\/8X7ApIOM-Qw&quot;,&quot;video_type&quot;:&quot;youtube&quot;,&quot;controls&quot;:&quot;yes&quot;}" data-widget_type="video.default">
  1290. <div class="elementor-widget-container">
  1291. <div class="elementor-wrapper elementor-open-inline">
  1292. <div class="elementor-video"></div> </div>
  1293. </div>
  1294. </div>
  1295. <div class="elementor-element elementor-element-83f20ee elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor" data-id="83f20ee" data-element_type="widget" data-widget_type="text-editor.default">
  1296. <div class="elementor-widget-container">
  1297. <h2>Tour Kit Pictures</h2> </div>
  1298. </div>
  1299. <div class="elementor-element elementor-element-358b568 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor" data-id="358b568" data-element_type="widget" data-widget_type="text-editor.default">
  1300. <div class="elementor-widget-container">
  1301. <h2>Barra&#8217;s Quick Initial Impressions</h2><p>The best part of managing tours is getting to hear all the great gear for myself. Here are some brief impressions from what I have heard so far between the tasks required to set up this tour:</p><ul><li><strong>Micro iDSD Signature</strong>: TBD</li></ul><p>TBD</p><h2>Rules and Responsibilities</h2><p>Most of our tours are offering 7-day auditions which you are required to ship out to the next participant on day 8. Yes, you pay the shipping to the next participant, but we organize into logistically friendly orders to minimize the shipping expense.</p><p>The <a href="https://audiotiers.com/rules/">tour membership rules and responsibilities are described here</a>. The key idea is that we must be communicative to participate and to keep the tour moving and interesting. It is our responsibility to follow these rules and to ensure the ability to ship out on day 8 when our turn is over.</p><h2>Signing up for the Tour</h2><p>To sign up for the tour, you must be a verified tour member and have joined our new AUDIOTIERs platform. <a href="https://audiotiers.com/qualifications/">The membership qualifications and requirements are described here</a> if you are not already a member. Whether a HEADFI tour member that needs to transfer their membership to the new platform or you are a new member looking to apply for tour membership, please follow the instructions in the GETTING STARTED box below. We are now accepting applications from both US and Canadian citizens.</p> </div>
  1302. </div>
  1303. </div>
  1304. </div>
  1305. </div>
  1306. </section>
  1307. <section class="elementor-section elementor-top-section elementor-element elementor-element-a05c88d elementor-section-boxed elementor-section-height-default elementor-section-height-default" data-id="a05c88d" data-element_type="section">
  1308. <div class="elementor-container elementor-column-gap-default">
  1309. <div class="aux-parallax-section elementor-column elementor-col-100 elementor-top-column elementor-element elementor-element-b0f72f5" data-id="b0f72f5" data-element_type="column">
  1310. <div class="elementor-widget-wrap elementor-element-populated">
  1311. <section class="elementor-section elementor-inner-section elementor-element elementor-element-6de414f elementor-section-boxed elementor-section-height-default elementor-section-height-default" data-id="6de414f" data-element_type="section">
  1312. <div class="elementor-container elementor-column-gap-default">
  1313. <div class="aux-parallax-section elementor-column elementor-col-50 elementor-inner-column elementor-element elementor-element-6de9436" data-id="6de9436" data-element_type="column" data-settings="{&quot;background_background&quot;:&quot;classic&quot;}">
  1314. <div class="elementor-widget-wrap elementor-element-populated">
  1315. <div class="elementor-element elementor-element-8f05331 elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading" data-id="8f05331" data-element_type="widget" data-widget_type="heading.default">
  1316. <div class="elementor-widget-container">
  1317. <h2 class="elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default">Getting<br>Started</h2> </div>
  1318. </div>
  1319. </div>
  1320. </div>
  1321. <div class="aux-parallax-section elementor-column elementor-col-50 elementor-inner-column elementor-element elementor-element-63385f0" data-id="63385f0" data-element_type="column">
  1322. <div class="elementor-widget-wrap elementor-element-populated">
  1323. <div class="elementor-element elementor-element-36042db elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor" data-id="36042db" data-element_type="widget" data-widget_type="text-editor.default">
  1324. <div class="elementor-widget-container">
  1325. <p><strong>NEW TOUR MEMBERS</strong>: 1) <a href="https://audiotiers.com/community/?foro=signup">Register</a>, 2) <a href="https://audiotiers.com/community/announcements/">Subscribe</a>, 3) <a href="https://audiotiers.com/apply-for-tours/">Apply</a>, 4) <a href="https://audiotiers.com/tours/">Join Tours</a></p> </div>
  1326. </div>
  1327. <div class="elementor-element elementor-element-d1bbbd0 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor" data-id="d1bbbd0" data-element_type="widget" data-widget_type="text-editor.default">
  1328. <div class="elementor-widget-container">
  1329. <p><strong>EXISTING HEADFI TOUR MEMBERS</strong>: 1) <a href="https://audiotiers.com/community/?foro=signup">Register</a>, 2) <a href="https://audiotiers.com/community/announcements/">Subscribe</a>, 3) <a href="https://audiotiers.com/tours/">Join Tours</a></p> </div>
  1330. </div>
  1331. </div>
  1332. </div>
  1333. </div>
  1334. </section>
  1335. <div class="elementor-element elementor-element-017ad3c elementor-widget elementor-widget-spacer" data-id="017ad3c" data-element_type="widget" data-widget_type="spacer.default">
  1336. <div class="elementor-widget-container">
  1337. <div class="elementor-spacer">
  1338. <div class="elementor-spacer-inner"></div>
  1339. </div>
  1340. </div>
  1341. </div>
  1342. <div class="elementor-element elementor-element-ee34607 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor" data-id="ee34607" data-element_type="widget" data-widget_type="text-editor.default">
  1343. <div class="elementor-widget-container">
  1344. <div><p><strong>Tour Signups for Verified Members</strong>: If you would like to be part of this tour, please feel free to <em><strong>post your request in the comments below</strong></em>.</p><p><strong>Reviewers First Tour</strong>: This is a REVIEWERS GO FIRST TOUR, so if you would like to skip to the front of the line, please note that you would like to be a full reviewer in the request as in the sample below:</p></div><p><strong>Sample Signup Request</strong>: I live in Anthem, AZ and would like to participate in the tour. I agree to follow the terms of the tour. I have emailed my required ID verification documentation to <a href="mailto:billb@AudioTiers.com">billb@AudioTiers.com</a>. AS A FULL REVIEWER, PLEASE MOVE ME TO THE FRONT OF THE LINE.</p><h2>Tour Participant Logistics</h2><p>We are offering 7-days auditions to each participant. This logistics list is updated as I can to show you where we are in the order with each participant bolded to signify that they received the kit. This is where you will find the next two participants to contact when you receive the kit.</p><p><strong>Signup Period</strong>: During our signup period, we collect the initial participants and provide them with a logistically friendly portion of the tour. This is the lowest cost portion in terms of shipping. Once this closes, we move to the latecomer portion.</p><p><strong>Latecomer Period</strong>: Latecomers are welcome to the tour on a first-come, first-serve basis. We will continue taking latecomer requests until we run out of participants or the manufacturer asks us to end the tour.</p> </div>
  1345. </div>
  1346. <div class="elementor-element elementor-element-4e4ed54 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor" data-id="4e4ed54" data-element_type="widget" data-widget_type="text-editor.default">
  1347. <div class="elementor-widget-container">
  1348. <h2>iFi Audio US Tour Logistics</h2><h4><strong>Tour Kit &#8211; Micro iDSD Signature (Closed)</strong></h4><ol><li style="line-height: 30.403px;" data-xf-list-type="ol"><strong>Barra – Anthem, AZ</strong></li><li style="line-height: 30.403px;" data-xf-list-type="ol"><strong>eTHE2 &#8211; Diamond Bar, CA</strong></li><li><strong>wardo &#8211; Porter Ranch, CA</strong></li><li><strong>wormsdriver &#8211; McAllen, Tx</strong></li><li><strong>towa &#8211; Nashville, TN</strong></li><li><strong>Jeighell &#8211; Ephrata, WA</strong></li><li><strong>uthood &#8211; Prosper, TX</strong></li><li><strong>Barra – Anthem, AZ</strong></li></ol><p><strong>NEO Only</strong>:</p><ol><li>REVIEWER: ngoshawk – Warrensburg, MO</li><li>REVIEWER: antdroid &#8211; Lynnwood, WA </li><li>REVIEWER: Audio In &#8211; Merced, CA </li></ol><h4><strong>Potential Canadian Tour</strong></h4><p>We are checking participation levels for Canadian tour members. If we get 8 requests, we will move to extend our tour to Canada. If we get 16 requests, we will ask for an additional tour kit to start an additional tour right away. Again, Fir Audio will have to agree, but this should not be an issue if we get the numbers.</p><ol><li data-xf-list-type="ol"><b><a id="js-XFUniqueId85" class="username" href="https://www.head-fi.org/members/191965/" data-xf-init="member-tooltip" data-user-id="191965" data-username="@Barra">@Barra</a> &#8211; Anthem, AZ</b></li></ol><p><strong>Non-Logistical</strong>:</p><ol><li>Titienne &#8211; Quebec, Canada</li><li>riverground &#8211; Toronto, ON, Canada</li></ol> </div>
  1349. </div>
  1350. </div>
  1351. </div>
  1352. </div>
  1353. </section>
  1354. </div>
  1355. ]]></content:encoded>
  1357. <wfw:commentRss>https://audiotiers.com/ifi-audio/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
  1358. <slash:comments>24</slash:comments>
  1361. <post-id xmlns="com-wordpress:feed-additions:1">1608</post-id> </item>
  1362. <item>
  1363. <title>Tour: Aure Audio Elixir, Flame IEM Tour</title>
  1364. <link>https://audiotiers.com/tour-aure-audio-elixir-flame-iem-tour/</link>
  1365. <comments>https://audiotiers.com/tour-aure-audio-elixir-flame-iem-tour/#comments</comments>
  1367. <dc:creator><![CDATA[Barra]]></dc:creator>
  1368. <pubDate>Mon, 26 Oct 2020 21:33:57 +0000</pubDate>
  1369. <category><![CDATA[CIEMs]]></category>
  1370. <category><![CDATA[Tours]]></category>
  1371. <category><![CDATA[Aure Audio]]></category>
  1372. <category><![CDATA[Flame]]></category>
  1373. <category><![CDATA[IEM Tour]]></category>
  1374. <guid isPermaLink="false">https://audiotiers.com/?p=1572</guid>
  1375.  
  1376. <description><![CDATA[Two Interesting TOTL Hybrid IEMs from a New Taiwanese Brand &#60;h4&#62;November 2020&#60;/h4&#62; &#60;img width="200" height="200" src="https://audiotiers.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/AURE-Logo.jpg" alt="" loading="lazy" srcset="https://i0.wp.com/audiotiers.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/AURE-Logo.jpg?w=200&#38;ssl=1 200w, https://i0.wp.com/audiotiers.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/AURE-Logo.jpg?resize=150%2C150&#38;ssl=1 150w, https://i0.wp.com/audiotiers.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/AURE-Logo.jpg?resize=50%2C50&#38;ssl=1 50w" sizes="(max-width: 200px) 100vw, 200px" /&#62; &#60;strong&#62;Aure Audio &#60;/strong&#62;&#60;strong&#62;Gear Discussed in this Tour can be found Here&#60;/strong&#62;: &#60;a href="https://www.hifi-portable.com/en/home/130-aure-audio-elixir-new-hybrid-flagship.html"&#62;https://www.hifi-portable.com/en/home/130-aure-audio-elixir-new-hybrid-flagship.html&#60;/a&#62; In preparation for another tour, my sponsor introduced me to another Taiwanese IEM [&#8230;]]]></description>
  1377. <content:encoded><![CDATA[ <div data-elementor-type="wp-post" data-elementor-id="1572" class="elementor elementor-1572">
  1378. <section class="elementor-section elementor-top-section elementor-element elementor-element-a0c44f1 elementor-section-boxed elementor-section-height-default elementor-section-height-default" data-id="a0c44f1" data-element_type="section">
  1379. <div class="elementor-container elementor-column-gap-default">
  1380. <div class="aux-parallax-section elementor-column elementor-col-100 elementor-top-column elementor-element elementor-element-b868400" data-id="b868400" data-element_type="column">
  1381. <div class="elementor-widget-wrap elementor-element-populated">
  1382. <div class="elementor-element elementor-element-0c2d713 elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading" data-id="0c2d713" data-element_type="widget" data-widget_type="heading.default">
  1383. <div class="elementor-widget-container">
  1384. <h2 class="elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default">Two Interesting TOTL Hybrid IEMs from a New Taiwanese Brand </h2> </div>
  1385. </div>
  1386. <div class="elementor-element elementor-element-2cd5638 elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading" data-id="2cd5638" data-element_type="widget" data-widget_type="heading.default">
  1387. <div class="elementor-widget-container">
  1388. <h4 class="elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default">November 2020</h4> </div>
  1389. </div>
  1390. <div class="elementor-element elementor-element-3817664 elementor-widget elementor-widget-image" data-id="3817664" data-element_type="widget" data-widget_type="image.default">
  1391. <div class="elementor-widget-container">
  1392. <img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="200" height="200" src="https://audiotiers.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/AURE-Logo.jpg" class="attachment-large size-large wp-image-1576" alt="" srcset="https://audiotiers.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/AURE-Logo.jpg.webp 200w, https://audiotiers.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/AURE-Logo-150x150.jpg.webp 150w, https://audiotiers.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/AURE-Logo-50x50.jpg.webp 50w" sizes="(max-width: 200px) 100vw, 200px" /> </div>
  1393. </div>
  1394. <div class="elementor-element elementor-element-b9c0c56 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor" data-id="b9c0c56" data-element_type="widget" data-widget_type="text-editor.default">
  1395. <div class="elementor-widget-container">
  1396. <p><strong>Aure Audio </strong><strong>Gear Discussed in this Tour can be found Here</strong>: <a href="https://www.hifi-portable.com/en/home/130-aure-audio-elixir-new-hybrid-flagship.html">https://www.hifi-portable.com/en/home/130-aure-audio-elixir-new-hybrid-flagship.html</a></p> </div>
  1397. </div>
  1398. <div class="elementor-element elementor-element-a6d99a2 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor" data-id="a6d99a2" data-element_type="widget" data-widget_type="text-editor.default">
  1399. <div class="elementor-widget-container">
  1400. <p>In preparation for another tour, my sponsor introduced me to another Taiwanese IEM manufacturer that is new to me by sending a pair of their flagship hybrid IEMs to audition. </p><p>TBD</p> </div>
  1401. </div>
  1402. <div class="elementor-element elementor-element-150c75d elementor-align-center elementor-widget elementor-widget-button" data-id="150c75d" data-element_type="widget" data-widget_type="button.default">
  1403. <div class="elementor-widget-container">
  1404. <div class="elementor-button-wrapper">
  1405. <a class="elementor-button elementor-button-link elementor-size-xl elementor-animation-pop" href="#">
  1406. <span class="elementor-button-content-wrapper">
  1407. <span class="elementor-button-text">BECOME A VERIFIED TOUR MEMBER</span>
  1408. </span>
  1409. </a>
  1410. </div>
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  1415. <h3>The Aure Audio Tour Kit</h3><p>We have arranged to put the audition package I received on tour to get your opinions. </p><h4><strong>Tour Kit</strong></h4><p>Our tour kit features two hybrid TOTL IEMs from the Aure brand. While I don&#8217;t have a lot of information about them, here is what I have below:</p><ul><li><strong><a href="https://www.hifi-portable.com/en/home/130-aure-audio-elixir-new-hybrid-flagship.html">Elixir</a> ($1990)</strong>: Per Manufacturer &#8211; &#8220;The Elixir is on a par with the best hybrids on the market, surpassing most of them on the treble and the coherence of the soundstage. With the Elixir, you get something that is at the level of the 64 Audio Nio but with much more extension in the treble, better resolution, better sense of space  and better balance. In short, the Elixir could easily be put between the Fourté and the Fourté Noir.&#8221;<ul><li><p><strong>Configuration</strong>: 1 DD Bass / Large spectrum, 1 B.A mids, 1 B.A high mids &#8211; high, 1 B.A high &#8211; super high, 4 ways &#8211; 3 bores.</p></li><li><p><strong>Tech</strong>: M.V.S technology (Multiple Vent System) for a huge dynamic without eardrums pressure</p></li><li><p><strong>Fit</strong>: Semi-Custom Style Shell for a perfect fit.</p></li></ul></li><li><strong><a href="https://www.hifi-portable.com/en/universal-in-ear-monitors/119-aure-audio-flame-ecouteurs-flagship-universal.html?search_query=FLAME&amp;results=1">Flame</a> ($1990)</strong>: TBD</li></ul> </div>
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  1419. <h3>Barra&#8217;s Quick Initial Impressions</h3><p>The best part of managing tours is getting to hear all the great gear for myself. Here are some brief impressions from what I have heard so far between the tasks required to set up this tour:</p><ul><li><b>Elixir</b>: TBD</li><li><b>Flame</b>: TBD</li></ul><p><b>Overall</b>: TBD</p><h3>Rules and Responsibilities</h3><p>Most of our tours are offering 7-day auditions which you are required to ship out to the next participant on day 8. Yes, you pay the shipping to the next participant, but we organize into logistically friendly orders to minimize the shipping expense.</p><p>The <a href="https://audiotiers.com/rules/">tour membership rules and responsibilities are described here</a>. The key idea is that we must be communicative to participate and to keep the tour moving and interesting. It is our responsibility to follow these rules and to ensure the ability to ship out on day 8 when our turn is over.</p><h3>Signing up for the Tour</h3><p>To sign up for the tour, you must be a verified tour member and have joined our new AUDIOTIERs platform. <a href="https://audiotiers.com/qualifications/">The membership qualifications and requirements are described here</a> if you are not already a member. Whether a HEADFI tour member that needs to transfer their membership to the new platform or you are a new member looking to apply for tour membership, please follow the instructions in the GETTING STARTED box below. We are now accepting applications from both US and Canadian citizens.</p> </div>
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  1435. <h2 class="elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default">Getting<br>Started</h2> </div>
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  1443. <p><strong>NEW TOUR MEMBERS</strong>: 1) <a href="https://audiotiers.com/community/?foro=signup">Register</a>, 2) <a href="https://audiotiers.com/community/announcements/">Subscribe</a>, 3) <a href="https://audiotiers.com/apply-for-tours/">Apply</a>, 4) <a href="https://audiotiers.com/tours/">Join Tours</a></p> </div>
  1444. </div>
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  1447. <p><strong>EXISTING HEADFI TOUR MEMBERS</strong>: 1) <a href="https://audiotiers.com/community/?foro=signup">Register</a>, 2) <a href="https://audiotiers.com/community/announcements/">Subscribe</a>, 3) <a href="https://audiotiers.com/tours/">Join Tours</a></p> </div>
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  1470. <div><p><strong>Tour Signups for Verified Members</strong>: If you would like to be part of this tour, please feel free to <em><strong>post your request in the comments below</strong></em>.</p><p><strong>Reviewers First Tour</strong>: This is a REVIEWERS GO FIRST TOUR, so if you would like to skip to the front of the line, please note that you would like to be a full reviewer in the request as in the sample below:</p></div><p><strong>Sample Signup Request</strong>: I live in Anthem, AZ and would like to participate in the tour. I agree to follow the terms of the tour. I have emailed my required ID verification documentation to <a href="mailto:billb@AudioTiers.com">billb@AudioTiers.com</a>. AS A FULL REVIEWER, PLEASE MOVE ME TO THE FRONT OF THE LINE.</p><h3>Tour Participant Logistics</h3><p>We have two tour kits to minimize wait and are offering 7-days auditions to each participant. This logistics list is updated as I can to show you were we are in the order with each participant bolded to signify that they received the kit. This is where you will find the next two participants to contact when you receive the kit.</p><p><strong>Signup Period</strong>: During our signup period, we collect the initial participants and provide them with a logistically friendly portion of the tour. This is the lowest cost portion in terms of shipping. Once this closes, we move to the latecomer portion.</p><p><strong>Latecomer Period</strong>: Latecomers are welcome to the tour on a first-come, first-serve basis. We will continue taking latecomer requests until we run out of participants or the manufacturer asks us to end the tour.</p> </div>
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  1474. <h1>Aure Audio US Tour Logistics</h1><div class="wpd-comment-header"><h4 class="wpd-comment-author "><strong>Tour Kit</strong></h4></div><ol><li data-xf-list-type="ol"><strong>Barra – Anthem, AZ</strong></li><li><strong>REVIEWER: audiokeyreviews – Eau Claire, Wisconsin</strong></li><li><strong>REVIEWER: csglinux &#8211; Los Angeles, CA</strong></li><li><strong>REVIEWER: Audio In &#8211; Merced, CA</strong></li><li><strong>REVIEWER: ngoshawk &#8211; Warrensburg, MO</strong></li><li><strong>REVIEWER: </strong>dbstechtalk – Logansport, IN</li><li><strong>REVIEWER</strong>: forkofnature &#8211; Annapolis, MD</li><li>Gc335 &#8211; Cumberland, RI</li><li class="wpd-comment-author ">tawmizzzz – Somerville, MA</li><li>kubig123 &#8211; New York, NY</li><li>gnahra – Fort Myers, FL</li><li>aafevo &#8211; Houston, TX</li><li>eTHE2 &#8211; Diamond Bar, CA</li><li>hamhamhamsta &#8211; Santa Ana, CA</li><li>tens245 &#8211; Newark, CA</li><li>antdroid &#8211; Seattle, WA<strong> </strong></li><li>uthood &#8211; Prosper, TX</li><li>hypermuteki &#8211; Las Vegas, NV</li><li>Wildcatsare1 &#8211; Lexington, KY</li></ol> </div>
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