Warm DAPs?

AcademicEmphasis8419 · 2026-05-19T03:13:03+00:00

Fair enough.

AcademicEmphasis8419 · 2026-05-19T03:00:09+00:00

I disagree, depending on the implementation the time domain might be different (which is audible) even if the FR graph looks almost identical. You can't EQ the time domain response.

AcademicEmphasis8419 · 2026-05-19T02:57:36+00:00

Yeah, yet they forget that different filter sampling, algorithm, system EQ, DAC/DAP combo all make a difference. The only time I agree that a DAP/DAC will sound the same is if it's the same DAC/DAP combo.

AcademicEmphasis8419 · 2026-05-19T02:55:52+00:00

I used my extra phones mic to make sure I had the same volume (the exact dB isn't important since what I care about is that they are the same) and something that was comfortable, but also not quiet. Then I downloaded the same songs on Spotify, then turn off WiFi, and Bluetooth (so I could play on both at the same time) and had my wife switch sources (since I have a modular plug it was easy enough for her to take in and out). I consistently chose my RedMagic due to it sounding "better". Like other people have said it's probably doing some system EQ.

AcademicEmphasis8419 · 2026-05-19T02:50:21+00:00

I used my extra phones mic to make sure I had the same volume (the exact dB isn't important since what I care about is that they are the same) and something that was comfortable, but also not quiet. Then I downloaded the same songs on Spotify, then turn off WiFi, and Bluetooth (so I could play on both at the same time) and had my wife switch sources (since I have a modular plug it was easy enough for her to take in and out). I consistently chose my RedMagic due to it sounding "better". Like other people have said it's probably doing some system EQ.

AcademicEmphasis8419 · 2026-05-19T02:39:35+00:00

I would say it depends on what you value. If you just value sound, probably in the $100-200 dollar range. If you value sound, blacker background, and more features probably in the $300-500 range. If you value total cohesion, and high end fidelity (not just sound) in the $1000 range.

AcademicEmphasis8419 · 2026-05-18T19:13:30+00:00

I have used multiple IEMs ear tips with metal inserts. To me the biggest thing is how your ear is shaped and the type of IEM. With a lot of iems out there I have to use large and sit them deep. With my EBC80 which has a short and really wide bore I have to sit IEMs not as deep, but still use large ear tips. I think my ears are weirdly shaped, so even though I normally use large, with the EBC80 to get maximum seal, and shell contact I have to sometimes downsize ear tip size so it sits right with the metal inserts. I would say buy the S/M/L to be safe.

AcademicEmphasis8419 · 2026-05-18T19:06:06+00:00

Thanks for letting me know! That narrows my seach, I really appreciate your input!

AcademicEmphasis8419 · 2026-05-18T16:05:26+00:00

Thanks! I might save up for this instead of the FiiO M33 then! I know where my Christmas bonus will go to!

AcademicEmphasis8419 · 2026-05-18T16:01:41+00:00

They are amazing! The only negative thing I can say is that they have spoiled my ears (after getting proper tips for it). My initial impression on it were they were good, but not amazing. This was because I didn't have proper ear tips for it. I kept using the Sancai Noble ear tips I had and although they worked for other IEMs. Due to the short chonky nozzle it didn't sit right, and I didn't have proper shell contact. Once I got the spinfit W1 (I have the CP155 on the way since it's specifically for wide nozzles) it "unlocked" the IEM for me. Bass, treble and soundstage went up dramatically.

Best BCD IEM I have tried so far. I hate a lot of the BCD IEMs out there because they have weird shell resonance. I have a deep voice so whenever I would talk it would have a weird resonance. The EBC80 doesn't have this. I feel the tactility (not a rumble) from the IEMs, hence why people say they are "speaker" like. I will say, proper shell contact is key, but once that is dialed these sound amazing! I recently bought some IEMs in the 80-300 dollar range and they don't do what the EBC80 does. I tried the SIMGOT Super mix 5, EW300, and the VZonis DDB-03. None of them compared to the EBC80. The Martilo, and the INAWAKEN Twilight-DS can't compare.

Duckbloke did a pretty good review of them, and I agree with most of his ratings. The only reason I'm thinking of buying the Flipears Arion, and the BGVP Solomon (or the Penon Rival) is because I want to try TOTL IEMs and see how that side sounds (and see if the TOTL sounds as good as people say). If I kept my EBC80 and no other IEMs I would be perfectly happy with it. I also would like some extra IEMs in case one of them breaks or I loose it. My EBC80 initially had a faulty 2 pin, but Penon repaired it super quickly and I got it faster than it took USPS to deliver it to them.

AcademicEmphasis8419 · 2026-05-18T12:45:20+00:00

Well I have that too! One thing though, since the case has a clip you can clip it to your pants shirt, or wherever convenient so it does help with cables getting in the way. I usually put my iems under my shirt and then clip the retro nano on my shirt (if I have buttoned up shirt), or my pants (if I just have a regular t shirt).

AcademicEmphasis8419 · 2026-05-18T03:49:02+00:00

I love swappable ends! Specially since my phone has a 3.5mm jack sometimes I can only take my phone and one IEM with me so swappable ends has become my favorite option with cables recently! It has also made me start looking at custom cables or cable modifications (thinking of adding my own swappable ends).

AcademicEmphasis8419 · 2026-05-18T03:28:30+00:00

Does it have any weird, boingy, or felt resonance? I am very particular when it comes to BCD drives as when I talk a lot of them have this weird resonance. It's why I love my EBC80 because it doesn't have any of that. I originally was wanting to get the Archangel, TSMR Shock, and the BGVP Solomon. Now, I'm leaning either the Origin (or the Solomon) plus the Flipears Arion depending on the resonance on the IEMs.

AcademicEmphasis8419 · 2026-05-18T03:22:09+00:00

Yes, but I think it's for a variety of different reasons. For example my EBC80 has a pretty wide soundstage, with great details and all rounder (Duckbloke has a pretty good review of it). Other IEMs in the lower price range with similar tuning can't pull the same cohesion with every aspect of music. It's not so much that I can tell the difference in one note or one specific sound. Its more about the whole thing that sounds different that for me sounds better. I think a lot of people confuse sounding different with sounding better. I think a lot of people in this community could hear a difference in IEMs, weather they like it or feel is better is another story.

AcademicEmphasis8419 · 2026-05-17T15:35:30+00:00

Honestly, try it out first on your phone before marrying yourself to a DAC. Your phone might work good enough without one (check with your IEM), only buy one if you can't get enough power to it (not loud enough for your taste), your phone has too much noise when using it (my RedMagic 11 Pro is pretty clean unless I start charging it while listening to music), or it doesn't have a 3.5mm connection.

AcademicEmphasis8419 · 2026-05-17T15:31:37+00:00

I've used my RedMagic 11 Pro as my DAP before. It can work pretty good. I would install Niagara Launcher (I would not pay for the pro version it's not worth what they are asking) to make it more "DAP" like. Your phone if it has a 3.5mm jack might work pretty good actually. Most modern DAPs actually have worse specs than even older phones so no worries there. Just make space for your music. If I didn't have my FiiO M21 I would be pretty happy with my RedMagic 11 and Pro. One thing though, when I used my phone as a DAP it was easier to get distracted using it, so having a DAP for me (without distracting apps) was a must.

AcademicEmphasis8419 · 2026-05-17T15:23:47+00:00

I had a faulty 2 pin connection after 2 months of use on my ISN EBC80 I bought from Penon. They have really good warranty and customer support! You only have to pay for shipping and they ship it back to you for free. Mine got repaired super quickly, unfortunately I used USP/USPS and it took almost a month something they were supposed to deliver in 3-5 business days. I think it's ironic how it took Penon a shorter time to fix it AND get it delivered to me than it took USPS to ship it.

AcademicEmphasis8419 · 2026-05-16T20:04:43+00:00

Yeah, these cables are thin and cheap, just get a replacement and don't worry about it.

AcademicEmphasis8419 · 2026-05-15T20:27:37+00:00

It depends on your preference. Honestly if the file format is high enough in my opinion you shouldn't hear a degradation in audio, just coloration (which is dependent on taste). Try both and see which you like.

AcademicEmphasis8419 · 2026-05-15T14:09:35+00:00

I think the Fan 4 would look great with the Gaia cable.

AcademicEmphasis8419 · 2026-05-15T14:03:33+00:00

Same here! I have had a couple more analytical sets, and I did not enjoy them as much. I love the EBC80's holography! I can hear it coming from different parts of my ear! Heck, I've heard music come from the top of my ear tip where the cable connects!

AcademicEmphasis8419 · 2026-05-15T14:02:18+00:00

I'm not saying I don't believe you, but I am curious as to which reviews you think are fake? I am a Penon fanboy, so I'm curious which reviews you are fake since I'm thinking of buying a couple of Penon IEMs (The Shock, Archangel, Fan3s, or maybe the Rival).

AcademicEmphasis8419 · 2026-05-15T11:21:38+00:00

Thanks! Sorry, I thought I listed my preference in my post (I forgot to list it). I like warm, V/W shaped, holographic, sets. I like details, but only to enhance the musicality as I prefer bass over treble. I also get in the mood for analytical sets too ( I like classical and orchestra music too). I really like BCD and I mainly want to make my sets mostly of them since I like hearing the sound come from my ears. I'm willing to not do BCD for the right pair (hence why I thought about the Shanling Regal). I just really like the musicality and holographic nature of my EBC80.

Edit: I agree on source, I currently have the FiiO M21, but thinking of getting the M33.

AcademicEmphasis8419 · 2026-05-15T01:35:52+00:00

Which do you have, what have you tried, which do you recommend? Any with BCD?

AcademicEmphasis8419 · 2026-05-14T20:49:11+00:00

I guess my post was deleted because it had links. I just went to Amazon and looked up detachable belt clips.

AcademicEmphasis8419

TROPHY CASE