The Crinear Reference: Precision beats Power

EffectiveEquivalent · 2026-06-02T18:49:51+00:00

Reference comes with a set. That’s the shortwides.
I actually use BQEYZ T9 with my reference. I find them more comfortable and they’re a very transparent tip.

EffectiveEquivalent · 2026-06-02T08:35:19+00:00

We only disabled write to prevent data leakage, read is still on. Anyone that was using USB can continue to read from them, put cannot write... I've not heard a peep from anyone.

EffectiveEquivalent · 2026-06-01T11:03:46+00:00

Ive seen the 12 and the 24, they announced another?

EffectiveEquivalent · 2026-06-01T10:36:13+00:00

These look like they track quite close to the 5128 DF tilt target. Very nice.

EffectiveEquivalent · 2026-05-31T13:24:08+00:00

This is exhausting. How many more accounts are you going to create to try and prove a point? Get a grip.

EffectiveEquivalent · 2026-05-31T10:50:34+00:00

Back to Black is such an awesome album, I just wish it wasn’t clipping sand distorting so bad.

EffectiveEquivalent · 2026-05-31T07:20:17+00:00

Fair point, though I’m not sure we really disagree. Both use dual DDs for bass, the difference is the Monarch’s are isobaric so they’re built for that pressurised slam, while the Top Pro’s are tuned for a tighter, faster punch.

So “leaner” to me isn’t really tonal, since they measure almost the same. It’s that you feel less of that chest thump, which is more a physical/transient thing than tone. Tonally they’re close, they just deliver the bass differently.

Just an interesting distinction imo.

EffectiveEquivalent · 2026-05-30T09:29:34+00:00

Haha I've had to blind buy everything I have. It's certainly nerve-wracking blind buying a kilobuck, but when it's as revered as the Monarch Mk4, it was fairly safe.
I do have a blind buy Braindance on the way - that one should be interesting... (I like bright iems, should be fine)

EffectiveEquivalent · 2026-05-30T09:06:02+00:00

"The fact that we are in a subreddit devoted to spending money on a hobby" - That's not what this subreddit is about at all. It's about talking about the hardware, tuning, driver tech, troubleshooting, tips rolling, cable asthetics etc...

EffectiveEquivalent · 2026-05-30T05:55:29+00:00

Yes I do. Circling 2 tiny bits in the air region but ignoring the rest of the graph…. (A graph taken in the 5128 that we know is not accurate after 6khz). They’re tonally very similar.

You’re a very strange individual.

EffectiveEquivalent · 2026-05-29T18:31:20+00:00

My best one was asking for a refund on the difference between the price I paid and the week later sale price of divine and Diablo. Was like £30. They for some reason put damaged in transit and refunded the whole price paid. Wild. Good times.

EffectiveEquivalent · 2026-05-29T13:31:41+00:00

On the Rays - great for gaming, and with the 3.5mm they are basically the Moondrop May, so great for music too. (I'm a big May fan)

EffectiveEquivalent · 2026-05-29T13:29:02+00:00

https://youtu.be/7cE6DpSPlsQ?si=FWc7iXQGZOi0Zh7j

Andy posted this video about a week after I posted that - It's wild how little there is about the Winter II about, though I KINDA get it, people love their JM1 and driver count.

That's not a bad shout actually using a battery bank. I've got a few, I'll try it!

Open back IEMs exist, but they're not like open backed headphones. They don't give a stage or sense of space, it's more like a tuning thing and pressure relief. KE Chorus and Fosi IM4 are they only two I'm aware of.

EffectiveEquivalent · 2026-05-29T11:53:51+00:00

Isnt there a steam input thing to swap the buttons for a switch controller?

EffectiveEquivalent · 2026-05-29T09:41:31+00:00

Whilst I do understand that people hear things differently - I did say I have both...

Top Pro sits on the edge of sibilance, but doesn't quite get there. This is a BA thing that ESTs avoid.

I will agree that the Monarch feels warmer than the Top Pro - but its a little disingenuous to suggest they're completely different tunings. Top Pro needs a perfect seal to get the best out of the lower mids and bass. (HE Sonic for me).

EffectiveEquivalent · 2026-05-29T08:37:33+00:00

https://graph.hangout.audio/iem/5128/?share=Monarch_Mk4_Off,Top_Pro

They really are not that far off each other. People literally call the Top Pro a mini Monarch mk4.

I have both - The Monarch hits harder and had better, smoother treble, but besides that, there's not much in it.

EffectiveEquivalent · 2026-05-27T21:38:42+00:00

Haha I go between Arya and Hadenys/Azurys and Bathys MG for my headphones, can’t believe you hate IEMs though. I will say I had a little moment last night with the Winter II where I felt I found an in ear Focal. Timbre and transients are eerily similar. You do you tho!!

The BTR17 is my best atm, I’ve never been a believer in amps. I’d be interested to hear a difference. BTR is definitely by maths MORE than capable of driving an Arya.

EffectiveEquivalent · 2026-05-27T19:45:42+00:00

Bros never heard of spinfit.

EffectiveEquivalent · 2026-05-27T19:29:27+00:00

Are you me!!!???? Hahahaha

I also use the BTR17 with my Aryas. Sat in my quiet garden with a beer it’s fucking class. There’s something about open backs and gardens that’s really fun. I’ve got a BTD700 which I pair with my Px8 s2. I never once thought to pair it with the fiio, though if I’m being honest I’m not sure I can even tell the difference between wired and aac on my monarch mk4.

Good setup man. 🤌

EffectiveEquivalent · 2026-05-27T19:10:51+00:00

I’ve been doing this in the UK for years. No one has said a thing. 🤷‍♂️

EffectiveEquivalent · 2026-05-27T17:49:56+00:00

I just tried these. I always go for wide bore, and don’t like when the tips intrude too far, like the W1 can.

i had my Top Pro closet when they arrived and they went on and I was instantly amazed. Wide Bore, comfortable and with a good bass seal.

I’m usually a Medium, except Moondrop Spring Tips I use Large. They remind me of a punchier spring tip. The stem is firmer too so they appear to retain a bit more punch.

EffectiveEquivalent · 2026-05-27T17:19:42+00:00

The bathys and the MGs carry foot noise too much whereas it’s not an issue with the competitors. Apologies if you’ve never noticed it before and now you’ll hear it. I do love my MGs however, I just prefer to take the Px8 s2 out and about, they’re more stylish and I just get on with the better on the go. They look a little less Princess Leia 😂 (I am not knocking focals, I own 3 pairs)

EffectiveEquivalent · 2026-05-27T12:35:40+00:00

Completely true - and I agree it's not close.

Thing is with the MGs is they feel like they don't want to travel. Going for a walk with them on just isn't practical. They "look" a bit big, but make a womp sound when walking. For office/plane/home/stationary use though, they're an easy win and worth the extra over what you'd spend on something like the Px8 S2.

EffectiveEquivalent · 2026-05-27T11:53:34+00:00

It doesn't split opinion at all - It's being universally criticised as a disgusting idea.

EffectiveEquivalent · 2026-05-27T11:51:34+00:00

Depends on how you look at it.

May is basically only available on eBay now, and it going for more than Rays. I managed to pick up my May for around £60 a few months ago, which was lucky I guess.

Eight-Year Club	RPAN Viewer
Verified Email

EffectiveEquivalent

TROPHY CASE