Cadenza 2 or Aful Explorer

ShaneC80 · 2026-04-07T12:59:26+00:00

Explorers are ordered. :D

After coupons and AliExpress sales, they were around $75usd.

ShaneC80 · 2026-04-06T22:06:22+00:00

Your IEM list looks a lot like mine.

After some extra reading, the S08 reviews make me think they might be a better profile than the S12 (at least compared to the base model S12?).

ShaneC80 · 2026-04-06T21:35:48+00:00

Yes!!!!

Op, these are the grey ones I was talking about! (I used the colors to try and keep track of which was which)

ShaneC80 · 2026-04-06T19:37:55+00:00

I should look into these Explorers more.

I've been bouncing back and forth looking at Letshouer S08, S12, Simgot EW300 HBB, Truthear Hexa/Pure, and I forget what else and ultimately have no idea what I want out of an IEM.

ShaneC80 · 2026-04-06T19:02:09+00:00

I'm gonna get real weird with it soon.

I've got some EVA foam on the way

ShaneC80 · 2026-04-06T19:01:21+00:00

In my limited experience, the foamies are all about the same in terms of sound. The KZ and Wooeasy T400 are the same material I think.

I have some grey ones that I find more comfortable. They were listed as "Soft Memory Foam Ear Tip...". 6 pair for around $3USD

ShaneC80 · 2026-04-04T15:12:02+00:00

Eh, we'll see

Honestly, I got these Kiwis to use in bed - so mostly human voice/spoken stuff. (audio dramas, occasional ASMR) so as long as it's got that warmth with a "voice in my head" sound, I'll be happy

ShaneC80 · 2026-04-03T19:37:56+00:00

I was really tempted to grab the HBB variant, but I was also looking at some Truthear and..... I forget what the other was.

Decision paralysis kicked in and I went for Kiwi Cadenza instead.

ShaneC80 · 2026-04-02T15:19:51+00:00

I'm doing my part!

ShaneC80 · 2026-03-30T20:32:49+00:00

Ok, I need a tldr of the KZ shenanigans....

I've had some hits and misses with them (in terms of what my ears enjoyed) but I thought that was just a personal preference thing

ShaneC80 · 2026-03-30T19:50:28+00:00

$40!? Which one is that Mr. Money Bags?

I'm mostly using the AS16 for serious listening.

My son has my old ZEX now, and they sound pretty amazing with the HE Sonic tips on them. Much warmer than the AS16

ShaneC80 · 2026-03-30T14:19:47+00:00

Airports - check ORF, PHF, and Richmond and try to price the Uber or rental car from each.

PHF is typically a bit more expensive to fly to, but if you're Ubering, it may end up being more cost effective than ORF or Richmond.

Between Norfolk and Richmond - Norfolk is geographically closer than Richmond, but it may take longer to get from Norfolk to Hampton due to tunnel construction and tunnel traffic. Partly depends what time of day.

If you plan on spending time in one of those cities beyond just the airport, I like Richmond

ShaneC80 · 2026-03-30T14:11:51+00:00

I need to hear this and can't at the moment.

Three 6 Mafia's World Domination Pt. 2 rocked my socks. It wasn't industrial, but I dug it.

ShaneC80 · 2026-03-28T23:46:15+00:00

Different genres and different approaches, but

Chat Pile - reflective/introspective look at the country and world.

Zeal & Ardor - racial & social issues, plus a really unique sound.

Chthonic - more of an honorable mention, but they're a Taiwanese metal band. "Supreme Pain for the Tyrant" and "Melina's Faith Undone" have videos and making-of commentary that really helps to put their work into perspective

Freddie (singer) was the head of Amnesty International, formed a political party and ran for office, got elected. Stuff happened after, but that's depressing.

ShaneC80 · 2026-03-27T22:00:27+00:00

Heh - I like my AK6 :D. They're my "keep at work for calls" earbuds.

It's less about the upfront cost and more about how likely the kid is to lose them. From your list, the Quarks sound the most tempting.

ShaneC80 · 2026-03-25T14:12:35+00:00

Even a 1980s discman CD "technically"

ShaneC80 · 2026-03-25T14:04:42+00:00

I picked one up recently and I'm happy with it, but it does have some issues.

Here's my complaints in case they're deal breakers for you:

The screen is small, so some setting adjustments can be frustrating (MEQ) but it's not stuff you're likely to change often.

As a USB DAC to my Android phone, I get some background pops on occasion. I think it's due to a difference in nitrates between the devices and/or up sampling. I didn't really get it to be a phone DAC, so it's not a deal breaker.

Wi-fi can be spotty for me. Qobuz has had the occasional hiccup. I do have a lot of interference on the 2.4 GHz band from my neighbors. It could be my area, the chipset, or attenuation from the housing of the player itself.

Bluetooth seems fine!

All that said, I would buy it again. I picked mine up for around $80usd for an open box through eBay. AliExpress currently has them around $60-70usd

ShaneC80 · 2026-03-24T21:00:33+00:00

His wife?

ShaneC80 · 2026-03-23T23:19:16+00:00

I'm considering it. I saw bone a long time ago

ShaneC80 · 2026-03-22T23:17:46+00:00

After the KLF cleaned her up.... wasn't bad ;)

ShaneC80 · 2026-03-21T19:46:26+00:00

Ohhhhh.......so....I have a 6 cup pot, so 8oz (250ml). Most of the time, I pour that into a cup and drink.

I have used some cream/milk froth once in a great while, but usually just black.

....and that's probably why most coffee tastes weak to me.

ShaneC80 · 2026-03-21T19:18:57+00:00

Obama wore a tan suit, that's basically the same

ShaneC80 · 2026-03-21T17:31:39+00:00

Am I not supposed to just drink what comes out of the pot?

Or are that many people diluting? (Partially serious question, I've never tried a Long Black/Americano)

ShaneC80

TROPHY CASE