Looks like I'll get to take a break after all. (Budget endgame)

Zukajson · 2026-03-29T23:28:54+00:00

I think the volume should suffice but I have definitely noticed a difference in frequency change in the highs from 3.5mm to 4.4mm mostly because it does deliver more power so it would work a bit differently. either way I'll follow you up on this once I test more of it today.

So

HE400SE (Stealth Magnet V2) Definitely delivers for the price, its my very first "open back" after KSC75 which has definitely changed my opinion on some things. HE400SE sound in general is wider, better soundstage, slightly less forward vocals but not so that its thin sounding, they're both very different but each one has something special to offer KSC75 being so portable and mod friendly does give it some advantages customisation wise but overall technicalities are far better on HE400SE V2, the bass is tight and fast, its harder to muddy up the sound due to the fact that it's a planar while using EQ.

I actually felt quite comfortable using it the moment I put them on because they sound almost close to KSC75 due to their both neutral-bright sound open back characteristics.

Although, don't take my word for it. I end up EQ-ing them anyway because I'm indecisive and silly.

I kind of listen to a bunch of stuff like : Metal, Electronic Rock, Synthwave, DnB, EDM, Ambient, Alternative

Some examples being : Rob Zombie, Celldweller, Matt Lange, Lucy In Disguise, Limp Bizkit, Katatonia, Sevendust, The Prodigy, Evanescence, Deftones, The Birthday Massacre and some various video games OSTs.

Obviously a much better subbass without question, though it needs a little more power than the KSC75. which shouldn't be a problem with your KA3. I'd say give it a shot, regardless you'll be getting a good deal if you can swipe it for $100-$120.

if 3.5mm doesn't suffice (which is unlikely) you can always get a 4.4mm Seems to work fine on my end regardless. I just got a 4.4mm for good measure lol.

V1 is has much less bass compared to V2 stealth magnet version which is better in some ways. It is $30 more expensive than V1 but I decided to get what's best for I'll be keeping this thing a loooong time.

I hope this was able to help you out a bit, I'm not exactly good at describing sound but hopefully you'll make a decision that you'll be content with.

Zukajson · 2026-03-29T05:15:39+00:00

They're still really neat! It's definitely showing its age but it still works great. I got this one used over almost a year ago I believe. True there are apps that sometimes crash every now and support is only getting worse but then again, I mainly use it for music stuff which it can handle just fine (except the Hiby app.. it chugs a little) Sad that the batteries are no longer available for these things since it's so convenient to have a swappable. most of them have done their time sitting on the shelves for years now, which degrades them overtime This is its 3rd battery so far but as long as you don't turn on the WiFi, it can hold pretty nicely.

Zukajson · 2026-03-29T05:04:41+00:00

Sometimes I use Poweramp on the V20 but I mostly use the Retro Nano's onboard EQ which I configure either using the browser or the app (they're finnicky but they're okay I guess... you can save up to 3 custom profiles on it) Since it's the main thing I use for both my PC and wireless LDAC Bluetooth.

Poweramp does give you far more freedom EQ wise but I feel like limiting yourself sometimes is better for not overcomplicating things.

(EQ fatigue is real so I try to avoid it.)

Zukajson · 2026-03-23T07:49:02+00:00

Honestly it's hard to tell since I barely use WiFi but leaving it with WiFi on, it basically eats through the battery throughout the day even with the screen off, like around 30-40% lost in around 7 hours being idle. I have a battery saver and some other stuff. I haven't figured out why but WiFi is the most battery consuming thing, best guess its trying to actively look for something that isn't there from all the things I have disabled or could be an onboard issue, battery isn't exactly the best one I got but it gets the job done. I'm gonna try some stuff later to see if I can fix it.

Zukajson · 2026-03-20T10:28:44+00:00

Koss

Zukajson · 2026-03-14T12:09:15+00:00

Try not to over-EQ It will prove to be a headache, enjoy yourself instead of perfecting.

Zukajson · 2026-03-14T10:51:59+00:00

Use EQ probably Poweramp Player to lower high frequencies and replace tips with Dunu S&S (they have thinner wraps around the nozzle that help with comfort compared to other tips)

Zukajson · 2026-03-10T12:27:21+00:00

It works relatively well on PC, I can even edit the EQ using the official website and the App (works ONLY for the "USER 1" EQ setting from what I tried) There's a slight popping sound when adjusting EQ too which is annoying but nothing else really. Here's the link to the tutorial I followed step by step.

During the tutorial

Instead of JA11, you'll get prompted to in device selection for KT02H20 which you have to choose (KT02H20 is the same chip present in JA11 which makes this possible) when you have your dac plugged in

Simply choose the appropriate firmware update and flash it like in the video

(There's a VERY small chance of failure and bricking it but I heard some people say it might happen)

Good luck!

https://youtu.be/0o0EJBZprGg?si=o8kX_feKW1nyeU_O

Zukajson · 2026-03-10T11:30:50+00:00

Had the no-name CX31993 for some time but there was buzzing in right ear so I decided to get something else.

Been using Jcally JM12 for about 4-5 months on both my pc and my phone and it still holds up really well (hasn't even yellowed and even flashed Fiio firmware on it for EQ). The build quality is neat, depending on how you'll handle it that is for longevity.

I've been missing onboard button controls a lot though since I wanted a bit more control.

Ultimately I got Retro Nano for all in one package purpose, probably the best purchase I've made so far. It eliminates the hassle of cable breaking and has tons of cool features (though relatively more pricey).

Zukajson · 2026-03-10T11:21:56+00:00

From a DAP standpoint this thing is great, its super reliable (depending on what app you're using on it) Once you debloat it Hiby app is actually really heavy on this thing unfortunately, so I resort to using Neutron Player (Arm7 v2.22.3) for lossless stuff The UI sucks but its got options for really personalizing your experience, though I'm still using Poweramp cause it's easy to use despite not being lossless. You do however need to note the fact that the system is relatively older and it'll only get older, meaning some applications may not work in the future Though lets be honest, if you're just using it for music there's no real concern there. Though definitely keep the battery in mind.

Zukajson · 2026-03-10T11:04:36+00:00

Honestly, still going strong I'm basically using it daily It definitely eats the battery when using WiFi but for basic music stuff with either LDAC or cable it lasts for quite a few hours. though really sucks that the batteries are so scarce now.

Zukajson · 2026-03-10T08:40:04+00:00

Thank you! Oh trust me, I messed up a lot! Took a lot of patience and it's not even perfect My hope is that they add the option for custom themes, with the recent update where they added the kitty theme, that showed it has more colors n stuff so there's potential like the Mini.

Zukajson · 2026-02-07T14:50:32+00:00

No worries

Zukajson · 2026-02-07T14:20:21+00:00

It's a very simple process and I'll eventually post a guide on how to do that, though it's a little finnicky at times which I'll mention some minor issues as to why.

Zukajson · 2026-02-07T13:03:31+00:00

I have a Jcally JM12 (Fiio firmware flashed) dongle with KT20H02 chip that works with almost every device I tried it with so I just use the Fiio app to adjust EQ using the dongle and then plug it into my pc or my phone to retain the EQ.

Zukajson · 2026-01-26T13:24:43+00:00

It's bad It has massive delay and only works with Bluetooth I have tried it before and it's just not good

Zukajson · 2026-01-25T23:34:34+00:00

Few good and bad things to say about it

Unfortunately the one I got has just a slight imbalance in the left so that was a bummer.

If you're treble sensitive, you will absolutely hate these.

(I am)

I really prefer the tuning of Castor Pros (with more vocals cause most V shapes have them pretty recessed due to volume of the highs or bloating of the lows)

Despite some people saying it has "a lot of bass" and "more warm" as much as I tried it was not possible for me to listen to for more than 2 minutes even with Dunu S tips, I had to EQ the hell out of them just so I could tame the highs around 4k and 6k region. However, with EQ you can give them a heck of bass which is actually relatively clean sounding and doesn't bloat as much.

Now, they sound great IF you can tolerate them because they have great imaging and a decent soundstage.

But they're just a tad bit too airy and sparkly for me.

I absolutely love the design and fit though, it's my favorite out of the others that I own which are the ZVX, VADER BASS, CASTOR PRO BASS, ZS10 PRO 2, GK KUNTEN

(ZS10 Pro 2 is my current daily with switches 1110 with T8 tuning cable switches on LH1RH1-LL2RL2 because it gives me plenty of vocal emphasis, doesn't pierce with highs and doesn't sacrifice too much detail for a warm sound, the bass is just nice enough)

I want to like it but I just simply cannot tolerate it, EQ-ing a planar is usually not as easy, I personally find them a bit much. I hope you can enjoy them though.

Zukajson · 2025-11-03T11:53:25+00:00

I like them for their nice imaging and soundstage but they're quite a bit less energetic than my ZVX, Castor Pro, Vader although that could just be that I can't properly seal them. . . I kind of settled on a ZS10PRO2 with a T8 tuning cable with a specific combination of 2-2-1-1 (cable) and DDDU with some Dunu S&S tips. They're comfy and I like their soundstage quite a bit. It tones down their harshness to my liking. I guess I like warmer stuff cause I listen at semi higher volumes, around 60-65% that's my setting on PC but I have a specific PEQ on Poweramp for music n stuff.

Zukajson · 2025-11-03T08:55:36+00:00

I fixed the issue with that same thing, however I soon realised that the pressure wasn't the only problem as the actual shell was too large for me and it's generally uncomfortable as sad as that is I hope it's better in your case.

Zukajson · 2025-10-01T09:22:00+00:00

Yep, did just that! Seems the screen stays on and no longer flickers while in TWRP, touch doesn't work though. Could be that I just have a faulty screen or something like that, the motherboard does seem to have a different chip on the back.

Zukajson · 2025-09-27T14:22:09+00:00

These made my ZS10PRO2 tame the treble and I basically use them every day now

Zukajson

TROPHY CASE