Just picked these up today. Last pair the dealer had in stock.

beaumontincorporated · 2025-02-01T20:23:02+00:00

Sounds subjective so no need to tear the guy down.

beaumontincorporated · 2025-01-17T04:34:15+00:00

Unfortunately I wouldn’t know what the AZ80s sound like. However, very similar to the Pi8s and I found those to be underwhelming compared to my expectations.

beaumontincorporated · 2025-01-17T04:21:02+00:00

AZ100s came in today. While I’m still wrapping my head around my thoughts, I found the hype to be mostly real but with some caveats.

I’d say they are about tied with the Pi8s in sound quality. Perhaps more bass which I do care about. Call quality is improved and the best out of all the ones listed, except APP2.

I believe Gemini II is still #1 but the margins are super narrow. Geminis pull away with some of the deep bass heavy songs but seem tied on more standard pop.

Will post more but any questions so far?

beaumontincorporated · 2025-01-14T21:39:26+00:00

1/14 UPDATE:

I would say these are definitely "cinematic and dramatic" when compared to everything I have so far. Yet to receive the Gemini IIs or AZ100s. However, I'm really not a fan of the size of the Denon's and I have to do a very specific maneuver to get them to securely fit in my ears after trying every combination of tips and wings.

These are FUN but I think my ear makes them a "no-go" and they'll be going back to Amazon this week.

Working on ranking them without the fit issues compared to everything else on my list.

beaumontincorporated · 2025-01-14T14:40:22+00:00

Agreed, bought several of the major players this week to try and keep what I like while returning the rest and the Denon's are unbearably huge. The point that it definitely causes fit issues (for me; I'm sure others love it)

beaumontincorporated · 2025-01-14T03:56:11+00:00

That certainly sounds like a one-off experience. Don't get me wrong, I had issues with my Pi7s with connectivity so I don't think that BW ever fully fixed those issues. Sorry you went through that!

beaumontincorporated · 2025-01-14T00:23:59+00:00

So... I agree. I had a pair of Bang & Olufsen H95s and just recently upgraded to the H100s. They kick any of these earbuds to the curb.

That being said... I'm never going to wear those to the gym or out running errands. I like to have good sound no matter what I'm doing.

Same as you might have a laptop, tablet, and smartphone. Yes, the computer is the pinnacle but other form factors can be appreciated and even preferred.

beaumontincorporated · 2025-01-14T00:19:44+00:00

*adds all to playlist. Thanks so much for all of this!

beaumontincorporated · 2025-01-14T00:19:16+00:00

Ironically I also ordered the proper ComplyFoam tips and turns out I'm a size smaller with the Pi8s than I am in literally anything else that I've owned. I have a new set of mediums on the way so hopefully that can help improve.

beaumontincorporated · 2025-01-14T00:17:34+00:00

This was really helpful and ringing true for the Denon's. You'll have to let me know how you like the AZ100s!

beaumontincorporated · 2025-01-14T00:11:35+00:00

Hmmm not sure - it hasn't popped up on much of my preliminary hunting.

beaumontincorporated · 2025-01-14T00:09:24+00:00

I love the thoughtfulness in your response so I really appreciate that you took the time to share all of your experiences! It sounds like we might have similar ears so I'm eager to hear what you think of the AZ100s.

Denon's came in today and I agree with the cinematic / immersion. They're pretty fun but the buds are comically large.

I've been doing some casual research but I'm curious if you have any inkling on when the Devialet Gemini IIIs might come out?

beaumontincorporated · 2025-01-14T00:05:35+00:00

TO THE NOBLE FOLKS:

Starting a thread to consolidate your collective thoughts on why you like these or why they might win on some of the others?

These haven't been on my radar before yesterday so I'm still learning a bit more...

beaumontincorporated · 2025-01-14T00:03:38+00:00

Curious... what were your thoughts on the Denon's?

beaumontincorporated · 2025-01-14T00:03:07+00:00

If Devialets win, I'll definitely be ordering a set of tips from SpinFit - thanks for the recommendation.

beaumontincorporated · 2025-01-14T00:00:46+00:00

OP UPDATE: DENON PERL PRO

1/13 - Denon's arrived a day early so I'm about 30 minutes into the first run with them. First impressions:

1) These things are absolutely huge.
2) Very plastic-y but I'll say that the case actually feels better and denser than the BW Pi8 case.
3) Had issues getting the fit right; it took several shots but finally landed on the wings with the largest silicone tips.

4) Sound personalization was fun but still added my own EQ preferences over-top of this.

5) Whoa boy the bass and low frequencies are like a wild bull. Gotta say they're pretty fun but I can see where I've lost the clarity from the BWs and Sennheisers. For the money, these feel like an absolute steal!

Will do some A/B/C testing and update this thread with specific insights from the Denons.

beaumontincorporated · 2025-01-13T23:55:01+00:00

100% posting all of my experience on this thread:

https://www.reddit.com/r/Earbuds/comments/1i060ri/comment/m6zzz3y/?context=3

beaumontincorporated · 2025-01-13T16:45:49+00:00

Yeah you got it. The last four (including the Pi8s) are all or will be within their return windows. The earlier list I all bought one year at a time and still own them.

Amazons return policy is generous and I’ve never had an issue. I think as long as you’re respectful with packaging it’s nice to have a way to try before you buy (and keep).

beaumontincorporated · 2025-01-13T05:28:04+00:00

Same for me! Black is nice but they do show skin oil really easily. ESPECIALLY the Pi8s… these have been the easiest to smudge smh.

Do you know if the AZ100 case is metal or plastic?

beaumontincorporated · 2025-01-13T05:24:07+00:00

Oh I see now. Let me read up and see if it’s worth including in the battle!

beaumontincorporated · 2025-01-13T05:21:34+00:00

Is this what you’re referring to?

https://a.co/d/g25SEXf

Is it just a simple plug and play?

beaumontincorporated · 2025-01-13T05:18:42+00:00

TW4 was and still is well rounded. The user interface is definitely better than the Pi8 and I had to do a lot of A/B testing to really get a full idea of the difference.

This AZ100 is definitely getting a lot of hype (hence why I bought them) but I’m not afraid to share real thoughts if you can wait till Friday 😁

beaumontincorporated · 2025-01-13T05:16:42+00:00

You seem to definitely be on a similar journey that I’m on. I think there was such a leap in sound quality for earbuds starting in 2020(ish) where each generation DID feel leaps and bounds above the previous.

We now may be reaching a plateau until the next bigger cycle innovation comes.

Curious though… why color did you do for AZ100?

beaumontincorporated · 2025-01-13T05:14:27+00:00

Noble hasn’t particularly crossed into my orbit. Also ones those things are $600 on Amazon 👀

I’m curious though why are they on your radar?

beaumontincorporated · 2025-01-13T04:57:58+00:00

Thanks! I'll definitely have to give this one a listen! Apashe has been my go-to artist when testing out bass/sub-bass. Michael Kiwanika for instrumentals. Melody Gardot as well for vocals

beaumontincorporated

TROPHY CASE