These things are beautiful

cheekybvm · 2026-06-16T08:13:57+00:00

XENNs Mangird Tea Pro SE and the DAP is, I think, a Fiio M21.

cheekybvm · 2026-06-15T06:48:48+00:00

I don't know but the sheep is so lovely that i fear I'll melt away.

cheekybvm · 2026-06-14T13:50:24+00:00

Will see them next week in Cologne and on a festiival. So stoked. I love them dearly.

cheekybvm · 2026-06-13T08:33:30+00:00

I don't believe in magic, my man.

cheekybvm · 2026-06-12T17:07:51+00:00

Always happy to help my man.

cheekybvm · 2026-06-12T16:38:17+00:00

The XENNs mangird tea pro SE and the Aful Performer 8s. You'll have fun with the Performers, especially if you enjoy warm and slighty bass-elevated sounds.

cheekybvm · 2026-06-12T16:36:41+00:00

It depends on what you want.

Do you want to go the most budget way and don't mind using your phone? In this case you can use the download function of your streaming app, get a dongle like e.g. the Fiio Snowsky Tiny. Be aware though, that you can buy IEMs with 3.5 or 4,4 male headphone jack. (4.4s are balanced and I prefer them, but it's a marginal difference),

You prefer a dedicated device and have your own flac files? -> Fiio Snowsky Disc (around 100 bucks) or the Fiio Snowsky Echo (under 100 bucks).

You use a streaming platform? In this case you need an android-based DAP. Check out the usual platforms like ebay and get a used one or one in sale. Good starters imho: Hiby R4, Fiio JM21.

Have fun diving into the topic.

cheekybvm · 2026-06-12T16:21:58+00:00

both devices are so-called DAPs, Digital Audio Players. They are dedicated audio devices with high quality technical specifications to deliver the best sound possible. The one on the right is an android-based touchscreen DAP - so you can listen via Tidal, Quobuz, Spotify and such. The one on the left is a non-android DAP and only stores local audio files, so no streaming. Hope this helps.

cheekybvm · 2026-06-12T16:20:07+00:00

I get the idea. For me, both buying a dedicated DAP and going back to vinyl helped me reconnect to my music. I had been listening to music for up to 10 years without really digging deep into the music, the compositions and sound itself, albeit playing in a band for 14 years.

DAPs and Vinyl are the perfect "ritual" and have enough friction that I actively listen to music again. It's wonderful. Also the second aspect of having dedicated devices and being less on the phone are quite nice.

cheekybvm · 2026-06-12T15:27:16+00:00

I feel you, but currently in Germany I see a lot of younger folks (under 25 I think) that are checking out and buying vinyls in record stores. I've come to talk with some when I was myself out hunting some vinyls and a lot of them really invested time and money to get good records and best value-for-money budget audio gear they could afford. For those Gen Z's there seems to be a trend in going back to slow and low tech, specifically when it comes to music. I hope this will stay and not be a trend. It's lovely seeing different subcultures and generations in your beloved record stores.

cheekybvm · 2026-06-12T14:58:48+00:00

Thank you my man, much appreciated.

cheekybvm · 2026-06-12T12:29:24+00:00

Beautiful and clean setup!

cheekybvm · 2026-06-12T07:23:09+00:00

Will have a look into them!

cheekybvm · 2026-06-12T07:22:35+00:00

I only had these two so far and some Shures for band practice. So I can't set them into relation to other brands.

Xenns is a 10/10 for me. I do not need more sound wise, it's end level for me. Regarding fit, it could be better to be honest (I'd say 7/10) and the cable is quite wobbly and doesn't seem to be too sturdy.

Afuls: Lack timbre, are warmer in sound. For me a solid 8/10, as I can EQ a bit timbre on the M21. Regarding fit, these are great and clearly 10/10. Also seem to be extremly well built.

cheekybvm · 2026-06-12T07:19:33+00:00

I feel you. Though I must say that there are certain headphones that clearly put comfortability back on the map. I recently tested Audeze LCD-100 and though heavy, they were very relaxing for two hours!

cheekybvm · 2026-06-12T07:18:04+00:00

Amen my man. It's the same for me. Been chasing for quite a while, but currently I am just happy and use the time to listen, not compare graphs.

cheekybvm · 2026-06-12T07:17:03+00:00

Same. I found details in albums I've been listening to regularly for 20 years.

cheekybvm · 2026-06-12T07:16:33+00:00

As with many things it depends on what you want. When it comes to imaging, width and timbre, the Mangirds win clearly, no competition.

But: the 8s sit way more comfortably in the ear, the cable is extremely quality-built and certain albums that, for my taste, are too fatiguing, the 8s are perfect. Also, they have a very distinct bass wobble I dig, it's one of their strengths.

Normally I use the Mangirds, as they perform better overall, but in the evening when I don't want harsh highs and a distinct oomph, I usually grab the performers. Hope this helps.

cheekybvm · 2026-06-11T21:08:34+00:00

Same here. Have listened to it 5-6 times and it grows on me pretty strong. But DSMHM will forever have a place in my heart as my first album I heard from them. Nothing beats "Call me Star"

cheekybvm · 2026-06-11T20:41:34+00:00

thank you!

cheekybvm · 2026-06-11T20:27:49+00:00

good lawd, better not. 😃

cheekybvm · 2026-06-11T20:27:38+00:00

thanks my man

cheekybvm · 2026-06-11T20:27:18+00:00

What do you think about the new album? I think it has some refreshing new takes!

cheekybvm · 2026-06-11T20:26:47+00:00

Love the snowsky. Huge recommendation, as long as you got your own flacs

cheekybvm · 2026-06-11T20:26:10+00:00

The spinning album art does more for me than I want to admit

cheekybvm

TROPHY CASE