Audio/IEMs
“Strong planar magnetic IEM offering excellent technical performance with wide soundstage and easy driveability, but with incremental improvements over the original S12 and conservative styling that may not appeal to all buyers.”
Wide soundstage with clean separation between instruments enables detailed layering
primeaudio.orgfast transients and clean air between instruments
High sensitivity and low impedance allow driving from phones, DAPs, or amplifiers without power demands
majorhifi.comeasy to drive from most systems
CNC-milled aluminum shell provides premium build quality with no visible gaps or defects
headfonia.combuild quality is top-notch, no steps, no cracks, no bruises
Strong imaging creates precise spatial positioning of instruments in the mix
primeaudio.orgImaging is fairly strong
Bass lacks texture compared to some competitors in the same price tier
head-fi.orgBass could use a bit more texture
Marginal improvement over the original S12 may not justify upgrading
head-fi.orgNot a huge leap to the original S12
Conservative industrial design lacks visual appeal compared to BGVP or FiiO alternatives
headfonia.comkinda conservative compared to products from BGVP, or even the latest FiiO FD11
The only drawback I could spot would be its relatively light weight, but some might see that as an advantage.
headfonia.comThe only drawback I could spot would be its relatively light weight, but some might see that as an advantage.
The only drawback here, for me, would be the 2-pin socket, which I still find less practical than the MMCX one, but apart from that it’s almost perfect.
headfonia.comThe only drawback here, for me, would be the 2-pin socket, which I still find less practical than the MMCX one, but apart from that it’s almost perfect.