EBC80

The ISN EBC80 has 2 BCD for the entire frequency range. It's definitely expensive (cost me $700 for the IEMs), but I'm so happy that I'm problably not going to buy any new ones unless they break. If so, I think I'll just buy the ISN Archangel IEMs at that point.

Hmm, I think this is why I have been enjoying my ISN EBC80 IEMs more than other IEMs, I guess the BCD do add a layer of something that's hard to replicate with other IEMs.

It depends on driver configuration. My ISN EBC80 don't like my KBear Obsedian IEM cables. I'm thinking it's either transmitting the sound away or dampening it because it sounds less loud, less detailed, and just have a crappy sound quality. They use BCD so I can see why. I didn't realize it would do this until I did a A/B testing session. Sure enough it changed it dramatically. It wasn't a "I hear a slight difference" it was "wow these sound like completely different IEMs).

For me it's in the ~$300 range. My ISN EBC80 do sound better than my Twilight-DS, but not by much. Maybe 10-15% better overall but more capricious when it comes to tips and cables. The BC, and EST are very tip and seal sensitive as well as anything that absorbs the vibrations. Have to sell a lot of my cables because they don't play nice with the EBC80. They're great, don't get me wrong. I love them, specially when I PEQ the sub bass and 20kHz region they are chef's miss when it comes to fun sounding and how amazing they are to listen. If I was short on cash I would probably would stick to the $300-$350 price range. I haven't listened to anything super expensive (above $1.5k USD), but seeing how shallow the jump is from KZ ZS10 Pro, 7Hz elua ultra, KZ Sonata, Dunu Davinci, Punch Audio Martilo, and the INAWAKEN Twilight-DS compared to the ISN EBC80 is how I came to my conclusion. I would say above price is driver configuration, and crossover implementation when it comes to sound quality. I feel like the only way to improve BA/DD hybrids is with EST and BCD. I feel within that technology there isn't a huge jump. I think that is why some people hear a dramatic jump in 1-2k IEMs. 

Definitely can hear a difference for sure. Did A/B testing with my 7Hz elua ultra, INAWAKEN TWILIGHT-DS, and the EBC80. Definitely feels different and trippy being able to hear sounds thru my ear with the EBC80. Not exactly as game changing as some people say but definitely noticeable with a good, deep seal. The main thing I noticed with the EBC80 is that ear tips and cables matter here. With my KBear Obsedian IEM cables they were audibly not as loud and less "detailed", and had reduced bass. I think it's not playing nice with the BCD and is either absorbing the vibrations or just reflecting them away from the IEM/my ears. I tried this with both the 3.5mm and 4.4mm and they both did the same thing. I bought some generic CCA ear tips (they were red so I liked them) and although they made the Twilight-DS and the elua ultra sounds better they did the opposite for the EBC80. It's definitely a different ballgame as I was shocked my KBear Obsedian IEM cables made the sound actually worse when it usually does the opposite. Small things like that can make a difference I guess with EBD and EST drivers. The Elua Ultra doesn't sound as defined, separated or as "fun" as the Twilight-DS, or EBC80. I would say Elua Ultra ~75-80% of the EBC80, the Twilight-DS ~85-90% of the EBC80 in terms of performance, detail separation, and how "fun" they sound. I think this is due to better crossover, and the EST/BCD. The Twilight-DS definitely has some good sub-bass due to the 4DD, the EBC80 has some good sub bass rumbles but not as good. The FR graph explains this because it does peak somewhere higher on the sub bass them falls down. I PEQ the sub-bass and it's pretty similar to the Twilight-DS in terms of sub bass now. I would say the EST and BCD definitely add something special but are very dependent on cables/ear tips. I ended up using the EBC80 green ear tip and stock H2 cable. I might try the other two cable types (S2 and C2) and the SANCAI Noble wide bore brass insert ear tips. The biggest thing I can say the BCD do for me is more vibrations even with higher frequencies, more separations and makes it feel inside/around me since I am "hearing" it inside my ear and also hearing the sound if that makes sense. Initially I was a little torned because I was expecting it to blow away the Twilight-DS, not be ~10-15% better. Now that I am used to them they will definitely be my go to IEMs.

I agree with this 1000%. However, I had to return mine. I listen mostly at night in bed and they have significant sound leakage and kept my wife up. Besides that, they are about as good as I can imagine an IEM being.

Closest I have personally heard was the EBC80, it’s a great set for sure but it is missing a little of the recessed mid magic that makes the galactic stage of the MEST work.

Check out my full review of the ISN Audio EBC80, here: https://mobileaudiophile.com/in-ear-earphones-iem-iems-reviews/isn-audio-ebc80-review/ ISN Audio EBC80 Review -Quad-brid (2DD, 2BA, 2EST, 2 BC) -$699 I hope everyone is doing well. At the link above is my full review of the ISN Audio EBC80 from ISN Audio. The EBC80 is an 8-driver quad-brid iem which employs two dynamic drivers, two balanced armature drivers, two electrostatic drivers, and two full-range bone conduction drivers. All drivers are of very high quality. Friends, I could not be more impressed with this iem. It's truly a complete package which will likely be an end game purchase for many (I know there's no such thing as “End Game”). The EBC80 offers none of the most immersive and grandiose holographic sound fields that I've heard with a wonderfully balanced and very dynamic sound. The bass hits hard, deep, fast, defined, and totally authoritative. The midrange is absolutely spellbinding. Vocals are so wonderful folks. I won’t get into much detail here as I've already stated it all in my review, but the midrange is wonderfully forward, beautifully textured, with organic timbre and very high resolution. The treble is non-fatiguing but carrying great treble bite, as it's a clean and defined treble with very good extension up top. Technically the EBC80 is at the top in its class for many attributes. It has wonderful detail retrieval, fantastic pin-point imaging, transient tight, it's very well layered and the EBC80 honestly has a 3D stage that is very vast, full, and out of my head. I really feel like I'm downplaying this set right now friends. It truly is that nice. I couldn't be more impressed. If you are in the market for an under $1k set or if you simply like reading about what's on the market then I do hope you'll click the link and learn a bit more about the EBC80. This was a very fun review and one that I greatly enjoyed. Thank you to Penon Audio and to Audio Geeks for making this possible. Also, thank you for reading. Take good care everyone. 🔥🔥 EBC80 Pros 🔥🔥 -Build Quality is the usual Penon resin, very nice, durable in hand -Extremely comfortable (will they fit you as well?) -The design is striking in appearance -Great dynamic balance with boisterous macro-dynamics -Wonderfully holographic sound field, great layering abilities -Bass is very well textured, deep, palpable, visceral, clean for its emphasis -Midrange is absolutely delectable, creamy, full bodied, vocals are truly awesome -Non-fatiguing treble, nice bite, great clarity, nice extension, textured -Highly detailed (w/some obvious small caveats) -Imaging is spot-on -Very high resolution across the board, even with a richer sound -Soundstage is a vast, chasmic, multi-layered experience 👎 EBC80 Cons 👎 -The cable is somewhat puzzling. It’s very nice but the earhook situation? -Could use a hair more lift throughout the treble (I’m really stretching) -Fans of an analytical tuning may not want to pick this set up -May be too bass heavy for some (again, stretching) Check out my full review of the ISN Audio EBC80, here: https://mobileaudiophile.com/in-ear-earphones-iem-iems-reviews/isn-audio-ebc80-review/

To be as honest as I can be, I haven't heard any iem under $1k that's better than the EBC80. I adore this set. Good for you! I cannot say enough good things about this set. The EBC80's imaging and layering are fantastic and so for gaming it should be a no brainer. Enjoy!

the monarch mkiv can sound jarring if you’re coming from a warmer iem (i have the sa6 mk2 and it’s hard for me to categorize. sometimes it sounds warm, sometimes it sounds open and bright—not sure how you hear it). but, since it’s already in your hands, i’d give it some more time. just today, i put mine on and found them to be warmer than i remembered. sometimes it just depends on what you heard last, how tired you are, etc. otherwise, maybe the mega5est. it’s more vocal forward than the sa6 mk2 and more conventionally tuned, so it would complement your sa6 by giving you something that sounds a little more proper while being more laid back and natural than the monarch mkiv. you also don’t give up too much in terms of technicalities. coming from the monarch mkiv, the bass will definitely sound less defined, but i think it fits the overall sound signature well. some people call the mega5est boring, but musicality is subjective and hard to define. i’m a neutral head and the mega5est has a touch more warmth and bass than what i consider neutral, so in that sense, it’s musical to me. if you want to be risk-averse, the ziigaat arcanis has pretty much replaced the sa6 mk2 in my rotation. it’s what i expected the sa6 mk2 to sound like (and what i wanted the mega5est to sound like). a bit more sub bass and bit more satisfying bass overall. i find the upper mids and vocals of the sa6 mk2 to be too recessed and the arcanis addresses this by bringing them forward just a smidge (but not as much as the mega5est). vocals have a vibrant quality to them that you might consider musical. and there is just enough treble extension to give it air and sparkles. it doesn’t come across as technical as the sa6 mk2, but all of the details are still there. it’s unique and i actually like it more than the mega5est, but that comes down to how it fits in my collection penon/isn has been recommended a lot. i can vouch for the ebc80. its warm, has phenomenal sound stage, and is super fun. it isn’t fatiguing at all to me, but it doesn’t really fall under the category of laid back. their other iems might for the bill, though. these recommendations i think would be an “upgrade” to the sa6 mk2. however, my philosophy is that for a laid back sound, you don’t need to spend a lot of money. so personally, my warm, laid back iem is the ziigaat arcadia. it’s warm, punchy, has just enough treble, and with the right tips, can sound just as well-executed and beautiful as anything in the $200-$250 range. i prefer it to my penon serial and canon 2 for this purpose. i’ve also been going to the odyssey 2 a lot for a laid back listen, though it is not as warm. the punch audio martilo is also a good choice if you think you can tolerate a lot of sub bass. it sounds mostly normal and conventional, which, like the mega5est, could complement the sa6 mk2 well. when there isn’t a lot of sub bass in a song, it doesn’t sound like a bass head iem. but when there is, the bass sounds like you have a sealed subwoofer in front of your face.

(I have posted this on r/headphones but would also love to hear the opinion of IEM people) Hi all, First of all, two disclaimers: 1. I’m not trying to start a fire. I’m just asking a question that I’ve had basically all my 5 year audio journey.  2. I am a “””seasoned””” audiophile. Not trying to brag (consumerism really isn’t something to brag about), just saying that I’ve been around the block and owned around 30 or so pairs of IEMs, most of them in the mid-high end range, as well as about 10 wired mid-high end headphones, and a few bluetooth headphones and TWS. I also think I’ve gotten really good at EQ over the years, and I never use a headphone without it. All right, so over the years, I have always, always enjoyed IEM sound more than headphones. Even $100 IEMs, EQed to my preferences, just sound more dynamic, lifelike, and detailed than the headphones I’ve tried. So far, my favourite IEMs have been the Elysian Pilgrim (amazing value) Night Oblivion Butastur, MEST MKIII, ISN EBC80, and the U12T, still my reference for sound. All these sound better than the HD800 (my current headphone of choice and the best I’ve personally tried, which, for the record, I also EQ), as well as other decent headphones I’ve had (some Focals, quite a few HiFiMans (men?), ZMF Bokeh, FT1, Azurys, a few others. Not to bore you with endless audiophile terms, but with IEMs, the sound is alive, lifelike, and just makes me want to move. It’s also simply quite a bit more detailed. To give a single example, the beginning in this ([https://youtu.be/EzPTLCZVjQs](https://youtu.be/EzPTLCZVjQs)) track sounds so lifelike on my Pilgrim, whereas my HD800 just sounds a bit dull to be honest. When the song really starts, it’s intoxicating on IEMs, but just sounds so-so on headphones for me. (For the record, I add 6db of bass and reduce treble peaks on the HD800, and I reduce the sub bass on the Pilgrim by quite a bit and remove some peaks as well). I am trying to understand why. Not only just to know, but also because I cannot wear IEMs anymore. My ears have gotten allergic to all the tips I’ve tried (trust me, I’ve tried them all), and IEMs just have never been as comfortable as lightweight headphones, which is really a shame. I am wondering, are there others that have tried the “endgames” of headphones and IEMs, and like me, just really prefer IEMs for sound? And, is it possible to somehow make headphones sound a bit more in-your-head and dynamic in the manner of IEMs with EQ? I’ve EQ’ed headphones this way and that for the past year and have not been able to really achieve the effect. Maybe headphones sound worse to me because of my ear anatomy, my ears are very small, my ear canals’ opening is smaller than that of most people, and I think the canal is also shorter. Maybe there is less “space” for headphones to get their sound in when compared to IEMs, which can just bypass the whole thing?  I am also still open to the possibility that I just haven’t found the right headphones for me, as I have had many more IEMs than headphones. However, as I said, even many budget-ish IEMs have sounded better to me than the expensive headphones I’ve tried, so I am skeptical of that explanation. I also have a beefy DX5 II, so lack of power also isn’t a plausible explanation.  Hoping someone can shed some light on this. Any comments are much appreciated! 

Customs man, don't talk to me about them! Tried getting the EBC80 in customs but had to send them back twice to remould, and I re-scanned my ears, the damn things still don't fit at all. Don't know what went wrong, but I'm stuck with $800 paperweights. Amazing IEMs though!

Hi all, First of all, two disclaimers: 1. I’m not trying to start a fire. I’m just asking a question that I’ve had basically all my 5 year audio journey. 2. I am a “””seasoned””” audiophile. Not trying to brag (consumerism really isn’t something to brag about), just saying that I’ve been around the block and owned around 30 or so pairs of IEMs, most of them in the mid-high end range, as well as about 10 wired mid-high end headphones, and a few bluetooth headphones and TWS. I also think I’ve gotten really good at EQ over the years, and I never use a headphone without it. All right, so over the years, I have always enjoyed IEM sound more than headphones. Even $100 IEMs, EQed to my preferences, just sound more dynamic, lifelike, and detailed than the headphones I’ve tried. So far, my favourite IEMs have been the Elysian Pilgrim (amazing value) Night Oblivion Butastur, MEST MKIII, ISN EBC80, and the U12T, still my reference for sound. All these sound better than the HD800 (my current headphone of choice and the best I’ve personally tried, and which, for the record, I also EQ), as well as other decent headphones I’ve had (some Focals, quite a few HiFiMans (men?), ZMF Bokeh, FT1, Azurys, a few others.) Not to bore you with endless audiophile terms, but with IEMs, the sound is alive, lifelike, and just makes me want to move. It’s also simply quite a bit more detailed. To give a single example, the beginning in this (https://youtu.be/EzPTLCZVjQs) track sounds so lifelike on my Pilgrim, whereas my HD800 just sounds a bit dull to be honest, in comprison that is (it’s still the best headphones I’ve had though!). When the song really starts, it’s intoxicating on IEMs, but just sounds so-so on headphones for me. (For the record, I add 6db of bass and reduce treble peaks on the HD800, and I reduce the sub bass on the Pilgrim by quite a bit and remove some peaks as well). I am trying to understand why. Not only just to know, but also because I cannot wear IEMs anymore. My ears have gotten allergic to all the tips I’ve tried (trust me, I’ve tried them all), and IEMs just have never been as comfortable as lightweight headphones, which is really a shame. I am wondering, are there others that have tried the “endgames” of headphones and IEMs, and like me, just really prefer IEMs for sound? And, is it possible to somehow make headphones sound a bit more in-your-head and dynamic in the manner of IEMs with EQ? I’ve EQ’ed headphones this way and that for the past year and have not been able to really achieve the effect. Maybe headphones sound worse to me because of my ear anatomy, my ears are very small, my ear canals’ opening is smaller than that of most people, and I think the canal is also shorter. Maybe there is less “space” for headphones to get their sound in when compared to IEMs, which can just bypass the whole thing?  I am also still open to the possibility that I just haven’t found the right headphones for me, as I have had many more IEMs than headphones. However, as I said, even many budget-ish IEMs have sounded better to me than the expensive headphones I’ve tried, so I am skeptical of that explanation. I also have a beefy DX5 II, so lack of power also isn’t a plausible explanation.  Hoping someone can shed some light on this. Any comments are much appreciated! 

Customs man, don't talk to me about them! Tried getting the EBC80 in customs but had to send them back twice to remould, and I re-scanned my ears, the damn things still don't fit at all. Don't know what went wrong, but I'm stuck with $800 paperweights. Amazing IEMs though! I still don’t really know what the issue is. I have these Ohropax wax-covered earplugs which are the only thing I’m still able to wear. Maybe I really should visit an audiologist, the doctor I went to just told me it’s an acute allergic reaction without much more info. As for the QDCs, I’ve always been interested in them because I love all-BA IEMs, but I’ve never gotten a pair as they all don’t have ventilation if I understand correctly, I really cannot bear lack of ventilation unfortunately.

Actually I avoid such tuning by any means))) So I can't suggest something like that. But one of the most vivid impression I got recently was from ISN EBC80. Opposite to neutral. Sounds like fireworks 😄 Punchy bass, warm and forward mids. Extended and sparkly but not fatiguing highs. If I didn't have Dawn-X, which is a bit more relaxed set, I would be seriously considering buying ISN!