For me it’s a mix of the feel of the build quality along with generally higher resolution and better separation of instruments as you go up in price (to a point).
Other than that tuning is largely the difference and you could easily prefer a $300 IEM with your tuning style to a $1000 one with a different signature.
I just got the s12 ultra used for $120 and compared it to my $1000 monarch mk4 and honestly it’s tough to justify keeping the monarch. The resolution and separation on the s12 are pretty impressive, the bass hits more to my liking as well… then I compared to my old apple ear buds and there is a clear difference in resolution even though to me the apple buds still sound pretty dang good.
Other ppl will have better explanations I’m sure and it’s debatable what resolution means to people in this hobby. Either way In today’s market, $50-300 can get you some incredible sounding IEMs
I love them, it’s about perfect tuning for me, I add a bass shelf to all planar IEMs and headphones I’ve had and I don’t need to with this one. Kick drums hit really nice as well and I’m not wanting for any details in the mids or treble, it’s really quite great IMO. I like it better than the astral and s12 ultra I have in right now
I've had those on my wishlist for a while, I should just get it already. Agreed on the orange flavor, but I may be biased on the black/orange color combo (SF Giants fan).
Ok brother, you made me do it. Just ordered the IM4. Not only that, but of course I had to match so orange Openheart cable also ordered. 😂
Actually just got my MP145 pro as well. I had the og, but returned them after finding out the pro was coming. Agree with the milling on these MP's. 👍
I had purchased the og 145 back in February from Amazon. Loved the sound as they were the first planars I've ever heard. After hearing the announcement of the pros coming to Kickstarter, that's when I backed the campaign and only held onto the og long enough before the return window expired on Amazon.
One thing to note with the pros - they didn't have the little foam insert inside like the og did. So I'm sure adding that back in could bring the sound back close to the og if that is what's preferred.
I also purchased/returned the S12 Ultra. Also liked these, but returned more because I had to control my spending 😂. I may get them again, just because that mocha color is too nice to pass up.
I recently picked up the S12U and while it seems to have a lot of bass detail, and good bass in general, the treble was slightly lacking. Especially on the detail side.
So what IEM would you recommend under 200 USD with really good treble detail?
The S12 Ultra has recessed vocals. I wouldn’t. Buy the S12 Pro or S12 2024 instead.
The supermix 4 is harman. It makes thing sound thin for me but you’ll like it if you like harman.
I just picked up the orchestra lite myself
Odd you say that because I absolutely hated the S12 Ultra but liked the Daybreaks when I tried it.
On the S12 Ultra, the vocals felt super recessed and it was not an enjoyable music listening experience at all
I haven't tried the Divine but I would not get the S12 Ultra
S12 Ultra's vocals were heavily recessed. This set has the most recessed vocals out of any set i've tried. The bass is nice and the treble balance is alright but due how horrendous the vocals were, i just can't recommend this set at all
The S12 Ultra’s treble is honestly not great. It’s overpowered by the bass and the mids a lot. I wouldn’t recommend it unless you’re looking for bass or mids. I’d recommend you try it out in person before purchase
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