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.
How do they stack up to the the Kiwi Ears x HBB Punch? Looking for a bassy set to add to the arsenal.
I've been using the S12 Ultra or PRX EQed to PEQdb Diamond (with a large bass shelf) for movies and have been mostly satisfied.
Thanks so much. Just getting into iems and while I understand these terms I didn't really know how to put them into words.
Been a music boy all my life. Played trumpet and frenchhorn mostly symphonies and big bands. Lost my way into adulthood after having kids. Friend introduced me to Iems and I bought a pair of kiwi ears orchestra 2 blind based on reading some reviews and now I'm. Addicted to finding the perfect pair for my various genres.
Iin the last three months iv gone from almost zero daily music to devouring 4-5 albums a day whenever I can. Work. Commute. Exercise. Presleep.
Currently my favorite is ibasso dx180 dap with letshuoer s12 Ultra planar iems. Incredible sound stage. Nice thumpy sub bass. Very clear and analytical mids. More bright than WARM. I find these work well for what I listen to mostly, metal rock prog and hip hop.
Maybe I glossed over it but a short line on each of the iem techs?
DD, BA, BC, EST, MEMS,
My friend and I endlessly debate over hybrid techs versus simple single driver iems. It's a wonderful hobby.
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