Listened on the Monoprice Monolith Portable THX. Volume at -26DB with FooBar set at 90% volume.

Second session on FiiO BTR5 – For whatever reason the BTR5 sounded much better, I almost think there may have been a break in issue at first. Still did not sound as good on my other DAP’s. I guess the BTR5 has the “Magic”

Over all I cannot recommend unless your someone that likes a very V shaped tuning. Here’s why; for the price of $119.00 as I purchased them you can get the Voyager Legacy which is less V shaped, has better upper range reproduction and better Mid’s. Bass is about equal. The cable is better on the Legacy by a mile and this set has no case? Why no case at this price point? I could understand it if these were really outstanding and the “case” could be made that all the R&D and production cost went into tuning and components. But I just don’t see it. Don’t get me wrong, these sound good but over all cost weighed against the competition doesn’t add up.

Songs that I used to test and my notes:

Amy Winehouse – Know You Now: Bass good (these are very V shaped) Treble and detail “high”. Stage was tight. Vocal very back as to experience with other IEM such as Urbanfun, Mangrid Tea, Sony 800ST

A-Ha MTV Unplugged – Take On Me: Voice was “shout-y” and it seemed off compared to many other dynamic drivers, while the music was at a very reasonable and comfortable level the vocals were hurting my ears. Listening on the FiiO BTR5 things sounded much better, vocals were smoother and didn’t hurt.

Robin Trower – About to Begin: Because of V shape sounds good right out of the gate, Rock was meant for V. 00:55 (from end of song) symbol crash. Treble was hurting my ears.

Rodrigo Y Gabriela – Hanuman: Sounds good, these are good for guitar. Treble is good, bass is great. stage is tight but sounds good. Imaging decent. Sounded fantastic on the BTR5

Alexis Cole – A Beautiful Friendship: Symbols at beginning and bass drop, treble very present. Vocals back a bit and her voice sounded a little thin. Much better on the BTR5

Sade – Smooth Operator: Detail at beginning great, voice very clear, bass fantastic. Vocals back a bit, seemed like they were getting lost in the Bass/Music on this song very V shaped.

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