My endgame at 170$: Dunu 142
I was honestly content with the Blessing 2s until the right side started sounding quieter all of a sudden. Tried all the recommended fixes and eventually concluded that some or all of the BAs died since it only got noticeably quieter in the higher frequencies. RIP my “kilobuck killer” (back in the day at least).
After some research, I realized the hobby has moved further forward than I expected. New configurations, even more competition, new measuring tools, new “meta”, etc. This made it easier for me to find something I can settle for for cheaper, which is good since I can't afford stuff like I used to.
I looked for something much more fun and engaging than the Blessing 2 (which I EQd to be such after a couple years of using it anyway. Part of why I liked them is that they responded well to EQ). I wanted something with a natural, maybe relatively forward vocal presentation, more sub-bass, and decent treble extension for soundstage. Was thinking something U-shaped or W-shaped. And well, this satisfied my cravings
Impressions:
Listening to them, the first thing I thought was “Damn, that’s airy.” The soundstage, microdetails, and sparkle on these are amazing. Guess I can owe that to the additional planar drivers this has over the Blessing 2s. BUT they can be a touch incisive at times. The bass was ALMOST too much, but it stayed within quantities I like. I can’t call it a basshead IEM though. It could have more impact, just a little bit more slam for it to be that, but I think for my tastes, it’s satisfying enough to not need touching. Might also be thanks to that that the mids stayed clean with enough weight to my ears. Basically, if you’ve seen reviews of these floating around, yeahhh they’re pretty much what you'd expect. I probably wouldn't get these if I listened to metal a lot. Anime art boxes stay winning (also is it just me or is the character there basically just Neuvillette from Genshin Impact).
LESSON LEARNED, I’m getting those silica gel packets and putting them in my case. Feel like those could've saved my Blessing 2s. My Aria SE might also start getting more use outdoors coz I don’t think I’d want to bring these out as much as I brought the Blessing 2s out.
P.S. If anyone wants to get rid of their Blessing 2s, even if it's just the right side, let me know coz I'd still miss ‘em.