IEM Comparisons
I compared the DOMEs with a number of earphones using the Hiby R6 Pro II set to Hi-gain in AB mode, with the DOME’s requiring a volume level of 22.
ISN Neo5 – 4xBA 1xDD (USD $289)
The Neo5’s shells are almost identical to those of the DOMEs, as are comfort levels between them. The Neo5s require 21 volume on the R6P2 so they’re similarly easy to drive.
The Neo5s are more unashamedly bass dominant with bass that goes deeper with more satisfying decay, though their DD is slower than the DOME’s so bass isn’t kept as tightly in check, clouding the rest of the presentation with additional rumble though note weight does seem to benefit.
Neo5’s midrange is more biased towards lower rather than upper mids, and I prefer their tonality which sound earthier. Both IEMs feature similarly dark treble, and though the Neo5s boast a slightly wider stage the DOME’s may be a little deeper. They’re both very dynamic & similarly resolving, however the DOMEs separate instruments better during complex passages thanks to their faster DD.
The two IEMs share a lot in common – the DOMEs feel like cleaner, more polite & less bassy Neo5s.
Penon Globe – 2xBA, 1xDD (USD $329)
The Globes are slightly larger & stick out more but comfort is very similar. Needing 21 volume on the R6P2 they’re similarly easy to drive.
Much more of a midrange specialist, the Globes have very forward vocals impressively spotlit against the rest of the presentation that really grab you with their presence & resolution while everything else takes a backseat. The DOMEs are more balanced across all frequencies, with the Globes’ bass in particular being lower in quantity and a bit limp in texture.
The Globes aren’t quite as warm either, with the DOMEs displaying better note weight and a slightly deeper soundstage. The Globes’ stage is a little wider, but feels stretched in a way I don’t like and they can come across as slightly diffuse at times though resolution between the two IEMs feels similar.
The DOMEs are better all-rounders, but the Globe midrange has a magic the DOMEs lack though much is sacrificed for it.
ISN EST50 – 2xBA, 1xDD, 2xEST (USD $449)
The EST50s are quite a bit larger and stick out further, but the DOMEs are only slightly more comfortable. Requiring 20 volume on the R6P2 they’re similarly easy to drive.
Surprisingly the DOMEs demonstrate better bass texture as EST50 bass feels a tad pillowy, and their DD bass driver is much slower. The EST50s are more V-shaped and bass dominant, whereas the DOMEs feel flatter and more tonally balanced. Treble on the EST50s is not only more prevalent but is of higher quality thanks to its’ EST drivers.
Perhaps in part thanks to their brighter presentation the EST50s deliver more microdetail & higher resolution, with a soundstage that feels narrower but a touch deeper, thought instruments are separated better on the DOMEs with a stage that feels less congested. The DOMEs are the safer option if treble sensitivity is something you have an issue with.
Penon Turbo – 6xBA (USD $549)
Turbo’s shells are similarly sized and equally as comfortable though their rounder shells seal slightly more strongly, but requiring 27 volume on the R6P2 they’re a bit harder to drive. I keep Turbo’s tuning switches in their stock positions.
I immediately notice Turbos feature much greater bass quantity though it’s largely extra midbass. Unfortunately bass texture is a little mushier on the Turbos with slightly less slam. The DOMEs are warmer with Turbos emphasising the upper midrange more, and both are similarly dark in the treble.
Interestingly I don’t notice the Turbos being much faster when it comes to busy passages of music, though they are a little more dynamic with a blacker background, slightly higher resolution, sharper imaging and they also layer sounds better than the DOMEs.
Thieaudio Monarch MKIII – 6xBA, 2xDD, 2xEST (USD $999)
I also compared the DOMEs to IEMs at Addicted to Audio during a recent Head-Fi members meetup.
Monarch MKIII’s are quite chunky and fit me very snugly. They isolate a bit better than the DOMEs but aren’t quite as comfortable, and also require quite a bit more power at 30 volume on the R6P2.
The DOMEs may have a slightly deeper soundstage and a minor edge in dynamics, but in other facets the Monarch MKIII’s pull ahead with a bit more sub bass though overall bass quantity is similar, a midrange that’s biased more towards the lower rather upper midrange & consequently has a more natural tonality than the DOME’s, and higher quality EST-fuelled treble with a greater feeling of refinement.
Monarch MKIII’s stage is wider, imaging more precise, resolution is higher & instruments sound larger.
Campfire Andromeda Emerald Sea – 5xBA (USD $1399)
Andromeda Emerald Sea have some of the most beautiful, exquisitely smooth-finished metal shells of any IEM I’ve tried. They’re about the same size as the DOMEs, don’t feel much heavier and are similarly comfortable. Requiring 18 volume on the R6P2 they’re a bit easier to drive.
Unfortunately Emerald Sea are second only to the Blessing 3s as the worst IEMs I’ve demoed this year, they’re an irredeemable trainwreck. The first thing I notice is how boomy they sound, almost as if a wonky reverb filter has been added to the music. They’re incredibly coloured & muddy, with excessive lower midrange boost and bass that sounds very hollow.
Emerald Sea also feel embarrassingly lacking in resolution with excessive warmth clouding the presentation, and though their soundstage is deeper than DOME’s it also feels narrower. Emerald Sea feel like a failed attempt to emulate the unique FIR XE6 tuning, and make the vastly less expensive DOMEs feel smoother & more refined by comparison.
Page 1 – Introduction, Packaging & Ergonomics
Page 2 – Sound Impressions & Technical Performance
Page 3 – IEM Comparisons
Page 4 – Amplification Performance & Cable Comparisons
Page 5 – Conclusion
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