IEM Comparisons
I compared the Model2s to other IEMs using a Luxury & Precision P6 Pro set to hi-gain at 5/60 volume.
The Model2s were paired with a 4.4mm balanced NiceHCK BlackCat Ultra cable for all comparisons.
Penon Turbo – 6xBA (USD $549)
The Turbos share an all-BA configuration with the Model2s, which is about where the similarities end.
Bass quantity is vastly higher on the Turbos though it’s mostly extra midbass, but the Model2 bass texture has a bit more bite. The Turbo midrange is warmer with vocals positioned further back, they don’t grab as much attention and are far less resolving.
The Model2s are slightly brighter, with a much deeper and more three dimensional soundstage. The Turbos aren’t as dynamic either, with poorer note weight, instruments that sound smaller & less defined imaging. They’re far more bass dominant, but can’t compete in most other areas.
Unique Melody MEST MKIII – 4xBA 1xBCD 4xEST (USD $1919)
The biggest difference in this comparison lies in the treble – the MESTs’ EST fuelled treble is much silkier and more detailed to my ears, and is pushed to the front so there’s quite a lot of it.
The MESTs are fairly v-shaped with DD bass I find more satisfying texturally, but at the low volumes I listen at bass quantity is actually lower than the Model2s which can lead to the MESTs sounding a bit thin particularly through the midrange, where they have a cooler almost metallic tonality.
The Model2s boast far more engaging & resolving vocals which are accentuated about as much as treble is on the MESTs, and the Model2s are also more coherent. However treble feels more delicate & resolving on the MESTs, which are superior in areas like imaging, dynamics & background blackness. The MEST soundstage is slightly wider but flatter.
I visited Addicted to Audio in Melbourne to compare the Model2s to IEMs with similar characteristics.
Noble Audio Spartacus – 4xBA 2xBCD (USD $1799)
Spartacus are very bass-centric with much higher bass quantity, and their BA bass features superior texture to that of the Model2s, imitating the slam of a DD slightly more effectively.
The Model2 midrange is far more resolving with more natural tonality, which is saying something because the Spartacus midrange is absolutely no slouch. Spartacus are warmer & more relaxed, whereas vocals on the Model2s can be very forward.
Spartacus are darker in the treble and I find their treble quality is inferior to the Model2s as well. They boast a wider stage but it isn’t nearly as deep as that of the Model2s, and though Spartacus do separate instruments better they aren’t as resolving overall.
64 Audio U12t – 12xBA (USD $1999)
To my surprise the U12T are warmer with much more midbass, boasting slightly greater bass quantity but mushier bass texture than the Model2s.
The U12Ts sound fuller but also very muffled by comparison, with a less lively upper midrange presence but do come across as smoother. I also hear more upper treble on the U12Ts.
The Model2s have a slightly narrower yet deeper stoundstage, and are far more resolving & dynamic.
Noble Audio Ronin – 8xBA 4xEST (USD $3900)
Ronin are the closest match to the Model2s I’ve found, yet they’re still quite different.
Ronin are known for being midrange-centric, yet the Model2s are more mid-centric still which means bass & treble have greater prominence on Ronin, which feature higher BA bass quantity & slightly more satisfying bass texture as well.
Despite having a bit more treble sparkle Ronin are warmer, yet sound more digital than the Model2s with some plasticky BA driver tonality whereas the Model2 midrange is more forward, prominent & resolving.
Ronin have superior separation, sharper imaging and are slightly more dynamic, but the Model2s have a blacker background, better note weight and are more coherent.
FiR Audio Radon 6 – 1xDD 4xBA 1xEST (USD $3299)
The RN6s are far more bass dominant with much more satisfyingly slower bass decay, but have more trouble keeping up with fast music as a result, yet they expose the Model2s’ lack of bass prominence.
The RN6s are far less mid-centric, instead they emphasise the upper frequencies more and are very well-balanced overall, but lack the Model2 midrange magic and I find their tonality isn’t as natural.
The Model2s boast better dynamics, superior midrange resolution & improved note weight, but the RN6s separate instruments better & have a much wider stage though it isn’t as deep.
Page 1 – Introduction & Packaging
Page 2 – Ergonomics & Appearance
Page 3 – Sound Impressions & Technical Performance
Page 4 – IEM Comparisons
Page 5 – Cable Comparisons
Page 6 – Conclusion
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