IEM Comparisons
I’ve used a Luxury & Precision E7 in hi-gain mode with an assortment of IEMs to test the Pyramid.
Here’s the Tidal playlist I use to evaluate audio gear.
ISN H60 – 2xDD 4xBA (USD $349)
The H60s are my favourite IEMs under $500 and they’re very warm with the stock cable.
In this impressive pairing resolution goes up markedly as does note weight, the stage feels slightly wider, but most importantly the background is much blacker with better instrument separation to create a greater feeling of refinement, though I don’t notice any bass improvement.
This creates a more cohesive, effortlessly absorbable sound as individual instruments feel less jumbled together. The stock cable is brighter, whereas Pyramid is tonally smoother.
Penon Turbo – 6xBA (USD $549)
Another extremely impressive pairing – a big upgrade to the Turbos’ overall refinement & resolution.
Bass goes deeper with better texture & rumble, the soundstage feels a tad flatter but definitely wider, but what really stands out is the background feels so much blacker. This gives individual notes more form & substance with better separation, and much higher resolution.
The Turbo stock cable feels more brittle & fatiguing whereas the Pyramid is cleaner & more coherent.
CIEM Unique Melody MEST MKIII – 1xDD 4xBA 1xBCD 4xEST (USD $1919)
The gap between the Pyramid & stock cable is much smaller this time, though still an upgrade.
Bass is tighter, dynamics improve and of course the background is blacker with better instrument separation. The stage is slightly more spacious and resolution does go up a notch. So the improvements are there, but smaller in magnitude.
The stock cable is warmer & bassier but bass can be a little boomy, though tonally smoother with more rounded notes. Whereas everything is more defined with Pyramid and treble is slightly more incisive.
FiR Audio XE6 – 1xDD 4xBA 1xEST (USD $3899)
Pyramid makes XE6’s bass hit harder & deeper with more emphasis towards sub bass, the stage deepens and treble is slightly brighter.
Dynamics are much improved – the stock cable sounds flat & lifeless by comparison, resolution is higher & instruments feel larger. The entire presentation feels more alive, sharper & incisive.
The fact that Pyramid matches the XE6s so well visually is the icing on the cake of this superb pairing.
Page 1 – Introduction, Packaging, Ergonomics & Build Quality
Page 2 – Sound Impressions
Page 3 – IEM Comparisons
Page 4 – Cable Comparisons
Page 5 – Conclusion
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