Sound Impressions
I’ve used a Cayin N6III with C201 motherboard in hi-gain mode to test the Cepheus. Here is the Tidal playlist I use to evaluate audio gear.
The Cepheus contain one 6mm DD, one 10mm DD and 6BAs. They’re quite smooth, polite & inoffensive with a strong emphasis on the midrange for impressive vocal reproduction.
Bass
KBear have tuned things well here, with bass that’s slightly north of neutral, marginally favouring sub bass over midbass, but does not overshadow the midrange & allows the presentation to remain neutral.
Bass takes something of a backseat to the midrange, yet without sounding bass light. It’s not all good news however, as bass decay is shorter than I’d like so texture on drum hits is lacking at times, and the DDs themselves will occasionally struggle to keep up with very fast music.
Midrange
This is where the Cepheus really shine, projecting a fairly forward midrange that’s as refined as any I’ve heard in this price range.
Vocals are smooth and fairly full-bodied, articulation is heavily emphasised over note weight with a nice balance between the lower & upper midrange that delivers a solid impression of neutrality.
Though midrange instruments sometimes feel small and I’d like a bit more warmth, there’s a wonderful balance here of articulation without harshness, and refinement without details being smoothed over.
Treble
Treble is perhaps the Cepheus’ weakest area and this is where investing more money in an IEM with EST drivers might pay dividends.
Cepheus treble can be a touch glarey at times, with treble being marginally too forward and at times – jutting out from the rest of the frequency spectrum unwontedly.
Treble can also be a little grainy, and though I wouldn’t call the Cepheus bright I’d prefer either slightly less upper frequency emphasis or a warmer midrange to balance things out more.
Technical Performance
Cepheus are capable technical performers without being outstanding. Imaging & separation are above average for this price range and I suspect Cepheus’ somewhat forward treble offers assistance here.
Staging is fairly wide so instruments have a fair amount of space to play with, however both stage depth & height are lacking with relatively little evident. Not unusual for IEMs under $500.
Dynamics are merely average and this is one area where I feel like improvement could increase excitement levels, with mediocre dynamics contributing to a feeling of politeness. Note weight is also lacking (which more midbass might solve) and this also contributes to a slightly floaty instruments.
Resolution quite good throughout the midrange due to the Cepheus’ vocal emphasis with subtle nuances easily perceived, but significantly poorer at either end of the frequency spectrum.
Page 1 – Introduction, Packaging & Ergonomics
Page 2 – Sound Impressions & Technical Performance
Page 3 – IEM Comparisons
Page 4 – Conclusion
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