It's not just you, the reports I've read are that EA500LM is too bight, even some reviewers that praised it said stuff like "best suited for mid volume listening" which is code for too bright.
The S9 pro has been reviewed by @VintageFlanker on here, measures very well and can be had for a very reasonable price.
Looking at the used market for S9 right now, did the Pro measure better than the S9? I can't tell from the VintageFlanker review.
Think the pro is more powerful and measured around the same. You don't need the power for iem.
Hmm, the Nova's don't need much EQ since they are so close to the Harman target.
Definitely the most cost effective option. Nothing to lose.
@crinacle added Simgot's measurements a couple of days ago, EA500LM surely seems bright, especially with black filter
Really? I've had them for two weeks. I did change out the tips and do a -2.5 at 8kz, a -1.5 at 5khz and a -1.1 at 2.7 khz together with 1 +1.2 at 700 hz, eq and I think they sound absolutely terrific. Also replaced the tips with large Devina Velvets. I find them a perfect complement to the Crinacle Reds, just the thing for male vocals. No regrets at all on their purchase. But not bass cannons, so maybe some who are expecting a lot of sub bass may find them disappointing. I have the original Truthear X's when I want to truly deep bass.
I have both and I have to say I'm really happy with the Novas. I was a little worried that they might be too piercing or too hot in the ear-gain area, but they actually sound very balanced to me. Bass levels are quite high for my taste, but never bloated or distasteful. The cable is a real drawback, however, as it is quite microphonic.
ya, I have all three, Zero original, Zero red and the Nova for the sake of comparison.
My impressions back then were here:
www.audiosciencereview.com
Did you evaluate the IEMs personally, or virtualized via EQ?
I bought all 3 , plugged in each physcailly into the amp and tried out each personally. I played my entire collection through all 3 of these ..
I have to ask because I liked Zero Blue less and it has a lower predicted Harman score compared to Red of 86 vs 79. Second I liked Red more without the the bass plug vs. Red with the bass plug, that scores 86 vs. 74: https://github.com/jaakkopasanen/AutoEq/blob/master/results/RANKING.md In my informal poll on ASR the majority preferred Red without the bass adapter, which in line with the Harman scores: https://www.audiosciencereview.com/forum/index.php?threads/truthear-red-poll.46436/
I have to ask because I liked Zero Blue less and it has a lower predicted Harman score compared to Red of 86 vs 79. Second I liked Red more without the the bass plug vs. Red with the bass plug, that scores 86 vs. 74: https://github.com/jaakkopasanen/AutoEq/blob/master/results/RANKING.md In my informal poll on ASR the majority preferred Red without the bass adapter, which in line with the Harman scores: https://www.audiosciencereview.com/forum/index.php?threads/truthear-red-poll.46436/
The Red is without the 10 Ohm adapter clearly below the Harman 2019 target bass, with it, pretty close. However it has, with or without, considerably less energy between 2 and 8kHz, which I consider a good thing.got it ,
maybe its my ears .. In case of Red zero : I felt I was losing on bass without the 10 ohm plug, and when I added it .. it felt my treble was missing
With the blue, it seeemd I had both.
And when I came across the Nova , it was like .. hey this is just like blue and so much more details.. my ears and hearing capability may be affecting this decision.
FYI .. Im using FLACs with latest JDS EL Dac from Dec 2023, new JDS atom amp.
Did you use a different cable than the one provided?
