Review of the Hisenior Okavango IEMs. 1x9.5mm Bio-cellular DD + 6BA's and a 4 way crossover. I bought this with my own money and my opinions are my own.
I've had this set for a month now and burned them in. I used a FiiO M17 with local FLAC files and local Qobus high resolution files. The tuning switches were set to off and there was no EQ used. I always use Dunu Candy Large tips, as they seal perfectly in both ears across many platforms.
There have been very few reviews on this set or this company for that matter. They specialize in custom IEM's for musicians, but also make what they call Universal sets. I bought the set to compare against the Performer 8 and SA6 MKII. The price point was $300 for the IEM's and another $70 to upgrade to the White Whale cable.
I wouldn't be reviewing this set if I didn't truly enjoy listening to them and think they're great value for money.
Sound Quality:
Sub bass - they can rattle your teeth. I listened to VVS and the low frequency rumble could be felt.
Bass - has excellent slam. I'm a lover of Drums, as you can see from my library and this set delivers. Bass and kick drums did not disappoint. Beastie Boys, Curtis Mayfield, Funkedelic all sounded great
Mids - Male vocals are slightly recessed, but very clear. Some sibilance on a few tracks, but I put that down to the recording.
Upper Mids - Female vocals were more forward, balanced better. No sibilance detected
Timbre was excellent, as well as note weight. Rapid pops, clicks, rim shots etc. where very much like you were there, but not in your face.
I'd call this set balanced to slightly dark. Not fatiguing at all. I'm able to listen for hours with no problem
Treble and Upper Treble - are very detailed, but again not fatiguing
Sound Stage - is average, but when both tuning switches are turned on this expands greatly and the sound quality doesn't suffer for it
The fit is very good. The look great in the standard green and timber finish, but there are many custom shells available. Similar to the selections available on the MMKIII.
I rated this set better than the SA6MK2 and slightly better than the Performer8. My MMKIII is noticeably better and more immersive, but this set is not slouch and should be considered for libraries like mine below.
The Library Used:
Journey Faithfully
Curtis Mayfield Pusherman
David Bowie Wild is the Wind
Foreigner Double Vision
Rush Xanadu
The Who I AM The Sea
The Who Overture
Tool The Pot
Tool Chocolate Chip Trip
ZZ Top La Grange
Bob Marley Turn Your Lights Down Low
Sisters of Mercy Something Fast
Kamaiyah VVS
ELO Mr. Blue Sky
Funkadelic Back in our Minds
Ohio Players Fire
Fergie London Bridge
Adam & the Ants Antmusic
Peter Gabriel Shock the Monkey
Peter Gabriel Mercy Street
Peter Gabriel Games Without Frontiers
Chicago Moving In
Chicago Ballet for the Girl in Buchannon: Moving In
Rod Stewart Tonight's the Night
Beastie Boys Slow Ride
U2 Promenade
Sade Maureen
Smithereens In a Lonely Place
Radiohead Paranoid Android
Duran Duran The Chauffeur
Eagles Hotel California
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