Thanks for the comparison. I'm Very satisfied with my E3000 and I'm on the look out for an upgrade. For anything that has more detail, better separation and imaging within the same rich/dense/warm/dark signature. The E5000 seems like a LOT of investment (including a substantial DAC) for diminishing returns. And theres no hope for a lower priced option (or even a less power hungry one, where one could save on the DAC upgrade). It seems the masses love Moondrop/Harman'ish tuning and no manufacturer wants to stick their neck out for such a flavour, at least not an affordable one :( Is there something in the kilobuck range or below (on the used market) that can be an upgrade yet not this crazy to drive?
The Kiwi Ears Quintet is really good and easy to drive compared to the e5000. The Quintet and e3000 are my go to daily IEMs. The Quintet is a little less expensive than the e5000. To me when put in deep enough the Quintet is neutral with a little little bit of spice but not painful at all. I was surprised that I liked the tuning when coming from the e3000. You might like it too. The Quartet are on sale right now on Amazon. Those sound warm according to reviews I've seen and have 2 switches to make adjusts.
Thanks for the comparison. I'm Very satisfied with my E3000 and I'm on the look out for an upgrade. For anything that has more detail, better separation and imaging within the same rich/dense/warm/dark signature. The E5000 seems like a LOT of investment (including a substantial DAC) for diminishing returns. And theres no hope for a lower priced option (or even a less power hungry one, where one could save on the DAC upgrade). It seems the masses love Moondrop/Harman'ish tuning and no manufacturer wants to stick their neck out for such a flavour, at least not an affordable one :( Is there something in the kilobuck range or below (on the used market) that can be an upgrade yet not this crazy to drive?
The Kiwi Ears Quintet is really good and easy to drive compared to the e5000. The Quintet and e3000 are my go to daily IEMs. The Quintet is a little less expensive than the e5000. To me when put in deep enough the Quintet is neutral with a little little bit of spice but not painful at all. I was surprised that I liked the tuning when coming from the e3000. You might like it too.
The Quartet are on sale right now on Amazon.
Those sound warm according to reviews I've seen and have 2 switches to make adjusts.