Crinacle X 7hz Salnotes Dioko - The Ho-Hum Boring Planar Experience - Honest Audiophile Impressions

A BIG thank you to Linsoul Audio for providing the Dioko for review, much appreciated.
Purchase:
Dioko: www.linsoul.com/products/7hz-...
3.5mm-4.4mm Adapter: www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07...
Instagram: pB4LG7Kqp_...
Twitter: / talkdbs @TalkDbs
Website: www.thehonestaudiophile.com
Patreon : / thehonestaudiophile
KZbin membership: / @thehonestaudiophile
The Honest Audiophile research/review process: • Let's Talk - My resear...
Tierlist:docs.google.com/spreadsheets/...
Audio Terms/Definitions: www.thehonestaudiophile.com/p...
Recommended Gear:
Rosson Audio Design RAD-0: www.rossonaudiodesign.com/
Meze Empyrean: mezeaudio.com/products/meze-e...
Hifiman Ananda: hifiman.com/products/detail/290
Sennheiser HD600: en-us.sennheiser.com/best-aud...
Sennheiser HD660s: en-us.sennheiser.com/hd-660-s
MrSpeakers Ether C (non flow version) danclarkaudio.com/
(similar to:) drop.com/buy/drop-mrspeakers-...
Aueze LCD 2 Closed: LCD-2 Closed Back (audeze.com)
ADV. M5-12D: www.adv-sound.com/collections...
CTM Da Vinci X: cleartunemonitors.com/product...
Tin Hifi T3 Plus:TINHIFI T3 PLUS 10mm LCP Diaphragm Hi-Fi Earphone - Linsoul Audio
Tin Hifi T2: www.linsoul.com/products/tinh...
Moondrop SSR: www.moondroplab.com/ssr
Sony NW-A105: electronics.sony.com/audio/wa...
Sony NW-WM-1a: electronics.sony.com/audio/wa...
Mytek Liberty DAC ii: mytek.audio/shop/lbrt-dac-ii-...
HeadAmp GSX-Mini: www.headamp.com/products/gs-x...
Soekris DAC1421: soekris.modhouseaudio.com/soe...
Tor Audio Roger: toraudio.com/main.html#
Schiit Auido BiFrost 2: schiit.com/products/bi-frost-1
Massdrop THX AAA 789:
drop.com/buy/drop-thx-aaa-789...
Massdrop THX AAA One Linear: drop.com/buy/drop-thx-aaa-one...
Massdrop Grace Design SDAC-B: drop.com/buy/drop-grace-desig...
Test Tracks: www.thehonestaudiophile.com/p...
Tingvall Trio “Beat” - piano tonality
Sinne Eeg “We’ve Just Begun” - multiple layer soundstage
Molly Johnson “What a Little Moonlight Can Do” - female vocal tone
Leslie Odom Jr. “Under Pressure” - male vocal tone
Eric Clapton “Change the World” - soundstage, layering and placement
Yo Yo Ma “Ecstasy of Gold” - acoustic instrument timbre
Adam Baldych “Spem in Alium” - acoustic instrument timbre
Pain of Salvation “Stress” - bass and percussion balance
Michael Buble “When I Fall in Love” - orchestral dynamics
Patricia Barber “Code Cool” - sibilance check
Christian Scott “New New Orleans” - shouty upper mids
Tool “Chocolate Chip Trip” - imaging
Hans Zimmer “Why So Serious” - sub bass extension
Marcus Miller “No Limit” - bass control
Dave Holland Quartet “Conference Of The Birds”- bass check
Ilhan Eshkeri “47 Ronin”- orchestra and bass dynamics
Hans Zimmer: “2049” - sub bass extension
Cher: “Believe” - sibilance
Stanley Clarke - “Passenger 57 main title” - percussion, bass, separation and placement
Slovak Radio Symphony Orchestra - “The Pine of the Appian Way” - soundstage, imaging, separation, dynamic range
Houston Person - “You are my Sunshine” - tone and timbre
If you like the content of this channel and want to see more like this in the future, please
consider donating. All funds donated to the channel will be used to purchase headphones and audio gear for the channel.
Paypal: www.paypal.me/dbsylvia
Venmo: @David-Sylvia-6
Patreon : / thehonestaudiophile
If you would like to contact the channel please send an email to: [e-mail]
Affiliate links:
Drop: massdrop.7eer.net/VXvyJ
Apos Audio: apos.audio?sca_ref=45218.8XN5h6dArS
ADV-Sound: adv-sound.com/?mct=8ENJK5lB promo code: DavidS10
Gestalt Audio: gestalt.audio promo code: DBS
HifGo: hifigo.com/?rfsn=5772588.cbfbb66
Linsoul: www.linsoul.com?sca_ref=910677.dpweP21PzL

[@fiddlix]

Looks like Crinacle was holding back his best tuning on this one. He ain’t getting in to my bank account over this one…ain’t going to happen.

[@Ben-ic1ve]

I have these and would 100% agree. They’re like the anti s12

[@Error-tr9ke]

Got my Kato because of your review. Still loving it and just ordered Ikko OH10 to complement it. As for the Dioko, this was a bit of a let-down for me but I should've really expected it from Crin. I think his preferred sound sig is to stay as neutral as possible so the bass is very lean.

[@fiddlix]

Good decision. My next purchase is going to be a well respected iem…the Tanjim Hana. I have the Kato and it is definitely a keeper no doubt. Dave gives sound recs imho.

[@carminedesanto6746]

Hi yup , I’ve got the OH10’s and the KATO along with the midnight’s and the top dog is the S12 …but I’m expecting the Variations in shortly…that’ll give it a run for the top spot in the IEM’s stable. The Dioko from Crin..was truly a disappointment. He took the Yume and corrected the lack of bass ..and made a great iem the midnight’s. The Dioko should have been the “corrected” version of the original 7HZ ..take down the brightness a touch… and that would have great …but flat EQ’s now mean lifeless sound . Have a great weekend 😋

[@leyvaanan8321]

@@fiddlix I personally think the kato is superior. Hana is warmer and the separation takes a hit compared to kato. kato to me also has more detail and air.

[@KseRBanshee]

@@carminedesanto6746 When you said the top dog is S12, meaning you prefer like the S12 better than the Kato and OH10? I currently have S12 and I’m looking to get the OH10. Now you make me wonder if I should get the OH10 lol

[@carminedesanto6746]

@@KseRBanshee get the OH10’s ..no IEM collection would be complete without it. It’s a phenomenal iem. The top 5 IEM’s in my stable. 1: Variations 2: S12’s ( OG with Final Audio E Tips and a better balanced cable) 3: Midnight’s 4: OH10’s 5: KATO I have the WU planar coming to see if the S12 keeps it current spot 😋

[@ZootTM]

Thanks for your review. It's interesting to see how many planar IEMs are rushing to the market and good to have your reviews to get an overview of them. I recently got to compare side-by-side my Moondrop Variations with a friend's Monarch MK2. I hope someone based near you may someday lend you these for review, would really love to hear your take on these two (outstanding IMHO) IEMs.

[@TheHonestAudiophile]

My pleasure; you're welcome. Monarch ii and Variations would be cool to hear and review for sure.

[@deparoo]

I should receive Truthear zero in a week time, first Crin tuned iem for me, pretty excited!

[@pc6475]

mh and? I returned and got tinhifi t2

[@CharlesSeraphDrums]

Just got the Diokos and I’m loving them. I did change the tips for Sednas which are much longer than the stocks and are already shaped to my ear. That helped both fit and tonality, the stock red stems made the fit loose and the mids veiled. I also tried them off an Apple dongle (I have the Sundaras with a Liquid Spark for desktop setup. The LS is just overkill for the Diokos, I needed to keep it on low gain at around 10:00 on the volume). However, I don’t mind lugging around my Dragonfly as that one is more than capable for the Diokos and gives them even better tonality. Loving them. They have taken a few days of both proper burn in and just usage to get up to speed and round out the treble. But they’re amazing. Imaging and separation are as good as they get, sometimes as good as on the Sundaras.

[@TheHonestAudiophile]

Glad you enjoy the Dioko. Thank you for the impressions.

[@tecno4u31]

Hi. I like the clean, open and detailed sound of the tin t3. Could you recommend something better? An upgrade.

[@TheHonestAudiophile]

Tin Hifi P1 Max - (need a quality amplifier) JQ 4U Pro

[@GadZookz]

There are lots of boring IEMs out there but these are perhaps the first ones that purport to find their listeners boring. Maybe not surprising this model might want to flip us the bird but what about the better buds of our collection? Could FOMO suddenly give way to FOBB? 🤔

[@bethhh7349]

As always Dave, Thank you for the review I think I made a good decision on getting the Kato. I bought it in a store in my country so I will have it with me probably this weekend. Do you think it will be a nice upgrade to the tin hifi t2 ?

[@TheHonestAudiophile]

Completely different style of presentation. The Dioko is very mellow and has more bass than the T2. The T is more natural and accurate and has more emotion and connection with the music. In a technical sense, sure the Dioko is a slight improvement but in a musical sense no it isn't.

[@bethhh7349]

@@TheHonestAudiophile I was wondering about the differences between t2 and moondrop Kato hehe. After your review I don't think on the dioko anymore.

[@TheHonestAudiophile]

@@bethhh7349 Kato is a massive upgrade to the T2.

[@tradehut2782]

Hi! Could you please review the Austrian Audio x-65?

[@TheHonestAudiophile]

Thank you for the suggestion.

[@iyervenki]

Of all the various YT audiophile reviews, you have put it across in an apt way, that these have everything but fails to connect emotionally and is kinda boring. Guess budget price need not always provide "True value", eventually you get, what you pay. It's a pass for me. Great review as always. 👍

[@CarlosGonzalez-hk7tx]

I have a question. If you say that the earphone does not seal well in your ear, then what you heard is not the real sound of the earphone. Is there a possibility that the sound is different in some ear in which the seal is correct?

[@TheHonestAudiophile]

Possible. Seal can impact bass. Most of the technical aspects of details, resolution, imaging, etc will not be effected.

[@CarlosGonzalez-hk7tx]

@@TheHonestAudiophile In your review, the aspect you criticize about this IEM is the sound signature, in which case and based on your answer, it would be different if the headphone had a proper seal in your ear. When we use an equalizer, even if we only move one frequency, it creates a different perception of the other frequencies. Likewise, if the right seal affects the bass, the overall perception of the IEM's sound should change as well. Greetings and congratulations on your channel. I really enjoy your content. Thank you

[@wesleyleigh4063]

I got the Shouer S12, and honestly for all that it does well at it's price, it was definitely more of a meh or a dissapointment. It really just sounds like a slightly better 58X or 6XX or something, and it's fun to experience a new instance of qualities. But to cut to the chase I personally find the bass offensive - but as to why I can't say. I suppose it's because though entry level or mid tier dynamic drivers have their caveats, they at least have a bouncy, rubbery or round bass, where the S12 really doesn't - it being comparatively boosted worsens this muddiness or lack of detail. The treble is also shouty not just in it's tonality or where its boosted (I was sure to EQ those frequency and had planned to already, specifically at 2.5k and 8k) but in it's presentation, full and natural yes but if something is distorted in the song you will here it. Again, there will likely be a lot of people who really enjoy these, and I'm spoilt having Audeze LCD-2's as my only other set (they are just that good) but these definitely don't perform beyond I'd say $250-300 imo. I used them on a Chord Mojo, who knows maybe that was the reason, or they could use some burn in, either way it was an 2 hour in sell-off.

[@wesleyleigh4063]

Upon further listening I realized part of the problem is the bass boost continues below 20 Hz, so High passing at around 15 Hz (6 d/b per oct or Q factor 0.2) improves the sound. this will make the slope start downward at around 23 Hz, which seems appropriate though you might want to try a little higher, perhaps 18.

[@s1nonnn589]

For some reason the dioko price half (yes half) the s12, but is the s12 twice more better than the dioko, is it worth getting the dioko or save up for the s12?

[@TheHonestAudiophile]

I prefer the S12 so I say save up.

[@herb601]

In a million years, I doubt they would fit in my ears. Curious, did you do something to your room or have you expanded to another? No chair, no equipment?

[@TheHonestAudiophile]

I rearranged the office.

[@HobbyTalk]

Case is nice for travel, tips sucked haha. I had to use foam tips.

[@NicoKnowsTech]

Hmm... I didn't expect you to dislike these.

[@TheHonestAudiophile]

I don't dislike them but I don't like them much either lol

[@davidcoons89]

1:15 Woah, zinger incoming!!

[@jb678901]

I think I am off the "buy the next-best IEM-hype train" for awhile. Happy with the Shuoer S12 ($141), the Tripowin x HBB Olina ($99), the T3+ ($68), HZ Heart Mirror and TKZK Waves ($38). Usually pairing them to KZ AZ09 Pro's (either C-pin or modded B-pin earhook sets) OR via cable to my FiiO BTR5. Maybe later this year I will go for some Moondrop Blessing 2's...no rush.

[@wesleyleigh4063]

how the Olina compare to the S12? I have the latter but am not in love with them, i find the bass muddy and the treble shouty.

[@TheHonestAudiophile]

I recommend you watch my Olina video and keep in mind that I haven't heard the modded version only in stock form. kzbin.info/www/bejne/mGO0lYqXpd-ob7M

[@carminedesanto6746]

Sounds like one my of dates….🤣

[@Garrettdx1988]

They look like grandma earrings. Still probably gonna buy some though lol

[@TheHonestAudiophile]

Too funny, thanks for the laugh. Look forward to hearing your impressions.

[@alexferguson8893]

Do you think you will do the brand new Kinera Celest Gumiho planar + ba driver IEMs, I've been considering buying them while I wait for the Moondrop Stellaris

[@TheHonestAudiophile]

I have one inbound for review from Kinera. Not sure when it will arrive.

[@riteshthahryani]

I have hifiman he400se as my main driver and moon drop spaceship as my iem , I want to update my iem, which should have a crystal clean audio, I am not a bass head my budget is 100 usd which one should I buy aria aria snow tin t3 plus titan s

[@TheHonestAudiophile]

DUNU Titan S followed by Tin Hifi T3 Plus, Moondrop Aria and I've not heard Aria Snow.

[@riteshthahryani]

@@TheHonestAudiophile thanks man, I always trust you

[@TheHonestAudiophile]

Looking forward to hearing your impressions of what you decide to purchase. Thank you for the kind words, much appreciated.

[@riteshthahryani]

@@TheHonestAudiophile just ordered tin t3 plus, looks complete package for me, fitting and sound (your review), will arrive in couple of days.

[@TheHonestAudiophile]

@@riteshthahryani Awesomeness. Look forward to hearing your thoughts on them.

[@cadmiumpureland]

You are ranting.😝 $99 includes a good case,good wire and 2 sets of tips! What more do u want?😱 I think u exaggerated by saying it’s soulless,without emotion……. This iem sounds ok to me. I am honest.😁

[@TenjinZekken]

This is what kind of got me. The IEM is pocketable by itself, the case doesn't need to be. And the way he described the contents like, what did you expect to come in the case? Do other IEMs come with that much more in terms of accessories? Not really no.

[@carminedesanto6746]

Hi Dave…yup…it has a SUCK to it Not for me ..hence I’m probably going to give it away .

[@TheHonestAudiophile]

Understandable

[@jeffrose61]

likely want to avoid 3.5mm adapting into a balanced output, as it's shorting those connections. on the othernhand a balanced cable adapted into a 3.5mm output simply combines the extra connectors on the cable into a normal ground

[@TheHonestAudiophile]

I haven't had any issues using the adapters that I recommend. I wouldn't recommend it if it didn't work. I have not experienced any problems.

[@davidcoons89]

@@TheHonestAudiophile take the recommendation as you will but Jeff is absolutely correct. You’re flirting with damaging your amplifier permanently y each and every time you short it by using an improper setup to convert to a balanced adapter with single ended gear. Better safe than sorry bud, and no one is doubting your integrity nor is anyone trying to invalidate your experience. Jeff is offering a very important piece of info that the manufacturers of said gear certainly will not be volunteering.

[@TheHonestAudiophile]

@@davidcoons89 Reputable manufacturers wouldn't make these devices if it wasn't safe for gear. The products I use have been in the market for years with very high review scores and very few negative reviews. If they were blowing people's gear up they'd be taken off the market or nobody would be buying them. They work very well and I have had no issues whatsoever. Yes, a badly, incorrectly made adapter can cause issues or damage. That's why I've researched and verified that they work before I recommend them. Thank you for your thoughts and information. If someone doesn't want to use such an adapter they can choose not to.

[@jzxynow2a8gs21]

I think it's high time you get a better camera, I assure you the results/effects are more tangible. :p

[@proffessasvids]

Shame they're so massive! Xx

[@HobbyTalk]

Ya I agree, soulless sound haha

[@souhikyaku9]

I've sworn off all Crinacle products - too many of them to be any good, who has the time

[@music1701a]

These aren’t for everyone. I put different tips on them, foam ones always fit better to my giant ears. I like how even these sound and are great for gaming. Possibly boring, but sometimes that’s what you want. IEMs are sooooo subjective when it comes to fit, you need to def get tips that work for your ear holes.

[@TheHonestAudiophile]

Glad you enjoy the Dioko. Thanks for the comment.

[@enovasia]

Don't like anything from Crinacle, and the extent of his knowledge of expert IEM tuning (vs industry pros like the amazing guys at FATfreq, Noble Audio etc) can be written on a (very small) postage stamp 😂

[@vaporizer1000]

I know why this happen. They used some new type of film on dioko, so it is not like thinnest wich is more prefered for old people who most like thin details in music. But in other case this not thin film is bit more prefered when you lisenig some new electronic music. in this case more thin film can`t give full body of sound for you. so when you decide what of earphones is for you needed think about how old are you first of all. In mostly case if you listening only new electronic music and want earphones with planar drivers then you no need spend more money on it because you can`t feel any prerformance from it.🤣

[@TheHonestAudiophile]

Fit, comfort, seal, implementation of the driver and tuning was the reason not age and preference for type of film used. This was my honest opinion about the performance of the Dioko to my ears on my gear. Thanks for watching, commenting and subscribing.

[@vaporizer1000]

@@TheHonestAudiophile For many other people timeless have more problems with fit. to me also looks like timeless more prefered by sound but I am have not addional 100$ for this. So this my opinion. Also when I am compared timeless and dioko by compering record from it I found for my self timeless even not in every scenario is prefered to dioko. But it is also just my opinion. Also, when you listen to headphones with a premonition that the headphones sound bad to you. then you will certainly feel that the sound does not captivate you. I don't mean to criticize you as a bad reviewer, but maybe it will be informative for you too.

[@TheHonestAudiophile]

@vaporizer1000 Glad you enjoy the Dioko. Thanks for the comment.

[@AbadyAngel]

this is one ugly iem

[@TheHonestAudiophile]

I agree 💯

[@michaelhayes5316]

Are you serious?Your review sucks I own these and they are great!Would you please stop your reviewing iem instantly.Mike🐕🙀

[@rickroll3905]

I’m not aware of his preferred tuning but to me the Dioko sounds great. Great sense of clarity, airy open sound, and very musical. In comparison I returned the S12 because it was too intense, lacking in tonality, and very unnatural. The S12 just felt like I was listening to the details and not actually engaged in the music itself. It was fun at first and quickly fatiguing. The Dioko and the S12 both have sibilance to my ears but it was unbearable on the S12 for me.

[@TheFeaREneRGy]

just xDDDDDD

[@youcrockyvence]

Your review is full of vague descriptions. Man, be specific.

[@TheHonestAudiophile]

What specifics are you seeking?