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mensrea
11
Jan 10, 2022
I remember the Andromedas being so detailed, clear and balanced with a touch of warmth and low end when I first auditioned them years ago. Well worth the asking price at the time. I tried the Classic version again recently as they were on sale and A/B’d them with the Timeless. Couldn’t believe how much better, more resolving, detailed, impactful and just overall technically superior the Timeless is - at 1/4th the discounted price of the Andros. Even the legendary Andromeda treble sparkle was nothing compared to the top end sparkle of the Timeless. The Andromedas were, unbelievably, actually rather muddy and lifeless in comparison. It shouldn’t be a surprise I suppose, although I was still shocked. Technology has pushed things better and cheaper in the iem market. The way it’s supposed to work. The Classic seems to be on sale for discounted prices everywhere these days. And the 2020 revision, a minor update at best intended to extend the shelf life of the product line, is further indication these are at the end of their lifecycle. The build quality and physical presence though are still impressive - they are absolute units and built to last. But for the majority of consumers, that won’t be the primary driver of a purchasing decision. CA still has a unique and compelling sound signature with a lot to give. You can see them trying to compete in the market by releasing lower cost iems with moulded housing instead of the traditional CA metal to keep the price down. I generally love their stuff. But as for the Andromedas, there are better for cheaper these days as far as sound is concerned. May be worth getting - but only at a discount - for the build quality, physical presentation and extras and a still decent sound (though not for the price). A nostalgia buy if there ever was one.
(Edited)
dixter
99
Jan 16, 2022
mensreaI think the planar magnetics are getting ready to take over iem market... when Timeless came it open'd a few eyes/ears... looking forward for the planar developments coming our way... to me planar is above dynamic and just below electrostatic... a sweet spot to be in...
mensrea
11
Jan 16, 2022
dixterI suspect 2022 will see an explosion of "me too" planar iems following the success of the Timeless. The just released Letshuoer S12 (a rebranded Shuoer) planar iem is just a sign of what's to come I think. I would say dynamics, planars, electrostats all have their place, pros, cons, use cases. None of them is inherently superior in a practical sense within the context of their application in iems. The implementation of each technology is more material to the end result in my view.
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