Hello, I just joined, primarily for the audiophile products. Looking at purchasing the NHT C3 speakers for our new living room. Space is about 15 feet wide by 33 long and they will fire long ways. Space is just for general listening, music room with all equipment is downstairs, so hoping they will fill it with sound nicely. Cheers.
Mar 18, 2024
I can tell you right now, compared to the W40, the Lyra 2 is a lot warmer. It feels almost like having a cushion put over my head in comparison (but other people have already noted this). Second thing you'll notice is that bass presence is much more pronounced in the Lyra 2 compared to the W40. If you listen to songs with a lot of bassline thumps, you'll be able to notice that, for the Lyra 2, the way the bass punches is more rounded (and has more weight to it). Like if someone were to punch you with their fist compared to punching you with the knuckle of a single finger. You'll also get much more sub bass detail from the Lyra 2 in comparison, by that I mean the rumbling goodness of any good bassline.
The thing that wowed me the most with this IEM was that the vocals were surprisingly clear despite how warm it was. The reason I bought the W40 was because of the way it did vocals at first (my Shure 530s were getting rather old and I didn't want to risk ruining them, if you ask why I didn't just get the Shure 535s, I just wanted something different). What I mean by at first, is that for some tracks the vocals can sometimes sounds slightly off to the side. This could be an attribute that you may enjoy, but I prefer my vocals in the center (unless there are multiple voices it just feels... odd). It could be because the W40 is wider, but I'll be honest, there's at most a slight increase but that's just my ears and inexperience.
Now treble... decently detailed, but I can't say more since it's been too long and I wasn't really paying attention to that aspect. I can say that there wasn't any sibilance to be heard as far as I remember, and I am rather sensitive to anything sharp or scratchy sounding. I'd say it's about on par with the W40.
Comfort, well there's not much to say they're both super comfortable, and about the same weight (the Lyra 2 might be a tad heavier. I do prefer the way the W40 covers my ear more though, but that may just be because I'm used to it.
The reason why I didn't get the Lyra 2 however, was because it was just a tad too warm for my tastes. I do mean just a bit. But when I have to pay full retail price for it where I am, I'd rather look elsewhere.
Anyways back to the bass. I can't say the bass in the W40 is muddy or broad to me, it's more that it's recessed? Then again all the frequencies just sound pushed back for me. It isn't the tightest bass I've heard tho that's for sure. As for the Lyra 2, I have a feeling the warmth of it might give you a headache. I don't have tinnitus though so I'm not sure.
Regarding your tinnitus though. Have you heard of Asius Technology and their Adel modules ( https://asiustechnologies.com/pages/technology )? Supposedly they help with your hearing but I'm no expert in this field but they seem like a friendly bunch. Now this reviewer says he has tinnitus and the Adel modules on the IEMs apparently helped with extended use ( http://www.head-fi.org/products/64-audio-u10/reviews/17168 ). Be sure that you're not getting IEMs with the Apex modules however, since they apparently don't offer the same relief. Currently Asius is partnering with Empire Ears to push out their modules ( https://www.empireears.com/ )
Now mind you, I haven't heard any of the Empire Ears lines with the Adel modules so I can't say how different the sound may be but I think the Athena might be the best fit for you. Vocals were great, bass was tight, but that price tag makes me cry haha. The vocals on the Spartan are pretty nice too but that bass just doesn't have as much presence compared to the Athena. The Cerebus was pretty nice too but the bass might be too muddy and broad as you put it. Now this might be different with Adel modules installed for you but honestly it's better to get some on hands testing. I've talked to some Empire Ears reps and they're very accommodating, you might be able to work something out with the testing.
Best of luck to finding the perfect IEMs for you man!
I own a pair of w4r and am looking to get these lyra ii for a change/slight upgrade as my w4rs are about 6 years old now. I am looking for something with more soul/more musical, with punchier bass and less rolled off highs (like in the w4r). I love my westones for its mids although at times i do wish voices were thicker. Just a couple of questions: 1. would you say they clarity and detail in reproduction is on par or better than the w4r/w40? 2. what would you say is the main/biggest difference between the w40 and the lyra ii, is the latter better in any distinct regards?
thanks alot!
I've already noted in the comparison I did above but from what you're saying you're looking for, the Lyra 2 would be an okay choice. The Oriolus Forsteni from an earlier drop would have been a better option. Reason being I don't know if you'll like how very warm the Lyra 2 is in comparison to the Westone Ws whereas the Forsteni was only slightly warm.
Of course for this price the Lyra 2 is quite the steal. If you're willing to pay for the price of a Vega though, or if it goes on sale, you should most definitely grab them.