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sfish
43
Apr 13, 2017
In general, I'm loving these IEMs. I have noticed, however, that I'm experiencing a little high-end distortion with one track and I'm not sure if there's a problem with the unit (probably not, I suspect) or that it's just faithfully reproducing some noise that I've never been able to hear before. The track is Temporary Secretary on McCartney II. Not a particularly high-end production, I'll admit. It happens in the right channel during the chorus (especially noticeable toward the end of the song) when the song's title words are sung.
I've noticed this happens with both direct lossless transfer from CD from the 2011 deluxe box, MP3s, and YouTube versions of the song from 2011 and earlier masterings. This distortion isn't audible when I test the same track using my TFZ 5S IEMs nor my Grado SR80i headphones. Since the Noble X is the nicest set I have, so I wanted to make sure I didn't just get a defective unit. If someone else could test this track with their Noble Xs and let me know what you find and/or provide some explanation for why I'm experiencing this if it's a common experience with high-end IEMs, I would greatly appreciate the insight.
Here's a YT link with the song from the 2011 mastering that faithfully reproduces the distortion as mentioned above:

https://youtu.be/hdCH7ZewAfY
P.S. If someone knows how to turn off the massive video preview above, I'll be happy to accommodate.
CEE_TEE
3480
Apr 13, 2017
sfishChecked your track with Noble X, modded HD800, and Enigmas (modded T50RP). There is definitely distortion and compression on tracks within that production. Sounds "crunchy" for sure, easier to hear on the right side. Due to the mix, sound is a little lower/fuller on the left. Don't think it is your X, but let me know if you have a persistent issue...
Side Note: "Audiophile" favorite album "Come Away With Me" by Norah Jones. Good songs, but not an example of good mastering to me. The vocals are distorted. On the title track, for example, listen to 1:07-1:09. The "Don't Know Why" vocals are distorted out of the gate and really apparent. I think it's an error on this album.
(With Paul, it sounds like intentional color/texture/processing...) Cheers!
TheDoc
136
Apr 14, 2017
sfishIf u believe it only happens in the right channel, switch the cable, right to left, and play the track, if u then hear it on the left the problem lays within the track not the iem
Garbage in garbage out
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