- Bass:
Sub bass extension is good, it decays early and typically doesn’t carry far.
Bass transients are quick, tight, and controlled on the EXT. It has the ability to be powerful with good impact when called upon, but I find I need to feed it extra power to wake up the 9.2mm DD and let it shine. The bass has very good texture and definition, with a “snappy” presentation.
- Mids:
The lower mids have some carry over from the bass, there is some added warmth but not excessive, they are clear and detailed. Upper mids are bright and clear with excellent detail retrieval.
- Vocals:
Male vocals tend to present higher up on soundstage and not overly forward. Female vocals present a bit lower and somewhat more forward. Both male and female vocals are clear and detailed, accurate and natural.
- Highs:
Are clear, bright, and airy, with exceptional detail and micro detail retrieval. Even with my being somewhat treble sensitive, the highs are so well presented I don’t find them harsh, sibilant or invasive to any degree.
- Soundstage:
Width is standard slightly outside the ears. Height is very good up top, somewhat limited going low with the quick decay on sub bass. Depth is good, if I could find “fault” with EXT it would be with forward extension of the sound stage. When listening to headstage filling music, like orchestral selections, the stage sounds full, but I don’t perceive it as projecting forward into the audience. Also vocalists tend to sound more “back with band” rather than front and center stage, engaged with the room.
Separation, imaging, and layering are very good (with the exception of some limitation front to rear) detail retrieval is so good that individual instruments stand out clean and clear and placement on the stage is accurate and easy to place.
Summary:
Despite the low impedance (10 ohm)and higher sensitivity 108 dB/mW) rating, I find the EXT craves power. The Kann Alpha is 0-150 increments on volume control, and I find 70 is usually about minimum and I’m often 80-90 on the dial, sometimes pushing up to as much as 110. This is of course track dependant.
EXT is capable of a powerful bass presence but I find it needs that extra power to really bring it forward and shine.
I’ll be upfront and honest, reference tune ear gear is not my usual preference, I tend more toward a slightly warmer, organic tune. The EXT experience has been a pure pleasure for me. The outstanding detail retrieval has me listening to old favourites with a new appreciation.
Will they unseat my current favourites??
Unlikely, but, when I’m in the mood they are going to provide me many hours of musical enjoyment.