Adastra Skyline
I received this from Musicteck at a discount to review. My thoughts and opinions are my own and were not influenced in any way.
This is a fun device, which depending on your level of input can go from enthusiast to pro device, entirely based on your desire to substitute out the op amps.
Aroma has stated they will be releasing more op amps for this device in the future, and recommend only using Aroma products here.
The op amps to change out is a fun project, but not intuitive or easy off the bat. I would guess the average person would take 10-15 minutes to do it. It is a little tricky to do, and wouldn’t recommend for the average non-tinkering person.
The stock OP Amp has strong dynamics for both the bass punch and has good highs and extensions.
I feel that this is one of the most clear and clean usb-c only devices out there on the market. The novelty again revolves around the multiple tones to play with. The build quality (aerospace aluminum) and design is fantastic. It sounds and looks great. The build quality is fantastic, and it feel premium. I feel it has a strong overall performance and is worth it for the price sonically. It also is ideal for those who want a small dongle that is beautiful and compact with an impressive mature design.
After trying both ops amps, I feel the installed ones (HD OP amp) are a tiny bit better with better vocals and air, while the other opp amp has a little more bass.
Granted, this is only after a few hours on the 2nd op amp. I feel like I’ve just scratched the surface on untapping this Amp.
Ideal for iPads and smartphones with USB-C out, particularly due to its small footprint!
The device is as described. What I was looking for was an open sound stage. I really wasn't disappointed, and was even served beyond my expectations. This IEM is far superior to the price I paid. They advertised bass that was a little recessed, but I don't find it so. The female vocals are excellent, and the midrange is up to scratch (I listen to a lot of acoustic guitar). In short, this IEM is well worth the IEMs I paid almost 3 times the price for. I recommend it.
Preamble:
I spent a lot of time with the Triton source, tip, and cable rolling.
I’m not going to go into detail on every source, tip, and cable I rolled, but, offer the following as a general overview of my experience.
👉🏻 Source device sensitive. Warmer sources enhance the sub bass focus of the tuning.
More resolving sources tighten up the bass a bit and adds some definition between sub and mid bass.
👉🏻 Responds accurately to the recorded source. Bass heavy tracks fill the head stage with powerful bass, but, while the bass remains prominent, it eases off to very respectable levels on non bass heavy tracks.
👉🏻 Ear tips do as expected. Wide bore open up the mids, vocals and highs. Head stage opens up a bit.
Narrow bore tips, specifically the included Final E Series tips, favour the bass region and the sub bass is the star of the show.
👉🏻 The included Monarch cable pairs very well with Triton.
But if you find the sub bass focus to be a bit too much (it can be overpowering on bass heavy tracks) I found swapping on a silver plated copper cable gave the mid bass more impact and presence, and, lifted the mids and highs.
Sound:
Bass is the obvious focus of the Triton and for this evaluation I have Triton set up as Empire Ears intended, stock cable and stock ear tips.
I also choose a warmer source device to maximize the bass experience.
The bass is sub predominant and it fully fills the head space.
Mid bass lacks impact on most tracks and is easily over shadowed on sub bass heavy tracks.
Mids, vocals, and highs have very good presence, but they don’t present elevated or forward.
Vocalists for example sound like they are mid stage and pushing forward from there, rather than front of stage and elevated.
Mids have good detail retrieval, but not exceptional.
Highs are clear and bright, but again, not often elevated or overly airy and sparkly. Micro detail retrieval is limited.
The head stage is wide and tall with good depth as well, which gives it a decent holographic presentation.
The tamed presence of the mids and highs does limit imaging and layering.
Instrument placement is not overly precise.
Summary:
It took me some time to come to grips with what I believe Empire Ears was trying to achieve.
A true bass head IEM. No apologies.
Compared to other bass prominent IEM’s I’m familiar with like the Theiaudio Hype 10, 64Audio Volur, and even Triton’s older sibling the Legend EVO.
All of these iEMs have very strong bass presence, but they are configured and tuned to also have a strong mids and highs presence to balance things out.
These are all outstanding IEM’s, but, when you hear a bass heavy track and you crank up the volume for that extra bass boost, the mids and highs can at times become over energetic along with.
With Triton, on bass heavy tracks, you can crank it up to near brain mashing levels without the upper end becoming overbearing.
If EE’s plan was to have a true bass focused IEM with enough mids and highs to work well with a broad range of genre, I’d say they nailed it.
I find Triton works well with most of my library, the exceptions being symphonic and acoustic. Still good, but not the best fit.
Classic rock, blues, pop, rap, certain jazz and even most country sounds very good.
Electronic really shines.
At $1800 usd the Triton is a significant investment.
I typically prefer a more balanced “audiophile” tuning. But I do love my bass as well.
I can listen to Triton for multi hour sessions and enjoy every minute of it.
Triton is definitely for bass enthusiasts.
IS A VERY GOOD CABLE ESPECIALLY ON TH BASS, AS I WAS LOOKING FOR. NOT VERY DETAILED SO NOT GOOD FOR MY VIKING Ragnar or cipur 622b
