Definition
synergy (adapted from the Oxford Dictionary of English) noun the interaction of two or more pieces of audio equipment to produce a combined effect: the synergy in-between this digital audio player and these in-ear monitors is out of this fucking world.
According to leading psychologists in the field, synergy, whether accounted for or ignored, leads audiophiles to do what they actually enjoy doing the most, i.e. researching, talking about and, especially, buying audio equipment. The following behaviours can be observed in the search for synergy or by ignoring it:
- The acquisition of yet another pair of IEMs.
- The acquisition of yet another DAP (also).
- All of the above.
- Financial ruin.
- Divorce.
Explanation
If we stick to a simple setup such as a digital audio player / DAP paired with a pair of in-ear monitors / IEMs or headphones; how well the two pair together and the resulting synergy is perhaps one of the most important aspect of (portable) hi-fi.
It also must be said that, top of the line / TOTL equipments do not automatically pair well. While, from a technical standpoint, a TOTL DAP paired with TOTL IEMs are likely going to give you a TOTL sound, the fact of the matter is that you might not like how they pair, i.e. their synergy.
In my experience, it doesn’t matter whether your IEMs are the latest, cheapest, hippest Chi-Fi release or the latest TOTL from an established company within the industry. When you plug them into your source, whether it’s your laptop, smartphone’s bundled dongle, DAC/Amp or $1000 DAP, what will give you a good or bad synergy will essentially be based on your very own preferences.
With this in mind, what follows is a comparison of the synergy in-between two IEMs of roughly similar prices; paired with two DAPs of roughly similar prices.
Then, just for shit and giggles as well as to keep everyone honest, I’ll pair the two IEMs with Apple’s Lightning to 3.5 mm Headphone Jack Adapter as well as Luxury & Precision’s W1 DAC/Amp.
The IEMs are 64 Audio’s Nio (the company’s entry-level IEMs) and Campfire Audio’s Solaris 2020 (the company’s TOTL IEMs).
The DAPs are Astell & Kern’s A&norma SR25 (the company entry-level DAP) and Shanling’s M6 Pro (the company’s previous TOTL DAP) each being roughly half the price of the aforementioned IEMs.
Terms & Conditions
The focus will be the synergy based on my preferences (more on this below).
Both IEMs will be used single-ended. Tips will be silicone. Cables will be the stock one for the Solaris 2020 and a custom PlusSound Exo Series SPC cable for the Nio (because 64 Audio just can’t make a decent stock cable).
As the Nio can be tuned with different modules, I will only use the MX (black) module as it’s the closest to the Solaris 2020 unless stated otherwise. (If you’d like to read comparisons in-between the two IEMs, I recommend checking Twister6’s review of the Nio where he compares the two.)
There will be no fancy volume matching aside what I’ll do based on my hearing.
L&P W1 as well as the Shanling’s M6 Pro will use the Fast/Short Delay Sharp Roll-off filters. Because I prefer single DAC versus dual DACs, the M6 Pro will be used in single DAC mode.
In terms of my preferences; they lean towards the musical/natural. I want to get lost in the music when I want to listen passively and hear emotions, details and texture when I listen actively – otherwise I’ll just use my iPhone and AirPods Pro.
This means I’m difficult. If one of the two is too cold/dry/thin/technical, I need the other one warm/wet/thick/musical and vice-versa. This is simplified to the extremes as a lot of other aspects and nuances come into play but everyone should get the idea.
Pairings
With Apple’s Lightning to 3.5 mm Headphone Jack Adapter (it’s a DAC/Amp)
- 64 Audio Nio (MX module)
Ok — The adapter brings too much warmth and organic timbre to the already very warm and organic tuning of the Nio. Passable. Would avoid with the stock M15 module though.
- Campfire Audio Solaris 2020
Excellent — While not bright, the Solaris 2020 have a technical side which pairs really well with the adapter’s organic timbre and warmth.
With Luxury & Precision W1 DAC/Amp
- 64 Audio Nio (MX module)
Good — The W1 being more controlled than Apple’s adapter, it allows for better detail retrieval while retaining the Nio’s smoothness.
- Campfire Audio Solaris 2020
Perfect — More controlled than Apple’s adapter which can sound a bit all over the place in comparison, this pairing shines and allows for one of the best synergies with the Solaris 2020.
With Astell & Kern’s A&norma SR25 DAP
- 64 Audio Nio (MX module)
Excellent — The SR25 being the most technical source here, it complements well the Nio’s smoothness. Works equally well with the M15 module.
- Campfire Audio Solaris 2020
Ok, but barely — The Solaris’ technical side stands out too much here for my tastes as they’re emphasized by the SR25’s own technical side.
With Shanling’s M6 Pro DAP
- 64 Audio Nio (MX module)
Ok, but barely — This gets a pass thanks to the MX module. With the M15 module, the smoothness of the Nio combined with the M6 Pro’s smoothness is, you’ve guessed it: too smooth.
- Campfire Audio Solaris 2020
Perfect — I struggle to find which is best compared to the synergy the Solaris have with the L&P W1. The M6 Pro is a tad more detailed. Do I prefer it? It depends on the track but the W1 is the safest and cheapest option.
Conclusion
Few reviewers do extensive comparisons and having done this admittedly short comparison, I can only understand why. It’s therefore only fitting that I mention Twister6’s dedicated work in this regard. There are few dispassionate reviewers out there and he’s certainly among them with his comparisons being worthy of your time and attention before your next purchase.
Now, let’s enjoy some music together while you freak out plugging your last TOTL IEMs to your smartphone’s bundled dongle… peace. ☮
A note on the contributor by the contributor: NewEve is, owns and writes The Vagrant Audiophile as well as contributes over at Head-Fi under the same pen name. Completely nuts, s/he suffers from the financial humiliation that buying her/his own audio gear entails and has been certified loco by Head Pie's head honcho.
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