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Author Topic: Kennerton Algiz  (Read 1182 times)

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ultrabike

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Kennerton Algiz
« on: April 30, 2015, 07:13:18 AM »

A friend lent me these for a listen (along with the Magisters). According to literature these use a 10 mm dynamic driver capable of 20 Hz to 20 kHz. Impedance is claimed 100 ohms and offer a 100 dB @ 5 mW sensitivity.

The box in which these came reminds me of Rolex. Inside there is an assortment of tips, a 1/4" adapter, an extra cable w mic, a letter carrying case, and a set of acoustic filters. Two types of acoustic filters are offered: transparent (brighter sound signature) and black (darker sound signature).

Getting seal with these is fairly straight forward and did not find any issues with fit. Overall I would say these are quite comfy and fairly decent looking.

So how is the sound? The bass is of my liking though perhaps a bit emphasized. Others will likely find these too bassy. That said, the bass seemed high quality and did not seem to affect resolution nor did it sounded bloated to me. Mids were fairly decent and well delivered. The main issue I had with these was the treble. I found it a little too much of it. Even with the black acoustic filters which sort of seem to mitigate them. With many songs this may not be an issue. However, some live recordings were more challenging.

Please note that while the literature claims these are 100 ohms, the impedance seems drop around the treble area. Therefore, it may be possible then to mitigate treble with high Z amps.

Measurements (transparent acoustic filters)

Frequency Response



Distortion Right



Distortion Left



Measurements (black acoustic filters)


Frequency Response



Distortion Right



Distortion Left



Impedance



Some comparos (between filters, Dunu DN1000, and Philips SHE3590)

red - Algiz transparent filter
purple -Algiz black filter
green - Dunnu DN1000
yellow - SHE3590

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kothganesh

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Re: Kennerton Algiz
« Reply #1 on: April 30, 2015, 07:41:55 AM »

Dunu looks a better, no? How do they sound on comparison?
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ultrabike

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Re: Kennerton Algiz
« Reply #2 on: April 30, 2015, 07:48:57 AM »

TBH I prefer the Dunus SQ-wise.

Easier treble, and less bassy. Comfort is a little better as well.
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kothganesh

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Re: Kennerton Algiz
« Reply #3 on: April 30, 2015, 08:13:05 AM »

Thanks ultra. You actually helped me make a decision on my first evar set of IEMs. I've been shying away from them due to potential comfort issuues.
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ultrabike

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Re: Kennerton Algiz
« Reply #4 on: April 30, 2015, 08:18:24 AM »

Welcome mate! The Dunus are a little heavy due to the housing, but fit from memory was pretty good and that can be a bigger contributor to comfort in the long run.
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MuZo2

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Re: Kennerton Algiz
« Reply #5 on: April 30, 2015, 08:58:51 AM »

Titans?
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ultrabike

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Re: Kennerton Algiz
« Reply #6 on: April 30, 2015, 03:06:07 PM »

Haven't tried the Dunu Titan1ses. They look interesting. Bigger driver.
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Schopenhauer

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Re: Kennerton Algiz
« Reply #7 on: August 09, 2015, 01:23:16 AM »

Some impressions of the Algiz. Tidal → GO450 → UHA-6S MkII with low or high gain was my primary chain. The only other serious IEM I’ve heard is my Shure SE535. The Algiz is more difficult to drive than I would’ve thought. No hiss through the Leck with high gain implemented and the GO450 feeding. Hiss is audible on my SE535 even with low gain when the GO450 is feeding the Leck. If the Leck’s DAC is used, however, there is no hiss with low gain. Although I can use the Leck’s high gain with the Algiz, my preference is low gain. With high gain, the Algiz sounds aggressive. Take that with a grain of salt. Most things sound too aggressive to me if I listen longer than 30 minutes. My preference is for a very smooth signature.

Ergonomics is a deal breaker in my case. I’m unable to insert the Algiz to a degree where it holds securely in my ear canals without, at the same time, the housing pressing on and scratching the outer parts of my ears. The housing’s exterior has (what appears to be) sharp-edged rifling. The result is that the Algiz gradually pushes itself out of my ears. It will stay put if I use the largest eartips, but these aren’t the right size for my ears. I opted not to try the foam tips since this is a loaner unit.

I’m unable to tell acoustically (or visually, for that matter) the difference between the two sets of filters*, so I won’t say anything about that feature of the Algiz. I said it was aggressive for my tastes. That means (at least) too much high midrange and treble attack. That said, it’s less aggressive than the Magister. On the other hand, the Algiz is a bit tinny, whereas the Magister isn’t. Compared to the SE535, the bass is loose. Voicing is off. Male and female vocalists sound like they are singing through a paper towel tube. I’m exaggerating, but only to give some content to how the voicing sounded off. Also some sibilance in the highs; not piercing, but definitely unpleasant and quickly fatiguing The SE535 seems to image better and appears to have a more expansive soundstage.

I strongly prefer the SE535’s ergonomics. I also strongly prefer its signature. I can understand why others wouldn’t like the SE535. At the same time, I think I can understand why others might enjoy the Algiz, despite some of the issues I've addressed here. Its sound simply isn’t for me.

* - Although the difference should be audible given the measurements. Both filters look black to me.
« Last Edit: August 09, 2015, 05:51:07 AM by Schopenhauer »
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