These iems surprise me every time I put them in my ears. The detail on this set is nuts. I really didn’t expect a set at this price point to do what this set does.
I’m usually a little dubious of the Crinacle stamp, because I know he likes tuning that emphasizes the upper midrange more than I like. And while that is slightly the case here, it’s so well-tuned otherwise that I can look past it. This set is tuned for clarity and it nails that. Between the detail and the clear tuning, this set creates an astonishingly realistic sound. The bass is a little timid at times though. You don’t get a lot of thump but you do get amazing atmospheric bass. The stage presentation is also very good, providing a deep left and right image placement and separation, but the field dissipates toward the center, so you don’t get a strong front to back image. Everything feels wide which is great but you don’t get a consistently 3D immersive effect.
I had the 7hz timeless previously and I feel like the Dioko is a big step up in just about every category. I like the fit, tuning, technicalities, accessories, and price of the Dioko a lot more. Something I found particularly disappointing in the timeless was the lack of imaging which is vastly improved in the Dioko. I see some people on the internet saying the timeless is more detailed than the Dioko – I don’t have the timeless to compare to anymore, but from memory, I disagree. And if that’s true, its not by much. This thing is a detail factory!
The amount of quality you get for $100 is just hard to believe. Further confusing me is that the accessories that come with this set are also amazing at this price (and much higher prices, if im being honest). The case is super nice (it’s a storage case, not a travel case, as its very big) and made out of real leather possibly? I can’t tell – but it sure smells like leather. And The cable is really beautiful too. The Tips are rainbow, which is really fun, and I like them a lot. The texture us perfect and creates a nice seal. They also come with a premium set of sticky tips (like the expensive Azla Sedna tips) which are also really great.
Salnotes have also done something very cool with the shape of the shell. I haven’t seen another shell shaped quite like this (the side that goes in your ear) but its somehow the best fitting iem I’ve tried. Fits my ear like a glove. They have some true innovators on the Salnotes team. I highly recommend this set. Its truly a pleasure every time I put it on. I cant wait to see what come next in the Salnotes product line!
