At the moment we overview the brand new TOTL PMG Audio Apx SE IEM, priced at $6.000 USD.
Disclaimer: The Audio Apx SE was despatched to us in change for our sincere opinion. We’re not linked to PMG Audio in any approach.
PMG Audio
PMG Audio is a brand new premium model created by Piotr Granicki, who can be the founder and CEO of Custom Art. Customized Artwork has been providing high-quality and fairly priced C-IEMs and IEMs within the audiophile area since its inception in Could 2012. The model has grown through the years, and Piotr’s new enterprise is ready to proceed this legacy. You’ll be able to take a look at our Customized-Artwork opinions here.
Piotr has determined to embark on a brand new enterprise with the institution of PMG (Piotr Marek Granicki) Audio, an opulent and high-end model. The purpose is to provide unique and distinctive audio merchandise with a contact of eccentricity.
With over a decade of hands-on expertise in tuning and constructing IEMs, we promise to ship the perfect sound we will obtain.
To start out issues off, PMG created essentially the most refined and premium IEM they will supply, the Apx. I reviewed this very particular IEM in February. You’ll be able to verify that overview under:
Apx SE
The original Apx was merely Piotr’s final IEM. Based mostly on the suggestions of that tremendous high-end unit, and following its success, he determined to create a brand new model. The ”Amber Version” Apx had some minor particulars to be labored on, and Piotr did simply that.
The brand new Apx SE (Stone Version) is available in an eye catching mixture of actual Lapis Lazuli-Brass hybrid stone, hand-painted blue-gold housing complemented by tri-brid cable with twin shielding. The high-frequency BA drivers additionally redeveloped, combining with modifications in crossover to each excessive BA and the spherical Planar Speaker diminished area between 4-10kHz whereas enhancing and lengthening 10-20kHz output.
The PMG Audio Apx SE’s driver configuration is certainly a marvel of contemporary audio engineering. The mix of a Rectangular Planar Speaker and a 10mm PEEK diaphragm Dynamic Driver ensures deep, managed low frequencies, whereas the 8 custom-designed Balanced Armatures cowl the lower-midrange to excessive frequencies with precision and steadiness. The inclusion of a small spherical planar speaker for the highs completes the bundle, delivering prolonged treble with a pure tonality. These parts are masterfully built-in via a 7-way passive crossover community, guaranteeing seamless transitions between the frequency ranges.
The Apx SE additionally incorporates key applied sciences from the Customized Artwork model:
- FIBAE (Flat Impedance Balanced Armature Earphone): A design that maintains constant impedance throughout completely different sources, enhancing versatility.
- GSO (Geometrical Sound Outlet): A expertise that optimizes sound dispersion throughout the ear canal for higher readability and imaging.
- PSO (Stress Optimizing Design): Reduces undesirable strain buildup within the ear canal, leading to a extra comfy listening expertise.
- UPS (Extremely Planar Audio system): Enhances the efficiency of planar drivers, guaranteeing detailed, correct highs.
These applied sciences, together with the custom-built drivers, elevate the Apx SE’s sound efficiency, making it a very one-of-a-kind product. With solely 100 units accessible worldwide, its rarity provides to the exclusivity of proudly owning a pair. Whereas the Amber Version stays the rarest with simply 25 models produced, the Apx SE is a major follow-up that blends each innovation and craftsmanship.
Subsequent, let’s dive into the sound high quality, packaging, and general consumer expertise.
Packaging
The Apx SE’s packaging is a major step up from the unique model, addressing a number of critiques from its predecessor. The standout characteristic is the premium leather-based bag, which not solely seems luxurious however can be extremely sensible for carrying the IEMs safely. It is a marked enchancment over the unique’s extra generic presentation.
I criticized the packaging of the unique Apx for having a zipper case similar to these utilized in Customized Artwork merchandise, and the restricted ear tip choices. Moreover, the inventory cable left a lot to be desired by way of each really feel and aesthetics.
With the Apx SE, all these points have been rectified. The inclusion of a novel blue case provides a private contact, the inventory cable has been upgraded to a a lot increased high quality, providing each superior aesthetics and efficiency. Moreover, the ear tip choices have been expanded, guaranteeing a greater match for a wide range of customers.
Design & Construct High quality
The PMG Audio Apx SE instantly stands out with its thoughtfully crafted design, mixing smooth traces and high-end supplies to ship each visible and tactile attraction. Its minimalist aesthetic, paired with premium ending, ends in a product that effortlessly enhances any setting—whether or not it’s positioned on a desk, displayed on a shelf, or used whereas travelling. The Apx SE radiates a way of sophistication and luxurious.
Essentially the most eye-catching factor is undoubtedly the faceplate, that includes hand-painted gold and blue accents that come to life below the fitting lighting. This element will definitely attraction to fans who worth aesthetics, because it lends pure and natural magnificence to the IEMs.
The shell of the Apx SE is equally putting, with a surprising blue gradient design, hand-painted to match the faceplates completely. The craftsmanship is impeccable—every part from the graceful, rounded chassis to the precision within the canal building is executed to a excessive normal. The faceplate closure is seamless, with none seen flaws.
The Apx SE comes geared up with an upgraded cable that enhances its premium standing. This time, PMG Audio has chosen a Gold Plated Silver+Silver+Silver Copper Alloy cable, that includes Silver Alloy and Copper twin shielding. The color scheme aligns completely with the IEM’s design, enhancing the general aesthetic attraction. In comparison with the unique Apx, the brand new inventory cable is much extra assertive and refined in each feel and appear, elevating the consumer expertise considerably.
When it comes to usability and ergonomics, the cable strikes a steadiness between type and performance. It’s comparatively versatile and light-weight, making it straightforward to deal with throughout use. Whereas the thicker construct does barely cut back maneuverability, it seems like a good trade-off given the elevated sturdiness and superior really feel over the unique Apx’s cable. Total, the improved cable provides a premium contact with out compromising an excessive amount of on usability.
The overview continues on the second web page. Click here or use the jumps under.
Page 3: More on Sound, Sources, Comparisons, Conclusion
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