I just ordered my set. $139 I couldn’t resist! I already own the well regarded anniversary edition, which is like a tribrid of fan2, serial and globe. The dynamics on that set are amazing for movies and gaming. Huge stage, thick mids, extended smooth treble with electrostatics and big booty bass.
Did you receive an email offer from Penon ?! I signed up to their newsletter a few weeks back yet I'm still hoping with fingers crossed that I'll receive the half-off offer because I really want to purchase a set of these !
Welcome to the fan-club! :) I love my Fan 2, it is really something special. Great review, you have a very nice and well articulated way of presenting your opinions. Thanks!
I am not sure what Penon is doing on the Fan discount for these. But consider this. At full price, $280, are they worth $60 more than the Aful Performer 5 or the Kiwi Ears Quintet? Yes, definitely on the P5s. Yes, probably, on the Quintets. It depends on if you want that last bit of detail at the price of a less “real” sound, or you want the very natural immersive musical experience of the Fan 2s. For me, if I could only have one, it would be the Fan 2, even at $60 more. Is the Aful Performer 8 worth $100 more than the Fan 2 at full price? In my opinion…no. I actually prefer the Fan 2s. So even if you have to pay $280 for the Fan 2s, you are still getting good value for your money…and a truly exceptional iem and an extraordinary musical experience. That is what I think anyway.
Got the fan discount today after a month! What a timing. Just when i was only thinking of getting a planar melody! The discount is very kind i must say. And watching your review again. Genuine rave. Hmmm now i am tempted!
Wojciech Rusin - Syphon. - that will be the first album i hear when the Fan 2 arrives! Based on yours and Tone Deaf Monk's reviews, I have identified that album to be heard first! : -) In case you haven't heard this Polish gem, do give it a go. Based on your music choices (From your various reviews) I think you would like it. 'Glass coil' and 'Origins of pleasure' are beauts.
Glad you like them! The Fan 2, the Quartet and the Pandemon are my current rotation. I use the Fan 2 with 4.4 balanced cable, ibasso DC04 pro and either stock green/grey tips or Dunu SS tips which make for a very nice fit - preferred the Dunus to the Clarions, though both fit nice. Would love to try the Serial.
I agree on the sound part. Another reviewer suggested the stock grey/green Penon tips for better stage on the Globe - better than wide bore tips that is. Seems it may be the same for the Fan 2. But again, I like the fit of the Dunus.
@@LLab71 I like the stock grey/green and was using them initially. They give a slightly more focused sound…but the wide bores bring out a bit of extra treble to my ear, and the Fans need that (again to my ear).
Thank you for another well-spoken and articulated review... I had an interest in these a few months back after reading an online review but then I ended up buying the Galileo. Now I'm REALLY interested in these to the point where I want to purchase them. They sound like a perfect fit for what I've been searching for... I signed up to the newsletter a couple/few weeks back after I read online about the (occasional) offer from Penon being sent out (they sent me a $50 rebate offer this morning for a different Penon IEM). Hopefully I'll receive that (hugely helpful right now) 50% off offer from them for the Fan2 in due course... Thank you again for your detailed and sincere impressions.
What ay wonderful suggestion to follow that Piano on 'Don't stop believing' track. I tried that approach my Aful P8, on my second listen to the song, and it was thoroughly fascinating experience!
Ohh I knew you would love these! I was waiting for this review! They are indeed special and top choice in my rotation. Love how the music envelopes me with its sense of space and depth. I changed out the Clarion for Dunu S&S tips just for a more comfortable fit. I go to the EA500 for that energy and extra zing up top.
Had to come back and rave about the Pula PA02. Does everything the Fan 2 does, but better in every way. Definitely a blind buy at any price, but if you can get it for less than $160🙌🏾.
Hey Stephen thanks for sharing your thoughts on this IEM and how it compares to the other extraordinary IEMs that you found. I've been using a single DD for a long time and I found that it just cannot keep up when I listen to more complex genres of music. So naturally I moved to planars but to me they alway sound wet, a little soft or sharp in their presentation, with an off-kilter timbre. So a hybrid is probably an order for me as a compromise. I think the Hype 2, the Quintet, and the Fan 2 are on my short list. Although with the Hype 4 coming out maybe I'll just wait a little longer and try something in the meantime hoping that it satisfies and I can look the other way from a $400 IEM. At this point in time how do you feel about the Fan 2 and the Quintet? I know we probably listen to different styles of music but I do think we seek the same things hearing each type of instrument in its own place layered against the complexities of others while maintaining a natural and body tone.
The Quintet is the more unique of the two…with spectacular detail, and a great, if somewhat strange, sense of space. The Fan 2 is more musical by a bit and more natural sounding. The Fan 2 is hard to get a good fit. lots of tip rolling and still not quite right. The Quintet is more comfortable by far. I like both the Simot EM6L and the new ZiiGaat Cinno…the Cinno a bit more than the EM6L. Both are natural sounding and quite resolving…again the Cinno has a bit better spacial presentation. Then there is the CCA Rhapsody…which I am testing right now. A bit raw…maybe the drivers are not burned in yet…but very flexible with its tuning switches…and a super bargain for a 2DD plus 4BA set. I am impressed so far…and that one you can get for $50, so it is a pretty safe buy. Another very musical set. Lots of choices. I have not hard the Hype 2. :)
I subscribed to the newsletter but just received a "thanks for subscribe" mail. No discount offer or coupon... any clue how to get this awesome fan price?
That is a hard question since I do not have your ears :) The Fan 2, to my ears, is the better iem, but it is more expensive, and you may or may not be able to get the Fan discount…so close to 3 times the price of the EM6L at full retail. The Simgot has a good bass, but nothing spectacular. For bass you might like the Kiwi Ears Quartet, which also as good warm vocals. Not an easy choice. The truth is I think you would be happy with any of the three.
@@StephenIngraham I'm getting Em6L and fan2 at same price. I don't prefer too much mid bass of quartet. But I do love mid bass quantity of Fan 2 on graph just sub bass aund airy treble lead to ask you question to choose Em6L or Fan 2. Waiting for your answer.. Btw how is fan 2 for edm …
@@fuzail3379 I listen to some electronic music, but not edm particularly, so I am not sure my opinion counts. My electronic music (mostly New Age) plays very satisfyingly on the Fan 2. The Fan 2 has a cleaner mid-bass, and hits a deeper fundamental note with more volume than the Quartet, but if I remember correctly they graph very similarly. The EM6L is leaner on the bass…not less bass, but thinner and sharper if you know what I mean. Again you can’t go wrong here. If were me and the same price…I would get the Fan 2s no question…but I am not you.
I do. That is, I am aware, a personal preference. I enjoy music more on the Fan 2 than I do on the P8, though I know that the P8 might superior in some ways. And the Fan 2 is not perfect. I would like a bit more treble…but still… I just like the way it does music. :)
I replaced the cable with a KBEars graphite/copper/silver cable with ear hooks. That cable brings out the treble a bit. Also I had to go to a size smaller eartips than I normally use to get them into my ear far enough.
Haha! Looks like you couldn't keep the promise to yourself to not buy more iems :-) ( Unless this was sent to you to review). Will watch the review in a while
I think what I said was that I was not going to buy any more “ordinary” iems. Therefore the Penon Fan 2 does not count…or that is what I am telling myself. :)
@@StephenIngrahamhaha! I am not complaining as I love your reviews. Hope there are music recos in this too. Plus I should be thw last person reminding of promises; I had told myself I would buy just one more iem like quintet (have the P8) and close this hobby. Instead, last night, I almost doubled that budget (kept fr quintet) and instead bought Sennheiser HD660S2 headphones, telling myself I don't have a headphone and that this was great offer. Big sale on where I live, more than 200 dollars price off. Now, no more ordinary or extraordinary iems/headphones for a long long while!
Excellent review. The Fan2 has served me well for the last 8-9mo. They stay at the top of my rotation. Kudos.
Thank you.
I just ordered my set. $139 I couldn’t resist! I already own the well regarded anniversary edition, which is like a tribrid of fan2, serial and globe. The dynamics on that set are amazing for movies and gaming. Huge stage, thick mids, extended smooth treble with electrostatics and big booty bass.
Sounds good.
Did you receive an email offer from Penon ?! I signed up to their newsletter a few weeks back yet I'm still hoping with fingers crossed that I'll receive the half-off offer because I really want to purchase a set of these !
@@Blakeoffire did you get it yet? It apparently doesn’t seem to expire, because I got my code in like June.
Thanks for another great review and for the tip about signing up for the newsletter to get these at that great price. 🖖
Happy to help!
Welcome to the fan-club! :) I love my Fan 2, it is really something special. Great review, you have a very nice and well articulated way of presenting your opinions. Thanks!
Thank you kindly!
I am not sure what Penon is doing on the Fan discount for these. But consider this. At full price, $280, are they worth $60 more than the Aful Performer 5 or the Kiwi Ears Quintet? Yes, definitely on the P5s. Yes, probably, on the Quintets. It depends on if you want that last bit of detail at the price of a less “real” sound, or you want the very natural immersive musical experience of the Fan 2s. For me, if I could only have one, it would be the Fan 2, even at $60 more. Is the Aful Performer 8 worth $100 more than the Fan 2 at full price? In my opinion…no. I actually prefer the Fan 2s. So even if you have to pay $280 for the Fan 2s, you are still getting good value for your money…and a truly exceptional iem and an extraordinary musical experience. That is what I think anyway.
Nice review. I got them recently and this set worked fabulously with easy listen music. They are so smooth.
Glad you like them!
The Fan2! I love mine, together with the Hiby R6lll, my daily companion at the moment!
Still loving mine too.
Got the fan discount today after a month! What a timing. Just when i was only thinking of getting a planar melody! The discount is very kind i must say. And watching your review again. Genuine rave. Hmmm now i am tempted!
Oh Stephen... What to tell you. I succumbed and got the Fan 2 :-)
I do not think you will regret it!
@@StephenIngraham :-) ... That's good to know
Wojciech Rusin - Syphon. - that will be the first album i hear when the Fan 2 arrives! Based on yours and Tone Deaf Monk's reviews, I have identified that album to be heard first! : -) In case you haven't heard this Polish gem, do give it a go. Based on your music choices (From your various reviews) I think you would like it. 'Glass coil' and 'Origins of pleasure' are beauts.
I will give it a listen. :) Always happy to find new music.
Glad you like them! The Fan 2, the Quartet and the Pandemon are my current rotation. I use the Fan 2 with 4.4 balanced cable, ibasso DC04 pro and either stock green/grey tips or Dunu SS tips which make for a very nice fit - preferred the Dunus to the Clarions, though both fit nice. Would love to try the Serial.
Okay, so now I am going to have to give the S&S another try. :)
My Dunu preference is based mostly on comfort and seal. Seems to work well for me with the Fan 2.
@@LLab71 I tried them again today and liked them better on the Fans than on others I have tried. Still not sure about the best match for sound.
I agree on the sound part. Another reviewer suggested the stock grey/green Penon tips for better stage on the Globe - better than wide bore tips that is. Seems it may be the same for the Fan 2. But again, I like the fit of the Dunus.
@@LLab71 I like the stock grey/green and was using them initially. They give a slightly more focused sound…but the wide bores bring out a bit of extra treble to my ear, and the Fans need that (again to my ear).
Thank you for another well-spoken and articulated review... I had an interest in these a few months back after reading an online review but then I ended up buying the Galileo. Now I'm REALLY interested in these to the point where I want to purchase them. They sound like a perfect fit for what I've been searching for... I signed up to the newsletter a couple/few weeks back after I read online about the (occasional) offer from Penon being sent out (they sent me a $50 rebate offer this morning for a different Penon IEM). Hopefully I'll receive that (hugely helpful right now) 50% off offer from them for the Fan2 in due course... Thank you again for your detailed and sincere impressions.
Here’s hoping! It will be worth the wait, I promise.
What ay wonderful suggestion to follow that Piano on 'Don't stop believing' track. I tried that approach my Aful P8, on my second listen to the song, and it was thoroughly fascinating experience!
Thank you. :)
Ohh I knew you would love these! I was waiting for this review! They are indeed special and top choice in my rotation. Love how the music envelopes me with its sense of space and depth. I changed out the Clarion for Dunu S&S tips just for a more comfortable fit. I go to the EA500 for that energy and extra zing up top.
Can’t get a good fit with the S&S on any iem so far :( but the Clarions do fine by me.
Ah, didn't see there was another Dunu SS/Penon Fan 2 advocate here. They are comfy.
That stem looks deep! Might tickle my brain. LMFAO
Anyway, awesome presentation as always, Sir Stephen!
Thank you kindly
Had to come back and rave about the Pula PA02. Does everything the Fan 2 does, but better in every way. Definitely a blind buy at any price, but if you can get it for less than $160🙌🏾.
:)
Hey Stephen thanks for sharing your thoughts on this IEM and how it compares to the other extraordinary IEMs that you found. I've been using a single DD for a long time and I found that it just cannot keep up when I listen to more complex genres of music. So naturally I moved to planars but to me they alway sound wet, a little soft or sharp in their presentation, with an off-kilter timbre.
So a hybrid is probably an order for me as a compromise. I think the Hype 2, the Quintet, and the Fan 2 are on my short list. Although with the Hype 4 coming out maybe I'll just wait a little longer and try something in the meantime hoping that it satisfies and I can look the other way from a $400 IEM. At this point in time how do you feel about the Fan 2 and the Quintet? I know we probably listen to different styles of music but I do think we seek the same things hearing each type of instrument in its own place layered against the complexities of others while maintaining a natural and body tone.
The Quintet is the more unique of the two…with spectacular detail, and a great, if somewhat strange, sense of space. The Fan 2 is more musical by a bit and more natural sounding. The Fan 2 is hard to get a good fit. lots of tip rolling and still not quite right. The Quintet is more comfortable by far. I like both the Simot EM6L and the new ZiiGaat Cinno…the Cinno a bit more than the EM6L. Both are natural sounding and quite resolving…again the Cinno has a bit better spacial presentation. Then there is the CCA Rhapsody…which I am testing right now. A bit raw…maybe the drivers are not burned in yet…but very flexible with its tuning switches…and a super bargain for a 2DD plus 4BA set. I am impressed so far…and that one you can get for $50, so it is a pretty safe buy. Another very musical set. Lots of choices. I have not hard the Hype 2. :)
I subscribed to the newsletter but just received a "thanks for subscribe" mail. No discount offer or coupon... any clue how to get this awesome fan price?
I said “eventually” you will get the 50% offer. They seem to send them out in batches maybe. It as several weeks before I got mine. :)
okkk thansk so much@@StephenIngraham
Hey. Should I buy Fan 2 or Em6L.
I mostly listen Pop & Classic, bollywoods, EDM& Trance, Rarely hip Hop. Also which got more bass ( better as well 😁 )
That is a hard question since I do not have your ears :) The Fan 2, to my ears, is the better iem, but it is more expensive, and you may or may not be able to get the Fan discount…so close to 3 times the price of the EM6L at full retail. The Simgot has a good bass, but nothing spectacular. For bass you might like the Kiwi Ears Quartet, which also as good warm vocals. Not an easy choice. The truth is I think you would be happy with any of the three.
@@StephenIngraham I'm getting Em6L and fan2 at same price. I don't prefer too much mid bass of quartet. But I do love mid bass quantity of Fan 2 on graph just sub bass aund airy treble lead to ask you question to choose Em6L or Fan 2. Waiting for your answer..
Btw how is fan 2 for edm …
@@fuzail3379 I listen to some electronic music, but not edm particularly, so I am not sure my opinion counts. My electronic music (mostly New Age) plays very satisfyingly on the Fan 2. The Fan 2 has a cleaner mid-bass, and hits a deeper fundamental note with more volume than the Quartet, but if I remember correctly they graph very similarly. The EM6L is leaner on the bass…not less bass, but thinner and sharper if you know what I mean. Again you can’t go wrong here. If were me and the same price…I would get the Fan 2s no question…but I am not you.
@@StephenIngraham thanks man
Do you prefer this over AFUL P8?
I do. That is, I am aware, a personal preference. I enjoy music more on the Fan 2 than I do on the P8, though I know that the P8 might superior in some ways. And the Fan 2 is not perfect. I would like a bit more treble…but still… I just like the way it does music. :)
Now you’ve had a taste of penon, get the anniversary edition! Lol
:)
How do you wear them with ear hook cables? Mine is falling, couldn't feat in place
I replaced the cable with a KBEars graphite/copper/silver cable with ear hooks. That cable brings out the treble a bit. Also I had to go to a size smaller eartips than I normally use to get them into my ear far enough.
Make sure you get a nice deep fit for the best sound.
The TRI Clarions work for me.
Haha! Looks like you couldn't keep the promise to yourself to not buy more iems :-) ( Unless this was sent to you to review). Will watch the review in a while
I think what I said was that I was not going to buy any more “ordinary” iems. Therefore the Penon Fan 2 does not count…or that is what I am telling myself. :)
@@StephenIngrahamhaha! I am not complaining as I love your reviews. Hope there are music recos in this too. Plus I should be thw last person reminding of promises; I had told myself I would buy just one more iem like quintet (have the P8) and close this hobby. Instead, last night, I almost doubled that budget (kept fr quintet) and instead bought Sennheiser HD660S2 headphones, telling myself I don't have a headphone and that this was great offer. Big sale on where I live, more than 200 dollars price off. Now, no more ordinary or extraordinary iems/headphones for a long long while!