The sl41 arrived today and I am amazed. I've never heard Radiohead so vividly before. Thanks for the recommendation. It's a sound of male vocals and instruments I've never heard before.
Awesome review, metal and gaming are also a big part of my usage so I'm subbed and can't wait to see more of your reviews! I hope you receive the SLT6 from Myer
So glad I discovered your channel. I like how you present your reviews and also that you include immersive gaming since I mainly play solo games. Keep up the good work!
I think the CK-D41 fits your preferences more with the bass. But...this is more lower mid forwards so...idk haha I await your video on them with great anticipation!
Yo Hob, you try the Hades yet? lol. I know you like a darker sound that scales well. If only they used better drivers….its still fun though with the right music.
Hi there! Nice review, one can really feel your enthusiasm when speaking of this set, I'm thinking picking these up for sure! Would you say its fine if I connect these directly to a smartphone or the Dualsense (Ps5) without losing quality in sound? Thanks in advance
Thank you for the kind words! There will be a loss in sound quality on most stock headphone jacks on phones as well as on the dualsense controller...(Assuming it's similar to the Xbox one controller amp/dac wise) but it shouldn't make them sound terrible, it just won't be the best sound they can do
Hope it makes it to you safely soon. Shipping is terrible sometimes, a lot of my packages go through the Netherlands and it can be about a month before they show up.
Im torn what to buy between these and the CKLVX. I listen to alot of death and black metal but also listen to alot of hip hop. Which would you say would be the better option to go with?
I think the CKLVX CK-D41 will be the better option to go for because of the low end energy being a bit more exciting as well as I find the vocals on it a bit more intense for death and black metal. If you want a more neutral representation go for the SL-41 though.
You mentioned Ayreon in an IEM review. Nice! I love, love, love The Source 🤘🤘🤘 Hopefully you've also checked out Animals As Leaders, Blood Incantation, and Tomb Mold. Very good stuff 🤘🤘🤘
🤘The source is awesome! I honestly love pretty much all of the Ayreon albums, Into The Electric Castle and The Human Equation are probably my favorites. I really like Lost In The New Real (one of Arjen's solo album albums) I definitely recommend giving it a listen if you haven't before. And yes I am familiar with all of the other bands you mentioned! 🤘
@@SwordAndBored I saw Animals As Leaders, Devin Townsend, and Dream Theater last summer on the Dream Sonic tour. Seeing Tosin Abasi shred so casually was mind-blowing 🤯 I think you and Andy's Audio Vault are the only reviewers I know who mention metal beyond Metallica in reviews, lol. Andy even wears a Burzum shirt which is so kvlt 🤘🤘🤘
Watching Tosin live is insane. Several years back I saw Animals As Leaders, Devin Townsend and Monuments, it was an amazing show. Andy is great. Love his stuff and happy to have other metalheads in the scene haha
Every album that Aryeon puts out is absolutely phenomenal this guy is a true master when it comes to music. His ability to pick the perfect artist to sing for a particular song is unreal. If you ever get a chance to see them live or just go on TH-cam and watch the entire concert you will be floored by the skill of this guy @@SwordAndBored
Given our similar taste in music, it would be awesome for you to get a listen to some more mid-tier chi-fi IEM like EPZ 530, Penon IEMS, TSMR X, Xenns Up, Yanyin Canon, etc...
For someone who listens to Rap/Hip Hop/R&B/Soul/Jazz/EDM which one would you recommend? At first glance I was about to order the CKLVX / Pula 02 but I have small ears / canals, thus the SL41 could fit me better. But soundwise, I'm not sure it fits the type of music that I listen? Will it have enough bass extension and sub-bass for my taste of music? You mentioned that it fits your wife's ear? Does she have small ears? Is it more difficult for her to find comfort when putting IEMs? For context, I've tried the Doscinco, while I find the bass impactful, I think it compromises a little bit on the mids and vocals. I've also tried that Truthear Nova, but they are are too bulky for me... I usually prefer a warmer sound with an emphasis on the bass due to my music taste!
Hello! Yes my wife has smaller ears and a lot of IEMs can be uncomfortable for her. SL-41 has a big emphasis on mids, I find it works extremely well on jazz for my taste, the bass although very nicely detailed may be lacking the quantity you want for your other genres if you are a big bass head but I feel with you saying the Doscino was compromising this might be a good middle ground that is more balanced. There is still a good punch here but not over done and it let's the mids breathe nicely.
@@SwordAndBored Great to hear that! I find Simgots style of shell fits better my ear but don't quite like the sound, Ive been trying out the EM6L and it lacks a bit of punch in the low end. The Doscinco has great bass but a bit too much in terms of quantity. If I recall correctly, you mentioned that you listen to metal/heavy/rock, since there's often shouting in these type of songs, I assume you didn't find the SL41 shouty at all? Im bit sensitive to overly done treble.
Vocals and mid instruments are definitely forwards. This is one of the first sets that really brings emphasis on male vocals and portrays them in a way I really enjoy, female vocals are still great and not overly down imo as the upper mids are not too extreme. I wouldn't say the treble is overly done but if you know you are fairly sensitive to treble these might possibly be too much.
I am mostly playing open world games and listening to games soundtracks plus kpop. One of my favorite vocal game performances is the nightsong from world of warcraft , the vocals are beautiful. what would you recommend more from these two? cheers!
They are both good choices but if you really like vocals I would go for the SL-41 personally I find it does male vocals quite a bit better on it and female vocals are a tad more intimate and beautiful. If you want better bass impact though the CK-D41 is better in that regard.
Hello there, you have an amicable style and presentation. Not many incorporate the gaming aspect, good review : ). How do these compare to the RTTI R1? And do you think they're better suited for non fps immersive gaming (like Elden Ring you've shown) than the D41? Thanks in advance for your time.
Thank you very much for the kind words! I am still in the middle of the review process of the ARTTI R1, R3 and T10. But I definitely find the R1 to be quite a bit more recessed in the lower mids and much more flat sounding in terms of dynamics...it's a much more boring listen compared to the SL-41 missing the dynamics, details and tonality I really enjoy on the SL-41. There is a pretty big price difference so this isn't surprising to me. If you are strictly playing immersive games I think the D41 will be the more engaging choice. Although it does have a bigger shell and depending on your ears it could be uncomfortable for longer sessions. I hope this was some help. Cheers!
Are there headphones available that offer a significant upgrade over these, even if they cost a bit more? Your review of the Yanyin Canon 2 emphasized their suitability for certain genres and gaming. How would these compare? The genre's recommended and gaming experience align with my daily use.
I have not tried the Yanyin Canon before...so far the only IEM I have tried that I would put better tech wise than is the Tansio Mirai Halo...but that's $2000 and the dynamics are quite flat compared to these.
Thank you!! Finally another review of these!! Think ama take a chance on these! Really wanted them for gaming, so hoping they'll still hold up in other fps'. Do you think it's worth waiting for the sales at the end of the month to pick them up??
You're welcome! I hope you enjoy them as much as I do and I hope they work as well for the games you play. I will always advocate for getting anything at a lower price if you can unless it's something you absolutely need...I would be perfectly happy with these at full price as i think they are worth more than Myer Audio is asking, but if you can wait and get an even better deal...why not? Haha
@@SwordAndBored Yeh, it's not really a price range I would usually go into for an iem, it'd be my first over £100 let alone £150+, so I'm trying to be careful about it all, lol. And now I'm seeing there's a blue/gold shell colour way too, creating even more tough decisions! 😂
Definitely weigh your options out then if this is your first more expensive one. There is a sea of IEMs and not being able to try them definitely makes it hard when you are jumping to new price points. Definitely wait for the sale in my opinion. The new color way just came out a day or two ago...I really like it and I want it haha
Yeh, you're right! Ama hope for some more reviews to drop while I wait for the sales. It's defo hard not being able to audition stuff, but I recently got an Artti T10 which I was pretty happy with for the price (£50), but I think it's - along with my P1 Max - also helped reel in my expectations a bit from a price jump. So I'm a bit more comfortable with it all at this point. And yeh, that blue and gold looks so nice! Might end up with it even though I like the look of the black too! 😆
I think it will depend where your preferences lie, I think SL-41 does better in vocals and offers a more rich experience there but the CK-D41 will give you a bit more punch and fun in the low end if that is what you are looking for.
It is indeed. It's all concept albums that tell a story, as an album listener I love them. Not really a shuffle jam (for me) lots of fun synth and every album is a bit of a different style. Tons of guest musicians...really epic if you are into it haha
Is it just me or does that graph look somewhat like one of the mangird teas? Maybe aful p8? Idk it looks similar off the top of my head. Both of those are also great for gaming, especially the p8.
From a quick glance they do look kind of similar yeah! SL-41 seems to have the weird lower mid hump that those sets don't have, at least to the same level.
@@SwordAndBoredthe way you described the sound was pretty spot on for the mangird tea 2 as well lol. That’s also a $350 set so that’s great. One of the best for metal imo.
Thank you! I would recommend CKLVX here if you are in search of better bass punch and texture, If you prefer a more mid forwards presentation or have a lot of male vocals I think SL-41 will serve you better.
For my preferences the CKLVX CK-D41 or SLIIVO SL-41. I prefer both of these quite a bit more than Chopin..I have not tried PA02, Fermat's or performer 5 so I can't compare those unfortunately.
I do like them slightly better on Tarkov and they have moved Chopin to second in gaming for me. That being said Chopin is still cleaner sounding so more subtle sounds like aiming down sights or slow walking do cut through the noise a bit better. I like the imaging more on these as any noise you hear is much easier to figure out the location of directionally....both are very good in my opinion, just a bit different for gaming on
Also please tell me how big are these ?? I had Truthear Nova and last week I have sent them back to shop I bought it from because they were SUPER HUGE and I couldn’t fit it in my ear comfortably and I am not small guy, I think that SL41s might be in “big iem” bag, am I right ?
@@ukaszgornicki465 I don't have nova to compare to, but the size of these aren't that bad, I have a handful of IEMs that my wife can't use because of their larger size including the CK-D41, she can fit the SL-41 without issue...but everyone is different. Let me know if you want me to dig out the calipers and measure the nozzle or something I should be able to do that.
@@SwordAndBored ohhh Man my head will explode soon 😃 HiFiGo has super good sale now, Chopins are almost 50% there! A lot of good IEMs are at 40% sale and I really don’t know what to do now, in ideal world I’d buy 2 but my wife would kill me for that 😃 there are AFUL Perf5 in the same price as Chopins, i still don’t understand how this whole driver thing works, I see some 3 driver IEMs that are highly vouched by reviewers and there are 8 drivers IEMs which in reviewers mind are bad asf. For someone who do not know much about it (me), more = better but clearly it’s not the case, example Chopins vs KiwiEars Orchestra Lite
The sl41 arrived today and I am amazed. I've never heard Radiohead so vividly before. Thanks for the recommendation. It's a sound of male vocals and instruments I've never heard before.
Hey!!! You are welcome for the recommendation and I am super happy to hear you are getting along with it!
Awesome and calming review as always, and thanks for comparing them to CKLVX
Thank you! And you are welcome!
Great review ! I was wondering about the comparison. You answered it and gained a new subscriber. Thanks !
Glad I could help! Thank you for your support!
Awesome review, metal and gaming are also a big part of my usage so I'm subbed and can't wait to see more of your reviews! I hope you receive the SLT6 from Myer
Thank you for the sub! They haven't sent it out yet but hopefully I do get it eventually.
@@SwordAndBored my pleasure, thanks for the content!
So glad I discovered your channel. I like how you present your reviews and also that you include immersive gaming since I mainly play solo games. Keep up the good work!
Thank you for the kind words and I'm happy to have you here!
Thanks man for the review, first time watcher, will definitely be returning for more.
No problem! Thanks for the kind words and being a part of all this. We will see you around!
Heck Ya! I can’t wait to try this thing
I think the CK-D41 fits your preferences more with the bass. But...this is more lower mid forwards so...idk haha I await your video on them with great anticipation!
Yo Hob, you try the Hades yet? lol. I know you like a darker sound that scales well. If only they used better drivers….its still fun though with the right music.
@@Hijynx87 I have one on the way
That box is awesome! Also, Helloooo! Good review!
Hello sir! Thank you!
Another great review.
Thank you very much!
Bro... the SL-41 👑 is sounds better + more natural than the CKLVX one.
The SL-41 is my No. 1 Hybrid IEM right now. ✨👍
It's a super good IEM especially at its price point. it's still in my top 3 with no signs of coming down for a while. Glad you are enjoying it!
You just gained a new follower.
Thank you for your support!
@@SwordAndBored you're welcome 😊
Hi there! Nice review, one can really feel your enthusiasm when speaking of this set, I'm thinking picking these up for sure!
Would you say its fine if I connect these directly to a smartphone or the Dualsense (Ps5) without losing quality in sound?
Thanks in advance
Thank you for the kind words!
There will be a loss in sound quality on most stock headphone jacks on phones as well as on the dualsense controller...(Assuming it's similar to the Xbox one controller amp/dac wise) but it shouldn't make them sound terrible, it just won't be the best sound they can do
I’m still waiting on my cklvx lol, seems to be going back and fourth all over China. I ordered on Feb 28th.
Hope it makes it to you safely soon. Shipping is terrible sometimes, a lot of my packages go through the Netherlands and it can be about a month before they show up.
Im torn what to buy between these and the CKLVX. I listen to alot of death and black metal but also listen to alot of hip hop. Which would you say would be the better option to go with?
I think the CKLVX CK-D41 will be the better option to go for because of the low end energy being a bit more exciting as well as I find the vocals on it a bit more intense for death and black metal. If you want a more neutral representation go for the SL-41 though.
You mentioned Ayreon in an IEM review. Nice! I love, love, love The Source 🤘🤘🤘
Hopefully you've also checked out Animals As Leaders, Blood Incantation, and Tomb Mold. Very good stuff 🤘🤘🤘
🤘The source is awesome! I honestly love pretty much all of the Ayreon albums, Into The Electric Castle and The Human Equation are probably my favorites. I really like Lost In The New Real (one of Arjen's solo album albums) I definitely recommend giving it a listen if you haven't before.
And yes I am familiar with all of the other bands you mentioned! 🤘
@@SwordAndBored I saw Animals As Leaders, Devin Townsend, and Dream Theater last summer on the Dream Sonic tour. Seeing Tosin Abasi shred so casually was mind-blowing 🤯
I think you and Andy's Audio Vault are the only reviewers I know who mention metal beyond Metallica in reviews, lol. Andy even wears a Burzum shirt which is so kvlt 🤘🤘🤘
Watching Tosin live is insane. Several years back I saw Animals As Leaders, Devin Townsend and Monuments, it was an amazing show.
Andy is great. Love his stuff and happy to have other metalheads in the scene haha
Every album that Aryeon puts out is absolutely phenomenal this guy is a true master when it comes to music. His ability to pick the perfect artist to sing for a particular song is unreal. If you ever get a chance to see them live or just go on TH-cam and watch the entire concert you will be floored by the skill of this guy @@SwordAndBored
@shamelessplace111 their live concerts are incredible. Amazing musicians all around.
Given our similar taste in music, it would be awesome for you to get a listen to some more mid-tier chi-fi IEM like EPZ 530, Penon IEMS, TSMR X, Xenns Up, Yanyin Canon, etc...
Those are all ones I would very much like to try out at some point!
For someone who listens to Rap/Hip Hop/R&B/Soul/Jazz/EDM which one would you recommend? At first glance I was about to order the CKLVX / Pula 02 but I have small ears / canals, thus the SL41 could fit me better. But soundwise, I'm not sure it fits the type of music that I listen? Will it have enough bass extension and sub-bass for my taste of music? You mentioned that it fits your wife's ear? Does she have small ears? Is it more difficult for her to find comfort when putting IEMs?
For context, I've tried the Doscinco, while I find the bass impactful, I think it compromises a little bit on the mids and vocals. I've also tried that Truthear Nova, but they are are too bulky for me...
I usually prefer a warmer sound with an emphasis on the bass due to my music taste!
Hello! Yes my wife has smaller ears and a lot of IEMs can be uncomfortable for her.
SL-41 has a big emphasis on mids, I find it works extremely well on jazz for my taste, the bass although very nicely detailed may be lacking the quantity you want for your other genres if you are a big bass head but I feel with you saying the Doscino was compromising this might be a good middle ground that is more balanced. There is still a good punch here but not over done and it let's the mids breathe nicely.
@@SwordAndBored Great to hear that! I find Simgots style of shell fits better my ear but don't quite like the sound, Ive been trying out the EM6L and it lacks a bit of punch in the low end. The Doscinco has great bass but a bit too much in terms of quantity.
If I recall correctly, you mentioned that you listen to metal/heavy/rock, since there's often shouting in these type of songs, I assume you didn't find the SL41 shouty at all? Im bit sensitive to overly done treble.
Vocals and mid instruments are definitely forwards. This is one of the first sets that really brings emphasis on male vocals and portrays them in a way I really enjoy, female vocals are still great and not overly down imo as the upper mids are not too extreme. I wouldn't say the treble is overly done but if you know you are fairly sensitive to treble these might possibly be too much.
Thanks a lot @@SwordAndBored !
I am mostly playing open world games and listening to games soundtracks plus kpop. One of my favorite vocal game performances is the nightsong from world of warcraft , the vocals are beautiful. what would you recommend more from these two? cheers!
They are both good choices but if you really like vocals I would go for the SL-41 personally I find it does male vocals quite a bit better on it and female vocals are a tad more intimate and beautiful. If you want better bass impact though the CK-D41 is better in that regard.
Hello there, you have an amicable style and presentation. Not many incorporate the gaming aspect, good review : ).
How do these compare to the RTTI R1? And do you think they're better suited for non fps immersive gaming (like Elden Ring you've shown) than the D41? Thanks in advance for your time.
Thank you very much for the kind words!
I am still in the middle of the review process of the ARTTI R1, R3 and T10. But I definitely find the R1 to be quite a bit more recessed in the lower mids and much more flat sounding in terms of dynamics...it's a much more boring listen compared to the SL-41 missing the dynamics, details and tonality I really enjoy on the SL-41. There is a pretty big price difference so this isn't surprising to me.
If you are strictly playing immersive games I think the D41 will be the more engaging choice. Although it does have a bigger shell and depending on your ears it could be uncomfortable for longer sessions.
I hope this was some help. Cheers!
@@SwordAndBored It did thank you.
Are there headphones available that offer a significant upgrade over these, even if they cost a bit more? Your review of the Yanyin Canon 2 emphasized their suitability for certain genres and gaming. How would these compare? The genre's recommended and gaming experience align with my daily use.
I have not tried the Yanyin Canon before...so far the only IEM I have tried that I would put better tech wise than is the Tansio Mirai Halo...but that's $2000 and the dynamics are quite flat compared to these.
Thank you!! Finally another review of these!!
Think ama take a chance on these! Really wanted them for gaming, so hoping they'll still hold up in other fps'.
Do you think it's worth waiting for the sales at the end of the month to pick them up??
You're welcome! I hope you enjoy them as much as I do and I hope they work as well for the games you play.
I will always advocate for getting anything at a lower price if you can unless it's something you absolutely need...I would be perfectly happy with these at full price as i think they are worth more than Myer Audio is asking, but if you can wait and get an even better deal...why not? Haha
@@SwordAndBored Yeh, it's not really a price range I would usually go into for an iem, it'd be my first over £100 let alone £150+, so I'm trying to be careful about it all, lol.
And now I'm seeing there's a blue/gold shell colour way too, creating even more tough decisions! 😂
Definitely weigh your options out then if this is your first more expensive one. There is a sea of IEMs and not being able to try them definitely makes it hard when you are jumping to new price points. Definitely wait for the sale in my opinion.
The new color way just came out a day or two ago...I really like it and I want it haha
Yeh, you're right! Ama hope for some more reviews to drop while I wait for the sales.
It's defo hard not being able to audition stuff, but I recently got an Artti T10 which I was pretty happy with for the price (£50), but I think it's - along with my P1 Max - also helped reel in my expectations a bit from a price jump. So I'm a bit more comfortable with it all at this point.
And yeh, that blue and gold looks so nice! Might end up with it even though I like the look of the black too! 😆
How does the ea500LM compare with the sliivo sl 41? and the cklvx d41?
Unfortunately I have not been able to hear the ea500LM at this time. If my memory is correct AWSMDanny has it as well as the SL41 and the D41.
Would you say these are huge upgrade over the simgot EM6L? Single player game focus
I haven't tried the EM6L sadly. AWSMDanny has both and might be able to offer you some insight.
hello may i know whether the sliivo fits jpop a lot better? i listen to yorushika, ado and yoasobi either that or should i have picked the cklvx?
I think it will depend where your preferences lie, I think SL-41 does better in vocals and offers a more rich experience there but the CK-D41 will give you a bit more punch and fun in the low end if that is what you are looking for.
Is the prog metal band spelled ayreon? I’m always down for new fun metal things.
It is indeed. It's all concept albums that tell a story, as an album listener I love them. Not really a shuffle jam (for me) lots of fun synth and every album is a bit of a different style. Tons of guest musicians...really epic if you are into it haha
Is it just me or does that graph look somewhat like one of the mangird teas? Maybe aful p8? Idk it looks similar off the top of my head. Both of those are also great for gaming, especially the p8.
From a quick glance they do look kind of similar yeah! SL-41 seems to have the weird lower mid hump that those sets don't have, at least to the same level.
@@SwordAndBoredthe way you described the sound was pretty spot on for the mangird tea 2 as well lol. That’s also a $350 set so that’s great. One of the best for metal imo.
This is a great deal if they are pretty similar haha!
My playlist is pop/rap/edm/reggaeton, what do you recomend, sliivo or cklvx? I can buy only one
great review, thanks
Thank you! I would recommend CKLVX here if you are in search of better bass punch and texture, If you prefer a more mid forwards presentation or have a lot of male vocals I think SL-41 will serve you better.
@@SwordAndBored oh thanks a lot, so cklvx sounds better for my playlist, but if I buy sl41 i'll be happy too, right?
@saullete I would imagine so. I think it would be hard for most people to be disappointed by either of these sets they are really excellent value.
What is your suggestion under 200$
Pula pa02 / this one
Chopin
Fermats
Performer 5
For my preferences the CKLVX CK-D41 or SLIIVO SL-41. I prefer both of these quite a bit more than Chopin..I have not tried PA02, Fermat's or performer 5 so I can't compare those unfortunately.
Hi mate, does that mean that we have found replacement for Chopin already? These are better for Tarky ??
I do like them slightly better on Tarkov and they have moved Chopin to second in gaming for me. That being said Chopin is still cleaner sounding so more subtle sounds like aiming down sights or slow walking do cut through the noise a bit better. I like the imaging more on these as any noise you hear is much easier to figure out the location of directionally....both are very good in my opinion, just a bit different for gaming on
@@SwordAndBored Ty as always very satisfying answer, keep up good work my friend 🫡
Also please tell me how big are these ?? I had Truthear Nova and last week I have sent them back to shop I bought it from because they were SUPER HUGE and I couldn’t fit it in my ear comfortably and I am not small guy, I think that SL41s might be in “big iem” bag, am I right ?
@@ukaszgornicki465 I don't have nova to compare to, but the size of these aren't that bad, I have a handful of IEMs that my wife can't use because of their larger size including the CK-D41, she can fit the SL-41 without issue...but everyone is different. Let me know if you want me to dig out the calipers and measure the nozzle or something I should be able to do that.
@@SwordAndBored ohhh Man my head will explode soon 😃 HiFiGo has super good sale now, Chopins are almost 50% there! A lot of good IEMs are at 40% sale and I really don’t know what to do now, in ideal world I’d buy 2 but my wife would kill me for that 😃 there are AFUL Perf5 in the same price as Chopins, i still don’t understand how this whole driver thing works, I see some 3 driver IEMs that are highly vouched by reviewers and there are 8 drivers IEMs which in reviewers mind are bad asf. For someone who do not know much about it (me), more = better but clearly it’s not the case, example Chopins vs KiwiEars Orchestra Lite
Better than dte 900?
Unfortunately that is not one I have been able to try yet. I will try to let you know if I get my hands on one!
@@SwordAndBored do you live in Germany ?
Nah, I am in Canada.
are both the same shell size?
SL-41 is smaller and more comfortable for me vs the CK-D41.
Those faceplates look like someone got drunk and shot up a fruit stand.
I'm sure it has happened before 😂