＂In terms of sound quality, the Pendragon undoubtedly stands out among most IEMs in the same price range. Its exceptionally high sound density and robust dynamic performance firmly establish it within the ultra-flagship category. Regarding tonal character, it embodies the top-tier low-frequency texture currently available in the IEM realm, perfectly exemplifying a solid and grounded presence akin to the earth itself. Notably, this tuning does not compromise other aspects, making it particularly commendable.＂
Distinctive Ultra Flagship Nature
I have previously discussed with fellow audiophiles the allure of exorbitantly priced ultra-flagship IEMs. For many, the core highlight of these ultra-flagship models represents the pinnacle of portable audio quality. I concur with this perspective; however, I believe that top-notch quality and groundbreaking technology are the cornerstones that justify their ultra-flagship status. Once quality reaches its zenith, the differences in minute details or slightly broader soundstage become less significant in terms of listening experience. The true joy of exploring these IEMs lies in appreciating the unique and irreplaceable sound aesthetics each brand imbues into their products.
In recent years, aside from well-known brands like NOBLE and Empire Ears, many ultra-flagship IEMs with distinct tuning philosophies have emerged, contributing to the rich diversity of this field. Some lesser-known high-end brands, such as Nostalgia Audio from Hong Kong, have also garnered admiration from seasoned audiophiles. I recently came across their highly praised new release, the Pendragon, which immediately piqued my interest with its unique appearance and luxurious materials.
Objective Experience
Upon first glance, the most striking feature of the Pendragon is its aviation-grade aluminum CNC metal frame surrounding the panel. The golden color scheme and high-precision dragon scale texture significantly enhance its aesthetic appeal and premium feel. The panel utilizes a proprietary "five-color carbon fiber panel" adorned with a Western dragon motif, creating a dazzling visual effect under light. This unique design language, combined with luxurious materials, ensures that the Pendragon captures the attention of many enthusiasts.
In terms of configuration, the Pendragon follows a rather extreme path, featuring a total of 14 drivers comprising 2 dynamic drivers, 2 bone conduction drivers, 6 balanced armature drivers, and 4 electrostatic drivers, along with a 6-way crossover design. While this inevitably results in a substantial housing, the extensive use of resin material gives it a surprisingly lightweight feel that belies its appearance. When worn, this lightweight housing significantly enhances the stability of the IEMs, preventing them from easily dislodging during light activities. It is worth noting that the sound nozzle is slightly thick, so it is advisable to choose ear tips one size smaller than usual.
As one becomes more familiar with IEMs, a pattern emerges: entry-level models often do not receive much attention for aftermarket cables due to cost constraints. However, as one progresses to mid-range and high-end models, there is a tendency to seek more suitable cables to optimize tuning and uncover the potential of the monitors. In the ultra-flagship category, this trend somewhat recedes, primarily because IEMs at this price point typically come with commendable stock cables that form a part of the tuning aesthetic and enhance product value. The Pendragon's stock cable, Caliburn, exemplifies this, featuring a 21.5 AWG core made of 4N German oxygen-free copper woven in a Litz Type 4S structure, with a shielding layer made from 5N oxygen-free copper plated with silver. The outer layer is a custom-made SoftFlex PVC material from the USA, providing a translucent black appearance that reveals the woven shielding layer within.
Sound Quality
The Pendragon is one of the most robust and solid-sounding ultra-flagship IEMs I have encountered. It establishes a very solid and rich foundational color for sound, with an impressive density that lends a muscular feel to the low frequencies, allowing various musical genres to be conveyed with a grounded and stable presence. Its distinct character diverges from the resplendence of a palace; it is more akin to surveying a landscape built by music upon a vast expanse of land. The listening experience is akin to observing the diverse lives of mammals, with the emotions of the songs reflecting their foraging, tracking, and chasing dynamics.
In the midrange, the Pendragon ensures excellent sound reproduction. Some audiophiles may expect that IEMs rich in low-frequency energy should also embellish the midrange with greater force to accommodate popular vocal music. However, Pendragon adopts a more neutral and unbiased approach, gently softening the sharp edges of sound while preserving the tonal characteristics inherent to the music. This accuracy in representation offers high compatibility across different music genres, demonstrating excellent emotional impact in vocal music while deftly capturing the nuances of instrumental arrangements.
The high frequencies of the Pendragon possess significant extension and prioritize tonal smoothness, offering a seamless transition during rapid passages in pieces like Paganini's "Violin Concerto No. 1 in D Major." The instrument's sound retains its bright and layered quality, leaving a lasting impression.
The combination of powerful sound density and refined frequency tuning creates the fundamental sonic profile of the Pendragon. Its dynamic performance and spatial representation infuse it with vibrant life. The Pendragon excels at managing variations in sound intensity, effectively interpreting the tumultuous atmospheres of complex orchestrations while also attending to minute changes in detail.
Pairing Recommendations for the Pendragon
At first glance, one might assume that the Pendragon, with its specifications of 19Ω impedance and 115dB sensitivity, is relatively easy to drive. However, my experience with various setups indicates that its pairing threshold is quite high. To truly unlock 70-80% of its potential, it is advisable to connect it to mid-range or flagship sources.
Personally, I prefer using the latest Astell&Kern PD10 as the source. Its driving power is sufficient to handle larger portable headphones, and it offers an outstanding quality with a warm and relaxed sound signature. When paired with the PD10, the Pendragon's characteristics and advantages are vividly highlighted. The spatial framework is well-defined and expansive, with clear sound layering and accurate positioning of various elements. In terms of frequency response, the low frequencies maintain impressive cohesion while adding a touch of lingering resonance, creating a rich ambiance. For those who wish to avoid overly prominent low frequencies, it’s worth trying alternative ear tips, such as the AZLA Mithryl metal ear tips I’ve recently been using, which can moderately tame the low-end presence while enhancing sound density and preserving excellent high-frequency clarity.
Additionally, when paired with the PD10, the Pendragon exhibits a slight enhancement in midrange thickness compared to other neutral sources, further elevating the emotional impact of vocal performances. During classical music listening sessions, this combination effectively captures the overall musicality, presenting the intended emotions of the pieces. Other sources that synergize well with the Pendragon include the likes of the Lotoo Paw Gold, Shanling M8T, and SP3000T, all of which offer warm, refined, and enjoyable sound profiles, creating a portable system that balances quality and listening pleasure.
Given the luxurious driver configuration of the Pendragon, I also explored its sound limits using a desktop setup. When selecting a desktop amplifier, I recommend choosing one with a clean sound foundation and meticulously detailed tonal quality. For instance, the TEAC HA-507, which I recently reviewed, offers above-average quality for its price range, excelling in resolution and delivering a delicate sound with impressive mid to high-frequency performance. Compared to most portable sources, the HA-507 significantly unearths the Pendragon's potential in terms of soundstage and dynamic performance. When interpreting large orchestral works, one can sense an absence of pronounced sound boundaries, with instrument placement within the space becoming more precise. The powerful dynamic range fills the sonic space, elevating the overall scale of the music.
Stylistically, the Pendragon driven by the HA-507 presents a more balanced sound, with no particularly jarring anomalies across the frequency spectrum. The mid to high frequencies gain a touch of rich coloration, resulting in a more nuanced and natural transition in string instrument timbres. This enhances its compatibility with various music genres, allowing it to perform excellently across the board.
Conclusion
As the IEM field continues to evolve toward 2025, the personalities of ultra-flagship models have grown more diverse than ever. The constant emergence of outstanding products can be overwhelming, and the tuning of Nostalgia Audio's Pendragon stands out as a benchmark aesthetic in this competitive landscape. In terms of sound quality, the Pendragon undoubtedly excels compared to most IEMs in its price range, with its extreme sound density and formidable dynamic performance solidifying its position among the ultra-flagship offerings. Its exceptional tuning showcases the earth-like solidity and stability of its top-tier low-frequency texture, making it all the more remarkable that this calibration does not sacrifice any other aspects.
Source: https://mp.weixin.qq.com/s/MNfR7c7frm94iPDtwu4KVg