The soundstage is notably wider with the Globe, which is unexpected since it's not as crisp and deep as the Fan2. So, the imaging is notably superior with Fan2, due to sharper instruments definition and separation, as well as thinner more transparent mids timbre. As well, even basshead will find something to love with those, since the sub bass slam is bigger than expected, wide and enveloping and deep and sustain in rumbel. This might be the guilty pleasure part, but it's well done and well layered enough too, thanks to hybrid drivers property. Conclusion​Ah, you've made it to the end. Good, I was worried those cable comparisons might slow you down. The mids of both these IEMs is marvellous and the Lite offer richer but leaner mid range with superior sounds layers number, it's less warmed by bass bleed but not as wide in presence which feel a bit compressed. Vocal pop up more with the Globe and are more dense and lush, but they can shadow other instrument more, it hook your attention in a more colored way we can say.

I think the Globes are one of the best exponents to get into the sound that Penon Audio is looking for. This is a simplistic song really, it’s slow and incredibly textured, not only with Brendan Perry’s voice textures but the bass has a distinct tone and characteristic too. Penon done it again and again and again, it truely seem they just can't release bad IEM, but this doesn't mean all of them offer same sound benefit return, in that regard the Globe isn't the most competitive even if far from plain underwhelming. On the other hand, at 10Ω and 116dB sensitivity, the Penon Globes are extremely easy to move and very little power is needed to drive them fully.For some context to this review my origin in the audiophile hobby were headphones primarily powered by tube (or hybrid tube) amplifiers. Moving into the IEM (& earbud) world for the convenience of portability I’ve also since invested in smaller, portable or transportable tube options to power my IEMs. My tastes fall between neutral-warm to warm tonality and a smoother presentation – something that, traditionally, tubes have provided for me.

The sound is bigger in the Globes, but the comparative simplicity of the ORBs creates a cleaner feel that makes the sound appear crisper, clearer, even more open. The lower density also contributes to a more volatile, even more separated sound in the ORBs. Speaking of heft even note weight is improved, ably fleshing out any perception of thinness in the Globes' presentation. As such I enjoy this pairing even more than using the CS819, though the price difference is almost as significant as the cost of the Globes themselves.

Additional IEM Comparisons​

Sound Impressions​I've used the Globes primarily with a Cayin N8ii DAP (in solid state mode with P+ enabled) using local files stored on a 1TB i400 Micron micro-SD card with my preferred Spinfit W1 tips. It should be noted the N8ii is tuned to emphasise treble & sub bass, so please factor that into account. There is little left to say about the presentation of this Penon product, as it is very similar to other products already reviewed. So I repeat myself: Simple, effective and quality. The Globe midrange immediately sounds more meaty with improved resolution and presence, and dynamics & bass texture are similarly boosted. So, let's try to be less of a fan boi even if again....I love those, which are the logical upgrade to the ISN H40. The Globe does exactly what I wanted it to and has earnt a position in my collection for the long haul. It sits closer to my heart than it does my head. It appeals to the part of me that wants to let go of the constant critiquing and fall into the experience of music itself. It gives me the detail but not with a digital sheen or grain. It reminds me that I’m as much a part of the music too.

Instruments are captured well top to bottom with harmonic detail and good note weight and tactility. Edit: While I did the review with an adapter from 2.5mm to 4.4mm balanced, Penon just informed me they offer all three, 3.5mm single ended, 2.5mm and 4.4mm balanced now.

​

There are a few things I immediately notice when listening to the Globes. First off they're very easy to drive, requiring a volume between 14-16 on the N8ii as opposed to the 16-20 I'd typically set for other IEMs in my collection. That's great news for anyone who's audio source may not have the beefiest amplification - dongle users in particular may benefit here.