I have his entry level ICs and liked them for a long time. I was always afraid of the fragile nature of the design but they've held up well. The locking connectors are a bit of a pain but they stay put once you've tightened them. I believe Pierre doesn't offer the locking connectors anymore and I can't attest to the newest versions.
Right now, there's an offer for about $100 more for the entry level Darwin Silver ICs and I can tell you that they are better. They offer more insight, detail, layering, extension and ambience and not at a cost to musicality.
If you let us know your budget, you'll get lots of recommendations, even at the price point of the Mapleshades (about $135/meter)./
All the best,
Nonoise
Right now, there's an offer for about $100 more for the entry level Darwin Silver ICs and I can tell you that they are better. They offer more insight, detail, layering, extension and ambience and not at a cost to musicality.
If you let us know your budget, you'll get lots of recommendations, even at the price point of the Mapleshades (about $135/meter)./
All the best,
Nonoise