72 Hours Into the IEM Rabbit Hole — Now I Know Nothing. Help Me Choose Wisely

[Matias]

I have not tried the Hexa but I love my Red and upgraded to the Pure which is my end game. From graphs alone the Hexa would lack bass to my liking, while other may find the Pure too warm. To me the Pure sounds closest to my speakers in my dedicated, treated and EQ'ed room, even more than more expensive IEMs (Daybreak), and that's what matters to me.

Crinacle's 5128 Graph Tool | Hangout.Audio

Compare graphs from the world's largest public database of ITU-T P.57 Type 4.3 IEM measurements, maintained by Crinacle.

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[muza_1]

Not denying the value of graphs. They can be very informative. Just saying a frequency response graph alone is not the definitive measure of how one perceives sound quality, especially in the higher frequencies of an IEM. I agree that frequency response is the metric to focus on but the issue lies not so much in how to interpret a graph, but rather in how headphone and IEM measurements are notoriously all over the place. HRTF plays a major role also.

Of course you need to use trusted measurements (ASR, oratory1990, hangout.com, etc.) or if not available checking multiple sources can give you an idea, and yes there is no substitute for trying the sets yourself, as for HRTF I think is not a big problem (frequency response related) it remain almost the same for every set, fitment on the other hand can cause problems (peaks, resonances, loss of bass, etc.) and I agree comfort is one of the most important things when buying a set.

As for the technical aspects like details, they often correlate to the frequency response yes but there are definitive differences in how a dynamic driver behaves compared to planars or BA's.

That is a myth all is in the implementation.

https://pubs.aip.org/asa/jasa/article/141/6/EL526/917945/No-correlation-between-headphone-frequency a part form the point of the paper it mentions that different sets can be EQed to any given target no matter the type of set 93 in ears were tested.

https://iem-eq-guide.pages.dev/myths-misconceptions/ The link "pages" on top contains all the scientific studies behind.

Here some evidence that a virtual versions of an IEM can be reliable created no matter the type https://files.catbox.moe/t230zd.pdf

Speaking purely from experience. References listed below.
I suppose some will argue that different driver topologies are used for marketing purposes only but I tend to think there's more to it.

• https://doi.org/10.3390/app13179912
  Driver architecture inherently dictates the limits of soundstage and detail retrieval regardless of the target curve.
• https://www.soundguys.com/driver-types-19347/
  Mass-to-surface-area ratio affects the impulse response and the "speed" of the driver.
• https://doi.org/10.3390/app9235047
  Hybrid designs are a physical necessity because BAs lack the volumetric airflow (Vd) required for low-frequency reproduction at high SPL.

• Fist study talks about implementation of different architectures... and I mean really?

"Various materials are used in diaphragm construction, including mylar, titanium, paper, and carbon fiber, among others. Each material has its own unique properties and can produce a distinct sound profile. However, despite the wide range of materials available for diaphragm construction, the association between the material used and the resulting sound quality remains somewhat of a mystery. This is because the interaction between the diaphragm material and other components of the driver, such as the magnet and voice coils, is highly complex and not yet fully understood."

And this is just repeating common myths.

"The three most common types of headphone drivers found in the market are dynamic units or moving coils, balanced armature units, and planar magnetic units [12]. Dynamic units or moving coil drivers are the most common and use a permanent magnet and a voice coil to generate sound. Balanced armature drivers use a smaller, more precise armature and a balanced magnetic field to produce sound. Finally, planar magnetic drivers use a thin film membrane with a conductive layer and an array of magnets to create sound [13]. Each type of driver has its own unique properties and can produce a distinct sound profile. For example, dynamic driver/moving coil drivers are known for their ability to produce deep bass tones, while balanced armature drivers are known for their precision and clarity in the mid- to high-frequency range. Planar magnetic drivers are known for their ability to produce a wide soundstage with exceptional detail and accuracy [12]."

"Finally, the cable quality can also affect the sound quality by minimizing electrical interference and signal loss."

• Second is just a blog post form a vendor.

• And the third just says that you can design a good hybrid IEM there is no mention of an advantage over other type of technologies.

 

[Super Panda]

This appears to be a nothing burger with no concrete conclusion reached WRT driver selection.


Equally nothing burger. No research data, no concrete conclusions WRT driver type.


And yet again zero data or research on driver differences.

The premise here is that "Hybrid earphones [...] can produce better performance over a wider range when compared to [...] (BA earphones) or [...] (dynamic earphones)."
but this is never substantiated.

Have you even read these before posting the links?

I did not but these were the closest I could find as per your request. Of course it's very likely the matter hasn't been researched further.
Regardless, it's quite commonly accepted that different driver topologies have different characteristics.

 

[muza_1]

Regardless, it's quite commonly accepted that different driver topologies have different characteristics.

Yes they can have different technical characteristics but all is in the implementation there is no audible advantage of one over another.
As far as the audible characteristics (as in the ones repeated over and over), commonly accepted doesn't mean is true.

 

[staticV3]

I did not but these were the closest I could find as per your request. Of course it's very likely the matter hasn't been researched further.
Regardless, it's quite commonly accepted that different driver topologies have different characteristics.

It is also "accepted" that gold cables produce a warm, lush sound and silver a cold, analytical sound. Or that copper housings give a more "analog" sound or whatever.

In all of these cases, there is no supporting data and the claims therefore complete horseshit.

If you say that something is definitive, based on nothing but hearsay, then yeah we'll call you out and rightly so.

 

[Super Panda]

I accept we're in disagreement but remain steadfast that DD's and planars have different characteristics. To claim that a dynamic driver behaves identical to a planar driver just because they can be EQ'd to the same magnitude response is to ignore physical realities. Dismissing mechanical differences as 'horseshit' based on a lack of specific papers is an appeal to ignorance. Absence of evidence is not evidence of absence. I rest my case.

 

[USER]

I accept we're in disagreement but remain steadfast that DD's and planars have different characteristics. To claim that a dynamic driver behaves identical to a planar driver just because they can be EQ'd to the same magnitude response is to ignore physical realities. Dismissing mechanical differences as 'horseshit' based on a lack of specific papers is an appeal to ignorance. Absence of evidence is not evidence of absence. I rest my case.

Rest your case? That "argument" wouldn't work in a high school debate club meeting.

 

[Joe Smith]

Haven't read the thread, but a basic bit of general advice: unless you plan to use entirely in your home, consider not spending more than you need to for good sound. Wireless IEMs/earbuds are very easy to lose, or have fall out of a pocket. That happened to me earlier this year, and I am pretty careful with my pockets. And with wired IEMs, thay are also very easy to lose or misplace, or to have the cords wear out or get pulled out prematurely (a plus for models that have detachable/replaceable cords).

I currently like and use TOZO wireless earbuds for daily use (replacing my lost pair) and have a couple of Moondrop Chu's for my occasional wired needs. Cheap, good enough for me.

 

[rdscuba]

My Zero2 and Apple adapter are out for delivery. Hope to be testing them out soon. The GATE won’t arrive until next week. Hopefully one of the provided ear tips work well for me… fingers crossed.

 

[phoenixdogfan]

You should start with a budget set and two items seem to be rising to the top here: The Truthear Gate and the 7Hz Crinacle Zero 2. I'd suggest you choice should probably be about how you want it voiced. The Gate has more pinnae gain and far less bass and sub bass boost which will make the mids and trebles stand out. It will sound forward with plenty of treble. OTOH, the 7hz Zero 2 is the inverse, low pinnae gain and a sizable bass shelf. It will sound big and bassy if that's what you like. Of course because they are both so cheap, you could just get one of each and that might help you decide which sonic signature you prefer in the event you want to move up the price ladder.

I have the Zero 2's as well as the Dusk and the Zero Red and the Simgot EA 500s, and the Zero 2 is my second favorite after the Dusk. To me it sounds rich detailed and smooth.

Whatever you buy, you should look to get a good pair of replacement eartips. I use Devinus Velvets with the Zero 2's and they get a good, tight, comfortable for me, which is essential. Also consider picking up an upgraded cord. The look on the Zero 2's in terms of the shells themselves is very good. Nice fit and finish, IMHO.

 

[Jiraya369]

I accept we're in disagreement but remain steadfast that DD's and planars have different characteristics. To claim that a dynamic driver behaves identical to a planar driver just because they can be EQ'd to the same magnitude response is to ignore physical realities. Dismissing mechanical differences as 'horseshit' based on a lack of specific papers is an appeal to ignorance. Absence of evidence is not evidence of absence. I rest my case.

you're the one spouting nonsense confidently, sending studies you haven't read yourself and saying things that we should trust you blindly on.

A complete lack of experience and an extreme amount of confidence in whatever knowledge you have lmao, listen mate, if you want to prove your case at least read your own studies, not shit you pulled out of your ass.

IEMs are all about FR, the most important thing being the FR that hits your ears. HRTF screws everything up thus the given FR graph is not what you hear, but that's what the iem produces and all iems will go through the same HRTF issues, so you will hear a bassier iem being bassier, brighter iem being brighter etc. It's all relative after that. Additionally, fit and insertion depth matters, tip choice matters, but somehow you guys think that doesn't change it in a dramatic way.

Get off the iem hype placebo, or maybe try/buy a few kilobuck sets to see what the fuss is about and prove it for yourself like i did. This technicalities nonsense sounds like it makes sense but how can a human hear what a machine is unable to detect/reproduce? How are you able to hear the different timbre and detail of an iem that is outside of the transducer capabilities or even not in the source?

 

[Jiraya369]

My Zero2 and Apple adapter are out for delivery. Hope to be testing them out soon. The GATE won’t arrive until next week. Hopefully one of the provided ear tips work well for me… fingers crossed.

zero2 is the better tuned set out of the box but the gate is the comfier set, try investing in tips later on if needed but hope you enjoy em my friend.

 

[Ype]

I might have missed part of OP's question and I see an apple dongle has been selected.
@rdscuba Do you have a way to use PEQ?

 

[artismo]

I've been out the IEM game for a while since 2023 (I rock the Cleer Arc II Music because I run/cycle and I used to own the Sony WF-1000XM5 because train commutes) but I've owned countless Chi-fi, mainstream, and boutique IEMs, DAPs, dongles, etc. I didn't read everyone's comments up until this point but one thing I really learned to appreciate and had a meaningful impact on comfort and sound are ear tips - and I explored that rabbit hole endlessly: DIY even with Frankenstein cutting and gluing, foam inserts, etc. I think I remember seeing some comments about the performance of in-ears has really democratized. They're probably right, I keep reading how amazing performance has come down in price and I have been tempted to get back into it. I loved the Moondrop Blessing 2 and Dusk. I remember when I got the Ikko OH-1, I was satisfied. I also remember owning the AKG N40 and loved those. Then I kind of starting creeping up to the Hyla TE5-B and Unique Melody Maverick II RE. But the FAudio Chorus seemed to meet your criteria to my ears. And that's the big one, we won't hear exactly the same. Like cars, definitely test drive as many as you can. Really though, I enjoy multi-driver configs because I'm big on dynamics, texture, but a somewhat smoothed treble for long listening. Others probably said it too, you can EQ and DSP some weaknesses, but there are limits. I think my age is catching up to my ears finally. I read you want encourage your daughter to go wired? Ear tips - you definitely want her to be comfortable too if you want her to reach for them willingly.

 

[pieterv1]

one of us
one of us
one of us
one of us
...

My first IEM purchase were the TRUTHEAR x Crinacle ZERO:RED and I'm amazed how great they sound - paired with a FiiO KA17.

My only "issue" with them is that the nozzle sits pretty deep in my ears, but no idea how this compares to other IEM's.

 

[inselwissen]

IEMs have gotten so good that I find even the budget picks don't need much EQ to sound very good, even great.

So it's become much more about value and comfort for me. The most comfortable pair I own are the Truthear Hexa. The shell is quite large but the nozzle is long enough that no part of the shell actually touches my ear even with fairly deep insertion. They sit and seal securely that way, too.

OP, if the Gate or Zero:2 fit you well they might already be all you need.

 

[Ype]

Very true but there is a preference variance in both bass and treble.
Both models are within that preference band but they both have high sensitivity and low distortion so I see no reason not to EQ them to preference if desired.

 

[rdscuba]

I might have missed part of OP's question and I see an apple dongle has been selected.
@rdscuba Do you have a way to use PEQ?

I use Spotify and PlexAmp to listen from my iPhone. Do the EQ's in either of these qualify, or am I totally on the wrong wavelength here? I am excited to learn...

 

[rdscuba]

Well, Facebook is on to me. Every add is now for IEM’s. Did you know that the new KZ ZSX Pro’s have 12 drivers?? All for under $100.00 . I plan on achieving expert IEM status after clicking and reading every add that FB serves up over the next few weeks.

 

[IsaacOscar]

I use Spotify and PlexAmp to listen from my iPhone. Do the EQ's in either of these qualify, or am I totally on the wrong wavelength here? I am excited to learn...

I don't know about PlexAmp. But Spotify is definitely insufficient.
You'll want to get a DAC dongle that has PEQ support (Fiio makes many of them, but unless it's got Bluetooth, you can't configure their PEQ from an iPhone, and instead have to connect it to an Android, Mac, Windows or Linux computer to do so, and then you can reconnect it to your iPhone and it will remember the settings).