Best 'Bang for your buck' IEM - Poll

[mc.god]

Kbear KB01 arrived, listening to them now. They are really small and nicely made, not cheapish feeling at touch. I must say that they sound good, even though they are a bit brighter than I was expecting from the graph. Had to use the largest tips i have, Tri Clarion large (14mm) since they are pretty small and with very short nozzle, couldn't get solid seal with most of my other large tips, even Kbear 07 large (from Sonus box, 13,7 mm) work fine but not perfect. As said I was expecting them a bit warmer, even though i don't really know why Actually they sound very similar to Truthear Gate for me, with more air and not so more bass as graph could suggest, and I'm enjoying them after throwing away that wrong expectation, the highs are honestly surprising me, very present but smooth.
The cable is actually pretty cheap, very thin and tangly, but not microphonic and with straight connectors (i bought them mostly for that ), with big and well readable L-R marks on them (finally!), so it does it's job well.
For the price i paid i could have get a spare Gate, the cable is surely better, but I'm glad to have picked them instead.

Finally got the real perfect seal with KB01 with the trick i had to use with almost every other cable, despite the straight connectors: remodeling the ear hooks with a hairdryer to straighten the cable over the connectors, since it was preventing the last bit of iem rotation I need to get the nozzles at perfect angle for my ear canals.
Now the bass are effectively where I expected from graph and with a very good definition, giving that last bit of balance they seemed to miss with the very nice higher part of the spectrum. Men they are good!

 

[Honken]

Well I was wrong about my assumptions on short nozzle/shallow fitting IEMs.

I was trying to fix the condensation problem on the Saga by trying different filters but when I took out the filter I noticed that the filter had some kind of glue/rubber "o-ring" effectively reducing the circumference area of the filter and immediately thought of the Delci which I stopped using after some mods attempts (Chu 2 filter, reduced the effective area a bit) that worked but not well enough, so I experimented on the Delci with some KZ filters (of the same type and size but different densities), in the end I used the ones form the Castor Harman (the less dense of the ones I tried), all the harshness, glare (resonances) and elevated highs disappeared, now the sound is just as described by a lot of users and graphs, warm, bassy with a relaxed pinna region and inoffensive but present treble.

I've been using them daily for around two plus weeks, I really like them now and on top that they are very comfortable, light and silent (bodily functions and steps while walking), isolation is average but is sufficient. I use them with TRN T-Tips.

Interesting, I too have issues with condensation with this set. I might try some other set of filters I have on hand later. Thanks for the tip!

 

[muza_1]

Interesting, I too have issues with condensation with this set. I might try some other set of filters I have on hand later. Thanks for the tip!

I'm experimenting with some filters form other KZ IEMs I have, so far it only has worked to some extent but the temperature changed a few degrees the last few days so I cannot be sure it was the filters. Regular after market filters (metallic or mesh) did not work for me the IEM becomes harsh, I'm trying to find filters with the same design (ones that reduce the effective area of the filter) or some type of (rubber?) ring to reduce the diameter of the nozzle to try along mesh filters.

BTW indoors I have not experienced any condensation problems is just when I use it outdoors.

 

[mc.god]

Since I already stated that we all are lost causes and don't want to contradict myself, just ordered another iem, in the end I was still missing this so called planar sound and i was dying to try it...

not very smooth but made me curious since I generally like them on the bright sight.... and well, the planar sound for €33...

 

[mc.god]

Finally got the real perfect seal with KB01 with the trick i had to use with almost every other cable, despite the straight connectors: remodeling the ear hooks with a hairdryer to straighten the cable over the connectors, since it was preventing the last bit of iem rotation I need to get the nozzles at perfect angle for my ear canals.
Now the bass are effectively where I expected from graph and with a very good definition, giving that last bit of balance they seemed to miss with the very nice higher part of the spectrum. Men they are good!

After some days with the Kbear KB01, I can say that, although overall good, they are a bit too much shouty making them a bit fatiguing in the long run. Given that I like a lot 7Hz Zero and Truthear Gate I would have not imagined this

Apparently the 1-1.5 more db the KB01 have in the 3k-4k region are not balanced out by the bass increase as I imagined out, but just applying -1,5db Q1.5 @ 3.8KHz eq confirmed it, a subtle but evident change for better. Since the bass are there, I can't explain how a single db could be this evident, so, and now I'll say an idiocy, maybe it's due to the early roll-off at 4KHz, making it more like a peak than a standard pinna gain region. Or maybe a light level of distortion, but I listen at absolutely safe volume, so don't really know.
Well, surely a minor issue, but don't we like to nitpick?

 

[mc.god]

After some days with the Kbear KB01, I can say that, although overall good, they are a bit too much shouty making them a bit fatiguing in the long run. Given that I like a lot 7Hz Zero and Truthear Gate I would have not imagined this

View attachment 409561

Apparently the 1-1.5 more db the KB01 have in the 3k-4k region are not balanced out by the bass increase as I imagined out, but just applying -1,5db Q1.5 @ 3.8KHz eq confirmed it, a subtle but evident change for better. Since the bass are there, I can't explain how a single db could be this evident, so, and now I'll say an idiocy, maybe it's due to the early roll-off at 4KHz, making it more like a peak than a standard pinna gain region. Or maybe a light level of distortion, but I listen at absolutely safe volume, so don't really know.
Well, surely a minor issue, but don't we like to nitpick?

Well, in the end it was all my mistake, after modding the cable i reinstalled Kbear 07 large tips thinking they now would give perfect seal but i was wrong, reverting to Tri Clarion large they are now perfect and no more shouty, all is balanced again and very very enjoyable.

In the meantime, EDC Pro left 2 pin socket became a bit wobbly, nothing problematic at the moment, it just moves a bit under the connector leverage. Coincidentally it happened the same on the same left socket of TRN MT1 that i long used as daily beater before the EDC Pro, maybe it has something to do with how I store them on the go (a not very protective fabric pouch), even though I generally treat all my gear very carefully.

 

[mc.god]

So, just got the Sgor Luna today and first impression is very positive.
As always comparing with my reference (Sonus):

The bit extra energy in mid-bass and mid-highs makes them a very fun sounding iem for me without loosing too much in mids clarity and presence. No harshness or sibilance in the highs despite the peak, i think they could make many users happy.
About the planar thing, I can't really say they sound "different" from all my other iems (DD and hybrid) if not for what you can ascribe to FR differences, no special spatial qualities as for any other iem to me, no special "bass speed" or instrument separation but maybe it's just me not knowing what all of this is supposed to mean.
All in all they are very very good sounding and enjoyable iem, balanced but fun at the same time. Only downside is they are bulky and heavy, so may not fit well in small ears and may cause discomfort although the nozzle is not large (stem 5.25 mm - edge 5.8 mm), on the other end this gives them an hefty and solid feeling.
I immediately changed and disposed the stock cable due to its f****ng qdc angled connectors and installed TRN T tips, getting perfect seal.
Fully satisfied for €33.

p.s.
Driving them with Kuang Pai Player 3 via 4.4 mm balanced out for what it matters.

Curious note: the box have a thin sticker on the row reporting the sensitivity saying 96 dbmW. I removed it to see why it was on a sticker, revealing underneath they made a print error on the box saying 96 dbV, then applying a sticker to report the correct data. I appreciate the intent to correct it, since many manufacturers don't even bother to specify if the sensitivity data is dbV or dbmw.

 

[villagera]

I've tried the EW300 DSP/HBB, PR2, and Hexa, and I can confidently say the Hexa sounds incredible, especially when paired with KZ premium foam eartips. With the stock silicone and foam eartips, the treble can feel a bit piercing and congested, particularly on pop idol tracks. However, it consistently shines on classical pieces.

The only area where the EW300 DSP outperforms the Hexa (after auto-EQing the EW300 DSP to match the Hexa's frequency curve on Poweramp) is in the treble's sheen, thanks to its piezo driver. To put it into perspective, it's like viewing an upscaled 4K image with almost no noise or grain. While this might not appeal to everyone, I personally find it enjoyable.

One more thing to consider if you're set on getting the EW300: avoid the DSP version. Every single EW300 DSP I’ve tried has had audible crackling during calm passages due to the DSP. This issue disappears entirely when using a different cable.

 

[villagera]

I've tried the EW300 DSP/HBB, PR2, and Hexa, and I can confidently say the Hexa sounds incredible, especially when paired with KZ premium foam eartips. With the stock silicone and foam eartips, the treble can feel a bit piercing and congested, particularly on pop idol tracks. However, it consistently shines on classical pieces.

The only area where the EW300 DSP outperforms the Hexa (after auto-EQing the EW300 DSP to match the Hexa's frequency curve on Poweramp) is in the treble's sheen, thanks to its piezo driver. To put it into perspective, it's like viewing an upscaled 4K image with almost no noise or grain. While this might not appeal to everyone, I personally find it enjoyable.

One more thing to consider if you're set on getting the EW300: avoid the DSP version. Every single EW300 DSP I’ve tried has had audible crackling during calm passages due to the DSP. This issue disappears entirely when using a different cable.

Doesnt have to be KZ premium foam eartips though, any other foam tips with a height of at least 10mm and a nozzle hole diameter of 4mm would probably be indistinguishable.

The height is crucial since, with shorter eartips that are nearly flush with the nozzle, the sound becomes smeared and overly smooth—like smearing Vaseline over it. If I had measuring equipment, I’m certain this difference would show clearly. As for the nozzle hole diameter, I can’t pinpoint exactly why, but larger diameters don’t sound as good to me. For reference, the stock foam eartips have a nozzle hole diameter of about 5.7mm.

 

[markanini]

I've tried the EW300 DSP/HBB, PR2, and Hexa, and I can confidently say the Hexa sounds incredible, especially when paired with KZ premium foam eartips. With the stock silicone and foam eartips, the treble can feel a bit piercing and congested, particularly on pop idol tracks. However, it consistently shines on classical pieces.

The only area where the EW300 DSP outperforms the Hexa (after auto-EQing the EW300 DSP to match the Hexa's frequency curve on Poweramp) is in the treble's sheen, thanks to its piezo driver. To put it into perspective, it's like viewing an upscaled 4K image with almost no noise or grain. While this might not appeal to everyone, I personally find it enjoyable.

One more thing to consider if you're set on getting the EW300: avoid the DSP version. Every single EW300 DSP I’ve tried has had audible crackling during calm passages due to the DSP. This issue disappears entirely when using a different cable.

Hexa is a such a banger of an IEM to me. Hope they don't stop making it.

 

[muza_1]

I been using the KZ Zenith for a few days and I think I found a perfect fit sound-wise for me, the IEM sounds perfectly balanced, extended and spacious without any harshness or peaks the sound is well defined and natural. I think it's a great option for the price, $55 (I think now they can be found for around $47).

They are smaller and deeper than what the promotional photos might suggest, I don't care much about looks but this are different and more discrete than I thought.

A few low quality comparison shots.

I used them outdoors a few times and thankfully no condensation issues.

 

[mc.god]

I think TinHifi deserves to be crowned the new best bang for buck king for what their new C3 Mk II promise to offer for $50:

 

[phoenixdogfan]

I'm thinking this thread ought to be retired and a new one started. The initial set up of this one was May 2023. In IEM years that's like two decades. Unfortunately, I'm not close enough to this market to really do this, but there are a few members who are right on it, and it would be nice to get a refresh before it becomes like onto a 1973 vintage Stereophile article only with IEMs.