Best IEMs for classical music under 200

[JediMa]

Because of Aliexpress sales I was considering to add new iems to my collection, something really specific to enjoy classical music but avoiding too sharp trebles. There 's something worth to get?

 

[Sebby]

Because of Aliexpress sales I was considering to add new iems to my collection, something really specific to enjoy classical music but avoiding too sharp trebles. There 's something worth to get?

Unfortunately nothing you can find on Aliexpress, for example Meze Alba. However you need something with the right weight of the instruments (nothing too analytical) and a great treble extension. Look at HIFIGO which has many discounts in this period and take a look at Aful Performer 5+2

 

[Somafunk]

Ziigaat Lush could be a contender for classical long listening sessions as the treble is quite relaxing

ZiiGaat Lush

Studio-Grade Hybrid IEM: Precision and Balance The ZiiGaat Lush features a dedicated 10mm dynamic subwoofer and four balanced armature drivers for deep bass, natural mids, and crisp highs. Crafted with 3D printed medical-grade resin and hand-painted faceplates, it delivers professional-grade...

www.linsoul.com

 

[Somafunk]

See thread below for links to reviews of Lush

Post in thread 'Timeless 2 or?'
https://audiosciencereview.com/forum/index.php?threads/timeless-2-or.63636/post-2333315

 

[Nay16]

I'd go with a planar IEM, it'll keep up with the nature of classical music. I'd recommend Kiwi Ears Aether, they don't have the sharp treble and are more laid back neutralish than fellow planars in range such Letshuoer s12/PRO.
The other one, Letshuoer s08 but it might be too warm for it

 

[Hollywood_Bob]

I use the Sennheiser IE200 to listen to classical music files on my phone. When I first got the IE200's I thought they were lifeless, until I used smaller tips than I am using on my Sennheiser Accentum's. Then the IE200's came alive.

I connect the IE200's to my phone with a Shanling UA4 USB dac/amp, and use the Shanling Eddict player.

The Hiby music player has a peq, but the sound from the Eddict player seems clearer. Clearer than the Fiio player too.

I switch between the IE200's and my HD650's on my desktop system. Different sound, but I like both.

I dont usually listen to orchestral music. Mostly solo and chamber music.

 

[SteveL]

Cut your budget by 90% and get the 7 Hz Salnotes Zero. I am a voracious classical music listener (including frequent live concerts- I'm a Cleveland Orchestra subscriber) and amateur orchestral violinist in a serious community orchestra. And I'm here to tell you that the Salnotes Zero, without EQ, comes as close as I have ever heard to reproducing good classical recordings exactly as music sounds in a good hall. And mine remains in mint condition after more than two years of almost daily use, including the stock red tips. Why pay more?

 

[agiletiger]

I’m loving the Topping Hane right now. After podcasts, I listen to classical music and bebop. The Hane has better yet still clean bass than the Truthear ones everyone mentions. Mids and highs seem indistinguishable between the Hane and the Truthears. To me, it’s worth paying the extra for the better bass.

 

[Sukie]

SIMGOT SuperMix 4, perhaps.

 

[JediMa]

S12 Pro sounded so good and so I didn't buy anything. I Will try Ziigat Lush the next sales

 

[Daverz]

Cut your budget by 90% and get the 7 Hz Salnotes Zero. I am a voracious classical music listener (including frequent live concerts- I'm a Cleveland Orchestra subscriber) and amateur orchestral violinist in a serious community orchestra. And I'm here to tell you that the Salnotes Zero, without EQ, comes as close as I have ever heard to reproducing good classical recordings exactly as music sounds in a good hall. And mine remains in mint condition after more than two years of almost daily use, including the stock red tips. Why pay more?

Just got mine. They don't sound good with the iPhone dongle: the midrange is "shouty" and the bass is disappointing. My TRUTHEAR x Crinacle Zeros sound much better with the dongle.

However, the Salnotes sound nicely balanced with my Topping DX3 Pro. So a winner when paired with a decent headphone amp.

No carrying case or foam tips included with the Salnotes.

I also have the Topping Hanes, but I don't think they are different enough sounding from either to justify the much higher price. This may be an age thing (I'm in my 60s with mild tinnitus).

 

[Chrispy]

What makes an iem better for classical music? less capability?

 

[Human Bass]

EPZ P50 is sook goood, very detailed, just enough bass for fun but nothing that gets in the way of classical

 

[Somafunk]

What makes an iem better for classical music? less capability?

Is that an attempt at a “gotcha” ?, You wouldn’t choose an iem like my Fat Freq deuce for classical, nor my Kiwi Ears HBB Punch, certainly not the Fat Freq Scarlet Mini either, i imagine (i’ve never listened to classical) you'd be far better served by something with a neutral tuning and suitable treble resolution that is not over emphasised

 

[IngMishael]

What makes an iem better for classical music? less capability?

There isn't anything that makes an IEM better for classical. This whole thread is funny to me recommending what they own or like rather than telling OP, IEMs aren't made with specific genres in mind. Hell no audio device is made that way.

 

[Curupira]

No iem is made with specific genres in mind but certain tunings might perform more pleasurably in certain genres.

Classical music profits from linear mid bass and elevated pinna. This notion is corroborated by most built-in EQ profiles on audio players for classical, which boost medium highs and highs.

A good amount of experience with traditional (old) "well" tuned headphones that used to be DF centered can make this clear to you.

In this context, you can either go with JM or Harman Neutral or, as I assume knowing you already have plenty of neutral iems, go for something more esoteric.

Below are some iems that might fly under the radar given the current meta/hype iems.

 

[SteveL]

There isn't anything that makes an IEM better for classical. This whole thread is funny to me recommending what they own or like rather than telling OP, IEMs aren't made with specific genres in mind. Hell no audio device is made that way.

What makes an IEM better for classical music is Harman neutrality. Not too much bass elevation and not starting at too high a frequency, and an amount of pinna gain that many listeners to other genres find excessive. Many IEMs tuned for popular music err in both respects, making acoustical instruments sound dull and muddy (orchestral violins are quite a bit brighter than people who don't attend concerts imagine, and the bottom of the orchestra is solid but not booming). This is supposed to be an objective forum- convincingly reproducing the sound of live music is not a "preference", it's the fundamental tenet of high fidelity. Of course most IEMs can be EQd to suit those requirements but there are some very cheap ones that do it with little or no EQ and I think that's worth pointing out.

 

[Mr Vinyl]

My favourite is the 7HZ Dioko for classical music - or any genre. But the cleanliness and neutrality of the Diokos makes you feel as if you are in the concert hall where everything is just presented effortlessly. The airiness (not sharp) of these IEMs gives everything a lot of space, which is particularly needed in classical music. The 7Hz Zeros are also good, but the bass boost can make the timpany and lower strings unaturally louder in certain passages. Plus, the resolution and speed are nowhere near the Diokos.