Recently, I bought a pair of Truthear x Crinacle Zero RED IEMs with a Moondrop FreeDSP cable to EQ them even closer to the IEF target. The sound quality is outstanding. Every time I put them on, the clean bass and the level of detail amaze me. I enjoy listening on these cheap IEMs at least as much as on my desktop (Genelec 8030c + Arendal 1961 1S + miniDSP Flex) or living room (5.1 comprising KEF HTS 3001, SVS SB1000 classic, Denon AVC-3800h, and A1 Neuron) setups. The passive noise isolation is also great for commuting on the train and, at least subjectively, beats the active cancellation of my Sony WH-1000MX3.
In short, the experience has been quite transformative. I did not believe this level of performance to be possible, let alone for just ~100 bucks. I am extremely grateful to the community on this forum -- and especially @amirm -- for pointing me in that direction.
Now, I wonder whether more premium IEMs, such as, e.g., Moondrop x Crinacle Dusk or Thieaudio Monarch Mk. II, sound even better? Looking at the measured frequency responses (particularly after applying EQ), my intuition says no. However, I somehow find it hard to believe that their more complex construction and higher cost would "only" result in more pride of ownership, collectible value, and maybe better comfort. Being a total noob when it comes to IEMs, I'm a bit at a loss regarding this question and wonder whether I'm missing something.
In short, the experience has been quite transformative. I did not believe this level of performance to be possible, let alone for just ~100 bucks. I am extremely grateful to the community on this forum -- and especially @amirm -- for pointing me in that direction.
Now, I wonder whether more premium IEMs, such as, e.g., Moondrop x Crinacle Dusk or Thieaudio Monarch Mk. II, sound even better? Looking at the measured frequency responses (particularly after applying EQ), my intuition says no. However, I somehow find it hard to believe that their more complex construction and higher cost would "only" result in more pride of ownership, collectible value, and maybe better comfort. Being a total noob when it comes to IEMs, I'm a bit at a loss regarding this question and wonder whether I'm missing something.
Last edited: