June 2024 - Need a good transparent sounding IEM - budget $60 max

[OK1]

For critical and/or casual listening. I am not a bass head. Suggestions please. I may have asked this on some other threads, but the market keeps changing, so a refresher is needed.

If there was anything like a flat frequency, with no emphasis on any frequency, that would be my preference.

Other criteria - reliability - I cannot stand it when gear fails.

Will be used to listen to the unbalanced headphone outputs of these sources :

1. Echo Audio Layla 3G - Audio interface (using a 6.35 to 3.5mm adapter)
2. EMU 0404 USB - Audio Interface (using a 6.35 to 3.5mm adapter)
3. Sabaj A20h - headphone amp
4. Apple Dongle Dongle DAC (US version)
5.Tempotec Sonata BHD dongle DAC

The last three items were bought in the last 8 months, based on strong influence of objective opinions and measurements on this review community ASR, and others + manufacturers specs. So I do pay attention to the proven facts, more than anything else. Wondering how much objectivity can be brought to the choice of headphones. Will see, and learn from this journey.

Thanks

 

[InfiniteJester]

At that price, I really like the Kefine Delci (I bought them for 57€), but I think that they may be too bass heavy for your preferences, according to what you stated.

Ignore the resonance peaks, the treble is not that uneven.

Without EQ, they are my favorite IEM under 60€.

The shells are metallic and seem sturdy, I never had an issue with them, the cable is reasonably decent. I don't think these will fail anytime soon, but you never know. They are easily powered by the EU Apple Dongle, so the USA version will have even less issues feeding them.

 

[Dunring]

The choices are going to be limited at the price, there's flat ones like the Moondrop Blessing 3, but way out of price range. If you EQ using the Autoeq flat response settings at:

AutoEq/results_ief at master · iwalton3/AutoEq

Automatic headphone equalization from frequency responses - iwalton3/AutoEq

github.com

Then you can have many more great choices like the Truthear Zero Red, 7hz Zero:2 and then just adjust in a player's equalizer. Your Apple adapter has plenty of power for any IEM in that price range to make adjustments.

 

[Jimbob54]

IEM recommendations are a nightmare, especially to a new user as they are so dependent on being a good fit for your ears and getting the right tip and position for a good seal takes some learning and practice.

But for me there is a no brainer rec, the 7hz zero 2. It's pretty small and light, not 100% fit for everyone but many. It's sound gets praised and it's $20.

Use it as a starter set, play around with eq for it to determine what your personal tastes are like and then it might guide you towards a particular style of tuning in the future.

I'd recommend the Truthear Zero Red at around $50 but it's shape and fit are a bit more divisive (it's big and bulky).

Edit. Link to review https://www.audiosciencereview.com/...crinacle-zero-2-iem-review.50534/post-1815372

Also, apologies, just seen you have some experience with iem so you know about fit and tips etc

 

[OK1]

At that price, I really like the Kefine Delci (I bought them for 57€), but I think that they may be too bass heavy for your preferences, according to what you stated.
View attachment 373303
Ignore the resonance peaks, the treble is not that uneven.

Without EQ, they are my favorite IEM under 60€.

The shells are metallic and seem sturdy, I never had an issue with them, the cable is reasonably decent. I don't think these will fail anytime soon, but you never know. They are easily powered by the
EU Apple Dongle, so the USA version will have even less issues feeding them.

Thanks will consider these. Especially glad for your posting the comparison with a target. I'll spend some time on the various headphone measurement repositories, checking these details.

The choices are going to be limited at the price, there's flat ones like the Moondrop Blessing 3, but way out of price range. If you EQ using the Autoeq flat response settings at:

AutoEq/results_ief at master · iwalton3/AutoEq

Automatic headphone equalization from frequency responses - iwalton3/AutoEq

github.com

Then you can have many more great choices like the Truthear Zero Red, 7hz Zero:2 and then just adjust in a player's equalizer. Your Apple adapter has plenty of power for any IEM in that price range to make adjustments.

AutoEQ has been a true Godsend. transformed my cheapie JVC HA-FX7M "IEM", into a wonder to listen to - just using the default corrections on autoeq.app (The web site). Ordinarily I might not have bothered to get anything else, but don't think having one IEM, gives me a good opportunity to appreciate what is achievable in the current market. Hard to know what good is without comparing, with something else. Other reason I'm looking for another pair of IEM's is fit, tired of having to adjust the best fitting tips which came with the JVC, never stays in the ear with ease - annoying.

 

[OK1]

The choices are going to be limited at the price, there's flat ones like the Moondrop Blessing 3, but way out of price range. If you EQ using the Autoeq flat response settings at:

AutoEq/results_ief at master · iwalton3/AutoEq

Automatic headphone equalization from frequency responses - iwalton3/AutoEq

github.com

Then you can have many more great choices like the Truthear Zero Red, 7hz Zero:2 and then just adjust in a player's equalizer. Your Apple adapter has plenty of power for any IEM in that price range to make adjustments.

I definitely plan to use AutoEQ, to see if it will improve the sound of any other earphone I buy. Thanks.

 

[OK1]

IEM recommendations are a nightmare, especially to a new user as they are so dependent on being a good fit for your ears and getting the right tip and position for a good seal takes some learning and practice.

But for me there is a no brainer rec, the 7hz zero 2. It's pretty small and light, not 100% fit for everyone but many. It's sound gets praised and it's $20.

Use it as a starter set, play around with eq for it to determine what your personal tastes are like and then it might guide you towards a particular style of tuning in the future.

I'd recommend the Truthear Zero Red at around $50 but it's shape and fit are a bit more divisive (it's big and bulky).

Edit. Link to review https://www.audiosciencereview.com/...crinacle-zero-2-iem-review.50534/post-1815372

Also, apologies, just seen you have some experience with iem so you know about fit and tips etc

Yeah - I like this approach. Dip your toes in gently, before one takes a deep dive. Thanks.

 

[OK1]

Forgot to mention - I do have a CCA CRA on the way, ordered recently, so maybe I'll wait until I audition that 1st, before I commit to buying anything else.

 

[OK1]

The manufacturers of headphones must be having a field day. In the same manner that DACs and Amps may have an audibility threshold, beyond which any better measurements are no longer discernible, yet we pine for the best, even though we may not be able to hear the improvement, with headphones I ask, where does one stop?

When is it good enough? Otherwise you just end up spending more and more and more, and they oblige us with new models every few months, and I can imagine, those who want the best will have FOMO (fear of missing out) - Hmmm - maybe that new model is better, and it could be due to advances in material science..

With DACs and Headphone Amps, I've been able to decide where my spending MUST stop, based on manufacturer specs, published manufacturer measurements, and independent measurements like those on ASR, and a bit of guesswork and hope in the case of devices where there are no independent measurements. Amir can't measure every device in existence, at the rate they are now churning out new models!

At this time I do not need new speakers, cos most of my listening is on headphones (concern for neighbours and my own family), but think I could borrow some wisdom from speaker measurements and apply same to headphones.

Key measurements I would be looking for are :

1. Frequency response
2. Impulse response
3. Distortion

In the speaker world, these three measurements (+ directivity) correlate very closely with perception, on both ASR and Erin's measurements. I'm hoping I can find reviews/databases that have these measurements for headphones (including IEMs), to similarly separate the good from the bad - objectively. Before I then subjectively review the shortlist of headphones that pass this "test", for other parameters like reliability over time, based on user reviews across various sites including Reddit.

There has to be a logical way to determine when one has spent enough, on headphones, otherwise it's another never ending rabbit hole.

 

[OK1]

At that price, I really like the Kefine Delci (I bought them for 57€), but I think that they may be too bass heavy for your preferences, according to what you stated.
View attachment 373303
Ignore the resonance peaks, the treble is not that uneven.

Without EQ, they are my favorite IEM under 60€.

The shells are metallic and seem sturdy, I never had an issue with them, the cable is reasonably decent. I don't think these will fail anytime soon, but you never know. They are easily powered by the EU Apple Dongle, so the USA version will have even less issues feeding them.

Where did you buy these from? Just checked the UK Amazon site, and it's almost £80. which is like 90 Euro.

 

[InfiniteJester]

Where did you buy these from? Just checked the UK Amazon site, and it's almost £80. which is like 90 Euro.

AliExpress.

 

[OK1]

AliExpress.

Thanks

 

[Jimbob54]

The manufacturers of headphones must be having a field day. In the same manner that DACs and Amps may have an audibility threshold, beyond which any better measurements are no longer discernible, yet we pine for the best, even though we may not be able to hear the improvement, with headphones I ask, where does one stop?

When is it good enough? Otherwise you just end up spending more and more and more, and they oblige us with new models every few months, and I can imagine, those who want the best will have FOMO (fear of missing out) - Hmmm - maybe that new model is better, and it could be due to advances in material science..

With DACs and Headphone Amps, I've been able to decide where my spending MUST stop, based on manufacturer specs, published manufacturer measurements, and independent measurements like those on ASR, and a bit of guesswork and hope in the case of devices where there are no independent measurements. Amir can't measure every device in existence, at the rate they are now churning out new models!

At this time I do not need new speakers, cos most of my listening is on headphones (concern for neighbours and my own family), but think I could borrow some wisdom from speaker measurements and apply same to headphones.

Key measurements I would be looking for are :

1. Frequency response
2. Impulse response
3. Distortion

In the speaker world, these three measurements (+ directivity) correlate very closely with perception, on both ASR and Erin's measurements. I'm hoping I can find reviews/databases that have these measurements for headphones (including IEMs), to similarly separate the good from the bad - objectively. Before I then subjectively review the shortlist of headphones that pass this "test", for other parameters like reliability over time, based on user reviews across various sites including Reddit.

There has to be a logical way to determine when one has spent enough, on headphones, otherwise it's another never ending rabbit hole.

You will get a decent idea of FR from Amirs reviews, Oratory's measurement database, Crinacle etc (as well as the multitude of squiglink sites)

See this vid (around 14m for why Amir doesnt think much of IR for headphones (I dont see many measures of this across review sites either so probably not much point looking for it- wont be enough to make any selections from) https://www.audiosciencereview.com/...does-it-translate-to-music.32188/post-1135914

Amir does distortion measurements in all his but not all reviewers do

Long story short- start with FR comparisons and then look for the other 2 across the web on any short list , particularly distortion though IEM tend to be better generally than full size HP.

 

[JB6789]

ARTTI T10 (just under US$60 on AliExpress sale). A planar (14.2mm) driver. Nice fitment, light, and comfortable to wear for long listening sessions. Planar speed of attack. Planar detail resolution. Good imaging. Well tuned. Probably one of the best planar IEM's and exceptional at its price point.

Watch Akros review on this IEM.

 

[OK1]

You will get a decent idea of FR from Amirs reviews, Oratory's measurement database, Crinacle etc (as well as the multitude of squiglink sites)

See this vid (around 14m for why Amir doesnt think much of IR for headphones (I dont see many measures of this across review sites either so probably not much point looking for it- wont be enough to make any selections from) https://www.audiosciencereview.com/...does-it-translate-to-music.32188/post-1135914

Amir does distortion measurements in all his but not all reviewers do

Long story short- start with FR comparisons and then look for the other 2 across the web on any short list , particularly distortion though IEM tend to be better generally than full size HP.

Thanks. Highly appreciated thoughts. Thank you.

 

[Roland68]

For critical and/or casual listening. I am not a bass head. Suggestions please. I may have asked this on some other threads, but the market keeps changing, so a refresher is needed.

If there was anything like a flat frequency, with no emphasis on any frequency, that would be my preference.

Other criteria - reliability - I cannot stand it when gear fails.

Will be used to listen to the unbalanced headphone outputs of these sources :

1. Echo Audio Layla 3G - Audio interface (using a 6.35 to 3.5mm adapter)
2. EMU 0404 USB - Audio Interface (using a 6.35 to 3.5mm adapter)
3. Sabaj A20h - headphone amp
4. Apple Dongle Dongle DAC (US version)
5.Tempotec Sonata BHD dongle DAC

The last three items were bought in the last 8 months, based on strong influence of objective opinions and measurements on this review community ASR, and others + manufacturers specs. So I do pay attention to the proven facts, more than anything else. Wondering how much objectivity can be brought to the choice of headphones. Will see, and learn from this journey.

Thanks

I bought the IEMs listed based on the recommendations and tests in the forum.
The LAN and the Zero:Red impressed me the most, but all of them are really good, even the cheap Zeros.
I use the LAN the most because it is very comfortable and small and I like it equally with and without EQ. They are made entirely of metal and the cable is also high quality. For me, the Zero:Red is the best with EQ and very detailed, the LAN is more relaxed.
Read a little between the lines in the tests and experiences and you will find the right one. 2 pairs would also fit into your budget, e.g. the LAN and one the cheap Zero. All of them are on offer on Amazon from time to time.
https://www.audiosciencereview.com/forum/index.php?threads/moondrop-lan-review.45096/
https://www.audiosciencereview.com/...ruthear-x-crinacle-zero-red-iem-review.44865/
https://www.audiosciencereview.com/...ds/truthear-x-crinacle-zero-iem-review.37380/
https://www.audiosciencereview.com/forum/index.php?threads/7hz-x-crinacle-zero-2-iem-review.50534/
https://www.audiosciencereview.com/forum/index.php?threads/7hz-salnotes-zero-iem-review.50226/

 

[OK1]

ARTTI T10 (just under US$60 on AliExpress sale). A planar (14.2mm) driver. Nice fitment, light, and comfortable to wear for long listening sessions. Planar speed of attack. Planar detail resolution. Good imaging. Well tuned. Probably one of the best planar IEM's and exceptional at its price point.

Watch Akros review on this IEM.

Thank you for this suggestion. There are lots of headphones and IEMs more than I could have imagined.

Been quite tempted to at the very least, own a planar magnetic IEM, and at some point in time in the future, also own in addition to dynamic, a planar magnetic over the ear headphone. I had thought about and will still review again, cos they were within my budget, the KZ PR1, KZ HHB PR2, KZ PR3 series of planar magnetics. Would have bought one of these before now but the subjective and somewhat also objective reviews indicate potential challenges with quality control, and the possibility that the manufacturer has changed aspects of the IEM, so what's available is not the same product as what was reviewed.

 

[OK1]

I bought the IEMs listed based on the recommendations and tests in the forum.
The LAN and the Zero:Red impressed me the most, but all of them are really good, even the cheap Zeros.
I use the LAN the most because it is very comfortable and small and I like it equally with and without EQ. They are made entirely of metal and the cable is also high quality. For me, the Zero:Red is the best with EQ and very detailed, the LAN is more relaxed.
Read a little between the lines in the tests and experiences and you will find the right one. 2 pairs would also fit into your budget, e.g. the LAN and one the cheap Zero. All of them are on offer on Amazon from time to time.
https://www.audiosciencereview.com/forum/index.php?threads/moondrop-lan-review.45096/
https://www.audiosciencereview.com/...ruthear-x-crinacle-zero-red-iem-review.44865/
https://www.audiosciencereview.com/...ds/truthear-x-crinacle-zero-iem-review.37380/
https://www.audiosciencereview.com/forum/index.php?threads/7hz-x-crinacle-zero-2-iem-review.50534/
https://www.audiosciencereview.com/forum/index.php?threads/7hz-salnotes-zero-iem-review.50226/

Thank you. Truly appreciated.

 

[OK1]

Dynamic vs Planar Magnetic Headphones: Which Is Best For You?

Headphones create sound by causing a thin and lightweight sheet of foil, "the diaphragm," within their driver to vibrate. This is done with the use of magnetic fields that move the diaphragm depending on the driver's design.

www.rtings.com

Interesting opinion on planar vs dynamic.

 

[Roland68]

Dynamic vs Planar Magnetic Headphones: Which Is Best For You?

Headphones create sound by causing a thin and lightweight sheet of foil, "the diaphragm," within their driver to vibrate. This is done with the use of magnetic fields that move the diaphragm depending on the driver's design.

www.rtings.com

Interesting opinion on planar vs dynamic.

I can't understand that from my experience with many headphones between 150 and 4000 €/$. The thing about the bass alone is nonsense.
For me, it has nothing to do with IEMs, even less than with headphones.
Maybe that was just a content article, or it's because it's almost 10 years old, or both.