Laid back, relaxed iem recommendation under 100

[XaviMartinez55]

Ok so it looks like my shipping spree for cheap iems is coming to an end........

I have an Artti T10, my "excited" set and the Wan'er SG, my "laid back" set. These are not going anywhere, I like both for different reasons.

In spite of the difference in quality, I find my self using the Wan'er more than the T10 because apparently I am treble sensitive. So after checking graphs and reading countless reviews, I've narrowed it down to these:

- Inawaken Dawn MS
- Kefine Delci
- Blon Z300
- Artti R1
- Simgot EW300
- KZ Zenith
- Tangzu Fudu verse and Xuan NV

These would be my preferences:

- Good for treble sensitive ears (like mine). Inoffensive -but existing- treble
- Needs to have bass, but not Hades Level. I listen mostly to 80's soft rock and classic metal.
- Has good vocals, warm mids.
- Sounds good at low volume
- 100% music listening music only (no gaming)
- I would say kind of warm neutral with some added bass (?) or "soft U" ?
- maybe DD drivers ?


What I've tried:

- Wyvern Abyss: Almost there but a tad too dark
- Ziigaat Nuo: The 12,5 kHz peak totally killed it for me. Pity, because everything else was great
- Zero II. PERFECT tuning and sound signature, no eq needed for me, just sounded too "small / boxed" if that makes any sense.
- OG Zero. Hated it. Too much treble, no bass at all, boxy (even though i LOVED Dan's Audio reviews sound test...reason i bought it )
- Trio and Castor pro bass: Meh.

Jaytiss recommended the EW300 as a "Super Wan'er" (I like the concept), but some of you have tested more iems than I will ever do.......

Thanks in advance !

 

[markanini]

You would be surprised how warm even a lean bass IEM can sound when the lower treble is tuned more relaxed, and the lowest mids have more meat.

Anyway, from the ones you listed I'd look at the Blon Z300 KZ Zenith, unless you want something more balanced and not just pure smooth and relaxed. Simgot house tuning does not have relaxed treble FYI.

 

[multiformous]

Ok so it looks like my shipping spree for cheap iems is coming to an end........

I have an Artti T10, my "excited" set and the Wan'er SG, my "laid back" set. These are not going anywhere, I like both for different reasons.

In spite of the difference in quality, I find my self using the Wan'er more than the T10 because apparently I am treble sensitive. So after checking graphs and reading countless reviews, I've narrowed it down to these:

- Inawaken Dawn MS
- Kefine Delci
- Blon Z300
- Artti R1
- Simgot EW300
- KZ Zenith
- Tangzu Fudu verse and Xuan NV

These would be my preferences:

- Good for treble sensitive ears (like mine). Inoffensive -but existing- treble
- Needs to have bass, but not Hades Level. I listen mostly to 80's soft rock and classic metal.
- Has good vocals, warm mids.
- Sounds good at low volume
- 100% music listening music only (no gaming)
- I would say kind of warm neutral with some added bass (?) or "soft U" ?
- maybe DD drivers ?


What I've tried:

- Wyvern Abyss: Almost there but a tad too dark
- Ziigaat Nuo: The 12,5 kHz peak totally killed it for me. Pity, because everything else was great
- Zero II. PERFECT tuning and sound signature, no eq needed for me, just sounded too "small / boxed" if that makes any sense.
- OG Zero. Hated it. Too much treble, no bass at all, boxy (even though i LOVED Dan's Audio reviews sound test...reason i bought it )
- Trio and Castor pro bass: Meh.

Jaytiss recommended the EW300 as a "Super Wan'er" (I like the concept), but some of you have tested more iems than I will ever do.......

Thanks in advance !

I found Wan'er to be the least offensive of the standard budget single DD recs, but it was still 'wrong' in the ways IEMs typically are. If you're actually looking for something warm and laid back, and a little off the beaten path, consider Floaudio Bluelover (from aliexpress, but availability varies by country).

 

[XaviMartinez55]

It appears to have vanished from Ali....at least not available in my region (Spain), but thanks for the lead !

 

[muza_1]

Of those I had or tried:

Kefine Delci, didn't work for me, way too harsh, it might have been the fit.
Inawaken Dawn-Ms, upper-mids and treble are a bit elevated for me making it a little forward/hard on vocals and somewhat bright.

Zero:2, which I really like but is a bit shallow fitting, even with XL tips it tends to slide out over time.
Simgot EW300, also I really like with the silver nozzle and 2 foam inserts per side, close in tuning to the Zero:2 and Zenith but I prefer the presentation and comfort of the Zenith.

KZ Zenith, which is my main IEM sounds fuller and more spacious to me and is more comfortable, really well balanced and relaxed for long sessions and it has some flexibility for the bass with the switches. One important observation is that of all the IEMs I own this is the most tip sensitive one and some tips can make it sound dull and dark (I use Tri-Clarion wide bores or this ones without the foam insert https://es.aliexpress.com/item/1005006024373115.html) .

 

[XaviMartinez55]

Of those I had or tried:

Kefine Delci, didn't work for me, way too harsh, it might have been the fit.
Inawaken Dawn-Ms, upper-mids and treble are a bit elevated for me making it a little forward/hard on vocals and somewhat bright.

Zero:2, which I really like but is a bit shallow fitting, even with XL tips it tends to slide out over time.
Simgot EW300, also I really like with the silver nozzle and 2 foam inserts per side, close in tuning to the Zero:2 and Zenith but I prefer the presentation and comfort of the Zenith.

KZ Zenith, which is my main IEM sounds fuller and more spacious to me and is more comfortable, really well balanced and relaxed for long sessions and it has some flexibility for the bass with the switches. One important observation is that of all the IEMs I own this is the most tip sensitive one and some tips can make it sound dull and dark (I use Tri-Clarion wide bores or this ones without the foam insert https://es.aliexpress.com/item/1005006024373115.html) .

Wow appreciate the elaborate reply, that’s really helpful , many thanks !

Further shrunk down the list to these ones, ranked by preference (based on graphs):

Artti R1
KZ Zenith
7Hz Sonus
Kefine Delci
Inawaken Dawn MS

NOTE: I know graphs are not everything..... but at least on paper even modest iems like the EDC Pro or the KZ Saga balanced seem to measure within my preferred parameters....might as well buy them, just to see what's the deal....

 

[muza_1]

NOTE: I know graphs are not everything..... but at least on paper even modest iems like the EDC Pro or the KZ Saga balanced seem to measure within my preferred parameters....might as well buy them, just to see what's the deal...

I have both and I like them, the EDC Pro can sound a bit metallic on the treble (not offensive but is there) and it gives you an idea of the tuning style, with the Saga Balanced I had condensation issues making it difficult to use them (I use IEMs mostly oudoors).

The Tripowin Vivace also looks good on paper I might order one because it looks to be resin and light, good for walking/running.

 

[iGmole]

From your list I only have the KZ Zenith. Which has got to be the most unoffending, relaxed and unfatiguing IEM experience I've had. Treble modesty, reasonable bass, finetunable with switches. If I had to own only one IEM, I might choose the Zenith for it's "adult tuning". And it looks awesome.

 

[XaviMartinez55]

Thank you all for your replies.... I finally pulled the trigger on the Kefine Klean, which seems to be a more balanced version of the Delci (also got it for a good price)..will post my impressions here once I get them

 

[XaviMartinez55]

Received the Kefine Klean and also an EDC pro , out of curiosity.

i already sold both…… the Kefine Klean sounds good but has the same issue I had with the Ziigaat Nuo…… treble peak. The EDC Pro is really well tuned and for the $5 I paid for it new, there are no cons. Sounds comparatively excellent for the price.

Long story short…… Been considering the Inawaken Dawn MS and The Artti R1, but I’m guessing those will be redundant . I have a Wan’er, a T10 and a Saga Balanced -this one is on the way…. $8,97 made it impossible for me to resist.

So, I am pulling the trigger on the KZ Zenith (even considering that I haven’t read a single good review about it, except from the recommendations some of you have made)…… I’m trusting you guys

 

[iGmole]

Received the Kefine Klean and also an EDC pro , out of curiosity.

i already sold both…… the Kefine Klean sounds good but has the same issue I had with the Ziigaat Nuo…… treble peak. The EDC Pro is really well tuned and for the $5 I paid for it new, there are no cons. Sounds comparatively excellent for the price.

Long story short…… Been considering the Inawaken Dawn MS and The Artti R1, but I’m guessing those will be redundant . I have a Wan’er, a T10 and a Saga Balanced -this one is on the way…. $8,97 made it impossible for me to resist.

So, I am pulling the trigger on the KZ Zenith (even considering that I haven’t read a single good review about it, except from the recommendations some of you have made)…… I’m trusting you guys

I am interested in hearing what you think about the Zenith. I am slightly emotionally invested since my comment, in part, possibly influenced your decision to purchase. I tried the Saga Bass and could not stand it because of a treble peak at about 12khz that was so obvious it was impossible to miss or ignore. I suspect the Balanced would behave the same in my ears. But not many others reportes such a thing with the Saga Bass, and that is how I learned it is a game of luck between you and IEMs when it comes to sharp top end resonances. I hope you find solace in the Zenith.

There is always EQ if you don't mind it. There is an easy trick for locating sharp peaks using PEQ.

 

[XaviMartinez55]

We all have different ears and tastes…… In my case, it was due to the Ziigaat Nuo. I was at the gym and accidentally I hit the max volume setting, for about 5-6 seconds. That was enough to have that 12,5 kHz peak imprinted in my brain…. So since a couple of months ago I guess I am OVER sensitive to peaks. I sent the Nuo back next day.

I have used eq since I can remember, because I am a low volume listener and I kind of use the Fletcher-Munson curve for this.

I’ll share my impressions on both the Saga balanced and the Zenith….. if you don’t try, you’ll never know (AKA f around and find out )

 

[iGmole]

Aaaaaand it's fun to collect budget IEMs because it's not a lot of money, many of them turn out to be really good, and it is generally fun to compare and subjectively try to analyze them. Even the bad ones teach something about your preferences and you get to chat about them.

And thou shalt always have at least one consignment on the way from Aliexpress.

I would like to purchase one of them 711 couplers though, to measure my collection, as pastime.

 

[muza_1]

So, I am pulling the trigger on the KZ Zenith (even considering that I haven’t read a single good review about it, except from the recommendations some of you have made)…… I’m trusting you guys

Here is one if only for peace of mind.

EDIT.
And a written one.

KZ Zenith Review

The KZ Zenith is KZ Audio's latest single dynamic driver earphone and coincidentally it's also probably the best single DD from the brand.

mobileaudiophile.com

 

[XaviMartinez55]

Here is one if only for peace of mind.

EDIT.
And a written one.

KZ Zenith Review

The KZ Zenith is KZ Audio's latest single dynamic driver earphone and coincidentally it's also probably the best single DD from the brand.

mobileaudiophile.com

Thanks !! Already ordered anyway……. So we’ll see !

 

[XaviMartinez55]

Saga Balanced received, sounds just like EDC pro but with metal shell. Doesn't sound better than the Zero 2 either. Similar sound signature, more treble content (but not in a clean way). Waiting for Zenith now....

 

[XaviMartinez55]

So, I just got the KZ Zenith in, and these are my initial impressions:

POSITIVES

- Clean. Very clean. You can hear all instruments very clearly, no hint of any distortion.
- First iem where I can feel the weight of acoustic snare drums. They have slam and impact. Same goes for vocals.
- The perceived dynamic range is wider than in other iems where everything sounds more "compressed". It sounds more open......this can be a positive or a negative depending on how you look at it.
- Fit is ok to me , but I find he provided eartips don't really work for me. I have installed the Tri Clarions and voilà.
- Treble is there (just on the verge ....a little less and would be too dark)
- Takes EQ very well.
- Scales very well too....
- Nice carrying case
- I don't know why, but I'm listening to it and I'm thinking... this sounds "analog"
- Very good low to mid volume set.....the mentioned dynamic range allows for quieter playback and transients are still there. It doesn't sound muted or weak...

NEGATIVES

- The big 8 kHz peak. It is undeniably there, and it is audible, giving the Zenith a bit of shoutiness. Fortunately my Hiby R1 DAP has a built in EQ with an 8 kHz slider, so it can be managed.
- Bass is lean, even with all switches up.

COMPARISON

- ARTTI T10: Different animals, but as an all rounder, I find the T10 to be nicer. It doesn't have the weight of the Zenith, specially in the midrange, but it sounds more polished.

- KZ Saga (and EDC Pro): There is no comparison. The driver in the Zenith is of much higher quality and it doesn't have any of the treble distortion both of these sets have.

- Kefine Klean: The Klean is a bit like the T10, an all rounder, although not as polished, and it also has its own peaky treble, and it doesn't sound nearly as mature as the Zenith

Overall, I am using the Zenith with the switches set to 1110 (due to said 8 kHz peak). I still will have to listen to it more to make any educated conclusions, but this driver seems to have good potential.

 

[Heinrich]

We all have different ears and tastes…… In my case, it was due to the Ziigaat Nuo. I was at the gym and accidentally I hit the max volume setting, for about 5-6 seconds. That was enough to have that 12,5 kHz peak imprinted in my brain…

Most probably not. The measurements are made on an artificial ear. In parts it replicates an average real ear, but as the word average says, it is anyway an abstraction.
Your personal ears have for sure different properties than that artificial averaged ear.

You should also know, that the peak is formed by the, and that is most worth noting, specific interaction of the IEM with the measurement device. Every ear artificial or not reacts differently.

Logically, if you don't happen to be the spooky average, you didn't experience 12,5kHz, but something else.

Two things:
- every ear will have some peaks in their own for the physiology connected to physics, even when not listening via an IEM, hence some peaks are necessary for a natural experience
- but that the match of an IEM to your ear is not predictable

The industry won't tell you, so I did. You are left to try many, the problem isn't solved otherwise yet.

 

[muza_1]

- The big 8 kHz peak. It is undeniably there, and it is audible, giving the Zenith a bit of shoutiness.

There is no peak for me, it varies from person to person depending on the IEM design, for me there is no shoutiness and the treble is smooth and extended if a bit low on the mix but that makes it perfect for long sessions or outdoor use.

Bass level is perfect for me although I could do with a bit more lower-bass but I don't feel is missing.

 

[XaviMartinez55]

I’ll give it a few more days……. But in the meantine I have reordered the Zero 2 again , and the Tripowin Vivace.

Again, in general, the most impressive feature of the Zenith it’s the dynamic range and its ability to handle transients, also how natural it sounds….. maybe I just need some more “brain burn in”.

A tad more bass wouldn’t hurt, but I am just adding it from the eq.