Laid back, relaxed iem recommendation under 100

[raif71]

I would like to suggest Truthear Zero Red. Certainly the best Zero (better than the Blue and Blue II, imho)

 

[XaviMartinez55]

I would like to suggest Truthear Zero Red. Certainly the best Zero (better than the Blue and Blue II, imho)

Right.......there must be a reason why it's one of the most popular, maybe that's why I've been avoiding it.....and the reason I bought the Zero 2 again. Definitely in the list.

 

[XaviMartinez55]

So.... this is what I said a few posts above about the Saga Balanced:

"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...."

I take my words back......that was my first impression about the Saga after having received the EDC pro a few days earlier. Today I have ABd both.

No, not the same, at all.......(what was I smoking !...). The Saga balanced is much, much smoother on the treble end and it has quite a lot of bass, it's the definition of a V shape....ABing it against the Wan'er, the Wan'er has way forward mids and note weight.....but for less than $9, it is a quite decent all rounder to just have one while at the gym.

I'm receiving the Zero 2 in a few days, so I will AB them and see.....

Still don't get along with the Zenith though......

 

[Heinrich]

I'm receiving the Zero 2 in a few days, so I will AB them and see.....

Hi Xavi, it would be very kind to try a littel equalizing - and report. As you said initially, the impression might be based on sharp peaks in the response, or on broader deviations from your personal needs, which, as said are neither good nor bad.

I did myself and found, that for instance the dip, usually placed around 10kHz, doesn't match quite right. I shift it, lifting the 10k sharply, supressing like 9k conversely. And then the broad 3k hump is better shifted to lower, and rendered a little bit shallower. I'm older and can't suggest on the very top end of any IEM.

(Spoiler, don't read: maybe a good ear cleansing at a specialist/physician might help, because the performance of an IEM is so much dependend on the physical physignomy; ear wax is a reality.)

 

[raif71]

 

[XaviMartinez55]

View attachment 449733

Yep, life is an ever changing experience and I just let myself fall into the chifi rabbit hole

 

[Earfonia]

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.

Change ear tip might help a bit with the 8kHz peak. I notice the flexible bore type like the SpinFit CP100 or AudioSense S400 tends to shift the 8kHz peak higher and make it less noticeable. I usually use the AudioSense S400 as it is cheaper than CP100 with more or less the same effect.

Here is my measurement of Kefine Klean, comparison of the stock ear tip and the S400 ear tip:

S400 ear tip:

I bought from AliExpress here:
AudioSense S400

 

[XaviMartinez55]

Change ear tip might help a bit with the 8kHz peak. I notice the flexible bore type like the SpinFit CP100 or AudioSense S400 tends to shift the 8kHz peak higher and make it less noticeable. I usually use the AudioSense S400 as it is cheaper than CP100 with more or less the same effect.

Here is my measurement of Kefine Klean, comparison of the stock ear tip and the S400 ear tip:
View attachment 449763

S400 ear tip:
View attachment 449762

I bought from AliExpress here:
AudioSense S400

Thanks !! However Ali says they’re not available in my area (EU)…..I’ll check the CP100

 

[XaviMartinez55]

Well I have been listening to the Zenith for a few more days.........I agree that the 8 kHz kind of goes away overtime (most likely your brain just stops paying attention to it)

I already have it on sale, and it's a pity, because I like everything about it...specially mids and note weight. best snare drums I've heard on any iem so far.

It just does not have enough bass for me, I've tried every switch combination....UUUU is the best sounding to me, but bass is just not where I'd like it to be.

Funny, because the Saga balanced is the total opposite. Mids are totally pushed back, no note weight, but it does have the bass I miss in the Zenith...... Zenith with the Saga balanced bass would be close to the perfect iem.

 

[XaviMartinez55]

Reminder to self:

TIP ROLLING....yes it is a thing.....

I was using the provided foam eartips that came with the Zenith.... tried the L size Tri Clarions. Bass is back. Oh well......... this changes the picture .

I also cancelled the Tripowin Vivace order (got message from the shop that would take 3 weeks to ship), and since I am a complete fidget-arse and the 7Hz Sonus was on sale (35€), I just couldn't restrain myself........ so Zero 2 and Sonus coming.

I am not experienced with ear tips, but these Tri Clarions are proving to be a little miracle for me. Wondering about the Spinfits and the Dunu SS that everyone seems to rave about.

1 more day in the life of little grasshopper chifi apprentice......

 

[Herschel_Krustofski]

I like the Kiwi Ears x Crinacle Singolo for "under 100", good soundstage, nice bass, nice sound, they are fun

 

[Somafunk]

I like the Kiwi Ears x Crinacle Singolo for "under 100", good soundstage, nice bass, nice sound, they are fun

I had them but they are an extremely shallow fit due to the short nozzle and the shells are an odd shape. Sold them on pretty quick

 

[XaviMartinez55]

Next purchase….. I am debating between the Simgot EW300 DSP, or stretch it up to Letshuoer S08 / Aful Explorer territory

As I have explained before, I am treble sensitive (but it doesn’t mean I don’t want any treble…. Just not shouty).

I do like some bass but I also value note weight.

Initially I thought EW300 DSP, but I am reading mixed reviews regarding the treble being / not being metallic and fatiguing.

Also I read a lot that both the Aful Explorer and S08 are “a pleasure” to listen to, but I also read they need to be used at high volume in order to be enjoyed……

The search for my cheapos has ended with the Wan’Er and the Zero 2. I am also happy with the “analog sounding”, neutral Zenith, now I am looking for the hedonistic, bombastic sounding iem that just allows me to immerse in the music without paying attention to the frequency response, technicalities and soundstage……

Thanks in advance !

 

[rsc1]

Next purchase….. I am debating between the Simgot EW300 DSP, or stretch it up to Letshuoer S08 / Aful Explorer territory

As I have explained before, I am treble sensitive (but it doesn’t mean I don’t want any treble…. Just not shouty).

I do like some bass but I also value note weight.

Initially I thought EW300 DSP, but I am reading mixed reviews regarding the treble being / not being metallic and fatiguing.

Also I read a lot that both the Aful Explorer and S08 are “a pleasure” to listen to, but I also read they need to be used at high volume in order to be enjoyed……

The search for my cheapos has ended with the Wan’Er and the Zero 2. I am also happy with the “analog sounding”, neutral Zenith, now I am looking for the hedonistic, bombastic sounding iem that just allows me to immerse in the music without paying attention to the frequency response, technicalities and soundstage……

Thanks in advance !

Did you ever end up finding a set that you really liked?? I recently started my journey into IEMs, and am blown away by how good they can sound for the price. My preferences seem to be closely aligned with yours. A nice hefty bass, either neutral or slightly forward 1-2khz range for vocals, slightly recessed 4-8khz to take the edge off harshness/zing and to make them easy to listen to for long periods, and then back up to flat above that (or slightly boosted).

So far I've tried;
7Hz Crinacle Zero:2
Tangzu Wan'er SG II
Truthear x Crinacle Zero Red
Kiwi Ears Cadenza

Favorite so far is the Crinacle Zero:2. I love the tuning. You're spot on with your assessment, where the only downside in my opinion is that it can sound a bit compressed and inside your head, if that makes sense. I did also really like the Reds, but missed a touch of air in the treble. It sounded very smooth, but a bit boring. And, those nozzles are FAT. I have big ears but they were still uncomfortable. The Wan'er II sounded amazing to my ears in the mids and highs, especially vocals, but they just lack bass. I really wish they had more bass, they'd prob be my go-to. I listen to a lot of electronic music so need a bit of thump. The Cadenza is almost like a Zero:2 with a touch less bass and a bit more spice in the upper mids/treble. I found it a bit too much for extended listening, but other than that they were enjoyable. I think a lot of people that are not as sensitive to harshness would really like them.

I have the Blon x HBB Z300s on the way right now, on paper they should fit my preferences but will update on how they sound.

 

[XaviMartinez55]

Did you ever end up finding a set that you really liked?? I recently started my journey into IEMs, and am blown away by how good they can sound for the price. My preferences seem to be closely aligned with yours. A nice hefty bass, either neutral or slightly forward 1-2khz range for vocals, slightly recessed 4-8khz to take the edge off harshness/zing and to make them easy to listen to for long periods, and then back up to flat above that (or slightly boosted).

So far I've tried;
7Hz Crinacle Zero:2
Tangzu Wan'er SG II
Truthear x Crinacle Zero Red
Kiwi Ears Cadenza

Favorite so far is the Crinacle Zero:2. I love the tuning. You're spot on with your assessment, where the only downside in my opinion is that it can sound a bit compressed and inside your head, if that makes sense. I did also really like the Reds, but missed a touch of air in the treble. It sounded very smooth, but a bit boring. And, those nozzles are FAT. I have big ears but they were still uncomfortable. The Wan'er II sounded amazing to my ears in the mids and highs, especially vocals, but they just lack bass. I really wish they had more bass, they'd prob be my go-to. I listen to a lot of electronic music so need a bit of thump. The Cadenza is almost like a Zero:2 with a touch less bass and a bit more spice in the upper mids/treble. I found it a bit too much for extended listening, but other than that they were enjoyable. I think a lot of people that are not as sensitive to harshness would really like them.

I have the Blon x HBB Z300s on the way right now, on paper they should fit my preferences but will update on how they sound.

I tried quite a few more, but in the end…….

Zero 2 , even at that price and not being the most impressive , keeps being the one I listen to the most.

The other big surprise has been the KZ EDX Pro 2. Just go and buy one. Just as good as the Zero 2, good bass, smooth treble, but more mids focused. Probably fits your description of a “Wan’er 2 with more bass” . Really a must buy at that price !

My “expensive” set is the Ziigaat Doscinco , which has humungous bass, but I still have to use the eq to tame the 4 and 8 kHz a bit. Both the Zero 2 and EDX Pro 2 need no eq.

Forget about the Kefine Delci, peaky high mids and weird treble, forget about Tripowin Vivace, same……

I haven’t tried the Zero red yet and I think I should….

 

[rsc1]

I tried quite a few more, but in the end…….

Zero 2 , even at that price and not being the most impressive , keeps being the one I listen to the most.

The other big surprise has been the KZ EDX Pro 2. Just go and buy one. Just as good as the Zero 2, good bass, smooth treble, but more mids focused. Probably fits your description of a “Wan’er 2 with more bass” . Really a must buy at that price !

My “expensive” set is the Ziigaat Doscinco , which has humungous bass, but I still have to use the eq to tame the 4 and 8 kHz a bit. Both the Zero 2 and EDX Pro 2 need no eq.

Forget about the Kefine Delci, peaky high mids and weird treble, forget about Tripowin Vivace, same……

I haven’t tried the Zero red yet and I think I should….

Is the EDX Pro 2 a new release? Not many reviews that I could find, but the FR graph honestly looks like they'd be perfect for me. I prefer not to use EQ for simplicity sake when switching between sources. Only downside is they're not on Amazon so I wouldn't be able to return if I didn't like them. But I guess for a whopping $11 on AliExpress it's worth a gamble..

The Reds are very smooth and easy to listen to, not fatiguing at all. I think with a small high shelf boost starting at 10khz they'd be my clear favorites. However, if you don't have a large ear canal they might be uncomfortable (they were for me), just keep that in mind.

 

[XaviMartinez55]

The EDX Pro 2 must be a couple months old…(not to confuse with the EDX Pro X!!). Just get them. If you like the Zero 2, you’ll like them for sure, and if you don’t….. well it’s $11 only, but I bet you will !!

My next investigation is the Apos Rock Lobster….. also same sound signature as the Zero 2 but around $80.

 

[rsc1]

The EDX Pro 2 must be a couple months old…(not to confuse with the EDX Pro X!!). Just get them. If you like the Zero 2, you’ll like them for sure, and if you don’t….. well it’s $11 only, but I bet you will !!

My next investigation is the Apos Red Lobster….. also same sound signature as the Zero 2 but around $80.

Yup I'll definitely grab a set, thanks for the recommendation. Is the Rock Lobster the one you're referring to? They look interesting, very similarly tuned to the Zero:2 but a touch mellower perhaps. The other one I'm intrigued by atm is the Tipsy M1. Basically the same midrange as the Wan'er II's but a LOT more bass. However, they're $99 and I'm trying to keep a lid on my audio spending...any other ones sub $70-$80 that are worth checking out?

 

[Robin L]

Right.......there must be a reason why it's one of the most popular, maybe that's why I've been avoiding it.....and the reason I bought the Zero 2 again. Definitely in the list.

Have the Zero 2, have owned a lot of IEMs in the past, have yet to encounter anything better.

 

[XaviMartinez55]

Yup I'll definitely grab a set, thanks for the recommendation. Is the Rock Lobster the one you're referring to? They look interesting, very similarly tuned to the Zero:2 but a touch mellower perhaps. The other one I'm intrigued by atm is the Tipsy M1. Basically the same midrange as the Wan'er II's but a LOT more bass. However, they're $99 and I'm trying to keep a lid on my audio spending...any other ones sub $70-$80 that are worth checking out?

Did I say Red Lobster ? OMG !