On the search for durable IEMs

[caigo]

Hi everyone,
I'd be looking for some suggestions on IEMs, with a strong focus on their durability (even at the expense of sound quality, if that's the case).

A few words on where I come from. I like to buy electronics - first or second hand - that are lasting as much as possible, and am pretty much confident in hacking their software/hardware if that helps prolonging their life span. I tend to get 10+ years out of DAPs, laptops and ereaders, slightly less out of phones. What attracts me to IEMs is mainly the ability to replace the cable, the most common point of failure in the earphones I owned (sound quality is of course a big plus! ). I had the chance to use some CCA CRA for a while and - while knowing these are pretty baseline V-shaped thingies - have to say I enjoyed the experience pretty much.

I'm mainly listening to badly recorded punk albums, post-rock/post-metal stuff, with some hip hop and folk added to the mix: I'm no real expert in the field, but some reading suggested me that a balanced set of IEMs could fit nice (feel free to suggest me otherwise). Seems like you can get some pretty good-sounding IEMs for 20 bucks these days: that would be a nice budget, but I'd happily spend something more - let's say maybe 50? - if that helps with the durability of the case and drivers (of course cable and tips will have to be replaced at some point). I tend to be careful with my stuff, and can easily see myself carrying them in a hard case. Common points of failure coming to my mind are failing drivers, corrosion problems, clogged filters (not really a problem if they can be easily cleaned).
Is there anything durable enough you'd suggest me, or am I just searching for some unicorn?

Thank you really much for any feedback!

 

[staticV3]

Hi @caigo! Welcome to ASR.

Slightly over budget: Etymotic ER2XR.

Their excellent build quality and easily serviceable filters make them a real workhorse.

 

[Jimbob54]

Hi @caigo! Welcome to ASR.

Slightly over budget: Etymotic ER2XR.

Their excellent build quality and easily serviceable filters make them a real workhorse.

I was also going to suggest some Etys for the same reasons .

But be warned @caigo the fit and form factor is an acquired taste . A quick Google will give you all the intel you need.

 

[caigo]

Hi @staticV3 and @Jimbob54, thank you both for the feedback!
I stumbled upon the brand during some research I did, and had kinda discarded the option because of the reviews on fit (as you mention) and the budget (they're sold for 140 euros where I live). I'll put them back on my list though, as build quality is my main point here. I may see if some other suggestion comes, and in the meanwhile also have a check for Etys on the second hand market.

 

[Berwhale]

Welcome @caigo - Just remember that, unlike the other electronics you mention, you wear IEMs. It doesn't matter how long the IEMs last if they don't fit your ears and are uncomfortable to wear.

Personally, I am very happy with my 7Hz x Crinacle Zero:2 ($25) and I wear them every day. However, one of my 1st pair developed a fault after 9 months where it became slightly quieter than the other (enough to shift the stereo image a cm left in my head). I tried a different cable and cleaning the filters, but it made no difference - I ended up buying another pair because I like them so much - I might have another go at cleaning the old ones, or taking them apart, but that doesn't look like it would be possible without destroying the shell.

Amir's review: https://www.audiosciencereview.com/forum/index.php?threads/7hz-x-crinacle-zero-2-iem-review.50534/

I also own both the Red and Blue version of the TruthEar x Crinacle ZERO ($50-55). These are also great, but not as comfortable as the Zero:2 for me (that's not say they are uncomfortable, they're just not as good as the Zero:2). That said, the TruthEars do come in a much more premium package with a better cable, better ear tips, spare filters and a nice little case.

Amir's review of the Reds: https://www.audiosciencereview.com/...ruthear-x-crinacle-zero-red-iem-review.44865/

 

[kemmler3D]

Hi @caigo! Welcome to ASR.

Slightly over budget: Etymotic ER2XR.

Their excellent build quality and easily serviceable filters make them a real workhorse.

Tend to agree etys stand up to a lot of abuse. I've had a few pairs and the only reason I don't still use them is I lost them. Until then I beat the hell out of them and never had a problem.

Other than that, you are on the right track with replaceable cables. Any ety model with a replaceable cable should last you a really long time, but whether the fit and sound are up your alley is another question.

 

[caigo]

Just remember that, unlike the other electronics you mention, you wear IEMs. It doesn't matter how long the IEMs last if they don't fit your ears and are uncomfortable to wear.

Thanks, @Berwhale! This are of course wise words: I guess some trial and error may help here.
Both the sets you are suggesting came under my radar: the 7Hz Zero:2 mainly for the audio quality at a cheap price (but I read some concerns about the build quality), the Truthear Zero for being a nice package overall (I wondered if the price is in some way correlated with a higher build quality, or if we are just seeing nicer accessories and marginally better audio quality here).
Of course none of those were build with maintenance in mind, but cable and filter replacement seems like the baseline I should look for these days.

Tend to agree etys stand up to a lot of abuse. I've had a few pairs and the only reason I don't still use them is I lost them. Until then I beat the hell out of them and never had a problem.

Other than that, you are on the right track with replaceable cables. Any ety model with a replaceable cable should last you a really long time, but whether the fit and sound are up your alley is another question.

This is a nice feedback @kemmler3D, thanks! With Etys we're definitely on another budget level, I'm scanning the second-hand market but atm I found just the studio-tuned version running at 80 euros. Doubts on fit and sound of course are still there, and I should maybe get a better understanding on that before investing.