Recommendations for an IEM that doesn't stick out too far from the ears?

[Tengo]

Hello,
can anyone recommend IEMs that don't stick out of the ears too much?
Something like the Sennheiser IE200.
I'd like to be able to lie down with them in and have them be comfortable even when lying on my side.
My budget is up to €200.
I have the iBasso Jr. Klee, which unfortunately stick out quite a bit, and the 7Hz x Crinacle Zero:2.
I listen on the go with a Qudelix 5K and often use the EQ function.

Cheers, Tengo

 

[digitalfrost]

I think anything with a small case will be good choice. That leaves mostly single driver DDs or compact multi-driver setups. From what I have on hand, I can recommend the Artti R2. For higher-end, the Kiwi Ears Quintet are quite small for containing that many drivers, and they don't stick out much because the nozzles are quite long.

 

[Blackwaltz03]

Highly recommend blon minis for this purpose.

They're small noodle shape iems that sit so flush in your ear that you can side sleep in them and not feel anything in your ear.

 

[AndyBell]

Truthear Gate? They don’t stick out too far in my ears - but I have big ears lol

Amir rates them highly and they are very good value

Truthear GATE $17 IEM Review

This is a review, listening tests, EQ and detailed measurements of the Truthear GATE IEM. Money was kindly donated for me to purchase it from Amazon for US $17.59. Not much to say about them other than they fit my ears very comfortably with the largest silicone tips included. Let's see how it...

www.audiosciencereview.com

 

[Mr. Reeee]

Hello,
can anyone recommend IEMs that don't stick out of the ears too much?
Something like the Sennheiser IE200.
I'd like to be able to lie down with them in and have them be comfortable even when lying on my side.
My budget is up to €200.
I have the iBasso Jr. Klee, which unfortunately stick out quite a bit, and the 7Hz x Crinacle Zero:2.
I listen on the go with a Qudelix 5K and often use the EQ function.

Cheers, Tengo

Take a look at Etymōtic ER3SR (flat response) or ER3XR (extended bass).
They have sales every few months, so it might be worthwhile subscribing to their newsletter.

I got Comply memory foam eartips for my ER4SR from Amazon.
Better sound isolation, much more comfortable.

 

[Sebby]

Meze Audio Alba

 

[nerdstrike]

Truthear Gate? They don’t stick out too far in my ears - but I have big ears lol

Negative. These are uncomfortable for me turning the head to the side. The casing is too large to sit inside my pinna, which I do not consider particularly svelte. The Alba has a total protrusion of similar depth, but is more conformal to the ear and might be more comfier. I think OP might need to go even smaller casing to be sure of no discomfort.

 

[Curupira]

Negative. These are uncomfortable for me turning the head to the side. The casing is too large to sit inside my pinna, which I do not consider particularly svelte. The Alba has a total protrusion of similar depth, but is more conformal to the ear and might be more comfier. I think OP might need to go even smaller casing to be sure of no discomfort.

This may be of interest, Super reviews like to sleep using IEMs and made a guide on things to watch out for this use case.

I remember him recommending the Aful Explorer for sleeping due to it's low profile and warm tuning signature. I can attest to the former, as my performer 5 was one of the most compact iems that I ever had.

Other ones from my memory were the Tanchjim single DD iems. The old ones, like the Hana and Oxygen, had short nozzles and a compact frame. Can't vouch for the new ones, but they're worth a look.

 

[JanL]

I have one of these Blon BL-05s and they are perfect for sleeping. Low profile and good fitting nozzle.

The above suggested Meze Audio Alba has the same basic size and shape and more importantly the same sound signature, but it costs 3 times as much. I have a friend who bought the Alba and we compared them back to back. Very slight difference in the midrange, the Alba just a tad more relaxed sounding, but nothing that you could tell if you didn't listen carefully back to back.

 

[Sebby]

I have one of these Blon BL-05s and they are perfect for sleeping. Low profile and good fitting nozzle.

The above suggested Meze Audio Alba has the same basic size and shape and more importantly the same sound signature, but it costs 3 times as much. I have a friend who bought the Alba and we compared them back to back. Very slight difference in the midrange, the Alba just a tad more relaxed sounding, but nothing that you could tell if you didn't listen carefully back to back.

As a former owner of the Blon BL03 and BL05, I can say that the differences between the BL05 and the Alba are very significant.
The idea that they might share the same sound signature and that the differences can only be noticed with careful listening is honestly pretty laughable.
Look at the bright side: if, to you, big differences are barely noticeable, then you can be satisfied with much less and therefore with less stress.

That doesn’t mean that something costing three times as much sounds three times better, and there are IEMs that cost less than the Alba that some people may like more. Personally, I use the Final E3000 with E.Q. much more often with Alba.
That said, the Alba is basically a Truthear Nova without Nova’s flaws, namely the mid-bass scoop and the upper treble extension.

The Blon BL05 is a narrow V-shaped IEM with very forward vocals and rather uneven highs and upper mids, and all of this is already obvious at the first listen.

I’ll say it again: the differences are quite large.

 

[JanL]

As a former owner of the Blon BL03 and BL05, I can say that the differences between the BL05 and the Alba are very significant.
The idea that they might share the same sound signature and that the differences can only be noticed with careful listening is honestly pretty laughable.
Look at the bright side: if, to you, big differences are barely noticeable, then you can be satisfied with much less and therefore with less stress.

That doesn’t mean that something costing three times as much sounds three times better, and there are IEMs that cost less than the Alba that some people may like more. Personally, I use the Final E3000 with E.Q. much more often with Alba.
That said, the Alba is basically a Truthear Nova without Nova’s flaws, namely the mid-bass scoop and the upper treble extension.

The Blon BL05 is a narrow V-shaped IEM with very forward vocals and rather uneven highs and upper mids, and all of this is already obvious at the first listen.

I’ll say it again: the differences are quite large.

Now do an offset in the Squig to match up the bass and look at the graphs again. You will notice that the biggest difference is about 2dB at 2kHz, where the Alba sounds a bit more relaxed as I stated. Also, I have the Blon BL-05s not the regular 05. There is a difference between these two Blon versions, which possibly makes the difference in the measurements between it and the Alba even smaller. You can't tell unless you measure both on the same good rig.
The Alba is not worth the asking price especially since one can add one or two bands of EQ with small attenuation and match them perfectly. We are talking single DD drivers in very similar enclosures. The little green Blon is a little gem of a single DD. I prefer it over the Kiwi Ears Cadenza which is a very well regarded single DD too.

 

[Mr. Reeee]

Now do an offset in the Squig to match up the bass and look at the graphs again. You will notice that the biggest difference is about 2dB at 2kHz, where the Alba sounds a bit more relaxed as I stated. Also, I have the Blon BL-05s not the regular 05. There is a difference between these two Blon versions, which possibly makes the difference in the measurements between it and the Alba even smaller. You can't tell unless you measure both on the same good rig.
The Alba is not worth the asking price especially since one can add one or two bands of EQ with small attenuation and match them perfectly. We are talking single DD drivers in very similar enclosures. The little green Blon is a little gem of a single DD. I prefer it over the Kiwi Ears Cadenza which is a very well regarded single DD too.

Graphs are just graphs. Interesting, but using your ears is the real test. Headphones, especially.
Also, the quality of recordings you’re listening to. Not just high sampling rate.
I’ve gone to listen to headphones based on reviews and charts and been shocked at how bad they sounded TO ME in person.

Anyway, I’ve never heard of either of these brands. I have Etymōtic and Grado headphones.

Checked the websites and just judging from the sheer number of models that LinSoul offers, I’d be VERY skeptical of quality.

It’s interesting that Meze Audio only makes one IEM.
It’s surprising how cheap they are compared to the over ear headphones they offer and the price range!
A few high-end audio brands seem to have similarly limited IEM lineups. Makes sense to me.
Do one or two and do it right.

 

[Sebby]

Now do an offset in the Squig to match up the bass and look at the graphs again. You will notice that the biggest difference is about 2dB at 2kHz, where the Alba sounds a bit more relaxed as I stated. Also, I have the Blon BL-05s not the regular 05. There is a difference between these two Blon versions, which possibly makes the difference in the measurements between it and the Alba even smaller. You can't tell unless you measure both on the same good rig.
The Alba is not worth the asking price especially since one can add one or two bands of EQ with small attenuation and match them perfectly. We are talking single DD drivers in very similar enclosures. The little green Blon is a little gem of a single DD. I prefer it over the Kiwi Ears Cadenza which is a very well regarded single DD too.

It’s obvious that by “05” I meant the BL05, and it’s also written in the graphs.
Regardless of that, I matched the bass exactly as you asked, and the differences are even larger and no, a couple of EQ bands are not enough to align them, especially when it comes to the air region.
They are simply two very different IEMs.

As for value, that’s subjective: aesthetically they are much more refined (subjective), the build quality is better (objective), Meze’s after-sales support is excellent and I’m saying this from personal experience (objective), whereas with Blon you’re basically on your own, the entire area above 1 kHz is much better calibrated within its tuning, it doesn’t suffer from the channel matching issues that have always plagued Blon, it comes with a very well-made dongle, the cable is better...

I find it hard to imagine a similar package at the current selling price, let alone at a lower price.
It’s fair if these things don’t interest you, but saying it’s not worth the money seems a bit of a stretch. Where I’m from we say “you can’t have your cake and eat it too.”

 

[JanL]

It’s obvious that by “05” I meant the BL05, and it’s also written in the graphs.
Regardless of that, I matched the bass exactly as you asked, and the differences are even larger and no, a couple of EQ bands are not enough to align them, especially when it comes to the air region.
They are simply two very different IEMs.

As for value, that’s subjective: aesthetically they are much more refined (subjective), the build quality is better (objective), Meze’s after-sales support is excellent and I’m saying this from personal experience (objective), whereas with Blon you’re basically on your own, the entire area above 1 kHz is much better calibrated within its tuning, it doesn’t suffer from the channel matching issues that have always plagued Blon, it comes with a very well-made dongle, the cable is better...

I find it hard to imagine a similar package at the current selling price, let alone at a lower price.
It’s fair if these things don’t interest you, but saying it’s not worth the money seems a bit of a stretch. Where I’m from we say “you can’t have your cake and eat it too.”

I have a few IEMs in all price ranges. For the stated purpose of listening to music while falling asleep, the Blon BL-05s has the proper shape, the right type of connector and very good sound. There is absolutely no need to spend 150 dollars on something that is a side move sound wise, and that has a bigger chance of breaking the cable while turning in bed. The strain relief on the Blon is much better.
Which brings my to another point. I use a 2 meter cable with my Blon when I wear it to bed. That extra slack is very helpful in keeping it from staining. I broke a short cable in another IEM that way. This long cable has been very good so far.

But it's not my money and OP can take it for what's worth. Just an anonymous recommendation on a discussion board.

 

[IsaacOscar]

Sennheiser IE 200/300/600/900/40 Pro/100 Pro/400 Pro/500 Pro have a very small and conformable fit:

I've EQ'd mine alot, so they sound amazing now; if you use silicone instead of foam tips though, I'd suggest not getting these as the bass will be way to weak (But the other Sennheiser IE ones may be better). Although it might be easier to sleep with less bass?

(@Sebby I know you have some of these Sennheiser's, but do you also have the Blon BL-05s? Which do you think are better for sleeping?)

 

[Sebby]

Sennheiser IE 200/300/600/900/40 Pro/100 Pro/400 Pro/500 Pro have a very small and conformable fit:
View attachment 517283

I've EQ'd mine alot, so they sound amazing now; if you use silicone instead of foam tips though, I'd suggest not getting these as the bass will be way to weak (But the other Sennheiser IE ones may be better). Although it might be easier to sleep with less bass?

(@Sebby I know you have some of these Sennheiser's, but do you also have the Blon BL-05s? Which do you think are better for sleeping?)

I just want to point out that, like most things, this is quite personal, but generally I wouldn’t avoid buying the IE200 if you use the silicone tips.
I use them and I don’t even feel them in my ears and they’re fantastic, and the bass is excellent in my opinion.
If you’re looking for the most comfortable IEM possible, the Final E3000 is the way to go, although the IE200 is still excellent.
With some EQ on the Final E3000 you can get something like an Hexa, but without the Hexa’s flaws:
• 130Hz, -5.5db, Q 0.4;
• 20Hz, 2db, Q 1

I owned the Blon BL05, and if I remember correctly, I found the treble fairly uneven

 

[IsaacOscar]

I just want to point out that, like most things, this is quite personal, but generally I wouldn’t avoid buying the IE200 if you use the silicone tips.

Ok, maybe for people who don't like much bass? Less bass probably makes it easier to sleep with them...

If you’re looking for the most comfortable IEM possible, the Final E3000 is the way to go, although the IE200 is still excellent.

Interesting, they appear to jut out more than the IE 200, and I'd worry they would wobble a bit if you touch the cable:

The don't look like they'd be as comfortable to lie down on...

(But I haven't tried enough IEMs to know what to look for, so my logic is probably completely wrong)

I'm curious what the mesh/grill at the back of them is for. Does this leak a lot of sound so that others can hear it? And does it let in a lot of outside sound?

(I noticed my IE200 has a single very small hole on the back, but I don't notice any difference when I cover it)

 

[Sebby]

Ok, maybe for people who don't like much bass? Less bass probably makes it easier to sleep with them...


Interesting, they appear to jut out more than the IE 200, and I'd worry they would wobble a bit if you touch the cable:
View attachment 517301

The don't look like they'd be as comfortable to lie down on...

(But I haven't tried enough IEMs to know what to look for, so my logic is probably completely wrong)

I'm curious what the mesh/grill at the back of them is for. Does this leak a lot of sound so that others can hear it? And does it let in a lot of outside sound?

(I noticed my IE200 has a single very small hole on the back, but I don't notice any difference when I cover it)

I think the IE200 can be quite misleading when it comes to bass, setting aside the seal issues, because it has a certain elevation in the treble. In my opinion the bass can hit pretty hard and it extends down to 20 Hz without any problem. Of course, some people simply want more bass, and that’s fine.
As for sleeping on your side with IEMs, I don’t think I’ve ever found one that really works, because when you put your face on the pillow the IEM tends to get pushed inward and loses its seal, unless your pillow has a consistency close to a rock. I’ve had the E3000 for almost 10 years and I still find myself using it often (with EQ) because you barely feel it in your ears. It’s the only one I almost never need to readjust after long listening sessions, and it’s also manageable when I’m sleeping. Sure, if you pull on it with a lot of force you can yank it out of your ears, but it’s actually quite hard to do. Personally, it sticks out much less for me, with the cable exit resting against the concha of the ear.
The rear mesh is the vent for the bass chamber, which is why it’s considered a semi-open IEM, but I’ve never had any problems with sound leakage, not even in the university study room. Then again, I generally don’t listen at high volumes.
The rear vent on the IE200 is mainly there for basic ventilation and doesn’t really affect the sound that much. The driver sits inside its own housing, which is itself placed inside the shell. If you took the driver with its housing, pulled it out of the shell and stuck it into a bean, you’d get practically the same sound XD

Another alternative with a very stable fit, excellent comfort, and great sound even without EQ is the Meze Alba, which I really love and own with great satisfaction. Overall, they might actually be a better product than the IE200.

The images below are: Final E3000 (EQ) vs Hexa, and Alba vs IE200.

 

[IsaacOscar]

As for sleeping on your side with IEMs, I don’t think I’ve ever found one that really works, because when you put your face on the pillow the IEM tends to get pushed inward and loses its seal, unless your pillow has a consistency close to a rock.

I must have a big pinea, because when I lie down on my side my IE200 doesn't move (my pillow isn't the softest though). Regardless, with my foam tips, if I manually push the earphones in, there's no change in sound.

Another alternative with a very stable fit, excellent comfort, and great sound even without EQ is the Meze Alba, which I really love and own with great satisfaction. Overall, they might actually be a better product than the IE200.

Hmm, it looks very similar but has a slightly raised circular thing on the back:

On a purely aesthetic level I don't like the circle as it draws so much attention to your ear (and I like black, not white...)