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I'm not going to discuss the "sound" of these things but IEM are definitely an area where cables matter. I have recently found the "wrong" cable for an IEM can ruin the experience due to comfort/ fit issues. Likewise, tips. The wrong tips for one's own ears and indeed the design of an IEM can make or break the experience.
I dont swap cables for the sake of it, but if the termination on the stock cable isnt correct (I tend to want 2.5mm) or the stock cable just isnt comfy then off to Amazon/ Aliexpress/ Shenzhenaudio I go. For tips, very rarely do I find stock tips that work just right for me to get the best seal and comfort for my ears and the shell design.
Regarding cables- a recent discovery for me was that not all 0.78mm terminations are the same- particularly you have cables for flush connections and for recessed. I had a dog of a time finding a replacement for some IEM with a flush termination- the ones with the "block" below the main plug housing (see the Zonie below- for recessed terminations) made the wire stand too proud before the bend of the ear hook on a pair with flush holes in the shell.
So- post your favourite IEM/ cable/ tip combos , and perhaps even more helpfully, any combos that didnt work for you and why.
My defaults:
Cables :
For recessed 2pin (most 2 pin IEM) :
Tripowin Zonie . Go for the grey - not all Zonies are made equally. This is flexible, soft and has a good chin slider (other colours have a worse designed slider). Available in most terminations at either end. Good value https://www.amazon.co.uk/Linsoul-Tr...t=&hvlocphy=9046626&hvtargid=pla-871238324621
For flush 2 pin (Moondrop s8, Thieaudio Oracle):
Kinera Ace- bit pricey for my liking but works - plus multiple terminations. Nice and soft. https://shenzhenaudio.com/products/...e-with-interchangeable-connectors-2-5-3-5-4-4
Tips:
Spinfit CP155 - I take the large blue but obviously depends on the individual. These have a very wide bore so need IEM with a chunky nozzle (think Truthear Zero and the Moondrop s8/ B2 styles) but have a slender and slightly extended conical tip than other silicone designs. Work just right for me. https://www.amazon.co.uk/SpinFit-CP155-Patented-Silicone-Replacement/dp/B078RF1S37/ref=sr_1_1?crid=2CPRA56REJ32X&keywords=spinfit+cp155&qid=1679242445&sprefix=spinfit+cp155,aps,128&sr=8-1
Moondrop Spinfit
Works better for those IEM shell types that want to block the entrance to your ear canal rather than go deep- perfect on my Thieaudio Oracle for me https://shenzhenaudio.com/products/...icone-soft-earphone-ear-tips-for-iems-3-pairs
Some IEM I have not been able to get the right fit for:
Moondrop Kato and Starfield- no tips I have tried will get these to stay securely in place. I can barely keep them in place when sitting- zero chance when laying down or walking. I suspect the shell itself is just not right for my ears - too small to hold its own weight in the curve of my ear so always pulls out.
I dont swap cables for the sake of it, but if the termination on the stock cable isnt correct (I tend to want 2.5mm) or the stock cable just isnt comfy then off to Amazon/ Aliexpress/ Shenzhenaudio I go. For tips, very rarely do I find stock tips that work just right for me to get the best seal and comfort for my ears and the shell design.
Regarding cables- a recent discovery for me was that not all 0.78mm terminations are the same- particularly you have cables for flush connections and for recessed. I had a dog of a time finding a replacement for some IEM with a flush termination- the ones with the "block" below the main plug housing (see the Zonie below- for recessed terminations) made the wire stand too proud before the bend of the ear hook on a pair with flush holes in the shell.
So- post your favourite IEM/ cable/ tip combos , and perhaps even more helpfully, any combos that didnt work for you and why.
My defaults:
Cables :
For recessed 2pin (most 2 pin IEM) :
Tripowin Zonie . Go for the grey - not all Zonies are made equally. This is flexible, soft and has a good chin slider (other colours have a worse designed slider). Available in most terminations at either end. Good value https://www.amazon.co.uk/Linsoul-Tr...t=&hvlocphy=9046626&hvtargid=pla-871238324621
For flush 2 pin (Moondrop s8, Thieaudio Oracle):
Kinera Ace- bit pricey for my liking but works - plus multiple terminations. Nice and soft. https://shenzhenaudio.com/products/...e-with-interchangeable-connectors-2-5-3-5-4-4
Tips:
Spinfit CP155 - I take the large blue but obviously depends on the individual. These have a very wide bore so need IEM with a chunky nozzle (think Truthear Zero and the Moondrop s8/ B2 styles) but have a slender and slightly extended conical tip than other silicone designs. Work just right for me. https://www.amazon.co.uk/SpinFit-CP155-Patented-Silicone-Replacement/dp/B078RF1S37/ref=sr_1_1?crid=2CPRA56REJ32X&keywords=spinfit+cp155&qid=1679242445&sprefix=spinfit+cp155,aps,128&sr=8-1
Moondrop Spinfit
Works better for those IEM shell types that want to block the entrance to your ear canal rather than go deep- perfect on my Thieaudio Oracle for me https://shenzhenaudio.com/products/...icone-soft-earphone-ear-tips-for-iems-3-pairs
Some IEM I have not been able to get the right fit for:
Moondrop Kato and Starfield- no tips I have tried will get these to stay securely in place. I can barely keep them in place when sitting- zero chance when laying down or walking. I suspect the shell itself is just not right for my ears - too small to hold its own weight in the curve of my ear so always pulls out.
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