What IEMs do you own?

[muza_1]

Whenever I manage to sell the Klean ,I’ll buy the Zenith. I wanted to, but all known reviewers unanimously rated it “meh” so that push me back.

Seeing how any extra treble really messes up my tinnitus, I am down to the Zenith and the Artti R1.

I would give the T10 another chance….. I use medium Tri Clarions and fit is perfect. It does have a bit of a 200 Hz bump (which I fix with eq, and adding some 800 Hz to 2 kHz). Sound wise it is the best I have tried so far - I haven’t tried any >$100 either.

The Zenith is a good IEM and the tuning at least for me sounds well balanced and natural but as any KZ product there is a lot of prejudice and some reviews and opinions are made without even trying the product.

From what I have seen the reviews (the "trusted" ones) mostly say the IEM is safely tuned (hence the "meh"), for me that is a good thing, I don't want some "exiting" or "fun" tuned IEM, it just means elevated bass, treble or both and while it might impress at first it becomes tiring fast, I don't want the IEM to impart its character onto the music, personally I just want a natural and balanced presentation I leave the rest to the recording. That being said is not only the tuning, individual anatomy, fit and mood are big factors too. Also is easy to get carried away when trying a new toy, a lesson I haven't learned yet .

There are a couple of things, the Zenith is very tip sensitive (after trying some of the most popular tips for some time I ended with the included ones) and the cable although functional is stiff, thin and plain looking.

 

[JanL]

I bought my first IEM 18 months ago. It was the Blon BL-05s. Really nice for a single DD, still have it till today. I got hooked by the clarity and clean bass impact.
Then I got into trying different "flavor of the month" type IEMs that were reviewed by various YouTube channels. Some I liked and kept, some I sold or gave away.
Today still I have:
Blon BL-05s,
KiwiEars Cadenza,
CCA Trio,
Artti T10,
NiceHCK NX7 MK4
CCA Hydro,
Moondrop x Crinacle Dusk,
Thieaudio Hype 4
64 Audio Nio

Of these nine I regularly use six. All but two of them I have personalized EQ setting for. The two are the Hype 4 and the 64 Audio Nio. I feel no need to EQ those even though they are rather different. They just sound great to me as is.
The Dusk in default EQ sounds very good too, but I feel like I need a little more presence in the midrange and a gentle bass lift with it. But overall that one is very good as is too.
The sleeper of the bunch is the NiceHCK NX7 MK4, but with some EQ. And I get a lot of pleasure from the Artti T10, also with personalized EQ. Probably the best value in IEMs at around $55.00. I bought a spare on eBay for $37.00 just to have before it gets discontinued.

 

[muza_1]

Well scratch the KZ PRX from my list, they came and the channel imbalance is huge (especially on the bass), not listenable, and I don't plan to spend hours trying to EQ it.

The Jcally JM20 MAX is really good but not necessary for the PRX, they are just a bit less sensitive than other IEMs, man people love hyperbole, this is my first bad experience with KZ. Anyway I'm going to let them play at full volume for a few hours and see if something happens (but I doubt it).

EDIT.
Imbalance remains after some time of play, shame this things are really comfortable and light and although a bit bassy they had potential.
Also I couldn't find any trace of the elusive planar timbre or sound.

 

[Earfonia]

I have to report that the Ziigaat Odyssey is a very fine sounding IEM- for these ears the hype is real- had them a coiuple of weeks now and not fet the need to EQ which is very rare. Normally at this point I am tweaking the low end and the 1-4k area as something niggles me usually. These are Goldilocks IEM for me. If its ever on a decent sale it would be a blind buy unless you know you need lots more upper mids/ lower treble than these.

View attachment 439536

Looking at the graph it seems measured using the 711 type of coupler. The difference between midrange dip at around 900 Hz and the ear gain peak at 3 KHz seems only around 6 dB (estimated from the graph), which is quite low. I personally prefer around 10 dB ear gain peak (10 dB from the lowest midrange dip). From what I experience with this type of tuning, it might give the user tendency to set the volume louder, which is not healthily. Since at louder volume the equal loudness contour (Fletcher-Munson or ISO 226:2003) of our hearing is flatter than at lower listening level. Did you experience that tendency to set the volume louder with the ZiiGaat Odyssey?

 

[Jimbob54]

Looking at the graph it seems measured using the 711 type of coupler. The difference between midrange dip at around 900 Hz and the ear gain peak at 3 KHz seems only around 6 dB (estimated from the graph), which is quite low. I personally prefer around 10 dB ear gain peak (10 dB from the lowest midrange dip). From what I experience with this type of tuning, it might give the user tendency to set the volume louder, which is not healthily. Since at louder volume the equal loudness contour (Fletcher-Munson or ISO 226:2003) of our hearing is flatter than at lower listening level. Did you experience that tendency to set the volume louder with the ZiiGaat Odyssey?

I can think of at least one YT reviewer who thinks that is a good thing- his take on "scaling" . I agree it is not a great thing from a health perspective. I add a 1db wide bump at 2800k to bring that area up just a little. I struggle with the ear gain region either because I listen too loud generally so Harman etc become too brittle of maybe because I'm inherently sensitive.

My suspicion is that I probably crank the Odyssey louder in general but from what to what I couldnt say. But as an EQ user I would rather stock need upping rather than reducing within reasonable margins

 

[drewdawg999]

I can think of at least one YT reviewer who thinks that is a good thing- his take on "scaling" . I agree it is not a great thing from a health perspective. I add a 1db wide bump at 2800k to bring that area up just a little. I struggle with the ear gain region either because I listen too loud generally so Harman etc become too brittle of maybe because I'm inherently sensitive.

My suspicion is that I probably crank the Odyssey louder in general but from what to what I couldnt say. But as an EQ user I would rather stock need upping rather than reducing within reasonable margins

Was it Jays Audio? I'm a fan of his, one of the few Youtubers whose opinion I respect. He does say the Odyssey scales well with volume, and keeps saying it provides an "immersive" experience that takes you on a journey. I actually agree with these statements and love the Odyssey dearly, which I bought mainly on the strength of Jay's review and his bracket style faceoffs. I do crank them, though carefully enough as to not trigger my tinnitus. I suspect the midrange dip in the tuning is to avoid any shoutiness whatsoever, and I like the vocal presentation, totally smooth. I prefer not to EQ my IEMs, it's just more convenient not to need it since my DAP doesn't have PEQ.

The Odyssey does benefit from a cable upgrade as far as feel and looks go, I went with the Tripowin Zonie in light blue:

Looks pretty snazzy to me. Also using Sonicfoam tips which I use on everything, only ones that work for me.

 

[drewdawg999]

Well scratch the KZ PRX from my list, they came and the channel imbalance is huge (especially on the bass), not listenable, and I don't plan to spend hours trying to EQ it.

The Jcally JM20 MAX is really good but not necessary for the PRX, they are just a bit less sensitive than other IEMs, man people love hyperbole, this is my first bad experience with KZ. Anyway I'm going to let them play at full volume for a few hours and see if something happens (but I doubt it).

EDIT.
Imbalance remains after some time of play, shame this things are really comfortable and light and although a bit bassy they had potential.
Also I couldn't find any trace of the elusive planar timbre or sound.

Too bad about the bad QC, I love the PRX as mine are fully functional. Replaced the crappy stock cable with a KBEar ST16, and use Sonicfoam tips. I like them better than the MP145 as far as planars go, and they were a third of the price. I don't think they need EQ at all, and they are sufficiently bassy but balanced with nice detail and clarity. My DAP can't drive them sufficiently though so they stay at home, driven by my trusty THX 789, which I need to venture into high gain (III) at times. I think they're pretty power hungry, though I like it rather loud.

 

[Klonatans]

For the time being I own:

Fiio FH7
7Hz Crinacle Zero:2
Letshuoer S12
Letshuoer S12 2024 Anniversary Edition
Hidizs MP145

All of them are EQed. FR wise Zero:2 is the closest to my preference without EQ of these 5 IEMs, while FH7 being the worst. Got S12 2024 as I struggled to get rid of treble peaks of OG S12 that has the same drivers.

 

[Jimbob54]

Was it Jays Audio? I'm a fan of his, one of the few Youtubers whose opinion I respect. He does say the Odyssey scales well with volume, and keeps saying it provides an "immersive" experience that takes you on a journey. I actually agree with these statements and love the Odyssey dearly, which I bought mainly on the strength of Jay's review and his bracket style faceoffs. I do crank them, though carefully enough as to not trigger my tinnitus. I suspect the midrange dip in the tuning is to avoid any shoutiness whatsoever, and I like the vocal presentation, totally smooth. I prefer not to EQ my IEMs, it's just more convenient not to need it since my DAP doesn't have PEQ.

The Odyssey does benefit from a cable upgrade as far as feel and looks go, I went with the Tripowin Zonie in light blue:
View attachment 446849
Looks pretty snazzy to me. Also using Sonicfoam tips which I use on everything, only ones that work for me.

Yes it was jays audio. I dont mind a few of the yt reviewers for context if you avoid the obvious hype . The stock cable is garbage . Any chin slider that refuses to stay put should burn in hell . The cable itself is fine

 

[Klonatans]

Any chin slider that refuses to stay put should burn in hell . The cable itself is fine

Totally agree. I usually don't bother with stock cables as they are most likely stiff or microphonic or tangly or the chin slider does not stay in place and instead get Tripowin Zonie for 16 EUR, an ideal cable for little money.

 

[Jimbob54]

Totally agree. I usually don't bother with stock cables as they are most likely stiff or microphonic or tangly or the chin slider does not stay in place and instead get Tripowin Zonie for 16 EUR, an ideal cable for little money.

Me too on the zonie it it's a recessed port . But most iem i buy now are flush . If they made a flush zonie I'd be happy

 

[muza_1]

Too bad about the bad QC, I love the PRX as mine are fully functional. Replaced the crappy stock cable with a KBEar ST16, and use Sonicfoam tips. I like them better than the MP145 as far as planars go, and they were a third of the price. I don't think they need EQ at all, and they are sufficiently bassy but balanced with nice detail and clarity. My DAP can't drive them sufficiently though so they stay at home, driven by my trusty THX 789, which I need to venture into high gain (III) at times. I think they're pretty power hungry, though I like it rather loud.

I returned it and decided to try my luck and ordered it again, I can tell I like them even with the imbalance.

I have the JM20 MAX but but for the time I spent with them I don't think I'll use it, it gets hot and drains the batter faster than any other dongle but I listen at low to moderate levels, I think the JM16 Pro will suffice.

 

[Earfonia]

I returned it and decided to try my luck and ordered it again, I can tell I like them even with the imbalance.

I have the JM20 MAX but but for the time I spent with them I don't think I'll use it, it gets hot and drains the batter faster than any other dongle but I listen at low to moderate levels, I think the JM16 Pro will suffice.

KZ PRX is good, I quite like it.

 

[drewdawg999]

I returned it and decided to try my luck and ordered it again, I can tell I like them even with the imbalance.

I have the JM20 MAX but but for the time I spent with them I don't think I'll use it, it gets hot and drains the batter faster than any other dongle but I listen at low to moderate levels, I think the JM16 Pro will suffice.

I actually just got the FiiO Jade KA13, my first dongle. Got a balanced cable for the PRX, the Tripowin Zonie in QDC and 4.4mm, and it's quite a glorious combo. Don't think I can tell the difference between the KA13 and my desktop stack, which consists of a SMSL D-6, and a THX 789. I love power, so really digging the KA13 in desktop mode, which I venture into for quiet recordings. It may partially be placebo but I'm loving the balanced 4.4mm output. I like it LOUD, and the PRX has never sounded so good to me.

 

[DavidMcRoy]

I have several. My favorites are my Etymōtic ER4XRs. My least favorites are my new Apple AirPods Pro 2s. They're a pain in the ass and I'm returning them. I own a Mac Mini, a Gen 2 iPad Air, a Gen 2 iPad Mini, a recent generation iPad Pro, and iPhones 3, 4, 6S Plus and my current, a 12 Pro Max. The AirPods Pro 2 is the only Apple product that I've disliked.

With their Adaptive Noise Cancellation activated, the AirPods Pro 2's two channels constantly "hunt" for the best setting for noise cancellation, and they do so in stereo...independently of each other...making it extremely distracting. Background noise pumps left and right inside my head.

Sometimes the right earbud just stops doing any noise cancellation at all. I took them to the downtown Portland, Oregon Apple Store. They sent them off for testing and returned them saying they were working properly.

I can't seem to get a consistent fit in my right ear with the AirPods Pro 2s no matter what size Apple silicone or aftermarket Comply-brand foam ones I try, so the right earpiece is constantly getting loose....and that probably exacerbates the stereophonic "hunting" issue.

I turned off the "Adaptive" feature and just used plain-old Active Noise Cancellation and the noise cancellation performance is rather slight in noisy environments, barely worth the effort. I get better cancellation from my over-the-ear Sony XM4 noise canceling headphones, and my passive noise blocking Etymotics. The latter fit very snuggly by design.

 

[muza_1]

I received the second pair of PRX and this one has no problems, first impressions are that it is a well balanced, clear, spacious and nicely tuned IEM, light and comfortable too.
Sub-bass is really good, bass is plenty and impactful (more than the Zenith and while the Zenith might have more is not as impactful and bleeds a little) and doesn't bleed into the mids, treble is clear and and more elevated than the Zenith but is non fatiguing and it has no peaks or resonances, the Zenith is more relaxed and warm, both sound spacious.

I'm using the Jcally JM6 Pro (@30-35% is plenty loud for me even outdoors) instead of the JM20 MAX because uses less battery and doesn't get hot, sound is the same.
With just the first two switches up the Zenith and the PRX have more or less the same sensitivity.

EDIT. Sensitivity does change I was using different dongles but not by that much.

 

[isostasy]

What's everyone's opinions on these "meta" tuned IEMs with a dip centered around 1.5kHz compared to most other favored IEMs? For example

 

[Mr Swing King]

What's everyone's opinions on these "meta" tuned IEMs with a dip centered around 1.5kHz compared to most other favored IEMs? For example

Makes perfect sense in that a large number of headphones seem to go for that tuning as well.
The Composer, HI-X65, NDH-30, Caldera, Verité, all Hifiman, FT1, AR5000, HD490 plus a whole slew of modern headphones implement that 1.5 dip.
This just means that Hifiman fans and folks of that ilk now have iems to chose from, just like Grado fans have KZ.

 

[heraldo_jones]

just like Grado fans have KZ.

 

[Earfonia]

What's everyone's opinions on these "meta" tuned IEMs with a dip centered around 1.5kHz compared to most other favored IEMs? For example

I plan to get Kiwi Ears KE4 to experience this new tuning,
Probably it is a good idea to start a new discussion for the 'Meta' tuning.