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BrandNameRatingReviewDriver ConfigMSRPNotesOther NotesChangelog
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AFULDawn-XS1DD 8BA 4EST 1BC1299Slightly warm tilted neutral. Very well balanced with a tasteful bass boost. Bass is surprisingly very weighty and textured with quick decay so bass notes don't linger and overstay their welcome. Lush sounding with very good vocals. Typical AFUL pinna gain region which, as expected, results in very pleasant female vocals that aren't in your face and aren't shouty. Treble is very well extended with a good amount of shimmer and air but at the same time it never gets sibilant. In fact, I'd say treble is silky smooth. Imaging is crisp and realistic with fantastic instrument separation. The stage is enveloping, with good depth and width but it's not excessively large - overall it sounds very natural, with distinctly noticeable layering. Very good technicalities. This is the peak of the AFUL house sound and to date the most natural sounding flagship IEM I've heard. Where a lot of $1k+ IEMs rely on gimmicky tuning to make them sound more impressive, which comes at the cost of sacrificing timbre - the Dawn X sounds natural throughout the frequency response. Build quality is great - the stabilized wood shells are nice. Unfortunately the overall look of the IEM is contentious - the red color doesn't pop much and the AFUL branding on the earpieces is objectively a detractor - if they put Dawn-X on the earpieces, I suspect AFUL would see a huge lift in sales. Nonetheless, these are the best sounding IEMs I've tried to date.Personal Unit
5
64 AudioTia TrioS1DD 2BA2300Phenomenal bass texture and quality. Mids are good if not great - I don't have much to nitpick about them - good note weight and excellent clarity. Treble is very sparkly and airy though some may find it a bit too much - I think the extra spice actually helps with instruments like violins. Imaging isn't quite as precise as U12T but stage is just as large if not more so. Timbre is not exactly natural but it is very good and definitely not offensive at all. My subjective favorite IEM to date. This is without a doubt a colored listen but it is so satisfying. Makes U12T sound almost sterile. That said both are good counterpoints to each other.Personal Unit
6
64 AudioU12TS12BA2000Amazing separation and presentation, amazing bass that extends down low and hits pretty authoritavely (not just in the context of BA sets - very good quantity and quality). Pretty interesting tuning with dialed down upper mids so certain instruments and voices seem more in front of you. Pretty clear sense of center image.Previously Owned10/30 - Added Kefine Klean
7
Elysian Acoustic Lab x Effect AudioGaeaS-Link1DD+4BA1299Gaea is bright, and at first, it might seem to be dry, but not in a bad way. I initially thought it could use more meat on the bones, but this tuning works very well after listening. Sinfully resolving. Great layering with top tier transients, dynamics, imaging, and separation. Mids and treble are amazing. Bass is very punchy but perhaps doesn't rumble as much as I'd like, but it is still quite nice. Lack of rumble in the bass is probably the only knock I have against Gaea, but even then, the bass response is incredibly fast and overall the bass is very well textured and incredibly high quality. Loved this on demo so much that I ended up buying my own. Very versatile - plays everything I throw at it with ease.Previously Owned8/20/2024 - Added Aful Cantor, Tanchjim Hana 2021 and Aful Explorer
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PenonArchangelS-2DD 4BA 2BC799Missed opportunity to name this the Fallen Angel - this is no angelic set - it's an unabashed guilty pleasure set that actually is surprisingly versatile. V shaped IEM which many hobbyists will pass on because it's not "neutral" but hear me out - its relatively mild V and incredibly well tuned which makes this set very fun to listen to - so much so that neutrality will be an afterthought. Bass extends deep and hits hard - rumbles with authority. Mids are still quite nice with good emphasis on vocals. Treble is very airy and sparkly with good shimmer. Stage is very wide and deep with excellent layering. Tuning switches that actualy work - the first increases the bass shelf, the second bumps up the treble response. Bought on a whim, and very glad I did - because otherwise, most sets I've heard recently have been some variant of JM1. This is a reminder that following a single target response curve is not the only way to make a phenomenal IEM. A basshead approved set that would still appeal to most.Personal Unit
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Elysian Acoustic LabDivaS-6BA1500Fantastic, vocal foward signature. Excellent bass that has the speed of a BA with the impact of a DD. Incredibly clean mids and well extended treble. Imaging is fantastic on this set. Incredibly engaging.Loaner7/15/2024 - Added FatFreq Scarlet Mini
10
64 AudioU6TS-6BA1299It's a step down from U12T in techs, yes, but it's still competitive in the price range. In exchange, tonality and timbre are much improved, which, IMO, is much more important. Imaging, separation, resolution, stage, and dynamics are excellent. Bass is deep and very well textured. Mids have great body. Treble is detailed and extended with great air while never being sibilant or harsh. Really easy to pop on and get lost in the music with. Warm and gooey in the best way possible. Lush, rich, soulful.Previously Owned1/13/2025 - Added Softears Volume S
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64 AudioU4SS-1DD 3BA1199A step down in techs from U12T (possibly a half step down from U6T). But very well tuned and adds in a dynamic driver punch. Timbre is slightly improved compared to U12T due to the increase in midbass and upper mids energy. On the second hand market, 64Audio IEMs are among the best values in portable audio, the U4S is no exception.Previously Owned2/14/2024 - FatFreq x HBB Deuce
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Unique MelodyMest MK2S-DD+BA+EST+BC1500Very engaging. I usually prefer something more balanced and neutral, but this IEM has some special sauce. Very well-tuned from bass to treble - with a little bit of spice on top. Great tonality and amazing techs. Imaging is quite phenomenal, separation is great. Very detailed. If you have 700 to spend on IEMs, buy these on the used market and never look back. Warning - treble can be slightly hot. Also, timbre might sound just a tad artificial.Loaner4/21/2025 - Added Ziigaat Lush, FatFreq Deuce
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Yu9QueS-1DD 3BA399Personal Unit
14
NicehckRockiesS-1DD 2BA 2EST499My favorite take on the JM1 meta so far. Bass tuning is well done with adequate weight and punch - it's not standout but it will do the job. Silky smoooooth and rich mids with very good clarity. Treble that leans slightly bright but is never sharp. Very good transient response, especially with things like plucking sounds and the like. Renders strings very well. Some people might find the treble a bit forward but I don't personally find this to be an issue, except on certain tracks. It's an IEM that is hard to fault and one that will handle anything you throw at it well. Very suitable as a one-and-done IEM.Previously Owned7/23/2025 - Added Truthear Pure
15
SennheiserIE 900S-1DD1499I usually don't like things that aren't all rounders but this might be the exception. Bass is incredible - best in class - great texture, fantastic physicality. Treble response is great too - pretty resolving. There is a noticeable recession in the upper mids, giving these a fairly U/V shaped sound signature - violins, for example, lack a bit of brightness/bite that I would hope for. But unlike other V-shaped IEMs, the mids aren't offensive. Incredibly fun to listen to. Probably the best single DD available. EQ highly recommended.Previously Owned6/10/2025 - Added Ziigaat Arcanis, KiwiEars Astral, Mangird Xenns Top Pro, Juzear x Zeos Defiant
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SoftearsVolume SA+2DD 3BA319Natural, rich sounding. Substantial low end that doesn't muddy up the mix and a bass shelf that isn't completely isolated to the subbass (when an IEM has a lot of subbass but no midbass, this can makes it sound like it has a hole in the frequency response). Bass hits are very physical and yet not overpowering. Natural sounding mids and natural sounding timbre across the board. Treble that does not fatigue. All this for less than $400. It likely won't knock your proverbial socks off with techs but it also doesn't lack detail. Excellent dynamics. Transient attack is crisp. Imaging and stage is good. This IEM is one I can listen to for hours on end without getting tired of it - it skews towards warm and relaxing but not boring. The only thing that this might lack compared to other comparable IEMs is perhaps some upper treble extension which might help to add a bit more air and sparkle - but doing so could possibly ruin the laid-back and approachable character that sets this IEM apart and keeps me from wanting to grab any other IEM.Previously Owned8/20/2025 Added Penon Archangel
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Xenns MangirdTop ProA+2DD 8BA499Excellent tuning. Jack of all trades. One of my favorite IEM releases of 2025. Great vocals, bright leaning treble that adds a bit more sparkle. Bass that extends deep and doesn't bleed. Could use a bit more physicality in the bass - it's a bit blunted sounding. Good thump but doesn't have a very physical initial attack on the bass notes that I generally find enjoyable - nonetheless, bass is more than adequate all things considered.Previously Owned9/5/2025 - Added Ziigaat x Hangout Odyssey 2
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AfulCantorA+14BA799Very well balanced with very good details and separation. Bass is punchy and fast, mids are clean with excellent instrument separation, treble is well extended and airy. Nothing stands out as offensive - no sibilance, just a very balanced signature. Plays everything I throw at it well. It's a full BA set but it is well vented - I usually have trouble with full BA sets and had no issue with the Cantor.Previously Owned8/20/2025 - Added Penon Archangel
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LetShuoer x HBBEJ07M Kinda LavaA+1DD+4BA+4EST669One of the most solid all-rounders I've tried. Great bass, great mids, good treble extension. Very natural sounding. The only con I can think of is the bright red shells (my KL has the black shells)? Edit: While I do highly recommend this set, there are QC concerns that can't be ignored - the DD driver seems to be prone to driver flex and dying out of the blue.Previously Owned9/26/2025 - Added Yu9 Que and Aful Dawn-X
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LetShuoerEJ07MA+1DD+4BA+4EST669Nearly the same as the Kinda Lava with very slight differences in the bass. More subbass at the cost of a tiny bit of midbass. Same great mids and treble. Possibly a tad less thick note weight than KL, but to be honest it's hard to tell the difference between these and the KL. They are both great IEMs. I prefer KL because I find it just slightly more neutral and balanced.Previously Owned9/28/2025 - Added Performer 5+2
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AfulPerformer 5+2A+2DD 4BA 1Planar229Slightly warm leaning balanced - Very engaging, decent clarity. Hard to fault. Supercedes Performer8.Previously Owned
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Kiwi EarsAstralA+1DD 6BA299"Meta" tuned with subbass and air boost. Neutral/balanced with a bit of fun factor added back in. Phenomenally tuned mids. Bass can be a smidge too much on certain tracks for me but it's generally contained to the subbass regions. If you're considering an IEM under $500, this should be on the short list. Fit is hit or miss.Previously Owned
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HiseniorMega5-ESTA+1DD 2BA 2EST549Incredibly well tuned IEM that sounds very natural across all frequencies. Nothing inoffensive with good technical chops. Stage is not vast - but it is natural and has depth. Bass is full but it is very much on the pillowy side. Mids are natural sounding and clear. Vocals are lush. Instruments sound as they should - timbre is very, very natural - this dethrones Supernova as timbre king IMO. Imaging is pretty decent with decent separation. Decently detailed sounding. Incredibly pleasant to listen to and never fatiguing. Very smooth sound overall. Held back by markedly blunted transients and lack of dynamics that can sometimes make things sound softer than I like as far as attack/incisiveness goes. A great all-rounder.Previously Owned
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LetShuoerEJ07A+DD+BA+EST899Very engaging and very natural sounding. Decent technicalities. Instruments sound correct. Staging and imaging very good for an IEM. Very enjoyable. Leans dark and maybe a bit lacking in treble extension but also very easy to just enjoy the music which, at the end of the day, is what we even want from IEMs right?Previously Owned
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ZiigaatLushA+1DD + 4BA179As of 4/21/25, these are my pick for best value in IEMs and also one of the best implementations of the JM21 meta. Everything sounds right. Bass quantity is just right with decent quality - there is a good amount of physicality and it doesn't overwhem. Mids are tasteful - perhaps slightly laid back but not egregiously so. Treble is well extended and very smooth. It won't wow anyone looking for a very large stage but it is on the larger size. Dynamics and transients are pretty good on this set, lending to a pretty good sense of instrument separation and imaging. Personally, I would like a little bit more elevation in the mids to upper mid range to make it a bit more snappy and engaging but as is, the tuning makes for an excellent all-day IEM. One thing to note is that build quality is a bit lacking and the packaging/accessories are fit for a $20 IEM.Previously Owned
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Dunu x GizaudioDavinciA+2DD 4BA299close but no cigar. Sounded great for most genres but bass guitars and kick drums and instruments/vocals that lie the in mid-bass/lower-mids range sound too recessed. Noteweight leans thin and analytical. OG B2 gets my recc over this.Previously Owned
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CrinearDaybreakA+1DD 2BA 2MP169Slightly V-Shaped take on the JM-1 Meta. Some may find it a bit intense - especially in the upper treble, and perhaps the upper mids - it can sometimes border on being a tad shouty. Clean sounding throughout with great mids. Good contrasty sound. Mostly neutral sound signature. Thank you Crin, for making this non-limited vs. the Crinear Meta. I thoroughly enjoy this much more than the limited release. Previously Owned
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Moondrop x CrinacleDuskA+2DD + 2BA + 2Planar359I came close to writing this off because it relies on DSP to achieve the target tuning. Thankfully my curiosity got the best of me. Putting aside any issues pertaining to the DSP cable, this is a fantastic IEM in either DSP or analog set up. This IEM checks off so many boxes and I'm hardpressed to think of another IEM that does timbre, techs, and engagement as well as Dusk. I do prefer the Default DSP tuning slightly in most cases but even in analog set up, it's still very capable and sometimes I would take this tuning over DSP. In Analog, bass has a very satisfying, tactile/physical character, with good subbass extension and rumble. Mids are clean very crisp sounding, and treble is well extended with a lot of air. There is a slight thinness/metallic character in analog mode but it's not unpleasant and isn't really noticeable except on A/B. Switching to DSP retains the phsyical character while adds a very nice richness and weight to instruments and vocals, balances out the treble a bit, and eschews that smidge of unnatural/metallic sheen, becoming, quite frankly, one of the more natural sounding IEMs I've heard. In either configuration, techs are fantastic. Imaging and instrument separation are phenomenal. Dynamics are excellent. Transients are very well defined and there is an incisiveness to the sound that is super engaging. Details are very good for the price. This is the IEM to beat in 2024 and of the recent wave of fantastic releases. Leans a bit to the clinical side. I'd rank this higher if it didn't rely on DSP.Previously Owned
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7th AcousticsSupernovaA+6BA775Some of the best timbre I've heard on an IEM to date with decent technicalities to match. Tonality is really good. Bass is neither too much nor too little - just enough to add the perfect amount of weight to the mids. It slams and punches when called for but never overwhelms. Mids are great. Treble is well extended but smooth with very good extension and air. It never gets sibilant or too bright. This is a cohesive IEM and almost nothing ever sounds "wrong." From a very subjective point of view, certain female vocals can sound slightly compressed, flat or recessed - in my opinion, it could use a smidge more upper mid elevation, but there are folks that really like this. Resolution is decent for the price but not particularly outstanding - details are there but there are definitely more detailed IEMs for the price. Imaging is fantastic and separation is very good. Overall the Supernova is in the running for most "natural" and "organic" IEM I've heard to date and I love it. Potential dealbreakers: this is an all-BA set so pressure build is something to consider. The woofer is vented so it's not too bad but it can be uncomfortable for sensitive ears.Previously Owned
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SennheiserIE600A+1DD799Engaging sound signature with authoritative bass and very good treble. Mids are no slouch either. Can be spicy for some, but for what it's worth, I have no issues with the treble. Pretty impressive, not just for single DDs but for any driver config.Previously Owned
31
DunuSA6 UltraA+6BA599SA6 but better - and SA6 was already a very good IEM to begin with. Retains the same smooth and relaxed tuning and great resolution. What sets this apart is the right amount of treble extension to make these even more detailed, sparkly, and airy. These punch well above their weight! Most people should endgame here unless you need the extra 5% improvement that $1k+ more will give.Previously Owned
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Elysian Acoustic LabPilgrimALink1DD 3BA399Elysian signature for the masses in terms of price and intensity. Compared to the rest of the Elysian lineup, the Pilgrim loses a bit of dynamics, techs, and separation and imaging, but it does share some of the same DNA to be found in the Diva and Gaea. Fantastic vocals and very clean mids. Fun, fun, fun right out of the box. Great violin timbre. Great techs - wide stage but lacks a bit of depth. Separation is where it can struggle a bit - can sound congested with more busy passages. Somewhat of a colored, more bright listen but this isn't a bad thing in this case. Bass quality on this set is excellent. When it hits it rumbles and punches like very few others I've heard. And in my opinion, it could actually use a bit more of an elevated bass shelf (or maybe one that extends a bit further into the midbass). This set has me wanting to listen to music all the time and at the end of the day, that's what matters. Would serve well as a great counterpoint to a more neutral/natural sounding IEM. Currently my pick for an energetic IEM under $500, maybe even $1k. Not as technically proficient as its Elysian siblings, and not as incisive, but it's also 1/4 the price.Previously Owned
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ThieaudioHype 4A2DD 4BA399Very, very solid IEM. Excellent bass response and a well done warm neutral tuning. Great techs for the price. Large stage that is deep and wide. Great separation and imaging. Treble is a bit elevated but tastefully so (those that prefer darker IEMs may want to try first). Timbre is decent - while not all instruments and vocals sound natural, they don't sound completely off. Great candidate for "one-and-done" IEM. If you only want one IEM and have $399 you should seriously consider this one.Loaner
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AFULPerformer8ALink1DD+7BA369Smooth and balanced with really great detail retrieval. Slightly warm which makes vocals sound rich and instruments sound full. Jack-of-all-trades. If you can swing $370 for this and aren't willing to go up to $530+ for something marginally better, then just buy this and don't look back.Previously Owned
35
NightjarSingularityA1DD1300I fully expected these to be an overwhelmingly bass heavy set but instead got something quite different. Singularity bass is boomy and somewhat pillowy, extending deep and with almost atmospheric levels of elevation - seriously, just look at that frequency response... Now, pillowy is something that I don't normally associate with quality bass and it goes without saying that this adjective used to describe bass also suggests a lack of impact but it does rumble and there is meat to the bass, just lacking that harder, crisper, leading edge to the attack. And this is bad right? Well, as I am finding out, not exactly. Rather than having bass be the star of the show, instead, the bass serves as a backdrop to mids and treble which take center stage. This quite possibly the most technically proficient single DD set I've heard and trades blows with the IE900, perhaps having an edge in attack and dynamics. Transients are razor sharp and notes are very well defined. Vocals and instruments stand out and apart in the mix in a way that you usually would expect only from sets with multiple BA drivers, let alone one single DD. Timbre is pretty good as well - there is a bit of brightness here but it never is sharp or jarring - it's not the most timbrally accurate I've heard but it also doesn't have anything that sticks out to me as offensive or off putting. Instead, it seems that brightness adds to the sense of technicalities. And this is all with a very significant bass backdrop that surprisingly doesn't bleed or introduce mud into the mix. My theory (and I'm definitely not an expert here) is that if the bass were to be too punchy or impactful here, it would overwhelm the entire sound signature. But that's just my theory. This is a basshead IEM for mids and treble lovers. That said, as great as this set is, I think IE900 still holds the crown of best single DD set because I'm just a sucker for tactile bass and nothing quite matches the physicality to be found on that Senny.Loaner
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Astell&Kern x Empire EarsNOVUSA2DD 5BA 4EST 2BC4999Very engaging IEM. Bass extends deep and hits hard and fast, mids are clear and lush with very good weight and tactility. Treble is clear without fatigue. It's a pretty warm IEM but has clarity that you don't usually find with this sort of tuning. Instrument separation is pretty standout. Very expensive. Timbre is a bot off and overall is little bit brittle sounding. Very large IEMs and very heavy. And they have driver flex, which is not what you'd expect from something that costs this much. Nonetheless, a very fun IEM if you don't care about how natural it sounds.Tour Unit
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Mangird XennsTopALink1DD+4BA+4EST530Variation's more fun, twin sibling. Similar technical capabilities to Vari - resolution, instrument separation and imaging are great. Thicker, meatier note weight than Variations and better vocal quality. Less shouty than Vari but also has a better treble extension. The Bass shelf is Harman-ish but with a delayed slope compared to the Variations, which not only helps with male vocals, kick drums, and bass guitars but also adds a lushness to the sound that the Vari was lacking. This sounds more alive than Variations! The one thing that is holding this set back is the slightly pillowy bass. Bass lacks a bit in tactility and punch.Previously Owned
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TruthearPureA1DD 3BA89The new warm neutral benchmark. Masterclass in a slightly warm tilted neutral. I always thought the Hexa would be an amazing IEM if the bass wasn't so bloomy and uncontrolled. The Pure fixes that and the result is nothing short of amazing. At $89, let alone under $500, you likely won't find anything better for the signature. Chilled treble makes this incredibly listenable for long periods of time. Fit is abyssmal due to the small shell size and relatively long nozzle so tip rolling is required.Previously Owned7/30/2025 - Added Crinear Daybreak, Nicehck Rockies
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SonyIER-M9A5BA999Nice note weight, very balanced, shockingly good at imaging held back by finicky fit and vacuum seal - fit issues can be resolved by changing tips though (for me the stock silicone LL tips eliminated fit issues for me but YMMV). At used prices today, it's a steal.Previously Owned
40
ZiigaatArcanisA2DD 5BA379Vocal centric with good bass performance and smooth but well extended treble. Excellent techs. I think they mixed up the names for their recent releases - this is less "neutral" and more "lush" than the Lush. Priced steeply but for the tuning style, not much else competes except maybe the Mangird Tea 2, but the Tea 2 is discontinued.Previously Owned
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ThieaudioOracleADD+BA+EST539Love the tuning. Very neutral set with sparkly treble but never unpleasant. Techs are decent but not standout. Timbre and tonality on this set are really great. Mids are great, and vocals are lush. Unfortunately, these are discontinued and harder to find these days.Previously Owned
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Aür AudioAuroraA2DD+6BA560Balanced (with some warmth) with good timbre. Nicely textured and punchy bass. Rich mids and lush vocals, both male and female. Resolution is decent. Imaging and stage are good. Treble is smooth and relaxed, perhaps a little bit on the darker side of what I'd prefer but still present and airy. Transients are decent but not standout. An excellent all-rounder IEM but expensive for what you get.Previously Owned
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Symphonium x NightjarMeteorA4BA599Warm U-shaped IEM. Very pleasant to listen to. Bass is pretty good for a BA set with a focus on decay which makes it rumble nicely - perhaps lacks a bit of tactility. Very solid choice for those who like this sort of tuning. Lacks a bit of upper mid energy for my tastes which can detract from certain voices and instruments but good amount of sparkle and air.Loaner
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DunuSA6A6BA550Great all-rounder - does everything very well. I wish the bass was a bit more impactful and perhaps that it had a bit more sparkle up top.Previously Owned
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MoondropS8A8BA700Very resolving and well tuned. Note weight leans thin. First IEM that I can say I definitely hear the BA timbre. Could use more down low. Pressure build is uncomfortable.Previously Owned
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Ziigaat x HangoutOdyssey 2A1DD 3BA249Top notch build quality - I love the metal shell. Linsoul should adopt this shell across the board. U-Shaped take on JM1 with bass lift contained to subbass region and some lower treble spice. Very, very contrasty sound overall with excellent good perceived details and instrument separation. Very technical and fairly dynamic sounding with excellent transient attack - macrodynamics are great. A bit of excess treble spice can bring percussive instruments a bit forward in the mix causing them to be a little bit too prominent. Some female vocals can sound a bit edgy as well. Lacks a bit of warmth to balance it out which slightly detracts from timbre but overall a very solid pick if you enjoy a more contrasty sound. Nice to have another good sub-$300 choicePreviously Owned
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Juzear x ZeosDefiantA1DD+3BA99Nicely balanced IEM with a tough of warmth. Very pleasantly tuned throughout. Relaxed and lush sounding. Good job Zeos!Personal Unit
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FatFreq x HBBDeuceA2DD299Easy reccomendation for somoene looking for a basshead IEM that still retains some resemblence of neutrality through the mids and treble.Loaner
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Xenns MangirdTea ProA2DD+6BA349U-shaped tuned IEM with a lot of energy at both ends. Very visceral bass punch and very exciting treble/upper mids. I can see why this IEM is liked so much. But the bass and treble can both be very distracting at times. Bass can overpower the mix often but not so much as it bleeds or muddies the mix, but more so because it's so imposing, in fact, the rest of the sound signature is incredibly clean. There are some spots in the upper mid/lower treble region that can be very hot. Some piano notes actually make me flinch, but YMMV - you may not be sensitive to the same regions as I am. Build quality is among the very best at any price range.Previously Owned
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MoondropVariationsADD+BA+EST520Very resolving with good sub-bass and good treble. A bit thin and clinical sounding and lacks a bit of note weight. Could use a bit more mid-bass. Otherwise, the resolution is top-notch. Treble extension is decent. Might be a little shouty for some, but not for me!Previously Owned
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DunuSA6 MK2A-Link6BA580Like the Ultra, but slightly improved in all technicalities categories except for timbre where the Ultra takes the win because upper-mids/lower-treble are too dialed down for my tastes on the MK2. If you don't have Ultra and want one, the MK2 is the closest you'll get.Previously Owned
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CrinearMetaA-1DD 2BA 250Similar to Moondrop Dusk (the non-Dusk collab with Crin) but a step down overall sonically (tonality and techs) but a step up in ergonomics and build quality. Unboxing experience is excellent and almost excessive, especially for the price. U-shaped tuning with a focus on deep and powerful bass and sparkly treble. It's an exciting listen and for a first entry from a new brand, it's quite commendable. That said, it lacks a bit of refinement and control on both ends of the frequency response. Bass quantity often overwhelms the mix and there is something odd in the treble that adds an aritificial shimmer that detracts from timbre. Mids are very nice but probably needs a bit more body to balance out the treble and bass. I'd suggest a broad eq down of the bass shelf and some toning down especially of the higher treble region.Previously Owned
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FatFreqScarlet MiniA-1DD+2BA639Holy Bass! Unabashedly colored listen with heathenistic amounts of bass elevation and physicality. Man does this thing punch. Vocals and instruments can sound subdued a little bit unless you turn the volume up a bit which pushes the bass into guilty pleasure territory and beyond. You have to love bass but if you do, you'll love this set. Good details. Good separation. Timbre is pretty good for most instruments. Treble can be a bit unnatural but not offensively so. It's not for everyone, but bassheads will be hardpressed to find anything better without breaking the bank (even more).Tour Unit
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Myer AudioCKLVX D41A-1DD+4BA140Warm and bright. Thick bass that is sufficiently tactile for the price. Decent mids. Treble elevation is a bit above neutral so cymbals and snaps and clicks can sound a bit prominent. Soundstage and imaging are very good for the price range. For the price, I'd be hardpressed to find anything that performs this well unless you know you're treble sensitive.Previously Owned
55
OriolusIsabellaeA-1DD500Beautifully sweet mids, good fun bass - maybe not the most resolving but sinfully enjoyable. Slight weirdness for some female vocals but other than that, it sounds greatPreviously Owned
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AudioLokahi 2023A-1DD+6BA180Very energetic tuning with excellent bass. Vaguely reminiscent of Hekili but better, in my opinion. Shares the same Foster DD as Gaea - very quick and snappy and impactful.Previously Owned
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AfulExplorerA-1DD+2BA129Relaxed and fun. Easy to listen to. A bit darker than my preferrd signature but I enjoyed this quite a bit.Loaner
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HidiszMP145A-Planar109One of the best IEMS under $300. Shells look large but fit is surprisingly good and very comfy. Tuning nozzles actually work - I like the balanced setting but all of them sound good. Great techs, great tuning. Can't really ask for more for what they cost.Previously Owned
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AudioHekiliA-Link1DD 7BA299Probably among the most overlooked IEMs I have had the pleasure of listening to. Built by hand using a very high quality 3D-printed shell with excellent QC (channel matching on these is amazing), the Hekili is, in my opinion, underpriced. Incredibly fun, with punchy bass, clear mids, and excellent treble extension. Very energetic listen but never too much. The tuning is unique and a breath of fresh air compared to all the IEMs put out these days with the same tuning, Technicalities punch well above their weight class. Very detailed and resolving, excellent dynamics, imaging is above average, and stage is average. I honestly don't think there is an IEM at this price point that is more fun to listen to.Previously Owned
60
TanchjimHana 2021A-169Best single DD in this price tier - a step down in imaging and separation from Origin but it is a more fun to listen to given the bass shelf. Better fit than Origin too but YMMV.Loaner
61
TanchjimOriginA-1DD279Yes, it's expensive for a single DD imaging and separation is top tier with very good layering - frankly, I haven't heard many sets near this price that have done the same. There is a bit of subbass roll off but midbass hits hard. It's on the brighter side but never becomes shouty or sibilant. Timbre is good with vocals a bit forward in the mix. Tuning nozzles are a gimmick - they all sound the same. A better Kato in every way. I had a lot of trouble with fit on with this set - did not have the same problem with Hana 2021.Previously Owned
62
SamsungBuds3 ProB+1DD150Slight improvements over Buds2 Pro - slightly more engaging sound, better fit, better tech. Bass is a bit elevated and fairly hefty. Mids are clean. Treble is well extended. Can be a bit upper mid forward (less so than Buds2 Pro) but there are built in EQ profiles that make it much more palatable. Price is $150 but you will likely be able to snag them for less than $100, which quite frankly makes this my number 1 recommendation on my entire list. Fantastic value, quality, and usability. I got mine through preorder and it only cost $76.Personal Unit
63
LetShuoerS12 ProB+Planar140Improved S12.Previously Owned
64
DunuFalcon UltraB+1DD239Like Kato but better in all ways. Accessory kit is top tier, build top notch, cable is excellent, included tips are plentiful. Bass is punchy with great texture, good clarity, smooth vocals, treble is nice but could use more air. Techs aren't the best and honestly, this probably should be priced lower given the technicalities aren't amazing, but as a whole, this is a home run. If it was released a year ago, it would have been the talk of the town.Previously Owned
65
SonyIER-M7B+4BA499Warm but not muddy. More dynamic than M9 but a slight step down in resolution and imaging. More fun to listen to than M9. Great build, great kit. Love it.Previously Owned
66
Kiwi EarsOrchestra LiteB+Link8BA249Great tonality - very pleasant, slightly warm tonality, smooth and relaxed character, solid technical performance, and fantastic build quality. Imaging and separation quite good for the price as is resolution. The lower subbass might preclude those looking for a lot of slam but for anyone looking for a solid performer for vocal/instrumental focused music, this is worth a gander!Previously Owned
67
Tangzu x HBBWu Zetian - HeyDay EditionB+LinkPlanar199Well-tuned, technical, does nothing wrong. Build quality is much better than OG Wu. Even the driver used is different. They should have renamed it instead of keeping the Wu Zetian name because it's an entirely different beast! Love the sound! Well extended, punchy bass, great clarity through mids, treble that is sparkly and well extended without sibilance or fatigue. Shell size is large and I get hot spots when listening for longer periods.Previously Owned
68
FinalA5000B+1DD279Much improved over the A4000, which actually gave me a headache. Bass is fun and decently textured. Good punch and slam with good tactility. Mids are decent - the delayed pinna gain or recessed mids (however you want to call it) detracts from timbre a bit but there is a good amount of clarity. Treble is decent - while it can sometimes teeter on being a bit shouty, it's never too much - could use a bit more extension. I don't hear the "immense stage and amazing imaging" that some folks say they hear in the Final A series of IEMs but stage and imaging are slightly above average for IEMs. I think these would actually be pretty competitive if they were priced better - it's not a bad IEM. Unfortunately, at $280 these are a hard sell given the state of the market these days. If you can find a set for closer to $200, they become much more compelling. Great alternative to the Harman/neutral with bass boost bandwagons.Previously Owned
69
MoondropSpace Travel 2B+1DD25Better out of the box than the Ultra.Personal Unit
70
MoondropSpace Travel 2 UltraB+Planar35Packed with features, PEQ built in, cheap, sounds great. The biggest fault is the anime voice that can't be changed or turned off. Some may like this. If this had existed when I first looked into IEMs, I may not have created this list and would be off going down another rabbit hole.Personal Unit
71
MoondropBlessing 2B+DD+BA320Good resolution. Very well tuned from top to bottom, perhaps only lacking a bit of bass and treble.Previously Owned
72
BQEYZWinterB+1DD+1Piezo/BC239Just the right amount of warmth to have lush mids while retaining clarity. Treble is clear and sparkly but very smooth - not fatiguing at all for me - could be because the treble is handled by BC?. First time I've heard anything from this brand - I bought it on a whim because it looks so pretty, and I ended up pleasantly surprised with how much I enjoy the sound! So easy to listen to and enjoy.Previously Owned
73
Moondrop x CrinacleBlessing 2 DuskB+DD+BA330Close but no cigar. Sounded great for most genres but bass guitars and kick drums and instruments/vocals that lie the in mid-bass/lower-mids range sound too recessed. Noteweight leans thin and analytical. OG B2 gets my recc over this.Previously Owned
74
SamsungGalaxy Buds2 ProB2DD189Very well-tuned frow lows to highs. Harman-ish but deviates from Harman in a good way. Very good textured bass, clear mids, and airy treble. It differs from Harman in the slightly toned-down upper mids, which is a good thing in my book. Technically quite capable - I was surprised that it outperformed other IEMs in the price bracket, like the Kato, quite readily regarding imaging, stage, separation, transients, and dynamics.Previously Owned
75
Kinera CelestPhoenixcallB1DD 2 BA 2Planar128Fun. Unique tuning that actually works. The FR looks like it would completely offend but to the ear, it actually never offends. Lots of bass impact, good transients. Worth it just to have something different. Previously Owned
76
ThieaudioElixirBDD210Great natural tuning. Great dynamics and transients. Very enjoyable listen. Not much else to be said, I like this a lot!Previously Owned
77
Letshuoer x GizaudioGalileoB1DD+1BA109Smooth and relaxing done well. Very, very pleasant, mid-focused tonality. The vocals are very good, as you'd expect of something that Timmy concocted. One can definitely hear the treble roll-off, and it makes things like percussion lose that last bit of refinement, but when you're in the mood to do nothing but relax and enjoy the music, that doesn't matter as much. Surprisingly good dynamics and transients for the price point and decently wide stage. Easy to get into, gets an easy recommendation from me.Previously Owned
78
Tripowin x HBBOlinaB1DD100Pretty good for the price but a little bright/shouty stock. Slap a second stock filter on top, and it's much improved! Good vocals-focused set with decently sparkly treble and good bass punch. Technicalities are quite good for the price. Average stage but has decent imaging.Previously Owned
79
FiioJD7BLink1DD79Really dynamic. Bass can be a bit much in quantity sometimes (for me) and upper mids can be a bit intense (at that line where things could be shouty but never crosses into that territory). Good note weight and timbre. Stage is wide. Good details, and decent separation. For the price, I don't think you can go wrong with this!Previously Owned
80
Tin HifiT4+B1DD120Like C3 with slightly better technicalities. Fit on C3 is better. Can't really justify the price increase over C3.Previously Owned
81
Truthear x CrinacleZero:RedB2DD55IMHO no one really needs anything more than this. Impecable tuning. Techs are competitive with anything under $100. Only true knock I have against this is that the nozzle is pretty bad - long and thick, which may be a problem for some. It certainly makes putting eartips on them very difficult.Previously Owned
82
SeeAudio x CrinacleYume:MidnightBDD+BA200Well tuned but overly smooth. Hard to fit right. Vacuum seal seized the DD driver and killed off bass.Previously Owned
83
SennheiserIE200B1DD150Energetic, great quality bass. Mids are not the best but also not bad. Fun to listen to. Fit is amazing. Unfortunately, plagued by QC issues and I cannot reccomend this.Previously Owned
84
SimgotEA500B-1DD79Olina/Oxygen like tuning, which I generally like. Bass is midbass focused with sub-bass roll off. Very punchy and energetic sound with oodles of impact. Very close to the Olina with the mods applied. A better fit and possibly better build than Olina with an interchangeable nozzle makes this interesting. Unfortunately the nozzles basically don't do anything but might even be the source of some imbalance. Overall sounds a tad bit crisper and tighter than Olina, but the difference is small. Techs are also a step down from Olina. Less sub-bass than Olina, but this allows the midbass to pop more, which I like for certain tracks - nicely textured and impactful but not overpowering. Treble can be a little spicy - a bit unnatural sounding in the treble, especially for percussion but overall is very fun to listen to. Unfortunately, QC is not great - my unit had channel imbalance. Previously Owned
85
LetShuoerS12B-Planar149Very energetic. Very detailed. Very bright. Noticeable recession in mids - it is V-shaped after all. Planar timbre is quite noticeable and can sometimes make this sound unnatural.Previously Owned
86
DunuKima ClassicB-Link1DD109Like a bassier Olina with more air. Does a lot of things pretty well, but nothing too spectacular. Slightly bright, and a mid-treble dip messes with timbre on some instruments (like violin). Build quality and cable are excellent. Gorgeous looking IEM.Previously Owned
87
KZ x HBBPR2B-Planar50Solid technical performance. Imaging and resolution much better than the price would suggest. Stage is average to intimate. Well-tuned planar - decently balanced. Treble can be very spicy and zingy - I had to use Final E tips. Kind of a no brainer at this price point - on sale for 30 makes this even crazier. Planar timbre.Previously Owned
88
TruthearHexaB-1DD+2BA79Like the B2 but a step down in resolution and separation - very well-tuned - could use a tad more bass quantity and tighter bass (it sounds a bit fuzzy and loose - I guess they aren't using a very good DD), and better treble (this problem can be fixed by using wide bore tips). Great value for $79 - no comfort, fit, or QC issues like the B2 but in exchange.Previously Owned
89
EtymoticER4XRB-1BA400Three words. Detail. Boring. Intrusive.Previously Owned
90
TangzuWu ZetianB-Planar150V-signature. Not really hearing much of a planar timbre here - could have told me it was DD and I might have believed it. A bit fuzzy and recessed through the mids. Bass is boomy but not well controlled.Previously Owned
91
TinHifiC3B-1DD49Nicely balanced with slightly forward upper mids. Surprising that I liked this given what I felt for the T3+. This is better for me by a ton. Makes me wonder if I received a bad T3+. Bass extends well, nice and punchy - decently tight and textured. Leans a little bright with a good amount of treble energy. Slightly-V shaped with slightly pulled back mids but not too recessed.Previously Owned
92
MoondropKatoB-1DD189Decent bass, decent mids, vocals presented nicely (tastefully forward), treble is non-fatiguing but a little darker but maybe a bit weird. Sounds a little blunted to my ears. Fit may be an issue for some, but tip-rolling can fix that. Build quality is excellent. The replaceable nozzles are a gimmick - they don't sound any different. Matte one is beautiful - it's a literal work of art - but be wary of the sharp edges if you have large conchas. Better than Aria, but not by much.Previously Owned
93
SeeAudio Yume UltraB-1DD 2BA219Most technical Yume at the cost of tonality. Crisper and more punchy than Midnight but tonally flawed.Previously Owned
94
Kinera CelestWyvern AbyssC1DD29Decent V-shaped IEM that is reminiscent of an Aria or TinHifi IEM. Very punchy bass with decent clarity. The molded shell feels like it belongs on a more expensive IEM and the faceplate is among the best looking I've seen. The cable is pretty decent as well with metal finishings and a usable chin cinch and alone would be a good value at $20. Can't really fault the Wyvern Abyss for what it is, especially at this price.Previously Owned
95
TruthearGatoC1DD19Replaces Hola, and sounds much better to boot. Feels about as cheap in hand but the sound is quite a bit cleaner and more exciting. Same cable as with Hola and given that it's the same price, this is as much if not better of a value proposition.Previously Owned
96
QKZ x HBBHBBC1DD19Fun, cheap, well-tuned. And the kicker - the treble extension is absurd for the price! However, aesthetically they are a tragedy. In this price range, value prop is often increased in the form of great value accessories - the cable here is not widely usable, however, so no extra value here.Previously Owned
97
MoondropAriaC1DD80Used to be a great intro into IEMs. Safe recc but there are betters at this price point these daysPreviously Owned
98
MoondropStarfieldC1DD100Like Aria but less fun and slightly improved stage.Previously Owned
99
Ultimate EarsTriple Fi 10 ProCFull BA300The OG. The one that started it all for me. Very fun to listen to. Big bass.Previously Owned
100
SamsungGalaxy Buds+C1DD150Just like the OG Galaxy Buds but slightly more energy and a tad brighter.Previously Owned