ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZAA
1
This is the last version of this ranking list no changes will be made from here onwards. Thanks for visiting this list, highly appreciate it. Don't forget to enjoy your music with your favorite gears.
2
Asterhythmist
IEM Rankings (Deprecated)
Rating System for Intangibles
Superb
= The iem is able to catch up with complex tracks with finesse and poise, is also able to image instruments with precision and realism, good separation, there's a touch of physicality with each instruments. Excellent portrayal of micronuances.
Excellent
= The iem is able to replay complex tracks with cleanliness and enough separation,images instruments well but occasionally does not have that precision to them. There's a touch of realism to the instruments in some selected tracks. Very good resolution
Above Average = The iem has enough stage and images instruments pretty clearly, however the precision is so-so. The iem is also be able to catch up with complex tracks even if there's occasional frequency bleed. IEM in this rank sometimes sound natural but occasionally out of realism.
Average = The iem sometimes un-able to catch up with some complex tracks, bass bleeds and is not separated properly in the rest of the spectrum. The staging, imaging and realism is so-so.
Below Average = Replay of complex tracks are even muddier, harsher or just muted. No realism at all. Meh soundstage.
Meh = Worst of the worst, either there's no soundstage, or there's no sense of imaging at all.
Rating System for Sound
S+ = Nothing to say, IEM with this rating is just pure perfection. Suprised pikachu face everytime I use it.
S = Extraordinary, has this certain spice factor that seperates it from the competition, makes me lost in the world of music. Very realistic sounding.
S- = Superb! Cons are negligible. IEMs on this area mimics the tone and timbre of some instrument excellently. Stomps any IEMs below it.
A+ = Excellent, but a refinement on its cons are needed to make it special. IEMs on this area mimics the tone and timbre of some instrument quite well.
A = Very good, cons can be mitigated or ignored.
A- = Nicely done, sounds very nice, cons starting to creep in.
B+ = Good, the cons can be ignored but specialties aren't that exemplary
B = Average, pros are not that special.
B- = Below average, pros are not that special and cons starts to creep in.
C+ = Cons starts to overwhelm but there's still some likeable factor
C = Cons overwhelms the whole sound, missing specialty
C-= It's just not good, serviceable.
D = Fail, avoid at all cost
Rating System for Value
S
= Superb, excellent price to sound value,
A = Excellent, good packaging, great option for the price.
B = Good, average packaging, build or average sound for the price.
C = Meh sound, average build or packaging
D = Catastrophic sound for the price or stealth revised.
Sound Signature Indicators
U-Shaped
= Treble and Bass Focused, slight recession to the Midrange.
Sharp U-Shaped = Same as U-Shaped but Upper Treble has spike or overly boosted.
Blunted U-Shaped = Same as U-Shaped but Upper Treble has a hole or Bass colors the Midrange too much.
V-Shaped = Giga Bass and Treble, very recessed Midrange.
Midcentric = Bass and Treble are in the background, Midrange has an in your face trait.
Balanced = Midrange, Bass and Treble are in a same magnitude. Unenergetic sounding unlike the ones above. e.g Harman 2019
Bright Balanced = Same as Balanced but has a slight boost in the Upper Treble region..
Warm Balanced = Same as Balanced but has a slight boost in the Midbass region.
MidTreble Focused = Bass takes two step back on the soundscape, midrange and treble is overly forward.
W-Shaped
= All frequencies are boosted, no sense of separation. Bass, Midrange and Treble has small humps. See KZ ZEX Frequency Response.
3
Sound Rating Value RatingModelPriceStatusSound SignatureDescriptionIntangibles RatingSpecialtiesConsAster's Subjectivity
4
S-SMoondrop Quarks DSP$15Type C IEM / Foam TipsBalancedBasically a cleaner and a more transparent VXS. Plays my japanese tracks with full on transparency and lushness. Accurate female and male vocals with room like soundstage. Competent detail retrieval and no fuzzy resonances in the treble. Excellent ear resetter for cheap, the most neutral set in this listSuperbSoundstage / Timbre / Accurate Imaging / Dynamics / Extended Treble / Realistic Female VocalsNeed higher volume to unlock the dynamics. Noise floor noticeable when gaming and video playback (occurs only in lower volumes)Harman Endgame on the Cheap.3
5
A+SKZ PR1 Balanced (Modded)$66NA200 Mod + Nicehck Jilai JLH2 Balanced Cable + Moondrop Spring TipsWarm BalancedA tonally correct PR1 Balanced. Sounds very smooth and lush. Vocals takes two step forward on the soundscape. One of the widest and deepest soundstage in an IEM that I have ever tried, add the excellent resolution on top of it (nuances, microdetails, harmonics). An tour de force of the "studio feel" sound.ExcellentMale Vocals / Bass Slam / Studio Like Soundstage / Extended Treble / Excellent Imaging / Atmospheric Replay / Effortless Drums and Bass Guitar ReplayIs a irreversible mod, a PR1 Balanced sacrifice is needed. Sharp upper treble, fatiguing.Pleasant Reverie. Resolution Overload3
6
A+BAcoustune RS1
(Modded)
$100500 Mesh on the Nozzle + Kbear 07 TipsU-ShapedBasically AS16 Pro but with proper slam and weight on fundamentals. Timbre is accurate to a T, resolution is top notch, soundstage is wider than AS16 Pro but not exaggerated like EDA Bal or ESX. All instruments carries this realism to them with full-on nuances to boot. Bass texturing is unreal, not my preffered bass shelf but the ethereal quality makes up for it. Separation is quite top notch too. If I have to make an analogy think of the analog replay of Lyra but with slam of ESX and separation of AS16 Pro.ExcellentBass Details / Staging / Resolution / Detail Retrieval / Realistic / Dynamics / Neutral Midrange Not enjoyable stock (too aggresive and shouty for my ears) 500 or 350 mesh is a must. Very tip dependent, soundstage not that wide as some people may prefer. May lack air for some people. Vocals too neutral for my library, need the emotion for my Nagi Yanagi tracksUltimate Bass Quality on the Cheap4
7
A+SKZ VXS$53True Wireless IEMWarm BalancedMasterclass tuning, bass response is far etched from any wired IEMs I have tried, excellently controlled while still having enough definition and cleanliness on the soundscape (best bass response I have heard so far). Vocals are accurate in tone and never shouty nor too boxy even with higher volumes. Treble is harsh free, soft, and properly nuanced and has a theatre like effect like my Asterhythmist Target. Endgame tuning atleast for my library.AverageTuning / Bass Response / Fatigue-free Listening / Soft and Extended TrebleTechnicalities are mediocre, detail retrieval can be improved. Layering is non existent, staging is okay but average at best. Separation is okay. Will be an S rank if it has the tech of AS16 Pro.Follows my Asterhythmist Target, but with subdued pinna and more midbass to cater more genres.
Sounds superb to all tracks in my daily playlist.
Bass response hits my sweet spot, between slam and transparency, can literally hear all the drum sticks and bass riffs with this set.
4
8
A+SKZ EDA Hires (Modded)$25 + $8
(EDA Trio + Sony General Foams + Kbear07)
Sony General Foams inserted in the nozzle + Kbear07 TipsU-ShapedAn upgraded EDA Balanced corrects every issue that I have with EDA Bal including instruments being too close to me. Soundstage is also wider than the EDA Bal. No treble glare and grittiness anymore unlike stock. Has the lovable lushness with female vocals (specially Nagi Yanagi). A realistic approach to the bright neutral signature of the overly hyped SalZero. Basically SalZero but no upper treble glare and timbre is accurate to a T.ExcellentWide and Accurate Soundstage / Detail Retrieval / Dynamics / Timbre / SparkleMay come as too bright to some people. Might not be suitable for rock and other guitar heavy genres. Perfect successor to the legacy of the Dynamic Realist.4
9
ASKZ AS16 Pro$5030 Ohms Impedance Adapter + Spinfits CP145MidcentricBetter staging than Yume Midnight, excellent detail retrieval, tonality is in the warmer side, layering is top notch for the price, lush and articulated vocal rendition, no harshness or offensive peaks, realistic replay of all instruments almost no boundary between the listener and instruments in some tracks (occurs highly with my Toho Bossa Nova tracks)ExcellentLayering / Staging / Detail Retrieval / Lush Midrange / Resolution / RealisticBA Timbre in some tracks, metallicness still occurs specially if the source is not proper or not powered enough, highly needs the impedance adapter. Lack of dynamics, leanness and lack of weight in lower pitched instrumentsA taste of BA Technicalities, a bizzare yet satisfying listen.4
10
ABSeeAudio Yume: Midnight$199StockBalancedAn all-rounder IEM it does everything right, bass, midrange and treble. More technical version of Yume, detail retrieval is more competent and soundstage is wider than the Yume. Vocals may come as warm compared to the OG Yume but it is still lush and has a proper timbre. Definitely an upgrade to ZEX Pro if you don't want to EQExcellentTuning / Wide Soundstage / Layering / Timbre / ResolutionBA Timbre in some female vocals. Soft dynamics, no sparkle or fun factor in some tracks, might be boring for some The IEM that makes my sound preference more refined. My first experience of TOTL tuning and mid-tier technicalities5
11
ASCCA Lyra (Modded)$20Sony General Foams inserted in the nozzle + Sony EPEX-11 TipsWarm BalancedBasically the mod embraced the title of being Yume Midnight Lite, treble gritiness is gone, making the whole signature very lush, organic, smooth and detailed at the same time. All of my tracks has this studio feel to them. Resolution is also very good for the price, it is more detailed than EDA Balanced and SalZero. Maybe think of Heart Mirror but with bass boost that is of high quality.ExcellentTuning / Studio-like Soundstage / Resolution / Timbre / Relaxed Signature Can't find any cons for this price really, but if I really have to nitpick, resolution is quite subpar compared to one of the tops. Cymbals can also be on the edge for some. Some may also find it lacking air.Embracing the "Yume Midnight Lite"
title even more.
4
12
ASKZ EDA Balanced$18Kbear 07 Tips + Nicehck C8-1 "Leopard" CableU-ShapedConcert hall like sound presentation, vocals rendition is very lush and smooth, instruments nuances and details are just majestic and is flowing naturally in the whole soundscape, amazing detail retrieval, analytical with a hint of smoothness to the overall sound. Realistic replay of drums, guitars and pianos.Above AverageWide Soundstage / Detail Retrieval / Dynamics / Timbre / SparkleMay come as too bright to some people, imaging needs improvement, might be too smooth to some (subpar layering, or instruments might be too close in some tracks)Expound my hearing on what a refined dynamic driver sounds like. Magical sounding for my Nagi Yanagi tracks.
The Dynamic Realist.
5
13
ABSeeAudio Yume$169StockMidcentricLush, natural and spot-on tone for all vocals (includes male and female vocals), average soundstage, weighted and true to life timbre of instrument (specially pianos and wind instrument). Textured and well controlled bass, overall balanced and clean signature. Spot-on tonality and tuningAbove AverageTuning / Tonal Balance / Female VocalsAverage soundstage size, lack of energy to the sound. Too soft on dynamics. Superbly boring and flat soundingLet me hear what Harman Target sounds like and how the proper tone of instruments should be presented.5
14
A-SCCA Lyra$15Sony EP-EX 11 TipsU-ShapedYume Midnight Lite, mimics the resolution of some mid-tier IEMs, very good tonality and timbre, natural and organic presentation of instruments, excellent staging and imaging, wide soundstage, lush vocals, good all-rounderAbove AverageTuning / Wide Soundstage / Resolution Needs proper eartips and cable to shine. Vocals may sound thin out of the box, bass might be too much for neutral heads, uncomfortable shell to some, not that clean sounding compared to EDA Balanced. Harsh sounding with improper eartips and bright sourceWant a budget Yume Midnight? This is it.5
15
B+AHzsound Heart Mirror$41StockBright BalancedLovable rendition of female vocals, full of air and nuances, string instruments are sharp and laser precise, harmonics are very well defined, neutral bass, above average imaging and soundstageBelow AverageFemale Vocals & String InstrumentsMale vocals may sound lean at times, instruments fundamentals lacks weight in some tracks, may cause fatigue due to the boosted upper treble. Lacks the cleanliness and transparencyLet me appreciate Yorushika more, expands my playlist due to its ability to replay female vocals with lushness and clarity.7
16
B+ATanchjim Tanya$20Kbear 07 TipsBlunted U-ShapedTall soundstage, accurate male and female vocals, no harshness peaks, sibilance or aggresiveness to the sound, very safely tuned, reminds me of a 5.1 speaker setup, also a very nice ear resetterBelow AverageAccurate Vocals / TimbreCongestion in some tracks, lack of proper detail retrieval, driver isn't that speedy, lack of treble air, tunnel of sound presentation (most complex tracks)7
17
B+AKZ PR1 Balanced$66StockV-ShapedTactile and speedy presentation of notes. Excellent layering and staging. Above average soundstage, bass has enthusiastic slam, weight and texture. Well extended treble response. Super responsive to EQ. Most technical KZ so far (October 2022)Above AverageTactile Transients / Layering / Soundstage / Slam / Texture / AirToo V-shaped for my library, midbass is covering the resolution that the midrange has, cymbals are too hot in some tracks, vocals has this planar tinge to them. Not enjoyable for most of my female vocals tracks
18
BACCA CRA+$32Sony EP-EX 11 TipsU-ShapedOrganic timbre, no edges or peaks that may cause fatigue, very safe tuning, very good for non-properly mastered tracks, enthusiastic bass slam and punch, lower treble nicely tuned.AverageRelaxed Tuning / TimbreLacks the details and nuances due to the overemphasized midbass, need proper source to tame the midbass, female vocals lacks the sparkle, intimate stage. Cymbals might be too digital to some.Let me appreciate Ito Kashitaro tracks again, made me rethink the good ol days where I didn't care about the details in the music that much.8
19
BAKZ EDA Bass$20-ishKbear 07 TipsV-ShapedAmazing bass response, clean, tight, well resolved. Immersive soundstage, treble sparkles are well defined, same dynamics as the EDA Balanced, very good for rock, edm and tranceAbove AverageWide Soundstage / Subwoofer like Bass ResponseThere's some shoutiness with some tracks, bass may come as too intrusive in some tracks (bossa nova), there's a noticeable peak at 6kHz and 8kHz8
20
BAKZ x HBB DQ6s$33Foam TipsU-ShapedExcellently tuned set, safe and organic, excellent replay with rock, rap, hip/hop, trance and edm. Clean, textured, and punchy bass, best bass presentation from KZ so far. Male vocals are lush and accurate.AverageOrganic Tuning / Textured BassLack technicalities, sound can be narrow at times (can be fixed with foam tips), lacks air and brilliance, female vocals lack the angelic tone or 3kHz energy.Makes me appreciate rock music even more.8
21
C+AKZ ZEX Pro$35StockWarm BalancedWell-weighted vocals, natural replay in drums, guitars and piano, above average technicalities, studio-like stagingAbove AverageBalanced Replay / Studio-like Staging / Layering8 kHz Peak, Cymbals lack resolution, May sound intimate at times, vocals may sound recessed depending on the track. Lacks technicalities, resolution is quite mehThe IEM that teaches me how to EQ and appreciate different sound signatures. The old EQ King.10
22
C+AKZ ZES$32StockU-ShapedNicely tuned bass and midrange, no shout, bloat or harshness to be found, somehow dark-ish sounding in some songs. Breathy female vocals, weighted instruments fundamentals, open and wide soundstage with average imaging. Bass has this nice definition and slam that other KZ sets.Below AverageWide Soundstage / Satisfying Bass Definition and SlamMay sound dark in some tracks, imaging can be further improved. Female vocals most of the time lacks the clarity and sparkle. There's still harshness at the 8kHz region which is evident in sibilance prone tracks.10
23
C+AAcoustune RS1$100StockV-ShapedToo aggresive for my ears, vocals are shouty and unbearable in most of my Nagi tracks. Bass quality is top notch, soundstage has proper room proportions to it. Resolution is all over the place, macro and microdynamics are shown flawlessly.SuperbResolution / Bass Details / Studio-like Staging / SeparationAggresive as fudge, specially with stock eartips, bass is also lean even with the significant bass boost shown in the FR. Treble is making my ears ring..hahaCan literally be an endgame with a simple mod.
24
C+AKZ EDA Hi-Res$20-ishKbear 07 TipsU-ShapedTreble presentation is same as Heart Mirror with okayish rendition of female vocals, full of air and nuances, string instruments are sharp and laser precise, harmonics are very well defined, neutral bass, above average imaging and soundstage. In short its a Heart Mirror LiteAbove AverageTreble and Upper MidrangeToo bright in some tracks, not that well suited for most genre specially rock, sibilance in some tracks, low quantity bass10
25
CBCCA CA16 Pro$65StockV-ShapedFantastically tuned V-shaped IEM, bass is delicious, it digs really deep, excellent treble control at lower volumes, good technicalitiesAverageBASS and Holographic SoundstageLean male vocals, recessed mids, treble harshness at high volumes11
26
CCBlon BL-03$28Reverse Starline TipsV-ShapedBenchmark for tonal balance and timbre, wide soundstage, soft bass, well-tuned trebleAverageTimbreMediocre technicalities, imaging is skewed like there's no permanent position of the instruments, instruments are popping out of nowhere within the stage, lacks treble bite, bass is bloated in some tracks11
27
CCKZ EDX Ultra$20StockSharp U-ShapedUpgraded CRA, good vocal positioning, tight and well controlled bass, very good separation, lush and weighted vocals and instrument fundamentalsAbove AverageAir and SparkleOverall artificial sound, overtones are in steroids and are just too much in most of my tracks, brittle treble, one of the worst upper treble so far in all KZ IEMs I have.KZ IEM that I hate the most, just what are they thinking adding that mountain of upper treble at top. If not for the good mids and bass this will be in the D-tier11
28
CCCCA CRA$22StockSharp U-ShapedBest in class budget treble performance with tight, clean and rumbly bass. Wide soundstage, clear and detailed vocalsAbove AverageMicrodetail RetrievalSterile vocals, brittleness to the notes, mushy staging, grainy treble11
29
C-CKZ ZEX$22Foam TipsW-ShapedEnthuasistic bass drive, satisfying male vocals, good treble control, wide soundstage (foam tips), good imagingAverageMale VocalsLower mids is too much in some tracks, there's congestion with some tracks (jazz), lacks air and sparkle12
30
C-CKZ EDX$10StockV-ShapedWell-tuned budget beater V-shaped set, wide soundstage, okayish technicalitiesAverageWide SoundstageBass is too much in some tracks, female vocals are sometimes peaky, lacks clarity in the mids, bootleg CA16 Pro12
31
C-CCCA C12$40StockV-ShapedHolographic soundstage, big commanding bass, treble nicely extendedBelow AverageNoneBass is too bloated in most tracks, mids is very recessed, treble has a metallic timbre to it, superseeded by CA16 Pro and EDX.12
32
C-CTRN MT1$10StockU-ShapedNicely tuned set, vocals are clear and there's no bass bloat, treble is fine, good bassBelow AverageNoneMidrange is too lean in some tracks, instruments lacks weight, 12
33
C-C7Hz Salnotes Zero$20StockMidTreble FocusedVery lean and forcefully bright tonal balance, treble and bass response are mediocre. Okayish midrange, okayish detail retrieval. Blunted attack on each notes. No musicality or dynamics, feels like I'm being forced to critically listen to my music even if I don't want to. Above AverageNoneEverything is too forward except from the bass, no soundstage, weird thinny treble response, upper treble spike that forces harmonics in most of my tracks (sounds like all of my tracks has been digitalized/processed by something). Weird metallic timbre to most of my Nagi Yanagi tracks.Another overhyped ごみ by the irefuttable "audiophile" community. Expecting so much with this IEM seems like another fail like the Shimin Li. And don't even compare this ごみ to my EDA Balanced and Lyra .I freaking hate how it makes my Nagi Yanagi tracks sound so unnatural, its like Nagi is singing to a metal reflector! Fvck11
34
C-CTangzu Shimin Li$35RDM Tips and SPC CableMidcentricAnalog sounding set with good bass quality and okayish mids, good for relaxed listening, has an earbuds quality to it. Good for people who don't like treble in their lifeBelow AverageNoneMuffled as fudge. Has an upper treble hole, feels like most instruments are covered with cloth, unsatisfactory treble overall, subpar technicalities, too soft on dynamics, no wow and fun factor. Shouty female vocals and higher pitched male vocals. Cave like soundstageOverhyped. It sounds meh, even EQ can't save it. Need excessive amount of tip rolling to get the proper sound.
Eaten alive by CCA Lyra (Naturalness) and EDA Balanced (Clarity)
12
35
C-CCCA CA10$48StockBlunted U-ShapedDynamic driver like bass, relaxed treble response, good driver resolutionMehNoneLacks air and open-ness, female vocals most of the time sounds harsh and peaky, cymbals lack initial attack, guitars lacks harmonics, bloat occurs with complex tracks.Prove that KZ needs to improve their BA tech and tuning.12
36
C-CTRN ST1$10StockV-ShapedOkayish V-shaped, there's a BL-03 DNA in its tuningMehNoneThin treble, mids lack resolution, just buy the EDX or go straight to 0312
37
DCKZ ZSN Pro$22StockV-ShapedV-shaped, exciting bass, needle trebleMehNoneTreble go reeeeeee.13
38
DCKZ ZST$18StockV-ShapedOld style KZ tuning, lacks resolution, okayish bass, needle trebleMehNoneTreble go reeeeeee.13
39
CDOG QKZ VK4N/AStockU-ShapedWell tuned set, okayish techinicalities, natural vocals, satisfying bassAbove AverageNatural ReplayExtinct, goes one on one with ZEX Pro just a tiny bit congested. No one is selling this anymore. Not Recommended14
40
ADKZ ESX$20BGVP W01 TipsV-ShapedNotes hitting you like a bulldozer with a speed of a supra, grand bass on the theatre like soundstage, full of fun and wow factor, lush female and male vocals, no harshness or peaks to be detected, very good layering, average detail retrieval.Above AverageThick Noteweight / Soundstage Depth and Wideness / Grand Bass / Correct Treble / TimbreTreble might be too safe for some, bass might be too much for some, midrange might be recessed to some (fixed with eartips). Not for analytical listenStealth Revised....Not RECOMMENDED14
41
Markers Indication
42
This IEM shouldn't be even here, lol.
43
Highly recommended, bang for the buck
44
Recommendable, but it's better to save more to afford one of the tops.
45
Average, you can buy it just for the experience, already superseeded.
46
Avoid! IEMs in this area either sound meh, too "artificial" or has bad quality control.
47
48
49
50
51
52
53
54
S+1
55
S2
56
S-3
57
A+4
58
A5
59
A-6
60
B+7
61
B8
62
B-9
63
C+10
64
C11
65
C-12
66
D13
67
68
69
70
71
72
73
74
75
76
77
78
79
80
81
82
83
84
85
86
87
88
89
90
91
92
93
94
95
96
97
98
99
100